MKS INSTRUMENTS INC
S-1/A, 1999-03-02
INDUSTRIAL INSTRUMENTS FOR MEASUREMENT, DISPLAY, AND CONTROL
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 2, 1999
    
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-71363
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
    
   
                                       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:  [ ]
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                                        PROPOSED              PROPOSED
            SECURITIES TO BE                   AMOUNT TO BE        MAXIMUM OFFERING     MAXIMUM AGGREGATE         AMOUNT OF
               REGISTERED                     REGISTERED(1)        PRICE PER SHARE        OFFERING PRICE     REGISTRATION FEE(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>
Common Stock, no par value per share.....    7,475,000 shares           $17.00             $127,075,000            $35,327
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1) Includes 975,000 shares which the underwriters have the option to purchase
    from the company to cover over-allotments, if any. See "Underwriting."
    
 
   
(2) Pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
    $27,800 of the registration fee was paid in connection with the initial
    filing of the Registration Statement on January 28, 1999.
    
 
    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 2, 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 applied for approval 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).
 
     UNTIL             , 1999, ALL DEALERS THAT BUY, SELL OR TRADE OUR COMMON
STOCK, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER
A PROSPECTUS. THIS REQUIREMENT IS IN ADDITION TO THE DEALERS' OBLIGATION TO
DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR
UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
                               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......................................   58
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."
 
Proposed 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 38.0%. 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
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.....................................                                                  $  5,044
Pro forma net income per share:
  Basic..................................................                                                  $   0.25
  Diluted................................................                                                  $   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. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the
only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not presently
know about or that we currently believe are immaterial may also adversely impact
our business operations. 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
    
 
- - customer cancellations or shipment delays
 
   
- - disruption in sources of supply
    
 
- - seasonal variations of capital spending by customers
 
- - production capacity constraints
 
- - specific features requested by customers
 
   
- - our or our competitors' introduction or announcement of new products
    
   
    
 
   
     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.
    
 
   
OUR FIVE LARGEST CUSTOMERS HAVE HISTORICALLY ACCOUNTED FOR A SIGNIFICANT PORTION
OF OUR NET SALES
    
 
   
     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
 
   
INCREASED COMPETITION MAY RESULT IN PRICE REDUCTIONS AND DECREASED DEMAND FOR
OUR PRODUCTS
    
 
   
     The markets for our products are highly competitive. Although no one
competitor competes with us across all product lines, our competitors could
consolidate and/or form alliances to offer a broader array of products to
compete against us. Growing competition may result in price reductions of our
products and services, reduced net sales and gross margins and loss of market
share, any one of which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations. We currently encounter
substantial competition in each of our product lines from a number of
competitors, including:
    
 
     - competitors with greater financial and other resources
 
     - small competitors with well-established specific product niches
 
     - customers who develop in-house products that serve the functions of and
       replace our 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, 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 with a large
installed base of products at such semiconductor fabrication facilities. We
cannot be sure that our competitors will not develop products that offer price
or performance features superior to those of our products. To the extent that
our products do not achieve performance or other advantages over products
offered by our competitors, we are likely to experience increased price
competition or loss of market share with respect to such products.
    
 
   
OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON OUR ABILITY TO DEVELOP NEW AND ENHANCED PRODUCTS FOR THE
SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY
    
 
   
     Our markets are subject to rapid technological changes. If we fail to
develop products and enhancements for general acceptance by our customers in a
timely manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations could
be materially adversely affected. For example, the semiconductor manufacturing
industry, our principal market, is currently undergoing an evolution from the
manufacturing of 200mm wafers to 300mm wafers and from 0.25 micron to 0.18
micron line-widths. Semiconductor manufacturers are beginning to establish pilot
production lines and specifications for the use of 300mm wafers and the
production of less than 0.18 micron devices. We have developed, and are
developing, new products and product enhancements to address the expected
increasing demand for equipment capable of handling these new wafer sizes and
line-widths. We have 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 semiconductor device manufacturers. We have also developed
equipment that is being used by research laboratories for devices using less
than 0.18 micron line-widths. However, we cannot be certain that our new
products and enhancements will be designed into production lines by our
customers.
    
 
   
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 reduction, delay or cancelation of customer orders
 
        -- 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
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
     - 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.
    
 
   
     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.
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
   
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 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.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
   
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
    
 
   
     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
 
   
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. 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 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.
    
 
   
     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. This agreement also provides
for the cross-indemnification by MKS of each existing stockholder 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. The agreement further 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. 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
38.0%. 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
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
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    YEAR ENDED
                                                                DECEMBER 31, 1998
                                                                -----------------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
                                                                 PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                           <C>
PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA (UNAUDITED):
Historical income before income taxes.......................          $8,135
Pro forma provision for income taxes........................           3,091
                                                                      ------
Pro forma net income........................................          $5,044
                                                                      ======
Pro forma net income per common share:
    Basic...................................................          $ 0.25
                                                                      ======
    Diluted.................................................          $ 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.....................                      5.8%
  Pro forma provision for income taxes......................                      2.2
                                                                                -----
  Pro forma net income......................................                      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.
 
                                       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. The provisions of each agreement are
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, the selling stockholders and the underwriters named below have entered
into an underwriting agreement with respect to the shares being offered. Subject
to certain conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the
number of shares indicated in the following table. NationsBanc Montgomery
Securities LLC, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and Lehman
Brothers Inc., are the representatives of the underwriters.
    
 
   
<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>
    
 
   
     Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered on
the terms set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. The underwriters may
allow to selected dealers a concession of not more than $     per share, and the
underwriters may allow, and any other dealers may reallow, a concession of not
more than $     per share to certain 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 receipt and acceptance by the underwriters and to certain other conditions,
including the right to reject orders in whole or in part.
    
 
   
     If the underwriters sell more shares than the total number set forth in the
table above, they have an option to buy up to a maximum of 975,000 additional
shares from MKS to cover such sales. They may exercise that option for 30 days.
If any shares are purchased pursuant to this option, the underwriters will
severally purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as set forth in
the table above.
    
 
   
     All stockholders prior to this offering, as well as certain holders of
options to purchase common stock, and MKS have agreed with the underwriters not
to dispose of or hedge any of their common stock or securities convertible into
or exchangeable for shares of common stock during the period from the date of
this prospectus continuing through the date 180 days after the date of this
prospectus without the prior written consent of NationsBanc Montgomery
Securities LLC which may, in its sole discretion and at any time without notice,
release all or any portion of the securities subject to these lock-up
agreements.
    
 
   
     The underwriting agreement provides that MKS and the selling stockholders
will indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including civil
liabilities, under the Securities Act, or will contribute to payments the
underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
    
 
   
     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 and 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 certain bids or purchases made for the
purpose of 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 occurs when a
particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting
discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold
by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering
transactions.
    
 
   
     These activities by the underwriters may stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the price of the common stock, including over-allotment, stabilization,
syndicate covering transactions and imposition of penalty bids. As a result, the
price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might
exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be
discontinued by the underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected
on the Nasdaq National Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise, and,
if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
    
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   59
 
   
     The underwriters do not expect sales to discretionary accounts to exceed 5%
of the total number of shares of common stock offered hereby.
    
 
   
     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, an assessment of MKS's management, the
present state of MKS's development, the prospects for future earnings of MKS,
the prevailing market conditions at the time of this offering, market valuations
of publicly traded companies that MKS and the representatives believe to be
comparable to MKS, and 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.
 
                             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.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   60
 
                             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>   61
 
   
                       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>   62
 
                             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>   63
 
                             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
                                                              ========    ========    ========
Pro forma data (unaudited):
     Historical income before income taxes..................                          $  8,135
     Pro forma provision for income taxes...................                             3,091
                                                                                      --------
     Pro forma net income...................................                          $  5,044
                                                                                      ========
Pro forma net income per share:
     Basic..................................................                          $   0.25
                                                                                      ========
     Diluted................................................                          $   0.24
                                                                                      ========
Pro forma weighted average common shares outstanding:
     Basic..................................................                            20,295
                                                                                      ========
     Diluted................................................                            20,780
                                                                                      ========
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   64
 
                             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>   65
 
                             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>   66
 
                             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.
    
 
PRO FORMA NET INCOME PER SHARE (UNAUDITED)
 
   
     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 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>   67
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
     Historical net income per share is not presented as it 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 are being prepared.
 
     The following is a reconciliation of basic to diluted pro forma net income
per share:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              FOR THE YEAR ENDED
                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1998
                                                              ------------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Pro forma net income........................................       $ 5,044
                                                                   =======
Shares used in pro forma net income per common share --
  basic.....................................................        20,295
     Effect of dilutive securities:
          Employee and director stock options...............           485
                                                                   -------
Shares used in pro forma net income per common share --
  diluted...................................................        20,780
                                                                   =======
Pro forma net income per common share -- basic..............       $  0.25
                                                                   =======
Pro forma net income per common share -- diluted............       $  0.24
                                                                   =======
</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>   68
                             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>   69
                             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>   70
                             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>   71
                             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>   72
                             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>   73
                             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>   74
                             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>   75
                             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>   76
                             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>   77
                             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>   78
 
                      [This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
<PAGE>   79
 
                      [This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
<PAGE>   80
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>   81
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
                                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>   82
 
                                    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>   83
 
     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>   84
 
   
<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 the 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    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>   85
 
     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>   86
 
                                   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 Andover, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on this day
of March 2, 1999.
    
 
   
                                          MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    
 
   
                                          By:     /s/ RONALD C. WEIGNER
    
                                            ------------------------------------
   
                                                     RONALD C. WEIGNER
    
   
                                             VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL
                                                           OFFICER
    
   
                                            (PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING
                                                           OFFICER)
    
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints each of John R. Bertucci, Ronald C.
Weigner and Mark G. Borden such person's true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person and in
such person's name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration
Statement (or to any other registration statement for the same offering that is
to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act),
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said
attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that any said attorney-in-fact
and agent, or any substitute or substitutes of any of them, may lawfully do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     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 2, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------   Directors, President and Chief
                 JOHN R. BERTUCCI                     Executive Officer (Principal
                                                      Executive Officer)
 
              /s/ RONALD C. WEIGNER*                  Vice President and Chief Financial  March 2, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------   Officer (Principal Financial and
                 RONALD C. WEIGNER                    Accounting Officer)
 
               /s/ RICHARD S. CHUTE*                  Director                            March 2, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 RICHARD S. CHUTE
 
                /s/ OWEN W. ROBBINS                   Director                            March 2, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
                  OWEN W. ROBBINS
 
              /s/ ROBERT J. THERRIEN*                 Director                            March 2, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
                ROBERT J. THERRIEN
 
               /s/ LOUIS P. VALENTE*                  Director                            March 2, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 LOUIS P. VALENTE
 
*By: /s/ RONALD C. WEIGNER
- --------------------------------------------------
     RONALD C. WEIGNER
     ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   87
 
                       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>   88
 
                                                                     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>   89
 
                                 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 the 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>   90
 
   
<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    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 A
    LM
- ------------           The Commonwealth of Massachusetts            EXHIBIT 3.1
  Examiner
                            MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
                               Secretary of State
                    ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 02108

                                           FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION No. 04-2277512

                       RESTATED ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

                     General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 74

     This certificate must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth
within sixty days after the date of the vote of stockholders adopting the
restated articles of organization. The fee for filing this certificate is
prescribed by General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 114. Make check payable to the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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

     We,  John R. Bertucci, President, and
          Richard S. Chute, Clerk of


          MKS Instruments, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             (Name of Corporation)


located at 34 Third Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803
           --------------------------------------------------------------------

do hereby certify that the following restatement of the articles of organization
of the corporation was duly adopted and authorized by unanimous written consent
of all the Directors dated January 15, 1982.

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

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

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

     1.   The name by which the corporation shall be known is:

          MKS Instruments, Inc.

     2.   The purposes for which the corporation is formed are as follows:

          See Continuation Sheets 2A and 2B.




    12
- ----------
   P.C.
     
     Note: If the space provided under any article or item on this form is
     insufficient, additions shall be set forth on separate 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of
     paper leaving a left hand margin of at least 1 inch for binding. Additions
     to more than one article may be continued on a single sheet so long as each
     article requiring each such addition is clearly indicated.
<PAGE>   2
      3. The total number of shares and the par value, if any, of each class of
         stock which the corporation is authorized to issue is as follows: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         WITHOUT PAR VALUE                  WITH PAR VALUE
                         -----------------                  --------------
CLASS OF STOCK           NUMBER OF SHARES         NUMBER OF SHARES    PAR VALUE
- --------------           ----------------         ----------------    ---------
<S>                      <C>                      <C>                 <C>
Preferred                     None                     None             None
Class A Common              10,000                     None             None
Class B Common              10,000                     None             None
</TABLE>

     *4. If more than one class is authorized, a description of each of the
         different classes of stock with, if any, the preferences, voting
         powers, qualifications, special or relative rights or privileges as to
         each class thereof and any series now established:

         See Continuation Sheet 4A.    

     *5. The restrictions, if any, imposed by the articles of organization upon
         the transfer of shares of stock of any class are as follows:

         See Continuation Sheets 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.

     *6. Other lawful provisions, if any, for the conduct and regulation of the
         business and affairs of the corporation, for its voluntary dissolution,
         or for limiting, defining, or regulating the powers of the corporation,
         or of its directors or stockholders, or of any class of stockholders:

         See Continuation Sheet 6A.

*If there are no such provisions state "None".

<PAGE>   3
                             Continuation Sheet 2A

2. The purposes for which the corporation is formed are as follows:

     To design, manufacture, sell, lease and license instruments of all kinds,
including electromechanical, electronic and mechanical gauges for the
measurement of pressure, temperature, acceleration, flow and level of liquids
and gases; to design, manufacture, sell, lease and license control systems
incorporating measuring devices, and control systems separate from measuring
devices, for the control of production processes and operations of all kinds; to
design, manufacture, sell, lease and license instrumentation for military use;
to design, manufacture, sell, lease and license instrumentation for use in
research laboratories, in industry, in educational institutions, for medical
purposes and for use elsewhere and for other purposes; and in general to design,
manufacture, sell, lease and license electro-mechanical, electronic and
mechanical devices of all kinds.

     To buy and sell at wholesale and retail, or otherwise, to manufacture,
produce, adapt, repair, dispose of, export, import and in any other manner to
deal in goods, wares, merchandise, articles and things of manufacture or
otherwise of all materials, supplies and other articles and things necessary or
convenient for use in connection with any of said businesses or any other
business or any part thereof; and to manufacture, repair, purchase, sell, lease,
dispose of and otherwise deal in machinery, tools, and appliances which are or
may be used in connection with the purchase, sale, production, adaption, repair,
disposition of, export, import or other dealings in said goods, wares, 
merchandise, articles and things.

     To purchase, lease or otherwise acquire as a going concern or otherwise all
or any part of the franchises, rights, property, assets, business, good will or
capital stock of any persons, firm, corporation, trust or association engaged in
whole or in part in any business in which this corporation is empowered to
engage, or in any other business; to pay for the same in whole or in part in
cash, stock, bonds, notes, securities or other evidence of indebtedness of this
corporation or in any other manner; to assume as part of the consideration or
otherwise any and all debts, contracts or liabilities, matured or unmatured,
fixed or contingent, of any such person, firm or corporation, trust or
association; and to operate, manage, develop and generally to carry on the whole
or any part of any such business under any name or names which it may select or
designate.
<PAGE>   4
                             Continuation Sheet 2B

      To construct, lease, hire, purchase or otherwise acquire and hold or
maintain, and to rebuild, enlarge, improve, furnish, equip, alter, operate and
dispose of warehouses, factories, offices and other buildings, real estate,
structures or parts thereof, and appliances for the preparation, manufacture,
purchase, sale and distribution of goods, wares, merchandise, things, and
articles of all kinds.

      To acquire, hold, use, sell, assign, lease, grant licenses in respect of,
mortgage, or otherwise dispose of franchises, letters patent of the United
States or of any foreign country, patent rights, licenses and privileges,
inventions, improvements and processes, systems, copyrights, trade-marks and
trade names, relating to, or useful in connection with, any business of this
corporation.

      To buy or otherwise acquire, to sell, assign, pledge, or otherwise
dispose of and deal in stocks, bonds, securities, notes and other obligations
of any person, firm or corporation, including this corporation, organized for
or engaged in similar or cognate purposes; also stocks, bonds, securities,
notes, and other obligations of any person, firm, or corporation, including
this corporation, which it may be found or deemed necessary, valuable, or
convenient for this corporation to acquire and deal in, in pursuance or
furtherance of or in connection with the businesses herein specified, or any
other business.

      To borrow money and contract indebtedness for all proper corporate
purposes, to issue bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness, to secure
the same by pledge, mortgage, or lien on all or any part of the property of the
corporation, tangible or intangible; and to assume or guarantee or secure in
like manner or otherwise, the leases, contracts, or other obligations, fixed or
contingent, or the payment of any dividends on any stock or shares or of the
principal or interest on any bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness
of any person, firm, corporation, trust, or association in which this
corporation has a financial interest.

      To enter into, make, and perform contracts of every name, nature, and
kind with any person, firm, association, or corporation which may be deemed
valuable, expedient, or convenient for this corporation in pursuance of or in
furtherance of or in connection with any of the objects of incorporation of
this corporation or in connection with any of the businesses or purposes herein
specified.

      The enumeration of specific powers herein shall not be construed as
limiting or restricting in any way the general powers herein set forth, but
nothing herein contained shall be construed as authorizing the business of
banking.
<PAGE>   5
                             Continuation Sheet 4A

4. If more than one class is authorized, a description of each of the
different classes of stock with, if any, the preferences, voting powers,
qualifications, special or relative rights or privileges as to each class
thereof and any series now established:

      The holders of shares of Class B Common stock of the corporation shall
not be entitled to vote for the election of Officers or Directors or with
respect to any other aspect of the business of the corporation, or any matter
or thing which may come or be brought before any meeting of the Stockholders of
the corporation; and said Class B Common stock shall not be deemed to be a
class of stock entitled to vote for any purpose whatsoever. In all other
respects, however, the Class B Common stock and the Class A Common stock of the
corporation, and the respective rights and preferences thereof shall be equal,
and neither class shall have any priority over the other with respect to the
payment of dividends or to distributions in liquidation.
<PAGE>   6
                             Continuation Sheet 5A

         5.  The restrictions, if any, imposed by the articles of organization
         upon the transfer of shares of stock of any class are as follows:

             Section 5.  Restrictions. None of the corporation's stock, of any
         class, may be transferred except as hereinafter provided:

             (a)  Before making any proposed disposition of any of the
         corporation's stock, the holder of the stock shall give written notice
         to the Board of Directors specifying in detail the nature of the
         proposed disposition and its terms, the class and number of the shares
         involved, and the consideration for the proposed disposition, if any.
         Such notice shall constitute an offer by the holder to sell the shares
         involved to the corporation at their Agreed Value, as determined
         hereunder, or, if such proposed disposition is one for a pecuniary
         consideration less than the Agreed Value of the shares involved, such
         notice shall constitute an offer to sell the shares to the corporation
         for such proposed pecuniary consideration.

             (b)  Within thirty days after receipt of such notice, the Board of
         Directors shall give written notice to the offering holder stating
         whether the corporation accepts or rejects the holder's offer. If the
         offer is accepted, such notice by the corporation shall state the price
         to be paid for the shares and shall specify whether the corporation
         elects to pay a part of the purchase price by means of the
         corporation's note, as provided for in subsection (d) hereof. The
         offering holder of such shares shall deliver the shares to the
         corporation, suitably endorsed, within ten days after receipt of the
         corporation's notice of acceptance, and upon receipt of the shares, the
         corporation shall make payment therefor in the manner hereinafter
         provided.

             If such offer is rejected by the corporation, the Directors shall
         transmit forthwith such offer to the record owners of the Class A
         Common Stock of the corporation who shall, subject to the provisions of
         this subsection (b), have the right to purchase the offered shares, in
         amounts proportionate to their respective holdings of said Class A
         Common stock, upon all of the same terms and conditions upon which the
         corporation might have purchased said offered shares, except that
         payment for offered shares shall be made in cash unless otherwise
         agreed upon between the parties. Each such owner to whom such shares
         are offered shall have the right within thirty (30) days of such offer
         to purchase the entire number of shares apportioned to him as above or
         to purchase none, and such acceptance shall be extended by written
         notice to the Board of Directors given within such time. If any owner
         of Class A Common stock shall 

<PAGE>   7
                              Continuation Sheet 5B

not accept such offer, the Board of Directors shall forthwith notify the
remaining shareholders of Class A Common stock that they may purchase in
proportion to their respective holdings of such stock the shares which such
owner was entitled to purchase. Each such shareholder to whom such shares are
offered shall have the right within ten (10) days of such offer to purchase the
entire number of shares apportioned to him as above or to purchase none. Within
three days after the expiration of said ten-day period the Board of Directors
shall give written notice to the offering holder advising him in detail of the
elections made with respect to the offered shares by the owners of the Class A
Common stock. If the offer has been accepted with respect to all of the offered
shares, then the offering holder of such shares shall deliver the same to the
corporation, suitably endorsed, for the account of the accepting owners, within
ten days after receipt of said last-mentioned notice from the Board of Directors
and upon receipt of the shares by the corporation the accepting owners of the
Class A Common stock shall make payment therefor in accordance with the terms of
their respective acceptances.

     If such offer is rejected by the corporation and if such offer to the
holders of the Class A Common stock is rejected, in whole or in part, the
offering shareholder, at any time within six months after receipt of any such
notice of rejection, may effect the disposition of the shares which was set
forth in such offering shareholder's notice to the Board.

     (c) The Agreed Value of the stock of the corporation shall be such as may
from time to time be determined by the unanimous agreement in writing of the
holders of the corporation's Class A Common stock, such determination to be
reviewed and either confirmed or adjusted at reasonable intervals. The Agreed
Value of the Class B Common stock shall be ninety (90) percent of the Agreed
Value of the Class A Common stock, to reflect the fact that the Class B Common
stock is not entitled to vote.

     The Agreed Value of the stock of the corporation shall be reviewed as
herein provided at six-month intervals following the adoption of this by-law and
at the expiration of any such six-month period, if no agreement is arrived at,
any owner of stock may demand from the owners of Class A Common stock that an
agreement be reached and in the absence of such agreement within ten days
thereafter, such value shall be determined by an arbitrator appointed by the
President, or by some other appropriate official, of the American Arbitration
Association, upon written request for such appointment made by any owner of
stock of the corporation. The decision of such arbitrator shall be binding upon
the parties, and may be enforced by any court having jurisdiction, but each
owner of stock of the corporation shall
<PAGE>   8
                             Continuation Sheet 5c


be entitled to appear before such arbitrator, to be represented by counsel, and
to present evidence. The expenses of arbitration, other than expenses for
counsel and witnesses, shall be borne pro rata, according to the number of
shares held, by the owners of the stock of the corporation.

     (d) In the event the corporation shall elect to accept the offer of the
holder of its stock, as herein provided, the corporation may pay the full
purchase price for such stock in cash at the time of the delivery of the stock
to the corporation or, at the corporation's sole election, it may pay said
purchase price partly in cash and partly in the form of an unsecured note of
the corporation. If the corporation shall make the latter election, then in
such event the corporation shall pay at least one-third (1/3) of the purchase
price for the stock at the time the stock is delivered to the corporation, and
the corporation shall then deliver to the selling shareholder the note of the
corporation for the unpaid balance of the purchase price for the stock, bearing
interest at the rate of 6% per annum on the unpaid principal balance and
payable in or within two years from its date.

     (e) Each share of stock of the corporation is subject to the requirements
and restrictions upon the transfer of such shares set forth in this Section 5,
and the same shall constitute a contract of each shareholder with the
corporation, shall be binding upon each shareholder and his heirs, assigns,
executors, administrators, or other legal representatives and upon all other
persons succeeding to or standing in the place of or holding under the
shareholder, whether by act of the shareholder or by operation of law. These
provisions shall not be discharged by any transfer of shares which may be made
in compliance with the provisions hereof, but shall apply anew to such shares in
the hands of the new holder thereof. These provisions shall not restrict the
making of a bona fide pledge of any shares to secure an indebtedness, but shall
apply fully with respect to any proposed transfer from the name of the
shareholder pursuant to such pledge, whether upon foreclosure or otherwise and
whether to the pledgee or to any other person. These provisions shall not
restrict the transfer of shares, without consideration, to the transferor's
spouse or to the transferor's issue or to the spouses or the transferor's issue,
or any of them (or to a form of joint ownership between the transferor and the
transferees described next above, or any of them, or to a trust for the sole
benefit of the transferor and the transferees described next above or any of
them), but shall apply fully with respect to any proposed disposition by any
such transferee, except as provided in this and the preceding sentence.
<PAGE>   9

                             Continuation Sheet 5D

     (f) The determination of the Board of Directors under the provisions of
this Section 5 shall be made by majority vote except that no waiver of the
provisions of this Section 5 in the case of any proposed disposition of stock
shall be granted by the vote of less than eighty (80) percent of the members
of the Board of Directors. No Director shall be disqualified from voting on any
matter arising under the provisions of this Section 5 by reason of such
Director's ownership of stock of the corporation which might, directly or
indirectly, be affected by such vote.

     (g) In the event of any breach of any of the provisions of this Section 5
by any holder of any of the corporation's stock, none of the rights or
privileges attaching to such stock (including, without limitation, voting
rights and rights to dividends) may be exercised or enjoyed with respect to
such stock by such holder or by any purported transferee from such holder while
such breach shall continue, but nothing herein contained shall be deemed to
preclude lawful action by the corporation to enforce the provisions of this
Section 5.
<PAGE>   10
                             Continuation Sheet 6A


6. Other lawful provisions, if any, for the conduct and regulation of the
business and affairs of the corporation, for its voluntary dissolution, or for
limiting, defining, or regulating the powers of the corporation, or of its
directors or stockholders, or of any class of stockholders:

     Pre-Emptive Rights. No stockholder shall, by reason of ownership of stock
of the corporation, have any pre-emptive right to purchase unissued stock of
the corporation, or to subscribe to stock of the corporation, or to purchase
stock of the corporation previously issued and held in the treasury of the
corporation, and, subject to the provisions of applicable law, the authorized
and unissued stock of the corporation shall be issued to such person, firm,
corporation or other legal entity, in such amounts, at such times, and for such
consideration as a majority of the Board of Directors may from time to time
determine.
<PAGE>   11
     *We further certify that the foregoing restated articles of organization
effect no amendments to the articles of organization of the corporation as
heretofore amended,

                None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (*If there are no such amendments, state "None".)

                                 Briefly describe amendments in space below:

                None












IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereto signed
our names this 15th day of January in the year 1982.


/s/ John R. Bertucci                                
- --------------------------------------------------- President
John R. Bertucci

/s/ Richard S. Chute
- --------------------------------------------------- Clerk
Richard S. Chute
<PAGE>   12
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS


                       RESTATED ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

                    (General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 74)


               I hereby approve the within restated articles of
          organization and, the filing fee in the amount of
          $15.00 having been paid, said articles are deemed to 
          have been filed with me this 19th day of January, 1982.

                                        /s/ Michael Joseph Connolly
                                        ----------------------------
                                           MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
                                              Secretary of State



                         TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
           PHOTOCOPY OF RESTATED ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION TO BE SENT

           TO: Richard S. Chute, Esquire
               Hill & Barlow
               225 Franklin Street
               Boston, Massachusetts 02110
           Telephone 617/423-6200

    



                                   [SEAL OF WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
                    Copy Mailed    SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH
                                   DATED 2/20/96]
<PAGE>   13
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

                            MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
   CG                         SECRETARY OF STATE
- --------                      ONE ASHBURTON PLACE         FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION
EXAMINER                      BOSTON, MASS. 02108         NO. 04-2277512


                                  ARTICLES OF
                  MERGER OF PARENT AND SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS
               PURSUANT TO GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 156B, SECTION 82

                     The fee for filing this certificate is
             prescribed by General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 114.
            Make check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

We, John R. Bertucci and Richard S. Chute, President*/and Clerk*/         of
                        MKS Instruments, Inc. 042277512
                        --------------------------------
                              name of corporation
organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and herein called
the parent corporation, do hereby certify as follows:

1.  That the subsidiary corporation(s) to be merged into the parent
corporations is as follows*:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name                             State of                         Date of 
                                 Organization                     Organization
<S>                              <C>                              <C>
MKS Disc, Inc. 046311363         Massachusetts                    10/31/72
</TABLE>


2. That the parent corporation owns at least ninety per cent of the outstanding
shares of each class of the stock of each subsidiary corporation to be merged
into the parent corporation.

3.  



______________
*Delete the inapplicable words. In case the parent corporation is organized
 under the laws of a state other than Massachusetts these articles are to be
 signed by officers having corresponding powers and duties.
<PAGE>   14
     4.   That at a meeting of the directors of the parent corporation the
following vote, pursuant to subsection (a) of General Laws, Chapter 156B,
Section 82, was duly adopted:

               VOTED:    That MKS Disc, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation and a
                         wholly-owned subsidiary corporation of the Corporation,
                         be merged with and into the Corporation in accordance
                         with the provisions of Section 82 of the Massachusetts
                         Business Corporation Law, the effective date of the
                         merger to be the date of filing of the Articles of
                         Merger of Parent and Subsidiary Corporations with the
                         State Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
                         that the President and Clerk of the Corporation be and
                         hereby are authorized in the name and on behalf of
                         the Corporation to execute the Articles of Merger of
                         Parent and Subsidiary Corporations attached hereto (the
                         "Articles of Merger") and to file the Articles of
                         Merger with the State Secretary of the Commonwealth of
                         Massachusetts; and in furtherance thereof that the
                         President, any Vice President, Treasurer, Clerk, and
                         Assistant Clerk of the Corporation or any one or more
                         of them be and hereby are authorized in the name and on
                         behalf of the Corporation to execute and deliver any
                         and all documents and instruments and to take any and
                         all action as they or any one or more of them may deem
                         necessary or appropriate to effectuate the merger of
                         MKS Disc, Inc. with and into the Corporation.
<PAGE>   15
     5.   The effective date of the merger as specified in the vote set out
under Paragraph 4 is the date of filing of these articles of merger of parent
and subsidiary corporations.

     6.


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF and under the penalties of perjury we have hereto signed
our names this 15th day of December, 1986.


                                       /s/ John R. Burtucci           President*
                                       -----------------------------------------




                                       /s/ Richard S. Chute               Clerk*
                                       -----------------------------------------

*Delete the inapplicable words. In case the parent corporation is organized
 under the laws of a state other than Massachusetts these articles are to be
 signed by officers having corresponding powers and duties.
<PAGE>   16
                         COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

            ARTICLES OF MERGER OF PARENT AND SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS
                    (General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 82)



     I hereby approve the within articles of merger of parent and subsidiary
corporations and, the filing fee in the amount of $200.00 having been paid, said
articles are deemed to have been filed with me this 15th day of December, 1986.



                                             /s/ Michael J. Connolly
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
                                             Secretary of State










                         TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
                        Photo Copy of Merger To Be Sent

               TO:     Richard S. Chute, Esquire

                       Hill & Barlow
               -----------------------------------------------
                       225 Franklin Street
               -----------------------------------------------
                       Boston, MA  02110
               -----------------------------------------------
               Telephone      617-423-6200
                        --------------------------------------



                                   [SEAL OF WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
                    Copy Mailed    SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH
                                   DATED 2/20/96]
<PAGE>   17
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

                            MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
                                                        FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION
                               Secretary of State
                                                        NO. 04-2277512

                    ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 02108

                             ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT

                     GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 156B, SECTION 72


                 This certificate must be submitted to the Secretary of the 
            Commonwealth within sixty days after the date of the vote of 
            stockholders adopting the amendment. The fee for filing this 
            certificate is prescribed by General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 
            114. Make check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

                                 -------------
 
            We, John R. Bertucci                                , President and
                Richard S. Chute                                     , Clerk of

                             MKS Instruments, Inc.
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                             (Name of Corporation)

           located at 34 Third Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803  
- ------     do hereby certify that the following amendment to the restated   
Name       articles of organization of the corporation was duly adopted by
Approved   written consent dated December 15, 1986, by vote of 
           2454 shares of Class A Common out of 2454 shares outstanding,
                                (Class of Stock)


CROSS OUT   being all of each class outstanding and entitled to vote thereon.(2)
INAPPLICABLE
CLAUSE

C /  /

P /  /

M /  /

           (1)For amendments adopted pursuant to Chapter 156B, Section 70.
           (2)For amendments adopted pursuant to Chapter 156B, Section 71.

           Note: If the space provided under any Amendment or item on this form
    4      is insufficient, additions shall be set forth on separate 8 1/2 - 11 
- ---------- sheets of paper leaving a left hand margin of at least 1 inch for
   P.C.    binding. Additions to more than one Amendment may be continued on a 
           single sheet so long as each Amendment requiring each such addition
           is clearly indicated.
<PAGE>   18
FOR INCREASE IN CAPITAL FILL IN THE FOLLOWING:


                                 (------shares preferred   ) with par value
                                 (------shares common      )
The total amount of capital stock                         :
 already authorized is           (------shares preferred   ) without par value
                                 (------shares common      )

                                 (------shares preferred   ) with par value
                                 (------shares common      ) 
The amount of additional capital                          :
 stock authorized is             (------shares preferred   ) without par value
                                 (------shares common      )


<PAGE>   19
      Voted: That the Restated Articles of Organization of the Corporation be
             and hereby are amended by deleting and striking in their entirety
             the restrictions upon the transfer of shares of stock contained in
             article 5. of the Restated Articles of Organization of the
             Corporation so that there are no restrictions imposed by the
             articles of organization of the Corporation upon the transfer of
             shares of stock of any class of the Corporation; that the President
             and Clerk of the Corporation be and hereby are authorized in the
             name and on behalf of the Corporation to execute Articles of
             Amendment to effectuate such amendment of the Restated Articles of
             Organization of the Corporation, a copy of which is attached hereto
             (the "Articles of Amendment"), and to file the Articles of
             Amendment with the State Secretary of the Commonwealth of
             Massachusetts; and in furtherance thereof that the President, any
             Vice President, Treasurer, Clerk, and Assistant Clerk of the
             Corporation or any one or more of them be and hereby are
             authorized in the name and on behalf of the Corporation to execute
             and deliver any and all documents and instruments and to take any
             and all action as they or any one or more of them may deem
             necessary or appropriate to effectuate such amendment of the
             Restated Articles of Organization of the Corporation.

     The foregoing amendment will become effective when these articles of
amendment are filed in accordance with Chapter 156B, Section 6 of The General
Laws unless these articles specify, in accordance with the vote adopting the
amendment, a later effective date not more than thirty days after such filing,
in which event the amendment will become effective on such later date.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereto signed our
names this 15th day of December, in the year 1986


  /s/  John R. Bertucci                                President
- -----------------------------------------------------
       John R. Bertucci

  /s/  Richard S. Chute                                    Clerk
- -----------------------------------------------------
       Richard S. Chute
<PAGE>   20
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
                                        
                             ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
                    (General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72)
              I hereby approve the within articles of amendment
                  and, the filing fee in the amount of $75.00
               having been paid, said articles are deemed to have
                          been filed with me this 16th
                             day of December, 1986.




                          /s/ Michael Joseph Connolly
                          ----------------------------
                            MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
                              Secretary of State


                         TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
                       PHOTO COPY OF AMENDMENT TO BE SENT
                                        
                             TO:  Richard S. Chute
                                  Hill & Sarlow
                          ---------------------------
                                  225 Franklin Street
                          ---------------------------
                                  Boston, MA 02110
                          ---------------------------
                            Telephone  617-423-6200
                          ---------------------------

                                          Copy Mailed


                                                             [STATE SEAL]
<PAGE>   21
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
                 OFFICE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS SECRETARY OF STATE
                      MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY, Secretary
                    ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 02180



- ----------                                               FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION
 EXAMINER                                                        NO. 04-2277512
                                                             ------------------


   N/A
- ----------
   Name
 Approved



C [ ]
P [ ]
M [ ]



    4
- ----------
   P.C.





                             ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT

                     General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72


     This certificate must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth
within sixty days after the date of the vote of stockholders adopting the
amendment. The fee for filing this certificate is prescribed by General Laws,
Chapter 156B, Section 114. Make check payable to the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.

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


We, John R. Bertucci                                            ,  President and
    Richard S. Chute                                                  , Clerk of

                             MKS Instruments, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             (Name of Corporation)

located at      Six Shattuck Road, Andover, Massachusetts 01810
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

do hereby certify that the following amendment to the restated articles of
organization of the corporation was duly adopted by written consent dated
January 8, 1987, by vote of

  2454   shares of      Class A Common      out of   2454   shares outstanding,
- --------           ------------------------        --------
                       (Class of Stock)


  3250   shares of      Class B Common      out of   3250   shares outstanding,
- --------           ------------------------        --------
                       (Class of Stock)


being all of each class outstanding and entitled to vote thereon and of each
class of series of stock whose rights are adversely affected thereby:

(1) for amendments adopted pursuant in Chapter 156B, Section 70.
(2) for amendments adopted pursuant to Chapter 156B, Section 71.

Note: If the space provided under any Amendment or item on this form is
insufficient, additions shall be set forth on separate 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of
paper leaving a left hand margin of at least 1 inch for binding. Additions to
more than one Amendment may be continued on a single sheet so long as each
Amendment requiring each such addition is clearly indicated

<PAGE>   22
TO CHANGE the number of shares and the par value, if any, of each class of
stock within the corporation fill in the following:

The total presently authorized is:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            NO PAR VALUE        WITH PAR VALUE      PAR
KIND OF STOCK             NUMBER OF SHARES     NUMBER OF SHARES    VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                  <C>                 <C>
   COMMON
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PREFERRED
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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


CHANGE the total to:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            NO PAR VALUE        WITH PAR VALUE      PAR
KIND OF STOCK             NUMBER OF SHARES     NUMBER OF SHARES    VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                  <C>                 <C>
   COMMON
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PREFERRED
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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


VOTED:  That the Restated Articles of Organization of the Corporation be and
        hereby are amended by adding the following provision to article 6 of the
        Restated Articles of Organization of the Corporation so that article 6
        of the Restated Articles of Organization of the Corporation shall
        contain the following provision:

            "A director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the
            corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
            fiduciary duty as a director notwithstanding any provision of law
            imposing such liability, except for liability (i) for any breach of
            the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
            stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which
            involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii)
            under Section 61 or 62 of the Massachusetts Business Corporation
            Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
            improper personal benefit.

<PAGE>   23
            If the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law is amended, after
            approval by the stockholders of the corporation of this provision,
            to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the
            personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of
            the corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent
            permitted by the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law, as so
            amended. Any amendment, repeal, or modification of this provision by
            the stockholders of the corporation shall not adversely affect any
            right or protection of a director of the corporation existing at the
            time of such amendment, repeal, or modification."

    ; that the President and Clerk of the Corporation be and hereby are
    authorized in the name and on behalf of the Corporation to execute Articles
    of Amendment to effectuate such amendment of the Restated Articles of
    Organization of the Corporation, a copy of which is attached hereto (the
    "Articles of Amendment"), and to file the Articles of Amendment with the
    State Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and in furtherance
    thereof that the President, any Vice President, Treasurer, Clerk, and
    Assistant Clerk of the Corporation or any one or more of them be and hereby
    are authorized in the name and on behalf of the Corporation to execute and
    deliver any and all documents and instruments and to take any and all
    action as they or any one or more of them may deem necessary or appropriate
    to effectuate such amendment of the Restated Articles of Organization of
    the Corporation.


The foregoing amendment will become effective when these articles of amendment
are filed in accordance with Chapter 156B, Section 6 of The General Laws unless
these articles specify, in accordance with the vote adopting the amendment, a
later effective date not more than thirty days after such filing, in which
event the amendment will become effective on such later date.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereto signed
our names this 9th day of February, in the year 1987.



/s/ John R. Bertucci                                            President
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
John R. Bertucci

/s/ Richard S. Chute                                                Clerk
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Richard S. Chute


<PAGE>   24
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS


                             ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT

                    (General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72)

     I hereby approve the within articles of amendment and, the filing fee in
the amount of $75.00 having been paid, said articles are deemed to have been
filed with me this 11th day of February, 1987.


                            /s/ Michael J. Connolly

                            MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
                               Secretary of State


                         TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION

                       PHOTO COPY OF AMENDMENT TO BE SENT

                       TO:  Richard S. Chute, Esq.
                            Hill & Barlow
                       ----------------------------------
                            225 Franklin Street
                            Boston, MA 02110
                       ----------------------------------


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

                       Telephone (617) 423-6200
                                -------------------------

                                              Copy Mailed


                                             [SEAL OF WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN,
                                               SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH
                                                        DATED 2/20/96]

        
<PAGE>   25

                       The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
                             WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
- ------------             Secretary of the Commonwealth
  Examiner                    ONE ASHBURTON PLACE
                              BOSTON, MASS. 02108

                     FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION NO. 004-2277512

                                  ARTICLES OF
                  MERGER OF PARENT AND SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS
               PURSUANT TO GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 156B, SECTION 82

              The fee for filing this certificate is prescribed by
                    General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 114.
            Make check payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


                                *    *    *    *

We, John R. Bertucci and Richard S. Chute, President*       and Clerk*       of
                             MKS Instruments, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              name of corporation

organized under the laws of Massachusetts and herein called the parent
corporation, do hereby certify as follows:

     1.   That the subsidiary corporation(s) to be merged into the parent
corporations are/is as follows:

                                               State of           Date of
               Name                          Organization       Organization

          UTI Instruments Company                 CA              09/26/73


     2.   That the parent corporation owns at least ninety per cent of the
outstanding shares of each class of the stock of each subsidiary corporation to
be merged into the parent corporation.

     3.   That in the case of each of the above-named corporations the laws of
the state of its organization, if other than Massachusetts, permit the merger
herein provided for and that all action required under the laws of each such
state in connection with this merger has been duly taken. (If all the
corporations are organized under the laws of Massachusetts and if General Laws,
Chapter 156B is applicable to them, then Paragraph 3 may be deleted.)

* Delete the inapplicable words. In case the parent corporation is organized
  under the laws of a state other than Massachusetts these articles are to be
  signed by officers having corresponding powers and duties.
<PAGE>   26
     4. That at a meeting of the directors of the parent corporation the
following vote, pursuant to subsection (a) of General Laws, Chapter 156B,
Section 82, was duly adopted:


     VOTED:         That the Corporation merge into itself UTI
     -----          Instruments Company, a California corporation,
                    with the Corporation surviving the merger
                    (the "Merger"), in accordance with the
                    provisions of Section 82 of Chapter 156B of the
                    Massachusetts General Laws.

     FURTHER
     VOTED:         That the effective date of the Merger shall be
     -------        the date of filing of appropriate Articles of
                    Merger with the Secretary of State of Massachusetts.


     FURTHER
     VOTED:         That any officer of the Corporation, acting singly,
     -------        be and he hereby is, authorized and directed to
                    take any further actions, and to execute and deliver
                    any further documents and certificates, which may
                    be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the Merger
                    described herein.
<PAGE>   27
     5. The effective date of the merger as specified in the vote set out under
Paragraph 4 is

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF and under the penalties of perjury we have hereto signed
our names this 17th day of November, 1995.



                                   /s/ John R. Bertucci
                                   ------------------------ President*
                                   John R. Bertucci



                                   /s/ Richard S. Chute
                                   ------------------------ Clerk*
                                   Richard S. Chute








* Delete the inapplicable words. In case the parent corporation is organized
under the laws of a state other than Massachusetts these articles are to be
signed by officers having corresponding powers and duties.


     
<PAGE>   28
                         COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
            ARTICLES OF MERGER OF PARENT AND SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS
                    (General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 82)

      I hereby approve the within articles of merger of parent and subsidiary
corporations and, the filing fee in the amount of $250 having been paid, said
articles are deemed to have been filed with me this 17th day of November, 1995.

                                          /s/ William Francis Galvin
                                              William Francis Galvin
                                              Secretary of the Commonwealth




                 TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
                 Photo Copy of Merger To Be Sent

                 TO:  Terrence W. Mahoney, Esq.
                      Hill & Barlow
                 ------------------------------
                      One International Place
                 ------------------------------
                      Boston, MA 02110
                 ------------------------------
                 Telephone 617-428-3000
                           --------------------
<PAGE>   29
                                                          FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION
                                                                  NO. 04-2277512
                                                                      ----------
                                        
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
                             WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
                         Secretary of the Commonwealth
             One Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512
                                        
                                        
                                        
                             ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
                    (General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72)
                                        

We,   John R. Bertucci                                             , *President,
   ----------------------------------------------------------------            

and   Richard S. Chute                                                 , *Clerk,
   --------------------------------------------------------------------

of    MKS Instruments, Inc.                                                    ,
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          (Exact name of corporation)

located at   Six Shattuck Road, Andover, MA 01810
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------,
                (Street address of corporation in Massachusetts)

certify that these Articles of Amendment affecting articles numbered: 3



            3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          (Number those articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and/or 6 being amended)

of the Articles of Organization were duly adopted at a meeting held on
January 9 , 1998  by vote of:
- ----------    --,

 2,454   shares of      Class A Common            of  2,454  shares outstanding,
- --------           ------------------------------    -------
                   (type, class & series, if any)


 3,250   shares of      Class B Common            of  3,250  shares outstanding,
- --------           ------------------------------    -------
                   (type, class & series, if any)
and


         shares of                                of         shares outstanding,
- --------           ------------------------------    -------
                   (type, class & series, if any)


(1)**being all and of each type, class or series of stock whose rights are
adversely affected thereby:






*Delete the inapplicable words.       **Delete the inapplicable clause.
(1)For amendments adopted pursuant to Chapter 156B, Section 70.
(2)For amendments adopted pursuant to Chapter 156B, Section 71.
Note: If the space provided under any article or item on this form is
insufficient, additions shall be set forth on one side only of separate 8 1/2 x
11 sheets of paper with a left margin of at least 1 inch. Additions to more
than one article may be made on a single sheet so long as each article
requiring each addition is clearly indicated.
<PAGE>   30
To change the number of shares and the par value (if any) of any type, class or
series of stock which the corporation is authorized to issue, fill in the
following:

The total presently authorized is:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>          <C>           <C>       <C>          <C>                 <C>   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      WITHOUT PAR VALUE STOCKS     |            WITH PAR VALUE STOCKS
- -----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------
    TYPE    |   NUMBER OF SHARES   |    TYPE    | NUMBER OF SHARES  | PAR VALUE
- ------------|----------------------|------------|-------------------|-----------
 Common:    | Class A       10,000 | Common:    |       None        |   None
- ------------|----------------------|------------|-------------------|-----------
            | Class B       10,000 |            |       None        |   None
- ------------|----------------------|------------|-------------------|-----------
 Preferred: | None                 | Preferred: |       None        |   None
- ------------|----------------------|------------|-------------------|-----------
            |                      |            |                   |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


Change the total authorized to:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>          <C>           <C>       <C>          <C>                 <C>   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      WITHOUT PAR VALUE STOCKS     |            WITH PAR VALUE STOCKS
- -----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------
    TYPE    |   NUMBER OF SHARES   |    TYPE    | NUMBER OF SHARES  | PAR VALUE
- ------------|----------------------|------------|-------------------|-----------
 Common:    | Class A    6,000,000 | Common:    |       None        |   None
- ------------|----------------------|------------|-------------------|-----------
            | Class B   10,000,000 |            |       None        |   None
- ------------|----------------------|------------|-------------------|-----------
 Preferred: | None                 | Preferred: |       None        |   None
- ------------|----------------------|------------|-------------------|-----------
            |                      |            |                   |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

          VOTED:    To amend the Restated Articles of Organization, as amended,
                    to increase the authorized Class A Common Stock, no par
                    value per share, of the Corporation from 10,000 shares to
                    6,000,000 shares and to increase the authorized Class B
                    Common Stock, no par value per share of the Corporation from
                    10,000 shares to 10,000,000 shares, so that after the
                    effective date of such amendment the total authorized
                    capital stock of the Corporation shall consist of 6,000,000
                    shares of Class A Common Stock, no par value per share, and
                    10,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, no par value per
                    share.

<PAGE>   31


















The foregoing amendment(s) will become effective when these Articles of
Amendment are filed in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 6
unless these articles specify, in accordance with the vote adopting the
amendment, a later effective date not more than thirty days after such filing,
in which event the amendment will become effective on such later date.


Later effective date: _____________________.


SIGNED UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, this  14th    day of    January   , 1998,
                                            --------        -------------


         /s/ John R. Bertucci                                       , *President
- --------------------------------------------------------------------



         /s/ Richard S. Chute                                           , *Clerk
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------


*Delete the inapplicable words.

<PAGE>   32
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
                                        
                             ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
                    (GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 156B, SECTION 72)
                                       
                                        
              =====================================================
                                        

              I hereby approve the within Articles of Amendment and,
              the filing fee in the amount of $15,980 having been
              paid, said articles are deemed to have been filed
              with me this 14th day of January 1998.
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
              Effective date: January 14, 1998
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                             WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
                         Secretary of the Commonwealth
                            



            
                                        
                         TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
                      PHOTOCOPY OF DOCUMENT TO BE SENT TO:
                                        
                                        
                            Richard N. Kimball, Esq.
                 ----------------------------------------------
                            Hale and Dorr LLP
                            60 State Street
                 ----------------------------------------------
                            Boston, MA 02109
                 ----------------------------------------------
                            Tel: (617) 526-6000
<PAGE>   33
                                                          FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION
                                                          No. 04-2277512
                                                              ----------

                        THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
                             William Francis Galvin
                          Secretary of the Commonwealth
              One Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512


                              ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
                    (GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 156B, SECTION 72)

We, Ronald C. Weigner                                           , Vice President
    -----------------------------------------------------------
and Richard S. Chute                                            , Clerk
    -----------------------------------------------------------
of                            MKS Instruments, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           (exact name of corporation)

located at Six Shattuck Road, Andover, Massachusetts 01810                     ,
           -------------------------------------------------------------------
certify that these Articles of Amendment affecting articles numbered:

                                        3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            (Number those articles 1,2,3,4,5 and/or 6 being amended)

of the Articles of Organization were duly adopted at a meeting held on
February 17, 1999, by vote of:
- -----------    --

5,177,940 shares of   Class A Common    out of 5,177,940 shares outstanding,
- ---------          ---------------------       ---------
               (type, class & series, if any)

6,857,500 shares of   Class B Common    out of 6,857,501 shares outstanding, and
- ---------          ---------------------       ---------
               (type, class & series, if any)

_________ shares of_____________________out of __________ shares outstanding,
               (type, class & series, if any)


C   [ ] 

P   [ ] 

M   [ ]

RA  [ ]

       Note:   If the space provided under any article or item on this form is
               insufficient, additions shall be set forth on separate 8 1/2 x 11
               sheets of paper leaving a left hand margin of at least 1 inch for
               binding. Additions to more than one article may be continued on a
               single sheet so long as each article requiring each such addition
               is clearly indicated.





<PAGE>   34



To change the number of shares and the par value (if any) of any type, class or
series of stock which the corporation is authorized to issue, fill in the
following:

The total presently authorized is:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   WITHOUT PAR VALUE STOCKS           WITH PAR VALUE STOCKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TYPE            NUMBER OF SHARES           NUMBER OF SHARES     PAR VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common:            Class A        6,000,000             None              None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Class B       10,000,000             None              None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred:         None                                 None              None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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


Change the total authorized to:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   WITHOUT PAR VALUE STOCKS           WITH PAR VALUE STOCKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       TYPE            NUMBER OF SHARES           NUMBER OF SHARES     PAR VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common:            Class A       11,250,000             None              None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Class B       18,750,000             None              None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred:         None                                 None              None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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


       VOTED:  To amend the Restated Articles of Organization, as amended, to
               increase the authorized Class A Common Stock, no par value per
               share, of the Corporation from 6,000,000 shares to 11,250,000
               shares and to increase the authorized Class B Common Stock, no
               par value per share, of the Corporation from 10,000,000 shares to
               18,750,000 shares, so that after the effective date of such
               amendment the total authorized capital stock of the Corporation
               shall consist of 11,250,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, no
               par value per share, and 18,750,000 shares of Class B Common
               Stock, no par value per share.


<PAGE>   35



The foregoing amendment(s) will become effective when these Articles of
Amendment are filed in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 6
unless these articles specify, in accordance with the vote adopting the
amendment, a later effective date not more than thirty days after such filing,
in which event the amendment will become effective on such later date.

Later effective date:_______________________.

SIGNED UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, this 24th day of February, 1999,
                                            ----        --------    --

         /s/ Ronald C. Weigner                                   Vice President,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------

         /s/ Richard S. Chute                                             Clerk
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------



<PAGE>   36


                        THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

                              ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
                    (General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 72)


        =================================================================

        I hereby approve the within Articles of Amendment and, the filing
        fee in the amount of $_______ having been paid, said articles are
        deemed to have been filed with me this ____ day of _________19__.

        Effective date:__________________________________________________






                             WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
                          Secretary of the Commonwealth













                         TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
                         PHOTOCOPY OF DOCUMENT TO BE SENT TO:

                       Emma R. Petty, Corporate Paralegal
                 -----------------------------------------------
                       Hale and Dorr
                       60 State Street
                 -----------------------------------------------

                       Boston, MA 02109
                 -----------------------------------------------






<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 3.2


FORM CD-74-10M-10-79-152328

                        THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
                             MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY      FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION
                               Secretary of State         No. 04-2277512
                    ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS: 02108
                                     SECOND
                  AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
                     GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 156B, SECTION 74


                                ----------------
         We, John R. Bertucci                         , President and
                  Richard S. Chute                            , Clerk
                  MKS Instruments, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              (Name of Corporation)

located at SIX SHATTUCK ROAD, ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS 01810 do hereby certify
that the following amendment and restatement of the articles of organization of
the corporation was duly adopted by a vote of the stockholders on February 17,
1999, by vote of 

_________ shares of ______________ out of _________ shares outstanding,
                   (Class of Stock)

          shares of CLASS A COMMON out of           shares outstanding, and
_________           ______________        _________
                   (Class of Stock)

          shares of CLASS B COMMON out of           shares outstanding,
_________           ______________        _________
                   (Class of Stock)

being at least two-thirds of each class of stock outstanding and entitled to
vote and of each class or series of stock adversely affected thereby:-

         1.  The name by which the corporation shall be known is: --

                  MKS Instruments, Inc.

         2.  The purposes for which the corporation is formed are as follows: --

C   [ ]           See Continuation Sheets 2A and 2B.

P   [ ] 

M   [ ]

RA  [ ]

       Note:   If the space provided under any article or item on this form is
               insufficient, additions shall be set forth on separate 8 1/2 x 11
               sheets of paper leaving a left hand margin of at least 1 inch for
               binding. Additions to more than one article may be continued on a
               single sheet so long as each article requiring each such addition
               is clearly indicated.


<PAGE>   2



                              CONTINUATION SHEET 2A

2.       THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE CORPORATION IS FORMED ARE AS FOLLOWS:

         To design, manufacture, sell, lease and license instruments of all
kinds, including electromechanical, electronic and mechanical gauges for the
measurement of pressure, temperature, acceleration, flow and level of liquids
and gases; to design, manufacture, sell, lease and license control systems
incorporating measuring devices, and control systems separate from measuring
devices, for the control of production processes and operations of all kinds; to
design, manufacture, sell, lease and license instrumentation for military use;
to design, manufacture, sell, lease and license instrumentation for use in
research laboratories, in industry, in educational institutions, for medical
purposes and for use elsewhere and for other purposes; and in general to design,
manufacture, sell, lease and license electro-mechanical, electronic and
mechanical devices of all kinds.

         To buy and sell at wholesale and retail, or otherwise, to manufacture,
produce, adapt, repair, dispose of, export, import and in any other manner to
deal in goods, wares, merchandise, articles and things of manufacture or
otherwise of all materials, supplies and other articles and things necessary or
convenient for use in connection with any of said businesses or any other
business or any part thereof; and to manufacture, repair, purchase, sell, lease,
dispose of and otherwise deal in machinery, tools, and appliances which are or
may be used in connection with the purchase, sale, production, adaption, repair,
disposition of, export, import or other dealings in said goods, wares,
merchandise, articles and things.

         To purchase, lease or otherwise acquire as a going concern or otherwise
all or any part of the franchises, rights, property, assets, business, good will
or capital stock of any persons, firm, corporation, trust or association engaged
in whole or in part in any business in which this corporation is empowered to
engage, or in any other business; to pay for the same in whole or in part in
cash, stock, bonds, notes, securities or other evidence of indebtedness of this
corporation or in any other manner; to assume as part of the consideration or
otherwise any and all debts, contracts or liabilities, matured or unmatured,
fixed or contingent, of any such person, firm or corporation, trust or
association; and to operate, manage, develop and generally to carry on the whole
or any part of any such business under any name or names which it may select or
designate.




<PAGE>   3



                              CONTINUATION SHEET 2B

         To construct, lease, hire, purchase or otherwise acquire and hold or
maintain, and to rebuild, enlarge, improve, furnish, equip, alter, operate and
dispose of warehouses, factories, offices and other buildings, real estate,
structures or parts thereof, and appliances for the preparation, manufacture,
purchase, sale and distribution of goods, wares, merchandise, things, and
articles of all kinds.

         To acquire, hold, use, sell, assign, lease, grant licenses in respect
of, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of franchises, letters patent of the United
States or of any foreign country, patent rights, licenses and privileges,
inventions, improvements and processes, systems, copyrights, trade-marks and
trade names, relating to, or useful in connection with, any business of this
corporation.

         To buy or otherwise acquire, to sell, assign, pledge, or otherwise
dispose of and deal in stocks, bonds, securities, notes and other obligations of
any person, firm or corporation, including this corporation, organized for or
engaged in similar or cognate purposes; also stocks, bonds, securities, notes,
and other obligations of any person, firm, or corporation, including this
corporation, which it may be found or deemed necessary, valuable, or convenient
for this corporation to acquire and deal in, in pursuance or furtherance of or
in connection with the businesses herein specified, or any other business.

         To borrow money and contract indebtedness for all proper corporate
purposes, to issue bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness, to secure
the same by pledge, mortgage, or lien on all or any part of the property of the
corporation, tangible or intangible; and to assume or guarantee or secure in
like manner or otherwise, the leases, contracts, or other obligations, fixed or
contingent, or the payment of any dividends on any stock or shares or of the
principal or interest on any bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness of
any person, firm, corporation, trust, or association in which this corporation
has a financial interest.

         To enter into, make, and perform contracts of every name, nature, and
kind with any person, firm, association, or corporation which may be deemed
valuable, expedient, or convenient for this corporation in pursuance of or in
furtherance of or in connection with any of the objects of incorporation of this
corporation or in connection with any of the businesses or purposes herein
specified.

         The enumeration of specific powers herein shall not be construed as
limiting or restricting in any way the general powers herein set forth, but
nothing herein contained shall be construed as authorizing the business of
banking.







<PAGE>   4



3.       The total number of shares and the par value, if any, of each class of
         stock which the corporation is authorized to issue as follows:



                    WITHOUT PAR VALUE                WITH PAR VALUE
                    -----------------       --------------------------------

CLASS OF STOCK       NUMBER OF SHARES       NUMBER OF SHARES       PAR VALUE
- --------------       ----------------       ----------------       ---------

Preferred                                       2,000,000             $.01
Common                  50,000,000                                    none


*4.      If more than one class is authorized, a description of each of the
different classes of stock with, if any, the preferences, voting powers,
qualifications, special or relative rights or privileges as to each class
thereof and any series now established:

                      See Continuation Sheets 4A, 4B and 4C


*5.      The restrictions, if any, imposed by the articles of organization upon
         the transfer of shares of stock of any class are as follows:

                      None.


*6. Other lawful provisions, if any, for the conduct and regulation of the
business and affairs of the corporation, for its voluntary dissolution, or for
limiting, defining, or regulating the powers of the corporation, or of its
directors or stockholders, or of any class of stockholders:

                      See Continuation Sheets 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F and 6G




*If there are no such provisions, state "None".






<PAGE>   5





                              CONTINUATION SHEET 4A

         The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the
corporation shall have authority to issue is 52,000,000 shares, consisting of
(i) 50,000,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value per share ("Common Stock"),
and (ii) 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share
("Preferred Stock"). Upon the filing of the corporation's Amended and Restated
Articles of Organization on ___________________, 1999 (the "Mandatory Conversion
Date") each share of Class A Common Stock, no par value per share, and each
share of Class B Common Stock, no par value per share (together with the Class A
Common Stock, the "Class Common Stock"), shall be converted into one share of
Common Stock, no par value per share. All holders of record of shares of Class
Common Stock shall be given written notice of the Mandatory Conversion Date and
the place designated for mandatory conversion of all such shares of Class Common
Stock pursuant to this provision. Such notice need not be given in advance of
the occurrence of the Mandatory Conversion Date. Such notice shall be sent by
first class or registered mail, postage prepaid, to each record holder of Class
Common Stock at such holder's address last shown on the records of the transfer
agent for the Class Common Stock (or the records of the corporation, if it
serves as its own transfer agent). Upon receipt of such notice, each holder of
shares of Class Common Stock shall surrender his or its certificate or
certificates for all such shares to the corporation at the place designated in
such notice, and shall thereafter receive certificates for the number of shares
of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Class Common Stock represented
by such certificates. On the Mandatory Conversion Date, all rights with respect
to the Class Common Stock so converted, including the rights, if any, to receive
notices and vote (other than as a holder of Common Stock) will terminate, except
only the rights of the holders thereof, upon surrender of their certificate or
certificates therefor, to receive certificates for the number of shares of
Common Stock into which such Class Common Stock has been converted, and payment
of any declared but unpaid dividends thereon. If so required by the corporation,
certificates surrendered for conversion shall be endorsed or accompanied by
written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the
corporation, duly executed by the registered holder or by his or its attorney
duly authorized in writing. As soon as practicable after the Mandatory
Conversion Date and the surrender of the certificate or certificates for Class
Common Stock, the corporation shall cause to be issued and delivered to such
holder, or on his or its written order, a certificate or certificates for the
number of full shares of Common Stock issuable on such conversion in accordance
with the provisions hereof.

         All certificates evidencing shares of Class Common Stock which are
required to be surrendered for conversion in accordance with the provisions
hereof shall, from and after the Mandatory Conversion Date, be deemed to have
been retired and cancelled and the shares of Class Common Stock represented
thereby converted into Common Stock for all purposes, notwithstanding the
failure of the holder or holders thereof to surrender such certificates on or
prior to such date.



<PAGE>   6



                              CONTINUATION SHEET 4B

         The following is a statement of the designation and the powers,
privileges and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
thereof in respect of each class of capital stock of the corporation.

A.       COMMON STOCK.

         1. GENERAL. The voting, dividend and liquidation rights of the holders
of the Common Stock are subject to and qualified by the rights of the holders of
the Preferred Stock of any series as may be designated by the Board of Directors
upon any issuance of the Preferred Stock of any series.

         2. VOTING. The holders of the Common Stock are entitled to one vote for
each share held at all meetings of stockholders (and written actions in lieu of
meetings). There shall be no cumulative voting.

         3. DIVIDENDS. Dividends may be declared and paid on the Common Stock
from funds lawfully available therefor as and when determined by the Board of
Directors and subject to any preferential dividend rights of any then
outstanding Preferred Stock.

         4. LIQUIDATION. Upon the dissolution or liquidation of the corporation,
whether voluntary or involuntary, holders of Common Stock will be entitled to
receive all assets of the corporation available for distribution to its
stockholders, subject to any preferential rights of any then outstanding
Preferred Stock.

B.       PREFERRED STOCK.

         Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series,
each of such series to have such terms as stated or expressed herein and in the
resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such series adopted by the
Board of Directors of the corporation as hereinafter provided. Any shares of
Preferred Stock which may be redeemed, purchased or acquired by the corporation
may be reissued except as otherwise provided by law. Different series of
Preferred Stock shall not be construed to constitute different classes of shares
for the purposes of voting by classes unless expressly provided.


<PAGE>   7



                              CONTINUATION SHEET 4C

         Authority is hereby expressly granted to the Board of Directors from
time to time to issue the Preferred Stock in one or more series, and in
connection with the creation of any such series, by resolution or resolutions
providing for the issue of the shares thereof, to determine and fix such voting
powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences
and relative participating, optional or other special rights, and
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including without
limitation thereof, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges
and liquidation preferences, as shall be stated and expressed in such
resolutions, all to the full extent now or hereafter permitted by Chapter 156B
of the Massachusetts General Laws. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the resolutions providing for issuance of any series of Preferred
Stock may provide that such series shall be superior or rank equally or be
junior to the Preferred Stock of any other series to the extent permitted by
law. No vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock or Common Stock shall be a
prerequisite to the issuance of any shares of any series of the Preferred Stock
authorized by and complying with the conditions of the Articles of Organization,
the right to have such vote being expressly waived by all present and future
holders of the capital stock of the corporation.



<PAGE>   8



                              CONTINUATION SHEET 6A


6A.      LIMITATION OF DIRECTOR LIABILITY

         Except to the extent that Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts General
Laws prohibits the elimination or limitation of liability of directors for
breaches of fiduciary duty, no director of the corporation shall be personally
liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any
breach of fiduciary duty as a director, notwithstanding any provision of law
imposing such liability. No amendment to or repeal of this provision shall apply
to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any director of
the corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of such director
occurring prior to such amendment.


6B.      INDEMNIFICATION

         1. ACTIONS, SUITS AND PROCEEDINGS. The corporation shall indemnify each
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or
was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer of the corporation, or is or
was serving, or has agreed to serve, at the request of the corporation, as a
director or officer of, or in a similar capacity with, another organization or
in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan of the corporation
(all such persons being referred to hereafter as an "Indemnitee"), or by reason
of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against
all expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments and fines incurred by him or
on his behalf in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal
therefrom, unless the Indemnitee shall be finally adjudicated in such action,
suit or proceeding not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that
his action was in the best interests of the corporation or, to the extent such
matter relates to service with respect to an employee benefit plan, in the best
interests of the participants or beneficiaries of such employee benefit plan.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article, except as set forth in
Section 6 below, the corporation shall not indemnify an Indemnitee seeking
indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by
the Indemnitee unless the initiation thereof was approved by the Board of
Directors of the












<PAGE>   9



                              CONTINUATION SHEET 6B


corporation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article, the
corporation shall not indemnify an Indemnitee to the extent such Indemnitee is
reimbursed from the proceeds of insurance, and in the event the corporation
makes any indemnification payments to an Indemnitee and the Indemnitee is
subsequently reimbursed from the proceeds of insurance, such Indemnitee shall
promptly refund such indemnification payments to the corporation to the extent
of such insurance reimbursement.

         2. SETTLEMENTS AND COMPROMISE. The right to indemnification conferred
in this Article shall include the right to be paid by the corporation for
amounts paid in settlement or compromise of any such action, suit or proceeding
and any appeal therefrom, and all expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred
in connection with such settlement or compromise, pursuant to a consent decree
or otherwise, unless and to the extent it is determined pursuant to Section 5
below that the Indemnitee did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief
that his action was in the best interests of the corporation or, to the extent
such matter relates to service with respect to an employee benefit plan, in the
best interests of the participants or beneficiaries of such employee benefit
plan.

         3. NOTIFICATION AND DEFENSE OF CLAIM. As a condition precedent to his
right to be indemnified, the Indemnitee must notify the corporation in writing
as soon as practicable of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation
involving him for which indemnity will or could be sought. With respect to any
action, suit, proceeding or investigation of which the corporation is so
notified, the corporation will be entitled to participate therein at its own
expense and/or to assume the defense thereof at its own expense, with legal
counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee. After notice from the
corporation to the Indemnitee of its election so to assume such defense, the
corporation shall not be liable to the Indemnitee for any legal or other
expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such claim,
other than as provided below in this Section 3. The Indemnitee shall have the
right to employ his own counsel in connection with such claim, but the fees and
expenses of such counsel incurred after notice from the corporation of its
assumption of the defense thereof shall be at the expense of the Indemnitee
unless (i) the employment of counsel by the Indemnitee has been authorized by
the corporation, (ii) counsel to the Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded
that there may be a conflict of interest or position on any significant issue





<PAGE>   10



                              CONTINUATION SHEET 6C


between the corporation and the Indemnitee in the conduct of the defense of such
action or (iii) the corporation shall not in fact have employed counsel to
assume the defense of such action, in each of which cases the fees and expenses
of counsel for the Indemnitee shall be at the expense of the corporation, except
as otherwise expressly provided by this Article. The corporation shall not be
entitled, without the consent of the Indemnitee, to assume the defense of any
claim brought by or in the right of the corporation or as to which counsel for
the Indemnitee shall have reasonably made the conclusion provided for in clause
(ii) above.

         4. ADVANCE OF EXPENSES. Subject to the provisions of Section 5 below,
in the event that the corporation does not assume the defense pursuant to
Section 3 of this Article of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation of
which the corporation receives notice under this Article, any expenses
(including attorneys' fees) incurred by an Indemnitee in defending a civil or
criminal action, suit, proceeding or investigation or any appeal therefrom shall
be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such matter;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the payment of such expenses incurred by an Indemnitee
in advance of the final disposition of such matter shall be made only upon
receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay all amounts
so advanced in the event that it shall ultimately be determined that the
Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized in
this Article. Such undertaking shall be accepted without reference to the
financial ability of the Indemnitee to make such repayment.

         5. PROCEDURE FOR INDEMNIFICATION. In order to obtain indemnification or
advancement of expenses pursuant to Section 1, 2 or 4 of this Article, the
Indemnitee shall submit to the corporation a written request, including in such
request such documentation and information as is reasonably available to the
Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent
the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses. Any
such indemnification or advancement of expenses shall be made promptly, and in
any event within 60 days after receipt by the corporation of the written request
of the Indemnitee, unless the corporation determines within such 60-day period
that the Indemnitee did not meet the applicable standard of conduct set forth in
Section 1 or 2, as the case may be. Such determination shall be made in each
instance by (a) a majority vote of a quorum of the directors of the corporation,
(b) a majority vote of a


<PAGE>   11



                              CONTINUATION SHEET 6D


quorum of the outstanding shares of stock of all classes entitled to vote for
directors, voting as a single class, which quorum shall consist of stockholders
who are not at that time parties to the action, suit or proceeding in question,
(c) independent legal counsel (who may, to the extent permitted by law, be
regular legal counsel to the corporation), or (d) a court of competent
jurisdiction.

         6. REMEDIES. The right to indemnification or advances as granted by
this Article shall be enforceable by the Indemnitee in any court of competent
jurisdiction if the corporation denies such request, in whole or in part, or if
no disposition thereof is made within the 60-day period referred to above in
Section 5. Unless otherwise required by law, the burden of proving that the
Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses under
this Article shall be on the corporation. Neither the failure of the corporation
to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that
indemnification is proper in the circumstances because the Indemnitee has met
the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the
corporation pursuant to Section 5 that the Indemnitee has not met such
applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a
presumption that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.
The Indemnitee's expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection
with successfully establishing his right to indemnification, in whole or in
part, in any such proceeding shall also be indemnified by the corporation.

         7. SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENT. No amendment, termination or repeal of this
Article or of the relevant provisions of Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts
General Laws or any other applicable laws shall affect or diminish in any way
the rights of any Indemnitee to indemnification under the provisions hereof with
respect to any action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or
relating to any actions, transactions or facts occurring prior to the final
adoption of such amendment, termination or repeal.

         8. OTHER RIGHTS. The indemnification and advancement of expenses
provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to
which an Indemnitee seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be
entitled under any law (common or statutory), agreement or vote of stockholders
or directors or otherwise, both


<PAGE>   12



                              CONTINUATION SHEET 6E


as to action in his official capacity and as to action in any other capacity
while holding office for the corporation, and shall continue as to an Indemnitee
who has ceased to be a director or officer, and shall inure to the benefit of
the estate, heirs, executors and administrators of the Indemnitee. Nothing
contained in this Article shall be deemed to prohibit, and the corporation is
specifically authorized to enter into, agreement with officers and directors
providing indemnification rights and procedures different from those set forth
in this Article. In addition, the corporation may, to the extent authorized from
time to time by its Board of Directors, grant indemnification rights to other
employees or agents of the corporation or other persons serving the corporation
and such rights may be equivalent to, or greater or less than, those set forth
in this Article.

         9. PARTIAL INDEMNIFICATION. If an Indemnitee is entitled under any
provision of this Article to indemnification by the corporation for some or a
portion of the expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines or amounts
paid in settlement or compromise actually and reasonably incurred by him or on
his behalf in connection with any action, suit, proceeding or investigation and
any appeal therefrom but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the
corporation shall nevertheless indemnify the Indemnitee for the portion of such
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines or amounts paid in
settlement or compromise to which the Indemnitee is entitled.

         10. INSURANCE. The corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at
its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of
the corporation or another organization or employee benefit plan against any
expense, liability or loss incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out
of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to
indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under Chapter 156B
of the Massachusetts General Laws.

         11. MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION. If the corporation is merged into or
consolidated with another corporation and the corporation is not the surviving
corporation, the surviving corporation shall assume the obligations of the
corporation under this Article with respect to any action, suit, proceeding or
investigation arising out of or relating to any actions, transactions or facts
occurring prior to the date of such merger or consolidation.




<PAGE>   13



                              CONTINUATION SHEET 6F


         12. SAVINGS CLAUSE. If this Article or any portion hereof shall be
invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the
corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each Indemnitee as to any expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement or
compromise in connection with any action, suit, proceeding or investigation,
whether civil, criminal or administrative, including an action by or in the
right of the corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable
portion of this Article that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law.

         13. SUBSEQUENT LEGISLATION. If the Massachusetts General Laws are
amended after adoption of this Article to expand further the indemnification
permitted to Indemnitees, then the corporation shall indemnify such persons to
the fullest extent permitted by the Massachusetts General Laws, as so amended.

6C.      OTHER PROVISIONS

         (a) The directors may make, amend, or repeal the By-Laws in whole or in
part, except with respect to any provision of such By-Laws which by law or these
Articles of Organization or the By-Laws requires action by the stockholders.

         (b) Meetings of the stockholders of the corporation may be held
anywhere in the United States.

         (c) The corporation shall have the power to be a partner in any
business enterprise which this corporation would have the power to conduct by
itself.

         (d) The corporation, by vote of at least sixty-six and two-thirds
percent (66 2/3%) of the stock outstanding and entitled to vote thereon (or if
there are two or more classes of stock entitled to vote as separate classes,
then by vote of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of each such
class of stock outstanding), may (i) authorize any amendment to its Articles of
Organization pursuant to Section 71 of Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts General
Laws, as amended from time to time, (ii) authorize the sale, lease or exchange
of all or substantially all of its property and assets, including its goodwill,
pursuant to Section 75 of Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts


<PAGE>   14



                              CONTINUATION SHEET 6G


General Laws, as amended from time to time, and (iii) approve an agreement of
merger or consolidation pursuant to Section 78 of Chapter 156B of the
Massachusetts General Laws, as amended from time to time; PROVIDED, however,
that if any such (i) amendment to its Articles of Organization, (ii) sale,
lease, or exchange or (iii) merger or consolidation (each as more fully
described above) has been approved by a majority of the Board of Directors of
the corporation, then the corporation may authorize or approve such action by
vote of a majority of the stock outstanding and entitled to vote thereon (or if
there are two or more classes of stock entitled to vote as separate classes,
then by vote of a majority of each such class outstanding).

         (e) Chapter 110F of the Massachusetts General Laws, as it may be
amended from time to time, shall not apply to the corporation.



<PAGE>   15



*We further certify that the foregoing restated articles of organization effect
no amendments to the articles of organization of the corporation as heretofore
amended, except amendments to the following articles 3, 4 and 6.

(*If there are no such amendments, state "None".)


                  Briefly describe amendments in space below:




Article 3.        Is amended to: (i) eliminate authorized shares of Class A
                  Common Stock, no par value per share ("Class A Common Stock"),
                  and Class B Common Stock, no par value per share ("Class B
                  Common Stock"); (ii) increase the authorized number of shares
                  of Common Stock, no par value per share ("Common Stock") to
                  50,000,000 shares and; (iii) authorize issuance of up to
                  2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.

Article 4.        Is amended to: (i) delete any and all provisions describing or
                  relating to rights and preferences of Class A Common Stock and
                  Class B Common Stock; (ii) provide that each outstanding
                  share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock has
                  been converted into one share of Common Stock; (iii) provide a
                  statement of the designation and the powers, privileges and
                  rights, and the qualification, limitations or restrictions
                  thereof in respect of each class of capital stock of the
                  corporation; and (iv) authorize the Board of Directors to
                  issue Preferred Stock in one or more series and create any
                  such series of Preferred Stock without requiring a vote of the
                  holders of Preferred Stock or Common Stock as a prerequisite
                  to the issuance of any shares of any such Preferred Stock and
                  restate Article 4 in its entirety.

Article 6.        Is amended to (i) delete the provision relating to limitation
                  of director liability and replace it with Section 6A,
                  "Limitation of Director Liability;" (ii) add Section 6B
                  "Indemnification;" and (iii) add Section 6C "Other
                  Provisions."


<PAGE>   16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereto signed our
names this                          day of                     in the year 1999.




_____________________________________________________ President/Vice President

_____________________________________________________ Clerk/Assistant Clerk








<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 3.4


                              AMENDED AND RESTATED

                                     BY-LAWS

                                       OF

                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                                    ARTICLE I

                 NAME, LOCATION, CORPORATE SEAL, AND FISCAL YEAR

         Section 1. NAME. The name of the corporation is MKS Instruments, Inc.

         Section 2. LOCATION. The principal office of the corporation in
Massachusetts shall be located at the place set forth on the form of the
Articles of Organization or on a certificate filed with the State Secretary. The
Board of Directors may change the location of the principal office in
Massachusetts and establish such other offices as it deems appropriate.

         Section 3. CORPORATE SEAL. Except as otherwise determined from time to
time by the Board of Directors, the fiscal year of the corporation shall in each
year end on December 31.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                  STOCKHOLDERS

         Section 1.   ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of stockholders shall
be held within six months after the end of each fiscal year of the corporation
on a date to be fixed by the Board of Directors or the President (which date
shall not be a legal holiday in the place where the meeting is to be held) at
the time and place to be fixed by the Board of Directors or the President and
stated in the notice of the meeting. The purposes for which the annual meeting
is to be held, in addition to those prescribed by law, by the Articles of
Organization or by these By-Laws, may be specified by the Board of Directors or
the President. If no annual meeting is held in accordance with the foregoing
provisions, a special meeting may be held in lieu of the annual meeting, and any
action taken at that special meeting shall have the same effect as if it had
been taken at the annual meeting, and in such case all references in these
By-Laws to the annual meeting of stockholders shall be deemed to refer to such
special meeting.

         Section 2.   BUSINESS AT ANNUAL MEETINGS. Except as otherwise provided
by law, at an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be
conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly
brought before an annual meeting, business must be (a) specified in the



<PAGE>   2



notice of Directors, (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at
the direction of the Board of Directors, or (c) otherwise properly brought
before the meeting by a stockholder.

         For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a
stockholder, the stockholder must give timely notice thereof in writing to the
Clerk of the corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be delivered
to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the corporation
not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that in the event that less than 40 days' notice or prior public
disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice
by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of
business on the 10th day following the day on which such notice of the date of
the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. A
stockholder's notice to the Clerk shall set forth as to each matter the
stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (a) a brief description
of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons
for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (b) the name and address, as
they appear on the corporation's books, of the stockholder proposing such
business, (c) the class and number of shares of the corporation which are
beneficially owned by the stockholder, and (d) any material interest of the
stockholder in such business. No later than the tenth day following the date of
receipt of a stockholder notice pursuant to this Section 2, the Chairman of the
Board of Directors of the corporation shall, if the facts warrant, determine and
notify in writing the stockholder submitting such notice that such notice was
not made in accordance with the time limits and/or other procedures prescribed
by these By-Laws. If no such notification is mailed to such stockholder within
such ten-day period, such stockholder notice containing a matter of business
shall be deemed to have been made in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 2. Notwithstanding anything in these By-Laws to the contrary, no
business shall be conducted at an annual meeting except in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Section 2.

         Section 3.   SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of stockholders may be
called by the President or by the Board of Directors. In addition, upon written
application of one or more stockholders who are entitled to vote and who hold at
least the Required Percentage (as defined below) of the capital stock entitled
to vote at the meeting, special meetings shall be called by the Clerk, or in
case of the death, absence, incapacity or refusal of the Clerk, by any other
officer.

         For purposes of this Section 3, the "Required Percentage" shall be (i)
10% at any time at which the corporation shall not have a class of voting stock
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), and (ii) 40% at any time at which the corporation shall have a class of
voting stock registered under the Exchange Act.


                                       -2-

<PAGE>   3



         Any request for a call of a special meeting of stockholders (a "Call")
by the holders of the Required Percentage of the capital stock entitled to vote
at the meeting (the "Voting Stock") shall be governed by and subject to the
following:

                  (a) Any stockholder of record seeking to solicit requests for
a Call pursuant to this Section 3 shall so notify the corporation in writing to
the Clerk of the corporation and such written notification shall set forth the
reason or reasons for the Call and the purpose of such special meeting.

                  (b) No solicitation of stockholder requests for a Call (a
"Call Solicitation") may be commenced (i) before the Call Request Record Date
(as defined in paragraph (c) of this Section 3) or (ii) during the period of 90
days following the most recent meeting of the stockholders of the corporation.

                  (c) In order that the corporation may determine the
stockholders entitled to request a Call, the Board of Directors of the
corporation shall fix a record date (the "Call Request Record Date"). Any
stockholder of record seeking to solicit stockholder requests for a Call shall,
with delivery to the corporation of the written information specified in
paragraph (a), request in writing that the Board of Directors fix the Call
Request Record Date. The Board of Directors shall, within 10 days after the date
on which such request is received, adopt a resolution fixing the Call Request
Record Date and such Call Request Record Date shall be not more than 10 days
after the date upon which such resolution is adopted by the Board of Directors.

                  (d) All requests for a Call and revocations thereof shall be
delivered to the corporation no later than the 30th day (the "Delivery Date")
after the Call Request Record Date.

                  (e) Any stockholder may revoke a prior request for a Call or
opposition to a Call by an instrument in writing delivered prior to the Delivery
Date.

                  (f) Promptly after the Delivery Date, requests for a Call and
revocations thereof shall be counted and verified by an independent party
selected by the corporation.

                  (g) If, in response to any Call Solicitation, the holders of
record of the Required Percentage of the Voting Stock as of the Call Request
Record Date submit valid and unrevoked requests for a Call no later than the
Delivery Date, the Board of Directors of the corporation shall fix a record date
pursuant to Section 6 of Article V hereof and a meeting date for the special
meeting; PROVIDED that the date to be fixed for such meeting shall be no earlier
than 60 days or later than 90 days after the Delivery Date; and PROVIDED FURTHER
that the Board of Directors shall not be obligated to fix a meeting date or to
hold any meeting of stockholders within 60 days of the next scheduled meeting of
the stockholders of the corporation.


                                       -3-

<PAGE>   4




                  (h) In the absence of a quorum at any special meeting called
pursuant to a Call Solicitation, such special meeting may be postponed or
adjourned from time to time only by the officer of the corporation entitled to
preside at such meeting.

         Section 4.   TIME AND PLACE OF MEETINGS. All meetings of stockholders
shall be held at a suitable time at the principal office of the corporation or
at such other suitable place within Massachusetts or, to the extent permitted by
the Articles of Organization, elsewhere in the United States, as shall be
selected by the President or the Board of Directors in the case of an annual
meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, by the President, the Board of
Directors or the applying stockholders calling such meeting.

         Section 5.   NOTICE OF MEETINGS. A written notice of each meeting of
stockholders containing the place, date and hour, and the purposes for which it
is to be held, shall be given by the Clerk or, in the case of the death,
absence, incapacity, or refusal of the Clerk, by any other officer, at least
seven days before the date of the meeting, to each stockholder entitled to vote
at the meeting and to each stockholder who is otherwise entitled by law or by
the Articles of Organization or these By-Laws to such notice, by leaving such
notice with him or at his residence or usual place of business or by mailing it
postage prepaid and addressed to each stockholder at his address as it shall
appear in the stock and transfer records of the corporation. Notice of a meeting
need not be given to a stockholder if a written waiver of notice, executed
before or after the meeting by such stockholder or his attorney thereunto
authorized, is filed with the records of the meeting.

         Section 6.   QUORUM. The holder or holders of a majority in interest of
all stock issued, outstanding, and entitled to vote at a meeting, present in
person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum, but the majority of a
lesser interest so present may, from time to time, postpone to a new time or
place any meeting and the postponed meeting may be held without further notice.

         Section 7.   VOTING AND PROXIES. Each stockholder entitled to vote
shall have one vote, to be exercised in person or by proxy, for each share of
stock held by him, and a proportionate vote for a fractional share. When a
quorum is present at any meeting the vote of the holders of a majority in
interest of the stock represented which is entitled to vote and voting shall
decide any matter properly brought before the meeting, except in the case of
elections by stockholders, which shall be decided by a plurality of the votes
cast by stockholders entitled to vote at the election, and except when a larger
vote is required by law, the Articles of Organization or these By-Laws. No vote
need be taken by ballot unless so requested by any stockholder entitled to vote
thereon. Proxies must be in writing and filed with the clerk of the meeting
before being voted. The person named in a proxy may vote at any


                                       -4-

<PAGE>   5



adjournment of the meeting for which the proxy was given, but the proxy shall
terminate after final adjournment of the meeting. No proxy dated more than six
months before the meeting named in it shall be valid. A proxy purporting to be
executed by or on behalf of a stockholder shall be deemed valid unless
challenged at or prior to its exercise and the burden of proving invalidity
shall rest on the challenger. A proxy with respect to stock held in the name of
two or more persons shall be valid if executed by any one of them unless at or
prior to the exercise of the proxy the corporation receives a specific notice to
the contrary from any one of them. Inspectors of election, if any, shall be
appointed by the Board of Directors or, in the absence of such appointment, by
the officer presiding at any meeting of the stockholders.

         Section 8.   ACTION BY CONSENT. Any action required or permitted to be
taken by stockholders may be taken without a meeting if all stockholders
entitled to vote on the matter consent in writing to the action and such written
consents are filed with the records of the meetings of stockholders. Such
consents shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting.

                                   ARTICLE III

                             THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

         Section 1. NUMBER, ELECTION AND QUALIFICATION. The number of directors
which shall constitute the whole Board of Directors shall be determined by vote
of the stockholders or the Board of Directors, but shall consist of not less
than three directors (except that whenever there shall be only two stockholders
the number of directors shall be not less than two and whenever there shall be
only one stockholder or prior to the issuance of any stock, there shall be at
least one director). The number of directors may be decreased at any time and
from time to time either by the stockholders or by a majority of the directors
then in office, but only to eliminate vacancies existing by reason of the death,
resignation, removal or expiration of the term of one or more directors. The
directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of stockholders by such
stockholders as have the right to vote on such election. No director need be a
stockholder of the corporation.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if the corporation is a
"registered corporation" within the meaning of Section 50A of the Massachusetts
Business Corporation Law, as amended, and has not elected, pursuant to paragraph
(b) of such Section 50A, to be exempt from the provisions of Paragraph (a) of
such Section 50A, then:

                           (i)    In accordance with paragraph (d), clause (iv)
of such Section 50A, the number of directors shall be fixed only by vote of the
Board of Directors.

                                       -5-

<PAGE>   6




                           (ii)   In accordance with paragraph (a) of such
Section 50A, the directors of the corporation shall be classified with respect
to the time for which they severally hold office, into three classes, as nearly
equal in number as possible; the term of office of those of the first class
("Class I Directors") to continue until the first annual meeting following the
date the corporation becomes subject to such paragraph (a) and until their
successors are duly elected and qualified; the term of office of those of the
second class ("Class II Directors") to continue until the second annual meeting
following the date the corporation becomes subject to such paragraph (a) and
until their successors are duly elected and qualified; and the term of office of
those of the third class ("Class III Directors") to continue until the third
annual meeting following the date the corporation becomes subject to such
paragraph (a) and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. At each
annual meeting of the corporation, the successors to the class of directors
whose term expires at that meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term
continuing until the annual meeting held in the third year following the year of
their election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

         Section 2.   ENLARGEMENT OF THE BOARD. The number of directors may be
increased at any time and from time to time by a majority of the directors then
in office. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if the directors of the
corporation are classified with respect to the time for which they severally
hold office pursuant to paragraph (a) of Section 50A of the Massachusetts
Business Corporation Law, as it may be amended from time to time, the Board of
Directors may be enlarged only in accordance with the provisions of paragraph
(d) of such Section 50A.

         Section 3.   TENURE. Except as otherwise provided by law, these By-Laws
or the Articles of Organization, each director shall hold office until the next
annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is elected and qualified,
or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.

         Section 4.   VACANCIES. Unless and until filled by the stockholders,
any vacancy in the Board of Directors, however occurring, including a vacancy
resulting from an enlargement of the Board, may be filled by vote of a majority
of the directors present at the meeting of directors at which a quorum is
present. Each such successor shall hold office for the unexpired term of his
predecessor and until his successor is chosen and qualified or until his earlier
death, resignation or removal. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if the
directors of the corporation are classified with respect to the time for which
they severally hold office pursuant to paragraph (a) of Section 50A of the
Massachusetts Business Corporation Law, as it may be amended from time to time,
any vacancy in the Board of Directors, however occurring, shall be filled solely
in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d) of such Section 50A.


                                       -6-

<PAGE>   7




         Section 5.   RESIGNATION. Any director may resign by delivering his
written resignation to the corporation at its principal office or to the
President or Clerk. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it
is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the happening of some
other event.

         Section 6.   REMOVAL. A director may be removed from office with or
without cause by vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to
vote in the election of directors. However, the directors elected by the holders
of a particular class or series of stock may be removed from office with or
without cause only by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of such class or series. In addition, a director may be removed from
office for cause by vote of a majority of the directors then in office. A
director may be removed for cause only after reasonable notice and opportunity
to be heard before the body proposing to remove him. Notwithstanding the
foregoing provision, if the directors of the corporation are classified with
respect to the time for which they severally hold office pursuant to paragraph
(a) of Section 50A of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law, as it may be
amended from time to time, directors may only be removed for cause pursuant to
paragraph (c) of such Section 50A.

         Section 7.   NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS. Only persons who are nominated in
accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 7 shall be eligible for
election as directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of
Directors of the corporation may be made at a meeting of stockholders of the
corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting who
complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 7. Any such
nomination by a stockholder shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing
to the Clerk of the corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice shall be
delivered to the principal executive offices of the corporation not less than 30
days nor more than 90 days prior to the date of the meeting; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that in the event that less than 40 days' notice or prior public disclosure of
the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, timely notice by the
stockholder must be received not later than the close of business on the 10th
day following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed
or such public disclosure was made. Such stockholder's notice shall set forth
(a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or
re-election as a director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence
address of such person (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such
person, (iii) the class and number of shares of the corporation which are
beneficially owned by such person and (iv) any other information relating to
such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for
election of directors or is otherwise required in each case pursuant to
Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including
without limitation such person's written consent to being named in the proxy
statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and (b) as to
the stockholder giving the notice, (i) the


                                       -7-

<PAGE>   8



name and address, as they appear on the corporation's books, of such stockholder
and (ii) the class and number of shares of the corporation which are
beneficially owned by such stockholder. At the request of the Board of
Directors, any person nominated by the Board of Directors for election as a
director shall furnish to the Clerk of the corporation that information required
to be set forth in a stockholder's notice of nomination which pertains to the
nominee. No later than the tenth day following the date of receipt of a
stockholder nomination submitted pursuant to this Section 7, the Chairman of the
Board of Directors of the corporation shall, if the facts warrant, determine and
notify in writing the stockholder making such nomination that such nomination
was not made in accordance with the time limits and/or other procedures
prescribed by these By-Laws. If no such notification is mailed to such
stockholder within such ten-day period, such nomination shall be deemed to have
been made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.

         Section 8.   POWERS. The business of the corporation shall be managed
by a Board of Directors, who may exercise all the powers of the corporation
except as otherwise provided by law, by the Articles of Organization or by these
By-Laws. In the event of a vacancy in the Board of Directors, the remaining
Directors, except as otherwise provided by law, may exercise the powers of the
full Board until the vacancy is filled.

         Section 9.   CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The
Board of Directors may appoint a Chairman of the Board. If the Board of
Directors appoints a Chairman of the Board, he shall perform such duties and
possess such powers as are assigned to him by the Board of Directors. If the
Board of Directors appoints a Vice-Chairman of the Board, he shall, in the
absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board, perform the duties and
exercise the powers of the Chairman of the Board and shall perform such other
duties and possess such other powers as may from time to time be vested in him
by the Board of Directors.

         Section 10.  REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the Directors may be
held without call or notice at such places, within or without Massachusetts, and
at such times as the Directors may from time to time determine, provided that
any Director who is absent when such determination is made shall be given notice
of the determination. A regular meeting of the Directors may be held without a
call or notice immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of
stockholders.

         Section 11.  SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Directors may be
held at any time and place, within or without Massachusetts, designated in a
call by the Chairman of the Board, President, Treasurer, two or more Directors
or by one Director in the event that there is only a single Director in office.

         Section 12.  MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALLS. Directors or
members of any committee designated by the Board of Directors may participate


                                       -8-

<PAGE>   9



in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a
conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all
persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time and
participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.

         Section 13.  NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETINGS. Notice of any special meeting
of the Board of Directors shall be given to each director by the Clerk or by the
officer or one of the directors calling the meeting. Notice shall be duly given
to each director (i) by notice given to such director in person or by telephone
at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, (ii) by sending a telegram or
telex, or by delivering written notice by hand, to his last known business or
written notice to his last known business or home address at least 72 hours in
advance of the meeting. Notice need not be given to any director if a written
waiver of notice, executed by him before or after the meeting, is filed with the
records of the meeting, or to any director who attends the meeting without
protesting prior to the meeting or at its commencement the lack of notice to
specify the purposes of the meeting. If notice is given in person or by
telephone, an affidavit of the Clerk, officer or director who gives such notice
that the notice has been duly given shall, in the absence of fraud, be
conclusive evidence that such notice was duly given.

         Section 14.  QUORUM. At any meeting of the Board of Directors, a
majority of the directors then in office shall constitute a quorum. Less than a
quorum may adjourn any meeting from time to time without further notice.

         Section 15.  ACTION AT MEETING. At any meeting of the Board of
Directors at which a quorum is present, the vote of a majority of those present
shall be sufficient to take any action, unless a different vote is specified by
law, by the Articles of Organization or by these By-Laws.

         Section 16.  ACTION BY CONSENT. Any action required or permitted to be
taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if
all of the directors consent to the action in writing and such consents are
filed with the records of the meetings of the Board of Directors. Such consents
shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting.

         Section 17.  COMMITTEES. The Board of Directors may, by vote of a
majority of the directors then in office, elect from their number an executive
committee or other committees and may by like vote delegate to committees so
elected some or all of their powers to the extent permitted by law. Except as
the Board of Directors may otherwise determine, any such committee may make
rules for the conduct of its business, but unless otherwise provided by the
directors or in such rules, its business shall be conducted as nearly as
possible in the same manner as is provided by these By-Laws for the directors.
The Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to fill vacancies in any
such committee, to changes its membership


                                       -9-

<PAGE>   10



or to discharge the committee.

         Section 18.  COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS. Directors may be paid such
compensation for their services and such reimbursement for expenses of
attendance at meetings as the Board of Directors may from time to time
determine. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the
corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                    OFFICERS

         Section 1.   DESIGNATION AND QUALIFICATION. The officers of the
corporation shall consist of a President, a Treasurer, a Clerk, and such other
officers including one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Treasurers and
Assistant Clerks as the Board of Directors may elect. No officer need be a
stockholder or a director. The Clerk shall be a resident of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts unless the corporation has a resident agent appointed to accept
service of process. A person may hold more than one office at the same time
provided that the President and Clerk may not be the same person except when
there is only one stockholder. Any officer may be required by the Board of
Directors to give bond for the faithful performance of his duties to the
corporation in such amount and with such sureties as the Board of Directors may
determine.

         Section 2.   ELECTION AND TERM. The President, Treasurer and Clerk
shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors at the annual meeting of the
Board of Directors and shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the
Board of Directors and until their respective successors are chosen and
qualified. All other officers may be elected by the Board of Directors at any
time and shall hold office for such term as the Board of Directors determines.

         Section 3.   PRESIDENT. The President shall be the chief executive
officer of the corporation, except as the Board of Directors may otherwise
provide, and shall have general supervision and control of the business of the
corporation subject to the direction of the Board of Directors. The President
shall also have such other powers and duties as the Board of Directors may
decide. It shall be his duty, and he shall have the power, to see that all
orders and resolutions of the directors are carried into effect. Unless the
Board of Directors provides otherwise, the President or his designee shall
preside at all meetings of the stockholders and at all meetings of the Board of
Directors. Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, the President
may on behalf of the corporation vote or consent to any action with respect to
or in connection with any interest that the corporation may hold or have in any
other corporation or in any partnership, joint venture, association, trust,
proprietorship, business entity or common undertaking whatsoever, and may
appoint


                                      -10-

<PAGE>   11



any other person or persons to act as proxy or attorney-in-fact for the
corporation, with or without power of substitution. The Board of Directors may
from time to time confer like powers upon any other officer.

         Section 4.   VICE PRESIDENT. The Vice President or Vice Presidents, if
any, shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned to them
by the Board of Directors or the President. In the absence of the President or
in the event of his inability to act, the Vice President, if any, or, if there
is more than one Vice President, the First Vice President, or, if no First Vice
President has been designed, the Vice President senior in office, shall have and
may exercise all the powers and duties of the President.

         Section 5.   TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS. The Treasurer shall
have, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, general charge of the
financial affairs of the corporation and shall keep full and accurate records
thereof, which shall always be open to the inspection of the President or of any
director. He shall render to the President or to the Board of Directors,
whenever either may require it, a statement of the accounts of his transactions
as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the corporation. The Treasurer
shall perform such duties and have such powers additional to the foregoing as
the directors may designate.

         Any Assistant Treasurer shall have such powers and duties as the Board
of Directors may decide.

         Section 6.   CLERK AND ASSISTANT CLERKS. The Clerk shall record in
books kept for that purpose all votes, consents and the proceedings of all
meeting of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors. Record books of
stockholders' meetings shall be open at all reasonable times to the inspection
of any stockholder. The Clerk shall notify the stockholders and directors of all
meetings in accordance with the By-Laws.

         In the absence of the Clerk from any meeting of the stockholders or
from any meeting of the directors, the Assistant Clerk, if one be elected, or,
if there be more than one, the one designated for the purpose by the directors,
and otherwise a temporary clerk designated by the person presiding at the
meeting, shall perform the duties of the Clerk.

         Any Assistant Clerk shall have such other powers and duties as the
Board of Directors may decide.

         Section 7.   VACANCIES. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the
Board of Directors by the election of a successor to hold office for the
unexpired term of the officer whose place is vacant and until his successor is
chosen and qualified.


                                      -11-

<PAGE>   12



         Section 8.   REMOVAL. All officers may be removed from their respective
offices with or without cause by vote of a majority of the directors then in
office. An officer may be removed for cause only after a reasonable notice and
opportunity to be heard before the Board of Directors.

         Section 9.   RESIGNATION. Any officer may at any time resign his office
by delivering a written resignation to the Board of Directors, the President or
the Clerk. Such resignation, unless a later date is specified therein, shall
take effect upon receipt by the addressee or at the principal office of the
corporation, and acceptance thereof shall not be necessary to make it effective.

         Section 10.  SALARIES. Officers of the corporation shall be entitled to
such salaries, compensation or reimbursement as shall be fixed or allowed from
time to time by the Board of Directors.

                                    ARTICLE V

                                  CAPITAL STOCK

         Section 1.   CERTIFICATES OF STOCK. Each stockholder shall be entitled
to a certificate of the form approved by the Board of Directors stating the
number, class, and designation of series, if any, of the shares held by him.
Such certificate shall be signed by the President or a Vice President and by the
Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer. Such signatures may be facsimiles if the
certificate is countersigned by a transfer agent, or by a registrar of
transfers, other than a director, officer or employee of the corporation. In
case any officer who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed on
such certificate shall have ceased to be such officer before such certificate is
issued, it may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if he was
such officer at the time of its issue.

         Every certificate for shares of stock subject to any restriction on
transfer pursuant to the Articles of Organization, these By-Laws, or any
agreement to which the corporation is a party shall have the restriction noted
conspicuously on the certificate and shall also set forth on the face or back
either in full text of the restriction or a statement of the existence of such
restriction and a statement that the corporation will furnish a copy to the
holder of such certificate upon written request and without charge. If the
corporation is authorized to issue more than one class or series of stock, every
certificate issued shall set forth on its face or back either the full text of
the preferences, voting powers, qualifications and special and relative rights
of the shares of each class and series authorized to be issued or a statement of
the existence of such preferences, powers, qualification and rights, and a
statement that the corporation will furnish a copy thereof to the holder of such
certificate upon written request and without charge.



                                      -12-

<PAGE>   13



         Section 2.   TRANSFER. Shares of stock shall be transferred of record
on the books of the corporation only upon the surrender to the corporation or
its transfer agent of the certificate therefor properly endorsed for transfer
(or accompanied by a written assignment and power of attorney properly executed
for transfer; and only upon compliance with provisions, if any, respecting
restrictions on transfer contained in the Articles of Organization, these
By-Laws or any agreement to which the corporation is a party. The corporation
may require proof of the genuineness of the signature and the capacity of the
party presenting the certificate for transfer.

         It shall be the duty of each stockholder to notify the corporation of
his post office address and of his taxpayer identification number.

         Section 3.   INTEREST NOT RECOGNIZED. The corporation shall be entitled
to treat the holder of record of any share or shares of stock as the holder in
fact thereof and shall not be bound to recognize any other claim to or interest
in such share or shares on the part of any other person except as may be
otherwise expressly provided by law.

         Section 4.   LOST, MUTILATED, OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES. Subject to
Section 8-405 of the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code, as amended from time
to time, the Board of Directors may determine the conditions upon which a new
certificate of stock may be issued in place of any certificate alleged to have
been lost, mutilated or destroyed. It may, in its discretion, require the owner
of a lost, mutilated or destroyed certificate, or his legal representative, to
give a bond, with or without surety, sufficient in its opinion to indemnify the
corporation against any loss, claim or expense which may arise by reason of the
issuance of a new certificate in place of such lost, mutilated or destroyed
stock certificate.

         Section 5.   TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR. The Board of Directors may
appoint a transfer agent or a registrar, or both, and require all stock
certificates to bear the signature or facsimile thereof of any such transfer
agent or registrar. Unless the Board of Directors shall appoint a transfer
agent, registrar or other officer or officers for the purpose, the Clerk shall
be charged with the duty of keeping, or causing to be kept, accurate records of
all stock outstanding, stock certificates issued, and stock transfers. Subject
to any other rules which may be adopted from time to time by the Board of
Directors, such records may be kept solely in the stock certificate books.

         Section 6.   SETTING RECORD DATE AND CLOSING TRANSFER RECORDS. The
Board of Directors may fix in advance a time not more than sixty days before (i)
the date of any meeting of the stockholders or (ii) the date for the payment of
any dividend or the making of any distribution to stockholders or (iii) the last
day on which the consent or dissent of stockholders may be effectively expressed
for any purpose, as the record date for determining the stockholders having the
right


                                      -13-

<PAGE>   14



to notice of, and to vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof, or the
right to receive such dividend or distribution, or the right to give such
consent or dissent. If a record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, only
stockholders of record on such date shall have such rights notwithstanding any
transfer of stock on the records of the corporation after such date. Without
fixing such record ate, the Board of Directors may close the transfer records of
the corporation for all or any part of such sixty-day period.

         If no record date is fixed and the transfer books are not closed, then
the record date for determining stockholders having the right to notice of or to
vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the date
next preceding the day on which notice is given, and the record date for
determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business
on the date on which the Board of Directors acts with respect thereto.

         Section 7.   ISSUE OF STOCK. Unless otherwise voted by the
stockholders, the whole or any party of any unissued balance of the authorized
capital stock of the corporation or the whole or any part of the capital stock
of the corporation held in its treasury may be issued or disposed of by vote of
the Board of Directors, in such manner, for such consideration and on such terms
as the directors may determine.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                              INSPECTION OF RECORDS

         The original, or attested copies of the Articles of Organization,
By-Laws and records of all meetings of the incorporators and stockholders, and
the stock and transfer records, which shall contain the names of all
stockholders and the record address and the amount of stock held by each, shall
be kept in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the principal office of the
corporation, or at any office of its transfer agent or of the Clerk or of its
resident agent. Said copies and records need not all be kept in the same office.
They shall be available at all reasonable times to the inspection of any
stockholder for any proper purpose but not so secure a list of stockholders for
the purpose of selling said list or copies thereof or of using the same for a
purpose other than in the interest of the applicant, as a stockholder, relative
to the affairs of the corporation.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                   CHECKS, NOTES, DRAFTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS

         Checks, notes, drafts and other instruments for the payment of money
drawn or endorsed in the name of the corporation may be signed by any officer or
officers or person or persons authorized by the directors to sign the same. No
officer or


                                      -14-

<PAGE>   15



person shall sign any such instrument as aforesaid unless authorized by the
directors to do so.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                   AMENDMENTS

         These By-Laws may be amended by vote of the holders of at least
sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the shares of each class of the
capital stock at the time outstanding and entitled to vote at any annual or
special meeting of stockholders, if notice of the substance of the proposed
amendment is stated in the notice of such meeting. If authorized by the Articles
of Organization, the Board of Directors, by a majority of their number then in
office, may also make, amend or repeal these By-Laws, in whole or in part,
except with respect to (a) the provisions of these By-Laws governing (i) the
removal of directors and (ii) the amendment of these By-Laws and (b) any
provision of these By-Laws which by law, the Articles of Organization or these
By-Laws requires action by the stockholders.

         Not later than the time of giving notice of the meeting of stockholders
next following the making, amending or repealing by the Board of Directors of
any ByLaw, notice stating the substance of such change shall be given to all
stockholders entitled to vote on amending the By-Laws.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

         Section 1.   TRANSACTIONS WITH INTERESTED PARTIES.

                  (a) A director who has a financial, family or other interest
in a contract or other transaction may be counted for purposes of establishing
the existence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors (or of a
committee of the Board of Directors) at which action with respect to the
transaction is taken and may vote to approve the transaction and any related
matters.

                  (b) A contract or other transaction in which a director or
officer has a financial, family or other interest shall not be void or voidable
for that reason, if any one of the following is met:

                      (1) The material facts as to the director's or officer's 
         interest are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or
         committee of the Board of Directors acting on the transaction, and the
         Board of Directors or committee authorities, approves or ratifies the
         transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested
         directors (or, if applicable, the sole disinterested


                                      -15-

<PAGE>   16


         director) on the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be,
         even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or

                      (2) The material facts as to the director's or officer's
         interest are disclosed or are known to the holders of the shares of the
         corporation's capital stock then entitled to vote for directors and
         such holders, voting such shares as a single class, by a majority of
         the votes cast on the question, specifically authorize, approve or
         ratify the transaction; or

                      (3) The transaction was fair to the corporation as of the
         time it was entered into by the corporation.

         A failure to meet any of the requirements in subparagraphs (1), (2) or
(3) shall not create an inference that the transaction is void or voidable for
that reason.

         Section 2.   MASSACHUSETTS CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITION ACT. The 
provisions of Chapter 110D of the Massachusetts General Laws shall not apply to
the corporation.

         Section 3.   EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY. A certificate by the Clerk or an
Assistant Clerk or a temporary Clerk as to any action taken by the stockholders,
the Board of Directors, any committee or any officer or representative of the
corporation shall as to all persons who rely on the certificate in good faith be
conclusive evidence of such action.

         Section 4.   ARTICLE OF ORGANIZATION. All references in these By-Laws
to the Articles of Organization shall be deemed to refer to the Articles of
Organization of the corporation, as amended and in effect from time to time.

         Section 5.   SEVERABILITY. Any determination that any provision of
these By-Laws is for any reason inapplicable, illegal or ineffective shall not
affect or invalidate any other provision of these By-Laws.

         Section 6.   PRONOUNS. All pronouns used in these By-Laws shall be
deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the
identity of the person or persons may require.


                                          Approved as Amended and Restated by
                                          the Board of Directors on February 10,
                                          1999

                                          Approved as Amended and Restated by
                                          the Stockholders on February 17, 1999



                                      -16-





<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 10.4

                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                        1999 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

         The purpose of this Plan is to provide eligible employees of MKS
Instruments, Inc. (the "Company") and certain of its subsidiaries with
opportunities to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock, no par value per
share (the "Common Stock"), commencing on June 1, 1999; provided, that at such
time the Company's Common Stock shall be listed for trading on the Nasdaq
National Market or a national securities exchange. Four hundred fifty thousand
(450,000) shares of Common Stock in the aggregate have been approved for this
purpose. This Plan is intended to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan"
as defined in Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code") and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and shall be interpreted
consistent therewith. All share amounts set forth in this Plan reflect the
3-for-2 stock split approved by the Board of Directors of the Company on
February 10, 1999 (the "1999 Stock Split").

         1.       ADMINISTRATION. The Plan will be administered by the Company's
Board of Directors (the "Board") or by a Committee appointed by the Board (the
"Committee"). The Board or the Committee has authority to make rules and
regulations for the administration of the Plan and its interpretation and
decisions with regard thereto shall be final and conclusive.

         2.       ELIGIBILITY. All employees of the Company, including Directors
who are employees, and all employees of any subsidiary of the Company (as
defined in Section 424(f) of the Code) designated by the Board or the Committee
from time to time (a "Designated Subsidiary"), other than employees of the
Company or any designated Subsidiary who are "highly compensated" within the
meaning of Section 414(q) of the Code, are eligible to participate in any one or
more of the Offerings (as defined in Section 9) to purchase Common Stock under
the Plan provided that:

                  (a) they are customarily employed by the Company or a
         Designated Subsidiary for more than 20 hours a week and for more than
         six months in a calendar year; and

                  (b) they have been employed by the Company or a Designated
         Subsidiary for at least six months prior to enrolling in the Plan; and

                  (c) they are employees of the Company or a Designated
         Subsidiary on the first day of the applicable Plan Period (as defined
         below).

         No employee may be granted an option hereunder if such employee,
immediately after the option is granted, owns 5% or more of the total combined
voting power or value of the stock of the Company or any subsidiary. For
purposes of the preceding sentence, the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of
the Code shall apply in determining the stock ownership of an employee, and all
stock which the employee has a contractual right to purchase shall be treated as
stock owned by the employee.



<PAGE>   2



         3.       OFFERINGS. The Company will make one or more offerings
("Offerings") to employees to purchase stock under this Plan. Offerings will
begin each June 1 and December 1, or the first business day thereafter (the
"Offering Commencement Dates"). Each Offering Commencement Date will begin a six
(6) month period (a "Plan Period") during which Payroll deductions will be made
and held for the purchase of Common Stock at the end of the Plan Period. The
Board or the Committee may, at its discretion, choose a different Plan Period of
twelve (12) months or less for subsequent Offerings.

         4.       PARTICIPATION. An employee eligible on the Offering
Commencement Date of any Offering may participate in such Offering by completing
and forwarding a payroll deduction authorization form to the employee's
appropriate payroll office at least 30 days prior to the applicable Offering
Commencement Date. The form will authorize a regular payroll deduction from the
Compensation, as defined below, received by the employee during the Plan Period.
Unless an employee files a new form or withdraws from the Plan, his deductions
and purchases will continue at the same rate for future Offerings under the Plan
as long as the Plan remains in effect. The term "Compensation" means the amount
of money reportable on the employee's Federal Income Tax Withholding Statement,
excluding overtime, shift premium, incentive or bonus awards, allowances and
reimbursements for expenses such as relocation allowances for travel expenses,
income or gains on the exercise of Company stock options or stock appreciation
rights, and similar items, whether or not shown on the employee's Federal Income
Tax Withholding Statement, but including, in the case of salespersons, sales
commissions to the extent determined by the Board or the Committee.

         5.       DEDUCTIONS. The Company will maintain payroll deduction
accounts for all participating employees. With respect to any Offering made
under this Plan, an employee may authorize a payroll deduction in any whole
percent amount up to a maximum of 10% (or such lower percentage as may be
established by the Board or the Committee) of the Compensation he or she
receives during the Plan Period or such shorter period during which deductions
from payroll are made. The minimum payroll deduction is such percentage of
compensation as may be established from time to time by the Board or the
Committee.

         No employee may be granted an Option (as defined in Section 9) which
permits his rights to purchase Common Stock under this Plan and any other
employee stock purchase plan (as defined in Section 423(b) of the Code) of the
Company and its subsidiaries, to accrue at a rate which exceeds $25,000 of the
fair market value of such Common Stock (determined at the Offering Commencement
Date of the Plan Period) for each calendar year in which the Option is
outstanding at any time.

         6.       DEDUCTION CHANGES. An employee may decrease, subject to
section 5 hereof or discontinue his payroll deduction once during any Plan
Period, by filing a new payroll deduction authorization form. However, an
employee may not elect to increase his payroll deduction during a Plan Period.
If an employee elects to

                                       -2-

<PAGE>   3



discontinue his payroll deductions during a Plan Period, but does not elect to
withdraw his funds pursuant to Section 8 hereof, funds deducted prior to his
election to discontinue will be applied to the purchase of Common Stock on the
Exercise Date (as defined below).

         7.       INTEREST. Interest will not be paid on employee accounts.

         8.       WITHDRAWAL OF FUNDS. An employee may at any time prior to the
close of business on the last business day in a Plan Period and for any reason
permanently draw out the balance accumulated in the employee's account and
thereby withdraw from participation in an Offering. Partial withdrawals are not
permitted. The employee may not begin participation again during the remainder
of the Plan Period. The employee may participate in any subsequent Offering in
accordance with terms and conditions established by the Board or the Committee.

         9.       PURCHASE OF SHARES. On the Offering Commencement Date of each
Plan Period, the Company will grant to each eligible employee who is then a
participant in the Plan an option ("Option") to purchase on the last business
day of such Plan Period (the "Exercise Date"), at the Option Price hereinafter
provided for, the largest number of whole shares of Common Stock of the Company
as does not exceed the number of shares determined by multiplying $2,083 by the
number of full months in the Offering Period and dividing the results by the
closing price (as defined below) on the Offering Commencement Date of such Plan
Period.

         The purchase price for each share purchased will be 85% of the closing
price of the Common Stock on (i) the first business day of such Plan Period or
(ii) the Exercise Date, whichever closing price shall be less. Such closing
price shall be (a) the closing price on any national securities exchange on
which the Common Stock is listed, (b) the closing price of the Common Stock on
the Nasdaq National Market or (c) the average of the closing bid and asked
prices in the over-the-counter-market, whichever is applicable, as published in
The Wall Street Journal. If no sales of Common Stock were made on such a day,
the price of the Common Stock for purposes of clauses (a) and (b) above shall be
the reported price for the next preceding day on which sales were made.

         Each employee who continues to be a participant in the Plan on the
Exercise Date shall be deemed to have exercised his Option at the Option Price
on such date and shall be deemed to have purchased from the Company the number
of full shares of Common Stock reserved for the purpose of the Plan that his
accumulated payroll deductions on such date will pay for, but not in excess of
the maximum number determined in the manner set forth above.

         Any balance remaining in an employee's payroll deduction account at the
end of a Plan Period will be automatically refunded to the employee, except that
any balance which is less than the purchase price of one share of Common Stock
will be carried forward into the employee's payroll deduction account for the
following


                                       -3-

<PAGE>   4



Offering, unless the employee elects not to participate in the following
Offering under the Plan, in which case the balance in the employee's account
shall be refunded.

         10.      ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES. Certificates representing shares of
Common Stock purchased under the Plan may be issued only in the name of the
employee, in the name of the employee and another person of legal age as joint
tenants with rights of survivorship, or (in the Company's sole discretion in the
name of a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee holder designated by the
employee. The Company may, in its sole discretion and in compliance with
applicable laws, authorize the use of book entry registration of shares in lieu
of issuing stock certificates.

         11.      RIGHTS ON RETIREMENT, DEATH OR TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. In
the event of a participating employee's termination of employment prior to the
last business day of a Plan Period, no payroll deduction shall be taken from any
pay due and owing to an employee and the balance in the employee's account shall
be paid to the employee or, in the event of the employee's death, (a) to a
beneficiary previously designated in a revocable notice signed by the employee
(with any spousal consent required under state law) or (b) in the absence such a
designated beneficiary, to the executor or administrator of the employee's
estate or (c) if no such executor or administrator has been appointed to the
knowledge of the Company, to such other person(s) as the Company may, in its
discretion, designate. If, prior to the last business day of the Plan Period,
the Designated Subsidiary by which an employee is employed shall cease to be a
subsidiary of the Company, or if the employee is transferred to a subsidiary of
the Company that is not a Designated Subsidiary, the employee shall be deemed to
have terminated employment for the purposes of this Plan.

         12.      OPTIONEES NOT STOCKHOLDERS. No employee shall have any rights
as a stockholder with respect to any shares of Common Stock to be distributed
with respect to an Option until becoming the record holder or such shares.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Company effects a split of the
Common Stock by means of a stock dividend (and the exercise price of and the
number of shares subject to such Option are adjusted as of the date of the
distribution of the dividend rather than as of the record date for such
dividend), then an optionee who is deemed to have exercised an Option between
the record date and the distribution date for such stock dividend shall be
entitled to receive, on the distribution date, the stock dividend with respect
to the shares of Common Stock.

         13.      RIGHTS NOT TRANSFERABLE. Rights under this Plan are not
transferable by a participating employee other than by will or the laws of
descent and distribution, and are exercisable during the employee's lifetime
only by the employee.

         14.      APPLICATION OF FUNDS. All funds received or held by the
Company under this Plan may be combined with other corporate funds and may be
used for any corporate purpose.


                                       -4-

<PAGE>   5



         15.      ADJUSTMENT IN CASE OF CHANGES AFFECTING COMMON STOCK. In the
event, at any time after the 1999 Stock Split, of a subdivision of outstanding
shares of Common Stock, or the payment of a dividend in Common Stock, the number
of shares approved for this Plan, and the share limitation set forth in Section
9, shall be increased proportionately, and such other adjustment shall be made
as may be deemed equitable by the Board or the Committee. In the event of any
other change affecting the Common Stock, such adjustment shall be made as may be
deemed equitable by the Board or the Committee to give proper effect to such
event.

         16.      MERGER. If the Company shall at any time merge or consolidate
with another corporation and the holders of the capital stock of the Company
immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continue to hold at least 80%
by voting power of the capital stock of the surviving corporation ("Continuity
of Control"), the holder of each Option then outstanding will thereafter be
entitled to receive at the next Exercise Date upon the exercise of such Option
for each share as to which such Option shall be exercised the securities or
property which a holder of one share of the Common Stock was entitled to upon
and at the time of such merger or consolidation, and the Board or the Committee
shall take such steps in connection with such merger or consolidation as the
Board or the Committee shall deem necessary to assure that the provisions of
Section 15 shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as reasonably may be, in
relation to the said securities or property as to which such holder of such
Option might thereafter be entitled to receive thereunder.

         In the event of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into
another corporation which does not involve Continuity of Control, or of a sale
of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company while unexercised
Options remain outstanding under the Plan, all outstanding Options shall be
cancelled by the Board or the Committee as of the effective date of any such
transaction, provided that notice of such cancellation shall be given to each
holder of an Option, and each holder of an Option shall have the right to
exercise such Option in full based on payroll deductions then credited to his
account as of a date determined by the Board or the Committee, which date shall
not be less than ten (10) days preceding the effective date of such transaction.

         17.      AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN. The Board may at any time, and from
time to time, amend this Plan in any respect, except that (a) if the approval of
any such amendment by the shareholders of the Company is required by Section 423
of the Code, such amendment shall not be effected without such approval, and (b)
in no event may any amendment be made which would cause the Plan to fail to
comply with Section 423 of the Code.

         18.      INSUFFICIENT SHARES. In the event that the total number of
shares of Common Stock specified in elections to be purchased under any Offering
plus the number of shares purchased under previous Offerings under this Plan
exceeds the maximum number of shares issuable under this Plan, the Board or the
Committee will allot the shares then available on a pro rata basis.


                                       -5-

<PAGE>   6



         19.      TERMINATION OF THE PLAN. This Plan may be terminated at any
time by the Board. Upon termination of this Plan all amounts in the accounts of
participating employees shall be promptly refunded.

         20.      GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS. The Company's obligation to sell and
deliver Common Stock under this Plan is subject to listing on a national stock
exchange or quotation on the Nasdaq National Market and the approval of all or
sale of such stock.

         21.      GOVERNING LAW. The Plan shall be governed by Massachusetts law
except to the extent that such law is preempted by federal law.

         22.      ISSUANCE OF SHARES. Shares may be issued upon exercise of an
Option from authorized but unissued Common Stock, from shares held in the
treasury of the Company, or from any other proper source.

         23.      NOTIFICATION UPON SALE OF SHARES. Each employee agrees, by
entering the Plan, to promptly give the Company notice of any disposition of
shares purchased under the Plan where such disposition occurs within two years
after the date of grant of the Option pursuant to which such shares were
purchased or one year after the date of exercise of the Option.

         24.      EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPROVAL OF STOCKHOLDERS The Plan shall
take effect on June 1, 1999 if at such time the Common Stock is listed for
trading on the Nasdaq National Market or a national securities exchange, subject
to approval by the stockholders of the Company as required by Section 423 of the
Code, which approval must occur within twelve months of the adoption of the Plan
by the Board.


                                             Adopted by the Board of Directors
                                             on February 10, 1999
                                             Approval by the Stockholders on
                                             February 17, 1999


<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.9


                                 LOAN AGREEMENT


      This Loan Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of the 31st day
of October, 1995, by and between The First National Bank of Boston ("Lender")
and MKS Instruments, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("Borrower").

                                    PREMISES:

      WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lender make loans to it; and

      WHEREAS, the Lender is willing to lend funds to the Borrower on the terms
and conditions hereinafter set forth;

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and
valuable consideration, the adequacy and receipt of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

      1.1 Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement,
the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, which meanings shall be
equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms:

            1.1.1 "Affiliate" of any Person shall mean any other Person which,
directly or indirectly, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, "control" of any
Person shall mean the power, directly or indirectly, either to (i) vote 10% or
more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of
directors of such Person or (ii) direct the management and policies of such
Person, whether by contract or otherwise. As to the Borrower, the term
"Affiliate" shall include, without limitation, any partnership or joint venture
of which the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower is a general partner or
is a limited partner with more than a ten percent (10%) interest, and any
director or executive officer of the Borrower.

            1.1.2 "Base Rate" shall mean the rate of interest announced by the
Lender at its head office from time to time as its "Base Rate".

            1.1.3 "Base Rate Loan" shall mean a portion of the Term Loan as to
which the Borrower elects to pay interest at the Base Rate as provided in
Section 2.2.


                                     - 1 -
<PAGE>   2
            1.1.4 "Business Day" shall mean a day on which commercial banks are
required to be open for business in Boston, Massachusetts.

            1.1.5 "Cash Flow Ratio" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.7(c).

            1.1.6 "Closing Date" shall mean the date of this Agreement.

            1.1.7 "Compliance Certificate" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 6.1(c).

            1.1.8 "Consolidated Debt Service" shall mean for any period the sum
(without duplication) of Interest Expense, the interest portion of Financing
Lease Obligations and required principal payments on long-term debt of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis.

            1.1.9 "Consolidated Indebtedness" shall mean the Indebtedness of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis.

            1.1.10 "Consolidated Net Income" shall mean for any period the net
income (or loss) for such period (before extraordinary items and excluding the
net income of any business entity that is not a Subsidiary in which the Borrower
or one of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest unless such net income
shall have actually been received by such company in the form of cash
distributions) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries after deducting all
operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, Interest Expense, the
interest portion of Financing Lease Obligations, all taxes in respect of income
and profits paid or payable (including accrued Sub S distributions required to
make shareholder tax payments) and all other proper deductions, all determined
on a consolidated basis.

            1.1.11 "Consolidated Operating Cash Flow" shall mean for any period,
the net income (or loss) for such period (before extraordinary items and
excluding the net income of any business entity that is not a Subsidiary in
which the Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest unless
such net income shall have actually been received by such company in the form of
cash distributions) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries before deducting
Interest Expense and taxes and after restoring thereto depreciation of real and
personal property and leasehold improvements and amortization and after
deducting cash taxes paid, Sub S distributions required to make shareholder tax
payments, and capital expenditures incurred, provided that capital expenditures
shall not include real estate purchases funded by debt.


                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>   3
            1.1.12 "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" shall mean, at any time,
net stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles including the book
amount of all minority interests in MKS International, Inc. but excluding the
book amount of all minority interests in other Affiliates and any foreign
exchange translation adjustment, with no upward adjustments due to a
reevaluation of assets (other than any such upward adjustment as may be required
under generally accepted accounting principles in connection with the
acquisition by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of another company or entity)
minus the following items (without duplication of deductions) appearing on the
balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries:

                  (a) the book amount of all assets (including, without
limitation, goodwill, patents, trademarks, copyrights, organizational expense
and unamortized debt discount) that would be treated as intangibles under
generally accepted accounting principles;

                  (b) treasury stock; and

                  (c) any write-up in the book amount of any asset or Investment
subsequent to the Closing Date, resulting from a reevaluation or reappraisal
thereof from the amount entered in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles by the Borrower or any Subsidiary on its books with respect to its
acquisition of the asset or Investment.

            1.1.13 "Costs" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.

            1.1.14 "Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 7.7(b).

            1.1.15 "Default" shall mean any event that, with the lapse of time,
the giving of notice, or both, would become an Event of Default hereunder.

            1.1.16 "Event of Default" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 8.1 hereof.

            1.1.17 "Financing Lease" shall mean any lease of the Borrower or a
Subsidiary, as lessee, that is shown or is required to be shown in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles as a liability on the balance
sheet of the lessee thereunder.


                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>   4
            1.1.18 "Financing Lease Obligation" shall mean for any period the
monetary obligation of the lessee under a Financing Lease. The amount of a
Financing Lease Obligation at any date is the amount at which the lessee's
liability under the Financing Lease would be required to be shown on its balance
sheet at such date.

            1.1.19 "Hazardous Substances" shall mean any hazardous waste, as
defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 6903(5), any hazardous substances, as defined by 42
U.S.C. Section 9601(14), any pollutant or contaminant, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 
Section 9601(33), or any toxic substance, oil or hazardous materials or other 
chemicals or substances regulated by any laws or regulations relating to the 
discharge of air pollutants, water pollutants or processed wastewater.

            1.1.20 "Indebtedness" shall mean, for any Person, (a) all
obligations of such Person that in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles would be reflected on the balance sheet of such Person as a
liability, (b) all obligations of any other Person the payment or collection of
which such Person has guaranteed (except by reason of endorsement for collection
in the ordinary course of business) or in respect of which such Person is
liable, contingently or otherwise, including, without limitation, liable by way
of agreement to purchase, to provide funds for payment, to supply funds to or
otherwise to invest in such other Person, or otherwise to assure a creditor
against loss, (c) all obligations of any other Person for borrowed money or for
the deferred purchase price of property or services secured by (or for which the
holder of such indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to
be secured by) any mortgage, or other encumbrance upon or in property
(including, without limitation, accounts and contract rights) owned by such
Person, whether or not such Person has assumed or become liable for the payment
of such indebtedness or obligations, and (d) Financing Lease Obligations of such
Person.

            1.1.21 "Interest Expense" shall mean for any period the aggregate
amount of interest recorded, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, on the financial statements for that period by the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries in respect of Consolidated Indebtedness incurred for borrowed 
money.

            1.1.22 "Interest Period" shall mean the period designated by the
Borrower as such in the Interest Rate Change Notice for any portion of the Term
Loan pursuant to and subject to the limitations set forth in Section 2.2.

            1.1.23 "Interest Rate Change Notice" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 2.2.

            1.1.24 "Interest Rate Determination Date" shall mean the third
Business Day prior to the first day of the related Interest Period for a LIBOR
Loan.


                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>   5
            1.1.25 "Interim Maturity Date" shall mean the last day of any
Interest Period.

            1.1.26 "Investments" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.4.

            1.1.27 "LIBOR Loan" shall mean a portion of the Term Loan as to
which the Borrower elects to pay interest using the LIBOR Rate as provided in
Section 2.2.

            1.1.28 "LIBOR Rate" shall mean for any Interest Rate Determination
Date, the rate obtained by dividing (i) the quotation offered by the Lender in
the interbank Eurodollar market for U.S. dollar deposits of amounts in
immediately available funds comparable to the portion of the Term Loan for which
the LIBOR Rate is being determined with a maturity comparable to the Interest
Period for which such LIBOR Rate will apply as of approximately noon (Boston
time) three Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period by
(ii) a percentage equal to 100% minus the stated maximum rate of all reserves
required to be maintained against "Eurocurrency liabilities" as specified in
Regulation D (or against any other category of liabilities that includes
deposits by reference to which the interest rate on LIBOR Loans is determined)
as applicable on such date to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System.

            1.1.29 "Licenses" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.8.

            1.1.30 "Lien" shall mean any interest in property securing an
obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the
property, whether the interest is based on common law, statute or contract
(including the security interest lien arising from a mortgage, encumbrance,
pledge, conditional sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment
for security purposes). For the purposes of this Agreement, the Borrower or a
subsidiary shall be deemed to be the owner of any property that it has acquired
or holds subject to a Financing Lease or a conditional sale agreement or other
arrangement pursuant to which title to the property has been retained by or
vested in some other Person for security purposes, and such retention or vesting
shall be deemed to be a Lien.

            1.1.31 "Loan Documents" shall mean each of this Agreement, the Note,
and any other document or instrument executed by the Borrower in favor of the
Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

            1.1.32 "Obligations" shall mean, without limitation, any and all
liabilities, debts, and obligations of the Borrower to the Lender, of each and
every kind, nature and description, including but not limited to those arising
under this Agreement, any other Loan Document, the Loan Agreement between the
Borrower and the Lender dated as of November 1, 1993, as amended, the Foreign
Exchange Agreement between the Lender and the Borrower dated June 14, 1991, and
any


                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>   6
interest rate swap agreement, whether now existing or hereafter incurred.
"Obligations" also means, without limitation, any and all obligations of the
Borrower to act or to refrain from acting in accordance with the terms,
provisions and covenants of this Agreement or of any other Loan Document.

            1.1.33 "Permitted Liens" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.2.

            1.1.34 "Person" shall mean any natural person, corporation,
unincorporated organization, trust, joint-stock company, joint venture,
association, company, partnership or government, or any agency or political
subdivision of any government.

            1.1.35 "Subsidiary" shall mean any Person of which the Borrower at
the time owns, directly or indirectly, through another Subsidiary or otherwise,
50% or more of the equity interests.

            1.1.36 "Term Loan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

            1.1.37 "Term Loan Maturity Date" shall mean June 30, 2002.

            1.1.38 "Term Note or Note" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.1.

            1.1.39 "Term Loan Account" shall mean the account on the books of
the Lender in the name of the Borrower in which the following shall be recorded:
the principal outstanding and interest accrued under the Term Loan; all Costs
with respect to the Term Loan; all payments made by the Borrower on account of
indebtedness evidenced by the Term Note; and other appropriate debits and
credits.

      1.2 Accounting Terms. Accounting terms not specifically defined in this
Agreement shall have the meanings given to them under generally accepted
accounting principles.

      1.3 Other Definitional Provisions. The words "hereof," "herein" and
"hereunder," and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer
to this Agreement as a whole and not any particular provision of this Agreement.
Any Article, Section, Exhibit or Schedule references are to this Agreement
unless otherwise specified.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                    TERM LOAN


                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>   7
      2.1 The Lender hereby agrees to make a seven-year term loan (the "Term
Loan") in the principal amount of $7,000,000 to the Borrower. The Term Loan
shall be evidenced by a term note (the "Term Note") payable to the Bank in the
form of Exhibit A hereto. Amortization of the Term Note shall be calculated on
the basis of a 7-year schedule of level monthly payments of principal with the
entire unpaid principal balance and all accrued and unpaid interest absolutely
due and payable on the Maturity Date.

      2.2 Interest.

            2.2.1 Borrower agrees to pay interest in respect of the unpaid
principal amount of the Term Loan from the date of this Agreement until paid in
full as follows. The Term Loan shall bear interest at the Base Rate unless the
Borrower desires to pay interest on all or a portion of the Term Loan at the
following rate:

                  (i) During any period in which the Borrower maintains a
            Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio not in excess of 1.35 to 1:

                        (a) and a Cash Flow Ratio of from 1.35 to 1 to and
                  including 1.75 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus 1.60%;

                        (b) and a Cash Flow Ratio of from 1.76 to 1 to and
                  including 2.0 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus 1.30%;

                        (c) and a Cash Flow Ratio of from 2.01 to 1 to and
                  including 3.0 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus 1.10%; or

                        (d) and a Cash Flow Ratio in excess of 3.0 to 1, the
                  LIBOR Rate plus .90%; or

                  (ii) During any period in which the Borrower maintains a
            Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio of 1.35 to 1 or more or a Cash Flow Ratio of
            less than 1.35 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus 2.00%.

            2.2.2 Whenever the Borrower desires to obtain the LIBOR Rate, it may
request that the Lender provide quotes as of any specified Interest Rate
Determination Date as to the LIBOR Rate for any or all Interest Periods, and the
Lender shall promptly provide such quotes. The Borrower shall give the Lender
prior telecopied or telephone notice (given not later than 10:00 a.m. (Boston
time)) at least three Business Days prior to the day the Interest Period is to
begin with respect to use of the LIBOR Rate. Each such notice (each an "Interest
Rate Change Notice") shall specify the desired interest rate, the amount of the
Term Loan to which such interest rate shall apply and the initial Interest
Period applicable thereto. If such notice is given by telephone, it shall be
immediately confirmed in writing.


                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>   8
            2.2.3 Upon the Interim Maturity Date of any LIBOR Loan, unless the
Borrower shall have given the Lender an Interest Rate Change Notice in
accordance with Section 2.2.2 requesting a new LIBOR Loan be made on such
Interim Maturity Date, the Borrower shall be deemed to have elected to pay
interest on such amount of the Term Loan at the Base Rate.

            2.2.4 At the time the Borrower gives any Interest Rate Change
Notice, the Borrower shall elect the Interest Period for which the interest rate
elected shall apply, which Interest Period shall, at the option of the Borrower,
be a period of one, two, three, four, five or six months (as to a LIBOR Loan).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein:

                  (i) if any Interest Period begins on a day for which there is
            no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of
            such Interest Period, such Interest Period shall end on the last
            Business Day of such calendar month;

                  (ii) if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day
            that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the
            next succeeding Business Day; provided that if any Interest Period
            would otherwise expire on the day that is not a Business Day but is
            a day of the month after which no further Business Day occurs in
            such month, such Interest Period shall expire on the next preceding
            Business Day;

                  (iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Term Loan
            Maturity Date.

      2.3 Term Loan Account. The principal and the amounts of all payments on
the Term Note shall be recorded by the Lender in the Term Loan Account of the
Borrower. All statements regarding the Term Loan Account shall be deemed to be
accurate absent manifest error or unless objected to by the Borrower within 30
days after receipt. The Borrower agrees to review each such statement promptly
after receipt and to bring any errors or discrepancies to the Lender's attention
promptly.

                                   ARTICLE III

                                ADDITIONAL TERMS

      3.1 Payments.


                                     - 8 -
<PAGE>   9
            3.1.1 The Borrower shall have the right to prepay the Note, in whole
at any time or in part from time to time, without premium or penalty, provided
that, except as set forth in Section 3.3, no portion of the Term Loan may be
prepaid on the first day of an Interest Period with respect thereto. The
Borrower shall give notice (by telex or telecopier, or by telephone (confirmed
in writing promptly thereafter)) to the Lender of each proposed prepayment
hereunder prior to 10:00 a.m. (Boston time), (x) with respect to Base Rate
Loans, upon the Business Day of the proposed prepayment and (y) with respect to
LIBOR Loans, at least three Business Days prior to the Business Day of the
proposed prepayment, which notice in each case shall specify the proposed
prepayment date (which shall be a Business Day), the aggregate principal amount
of the proposed prepayment and which portions of the Term Loan are to be
prepaid. LIBOR Loans that are voluntarily prepaid before the last day of the
applicable Interest Period shall be subject to the additional compensation
requirements set forth in Section 3.3, and each prepayment of a LIBOR Loan shall
be in an aggregate principal amount of not less than the total principal amount
outstanding at such time under such LIBOR Loan.

            3.1.2 All payments of principal and interest due under the Note
(including prepayments), and any other amounts owing to the Lender under this
Agreement, shall be made by the Borrower not later than 3:00 p.m., Boston time,
on the day due in lawful money of the United States of America, to the Lender at
its Boston, Massachusetts office in immediately available funds. The Borrower
hereby authorizes the Lender to charge such payments as they become due, if not
otherwise paid by the Borrower, to any account of the Borrower with the Lender
as the Lender may elect.

            3.1.3 Whenever any payment to be made hereunder or under any other
Loan Document shall be stated to be due on a day that is not a Business Day,
such payment may be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension
of time shall in such case be included in computing interest or other fees or
charges provided for under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided,
however, that with respect to LIBOR Loans, if the next succeeding Business Day
falls in another calendar month, such payment shall be made on the next
preceding Business Day.

            3.1.4 All payments made by the Borrower on the Note shall be applied
by the Lender (a) first, to the payment of Costs with respect to the Note, (b)
second, to the payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the Note, in such order
as the Borrower shall direct, until all such accrued interest has been paid, and
(c) third, to the payment of the unpaid principal amount of the Note in such
order as the Borrower shall direct.

      3.2 Capital Adequacy.


                                     - 9 -
<PAGE>   10
            3.2.1 If, after the date of this Agreement, the Lender shall have
reasonably determined in good faith that the adoption or effectiveness after the
date hereof of any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital
adequacy, or any change therein, or any change in the interpretation or
administration thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable
agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance
by the Lender with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether
or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or
comparable agency, has or would have the effect of materially reducing the rate
of return on the Lender's capital or assets as a consequence of its commitments
or obligations hereunder to a level below that which the Lender could have
achieved but for such adoption, effectiveness, change or compliance (taking into
consideration the Lender's then current policies with respect to capital
adequacy), then from time to time, subject to Section 3.2.2, within 15 days
after demand by the Lender the Borrower shall pay to the Lender such additional
amount or amounts as will compensate the Lender for such reduction (after the
Lender shall have allocated the same fairly and equitably among all of its
customers or any class generally affected thereby).

            3.2.2 The Lender will notify the Borrower of any event occurring
after the date of this Agreement that will entitle the Lender to any additional
payment under this Section 3.2 as promptly as practicable and shall be entitled
to such payment (a) in the case of a Base Rate Loan, only for costs incurred
from and after the date that the Lender gives such notice, and (b) in the case
of a LIBOR Loan, only for costs incurred in connection with Loans made pursuant
to an Interest Rate Change Notice issued after the date that the Lender gives
such notice. The Lender will furnish to the Borrower with such notice a
certificate signed by an officer thereof certifying that the Lender is entitled
to payment under this Section 3.2 and setting forth the basis (in reasonable
detail) and the amount of each request by the Lender for any additional payment
pursuant to this Section 3.2.

      3.3 Special Provisions Governing LIBOR Loans. Notwithstanding any other
provisions of this Agreement, the following provisions shall govern with respect
to LIBOR Loans as to the matters covered:

            3.3.1 Increased Costs, Illegality etc. (a) In the event that the
Lender shall have determined (which determination shall, if made in good faith
and absent manifest error, be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties):

                  (i) on any Interest Rate Determination Date, that by reason of
            any changes arising after the date of this Agreement affecting the
            interbank Eurodollar market, adequate and fair means do not exist
            for ascertaining the applicable interest rate on the basis provided
            for in the definition of LIBOR Rate; or


                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>   11
                  (ii) at any time during any Interest Period, that the Lender
            shall incur increased costs or reductions in the amounts received or
            receivable hereunder with respect to a LIBOR Loan by reason of (x)
            any change since the Interest Rate Determination Date for the
            Interest Period in question in any applicable law or governmental
            rule, regulation, guideline or order (or any interpretation thereof
            and including the introduction of any new law or governmental rule,
            regulation, guideline or order) (such as, for example but not
            limited to, a change in official reserve requirements, but excluding
            reserve requirements that have been included in calculating the
            LIBOR Rate for such Interest Period) and/or (y) other circumstances
            affecting the Lender, the interbank Eurodollar market or the
            position of the Lender in the relevant market; or

                  (iii) at any time, that the making or continuance of any LIBOR
            Loan has become unlawful by compliance by the Lender in good faith
            with any law, governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order, or
            has become impracticable as a result of a contingency occurring
            after the date of this Agreement;

then and in any such event, the Lender shall promptly after making such
determination give notice (by telephone confirmed in writing) to the Borrower of
such determination. Thereafter (x) in the case of clause (i) above, any Interest
Rate Change Notice given by the Borrower with respect to a LIBOR Loan that has
not yet been incurred shall be deemed rescinded by the Borrower and LIBOR Loans
shall no longer be available until such time as the Lender notifies the Borrower
that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist or that,
notwithstanding such circumstances, LIBOR Loans will again be made available
hereunder, (y) in the case of clause (ii), the Borrower shall pay to the Lender,
upon written demand therefor (but only with respect to any LIBOR Loan made
pursuant to an Interest Rate Change Notice issued after the giving of the
written notice that LIBOR Loans will again be made available hereunder referred
to in clause (x) above), such additional amounts (in the form of an increased
rate of, or a different method of calculating, interest or otherwise as the
Lender in its sole discretion shall determine) as shall be required to
compensate the Lender for such increased cost or reduction in amount received (a
written notice as to additional amounts owed the Lender, showing the basis for
such calculation thereof, shall be given to the Borrower by the Lender and
shall, absent manifest error, be final, conclusive and binding upon the parties
hereto), and (z) in the case of clause (iii), the Borrower shall take one of the
actions specified in Section 3.3.1(b) as promptly as possible and, in any event,
within the time period required by law.


                                     - 11 -
<PAGE>   12
                  (a) At any time that any LIBOR Loan is affected by the
circumstances described in Section 3.3.l(a)(ii) or (iii), the Borrower may (and
in the case of a LIBOR Loan affected pursuant to Section 3.3.1(a) (iii) shall)
either (x) if the affected LIBOR Loan is then being made, withdraw the related
Interest Rate Change Notice by giving the Lender telephonic (confirmed in
writing) notice thereof on the same date that the Borrower was notified by the
Lender pursuant to Section 3.3.l(a), or (y) if the affected LIBOR Loans are then
outstanding, upon at least three Business Days' written notice to the Lender,
require the Lender to convert each LIBOR Loan so affected into a Base Rate Loan.

            3.3.2 Compensation. The Borrower shall compensate the Lender, upon
its written request (which request shall set forth the basis for requesting such
amounts), for all reasonable losses, expenses and liabilities (including,
without limitation, any interest paid by the Lender to lenders of funds borrowed
by it to make or carry its LIBOR Loans to the extent not recovered by the Lender
in connection with the re-employment of such funds) and any loss sustained by
the Lender in connection with the re-employment of the funds (including, without
limitation, a return on such re-employment that would result in the Lender's
receiving less than it would have received had such LIBOR Loan remained
outstanding until the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR
Loan) that the Lender may sustain: (i) if for any reason (other than a default
by or negligence of the Lender) a LIBOR Loan is not advanced on a date specified
therefor in an Interest Rate Change Notice (unless timely withdrawn pursuant to
Section 3.3.1(b)(x) above), (ii) if any payment or prepayment of any LIBOR Loans
occurs for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation, by reason of
Section 3.3.1(b)) on a date that is prior to the last day of an Interest Period
applicable thereto, (iii) if any prepayment of any of its LIBOR Loans is not
made on the date specified in a notice of payment given by the Borrower pursuant
to Section 3.1 or (iv) as a consequence of an election made by the Borrower
pursuant to Section 3.3.1(b) (y) .

                                   ARTICLE IV

                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER

      In order to induce the Lender to enter into this Agreement and to make the
loans provided for herein, the Borrower makes the following representations and
warranties to the Lender, all of Which shall survive the execution and delivery
of this Agreement and the Note.

      4.1 Organization, Existence and Power. The Borrower is duly incorporated,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation. The Borrower has the corporate power necessary to conduct the
business in which it is engaged, to own the properties owned by it and to


                                     - 12 -
<PAGE>   13
consummate the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents. The Borrower is
duly qualified or licensed to transact business in all places where the nature
of the properties owned by it or the business conducted by it makes such
qualification necessary and where the failure to be so qualified or licensed
would have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated financial condition,
assets or results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole.

      4.2 Authorization of Loan Documents; Binding Effect. The execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the performance of
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate actions of the Borrower. Each of the Loan Documents
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower that is a
party thereto, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.

      4.3 Authority. The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan
Documents. Neither the authorization, execution, delivery, or performance by the
Borrower of this Agreement or of any other Loan Document nor the performance of
the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby violates or will violate any
provision of the corporate charter or by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will,
with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both, result in a breach of
or a default under, or require any consent under or result in the creation of
any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Borrower
pursuant to, any material instrument, agreement or other document to which the
Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower or any of its properties may be
bound or affected.

      4.4 Capital Structure. The number of shares of stock of which the
Borrower's authorized capital stock consists, the par value per share of such
stock, the number of shares of such stock that have been issued and are
outstanding and the number of shares that have been issued and are held by the
Borrower as treasury shares are all disclosed on the Disclosure Schedule. Set
forth in the Disclosure Schedule is a complete and accurate list of all
Subsidiaries of the Borrower. The Disclosure Schedule indicates the jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization of each of the Subsidiaries, the number of
shares or units of each class of capital stock or other equity of the
Subsidiaries authorized, and the number of such shares or units outstanding and
the percentage of each class of such equity owned (directly or indirectly) by
the Borrower. No shares of stock or units of equity interests of the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries are covered by outstanding options, warrants, rights of
conversion or purchase or similar rights granted or created by the Borrower
except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule. All the outstanding capital
stock of the Borrower has been validly issued and is fully paid and
nonassessable. All the stock or units of equity interests of the Borrower's
Subsidiaries that are owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower
are owned free and clear of all


                                     - 13 -
<PAGE>   14
mortgages, deeds of trust, pledges, liens, security interests and other charges
or encumbrances.

      4.5 Financial Condition. The audited consolidated balance sheet of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries dated as of December 31, 1994 and the audited
statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders' equity of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries for and as of the end of the period ending on that date,
including any related notes (the "Audited Financial Statements"), and the
unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
(the "Unaudited Financial Statements") dated as of July 1, 1995 (the "Balance
Sheet Date"), all of which (collectively, the "Financial Statements") were
heretofore furnished to the Lender, are true, correct and complete in all
material respects and fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date of each such
statement and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles (subject, in the case of the Unaudited Financial
Statements, to the addition of notes and to normal year-end adjustments that
individually and in the aggregate are not expected to be material) consistently
applied throughout the periods involved. Other than as reflected in such
Financial Statements and except for liabilities incurred in the ordinary course
of business since the date thereof, the Borrower has no Indebtedness that is or
would be material to the financial condition of the Borrower, nor any material
unrealized or unanticipated losses from any commitments. Since the Balance Sheet
Date there has been no material adverse change in the consolidated financial
condition (as set forth in the Unaudited Financial Statements) or results of
operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

      4.6 Pending Litigation. Except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule,
there are no suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower,
threatened before any court or arbitration tribunal or by or before any
governmental or regulatory authority, commission, bureau or agency or public
regulatory body against the Borrower that if adversely determined would have a
material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, assets or
results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

      4.7 Certain Agreements; Material Contracts. The Borrower is not a party to
any agreement or instrument or subject to any court order or governmental decree
adversely affecting in any material respect the business, properties, assets or
financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

      4.8 Authorization, Etc. All authorizations, consents, approvals,
accreditations, certifications and licenses required under the corporate charter
or by-laws of the Borrower or under applicable law or regulation for the
ownership or operation of the property owned or operated by the Borrower or the
conduct of any business or activity conducted by the Borrower, including
provision of services for


                                     - 14 -
<PAGE>   15
which reimbursement is made by third party payors, other than authorizations,
consents, approvals, accreditations, certifications or licenses the failure to
obtain and/or maintain which would not have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated financial condition, assets or results of operations of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole (collectively, "Licenses") have
been duly issued and are in full force and effect. The Borrower has fulfilled
and performed all of its material obligations with respect to such Licenses (to
the extent now required to be fulfilled or performed) and no event has occurred
that would allow, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice or
both, revocation or termination thereof or would result in any other material
impairment of the rights of the holder of any such License. All filings or
registrations with any governmental or regulatory authority required for the
conduct of the business or activity conducted by the Borrower have been made,
other than any such filings or registrations as to which the failure to make
same would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial
condition, assets or results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole. Except as expressly contemplated hereby, no approval, consent
or authorization of or filing or registration with any governmental commission,
bureau or other regulatory authority or agency is required with respect to the
execution, delivery or performance of any of the Loan Documents.

      4.9 No Violation. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower
of the Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law or
regulation applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of any court
or governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the Borrower.
The Borrower is not in default, nor has any event occurred that with the passage
of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a default, in the
performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or
conditions contained in any agreement, instrument or other document to which the
Borrower is a party, which default would have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated assets, financial condition or results of operations of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. The Borrower is not in
violation of any applicable federal, state or local law, rule or regulation or
any writ, order or decree, which violation would have a material adverse effect
on the consolidated assets, financial condition or results of operations of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Except as otherwise set forth
in the Disclosure Schedule under the caption "Litigation," the Borrower has not
received notice of any violation of any federal, state or local environmental
law, rule or regulation or assertion that the Borrower has any obligation to
clean up or contribute to the cost of cleaning up any waste or pollutants.

      4.10 Payment of Taxes. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have properly
prepared and filed or caused to be properly prepared and filed all federal tax
returns and all material state and local tax returns that are required to be
filed and have paid all taxes shown thereon to be due and all other taxes,
assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, their income or


                                     - 15 -
<PAGE>   16
profits or any properties belonging to the Borrower. No extensions of any
statute of limitations are in effect with respect to any tax liability of the
Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower. No deficiency assessment or proposed
adjustment of the federal income taxes of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the
Borrower is pending and the Borrower has no knowledge of any proposed liability
of a substantial nature for any tax to be imposed upon any of its properties or
assets.

      4.11 Transactions With Affiliates, Officers, Directors and 1%
Shareholders. Except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule, the Borrower has
no Indebtedness to or material contractual arrangement or understanding with any
Affiliate, officer or director of the Borrower, nor any shareholder holding of
record at least 1% of the equity of the Borrower nor, to the best of the
Borrower's knowledge (without independent inquiry), any of their respective
relatives.

      4.12 ERISA. The Borrower has never established or maintained any funded
employee pension benefit plan as defined under Section 3(2) (A) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended and in effect on the date
hereof ("ERISA"), other than the plans described on the Disclosure Schedule. No
employee benefit plan established or maintained, or to which contributions have
been made, by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is subject to
Part 3 of Title I-B of ERISA, had an accumulated funding deficiency (as such
term is defined in Section 302 of ERISA) as of the last day of the fiscal year
of such plan ended most recently prior to the date hereof, or would have had an
accumulated funding deficiency (as so defined) on such day if such year were the
first year of the plan to which Part 3 of Title I-B of ERISA applied. No
material liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation has been incurred
or is expected by the Borrower to be incurred by it or any Subsidiary of the
Borrower with respect to any such plan or otherwise. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents will not involve on
the part of the Borrower any prohibited transaction within the meaning of ERISA
or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Borrower has never maintained,
contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any "multiemployer plan," as
defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA. The Borrower has never incurred any
"withdrawal liability" calculated under Section 4211 of ERISA, and there has
been no event or circumstance that would cause it to incur any such liability.

      4.13 Ownership of Properties; Liens. The Borrower has good and marketable
title to all its material properties and assets, real and personal, that are now
carried on its books, including, without limitation, those reflected in the
Financial Statements (except those disposed of in the ordinary course since the
date thereof), and has valid leasehold interests in its properties and assets,
real and personal, which it purports to lease, subject in either case to no
mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien, charge, encumbrance or title
retention or other security agreement or arrangement of any nature whatsoever
other than Permitted Liens and those specified in the Disclosure


                                     - 16 -
<PAGE>   17
Schedule. All of the Borrower's material leasehold interests and material
obligations with respect to real property are described on the Disclosure
Schedule.

      4.14 Employment Matters. Except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule,
there are no material grievances, disputes or controversies pending or, to the
knowledge of the Borrower, threatened between the Borrower and its employees,
nor is any strike, work stoppage or slowdown pending or threatened against the
Borrower.

      4.15 Insurance. The Borrower maintains in force fire, casualty,
comprehensive liability and other insurance covering its properties and business
that is adequate and customary for the type and scope of its properties and
business.

      4.16 Indebtedness. Except as reflected in the Financial Statements or set
forth in the Disclosure Schedule, and other than Indebtedness incurred in the
ordinary course of business since the Balance Sheet Date, the Borrower has no
outstanding Indebtedness.

      4.17 Securities Law Compliance. The Borrower is not an "investment
company" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. All of
the Borrower's outstanding stock was offered, issued and sold in compliance with
all applicable state and federal securities laws.

      4.18 Accuracy of Information. None of the information furnished to the
Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower for purposes of this Agreement or any
Loan Document or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby contains, and
none of such information hereinafter furnished will contain, any material
misstatement of fact, nor does or will any such information omit any material
fact necessary to make such information not misleading at such time.

                                    ARTICLE V

                             CONDITIONS TO TERM LOAN

      The obligations of the Lender to fund the Term Loan are subject to the
following conditions precedent, each of which shall have been met or performed
on or before the Closing Date:

      5.1 No Default. No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing or will occur upon the making of the Term Loan.

      5.2 Correctness of Representations. The representations and warranties
made by the Borrower in this Agreement shall be true and correct with the same
force and effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on


                                     - 17 -
<PAGE>   18
and as of the Closing Date (i) except to the extent that the representations and
warranties set forth in Article IV of this Agreement are untrue as a result of
circumstances that have changed subsequent to the date hereof, which change has
caused no non-compliance by the Borrower with the covenants, conditions and
agreements in this Agreement and (ii) except that the references in Section 4.5
of this Agreement to the financial statements and the term "Balance Sheet Date"
are deemed to refer to the most recent financial statements (inclusive of
consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations, cash flows and
stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries) furnished to the
Lender pursuant to Section 6.1(a) and (b) of this Agreement and the date of such
financial statements, respectively.

      5.3 No Litigation; Certain Other Conditions. There shall be no suit or
proceeding (other than suits or proceedings disclosed on the Disclosure Schedule
on the date of this Agreement) pending or threatened before any court or
arbitration tribunal or by or before any governmental or regulatory authority,
commission, bureau or agency or public regulatory body that, if determined
adversely to the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower, is reasonably
likely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition
or results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

      5.4 No Material Adverse Change. There shall have been no material adverse
change in the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole since the Balance Sheet Date.

      5.5 Loan Documents. All Loan Documents shall be in full force and effect.

      5.6 Opinion of Counsel. The Lender shall have received from independent
counsel to the Borrower an opinion or opinions, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Lender and its counsel.

      5.7 Certificates of Legal Existence and Authority to do Business. The
Borrower shall have delivered to the Lender certificates as to its legal
existence and good standing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
and the Borrower shall have delivered to the Lender certificates as to its
authority to do business as a foreign corporation in the States of California,
Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New
Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Arizona, each dated as of a
recent date.

      5.8 Clerk's Certificate. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Lender a
certificate of its Clerk as to (i) its charter documents and by-laws, as
amended, (ii) corporate votes authorizing the execution and delivery of the Loan
Documents, and (iii) incumbency of the officers authorized to execute the Loan
Documents on behalf of the Borrower.


                                     - 18 -
<PAGE>   19
      5.9 Note. The Term Note, duly executed by the Borrower and otherwise
completed, shall have been delivered to the Lender.

      5.10 Borrower's Certificate. The Borrower shall have furnished to the
Lender a certificate duly executed by the Borrower's chief financial officer
dated the Closing Date to the effect that each of the conditions set forth in
this Article V has been met as of such date.

      5.11 Insurance. The Borrower shall have furnished to the Lender copies of
all its property insurance policies.

      5.12 Environmental Site Assessment. The Borrower shall have delivered to
the Lender an environmental site assessment, in form and substance acceptable to
the Lender, from a consulting firm acceptable to the Lender, in which the
consultant shall have certified and opined that for the foreseeable future the
condition of the property in Methuen, Massachusetts that the Borrower has
purchased poses no significant risk to human health or the environment and no
further remedial action or investigation is necessary in accordance with federal
and state laws.

      5.13 Merger Agreement. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Lender a
copy of a fully-executed Merger Agreement between the Borrower and UTI
Instruments Company.

      5.14 All Proceedings Satisfactory. All corporate and other proceedings
taken prior to or on the Closing Date in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, and all documents and exhibits related thereto,
shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Lender and its
counsel.

      5.15 Additional Documents. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Lender
all additional opinions, documents and certificates that the Lender or its
counsel may reasonably require.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                      AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

      The Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of execution of this
Agreement and until the payment in full of the principal of and interest upon
the Note and payment and performance of all other Obligations:

      6.1 Reporting Requirements. The Borrower shall, unless the Lender shall
otherwise consent in writing, furnish to the Lender:


                                     - 19 -
<PAGE>   20
                  (a) As soon as available and in any event within sixty days
after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (i) a consolidated and consolidating balance
sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such quarter and
(ii) consolidated and consolidating statements of operations, cash flows and
stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period
commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending with the end of
such quarter, all in reasonable detail and duly certified by the chief financial
officer of the Borrower as having been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied (subject to addition of
notes and ordinary year-end audit adjustments), together with a certificate of
the chief financial officer of the Borrower stating that no Default or Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing or, if a Default or an Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the
action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto;

                  (b) As soon as available and in any event within ninety days
after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the audited consolidated
balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal
year and the audited consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and
stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year,
in each case accompanied by the unqualified opinion with respect thereto of the
Borrower's independent public accountants and a certification by such
accountants stating that they have reviewed this Agreement and whether, in
making their audit, they have become aware of any Default or Event of Default
and if so, describing its nature, along with the related unaudited consolidating
balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal
year and the unaudited consolidating statements of operations, cash flows' and
stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year;

                  (c) Not later than sixty days following the end of each fiscal
quarter a certificate signed by the chief financial officer of the Borrower
substantially in the form of Exhibit 6.1(c) hereto (the "Compliance
Certificate");

                  (d) Not later than thirty days after the end of each fiscal
year of the Borrower, the Borrower's representative forecast for the next fiscal
year on a consolidated basis, including, at a minimum, projected statements of
profit and loss and projected cash flow, prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied;

                  (e) Promptly upon receipt thereof, one copy of each other
report submitted to the Borrower or any Subsidiary by independent accountants in
connection with any annual, interim or special audit made by them of the books
of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;


                                     - 20 -
<PAGE>   21
                  (f) Promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of all
actions, suits and proceedings before any court, arbitration tribunal or
governmental regulatory authority, commission, bureau, agency or public
regulatory body that, if determined adversely to the Borrower or any Subsidiary
of the Borrower, would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on
the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

                  (g) As soon as possible, and in any event within five days
after the Borrower shall know of the occurrence of any Default or Event of
Default, the written statement of the chief financial officer of the Borrower
setting forth details of such Default or Event of Default and action that the
Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto;

                  (h) As soon as possible, and in any event within five days
after the occurrence thereof, written notice as to any other event of which the
Borrower becomes aware that with the passage of time, the giving of notice or
otherwise, is reasonably likely to result in a material adverse change in the
consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; and

                  (i) Such other information respecting the business or
properties or the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the
Borrower as the Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

      6.2 Loan Proceeds. The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Term Loan
only for general corporate purposes including, but not limited to, funding the
acquisition of UTI Instruments Company and refinancing the purchase of certain
real property located in Methuen, Massachusetts.

      6.3 Maintenance of Business and Properties; Insurance.

                  (a) The Borrower will continue to engage in business of the
same general nature as the business currently engaged in by the Borrower. The
Borrower will at all times maintain, preserve and protect all material
franchises and trade names and preserve all the Borrower's material tangible
property used or useful in the conduct of its business and keep the same in good
repair, working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and from
time to time make all needful and proper repairs, renewals, replacements,
betterments, and improvements thereto so that the business carried on in
connection therewith may be conducted properly and advantageously at all times.

                  (b) The Borrower will keep all of its insurable properties now
or hereafter owned adequately Insured at all times against loss or damage by
fire or


                                     - 21 -
<PAGE>   22
other casualty to the extent customary with respect to like properties of
companies conducting similar businesses and to the extent available at
commercially reasonable rates; and will maintain public liability and workmen's
compensation insurance insuring the Borrower to the extent customary with
respect to companies conducting similar businesses and to the extent available
at commercially reasonable rates, all by financially sound and reputable
insurers. All property insurance policies shall name the Lender as a loss payee
and shall contain a provision requiring at least 15 days' written notice to the
Lender prior to the cancellation or modification of each such policy. The
Borrower shall furnish to the Lender from time to time at the Lender's request
copies of all such insurance policies and certificates evidencing such insurance
coverage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may self-insure workmen's
compensation to the extent permitted by law and may also self-insure other risks
to the extent reasonably deemed prudent by the Borrower.

      6.4 Payment of Taxes. The Borrower shall pay and discharge, or cause to be
paid and discharged, all material taxes, assessments, and governmental charges
or levies imposed upon the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or their income or
profits, or upon any other properties belonging to the Borrower prior to the
date on which penalties attach thereto, and all lawful claims that, if unpaid,
might become a lien or charge upon any material properties of the Borrower,
except for such taxes, assessments, charges, levies or claims as are being
contested by the Borrower in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly
initiated and diligently prosecuted, for which adequate book reserves have been
established in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as to
which no foreclosure, distraint, sale or other similar proceedings shall have
been commenced, or, if commenced, have been effectively stayed.

      6.5 Compliance with Laws, etc. The Borrower shall comply with the
requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any
governmental authority, and obtain or maintain all Licenses required under
applicable law or regulation for the operation of the Borrower's business, where
noncompliance or failure to obtain or maintain would have a material adverse
effect on the consolidated financial condition, assets, or results of operations
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided, however, that
such compliance or the obtaining of such Licenses may be delayed while the
applicability or validity of any such law, rule, regulation or order or the
necessity for obtaining any such License is being contested by the Borrower in
good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly initiated and diligently
prosecuted.

      6.6 Books, Records and Accounts. The Borrower shall keep true and correct
books, records and accounts, in which entries will be made in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and that shall
comply with the requirements of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to the
extent applicable to the Borrower. The Lender or its representatives shall upon
reasonable


                                     - 22 -
<PAGE>   23
notice to the Borrower be afforded, during normal business hours, access to and
the right to examine and copy any such books, records and accounts and the right
to inspect the Borrower's premises and business operations. All financial and
other information with respect to the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries
now or hereafter obtained by the Lender under this Agreement or otherwise in
connection with any of the transactions contemplated hereunder shall be held in
confidence and shall not be released or made available to any other Person,
except (i) to governmental agencies (and examiners employed by same) having
oversight over the affairs of the Lender, (ii) pursuant to subpoena or similar
process issued by a court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction, or
(iii) as otherwise directed by order of any court or governmental agency of
competent jurisdiction.

      6.7 Further Assurances. The Borrower shall execute and deliver, at the
Borrower's expense, all notices and other instruments and documents and take all
actions, including, but not limited to, making all filings and recordings, that
the Lender shall reasonably request in order to assure to the Lender all rights
given to the Lender hereby or under any other Loan Document.

      6.8 Bank Accounts. The Borrower shall maintain with the Lender a deposit
account and, at the written request of the Lender, shall give the Lender written
notice of any other accounts maintained by the Borrower, including the types of
accounts and names and addresses of the institutions with which such accounts
are maintained.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                       NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

      The Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of execution of this
Agreement and until the payment in full of the principal of and interest upon
the Note and payment and performance of all other Obligations:

      7.1 Sale of Assets; Mergers, Etc.

                  (a) Sale of Assets. The Borrower will not, except in the
ordinary course of business, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, to any
Person any assets (including the securities of any Subsidiary).

                  (b) Mergers, Etc. Other than the merger of a Subsidiary into
UTI Instruments Company, neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will
consolidate with or merge into any other Person or permit any other Person to
consolidate with or merge into it, or acquire all or substantially all of the
assets of any Person, or sell, assign, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in
one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its
assets to any Person, except that


                                     - 23 -
<PAGE>   24
                        (1) a Subsidiary may consolidate with or merge into the
                  Borrower or another Subsidiary; and

                        (2) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may acquire
                  all or substantially all of the assets of any Person provided
                  the aggregate purchase price liability, including all
                  contingent liabilities, when aggregated with all such
                  acquisitions and any Investments permitted under Section
                  7.4(2) shall not exceed a total of $5,000,000 in each calendar
                  year during the term of this Agreement beginning with calendar
                  year 1995.

      7.2 Liens and Encumbrances.

                  (a) Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will (a) cause or
permit or (b) agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the
happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of its real or personal property,
whether now owned or subsequently acquired, to be subject to any Lien other than
Liens described below (which may herein be referred to as "Permitted Liens"):

                        (1) Liens securing the payment of taxes, assessments or
                  governmental charges or levies or the demands of suppliers,
                  mechanics, carriers, warehousers, landlords and other like
                  Persons, which payments are not yet due and payable or (as to
                  taxes) may be paid without interest or penalty; provided,
                  that, if such payments are due and payable, such Liens shall
                  be permitted hereunder only to the extent that (A) all claims
                  that the Liens secure are being actively contested in good
                  faith and by appropriate proceedings, (B) adequate book
                  reserves have been established with respect thereto to the
                  extent required by generally accepted accounting principles,
                  and (C) such Liens do not in the aggregate materially
                  interfere with the owning company's use of property necessary
                  or material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and
                  its Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

                        (2) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary
                  course of business (A) in connection with worker's
                  compensation, unemployment insurance, social security and
                  other like laws, or (B) to secure the performance of letters
                  of credit, bids, tenders, sales contracts, leases, statutory
                  obligations, surety, appeal and performance bonds and other
                  similar obligations, in each case not incurred in connection
                  with the borrowing of money, the


                                     - 24 -
<PAGE>   25
                  obtaining of advances or the payment of the deferred purchase
                  price of property;

                        (3) Liens not otherwise described in Section 7.2(a)(l)
                  or (2) that are incurred in the ordinary course of business
                  and are incidental to the conduct of its business or ownership
                  of its property, were not incurred in connection with the
                  borrowing of money, the obtaining of advances or the payment
                  of the deferred purchase price of property and do not in the
                  aggregate materially detract from the value of, or materially
                  interfere with the owning company's use of, property necessary
                  or material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and
                  its Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

                        (4) Liens in favor of the Lender or any of its
                  affiliates;

                        (5) Judgment liens or attachments that shall not have
                  been in existence for a period longer than 30 days after the
                  creation thereof, or if a stay of execution shall have been
                  obtained, for a period longer than 30 days after the
                  expiration of such stay or if such an attachment is being
                  actively contested in good faith and by appropriate
                  proceedings, for a period longer than 30 days after the
                  creation thereof;

                        (6) Liens existing as of the Closing Date and disclosed
                  on the Disclosure Schedule hereto;

                        (7) Liens provided for in equipment or Financing Leases
                  (including financing statements and undertakings to file
                  financing statements) provided that they are limited to the
                  equipment subject to such leases and the proceeds thereof;

                        (8) Leases or subleases with third parties or licenses
                  and sublicenses granted to third parties not interfering in
                  any material respect with the business of the Borrower or any
                  Subsidiary of the Borrower;

                        (9) Any Lien on any asset of any corporation existing at
                  the time such corporation is merged into or consolidated with
                  the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower and not created
                  in contemplation of such event;


                                     - 25 -
<PAGE>   26
                        (10) Any Lien existing on any asset prior to the
                  acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the
                  Borrower and not created in contemplation of such event;

                        (11) Liens in respect of any purchase money obligations
                  for tangible property used in its business that at any time
                  shall not exceed $2,000,000, provided that any such
                  encumbrances shall not extend to property and assets of the
                  Borrower or any Subsidiary not financed by such a purchase
                  money obligation;

                        (12) Easements, rights of way, restrictions and other
                  similar charges or Liens relating to real property and not
                  interfering in a material way with the ordinary conduct of its
                  business; and

                        (13) Liens on its property or assets created in
                  connection with the refinancing of Indebtedness secured by
                  Permitted Liens on such property, provided that the amount of
                  Indebtedness secured by any such Lien shall not be increased
                  as a result of such refinancing and no such Lien shall extend
                  to property and assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary not
                  encumbered prior to any such refinancing.

   
                  (b) In case any property is subjected to a Lien in violation 
of Section 7.2(a), the Borrower will make or cause to be made provision whereby
the Note will be secured equally and ratably with all other obligations secured
by such property, and in any case the Note shall have the benefit, to the full
extent that the holders may be entitled thereto under applicable law, of an
equitable Lien equally and ratably securing the Note. Such violation of Section
7.2(a) shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder, whether or not any such
provision is made pursuant to this Section 7.2(b);
    

      7.3 Sales and Leasebacks. The Borrower and its subsidiaries will not sell
or transfer any of their property and become, directly or indirectly, liable as
the lessee under a lease of such property (other than such transactions between
Subsidiaries).

      7.4 Investments. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will make or
maintain any investments, made in cash or by delivery of property or assets, (a)
in any Person, whether by acquisition of capital stock, Indebtedness, or other
obligations or securities, or by loan or capital contribution, or otherwise, or
(b) in any property, whether real or personal, (items (a) and (b) being herein
called "Investments"), except the following:


                                     - 26 -
<PAGE>   27
            (1) Investments in direct obligations of, or guaranteed by, the
      United States government, its agencies or any public instrumentality
      thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States
      government with maturities not to exceed (or an unconditional right to
      compel purchase within) one year from the date of acquisition;

            (2) Investments in or to any Subsidiary or other Person provided any
      such Investment when aggregated with all such other Investments permitted
      under this Section 7.4(2) and any acquisitions permitted under Section
      7.1(b) shall not exceed a total of $5,000,000 in each calendar year during
      the term of this Agreement beginning with calendar year 1993;

            (3) Investments and obligations issued by any state of the United
      States or any political subdivision of any such state or any public
      instrumentality thereof with maturities not to exceed (or an unconditional
      right to compel purchase within) 180 days of the date of acquisition that
      are rated in one of the top two rating classifications by at least one
      nationally recognized rating agency;

            (4) Investments in demand and time deposits with, Eurodollar
      deposits with, certificates of deposit issued by, or obligations or
      securities fully backed by letters of credit issued by (x) any bank
      organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the
      District of Columbia or Canada having combined capital and surplus
      aggregating at least $100,000,000, or (y) any other bank organized under
      the laws of a state that is a member of the European Economic Community
      (or any political subdivision thereof), Japan, the Cayman Islands, or
      British West Indies having as of any date of determination combined
      capital and surplus of not less than $500,000,000 or the equivalent
      thereof (determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
      principles) ("Permitted Banks");

            (5) Shares of money market mutual funds registered under the
      Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

            (6) Foreign currency swaps and hedging arrangements entered into in
      the ordinary course of business to protect against currency losses, and
      interest rate swaps and caps entered into in the ordinary course of
      business to protect against interest rate exposure on Indebtedness bearing
      interest at a variable rate;

            (7) Investments in publicly traded companies and mutual funds (other
      than money market mutual funds) that in the aggregate shall not exceed
      $5,000,000; and


                                     - 27 -
<PAGE>   28
            (8) Other Investments existing on the Closing Date and listed on the
      Disclosure Schedule.

      7.5 Transactions with Affiliates. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary
will enter into any transaction (including the purchase, sale or exchange of
property or the rendering of any service) with any Affiliate except upon fair
and reasonable terms that are at least as favorable to the Borrower or the
Subsidiary as would be obtained in a comparable arm's-length transaction with a
non-Affiliate.

      7.6 ERISA Compliance. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries
will at any time permit any employee pension benefit plan (as such term is
defined in Section 3 of ERISA) maintained the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries or in which employees of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is
entitled to participate to:

                  (a) engage in any "prohibited transaction" as such term is
defined in Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or
described in Section 406 of ERISA;

                  (b) incur any "accumulated funding deficiency" as such term is
defined in Section 302 of ERISA, whether or not waived; or

                  (c) terminate under circumstances that could result in the
imposition of a Lien on the property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the
Borrower pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA.

      7.7 Financial Covenants. The Borrower covenants and agrees that:

                  (a) Consolidated Tangible Net Worth. The Consolidated Net
Worth as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower shall not be
less than the sum of (i) $30,777,703, and (ii) 50% of Consolidated Net Income
(excluding losses) for each consecutive fiscal quarter of the Borrower beginning
with the quarter ending September 30, 1995, on a cumulative basis.

                  (b) Consolidated Indebtedness. The ratio ("Debt-to-Net Worth
Ratio") of the Consolidated Indebtedness (excluding all guaranties except
guaranties with respect to borrowed money) as of the end of each fiscal quarter
of the Borrower beginning with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 1995 to
its Consolidated Tangible Net Worth as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the
Borrower beginning with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 1995 shall not
exceed 1.5 to 1.

                  (c) Consolidated Debt Service. The ratio (the "Cash Flow
Ratio") as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower of (i) Consolidated
Operating Cash Flow for the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended to (ii)


                                     - 28 -
<PAGE>   29
Consolidated Debt Service determined for the four consecutive fiscal quarters
then ended shall not be less than 1.25 to 1.00.

      7.8 Contracts Prohibiting Compliance with Agreement. The Borrower will not
without the prior written consent of the Lender enter into any contract or other
agreement that would prohibit or in any way restrict the ability of the Borrower
to comply with any provision of this Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

      8.1 Default. If any one of the following events ("Events of Default")
shall occur:

                  (a) Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower herein
or in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate or report furnished by the
Borrower hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any
material respect when made;

                  (b) Payment of any principal or interest due under the Note
shall not be made on or before the date due;

                  (c) A final judgment in excess of $2,000,000 shall be rendered
against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for the payment of money that,
after deducting the amount of any insurance proceeds paid or payable to or on
behalf of the Borrower or its Subsidiary in connection with such judgment, is in
excess of $2,000,000, and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of
thirty (30) days, during which period execution shall not effectively be stayed.
If a dispute exists with respect to the liability of any insurance underwriter
under any insurance policy of the Borrower or its Subsidiary, no deduction under
this subsection shall be made for the insurance proceeds that are the subject of
such dispute;

                  (d) The Borrower or any Subsidiary shall (1) voluntarily
terminate operations or apply for or consent to the appointment of, or the
taking of possession by, a receiver, custodian, trustee or liquidator of such
Person or of all or a substantial part of the assets of such Person, (2) admit
in writing its inability, or be generally unable, to pay its debts as the debts
become due, (3) make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (4)
commence a voluntary case under the Federal Bankruptcy Code (as now or hereafter
in effect), (5) file a petition seeking to take advantage of any other law
relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding-up, or composition
or adjustment of debts, (6) fail to controvert in a timely and appropriate
manner, or acquiesce in writing to, any petition filed against it in an
involuntary case under the Federal Bankruptcy Code or applicable state
bankruptcy


                                     - 29 -
<PAGE>   30
laws or (7) take any corporate action for the purpose of effecting any of the
foregoing;

                  (e) Without its application, approval or consent, a proceeding
shall be commenced, in any court of competent jurisdiction, seeking in respect
of the Borrower or any Subsidiary: the liquidation, reorganization, dissolution,
winding-up, or composition or readjustment of debt, the appointment of a
trustee, receiver, liquidator or the like of such Person or of all or any
substantial part of the assets of such Person, or other like relief in respect
of such Person under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
winding-up, or composition or adjustment of debts; and, if the proceeding is
being contested in good faith by such Person, the same shall continue
undismissed, or unstayed and in effect for any period of 45 consecutive days, or
an order for relief against such Person shall be entered in any case under the
Federal Bankruptcy Code or applicable state bankruptcy laws;

                  (f) Any foreclosure or other proceedings shall be commenced to
enforce, execute or realize upon any lien, encumbrance, attachment, trustee
process, mortgage or security interest for payment of an amount in excess of
$250,000 against the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

                  (g) Default shall be made in the due observance or performance
of any covenant or agreement under Article VII;

                  (h) Default shall be made in the due observance or performance
of any covenant or agreement contained herein (and not constituting an Event of
Default under any other clause in this Article VIII) or in any other Loan
Document or in any other agreement between the Lender and the Borrower
evidencing or securing borrowed monies and such default shall continue and shall
not have been remedied within thirty days after the date on which such default
occurred;

                  (i) The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall fail to make
any payment of principal or interest beyond the period of grace contained in any
instrument or agreement evidencing any indebtedness (other than to the Lender)
for money borrowed in excess of $100,000 (unless such default is the result of a
good faith dispute arising under such agreement or instrument and the other
party or parties thereto have not accelerated the maturity of such
indebtedness), or default shall be made by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries in the performance of any other covenant or agreement contained in
any such agreement or instrument as a result of which the other party thereto
proceeds to accelerate the maturity of the indebtedness of such Person under
such agreement or instrument;

                  (j) There shall occur any material adverse change in the
financial condition of the Borrower;


                                     - 30 -
<PAGE>   31
                  (k) There shall occur any Event of Default under the Loan
Agreement between the Borrower and the Lender dated as of November 1, 1993;

then, in the case of any such event, other than an event described in subsection
(d) or (e) of this Section 8.1, the Lender may, at its option immediately
declare any Obligations to it not otherwise due and payable at such time to be
forthwith due and payable, whereupon the same shall become forthwith due and
payable without further presentment, demand, protest, or other notice of any
kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in
the Note to the contrary notwithstanding; and, in the case of any event
described in subsection (d) or (e) of this Section 8.1, any Obligation not
otherwise due and payable at such time shall become immediately due and payable
without presentment, demand, protest, or other notice of any kind, all of which
are hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in the Note to the
contrary notwithstanding; and, further, in each and every such occurrence the
Lender may proceed to protect and enforce its rights by suit in equity, action
at law and/or other appropriate proceedings either for specific performance of
any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any instrument
delivered to the Lender pursuant to this Agreement, or in aid of the exercise of
any power granted in this Agreement or any such instrument.

      8.2 Lender's Further Rights and Remedies. Upon the occurrence and during
the unremedied continuation of an Event of Default, the Lender shall have the
right to require the Borrower to provide the Lender with cash collateral or
other collateral of a type and value satisfactory to the Lender in an amount
equal to the Borrower's outstanding Obligations to the Lender. With respect to
such collateral (the "Collateral"), the Lender shall have the rights and
remedies of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code ("UCC") and the
Borrower agrees to execute and deliver to the Lender such security agreements
and financing statements under the UCC as the Lender may require, and to pay the
cost of filing the same. Any deposits or other sums at any time credited by or
due from the Lender to the Borrower shall at all times constitute Collateral for
the Obligations. The Lender may apply the net proceeds of any disposition of
Collateral or set-off to the Obligations in such order as the Lender may
determine, whether or not due. With respect to Obligations not yet due,
including contingent Obligations, the Lender may at its option hold Collateral
(including any proceeds thereof) until all such Obligations have been paid in
full.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

      9.1 No Waiver, Remedies Cumulative. No failure on the part of the Lender
to exercise and no delay in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a
waiver


                                     - 31 -
<PAGE>   32
thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not exclusive of any
remedies provided by law. Any condition or restriction imposed in this Agreement
with respect to the Borrower may be waived, modified or suspended by the Lender
but only on the Lender's prior action in writing and only as so expressed in
such writing and not otherwise.

      9.2 Survival of Representations, Etc. All representations, warranties and
covenants made herein or in any Loan Document shall survive the delivery of the
Note and the consummation of all other transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby.

      9.3 Right of Setoff. In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted
under applicable law or otherwise and not by way of limitation of any such
rights, upon the occurrence and during the unremedied continuation of an Event
of Default, the Lender is hereby authorized at any time or from time to time,
without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind to the Borrower
or to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set
off and to appropriate and apply any and all deposits (general or special) and
any other indebtedness at any time held or owing by the Lender to or for the
credit or the account of the Borrower against and on account of the Obligations
and liabilities of the Borrower to the Lender under this Agreement or under any
of the other Loan Documents, and all other claims of any nature or description
arising out of or connected with this Agreement or any other Loan Document,
irrespective of whether or not the Lender shall have made any demand hereunder
and although said Obligations, liabilities or claims, or any of them, shall be
contingent or unmatured.

      9.4 Indemnity; Costs, Expenses and Taxes. The Borrower hereby agrees to
indemnify the Lender and its legal representatives, successors, assigns and
agents against, and agrees to protect, save and keep harmless each of them from
and to pay upon demand, any and all liabilities, obligations, taxes (including
any and all stamp and other taxes payable or determined to be payable in
connection with the execution and delivery of any Loan Documents), liens,
charges, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, suits, costs, indemnities,
expenses and disbursements (including, without limitation, reasonable legal
fees, costs and expenses, including without limitation reasonable costs of
attending and preparing for depositions and other court proceedings), of
whatsoever kind and nature, imposed upon, incurred by or asserted against such
indemnified party in any way relating to or arising out of any of the
transactions contemplated hereunder or in any of the Loan Documents (all of the
foregoing, collectively, "Costs") except to the extent arising by reason of the
Lender's gross negligence, misconduct or breach hereof. Without limiting the
foregoing, the Borrower agrees to pay on demand (a) all out-of-pocket costs and
expenses of the Lender in connection with the preparation, execution and
delivery of this Agreement and any other Loan Documents, including without
limitation the reasonable fees and


                                     - 32 -
<PAGE>   33
out-of-pocket expenses of Foley, Hoag & Eliot, special counsel for the Lender,
with respect thereto, as well as (b) the reasonable fees and all out-of-pocket
expenses of legal counsel, independent public accountants and other outside
experts retained by the Lender in connection with any request by the Borrower
for consents, waivers or other action or forbearance by the Lender hereunder,
for the modification or amendment hereof, or other like matters relating to the
administration of this Agreement; and (c) all reasonable costs and expenses, if
any, of the Lender incurred after the occurrence of any Event of Default
hereunder in connection with the enforcement of any of the Loan Documents or the
protection of any of the Lender's rights thereunder, including, without
limitation, any internal costs, including personnel costs of the Lender incurred
in connection with such administration and enforcement or protection.

      9.5 Notices.

                  (a) Unless telephonic notice is specifically permitted
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, any notice or other communication
hereunder to any party hereto shall be by telegram, telecopier, telex, delivery
in hand or by courier, or registered or certified mail (return receipt
requested) and shall be deemed to have been given or made when telegraphed,
telexed, telecopied (and confirmed received), delivered in hand or by courier,
or three days after being deposited in the mails, postage prepaid, registered or
certified, addressed to the party as follows (or at any other address that such
party may hereafter specify to the other parties in writing):

                             (a)  If to the Lender:

                                  The First National Bank of Boston
                                  100 Federal Street
                                  Boston, Massachusetts  02110
                                  Attn:  Ms. Sharon A. Stone, Director
                                  Telecopier No. (617) 434-4048

                                  with a copy to:

                                  Arlene L. Bender, Esq.
                                  Foley, Hoag & Eliot
                                  One Post Office Square
                                  Boston, Massachusetts  02109
                                  Telecopier No. (617) 832-7000


                                     - 33 -
<PAGE>   34
                             (b)  If to the Borrower:

                                  MKS Instruments, Inc.
                                  Six Shattuck Road
                                  Andover, Massachusetts 01810
                                  Attn: Mr. Robert F. O'Brien, Treasurer
                                  Telecopier No. (508) 975-3756

                                  with a copy to:

                                  Richard S. Chute, Esq.
                                  Hill & Barlow
                                  One International Place
                                  Boston, Massachusetts  02110
                                  Telecopier No. (617) 428-3500

      9.6 MASSACHUSETTS LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS SHALL
BE DEEMED A CONTRACT MADE UNDER THE LAW OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS AND
SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE
INTERNAL LAWS OF SAID STATE (WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF
LAWS).

      9.7 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of the Borrower and the Lender, and their respective legal
representatives, successors and assigns; provided that the Lender may assign its
rights hereunder, but the Borrower may not assign any of its rights hereunder.

      9.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of
which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original and all of
which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

      9.9 JURISDICTION, SERVICE OF PROCESS.

                  (a) ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE BORROWER WITH
RESPECT TO ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY JUDGMENT ENTERED BY ANY COURT IN
RESPECT OF ANY THEREOF SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTS LOCATED IN SUFFOLK COUNTY OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, AS THE LENDER (IN ITS SOLE
DISCRETION) MAY ELECT, AND THE BORROWER HEREBY ACCEPTS THE EXCLUSIVE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY SUIT,


                                     - 34 -
<PAGE>   35
ACTION OR PROCEEDING AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT
PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS.

                  (b) IN ADDITION, THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO
THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE
TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATING TO ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY JUDGMENT ENTERED BY ANY COURT IN
RESPECT THEREOF BROUGHT IN SUFFOLK COUNTY IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,
AND HEREBY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUIT, ACTION OR
PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUFFOLK COUNTY IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS HAS
BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.

      9.10 Limit on Interest. It is the intention of the Lender and the Borrower
to comply strictly with all applicable usury laws; and, accordingly, in no event
and upon no contingency shall the Lender ever be entitled to receive, collect,
or apply as interest under the Note any interest, fees, charges or other
payments equivalent to interest, in excess of the maximum rate that the Lender
may lawfully charge under applicable statutes and laws from time to time in
effect; and, in the event that the Lender ever receives, collects or applies as
interest on the Note, any such excess, such amount that, but for this provision,
would be excessive interest shall be applied to the reduction of the principal
amount of the indebtedness evidenced by the Note; and, if the principal amount
of indebtedness evidenced by the Note, and all lawful interest thereon, is paid
in full, any remaining excess shall forthwith be paid to the Borrower, or other
party lawfully entitled thereto. In determining whether or not the interest paid
or payable, under any specific contingency exceeds the highest contract rate
permitted by applicable law from time to time in effect, the Borrower and the
Lender shall, to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, characterize
any non-principal payment as a reasonable loan charge, rather than as interest.
Any provision of the Note, or of any other agreement between the Lender and the
Borrower, that operates to bind, obligate, or compel the Borrower to pay
interest in excess of such maximum lawful contract rate shall be construed to
require the payment of the maximum rate only. The provisions of this Section
9.10 shall be given precedence over any other provisions contained in the Note
or in any other agreement between the Lender and the Borrower that is in
conflict with the provisions of this Section 9.10.

      9.11 Amendments, Modifications, Waivers. Any term of this Agreement or of
the Note may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement or of
the Note may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either


                                     - 35 -
<PAGE>   36
retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the Borrower
and the Lender.

      9.12 Headings. The headings of this Agreement are for convenience only and
are not to affect the construction of or to be taken into account in
interpreting the substance of this Agreement.

      9.13 WAIVER OF NOTICE, ETC. THE BORROWER WAIVES DEMAND, NOTICE, PROTEST,
NOTICE OF ACCEPTANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT, NOTICE OF LOANS MADE, CREDIT EXTENDED,
COLLATERAL RECEIVED OR DELIVERED OR OTHER ACTION TAKEN IN RELIANCE HEREON AND
ALL OTHER DEMANDS AND NOTICE OF ANY DESCRIPTION, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED HEREBY. WITH
RESPECT BOTH TO THE OBLIGATIONS AND COLLATERAL, THE BORROWER ASSENTS TO ANY
EXTENSION OR POSTPONEMENT OF THE TIME OF PAYMENT OR ANY OTHER INDULGENCE, TO ANY
SUBSTITUTION, EXCHANGE OR RELEASE OF COLLATERAL, TO THE ADDITION OR RELEASE OF
ANY PARTY OR PERSONS PRIMARILY OR SECONDARILY LIABLE, TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF
PRETRIAL PAYMENT THEREON AND THE SETTLEMENT, COMPROMISING OR ADJUSTING OF ANY
THEREOF, ALL IN SUCH MANNER AND AT SUCH TIME OR TIMES AS THE LENDER MAY DEEM
ADVISABLE. THE BORROWER AGREES THAT NO ACTIONS TAKEN BY ANY PERSON EXCEPT THE
LENDER SHALL IMPAIR OR OTHERWISE AFFECT ITS OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER UNTIL ALL
OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWER HEREUNDER ARE SATISFIED IN FULL.

      9.14 WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. THE BORROWER WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS THAT
IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY ON ANY CLAIM OR ACTION, OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER,
RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS.

      9.15 Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions
contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal
or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability
shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall
be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never
been contained herein.

      9.16 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents
constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties
with regard to the subject matter hereof and thereof and shall supersede all
prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, between the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.


                                     - 36 -
<PAGE>   37
      9.17 Compliance with Covenants. All computations determining compliance
with Sections 6 and 7 shall utilize accounting principles in conformity with
those used in the preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section
4.5. If any subsequent financial reports of the Borrower shall be prepared in
accordance with accounting principles different from those used in the
preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.5, the Borrower
shall inform the Lender of the changes in accounting principles and shall
provide to the Lender with such reports, such supplemental reconciling financial
information as may be required to ascertain compliance by the Borrower with the
covenants contained in this document.

      9.18 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by the Borrower at any
time upon written notice of such termination to Lender; provided, however, that,
unless and until the Term Loan made by the Lender hereunder and all other
obligations hereunder of the Borrower to the Lender existing (whether or not
due as of the time of the receipt of such notice by the Lender shall have been
paid in full, such termination shall in no way affect the rights and powers
granted to the Lender in connection with this Agreement, and until such payment
in full all rights and powers hereby granted to the Lender hereunder shall be
and remain in full force and effect.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as an agreement under seal as of the date first above
written.

                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.


    
    Witness:

    /s/ Richard S Chute       By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
    -------------------          -----------------------------------
                              Title: Treasurer

                              THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
                                BOSTON



                              By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                 -----------------------------------
                              Title: Director


                                     - 37 -
<PAGE>   38
                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                                 FIRST AMENDMENT

                                TO LOAN AGREEMENT


      This First Amendment (the "Amendment") dated as of February 23, 1996
amends the Loan Agreement dated as of October 31, 1995, as amended (the "Loan
Agreement"), between MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Borrower") and The First
National Bank of Boston (the "Lender"), capitalized terms used herein but not
otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Loan
Agreement.

      WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Lender and Chemical Bank shall enter into a
loan agreement (the "1996 Loan Agreement") on the date hereof; and

      WHEREAS, the Lender and the Borrower agree that certain terms of the Loan
Agreement should be made consistent with similar terms in the 1996 Loan
Agreement;

      NOW, THEREFORE, the Lender and the Borrower agree as follows:

      Section 1. Amendment to the Loan Agreement.

      (a) Section 3.2.2. of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
existing language and substituting the following:

            3.2.2. The Lender will notify the Borrower of any event occurring
after the date of this Agreement that will entitle the Lender to any additional
payment under this Section 3.2 as promptly as practicable. The Lender will
furnish to the Borrower with such notice a certificate signed by an officer of
the Lender certifying that the Lender is entitled to payment under this Section
3.2 and setting forth the basis (in reasonable detail) and the amount of each
request by the Lender for any additional payment pursuant to this Section 3.2.
Such certificate shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. The
Borrower shall not be obligated to compensate the Lender pursuant to this
Section for amounts accruing prior to the date that is 180 days before the
Lender notifies the Borrower of its obligations to compensate the Lender for
such amounts.

      (b) Sections 6.1(a) and 6.1(c) of the Loan Agreement are hereby amended by
replacing the word "sixty" in each with the word "forty-five".

      (c) Section 7.1(b) of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
existing language and substituting the following:


                                     - 38 -
<PAGE>   39
            7.1(b) Mergers, Etc. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will
consolidate with or merge into any other Person or permit any other Person to
consolidate with or merge into it, or acquire all or substantially all of the
assets of any Person, or sell, assign, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in
one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its
assets to any Person, except that

                  (1) a Subsidiary may consolidate with or merge into the
            Borrower or another Subsidiary; and

                  (2) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may acquire all or
            substantially all of the assets of any Person provided (i) such
            Person is engaged in a line of business substantially similar to one
            or more of Borrower's existing lines of business, (ii) the aggregate
            purchase price liability incurred in any calendar year, including
            all contingent liabilities, when aggregated with all such
            acquisitions and any Investments permitted under Section 7.4(2) in
            any calendar year shall not exceed 25% of Consolidated Tangible Net
            Worth as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter or, if 80% or
            more of the purchase price is paid in capital stock of the Borrower,
            40% of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth as of the end of the most
            recent fiscal quarter and (iii) based on a pro forma calculation of
            the ratios set forth in Section 7.7 as of the date such acquisition
            is closed, assuming consolidation of the acquired business with the
            Borrower for the four full fiscal quarters ended immediately
            preceding such closing and pro forma debt and debt service payments
            based on scheduled principal payments, including acquisition
            borrowings, if any, and pro forma interest on total debt at then
            prevailing borrowing rates, Borrower is in compliance with the
            financial covenants set forth in Section 7.7.

      (d) Section 7.2 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
existing clause (11) and substituting the following:

                  (11) Liens in respect of any purchase money obligations for
            tangible property used in its business, which obligations shall not
            at any time exceed 5% of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, provided
            that any such encumbrances shall not extend to property and assets
            of the Borrower or any Subsidiary not financed by such a purchase
            money obligation;

      (e) Section 7.3 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding the
following words to the end thereof prior to the close parenthesis: "and
transfers of capital equipment that will be leased pursuant to Financing
Leases".


                                     - 39 -
<PAGE>   40
      (f) Section 7.4 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
existing clause (2) and substituting the following:

                  (2) Investments in or to any Subsidiary or other Person,
            provided Borrower remains in compliance with Section 7.1(b);

and by deleting from clause (4) the word "$100,000,000" and replacing it with
the word "$500,000,000".

      (g) Section 7.7 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting
subsection (a) and replacing it with the following:

            (a) Consolidated Tangible Net Worth. The Consolidated Tangible Net
Worth as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower shall:

                  (A) prior to an IPO, not be less than the sum of (i)
      $38,000,000, and (ii) 50% of Consolidated Net Income (excluding losses)
      for each consecutive fiscal quarter of the Borrower beginning with the
      quarter ending March 31, 1996, on a cumulative basis; and

                  (B) after an IPO, not be less than the sum of (i) the amount
      required by clause (A) above immediately prior to such IPO plus (ii) the
      net proceeds to the Borrower of the IPO less (iii) the Sub S Dividends.

For purposes of the foregoing, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:

      "IPO" shall mean the initial underwritten public offering pursuant to an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
covering the offer and sale of the Borrower's Common Stock for the account of
the Borrower.

      "Sub S Dividends" shall mean one or more distributions by the Borrower to
its shareholders who were shareholders prior to the IPO in an aggregate amount
equal to the Borrower's "accumulated adjustments account", as defined in Section
1368(a)(l) if the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as of the date of the IPO.

      (h) Section 8.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by replacing
existing clause (i) with the following:

      (i) There shall occur any default under any instrument or agreement
evidencing any indebtedness for money borrowed in excess of $100,000 by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

and by adding the following clauses (1) and (m) after clause (k):


                                     - 40 -
<PAGE>   41
      (l) There shall occur any Event of Default under any other loan or credit
agreement to which the Borrower and the Lender are parties;

      (m) The transfer by John R. Bertucci and/or his Affiliates of securities
of the Borrower or the voting power related to such securities as a result of
which the power to elect, appoint or cause the election or appointment of at
least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Borrower shall
no longer be held by John R. Bertucci and/or his Affiliates;

      Section 2. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby represents
and warrants as follows:

            (a) The execution and delivery of this Amendment and the performance
of this Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other
Loan Documents, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been
authorized by all necessary corporate actions of the Borrower. This Amendment,
the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents
constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable
against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

            (b) The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Amendment, the Loan
Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents. Neither the
authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of this
Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby or any
other Loan Document nor the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby
or thereby violates or will violate any provision of the corporate charter or
by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will, with the passage of time or the giving
of notice or both, result in a breach of or a default under, or require any
consent under or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon
any property or assets of the Borrower pursuant to, any material instrument,
agreement or other document to which the Borrower is a party or by which the
Borrower or any of its properties may be bound or affected.

            (c) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Amendment and
the performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and the
Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law or regulation
applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of any court or
governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the Borrower.

      Section 3. Conditions to Effectiveness. The effectiveness of this
Amendment is conditioned on the following:


                                     - 41 -
<PAGE>   42
            (a) The Borrower and the Lender shall each have executed and
delivered a counterpart of this Amendment;

            (b) The representations and warranties contained in Article IV of
the Loan Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
date hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof; and

            (c) No Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement shall
have occurred and be continuing.

      Section 4. Miscellaneous.

            (a) On and after the date hereof, each reference in the Loan
Agreement to "this Agreement" or the words of like import shall mean and be
deemed to be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

            (b) Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan Agreement is in
all respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms,
covenants and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.

            (c) This Amendment and the modifications to the Loan Agreement set
forth herein shall be deemed to be a document executed under seal and shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.

            (d) This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and
the same document.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly
executed as of the date and the year first above written.

                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.


                                       By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
                                           ----------------------------------
                                       Title: Treasurer
                                              -------------------------------


                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON


                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           ----------------------------------
                                       Title: Director
                                              -------------------------------   


                                     - 42 -
<PAGE>   43

                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                           WAIVER AND FOURTH AMENDMENT

                                TO LOAN AGREEMENT


         This Waiver and Fourth Amendment (the "Waiver and Amendment") dated as
of January 28, 1999 concerns the Loan Agreement dated as of October 31, 1995
(the "Loan Agreement"), between MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Borrower") and
BankBoston, N.A. (f/k/a The First National Bank of Boston, the "Lender"), as
amended on February 23, 1996, February 4, 1997 and February 3, 1998. Capitalized
terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to
them in the Loan Agreement.

         WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lender waive certain
Events of Default and agree to change certain financial covenants in the Loan
Agreement; and

         WHEREAS, the Lender is willing, on the terms, subject to the conditions
and to the extent set forth below, to grant such a waiver and amend the Loan
Agreement to effect such changes;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Lender and the Borrower agree as follows:

         Section 1.        WAIVER. The Lender hereby waives the Events of
Default under Section 8.1(g), (j), (k) and (l) of the Loan Agreement resulting
from Borrower's failure to meet the financial covenant set forth in Section
7.7(c) of the Loan Agreement as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended December
31, 1998.

         Section 2.        AMENDMENT OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT.

         (a)      Section 2.2.1. of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by
adding the following sentences at the end thereof:

         Notwithstanding the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), from the date
         hereof through the date on which the effect of a change resulting from
         the Borrower's delivery of its financial statements and Compliance
         Certificate for the quarter ending June 30, 1999 will take effect, the
         only alternative to the Base Rate shall be the LIBOR Rate plus 1.65%.

         The effect of any change to the Borrower's Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio or
         Cash Flow Ratio on the interest rate available pursuant to Section
         2.2.1(i) or (ii) shall take effect on the first day of the month
         immediately following the month in which the Borrower delivers its
         financial statements pursuant to Section 6.1(a) or (b) and Compliance
         Certificate pursuant to Section 6.1(c).



<PAGE>   44



         (b)      Section 7.7(c) of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by
adding the following clause at the end thereof:

         provided, however, that as of the end of each of the fiscal quarters
         listed below, the Cash Flow Ratio shall not be less than the ratio
         stated directly below such quarter:


         Q4 1998           Q1 1999           Q2 1999           Q3 1999
         -------           -------           -------           -------

         .6 to 1           .5 to 1           .5 to 1           1.1 to 1

         provided, however, that, the foregoing notwithstanding, if the Cash
         Flow Ratio for the first fiscal quarter of 1999 is less than 1 to 1,
         then the Cash Flow Ratio for the second fiscal quarter of 1999 shall
         not be less than 1 to 1 and further, that the Cash Flow Ratio for the
         first and second fiscal quarters of 1999 shall mean the ratio as of the
         end of each such quarter of (i) Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for
         such fiscal quarter ended on such date to (ii) Consolidated Debt
         Service for such quarter and that the Cash Flow Ratio for the third
         fiscal quarter of 1999 shall mean the ratio as of the end of such
         quarter of (i) Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for the first three
         fiscal quarters of 1999 ended on such date to (ii) Consolidated Debt
         Service for such quarters.

         (c)      Section 7.7 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding
the following subsection (d):

                  (d)      EBIT-TO-INTEREST RATIO. The ratio of the sum of
         Consolidated Net Income plus Interest Expense, the interest portion of
         Financing Lease Obligations and all taxes in respect of income and
         profits paid or payable (including accrued Sub S distributions required
         to make shareholder tax payments) as of the end of each fiscal quarter
         of the Borrower beginning with the fiscal quarter ended December 31,
         1998 to Interest Expense during such quarter shall not be less than 2
         to 1 for the fiscal quarters ending December 31, 1998 and March 31,
         1999 and 3 to 1 for the fiscal quarters ending June 30, 1999 and
         September 30, 1999.

         Section 3.        FEES. The Borrower shall pay to the Lender a fee of
$5,000 on the date of this Waiver and Amendment.

         Section 4.        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Borrower hereby
represents and warrants as follows:

                  (a)      The execution and delivery of this Waiver and
Amendment and the performance of this Waiver and Amendment, the Loan Agreement
as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents, and the transactions
contemplated


                                       -2-

<PAGE>   45



hereby and thereby, have been authorized by all necessary corporate actions of
the Borrower. This Waiver and Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby
and each of the other Loan Documents constitute the legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with
their respective terms.

                  (b)      The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Waiver and
Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan
Documents. Neither the authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the
Borrower of this Waiver and Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement
as amended hereby or any other Loan Document nor the performance of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby violates or will violate any
provision of the corporate charter or by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will,
with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both, result in a breach of
or a default under, or require any consent under or result in the creation of
any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Borrower
pursuant to, any material instrument, agreement or other document to which the
Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower or any of its properties may be
bound or affected.

                  (c)      The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this
Waiver and Amendment and the performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement
as amended hereby and the Loan Documents do not and will not violate any
provision of law or regulation applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or
decree of any court or governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable
to the Borrower.

         Section 5.        LOAN DOCUMENTS. This Waiver and Amendment shall be a
Loan Document for all purposes.

         Section 6.        CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS. The effectiveness of
this Waiver and Amendment is conditioned on the following:

                  (a)      The Borrower and the Lender shall each have executed
and delivered a counterpart of this Waiver and Amendment;

                  (b)      The representations and warranties contained in
Article IV of the Loan Agreement shall be true and correct in all material
respects as of the date hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof;

                  (c)      No Default or Event of Default under the Loan
Agreement shall have occurred and be continuing other than the Events of Default
described in Section 1 hereof;


                                       -3-

<PAGE>   46



                  (d)      The Lender shall have received, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Lender:

                           (i)      an opinion of independent counsel to the
                  Borrower with respect to this Waiver and Amendment;

                           (ii)     a certificate as to the Borrower's legal
                  existence and good standing under the laws of The Commonwealth
                  of Massachusetts and;

                           (iii)    a certificate of the Borrower's Clerk as to 
                  (x) no changes in its charter documents and by-laws as
                  amended, (y) corporate votes authorizing the execution and
                  delivery of this Waiver and Amendment and (z) incumbency of
                  the officers authorized to execute this Waiver and Amendment
                  on behalf of the Borrower.

                  (e)      The Borrower's audited consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1998 (the "1998 Statements") shall
not differ in any materially adverse respect from the Borrower's unaudited
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1998, which
the Borrower has provided to the Lender and upon which the Lender has relied in
agreeing to this Waiver and Amendment and the Borrower shall deliver the 1998
Statements to the Lender no later than 30 days after the date of this Waiver and
Amendment.

                  (f)      The conditions set forth in Sections 5.2-5.5 of the
Loan Agreement shall have been met as of the date hereof, provided that for
purposes thereof and Section 4.5 of the Loan Agreement, the "Balance Sheet Date"
shall mean December 31, 1998 and the financial statements referred to therein
shall mean the unaudited statements for the year ended December 31, 1998, that
have been furnished to the Lender.

         Section 7.        MISCELLANEOUS.

                  (a)      On and after the date hereof, each reference in the
Loan Agreement to "this Agreement" or words of like import shall mean and be
deemed to be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

                  (b)      Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan
Agreement is in all respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and
the terms, covenants and agreements therein shall remain in full force and
effect.

                  (c)      This Waiver and Amendment and the modifications to
the Loan Agreement set forth herein shall be deemed to be a document executed
under seal and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


                                       -4-

<PAGE>   47



                  (d)      This Waiver and Amendment may be executed in
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same document.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Waiver and Amendment
to be duly executed as of the date and the year first above written.




                                            MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.


                                            By: /s/ William P. Donlan
                                                --------------------------------
                                            Title: Treasurer


                                            BANKBOSTON, N.A.


                                            By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                                --------------------------------
                                            Title: Director






                                       -5-





<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.11
         


                               LOAN AGREEMENT


         This Loan Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of the 1st
    day of November, 1993, by and between The First National Bank of Boston
("Lender") and MKS Instruments, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("Borrower").

                                    PREMISES:

         WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lender make loans to it;
and

         WHEREAS, the Lender is willing to lend funds to the Borrower on the
terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and
valuable consideration, the adequacy and receipt of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

         1.1 Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this
Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, which meanings
shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms:

              1.1.1. "Advance" shall mean the drawing down by the Borrower of a
Base Rate Loan, a LIBOR Loan or a Money Market Rate Loan on any given Advance
Date.

              1.1.2. "Advance Date" shall mean the date as of which an Advance
is consummated.

              1.1.3. "Affiliate" of any Person shall mean any other Person
which, directly or indirectly, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, "control" of any
Person shall mean the power, directly or indirectly, either to (i) vote 10% or
more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of
directors of such Person or (ii) direct the management and policies of such
Person, whether by contract or otherwise. As to the Borrower, the term
"Affiliate" shall include, without limitation, any partnership or joint venture
of which the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower is a general partner or
is a limited partner with more than a ten percent (10%) interest, and any
director or executive officer of the Borrower.

              1.1.4. "Base Rate" shall mean the rate of interest announced by
the Lender at its head office from time to time as its "Base Rate".
<PAGE>   2
              1.1.5. "Base Rate Loan" shall mean an Advance that is specified as
such in the Notice of Borrowing with respect to such Advance and that bears
interest as provided in Section 2.4.1 or a portion of the Term Loan as to which
the Borrower elects to pay interest at the Base Rate as provided in Section 3.2.

              1.1.6. "Borrowing" shall mean the incurrence of one or more
Advances on a given date.

              1.1.7. "Business Day" shall mean a day on which commercial banks
are required to be open for business in Boston, Massachusetts.

              1.1.8. "Cash Flow Ratio" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 8.7(c).

              1.1.9. "Closing Date" shall mean the date of this Agreement.

              1.1.10. "Compliance Certificate" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 7.1(c).

              1.1.11. "Consolidated Debt Service" shall mean for any period the
sum (without duplication) of Interest Expense, the interest portion of Financing
Lease Obligations and required principal payments on long-term debt of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis.

              1.1.12. "Consolidated Indebtedness" shall mean the Indebtedness of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis.

              1.1.13. "Consolidated Net Income" shall mean for any period the
net income (or loss) for such period (before extraordinary items and excluding
the net income of any business entity that is not a Subsidiary in which the
Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest unless such net
income shall have actually been received by such company in the form of cash
distributions) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries after deducting all
operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, Interest Expense, the
interest portion of Financing Lease Obligations, all taxes in respect of income
and profits paid or payable (including accrued Sub S distributions required to
make shareholder tax payments) and all other proper deductions, all determined
on a consolidated basis.

              1.1.14. "Consolidated Operating Cash Flow" shall mean for any
period, the net income (or loss) for such period (before extraordinary items and
excluding the net income of any business entity that is not a Subsidiary in
which the Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest unless
such net income shall have actually been received by such company in the form of
cash distributions) of the

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
Borrower and its Subsidiaries before deducting Interest Expense and taxes and
after restoring thereto depreciation of real and personal property and leasehold
improvements and amortization and after deducting cash taxes paid, Sub S
distributions required to make shareholder tax payments, and capital
expenditures incurred.

              1.1.15. "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" shall mean, at any time,
net stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles including the book
amount of all minority interests in MKS International, Inc. but excluding the
book amount of all minority interests in other Affiliates and any foreign
exchange translation adjustment, with no upward adjustments due to a
reevaluation of assets (other than any such upward adjustment as may be required
under generally accepted accounting principles in connection with the
acquisition by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of another company or entity)
minus the following items (without duplication of deductions) appearing on the
balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries:

              (a) the book amount of all assets (including, without limitation,
goodwill, patents, trademarks, copyrights, organizational expense and
unamortized debt discount) that would be treated as intangibles under generally
accepted accounting principles;

              (b) treasury stock; and

              (c) any write-up in the book amount of any asset or Investment
subsequent to the Closing Date, resulting from a reevaluation or reappraisal
thereof from the amount entered in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles by the Borrower or any Subsidiary on its books with respect to its
acquisition of the asset or Investment.

              1.1.16. "Costs" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.4.

              1.1.17. "Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 8.7(b).

              1.1.18. "Default" shall mean any event that, with the lapse of
time, the giving of notice, or both, would become an Event of Default hereunder.

              1.1.19. "Event of Default" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 9.1 hereof.

              1.1.20. "Financing Lease" shall mean any lease of the Borrower or
a Subsidiary, as lessee, that is shown or is required to be shown in accordance
with


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
generally accepted accounting principles as a liability on the balance sheet of
the lessee thereunder.

              1.1.21. "Financing Lease Obligation" shall mean for any period the
monetary obligation of the lessee under a Financing Lease. The amount of a
Financing Lease Obligation at any date is the amount at which the lessee's
liability under the Financing Lease would be required to be shown on its balance
sheet at such date.

              1.1.22. "Hazardous Substances" shall mean any hazardous waste, as
defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 6903(5), any hazardous substances, as defined by 42
U.S.C. Section 9601(14), any pollutant or contaminant, as defined by 42 U.S.C.
Section 9601(33), or any toxic substance, oil or hazardous materials or other
chemicals or substances regulated by any laws or regulations relating to the
discharge of air pollutants, water pollutants, or processed wastewater.

              1.1.23. "Indebtedness" shall mean, for any Person, (a) all
obligations of such Person that in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles would be reflected on the balance sheet of such Person as a
liability, (b) all obligations of any other Person the payment or collection of
which such Person has guaranteed (except by reason of endorsement for collection
in the ordinary course of business) or in respect of which such Person is
liable, contingently or otherwise, including, without limitation, liable by way
of agreement to purchase, to provide funds for payment, to supply funds to or
otherwise to invest in such other Person, or otherwise to assure a creditor
against loss, (c) all obligations of any other Person for borrowed money or for
the deferred purchase price of property or services secured by (or for which the
holder of such indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to
be secured by) any mortgage, or other encumbrance upon or in property
(including, without limitation, accounts and contract rights) owned by such
Person, whether or not such Person has assumed or become liable for the payment
of such indebtedness or obligations, and (d) Financing Lease Obligations of such
Person.

              1.1.24. "Interest Expense" shall mean for any period the aggregate
amount of interest recorded, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, on the financial statements for that period by the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries in respect of Consolidated Indebtedness incurred for borrowed
money.

              1.1.25. "Interest Period" shall mean the period designated by the
Borrower as such in the Notice of Borrowing with respect to any LIBOR Loan or
Money Market Rate Loan pursuant to and subject to the limitations set forth in
Section 2.5 or in the Interest Rate Change Notice for any portion of the Term
Loan pursuant to and subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3.2.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
              1.1.26. "Interest Rate Change Notice" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.2.

              1.1.27. "Interest Rate Determination Date" shall mean the third
Business Day prior to the first day of the related Interest Period for a LIBOR
Loan and the first day of the related Interest Period for a Money Market Rate
Loan or the determination of the Long Term Funds Rate.

              1.1.28. "Interim Maturity Date" shall mean the last day of any
Interest Period.

              1.1.29. "Investments" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
8.4.

              1.1.30. "LIBOR Loan" shall mean an Advance that is specified as
such in the Notice of Borrowing with respect to such Advance and that bears
interest at the rate provided in Section 2.4.2. or a portion of the Term Loan as
to which the Borrower elects to pay interest using the LIBOR Rate as provided in
Section 3.2.

              1.1.31. "LIBOR Rate" shall mean for any Interest Rate
Determination Date, the rate obtained by dividing (i) the quotation offered by
the Lender in the interbank Eurodollar market for U.S. dollar deposits of
amounts in immediately available funds comparable to the principal amount of the
LIBOR Loan or the portion of the Term Loan for which the LIBOR Rate is being
determined with a maturity comparable to the Interest Period for which such
LIBOR Rate will apply as of approximately noon (Boston time) three Business Days
prior to the commencement of such Interest Period by (ii) a percentage equal to
100% minus the stated maximum rate of all reserves required to be maintained
against "Eurocurrency liabilities" as specified in Regulation D (or against any
other category of liabilities that includes deposits by reference to which the
interest rate on LIBOR Loans is determined) as applicable on such date to any
member bank of the Federal Reserve System.

              1.1.32. "Licenses" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
5.8.

              1.1.33. "Lien" shall mean any interest in property securing an
obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the
property, whether the interest is based on common law, statute or contract
(including the security interest lien arising from a mortgage, encumbrance,
pledge, conditional sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment
for security purposes). For the purposes of this Agreement, the Borrower or a
Subsidiary shall be deemed to be the owner of any property that it has acquired
or holds subject to a Financing Lease or a conditional sale agreement or other
arrangement pursuant to which title to the property has been retained by or
vested in some other Person for security purposes, and such retention or vesting
shall be deemed to be a Lien.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
              1.1.34. "Loan Documents" shall mean each of this Agreement, the
Notes, the Mortgage and any other document or instrument executed by the
Borrower in favor of the Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby.

              1.1.35. "Long Term Funds Loan" shall mean the portion of the Term
Loan as to which the Borrower elects to pay interest using the Long Term Funds
Rate as provided in Section 3.2.

              1.1.36. "Long Term Funds Rate" shall mean for any Interest Rate
Determination Date, the rate of interest quoted by the Lender in Boston on such
date in its sole discretion (it being understood that the Lender is under no
obligation to quote such rates) to the Borrower as the fixed rate of interest at
which it is willing to make a Long Term Funds Loan in the amount equal to the
portion of the Term Loan for which this rate is requested by the Borrower with a
maturity equal to the Interest Period requested.

              1.1.37. "Money Market Rate" shall mean for any Interest Rate
Determination Date, the rate of interest quoted by the Lender in Boston on such
date in its sole discretion (it being understood that the Lender is under no
obligation to quote such rates) to the Borrower as the fixed rate of interest at
which it is willing to make a Money Market Rate Loan in the amount and for the
Interest Period requested by the Borrower.

              1.1.38. "Money Market Rate Loan" shall mean an Advance that is
specified as such in the Notice of Borrowing with respect to such Advance and
that bears interest at the rate provided in Section 2.4.3 hereof.

              1.1.39. "Notes" shall mean the Revolving Credit Note and the Term
Note.

              1.1.40. "Mortgage" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
6.2.

              1.1.41. "Notice of Borrowing" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.2.1.

              1.1.42. "Obligations" shall mean, without limitation, any and all
liabilities, debts, and obligations of the Borrower to the Lender, of each and
every kind, nature and description, under this Agreement, any other Loan
Document, the Foreign Exchange Agreement, and any interest rate swap agreement,
whether now existing or hereafter incurred. "Obligations" also means, without
limitation, any and all obligations of the Borrower to act or to refrain from
acting in accordance with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Agreement
or of any other Loan Document.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
              1.1.43. "Permitted Liens" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 8.2.

              1.1.44. "Person" shall mean any natural person, corporation,
unincorporated organization, trust, joint-stock company, joint venture,
association, company, partnership or government, or any agency or political
subdivision of any government.

              1.1.45. "Property" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
6.2(f).

              1.1.46. "Revolver Termination Date" shall mean June 30, 1994 or
any subsequent anniversary thereof if the Revolving Credit Loan shall have been
renewed by the Lender.

              1.1.47. "Revolving Credit Loan" shall mean the demand
discretionary revolving credit loan in an amount up to the amount of $7,000,000
extended or to be extended by the Lender to the Borrower on the terms and
conditions set forth herein.

              1.1.48. "Revolving Credit Note" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 2.3.

              1.1.49. "Revolving Loan Account" shall mean the account on the
books of the Lender in the name of the Borrower in which the following shall be
recorded: Advances made by the Lender to and for the account of the Borrower
pursuant to Section 2 of this Agreement; all other charges, expenses and other
items properly chargeable to the Borrower with respect to such Advances; all
Costs with respect to such Advances; all payments made by the Borrower on
account of indebtedness evidenced by the Revolving Credit Note; and other
appropriate debits and credits.

              1.1.50. "Subsidiary" shall mean any Person of which the Borrower
at the time owns, directly or indirectly, through another Subsidiary or
otherwise, 50% or more of the equity interests.

              1.1.51. "Term Loan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.1.

              1.1.52. "Term Loan Maturity Date" shall mean the seventh
anniversary of the date of this Agreement.

              1.1.53. "Term Note" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.1.

              1.1.54. "Term Loan Account" shall mean the account on the books of
the Lender in the name of the Borrower in which the following shall be recorded:
the principal outstanding and interest accrued under the Term Loan; all Costs
with

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
respect to the Term Loan; all payments made by the Borrower on account of
indebtedness evidenced by the Term Note; and other appropriate debits and
credits.

         1.2 Accounting Terms. Accounting terms not specifically defined in this
Agreement shall have the meanings given to them under generally accepted
accounting principles.

         1.3 Other Definitional Provisions. The words "hereof," "herein" and
"hereunder," and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer
to this Agreement as a whole and not any particular provision of this Agreement.
Any Article, Section, Exhibit or Schedule references are to this Agreement
unless otherwise specified.

                                   ARTICLE II

                              REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN

         2.1 Revolving Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, the Lender hereby agrees to make Advances from time to time to the
Borrower during the period from the date hereof to the Revolver Termination Date
(or such earlier date on which the Lender shall have demanded payment of the
Revolving Credit Note) in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed at any
time $7,000,000. The Lender shall have the absolute discretion to make such
Advances as it deems appropriate and to demand re-payment of Advances at any
time. Each Advance shall, at the option of the Borrower, be a Base Rate Loan, a
LIBOR Loan or a Money Market Rate Loan provided, however, that no LIBOR Loan or
Money Market Rate Loan shall be made at any time in a principal amount of less
than $1,000,000.

         2.2 Notice of Borrowing.

              2.2.1. Whenever the Borrower desires to obtain a LIBOR Loan or a
Money Market Rate Loan hereunder, it may request that the Lender provide quotes
as of any specified Interest Rate Determination Date as to the LIBOR Rate and/or
the Money Market Rate for any or all Interest Periods, and the Lender shall
promptly provide such quotes. The Borrower shall give the Lender prior
telecopied or telephone notice (given not later than 10:00 a.m. (Boston time))
on the day of any Borrowing with respect to a Base Rate Loan or a Money Market
Rate Loan and at least three Business Days prior to, the day of any Borrowing
with respect to a LIBOR Loan. Each such notice (each a "Notice of Borrowing")
shall specify the principal amount of each Advance to be made, the date of the
Borrowing (which shall be a Business Day), whether each Advance being made is to
be initially maintained as a Base Rate Loan, a LIBOR Loan or a Money Market Rate
Loan and, in the case of a LIBOR Loan or Money Market Rate Loan, the initial
Interest Period applicable

                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
thereto. If such notice is given by telephone, it shall be immediately confirmed
in writing. No more than one Base Rate Loan shall be outstanding at any time,
but the Borrower may increase the principal amount of any Base Rate Loan at any
time by giving a Notice of Borrowing as set forth above.

              2.2.2. Upon the Interim Maturity Date of any LIBOR Loan or Money
Market Rate Loan, unless the Borrower (i) shall have given the Lender a Notice
of Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.2.1 requesting that a new LIBOR Loan
or Money Market Rate Loan be made on such Interim Maturity Date or (ii) shall
have repaid such LIBOR Loan or Money Market Rate Loan on such Interim Maturity
Date, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested that the Lender make a Base
Rate Loan to the Borrower on such Interim Maturity Date in an aggregate
principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the LIBOR Loan or
Money Market Rate Loan maturing on such Interim Maturity Date.

         2.3 Revolving Loan Account. The Advances made by the Lender from time
to time to the Borrower under this Agreement shall be evidenced by the Revolving
Credit Note in the form of Exhibit A hereto (the "Revolving Credit Note"). The
Advances and the amounts of all payments on the Revolving Credit Note shall be
recorded by the Lender in the Revolving Loan Account of the Borrower. The debit
balance of the Revolving Loan Account shall represent the amount of the
Borrower's indebtedness to the Lender from time to time by reason of Advances
and other appropriate charges hereunder. All statements regarding the Revolving
Loan Account shall be deemed to be accurate absent manifest error or unless
objected to by the Borrower within 30 days after receipt. The Borrower agrees to
review each such statement promptly after receipt and to bring any errors or
discrepancies to the Lender's attention promptly.

         2.4 Interest.

              2.4.1. The Borrower agrees to pay interest in respect of the
unpaid principal amount of each Base Rate Loan from the date the proceeds
thereof are made available to the Borrower until maturity (whether by
acceleration, voluntary prepayment or otherwise) at a rate per annum that shall
be the Base Rate in effect from time to time.

              2.4.2. The Borrower agrees to pay interest in respect of the
unpaid principal amount of each LIBOR Loan from the date the proceeds thereof
are made available to the Borrower until maturity (whether by acceleration,
voluntary prepayment or otherwise) at a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR Rate
plus 1.25%.

              2.4.3. The Borrower agrees to pay interest in respect of the
unpaid principal amount of each Money Market Rate Loan from the date the
proceeds thereof are made available to the Borrower until maturity (whether by
acceleration,

                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10
voluntary prepayment or otherwise) at a rate per annum equal to the Money Market
Rate.

              2.4.4. Overdue principal and (to the extent permitted by law)
overdue interest in respect of each Base Rate Loan, each LIBOR Loan and each
Money Market Rate Loan (to the extent not converted into a Base Rate Loan) shall
bear interest, payable on demand, after as well as before judgment, at a rate
per annum equal to the Base Rate in effect from time to time plus 3% per annum.

              2.4.5. Interest shall accrue from and including the date of any
Advance and shall be payable by the Borrower monthly in arrears on the last day
of each month and on any prepayment (on the amount prepaid), at maturity
(whether by acceleration, voluntary prepayment or otherwise), and after such
maturity, on demand. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of actual days
elapsed and a 360-day year.

         2.5 Interest Periods. At the time it gives any Notice of Borrowing with
respect to a LIBOR Loan or a Money Market Rate Loan, the Borrower shall elect
the Interest Period applicable to the related Advance, which Interest Period
shall, at the option of the Borrower, be a period of 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 or 180
days (as to a LIBOR Loan) or any period up to 90 days (as to a Money Market Rate
Loan). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein:

                   (i) if any Interest Period begins on a day for which there is
              no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end
              of such Interest Period, such Interest Period shall end on the
              last Business Day of such calendar month;

                   (ii) if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day
              that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on
              the next succeeding Business Day; provided that if any Interest
              Period would otherwise expire on the day that is not a Business
              Day but is a day of the month after which no further Business Day
              occurs in such month, such Interest Period shall expire on the
              next preceding Business Day;

                   (iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Revolver
              Termination Date.

         2.6 Termination of Existing Loans. On the Closing Date the letter
agreement between the Borrower and the Lender dated as of July 15, 1992, as
amended, shall terminate and be of no further force and effect.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11
                                   ARTICLE III

                                    TERM LOAN

         3.1 Refinancing. The Lender shall refinance its existing loans to the
Borrower evidenced by Floating Rate Mortgage Notes dated May 20, 1987, January
6, 1988 and January 30, 1989, under which a total of $9,550,090.75 in principal
plus accrued but unpaid interest is currently outstanding by converting such
Loans into a seven-year term loan (the "Term Loan") in the principal amount of
$10,000,000. The Lender shall advance the difference between $10,000,000 and
$9,432,124.08 to the Borrower on the Closing Date. The Term Loan shall be
evidenced by a term note (the "Term Note") payable to the Bank in the form of
Exhibit B hereto. Amortization of the Term Note shall be calculated on the basis
of a 15-year schedule of level monthly payments of principal with the entire
unpaid principal balance and all accrued and unpaid interest absolutely due and
payable on the Maturity Date.

         3.2 Interest.

              3.2.1. The Borrower agrees to pay interest in respect of the
unpaid principal amount of the Term Loan from the date of this Agreement until
paid in full as follows. The Term Loan shall bear interest at the Base Rate
unless the Borrower desires to pay interest on all or a portion of the Term Loan
at one of the following rates:

                   (i) During any period in which the Borrower maintains a Cash
              Flow Ratio in excess of 1.35 to 1 and a Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio
              not in excess of 1.35 to 1:

                        (a)  the LIBOR Rate Plus 1.75% or

                        (b)  the Long Term Funds Rate plus 1.75%.

                   (ii) During any period in which the Borrower maintains a Cash
              Flow Ratio of 1.35 to 1 or less or a Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio-of
              1.35 to 1 or more:

                        (a)  the LIBOR Rate plus 2.10% or

                        (b)  the Long Term Funds Rate plus 2.10%.

              3.2.2. Whenever the Borrower desires to obtain an interest rate
other than the Base Rate, it may request that the Lender provide quotes as of
any specified Interest Rate Determination Date as to the LIBOR Rate and/or the
Long Term Funds

                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12
Rate for any or all Interest Periods, and the Lender shall promptly provide such
quotes. The Borrower shall give the Lender prior telecopied or telephone notice
(given not later than 10:00 a.m. (Boston time)) on the day the Interest Period
is to begin with respect to use of the Long Term Funds Rate and at least three
Business Days prior to the day the Interest Period is to begin with respect to
use of the LIBOR Rate. Each such notice (each an "Interest Rate Change Notice")
shall specify the desired interest rate, the amount of the Term Loan to which
such interest rate shall apply and the initial Interest Period applicable
thereto. If such notice is given by telephone, it shall be immediately confirmed
in writing.

              3.2.3. Upon the Interim Maturity Date of any LIBOR Loan or Long
Term Funds Loan, unless the Borrower shall have given the Lender an Interest
Rate Change Notice in accordance with Section 3.2.2 requesting a new LIBOR Loan
or Long Term Funds Loan be made on such Interim Maturity Date, the Borrower
shall be deemed to have elected to pay interest on such amount of the Term Loan
at the Base Rate.

              3.2.4. At the time the Borrower gives any Interest Rate Change
Notice, the Borrower shall elect the Interest Period for which the interest rate
elected shall apply, which Interest Period shall, at the option of the Borrower,
be a period of 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 or 180 days (as to a LIBOR Loan) or any
period (as to a Long Term Funds Loan). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, the provisions set forth in subparagraphs (i) - (iii) of
Section 2.5 shall apply to the determination of an Interest Period.

         3.3 Term Loan Account. The principal and the amounts of all payments on
the Term Note shall be recorded by the Lender in the Term Loan Account of the
Borrower. All statements regarding the Term Loan Account shall be deemed to be
accurate absent manifest error or unless objected to by the Borrower within 30
days after receipt. The Borrower agrees to review each such statement promptly
after receipt and to bring any errors or discrepancies to the Lender's attention
promptly.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                ADDITIONAL TERMS

         4.1 Payments.

              4.1.1. The Borrower shall have the right to prepay the Notes, in
whole at any time or in part from time to time, without premium or penalty,
provided that, no Money Market Loan may be prepaid and, except as set forth in
Section 4.3, no other Advance, either in whole or in part, may be prepaid on the
Advance Date of such Advance and no portion of the Term Loan may be prepaid on
the first day of an Interest Period with respect thereto. The Borrower shall
give notice (by telex or

                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13
telecopier, or by telephone (confirmed in writing promptly thereafter)) to the
Lender of each proposed pre-payment hereunder prior to 10:00 a.m. (Boston time),
(x) with respect to Base Rate Loans and Long Term Funds Loans, upon the Business
Day of the proposed prepayment and (y) with respect to LIBOR Loans, at least
three Business Days prior to the Business Day of the proposed prepayment, which
notice in each case shall specify the proposed prepayment date (which shall be a
Business Day), the aggregate principal amount of the proposed prepayment and
which Advances or portions of the Term Loan, as the case may be, are to be
prepaid. LIBOR Loans and Long Term Funds Loans that are voluntarily prepaid
before the last day of the applicable Interest Period shall be subject to the
additional compensation requirements set forth in Sections 4.3 and 4.4, and each
prepayment of a LIBOR Loan or a Long Term Funds Loan shall be in an aggregate
principal amount of not less than the total principal amount outstanding at such
time under such Loan. If at any time the outstanding principal amount of the
Advances exceeds $7,000,000, the Borrower will immediately prepay the Advances
by the amount of such excess.

              4.1.2. All payments of principal and interest due under the Notes
(including prepayments), and any other amounts owing to the Lender under this
Agreement shall be made by the Borrower not later than 3:00 p.m., Boston time,
on the day due in lawful money of the United States of America to the Lender at
its Boston, Massachusetts office in immediately available funds. The Borrower
hereby authorizes the Lender to charge such payments as they become due, if not
otherwise paid by the Borrower, to any account of the Borrower with the Lender
as the Lender may elect.

              4.1.3. Whenever any payment to be made hereunder or under any
other Loan Document shall be stated to be due on a day that is not a Business
Day, such payment may be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such
extension of time shall in such case be included in computing interest or other
fees or charges provided for under this Agreement or any other Loan Document;
provided, however, that with respect to LIBOR Loans, if the next succeeding
Business Day falls in another calendar month, such payment shall be made on the
next preceding Business Day.

              4.1.4. All payments made by the Borrower on each Note shall be
applied by the Lender (a) first, to the payment of Costs with respect to such
Note, (b) second, to the payment of accrued and unpaid interest on such Note, in
such order as the Borrower shall direct, until all such accrued interest has
been paid, and (c) third, to the payment of the unpaid principal amount of such
Note in such order as the Borrower shall direct.

         4.2  Capital Adequacy.

              4.2.1. If, after the date of this Agreement, the Lender shall have
reasonably determined in good faith that the adoption or effectiveness after the
date


                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14
hereof of any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or
any change therein, or any change in the interpretation or administration
thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged
with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by the Lender
with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having
the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency, has
or would have the effect of materially reducing the rate of return on the
Lender's capital or assets as a consequence of its commitments or obligations
hereunder to a level below that which the Lender could have achieved but for
such adoption, effectiveness, change or compliance (taking into consideration
the Lender's then current policies with respect to capital adequacy), then from
time to time, subject to Section 4.2.2, within 15 days after demand by the
Lender the Borrower shall pay to the Lender such additional amount or amounts as
will compensate the Lender for such reduction (after the Lender shall have
allocated the same fairly and equitably among all of its customers or any class
generally affected thereby).

              4.2.2. The Lender will notify the Borrower of any event occurring
after the date of this Agreement that will entitle the Lender to any additional
payment under this Section 4.2 as promptly as practicable and shall be entitled
to such payment (a) in the case of a Base Rate Loan, only for costs incurred
from and after the date that the Lender gives such notice, and (b) in the case
of a Money Market Rate Loan, LIBOR Loan or Long Term Funds Loan, only for costs
incurred in connection with Loans made pursuant to a Notice of Borrowing or
Interest Rate Change Notice issued after the date that the Lender gives such
notice. The Lender will furnish to the Borrower with such notice a certificate
signed by an officer thereof certifying that the Lender is entitled to payment
under this Section 4.2 and setting forth the basis (in reasonable detail) and
the amount of each request by the Lender for any additional payment pursuant to
this Section 4.2.

         4.3 Special Provisions Governing LIBOR Loans. Notwithstanding any
other provisions of this Agreement, the following provisions shall govern with
respect to LIBOR Loans as to the matters covered:

              4.3.1. Increased Costs, Illegality. etc.

              (a) In the event that the Lender shall have determined (which
determination shall, if made in good faith and absent manifest error, be final,
conclusive and binding upon all parties):

                   (i) on any Interest Rate Determination Date, that by reason
              of any changes arising after the date of this Agreement affecting
              the interbank Eurodollar market, adequate and fair means do not
              exist for ascertaining the applicable interest rate on the basis
              provided for in the definition of LIBOR Rate; or

                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15
                   (ii) at any time during any Interest Period, that the Lender
              shall incur increased costs or reductions in the amounts received
              or receivable hereunder with respect to a LIBOR Loan by reason of
              (x) any change since the Interest Rate Determination Date for the
              Interest Period in question in any applicable law or governmental
              rule, regulation, guideline or order (or any interpretation
              thereof and including the introduction of any new law or
              governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order) (such as, for
              example but not limited to, a change in official reserve
              requirements, but excluding reserve requirements that have been
              included in calculating the LIBOR Rate for such Interest Period)
              and/or (y) other circumstances affecting the Lender, the interbank
              Eurodollar market or the position of the Lender in the relevant
              market; or

                   (iii) at any time, that the making or continuance of any
              LIBOR Loan has become unlawful by compliance by the Lender in good
              faith with any law, governmental rule, regulation, guideline or
              order, or has become impracticable as a result of a contingency
              occurring after the date of this Agreement;

then and in any such event, the Lender shall promptly after making such
determination give notice (by telephone confirmed in writing) to the Borrower of
such determination. Thereafter (x) in the case of clause (i) above, any Notice
of Borrowing given by the Borrower with respect to a LIBOR Loan that has not yet
been incurred shall be deemed rescinded by the Borrower and LIBOR Loans shall no
longer be available until such time as the Lender notifies the Borrower that the
circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist or that,
notwithstanding such circumstances, LIBOR Loans will again be made available
hereunder, (y) in the case of clause (ii), the Borrower shall pay to the Lender,
upon written demand therefor (but only with respect to any LIBOR Loan made
pursuant to a Notice of Borrowing issued after the giving of the written notice
that LIBOR Loans will again be made available hereunder referred to in clause
(x) above), such additional amounts (in the form of an increased rate of, or a
different method of calculating, interest or otherwise as the Lender in its sole
discretion shall determine) as shall be required to compensate the tender for
such increased cost or reduction in amount received (a written notice as to
additional amounts owed the Lender, showing the basis for such calculation
thereof, shall be given to the Borrower by the Lender and shall, absent manifest
error, be final, conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto), and (z) in the
case of clause (iii), the Borrower shall take one of the actions specified in
Section 4.3.1(b) as promptly as possible and, in any event, within the time
period required by law.

              (b) At any time that any LIBOR Loan is affected by the
circumstances described in Section 4.3.1(a)(ii) or (iii), the Borrower may (and
in the case of a LIBOR

                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16
Loan affected pursuant to Section 4.3.1(a)(iii) shall) either (x) if the
affected LIBOR Loan is then being made, withdraw the related Notice of Borrowing
by giving the Lender telephonic (confirmed in writing) notice thereof on the
same date that the Borrower was notified by the Lender pursuant to Section
4.3.1(a), or (y) if the affected LIBOR Loans are then outstanding, upon at least
three Business Days' written notice to the Lender, require the Lender to convert
each LIBOR Loan so affected into a Base Rate Loan.

              4.3.2. Compensation. The Borrower shall compensate the Lender,
upon its written request (which request shall set forth the basis for requesting
such amounts), for all reasonable losses, expenses and liabilities (including,
without limitation, any interest paid by the Lender to lenders of funds borrowed
by it to make or carry its LIBOR Loans to the extent not recovered by the Lender
in connection with the re-employment of such funds) and any loss sustained by
the Lender in connection with the re-employment of the funds (including, without
limitation, a return on such re-employment that would result in the Lender's
receiving less than it would have received had such LIBOR Loan remained
outstanding until the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR
Loan) that the Lender may sustain: (i) if for any reason (other than a default
by or negligence of the Lender) a LIBOR Loan is not advanced on a date specified
therefor in a Notice of Borrowing (unless timely withdrawn pursuant to Section
4.3.1(b)(x) above), (ii) if any payment or prepayment of any LIBOR Loans occurs
for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation, by reason of Section
4.3.1(b)) on a date that is prior to the last day of an Interest Period
applicable thereto, (iii) if any prepayment of any of its LIBOR Loans is not
made on the date specified in a notice of payment given by the Borrower pursuant
to Section 4.1 or (iv) as a consequence of an election made by the Borrower
pursuant to Section 4.3.1(b)(y).

         4.4 Special Provisions Governing Money Market Rate Loans and Long
Term Funds Loans. Notwithstanding other provisions of this Agreement, the
following provisions shall govern with respect to Money Market Rate Loans and
Long Term Funds Loans as to the matters covered:

              4.4.1. Costs of Lender. In the event that at any time the Money
Market Rate or the Long Term Funds Rate does not reflect the cost to the Lender
of the maintenance of reserves in respect of any Money Market Rate Loan or Long
Term Funds Loan, as the case may be (including, without limitation, any
marginal, emergency, supplemental, special or other reserves but excluding
reserves required under Regulation D to the extent included in the computation
of such interest rate), then upon delivery of a certificate signed by an officer
of the Lender certifying that the Lender is entitled to payment under this
Section 4.4.1 and showing the basis in reasonable detail for the Lender's
request, the Borrower shall pay to the Lender with respect to any Money Market
Rate Loan or Long Term Funds Loan made pursuant to a Notice of Borrowing or
Interest Rate Change Notice, as the case may be, issued

                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17
after the date of delivery of such certificate additional interest in such
amounts as shall be required to compensate the Lender for the additional cost as
determined by the Lender with respect to such Money Market Rate Loan or Long
Term Funds Loan. A certificate of the Lender as to any amount payable pursuant
to this paragraph shall, absent manifest error, be final, conclusive and binding
upon all parties hereto.

              4.4.2. Compensation. The Borrower shall compensate the Lender,
upon written request by the Lender (which request shall set forth the basis for
requesting such compensation), for all reasonable losses, expenses and
liabilities (including, without limitation, any loss, expense or liability
incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds
required by the Lender to fund its Money Market Rate Loans and/or Long Term
Funds Loans to the Borrower), which the Lender may sustain with respect to Money
Market Rate Loans and/or Long Term Funds Loans to the Borrower: (i) if for any
reason (other than a default by the Lender) a borrowing of any Money Market Rate
Loan or Long Term Funds Loan does not occur on a date specified therefor in a
Notice of Borrowing or Interest Rate Change Notice, as the case may be (whether
or not withdrawn by the Borrower or because an Event of Default is then in
existence), (ii) if any repayment or conversion of any Money Market Rate Loan or
Long Term Funds Loan occurs on a date that is prior to the last day of the
Interest Period applicable to that Loan, or (iii) if any prepayment of any Long
Term Funds Loan is not made on any date specified in a notice of prepayment
given by the Borrower.

                                    ARTICLE V

                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER

         In order to induce the Lender to enter into this Agreement and to make
the loans provided for herein, the Borrower makes the following representations
and warranties to the Lender, all of which shall survive the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the Notes.

         5.1 Organization, Existence and Power. The Borrower is duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation. The Borrower has the corporate power
necessary to conduct the business in which it is engaged, to own the properties
owned by it and to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Loan
Documents. The Borrower is duly qualified or licensed to transact business in
all places where the nature of the properties owned by it or the business
conducted by it makes such qualification necessary and where the failure to be
so qualified or licensed would have a material adverse effect upon the
consolidated financial condition, assets or results of operations of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18
         5.2 Authorization of Loan Documents; Binding Effect. The execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the performance of
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate actions of the Borrower. Each of the Loan Documents
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower that is a
party thereto, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.

         5.3 Authority. The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan
Documents. Neither the authorization, execution, delivery, or performance by the
Borrower of this Agreement or of any other Loan Document nor the performance of
the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby violates or will violate any
provision of the corporate charter or by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will,
with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both, result in a breach of
or a default under, or require any consent under or result in the creation of
any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Borrower
pursuant to, any material instrument, agreement or other document to which the
Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower or any of its properties may be
bound or affected.

         5.4 Capital Structure. The number of shares of stock of which the
Borrower's authorized capital stock consists, the par value per share of such
stock, the number of shares of such stock that have been issued and are
outstanding and the number of shares that have been issued and are held by the
Borrower as treasury shares are all disclosed on the Disclosure Schedule. Set
forth in the Disclosure Schedule is a complete and accurate list of all
Subsidiaries of the Borrower. The Disclosure Schedule indicates the jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization of each of the Subsidiaries, the number of
shares or units of each class of capital stock or other equity of the
Subsidiaries authorized, and the number of such shares or units outstanding and
the percentage of each class of such equity owned (directly or indirectly) by
the Borrower. No shares of stock or units of equity interests of the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries are covered by outstanding options, warrants, rights of
conversion or purchase or similar rights granted or created by the Borrower
except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule. All the outstanding capital
stock of the Borrower has been validly issued and is fully paid and
nonassessable. All the stock or units of equity interests of the Borrower's
Subsidiaries that are owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower
are owned free and clear of all mortgages, deeds of trust, pledges, liens,
security interests and other charges or encumbrances.

         5.5 Financial Condition. The audited consolidated balance sheet of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries dated as of December 31, 1992 and the audited
statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders' equity of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries for and as of the end of the period ending on that date,
including any related notes (the "Audited Financial Statements"), and the
unaudited consolidated

                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19
financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (the "Unaudited
Financial Statements") dated as of July 3, 1993 (the "Balance Sheet Date"), all
of which (collectively, the "Financial Statements") were heretofore furnished to
the Lender, are true, correct and complete in all material respects and fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as of the date of each such statement and have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (subject, in the case
of the Unaudited Financial Statements, to the addition of notes and to normal
year-end adjustments that individually and in the aggregate are not expected to
be material) consistently applied throughout the periods involved. Other than as
reflected in such Financial Statements and except for liabilities incurred in
the ordinary course of business since the date thereof, the Borrower has no
Indebtedness that is or would be material to the financial condition of the
Borrower, nor any material unrealized or unanticipated losses from any
commitments. Since the Balance Sheet Date there has been no material adverse
change in the consolidated financial condition (as set forth in the Audited
Financial Statements) or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

         5.6 Pending Litigation. Except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule,
there are no suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower,
threatened before any court or arbitration tribunal or by or before any
governmental or regulatory authority, commission, bureau or agency or public
regulatory body against the Borrower that if adversely determined would have a
material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, assets or
results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

         5.7 Certain Agreements; Material Contracts. The Borrower is not a party
to any agreement or instrument or subject to any court order or governmental
decree adversely affecting in any material respect the business, properties,
assets or financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole.

         5.8 Authorization, Etc. All authorizations, consents, approvals,
accreditations, certifications and licenses required under the corporate charter
or by-laws of the Borrower or under applicable law or regulation for the
ownership or operation of the property owned or operated by the Borrower or the
conduct of any business or activity conducted by the Borrower, including
provision of services for which reimbursement is made by third party payors,
other than authorizations, consents, approvals, accreditations, certifications
or licenses the failure to obtain and/or maintain which would not have a
material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, assets or
results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole
(collectively, "Licenses") have been duly issued and are in full force and
effect. The Borrower has fulfilled and performed all of its material obligations
with respect to such Licenses (to the extent now required to be fulfilled or
performed) and no event has occurred that would allow, with or without the
passage

                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20
of time or the giving of notice or both, revocation or termination thereof or
would result in any other material impairment of the rights of the holder of any
such License. All filings or registrations with any governmental or regulatory
authority required for the conduct of the business or activity conducted by the
Borrower have been made, other than any such filings or registrations as to
which the failure to make same would not have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated financial condition, assets or results of operations of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Except as expressly
contemplated hereby, no approval, consent or authorization of or filing or
registration with any governmental commission, bureau or other regulatory
authority or agency is required with respect to the execution, delivery or
performance of any of the Loan Documents.

         5.9 No Violation. The execution, delivery and performance by the
Borrower of the Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law
or regulation applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of any
court or governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the
Borrower. The Borrower is not in default, nor has any event occurred that with
the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a
default, in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the
obligations, covenants or conditions contained in any agreement, instrument or
other document to which the Borrower is a party, which default would have a
material adverse effect on the consolidated assets, financial condition or
results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
The Borrower is not in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law,
rule or regulation or any writ, order or decree, which violation would have a
material adverse effect on the consolidated assets, financial condition or
results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
Except as otherwise set forth in the Disclosure Schedule under the caption
"Litigation," the Borrower has not received notice of any violation of any
federal, state or local environmental law, rule or regulation or assertion that
the Borrower has any obligation to clean up or contribute to the cost of
cleaning up any waste or pollutants.

         5.10 Payment of Taxes. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have properly
prepared and filed or caused to be properly prepared and filed all federal tax
returns and all material state and local tax returns that are required to be
filed and have paid all taxes shown thereon to be due and all other taxes,
assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, their income or profits or any properties belonging to the
Borrower. No extensions of any statute of limitations are in effect with respect
to any tax liability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower. No
deficiency assessment or proposed adjustment of the federal income taxes of the
Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower is pending and the Borrower has no
knowledge of any proposed liability of a substantial nature for any tax to be
imposed upon any of its properties or assets.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>   21
         5.11 Transactions With Affiliates, Officers, Directors and 1%
Shareholders. Except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule, the Borrower has
no Indebtedness to or material contractual arrangement or understanding with any
Affiliate, officer or director of the Borrower, nor any shareholder holding of
record at least 1% of the equity of the Borrower nor, to the best of the
Borrower's knowledge (without independent inquiry), any of their respective
relatives.

         5.12 ERISA. The Borrower has never established or maintained any funded
employee pension benefit plan as defined under Section 3(2)(A) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended and in effect on the date
hereof ("ERISA"), other than the plans described on the Disclosure Schedule. No
employee benefit plan established or maintained, or to which contributions have
been made, by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is subject to
Part 3 of Title I-B of ERISA, had an accumulated funding deficiency (as such
term is defined in Section 302 of ERISA) as of the last day of the fiscal year
of such plan ended most recently prior to the date hereof, or would have had an
accumulated funding deficiency (as so defined) on such day if such year were the
first year of the plan to which Part 3 of Title I-B of ERISA applied. No
material liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation has been incurred
or is expected by the Borrower to be incurred by it or any Subsidiary of the
Borrower with respect to any such plan or otherwise. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents will not involve on
the part of the Borrower any prohibited transaction within the meaning of ERISA
or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Borrower has never maintained,
contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any "multiemployer plan," as
defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA. The Borrower has never incurred any
"withdrawal liability" calculated under Section 4211 of ERISA, and there has
been no event or circumstance that would cause it to incur any such liability.

         5.13 Ownership of Properties; Liens. The Borrower has good and
marketable title to all its material properties and assets, real and personal,
that are now carried on its books, including, without limitation, those
reflected in the Financial Statements (except those disposed of in the ordinary
course since the date thereof), and has valid leasehold interests in its
properties and assets, real and personal, which it purports to lease, subject in
either case to no mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien, charge, encumbrance
or title retention or other security agreement or arrangement of any nature
whatsoever other than Permitted Liens and those specified in the Disclosure
Schedule and other than those granted, or to be granted, to the Lender
hereunder. All of the Borrower's material leasehold interests and material
obligations with respect to real property are described on the Disclosure
Schedule.

         5.14 Employment Matters. Except as set forth on the Disclosure
Schedule, there are no material grievances, disputes or controversies pending
or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened between the Borrower and its
employees, nor

                                      -21-
<PAGE>   22
is any strike, work stoppage or slowdown pending or threatened against the
Borrower.

         5.15 Insurance. The Borrower maintains in force fire, casualty,
comprehensive liability and other insurance covering its properties and business
that is adequate and customary for the type and scope of its properties and
business.

         5.16 Indebtedness. Except as reflected in the Financial Statements or
set forth in the Disclosure Schedule, and other than Indebtedness incurred in
the ordinary course of business since the Balance Sheet Date, the Borrower has
no outstanding Indebtedness.

         5.17 Securities Law Compliance. The Borrower is not an "investment
company" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. All of
the Borrower's outstanding stock was offered, issued and sold in compliance with
all applicable state and federal securities laws.

         5.18 Accuracy of Information. None of the information furnished to the
Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower for purposes of this Agreement or any
Loan Document or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby contains, and
none of such information hereinafter furnished will contain any material
misstatement of fact, nor does or will any such information omit any material
fact necessary to make such information not misleading at such time.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                      CONDITIONS TO ADVANCES AND TERM LOAN

         The Lender shall not be obligated to make any Advance or to fund the
Term Loan unless the following conditions have been satisfied:

         6.1 Each Advance and Funding of Term Loan. The obligations of the
Lender to make each Advance and to fund the Term Loan are subject to the
following conditions precedent, each of which shall have been met or performed
on or before the Advance Date or the Closing Date, as the case may be:

              (a) No Default. No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing or will occur upon the making of the Advance or the Term Loan.

              (b) Correctness of Representations. The representations and
warranties made by the Borrower in this Agreement shall be true and correct with
the same force and effect as though such representations and warranties had been
made on and as of the Advance Date (i) except to the extent that the
representations and warranties set forth in Article V of this Agreement are
untrue as a result of

                                      -22-
<PAGE>   23
circumstances that have changed subsequent to the date hereof, which change has
caused no non-compliance by the Borrower with the covenants, conditions and
agreements in this Agreement and (ii) except that the references in Section 5.5
of this Agreement to the financial statements and the term "Balance Sheet Date"
are deemed to refer to the most recent financial statements (inclusive of
consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations, cash flows and
stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries) furnished to the
Lender pursuant to Section 7.1(a) and (b) of this Agreement and the date of such
financial statements, respectively.

              (c) No Litigation; Certain Other Conditions. There shall be no
suit or proceeding (other than suits or proceedings disclosed on the Disclosure
Schedule on the date of this Agreement) pending or threatened before any court
or arbitration tribunal or by or before any governmental or regulatory
authority, commission, bureau or agency or public regulatory body that, if
determined adversely to the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower, is
reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated
financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

              (d) No Material Adverse Change. There shall have been no material
adverse change in the consolidated financial condition or results of operations
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole since the Balance Sheet
Date.

              (e) Loan Documents. All Loan Documents shall be in full force and
effect.

         6.2 First Advance and Funding of Term Loan. The obligations of the
Lender to make the first Advance and to fund the Term Loan are subject to the
following additional conditions precedent, each of which shall have been met or
performed on or before the Closing Date:

              (a) Opinion of Counsel. The Lender shall have received from
independent counsel to the Borrower an opinion or opinions, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Lender and its counsel.

              (b) Certificates of Legal Existence and Authority to do Business.
The Borrower shall have delivered to the Lender certificates as to its legal
existence and good standing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
and the Borrower shall have delivered to the Lender certificates as to its
authority to do business as a foreign corporation in the States of California,
Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New
Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Arizona, Minnesota and North
Carolina, each dated as of a recent date.

                                      -23-
<PAGE>   24
              (c) Clerk's Certificate. The Borrower shall have delivered to the
Lender a certificate of its Clerk as to (i) its charter documents and by-laws,
as amended, (ii) corporate votes authorizing the execution and delivery of the
Loan Documents, and (iii) incumbency of the officers authorized to execute the
Loan Documents on behalf of the Borrower.

              (d) Notes. A Revolving Credit Note and a Term Note, each duly
executed by the Borrower and otherwise completed, shall have been delivered to
the Lender.

              (e) Borrower's Certificates. The Borrower shall have furnished to
the Lender a certificate duly executed by the Borrower's chief financial officer
dated the Advance Date or Closing Date, as the case may be, to the effect that
each of the conditions set forth in the foregoing Section 6.1 has been met as of
such date.

              (f) Mortgage. A mortgage (the "Mortgage") in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit C with respect to the real property located in The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts that is owned by the Borrower (the "Property"),
duly executed by the Borrower and otherwise completed, shall have been delivered
to the Lender and recorded. A title insurance policy in favor of the Lender
issued by a title insurance company reasonably satisfactory to the Lender
insuring title to the Property on terms and subject to conditions reasonably
satisfactory to the Lender shall have been obtained.

              (g) Insurance. The Borrower shall have furnished to the Lender
copies of all its property insurance policies.

              (h) All Proceedings Satisfactory. All corporate and other
proceedings taken prior to or on the Closing Date in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and all documents and exhibits
related thereto, shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the
Lender and its counsel.

              (i) Additional Documents. The Borrower shall have delivered to the
Lender all additional opinions, documents and certificates that the Lender or
its counsel may reasonably require.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                      AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

         The Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of execution of
this Agreement and until the payment in full of the principal of and interest
upon the Notes and payment and performance of all other Obligations:


                                      -24-
<PAGE>   25
         7.1 Reporting Requirements. The Borrower shall, unless the Lender shall
otherwise consent in writing, furnish to the Lender:

              (a) As soon as available and in any event within sixty days after
the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries, (i) a consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such quarter and (ii)
consolidated and consolidating statements of operations, cash flows and
stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period
commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending with the end of
such quarter, all in reasonable detail and duly certified by the chief financial
officer of the Borrower as having been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied (subject to addition of
notes and ordinary year-end audit adjustments), together with a certificate of
the chief financial officer of the Borrower stating that no Default or Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing or, if a Default or an Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the
action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto;

              (b) As soon as available and in any event within ninety days after
the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the audited consolidated balance
sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and
the audited consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders'
equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, in each case
accompanied by the unqualified opinion with respect thereto of the Borrower's
independent public accountants and a certification by such accountants stating
that they have reviewed this Agreement and whether, in making their audit, they
have become aware of any Default or Event of Default and if so, describing its
nature, along with the related unaudited consolidating balance sheet of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and the
unaudited consolidating statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders'
equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year;

              (c) Not later than sixty days following the end of each fiscal
quarter a certificate signed by the chief financial officer of the Borrower
substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.1(c) hereto (the "Compliance
Certificate");

              (d) Not later than thirty days after the end of each fiscal year
of the Borrower, the Borrower's representative forecast for the next fiscal year
on a consolidated basis, including, at a minimum, projected statements of profit
and loss and projected cash flow, prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied;

              (e) Promptly upon receipt thereof, one copy of each other report
submitted to the Borrower or any Subsidiary by independent accountants in

                                      -25-
<PAGE>   26
connection with any annual, interim or special audit made by them of the books
of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

              (f) Promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of all
actions, suits and proceedings before any court, arbitration tribunal or
governmental regulatory authority, commission, bureau, agency or public
regulatory body that, if determined adversely to the Borrower or any Subsidiary
of the Borrower, would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on
the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

              (g) As soon as possible, and in any event within five days after
the Borrower shall know of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default,
the written statement of the chief financial officer of the Borrower setting
forth details of such Default or Event of Default and action that the Borrower
proposes to take with respect thereto;

              (h) As soon as possible, and in any event within five days after
the occurrence thereof, written notice as to any other event of which the
Borrower becomes aware that with the passage of time, the giving of notice or
otherwise, is reasonably likely to result in a material adverse change in the
consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower; and

              (i) Such other information respecting the business or properties
or the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower as the
Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

         7.2 Loan Proceeds. The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Advances
only for the purpose of general working capital, including, but not limited to,
for the purpose of acquisitions for which the aggregate cost may not exceed
$2,500,000 per annum.

         7.3 Maintenance of Business and Properties; Insurance.

              (a) The Borrower will continue to engage in business of the same
general nature as the business currently engaged in by the Borrower. The
Borrower will at all times maintain, preserve and protect all material
franchises and trade names and preserve all the Borrower's material tangible
property used or useful in the conduct of its business and keep the same in good
repair, working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and from
time to time make all needful and proper repairs, renewals, replacements,
betterments, and improvements thereto so that the business carried on in
connection therewith may be conducted properly and advantageously at all times.


                                      -26-
<PAGE>   27
              (b) The Borrower will keep all of its insurable properties now or
hereafter owned adequately insured at all times against loss or damage by fire
or other casualty to the extent customary with respect to like properties of
companies conducting similar businesses and to the extent available at
commercially reasonable rates; and will maintain public liability and workmen's
compensation insurance insuring the Borrower to the extent customary with
respect to companies conducting similar businesses and to the extent available
at commercially reasonable rates, all by financially sound and reputable
insurers. All property insurance policies shall name the Lender as a loss payee
and shall contain a provision requiring at least 15 days' written notice to the
Lender prior to the cancellation or modification of each such policy. The
Borrower shall furnish to the Lender from time to time at the Lender's request
copies of all such insurance policies and certificates evidencing such insurance
coverage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may self-insure workmen's
compensation to the extent permitted by law and may also self-insure other risks
to the extent reasonably deemed prudent by the Borrower.

         7.4 Payment of Taxes. The Borrower shall pay and discharge, or cause to
be paid and discharged, all material taxes, assessments, and governmental
charges or levies imposed upon the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or their income
or profits, or upon any other properties belonging to the Borrower prior to the
date on which penalties attach thereto, and all lawful claims that, if unpaid,
might become a lien or charge upon any material properties of the Borrower,
except for such taxes, assessments, charges, levies or claims as are being
contested by the Borrower in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly
initiated and diligently prosecuted, for which adequate book reserves have been
established in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as to
which no foreclosure, distraint, sale or other similar proceedings shall have
been commenced, or, if commenced, have been effectively stayed.

         7.5 Compliance with Laws, etc. The Borrower shall comply with the
requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any
governmental authority, and obtain or maintain all Licenses required under
applicable law or regulation for the operation of the Borrower's business, where
noncompliance or failure to obtain or maintain would have a material adverse
effect on the consolidated financial condition, assets, or results of operations
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided, however, that
such compliance or the obtaining of such Licenses may be delayed while the
applicability or validity of any such law, rule, regulation or order or the
necessity for obtaining any such License is being contested by the Borrower in
good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly initiated and diligently
prosecuted.

         7.6 Books, Records and Accounts. The Borrower shall keep true and
correct books, records and accounts, in which entries will be made in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and that
shall comply

                                      -27-
<PAGE>   28
with the requirements of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to the extent
applicable to the Borrower. The Lender or its representatives shall upon
reasonable notice to the Borrower be afforded, during normal business hours,
access to and the right to examine and copy any such books, records and accounts
and the right to inspect the Borrower's premises and business operations. All
financial and other information with respect to the Borrower and/or any of its
Subsidiaries now or hereafter obtained by the Lender under this Agreement or
otherwise in connection with any of the transactions contemplated hereunder
shall be held in confidence and shall not be released or made available to any
other Person, except (i) to governmental agencies (and examiners employed by
same) having oversight over the affairs of the Lender, (ii) pursuant to subpoena
or similar process issued by a court or governmental agency of competent
jurisdiction, or (iii) as otherwise directed by order of any court or
governmental agency of competent jurisdiction.

         7.7 Further Assurances. The Borrower shall execute and deliver, at the
Borrower's expense, all notices and other instruments and documents and take all
actions, including, but not limited to, making all filings and recordings, that
the Lender shall reasonably request in order to assure to the Lender all rights
given to the Lender hereby or under any other Loan Document.

         7.8 Bank Accounts. The Borrower shall maintain with the Lender a
deposit account and, at the written request of the Lender, shall give the Lender
written notice of any other accounts maintained by the Borrower, including the
types of accounts and names and addresses of the institutions with which such
accounts are maintained.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                       NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

         The Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of execution of
this Agreement and until the payment in full of the principal of and interest
upon the Notes and payment and performance of all other Obligations:

         8.1 Sale of Assets; Mergers, Etc.

              (a) Sale of Assets. The Borrower will not, except in the ordinary
course of business, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, to any Person any
assets (including the securities of any Subsidiary).

              (b) Mergers, Etc. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will
consolidate with or merge into any other Person or permit any other Person to
consolidate with or merge into it, or acquire all or substantially all of the
assets of any Person, or sell, assign, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in
one transaction

                                      -28-
<PAGE>   29
or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets to any
Person, except that

                   (1) a Subsidiary may consolidate with or merge into the
              Borrower or another Subsidiary; and

                   (2) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may acquire all
              or substantially all of the assets of any Person provided the
              aggregate purchase price liability, including all contingent
              liabilities, when aggregated with all such acquisitions and any
              Investments permitted under Section 8.4(2) shall not exceed a
              total of $5,000,000 in each calendar year during the term of this
              Agreement beginning with calendar year 1993.

         8.2 Liens and Encumbrances.

              (a) Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will (a) cause or
permit or (b) agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the
happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of its real or personal property,
whether now owned or subsequently acquired, to be subject to any Lien other than
Liens described below (which may herein be referred to as "Permitted Liens"):

                   (1) Liens securing the payment of taxes, assessments or
              governmental charges or levies or the demands of suppliers,
              mechanics, carriers, warehousers, landlords and other like
              Persons, which payments are not yet due and payable or (as to
              taxes) may be paid without interest or penalty; provided, that, if
              such payments are due and payable, such Liens shall be permitted
              hereunder only to the extent that (A) all claims that the Liens
              secure are being actively contested in good faith and by
              appropriate proceedings, (B) adequate book reserves have been
              established with respect thereto to the extent required by
              generally accepted accounting principles, and (C) such Liens do
              not in the aggregate materially interfere with the owning
              company's use of property necessary or material to the conduct of
              the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
              whole;

                   (2) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of
              business (A) in connection with worker's compensation,
              unemployment insurance, social security and other like laws, or
              (B) to secure the performance of letters of credit, bids, tenders,
              sales contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety, appeal and
              performance bonds and other similar obligations, in each case not
              incurred in connection with the borrowing of money, the obtaining
              of advances or the payment of the deferred purchase price of
              property;


                                      -29-
<PAGE>   30
                   (3) Liens not otherwise described in Section 8.2(a)(1) or (2)
              that are incurred in the ordinary course of business and are
              incidental to the conduct of its business or ownership of its
              property, were not incurred in connection with the borrowing of
              money, the obtaining of advances or the payment of the deferred
              purchase price of property and do not in the aggregate materially
              detract from the value of, or materially interfere with the owning
              company's use of, property necessary or material to the conduct of
              the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
              whole;

                   (4) Liens in favor of the Lender or any of its affiliates;

                   (5) Judgment liens or attachments that shall not have been in
              existence for a period longer than 30 days after the creation
              thereof, or if a stay of execution shall have been obtained, for a
              period longer than 30 days after the expiration of such stay or if
              such an attachment is being actively contested in good faith and
              by appropriate proceedings, for a period longer than 30 days after
              the creation thereof;

                   (6) Liens existing as of the Closing Date and disclosed on
              the Disclosure Schedule hereto;

                   (7) Liens provided for in equipment or Financing Leases
              (including financing statements and undertakings to file financing
              statements) provided that they are limited to the equipment
              subject to such leases and the proceeds thereof;

                   (8) Leases, subleases, licenses and sublicenses granted to
              third parties not interfering in any material respect with the
              business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower;

                   (9) Any Lien on any asset of any corporation existing at the
              time such corporation is merged into or consolidated with the
              Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower and not created in
              contemplation of such event;

                   (10) Any Lien existing on any asset prior to the acquisition
              thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower and not
              created in contemplation of such event;

                   (11) Liens in respect of any purchase money obligations for
              tangible property used in its business that at any time shall not
              exceed $2,000,000, provided that any such encumbrances shall not
              extend to


                                      -30-
<PAGE>   31
              property and assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary not
              financed by such a purchase money obligation;

                   (12) Easements, rights of way, restrictions and other similar
              charges or Liens relating to real property and not interfering in
              a material way with the ordinary conduct of its business; and

                   (13) Liens on its property or assets created in connection
              with the refinancing of Indebtedness secured by Permitted Liens on
              such property, provided that the amount of Indebtedness secured by
              any such Lien shall not be increased as a result of such
              refinancing and no such Lien shall extend to property and assets
              of the Borrower or any Subsidiary not encumbered prior to any such
              refinancing.

              (b) In case any property is subjected to a Lien in violation of
Section 8.2(a), the Borrower will make or cause to be made provision whereby the
Notes will be secured equally and ratably with all other obligations secured by
such property, and in any case the Notes shall have the benefit, to the full
extent that the holders may be entitled thereto under applicable law, of an
equitable Lien equally and ratably securing the Notes. Such violation of Section
8.2(a) shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder, whether or not any such
provision is made pursuant to this Section 8.2(b).

         8.3 Sales and Leasebacks. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries will not
sell or transfer any of their property and become, directly or indirectly,
liable as the lessee under a lease of such property (other than such
transactions between the Subsidiaries).

         8.4 Investments. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will make or
maintain any investments, made in cash or by delivery of property or assets, (a)
in any Person, whether by acquisition of capital stock, Indebtedness, or other
obligations or securities, or by loan or capital contribution, or otherwise, or
(b) in any property, whether real or personal, (items (a) and (b) being herein
called "Investments"), except the following:

                   (1) Investments in direct obligations of, or guaranteed by,
              the United States government, its agencies or any public
              instrumentality thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of
              the United States government with maturities not to exceed (or an
              unconditional right to compel purchase within) one year from the
              date of acquisition;

                   (2) Investments in or to any Subsidiary or other Person
              provided any such Investment when aggregated with all such other
              Investments permitted under this Section 8.4(2) and any
              acquisitions


                                      -31-
<PAGE>   32
              permitted under Section 8.1(b) shall not exceed a total of
              $5,000,000 in each calendar year during the term of this Agreement
              beginning with calendar year 1993;

                   (3) Investments and obligations issued by any state of the
              United States or any political subdivision of any such state or
              any public instrumentality thereof with maturities not to exceed
              (or an unconditional right to compel purchase within) 180 days of
              the date of acquisition that are rated in one of the top two
              rating classifications by at least one nationally recognized
              rating agency;

                   (4) Investments in demand and time deposits with, Eurodollar
              deposits with, certificates of deposit issued by, or obligations
              or securities fully backed by letters of credit issued by (x) any
              bank organized under the laws of the United States, any state
              thereof, the District of Columbia or Canada having combined
              capital and surplus aggregating at least $100,000,000, or (y) any
              other bank organized under the laws of a state that is a member of
              the European Economic Community (or any political subdivision
              thereof), Japan, the Cayman Islands, or British West Indies having
              as of any date of determination combined capital and surplus of
              not less than $500,000,000 or the equivalent thereof (determined
              in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles)
              ("Permitted Banks");

                   (5) Shares of money market mutual funds registered under the
              Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

                   (6) Foreign currency swaps and hedging arrangements entered
              into in the ordinary course of business to protect against
              currency losses, and interest rate swaps and caps entered into in
              the ordinary course of business to protect against interest rate
              exposure on Indebtedness bearing interest at a variable rate;

                   (7) Investments in publicly traded companies and mutual funds
              (other than money market mutual funds) that in the aggregate shall
              not exceed $5,000,000; and

                   (8) Other Investments existing on the Closing Date and listed
              on the Disclosure Schedule.

         8.5 Transactions with Affiliates. Neither the Borrower nor any
Subsidiary will enter into any transaction (including the purchase, sale or
exchange of property or the rendering of any service) with any Affiliate except
upon fair and reasonable

                                      -32-
<PAGE>   33
terms that are at least as favorable to the Borrower or the Subsidiary as would
be obtained in a comparable arm's-length transaction with a non-Affiliate.

         8.6 ERISA Compliance. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries
will at any time permit any employee pension benefit plan (as such term is
defined in Section 3 of ERISA) maintained by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries or in which employees of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is
entitled to participate to:

              (a) engage in any "prohibited transaction" as such term is defined
in Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or described
in Section 406 of ERISA;

              (b) incur any "accumulated funding deficiency" as such term is
defined in Section 302 of ERISA, whether or not waived; or

              (c) terminate under circumstances that could result in the
imposition of a Lien on the property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the
Borrower pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA.

         8.7  Financial Covenants.  The Borrower covenants and agrees that:

              (a) Consolidated Tangible Net Worth. The Consolidated Tangible Net
Worth as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower shall not be less
than the sum of (i) $26,000,000, and (ii) beginning with the year ending
December 31, 1994, 50% of Consolidated Net Income (excluding losses) for each
consecutive fiscal year of the Borrower beginning with the year ending December
31, 1994, on a cumulative basis.

              (b) Consolidated Indebtedness. The ratio ("Debt-to-Net Worth
Ratio") of the Consolidated Indebtedness (excluding all guaranties except
guaranties with respect to borrowed money) as of the end of each fiscal quarter
of the Borrower beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 1993 to
its Consolidated Tangible Net Worth as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the
Borrower beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 1993 shall not
exceed 1.5 to 1.

              (c) Consolidated Debt Service. The ratio (the "Cash Flow Ratio")
as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower of (i) Consolidated
Operating Cash Flow for the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended to (ii)
Consolidated Debt Service determined for the four consecutive fiscal quarters
then ended shall not be less than 1.25 to 1.00.

         8.8 Contracts Prohibiting Compliance with Agreement. The Borrower will
not without the prior written consent of the Lender enter into any contract or
other

                                      -33-
<PAGE>   34
agreement that would prohibit or in any way restrict the ability of the Borrower
to comply with any provision of this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         9.1 Default. If any one of the following events ("Events of Default")
shall occur:

              (a) Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower herein or
in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate or report furnished by the
Borrower hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any
material respect when made;

              (b) Payment of any principal or interest due under any Note shall
not be made on or before the date due;

              (c) A final judgment for in excess of $2,000,000 shall be rendered
against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for the payment of money that,
after deducting the amount of any insurance proceeds paid or payable to or on
behalf of the Borrower or its Subsidiary in connection with such judgment, is in
excess of $2,000,000, and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of
thirty (30) days, during which period execution shall not effectively be stayed.
If a dispute exists with respect to the liability of any insurance underwriter
under any insurance policy of the Borrower or its Subsidiary, no deduction under
this subsection shall be made for the insurance proceeds that are the subject of
such dispute;

              (d) The Borrower or any Subsidiary shall (1) voluntarily terminate
operations or apply for or consent to the appointment of, or the taking of
possession by, a receiver, custodian, trustee or liquidator of such Person or of
all or a substantial part of the assets of such Person, (2) admit in writing its
inability, or be generally unable, to pay its debts as the debts become due, (3)
make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (4) commence a
voluntary case under the Federal Bankruptcy Code (as now or hereafter in
effect), (5) file a petition seeking to take advantage of any other law relating
to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding-up, or composition or
adjustment of debts, (6) fail to controvert in a timely and appropriate manner,
or acquiesce in writing to, any petition filed against it in an involuntary case
under the Federal Bankruptcy Code or applicable state bankruptcy laws or (7)
take any corporate action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

              (e) Without its application, approval or consent, a proceeding
shall be commenced, in any court of competent jurisdiction, seeking in respect
of the

                                      -34-
<PAGE>   35
Borrower or any Subsidiary: the liquidation, reorganization, dissolution,
winding-up, or composition or readjustment of debt, the appointment of a
trustee, receiver, liquidator or the like of such Person or of all or any
substantial part of the assets of such Person, or other like relief in respect
of such Person under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
winding-up, or composition or adjustment of debts; and, if the proceeding is
being contested in good faith by such Person, the same shall continue
undismissed, or unstayed and in effect for any period of 45 consecutive days, or
an order for relief against such Person shall be entered in any case under the
Bankruptcy Code or applicable state bankruptcy laws;

              (f) Any foreclosure or other proceedings shall be commenced to
enforce, execute or realize upon any lien, encumbrance, attachment, trustee
process, mortgage or security interest for payment of an amount in excess of
$250,000 against the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

              (g) Default shall be made in the due observance or performance of
any covenant or agreement under Article VIII;

              (h) Default shall be made in the due observance or performance of
any covenant or agreement contained herein (and not constituting an Event of
Default under any other clause in this Article IX) or in any other Loan Document
or in any other agreement between the Lender and the Borrower evidencing or
securing borrowed monies and such default shall continue and shall not have been
remedied within thirty days after the date on which such default occurred;

              (i) The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall fail to make any
payment of principal or interest beyond the period of grace contained in any
instrument or agreement evidencing any indebtedness (other than to the Lender)
for money borrowed in excess of $100,000 (unless such default is the result of a
good faith dispute arising under such agreement or instrument and the other
party or parties thereto have not accelerated the maturity of such
indebtedness), or default shall be made by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries in the performance of any other covenant or agreement contained in
any such agreement or instrument as a result of which the other party thereto
proceeds to accelerate the maturity of the indebtedness of such Person under
such agreement or instrument;

              (j) There shall occur any material adverse change in the financial
condition of the Borrower;

then, in the case of any such event, other than an event described in subsection
(d) or (e) of this Section 9.1, the Lender may, at its option immediately
declare any Obligations to it not otherwise due and payable at such time to be
forthwith due and payable, whereupon the same shall become forthwith due and
payable without further presentment, demand, protest, or other notice of any
kind, all of which are

                                      -35-
<PAGE>   36
hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in the Notes to the
contrary notwithstanding; and, in the case of any event described in subsection
(d) or (e) of this Section 9.1, any Obligation not otherwise due and payable at
such time shall become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand,
protest, or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived,
anything contained herein or in any Note to the contrary notwithstanding; and,
further, in each and every such occurrence the Lender may proceed to protect and
enforce its rights by suit in equity, action at law and/or other appropriate
proceedings either for specific performance of any covenant or condition
contained in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered to the Lender
pursuant to this Agreement, or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in
this Agreement or any such instrument.

         9.2 Lender's Further Rights and Remedies. Upon the occurrence and
during the unremedied continuation of an Event of Default, the Lender shall have
the right to require the Borrower to provide the Lender with cash collateral or
other collateral of a type and value satisfactory to the Lender in an amount
equal to the Borrower's outstanding Obligations to the Lender. With respect to
such collateral (the "Collateral"), the Lender shall have the rights and
remedies of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code ("UCC") and the
Borrower agrees to execute and deliver to the Lender such security agreements
and financing statements under the UCC as the Lender may require, and to pay the
cost of filing the same. Any deposits or other sums at any time credited by or
due from the Lender to the Borrower shall at all times constitute Collateral for
the Obligations. The Lender may apply the net proceeds of any disposition of
Collateral or set-off to the Obligations in such order as the Lender may
determine, whether or not due. With respect to Obligations not yet due,
including contingent Obligations, the Lender may at its option hold Collateral
(including any proceeds thereof) until all such Obligations have been paid in
full.

                                    ARTICLE X

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         10.1 No Waiver, Remedies Cumulative. No failure on the part of the
Lender to exercise and no delay in exercising any right hereunder shall operate
as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right
hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not exclusive
of any remedies provided by law. Any condition or restriction imposed in this
Agreement with respect to the Borrower may be waived, modified or suspended by
the Lender but only on the Lender's prior action in writing and only as so
expressed in such writing and not otherwise.

                                      -36-
<PAGE>   37
         10.2 Survival of Representations, etc. All representations, warranties
and covenants made herein or in any Loan Document shall survive the making of
any Advance hereunder and the delivery of the Notes and the consummation of all
other transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

         10.3 Right of Setoff. In addition to any rights now or hereafter
granted under applicable law or otherwise and not by way of limitation of any
such rights, upon the occurrence and during the unremedied continuation of an
Event of Default, the Lender is hereby authorized at any time or from time to
time, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind to the
Borrower or to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived,
to set off and to appropriate and apply any and all deposits (general or
special) and any other indebtedness at any time held or owing by the Lender to
or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against and on account of the
Obligations and liabilities of the Borrower to the Lender under this Agreement
or under any of the other Loan Documents, and all other claims of any nature or
description arising out of or connected with this Agreement or any other Loan
Document, irrespective of whether or not the Lender shall have made any demand
hereunder and although said Obligations, liabilities or claims, or any of them,
shall be contingent or unmatured.

         10.4 Indemnity; Costs, Expenses and Taxes. The Borrower hereby agrees
to indemnify the Lender and its legal representatives, successors, assigns and
agents against, and agrees to protect, save and keep harmless each of them from
and to pay upon demand, any and all liabilities, obligations, taxes (including
any and all stamp and other taxes payable or determined to be payable in
connection with the execution and delivery of any Loan Documents), liens,
charges, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, suits, costs, indemnities,
expenses and disbursements (including, without limitation, reasonable legal
fees, costs and expenses, including without limitation reasonable costs of
attending and preparing for depositions and other court proceedings), of
whatsoever kind and nature, imposed upon, incurred by or asserted against such
indemnified party in any way relating to or arising out of any of the
transactions contemplated hereunder or in any of the Loan Documents, including
but not limited to all costs of investigation, monitoring, legal representation,
remedial response, removal, restoration, or permit acquisition that may now or
in the future be undertaken, suffered, paid, awarded, assessed or otherwise
incurred as a result of the presence of, release or threatened release of
Hazardous Substances on, in, under or near the Property (all of the foregoing,
collectively, "Costs") except to the extent arising by reason of the Lender's
gross negligence, misconduct or breach hereof. Without limiting the foregoing,
the Borrower agrees to pay on demand (a) all out-of-pocket costs and expenses of
the Lender in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this
Agreement and any other Loan Documents, including without limitation the
reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of Foley, Hoag & Elliot, special
counsel for the Lender, with respect thereto, as well as (b) the reasonable fees
and all out-of-pocket expenses of legal counsel, independent public

                                      -37-
<PAGE>   38
accountants and other outside experts retained by the Lender in connection with
any request by the Borrower for consents, waivers or other action or forbearance
by the Lender hereunder, for the modification or amendment hereof, or other like
matters relating to the administration of this Agreement; and (c) all reasonable
costs and expenses, if any, of the Lender incurred after the occurrence of any
Event of Default hereunder in connection with the enforcement of any of the Loan
Documents or the protection of any of the Lender's rights, thereunder,
including, without limitation, any internal costs, including personnel costs of
the Lender incurred in connection with such administration and enforcement or
protection.

         10.5 Notices.

              (a) Unless telephonic notice is specifically permitted pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement, any notice or other communication hereunder to any
party hereto shall be by telegram, telecopier, telex, delivery in hand or by
courier, or registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) and shall be
deemed to have been given or made when telegraphed, telexed, telecopied (and
confirmed received), delivered in hand or by courier, or three days after being
deposited in the mails, postage prepaid, registered or certified, addressed to
the party as follows (or at any other address that such party may hereafter
specify to the other parties in writing):

                        (i)  If to the Lender:

                             The First National Bank of Boston
                             100 Federal Street
                             Boston, Massachusetts  02110
                             Attn:  Ms. Sharon A. Stone, Director
                             Telecopier No. (617) 434-4048

                             with a copy to:

                             Arlene L. Bender, Esq.
                             Foley, Hoag & Eliot
                             One Post Office Square
                             Boston, Massachusetts  02109
                             Telecopier No. (617) 482-7347

                        (ii) If to the Borrower:

                             Six Shattuck Road
                             Andover, Massachusetts 01810
                             Attn:  Mr. Robert F. O'Brien, Treasurer
                             Telecopier No. (508) 975-3756


                                      -38-
<PAGE>   39
                             with a copy to:

                             Richard S. Chute, Esq.
                             Hill & Barlow
                             One International Place
                             Boston, Massachusetts  02110
                             Telecopier No. (617) 439-3580

         10.6 MASSACHUSETTS LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS
SHALL BE DEEMED A CONTRACT MADE UNDER THE LAW OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTS AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF SAID STATE (WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS PRINCIPLES OF
CONFLICT OF LAWS).

         10.7 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
shall inure to the benefit of the Borrower and the Lender, and their respective
legal representatives, successors and assigns; provided that the Lender may
assign its rights hereunder, but the Borrower may not assign any of its rights
hereunder.

         10.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of
which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original and all of
which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

         10.9 JURISDICTION, SERVICE OF PROCESS.

              (a) ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE BORROWER WITH
RESPECT TO ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY JUDGMENT ENTERED BY ANY COURT IN
RESPECT OF ANY THEREOF SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTS LOCATED IN SUFFOLK COUNTY OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, AS THE LENDER (IN ITS SOLE
DISCRETION) MAY ELECT, AND THE BORROWER HEREBY ACCEPTS THE EXCLUSIVE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING
AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS.

              (b) IN ADDITION, THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE
FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO
THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING
TO ANY


                                      -39-
<PAGE>   40
OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY JUDGMENT ENTERED BY ANY COURT IN RESPECT THEREOF
BROUGHT IN SUFFOLK COUNTY IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, AND HEREBY
FURTHER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT
IN SUFFOLK COUNTY IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN
INCONVENIENT FORUM.

         10.10 Limit on Interest. It is the intention of the Lender and the
Borrower to comply strictly with all applicable usury laws; and, accordingly, in
no event and upon no contingency shall the Lender ever be entitled to receive,
collect, or apply as interest under any Note any interest, fees, charges or
other payments equivalent to interest, in excess of the maximum rate that the
Lender may lawfully charge under applicable statutes and laws from time to time
in effect; and, in the event that the Lender ever receives, collects or applies
as interest on the Notes, any such excess, such amount that, but for this
provision, would be excessive interest shall be applied to the reduction of the
principal amount of the indebtedness evidenced by the Notes; and, if the
principal amount of indebtedness evidenced by the Notes, and all lawful interest
thereon, is paid in full, any remaining excess shall forthwith be paid to the
Borrower, or other party lawfully entitled thereto. In determining whether or
not the interest paid or payable, under any specific contingency exceeds the
highest contract rate permitted by applicable law from time to time in effect,
the Borrower and the Lender shall, to the maximum extent permitted under
applicable law, characterize any non-principal payment as a reasonable loan
charge, rather than as interest. Any provision of any Note, or of any other
agreement between the Lender and the Borrower, that operates to bind, obligate,
or compel the Borrower to pay interest in excess of such maximum lawful contract
rate shall be construed to require the payment of the maximum rate only. The
provisions of this Section 10.10 shall be given precedence over any other
provisions contained in the Notes or in any other agreement between the Lender
and the Borrower that is in conflict with the provisions of this Section 10.10.

         10.11 Amendments, Modifications, Waivers. Any term of this Agreement or
of the Notes may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement or
of the Notes may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and
either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the
Borrower and the Lender.

         10.12 Headings. The headings of this Agreement are for convenience only
and are not to affect the construction of or to be taken into account in
interpreting the substance of this Agreement.

         10.13 WAIVER OF NOTICE, ETC. THE BORROWER WAIVES DEMAND, NOTICE,
PROTEST, NOTICE OF ACCEPTANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT, NOTICE OF LOANS MADE, CREDIT
EXTENDED, COLLATERAL RECEIVED OR


                                      -40-
<PAGE>   41
DELIVERED OR OTHER ACTION TAKEN IN RELIANCE HEREON AND ALL OTHER DEMANDS AND
NOTICE OF ANY DESCRIPTION, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED HEREBY. WITH RESPECT BOTH TO THE
OBLIGATIONS AND COLLATERAL, THE BORROWER ASSENTS TO ANY EXTENSION OR
POSTPONEMENT OF THE TIME OF PAYMENT OR ANY OTHER INDULGENCE, TO ANY
SUBSTITUTION, EXCHANGE OR RELEASE OF COLLATERAL, TO THE ADDITION OR RELEASE OF
ANY PARTY OR PERSONS PRIMARILY OR SECONDARILY LIABLE, TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF
PRETRIAL PAYMENT THEREON AND THE SETTLEMENT, COMPROMISING OR ADJUSTING OF ANY
THEREOF, ALL IN SUCH MANNER AND AT SUCH TIME OR TIMES AS THE LENDER MAY DEEM
ADVISABLE. THE BORROWER AGREES THAT NO ACTIONS TAKEN BY ANY PERSON EXCEPT THE
LENDER SHALL IMPAIR OR OTHERWISE AFFECT ITS OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER UNTIL ALL
OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWER HEREUNDER ARE SATISFIED IN FULL.

         10.14 WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. THE BORROWER WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS
THAT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY ON ANY CLAIM OR ACTION, OF ANY NATURE
WHATSOEVER, RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER
LOAN DOCUMENTS.

         10.15 Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions
contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal
or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability
shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall
be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never
been contained herein.

         10.16 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents
constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties
with regard to the subject matter hereof and thereof and shall supersede all
prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, between the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

         10.17 Compliance with Covenants. All computations determining
compliance with Sections 7 and 8 shall utilize accounting principles in
conformity with those used in the preparation of the financial statements
referred to in Section 5.5. If any subsequent financial reports of the Borrower
shall be prepared in accordance with accounting principles different from those
used in the preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section 5.5,
the Borrower shall inform the Lender of the changes in accounting principles and
shall provide to the Lender with such reports, such supplemental reconciling
financial information as may be required to ascertain compliance by the Borrower
with the covenants contained in this Agreement.



                                      -41-
<PAGE>   42
         10.18 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by the Borrower at
any time upon written notice of such termination to the Lender; provided,
however, that, unless and until all loans made by the Lender hereunder and all
other Obligations hereunder of the Borrower to the Lender existing (whether or
not due) as of the time of the receipt of such notice by the Lender shall have
been paid in full, such termination shall in no way affect the rights and powers
granted to the Lender in connection with this Agreement, and until such payment
in full all rights and powers hereby granted to the Lender hereunder shall be
and remain in full force and effect.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as an agreement under seal as of the date first above written.

Witness:                               MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.





/s/ Arlene L. Bender                 By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
- -------------------------------          ----------------------------------
                                       Title: Treasurer




                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
                                       BOSTON



                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                          --------------------------------- 
                                       Title: Director
                                             ------------------------------


                                      -42-
<PAGE>   43
                                    EXHIBIT A

                          DEMAND REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

                                                                November 1, 1993

$7,000,000                                                 Boston, Massachusetts

         FOR VALUE RECEIVED, MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Company"), a
Massachusetts corporation, hereby promises to pay to the order of The First
National Bank of Boston, a national banking association (the "Payee"), at the
offices of the Payee at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts, or such other
address as the Payee shall designate in a written notice to the Company, on
demand, the sum of $7,000,000 or such lesser sum as may from time to time be
outstanding, together with interest (calculated on the basis of a 360 day year
and the actual number of days elapsed in any period) at the annual rate
determined as provided in the Loan Agreement between the Company and the Payee
dated as of the date hereof (the "Loan Agreement").

         Payments of interest shall be made monthly in arrears beginning
December 1, 1993 and on the first Business Day of each month thereafter on the
balance of the principal amount outstanding hereunder until this Note is paid in
full. Funds paid hereunder shall be applied first to accrued and unpaid interest
and then to the unpaid principal balance.

         Overdue principal and interest shall bear interest at a rate of 3% per
annum over the Base Rate, payable on demand.

         This Note is issued by the Company pursuant to, and is governed by and
subject to the terms and conditions of, the Loan Agreement. All capitalized
terms used in this Note that are not defined herein, but that are defined in the
Loan Agreement, shall have the meanings assigned to them therein.

         Nothing contained in this Note, the Loan Agreement or the instruments
securing this Note shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of a rate
of interest in excess of the amount legally enforceable. In the event that the
rate of interest so required to be paid exceeds the maximum rate legally
enforceable, the rate of interest so required to be paid shall be automatically
reduced to the maximum rate legally enforceable, and any excess paid over such
maximum enforceable rate shall be automatically credited on account of the
principal hereof without premium or penalty.

         This Note may be prepaid in whole or in part only to the extent
provided in the Loan Agreement.
<PAGE>   44
         Notices to the Company shall be by telegram, telecopy, telex, delivery
in hand or by courier, or registered or certified mail (return receipt
requested) and shall be deemed to have been given or made when telegraphed,
telecopied (and confirmed received), telexed, delivered in hand or by courier,
or three days after being deposited in the United States mails postage prepaid,
registered or certified, return receipt requested, to the Company at Six
Shattuck Road, Andover, Massachusetts 01810, marked "Attention: Robert F.
O'Brien", Telecopier No. (508) 975-3756 or at such other address specified by
the Company in accordance herewith to the holder.

         No delay or omission on the part of the Payee in exercising any right
hereunder shall operate as a waiver of such right or of any other right of the
Payee, nor shall any delay, omission or waiver on any one occasion be deemed a
bar to or waiver of the same or any other right on any future occasion. Every
maker, endorser and guarantor of this Note or the obligations represented hereby
waives presentment, demand, notice, protest and all other demands and notices in
connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of
this Note, assents to any extension or postponement of the time of payment or
any other indulgence, to any substitution, exchange or release of collateral and
to the addition or release of any other party or person primarily or secondarily
liable.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Note as an
instrument under seal, as of the date first above written.

                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.




                                       By:_________________________________

                                       Title:______________________________



                                       -2-
<PAGE>   45
                                    EXHIBIT B

                                    TERM NOTE
                                                                November 1, 1993

$10,000,000                                                Boston, Massachusetts


         FOR VALUE RECEIVED, MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Company"), a
Massachusetts corporation, hereby promises to pay to the order of The First
National Bank of Boston, a national banking association (the "Payee"), at the
offices of the Payee at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts, or such other
address as the Payee shall designate in a written notice to the Company, the
principal amount of $10,000,000 and to pay interest (calculated on the basis of
a 360 day year and the actual number of days elapsed in any period) monthly in
arrears beginning on December 1, 1993 and on the first Business Day of each
month thereafter on the balance of such principal amount remaining unpaid from
time to time from the date hereof until such principal amount shall have become
due and payable, whether at maturity, by prepayment or otherwise, at the annual
rate determined as provided in the Loan Agreement between the Company and the
Payee dated as of the date hereof (the "Loan Agreement").

         Payments of principal shall be made monthly in the aggregate fixed
amount of $55,555.56 beginning December 1, 1993 and on the first Business Day of
each month thereafter until maturity. The entire unpaid principal balance and
all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder shall be absolutely due and payable in
full on November 1, 2000. Funds paid hereunder shall be applied first to accrued
and unpaid interest and then to the unpaid principal balance.

         Overdue principal and interest shall bear interest at a rate of 3% per
annum over the Base Rate, payable on demand.

         This Note is issued by the Company pursuant to, and is governed by and
subject to the terms and conditions of, the Loan Agreement. This Note may become
due and payable and matured upon the occurrence of an Event of Default. All
capitalized terms used in this Note that are not defined herein, but that are
defined in the Loan Agreement, shall have the meanings assigned to them therein.

         Nothing contained in this Note, the Loan Agreement or the instruments
securing this Note shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of a rate
of interest in excess of the amount legally enforceable. In the event that the
rate of interest so required to be paid exceeds the maximum rate legally
enforceable, the rate of interest so required to be paid shall be automatically
reduced to the maximum rate legally enforceable, and any excess paid over such
maximum enforceable rate shall be automatically credited on account of the
principal hereof without premium or penalty.
<PAGE>   46
         This Note may be prepaid in whole or in part only to the extent
provided in the Loan Agreement.

         This Note is secured by a Commercial Real Estate Mortgage dated the
date hereof (the "Mortgage") from the maker hereof, as mortgagor, to the Payee
hereof, as mortgagee. The Mortgage constitutes a lien on certain property, more
particularly described therein, located in Andover and Lawrence, Massachusetts.

         Notices to the Company shall be by telegram, telecopy, telex, delivery
in hand or by courier, or registered or certified mail (return receipt
requested) and shall be deemed to have been given or made when telegraphed,
telecopied (and confirmed received), telexed, delivered in hand or by courier,
or three days after being deposited in the United States mails postage prepaid,
registered or certified, return receipt requested, to the Company at Six
Shattuck Road, Andover, Massachusetts 01810, marked "Attention: Robert F.
O'Brien", Telecopier No. (508) 975-3756 or at such other address specified by
the Company in accordance herewith to the holder.

         No delay or omission on the part of the Payee in exercising any right
hereunder shall operate as a waiver of such right or of any other right of the
Payee, nor shall any delay, omission or waiver on any one occasion be deemed a
bar to or waiver of the same or any other right on any future occasion. Every
maker, endorser and guarantor of this Note or the obligations represented hereby
waives presentment, demand, notice, protest and all other demands and notices in
connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of
this Note, assents to any extension or postponement of the time of payment or
any other indulgence, to any substitution, exchange or release of collateral and
to the addition or release of any other party or person primarily or secondarily
liable.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Note as an
instrument under seal, as of the date first above written.


                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.




                                       By:_________________________________

                                       Title:______________________________




                                      -2-
<PAGE>   47
                                    EXHIBIT C

                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                         COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE

         This AMENDED AND RESTATED COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE (as amended
from time to time, this "Mortgage") is made this 1st day of November, 1993, by
and from MKS Instruments, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation having its principal
place of business at Six Shattuck Road, Andover, Massachusetts 01810
("Mortgagor"), to THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON, a national banking
association having its principal office at 100 Federal Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110 (the "Bank").

         Whereas, the parties have entered into the following two mortgages:
that certain Mortgage and Security Agreement dated January 6, 1988 recorded at
Essex North Registry of Deeds at Book 2660, Page 050 and that certain Mortgage
and Security Agreement dated May 20, 1987 recorded at said Deeds at Book 2500,
Page 022 (collectively, the "Prior Mortgages");

         Now, therefore, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree to amend and restate the
Prior Mortgages in their entirety as follows:

         1.   Mortgage, Obligations and Future Advances.

         1.1  Mortgage. For valuable consideration paid, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Mortgagor hereby grants to the
Bank, with MORTGAGE COVENANTS, the "Property" described in Section 1.4, below,
to secure the prompt payment and performance of any and all obligations of
Mortgagor (and if more than one Mortgagor of any of them) to the Bank, whether
direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, primary or secondary, due or to
become due, now existing or hereafter arising or acquired, pursuant to the
following (the "Obligations"):

              (a) all obligations under a certain Promissory Note of even date
herewith from Mortgagor payable to the order of the Bank in the original
principal amount of $10,000,000 as the same may be further amended or extended
(the "Note"); and

              (b) all covenants and other obligations contained in this Mortgage
or contemplated hereby, including without limitation Mortgagor's obligations
under Section 7.1 hereof.

         1.2  Security Interest in Property. As continuing security for the
Obligations, Mortgagor hereby pledges, assigns and grants to the Bank a security
interest in any of the Property (as defined in Section 1.4 below) constituting
fixtures, (i.e., Building Service Equipment as defined in the Prior Mortgages).
This Mortgage shall be
<PAGE>   48
deemed to be a security agreement and financing statement pursuant to the terms
of the Uniform Commercial Code of Massachusetts.

         1.3  Collateral Assignment of Leases and Rents. Mortgagor hereby
assigns to the Bank as collateral security for the Obligations all of
Mortgagor's rights and benefits under any and all Leases (as defined in Section
1.4 below) and any and all rents and other amounts now or hereafter owing with
respect to the Leases or the use or occupancy of the Property. This collateral
assignment shall be absolute and effective immediately, but Mortgagor shall
continue to collect rents owing under the Leases until an Event of Default (as
defined in Section 6.1 below) occurs and the Bank exercises its rights and
remedies to collect such rents as set forth in Section 6.2(c) hereof.

         1.4  Property. The term "Property", as used in this Mortgage, shall
mean those certain parcels of land and the structures and improvements now or
hereafter thereon located at Six Shattuck Road, Andover, Massachusetts, and
17-23 Ballard Way, Lawrence, Massachusetts, as more particularly described in
Exhibit A attached hereto, together with: (i) all rights now or hereafter
existing, belonging or pertaining thereto; (ii) all fixtures, now owned or
hereafter acquired, that are located on the Property; (iii) all of the rights
and benefits of Mortgagor under any present or future leases and agreements
relating to the Property, or the use or occupancy thereof together with any
extensions and renewals thereof, specifically excluding all duties or
obligations of Mortgagor of any kind arising thereunder (the "Leases"); and (iv)
all contracts, permits and licenses respecting the use, operation or maintenance
of the Property.

         1.5  Cross-Collateral and Future Advances. It is the express intention
of the Mortgagor that this Mortgage secure payment and performance of all of the
Obligations, whether now existing or hereinafter incurred by reason of future
advances by the Bank or otherwise. Notice of the continuing grant of this
Mortgage shall not be required to be stated on the face of any document
evidencing any of the Obligations, nor shall such documents be required to
otherwise specify that they are secured hereby.

         2.   Representations, Warranties, Covenants.

         2.1  Representations and Warranties. Mortgagor represents and warrants
that:

              (a) (i) Mortgagor is a corporation duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of Massachusetts, (ii) Mortgagor has all requisite
capacity to own the Property and conduct its business as now conducted and as
presently contemplated, to execute and deliver this Mortgage and convey the
Property as contemplated hereby and to grant the security interests and
assignment of Leases contained herein,


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   49
(iii) the execution, delivery and performance of this Mortgage have been
authorized by all necessary proceedings of the Mortgagor and do not contravene
any provision of any law, rule or regulation applicable to Mortgagor or any
agreement, instrument, order or undertaking binding on Mortgagor or by which the
Property is bound or affected, (iv) this Mortgage has been duly executed and
delivered by Mortgagor and is the legal, valid and binding obligation of
Mortgagor enforceable in accordance with its terms except as limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally;

              (b) Mortgagor is the sole legal and equitable owner of the
Property, holding good and marketable fee simple title to the Property, subject
to no liens, encumbrances, leases, security interests or rights of others except
as set forth in the title insurance policy issued by Ticor Title Insurance
Company of even date in favor of Mortgagee;

              (c) Mortgagor is the sole legal and equitable owner of the entire
lessor's interest in the Leases and Mortgagor has not executed any other
assignment of the Leases or any of the rights or rents arising thereunder; and

              (d) Each Obligation is a commercial obligation and does not
represent a loan used for personal, family or household purposes and is not a
consumer transaction, or to Mortgagor's knowledge otherwise subject to the
provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 140D, the Federal Truth in Lending Act or Federal
Reserve Board Regulation Z, or other consumer statutes or regulations and
restrictions.

         2.2  Recording: Further Assurances. Mortgagor covenants that it shall,
at its sole cost and expense and upon the request of the Bank, cause this
Mortgage, and each amendment, modification or supplement hereto, to be recorded
and filed in such manner and in such places, and shall at all times comply with
all such statutes and regulations, as may be required by law in order to
establish, preserve and protect the interest of the Bank in the Property and the
rights of the Bank under this Mortgage. Upon the written request of the Bank,
and at the sole expense of Mortgagor, the Mortgagor will promptly execute and
deliver such further instruments and documents and take such further actions as
the Bank may deem desirable to obtain the full benefits of this Mortgage and of
the rights and powers herein granted, including, without limitation, filing any
financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code, and obtaining any
consents or estoppel certificates of lessees under the Leases that the Bank
deems appropriate. Mortgagor authorizes the Bank to file any such financing
statement without the signature of the Mortgagor to the extent permitted by
applicable law, and to file a copy of this Agreement in lieu of a financing
statement.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   50
         2.3  Restrictions on Mortgagor. Mortgagor covenants that it will not,
directly or indirectly, without the prior written approval of the Bank in each
instance:

              (a) Sell, convey, assign, transfer, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate
or dispose of all or any part of any legal or beneficial interest in the
Property or any part thereof or permit any of the foregoing, except as expressly
permitted by the terms of this Mortgage; or

              (b) Permit to be created or suffer to exist any mortgage, lien,
security interest, attachment, or other encumbrance or charge on the Property or
any part thereof or interest therein, including, without limitation, (i) any
lien arising under any federal, state or local statute, rule, regulation or law
pertaining to the release or clean-up of Hazardous Substances and (ii) any
mechanics' or materialmen's lien, except as permitted by the Loan Agreement of
even date herewith between Mortgagor and Bank. Mortgagor further agrees to give
the Bank prompt written notice of the imposition of any lien referred to in this
Section 2.3(b) and to take any action necessary to secure the prompt discharge
or release of the same. Mortgagor agrees to defend its title to the Property and
the Bank's interest therein against the claims of all persons and, unless the
Bank requests otherwise, to appear in and diligently contest, at Mortgagor's
sole cost and expense, any action or proceeding which purports to affect
Mortgagor's title to the Property or the priority or validity of this Mortgage
or the Bank's interest hereunder.

         2.4  Operation of Property. Mortgagor covenants and agrees as follows:

              (a) Mortgagor will not permit the Property to be used for any
unlawful or improper purpose, will at all times comply with all federal, state
and local laws, ordinances and regulations, and will obtain and maintain all
governmental or other approvals, relating to Mortgagor, the Property or the use
thereof, including without limitation, any applicable zoning or building codes
or regulations and any laws or regulations relating to the handling, storage,
release or clean-up of Hazardous Substances, and will give prompt written notice
to the Bank of (i) any violation of any such law, ordinance or regulation by
Mortgagor or relating to the Property, (ii) receipt of notice from any federal,
state or local authority alleging any such violation and (iii) the release on
the Property of any Hazardous Substances. As used in this Mortgage, the term
"Hazardous Substances" shall mean any oil or other material or substance
constituting hazardous waste or hazardous materials or substances under any
applicable federal or state law, regulation or rule;

              (b) Mortgagor will at all times keep the Property insured for such
losses or damage, for such periods and amounts, on such terms and by such
companies as may be required by law or which the Bank may from time to time
reasonably require. All policies regarding such insurance shall name the Bank as
mortgagee, loss payee and additional insured, and provide that no cancellation
or



                                      -4-
<PAGE>   51
material modification of such policies shall occur without fifteen days prior
written notice to the Bank. Mortgagor will furnish to the Bank upon request such
copies of original policies, certificates of insurance, or other evidence of the
foregoing as is acceptable to the Bank;

              (c) Mortgagor will not enter into or modify the Leases without the
prior written consent of the Bank, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld
or delayed. Mortgagor may consent to a sublease under or the assignment of any
Lease upon written notice to the Bank, provided that Mortgagor does not release
the lessee from liability. Mortgagor will not accept any rentals under any Lease
for more than one month in advance, and will at all times perform and fulfill
every term and condition of the Leases;

              (d) Mortgagor will at all times (i) maintain accurate records and
books regarding the Property in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles; (ii) permit the Bank and the Bank's agents, employees and
representatives, at such reasonable times as the Bank may request, to enter and
inspect the Property and such books and records; and (iii) promptly upon request
provide to the Bank such financial statements and information regarding
Mortgagor, the Property and the Leases as the Bank may request;

              (e) Mortgagor will at all times keep the Property in good and
first rate repair and condition (reasonable wear and tear excepted but damage
from casualty not excepted) and will not commit or permit any strip, waste,
impairment, deterioration or alteration of the Property or any part thereof; and

              (f) Mortgagor shall comply with, and not modify the terms and
conditions of, any prior mortgage affecting the Property or any note or other
obligation secured thereby and shall not permit the holder of any such prior
mortgage to advance any additional sums pursuant to such mortgage which would
constitute a lien superior to the lien of this Mortgage except with the prior
written consent of the Bank.

         2.5  Payments. The Mortgagor covenants to pay when due:

              (a) All federal, state or other taxes, betterment assessments and
other governmental levies, water rates, sewer charges, insurance premiums, and
other charges on the Property, this Mortgage or any Obligation secured hereby or
that could, if unpaid, result in a lien on the Property or on any interest
therein; and

              (b) All amounts when due under the Note and each other instrument
evidencing, securing or relating to any of the Obligations and under any
agreement to which Mortgagor is a party or by which Mortgagor is bound,
including without limitation, any mortgage encumbering the Property.



                                      -5-
<PAGE>   52
Mortgagor shall have the right to contest any notice, lien, encumbrance, claim,
tax, charge, betterment assessment or premium filed or asserted against or
relating to the Property; provided that it contests the same diligently and in
good faith and by proper proceedings and, at the Bank's request, provides the
Bank with adequate security, in the Bank's reasonable judgment, against the
enforcement thereof. Mortgagor shall furnish to the Bank the receipted real
estate tax bills or other evidence of payment of real estate taxes for the
Property within ten (10) days prior to the date from which interest or penalty
would accrue for nonpayment thereof as well as evidence of all other payments
referred to above within fifteen (15) days after written request therefor by the
Bank. If the Mortgagee fails to furnish such evidence of payment then the Bank
may, at the Mortgagor's expense, apply for and obtain municipal lien
certificates, and other evidence of real estate tax payments.

         2.6  Notices: Notice of Default. Mortgagor will deliver to the Bank,
promptly upon receipt of the same, copies of all notices or other documents it
receives that materially affect the Property or its use or claim that the
Mortgagor is in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms
hereof or that the Mortgagor or any tenant is in default of any terms of the
Leases. The Mortgagor further agrees to deliver to the Bank written notice
promptly upon the occurrence of any Event of Default hereunder, or event which
with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would constitute an Event of
Default.

         3.   Takings. In case of any condemnation for public use of, or any
damage by reason of the action of any public or governmental entity or authority
to, all or any part of the Property (a "Taking"), or the commencement of any
proceedings or negotiations that might result in a Taking, Mortgagor shall
promptly give written notice to the Bank, describing the nature and extent
thereof. The Bank may, at its option, appear in any proceeding for a Taking or
any negotiations relating to a Taking and Mortgagor shall promptly give to the
Bank copies of all notices, pleadings, determinations and other papers relating
thereto. The Mortgagor shall in good faith and with due diligence and by proper
proceedings file and prosecute its claims for any award or payment on account of
any Taking. The awards of damages on account of any Taking shall be paid to the
Mortgagor. Such awards shall be applied to or toward the restoration (within a
reasonable time) of that part of the Property that remains or towards the
Obligations.

         4.   Insurance Proceeds. Mortgagor shall have the right to apply the
proceeds of any insurance resulting from any loss with respect to the Property
to repair (within a reasonable time) the damaged part of the Property. Any
excess insurance proceeds shall be applied to the Obligations in such order as
the Bank may determine.



                                      -6-
<PAGE>   53
         5.   Certain Rights of Bank.

         5.1  Advances. If Mortgagor fails to pay or perform any of its
obligations hereunder then, after 10 days notice (except in an emergency) to
Mortgagor, the Bank may in its sole discretion do so. Such payments may include,
but are not limited to, payments for taxes, assessments and other governmental
levies, water rates, insurance premiums, maintenance, repairs or improvements
constituting part of the Property. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Bank shall
not make any payment described in Section 2.5 so long as the Mortgagor is then
in compliance with that Section and no Event of Default exists.

         5.2  Legal Proceedings. The Bank shall have the right, but not the
duty, to intervene or otherwise participate in any legal or equitable proceeding
that, in the Bank's reasonable judgment, might affect the Property or any of the
rights created or secured by this Mortgage. The Bank shall have such right
whether or not there shall have occurred an Event of Default hereunder.

         6.   Defaults and Remedies.

         6.1  Events of Default. Any Event of Default under and as defined in
the Loan Agreement between the Bank and Mortgagor dated as of the date hereof
shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Mortgage.

         6.2  Remedies. On the occurrence of any Event of Default the Bank may,
at any time thereafter, at its option and, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, without notice, exercise any or all of the following remedies:

              (a) Declare the Obligations due and payable, and the Obligations
shall thereupon become immediately due and payable, without presentment,
protest, demand or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived
by Mortgagor;

              (b) Take possession of the Property (including all records and
documents pertaining thereto) and exclude Mortgagor therefrom, and operate the
Property as a mortgagee in possession with all the powers as could be exercised
by a receiver or as otherwise provided herein or by applicable law;

              (c) Receive and collect all rents, income and profits from the
Property, including as may arise under the Leases, and Mortgagor appoints the
Bank as its true and lawful attorney with the power for the Bank in its own name
and capacity to demand and collect such rents, income and profits and take any
action that Mortgagor is authorized to take under the Leases. Lessees under the
Leases are hereby authorized and directed, following notice from the Bank, to
pay all amounts due Mortgagor under the Leases to the Bank, whereupon such
lessees shall be



                                      -7-
<PAGE>   54
relieved of any and all duty and obligation to Mortgagor with respect to such
payments so made;

              (d) Sell the Property or any part thereof or interest therein
pursuant to exercise of its STATUTORY POWER OF SALE or otherwise at public
auction on terms and conditions as the Bank may determine or otherwise foreclose
this Mortgage in any manner permitted by law, and upon such sale, Mortgagor
shall execute and deliver such instruments as the Bank may request in order to
convey and transfer all of Mortgagor's interest in the Property, and the same
shall operate to divest all rights, title and interest of Mortgagor in and to
the Property. In the event this Mortgage shall include more than one parcel of
property or subdivision (each hereinafter called a "portion"), the Bank shall,
in its sole and exclusive discretion, be empowered to foreclose upon any such
portion without impairing its right to foreclose subsequently upon any other
portion or the entirety of the Property from time to time thereafter;

              (e) Cause one or more environmental assessments to be taken,
arrange for the clean-up of any Hazardous Substances, or otherwise cure
Mortgagor's failure to comply with any statute, regulation or ordinance relating
to the presence or clean-up of Hazardous Substances; provided that the exercise
of any of such remedies shall not be deemed to have relieved Mortgagor from any
responsibility therefor or given the Bank "control" over the Property or cause
the Bank to be considered to be a mortgagee in possession, "owner" or "operator"
of the Property for purposes of any applicable law, rule or regulation
pertaining to Hazardous Substances; and

              (f) Take such other actions or proceedings as the Bank deems
necessary or advisable to protect its interest in the Property and ensure
payment and performance of the Obligations including, without limitation,
appointment of a receiver (and Mortgagor hereby waives any right to object to
such appointment) and exercise of any of the Bank's remedies provided in the
Note or in any document evidencing, securing or relating to any of the
Obligations or available to a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code of
Massachusetts or under other applicable law.

         This Mortgage is upon the STATUTORY CONDITION, for any breach of which
the Bank shall have the STATUTORY POWER OF SALE and any other remedies provided
by applicable law including, without limitation, the right to pursue a judicial
sale of the Property or any portion thereof by deed, assignment or otherwise.
Mortgagor agrees and acknowledges that the acceptance by the Bank of any
payments from Mortgagor after the occurrence of any Event of Default, the
exercise by the Bank of any remedy set forth herein or the commencement of
foreclosure proceedings against the Property shall not waive the Bank's right to
foreclose or operate as a bar or estoppel to the exercise of any other rights or
remedies of the Bank. Mortgagor agrees and acknowledges that the Bank, by making



                                      -8-
<PAGE>   55
payments or incurring costs described herein, shall be subrogated to any right
of Mortgagor to seek reimbursement from any third parties including without
limitation, any predecessor in interest to Mortgagor's title or other party who
may be responsible under any law, regulation or ordinance relating to the
presence or clean-up of Hazardous Substances.

         6.3  Cumulative Rights and Remedies. All of the foregoing rights,
remedies and options are cumulative and in addition to any rights the Bank might
otherwise have, whether at law or by agreement and may be exercised separately
or concurrently. Mortgagor further agrees that the Bank may exercise any or all
of its rights or remedies set forth herein without having to pay Mortgagor any
sums for use or occupancy of the Property.

         6.4  Mortgagor's Waiver of Certain Rights. To the extent permitted by
applicable law, Mortgagor hereby waives the benefit of all present and future
laws (i) providing for any appraisal before sale of any portion of the Property
or (ii) in any way extending the time for the enforcement of the collection of
the Obligations or creating or extending a period of redemption from any sale
made hereunder.

         7.   Miscellaneous.

         7.1  Payments by the Bank. To the extent permitted by applicable law,
Mortgagor shall pay to the Bank, on demand, all reasonable expenses, (including
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses and reasonable consulting, accounting,
appraisal, brokerage and similar professional fees and charges) actually
incurred by the Bank, in connection with the Bank's exercise, preservation or
enforcement of any of its rights, remedies and options set forth in this
Mortgage (including without limitation any amounts expended pursuant to Sections
5.1 and 6.2(e) hereof) and in connection with any litigation, proceeding or
dispute whether arising hereunder or otherwise relating to the Obligations,
together with interest thereon to the extent permitted by applicable law until
paid in full by Mortgagor at a rate per annum equal to three percent (3 %) above
the rate of interest per annum announced from time to time by The First National
Bank of Boston at its head office as its Base Rate. Any amounts owed by
Mortgagor hereunder shall be, until paid, part of the Obligations, and the Bank
shall be entitled, to the extent permitted by law, to receive and retain such
amounts in any action for a deficiency against or redemption by the Mortgagor,
or any accounting for the proceeds of a foreclosure sale or of insurance
proceeds. All references to "attorneys" in this Section 7 and elsewhere in this
Mortgage shall include without limitation any attorney or law firm engaged by
the Bank and the Bank's in-house counsel, and all references to "fees and
expenses" in this Mortgage shall include without limitation any fees of such
attorney or law firm and any allocated charges and allocation costs of the
Bank's in-house counsel. The obligations of Mortgagor under this Section 7.1
shall survive any payment or satisfaction of any of the other Obligations.



                                      -9-
<PAGE>   56
         7.2  No Waiver or Release. No failure of the Bank to exercise or delay
by the Bank in exercising any right or remedy or option provided for herein or
otherwise shall be deemed to be a waiver of that right, remedy or option or of
any other right, remedy or option. No sale of all or any of the Property, no
forbearance on the part of the Bank, no release or partial release of any of the
Property, and no extension of the time for the payment of the whole or any part
of any of the obligations or any other indulgence given by the Bank to the
Mortgagor or any other person or entity, shall operate to release or in any
manner affect the lien of this Mortgage or the original liability of the
Mortgagor except to the extent specifically provided in any written instrument
signed by the Bank accomplishing any of the foregoing. Notice of any such
extensions or indulgences is waived by the Mortgagor. This Mortgage may not be
waived, changed or discharged orally, but only by an agreement in writing signed
by the Bank, and any oral waiver, change or discharge of any provision of this
Mortgage shall be without authority and of no force and effect. A waiver on any
one occasion shall be limited to its express terms and conditions and the
circumstances giving rise to such waiver and shall not be construed to be a bar
to or waiver of any right on any future occasion.

         7.3  Notices. Any notice or other communication hereunder to any party
hereto shall be by telegram, telecopy, telex, delivery in hand or by courier, or
registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) and shall be deemed to
have been given or made when telegraphed, telexed, telecopied (and confirmed
received), delivered in hand or by courier, or three days after being deposited
in the mails, postage prepaid, registered or certified, addressed to each party
as follows (or at any other address that such party may hereafter specify to the
other parties in writing):

              (a)  If to the Bank:

                   The First National Bank of Boston
                   100 Federal Street
                   Boston, Massachusetts 02110
                   Attn:     Ms. Sharon A. Stone, Director
                   Telecopier No. (617) 434-4048

                   with a copy to:

                   Arlene L. Bender, Esq.
                   Foley, Hoag & Eliot
                   One Post Office Square
                   Boston, Massachusetts 02109
                   Telecopier No. (617) 482-7347




                                      -10-
<PAGE>   57
              (b)  If to the Mortgagor:

                   Six Shattuck Road
                   Andover, Massachusetts 01810
                   Attn:     Mr. Robert F. O'Brien, Treasurer
                   Telecopier No.

                   with a copy to:

                   Richard S. Chute, Esq.
                   Hill & Barlow
                   One International Place
                   Boston, Massachusetts 02110
                   Telecopier No. (617) 439-3580

         7.4  Mortgagor's Waivers. Mortgagor waives presentment, demand, notice,
protest, and all other demands and notices in connection with the delivery,
acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Mortgage (except for
such demands and notices as are specifically required to be provided to
Mortgagor under this Mortgage) and assents to any extension or postponement of
the time of payment or performance or any other indulgence with respect to any
of the Obligations, to any substitution, exchange or release of any collateral
for any of the Obligations and/or to the addition or release of any other party
or person primarily or secondarily liable hereunder or in connection with any of
the Obligations.

         7.5  Entire Agreement; Severability; Captions. The terms and conditions
of this Mortgage constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, with respect to the
subject matter hereof. The invalidity of any provisions of this Mortgage shall
in no way affect the validity of any other provision hereof. The failure of the
Bank to perfect its lien on or security interest in any of the Property shall
not affect its rights in the remainder of the Property. Section and subsection
captions are for convenience of reference only, are not a part of this Mortgage
and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.

         7.6  Successors. This Mortgage shall be binding upon each of the
parties executing this Mortgage and their respective successors, administrators
and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and the
successors and assigns of the Bank. The term "Bank" shall include any subsequent
holder of this Mortgage by assignment or otherwise.

         7.7  Joint and Several Liability. If more than one party executes this
Mortgage the term "Mortgagor" shall mean each and every one of them, and each of
them shall be jointly and severally liable hereunder.



                                      -11-
<PAGE>   58
         7.8  Governing Law Jurisdiction. This Mortgage shall take effect as a
contract executed under seal and shall be interpreted in accordance with and
governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (other than its rules
governing choice or conflicts of laws). Each party signing this Mortgage submits
to personal jurisdiction in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and waives any and
all rights to object to such jurisdiction. Each such party agrees that service
of process may be made and personal jurisdiction obtained by serving Mortgagor
at any location provided in Section 7.3 hereof.

         7.9  JURY WAIVER. THE BANK (BY ITS ACCEPTANCE OF THIS MORTGAGE) AND THE
MORTGAGOR AGREE THAT NEITHER OF THEM, INCLUDING ANY ASSIGNEE OR SUCCESSOR SHALL
SEEK A JURY TRIAL IN ANY LAWSUIT, PROCEEDING, COUNTERCLAIM, OR ANY OTHER
LITIGATION PROCEDURE BASED UPON, OR ARISING OUT OF, THIS MORTGAGE, ANY RELATED
INSTRUMENTS, ANY COLLATERAL OR THE DEALINGS OR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OR AMONG
ANY OF THEM. NEITHER THE BANK NOR THE MORTGAGOR SHALL SEEK TO CONSOLIDATE ANY
SUCH ACTION WITH ANY OTHER ACTION IN WHICH A JURY TRIAL CANNOT BE OR HAS NOT
BEEN WAIVED. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH HAVE BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY THE
BANK AND THE MORTGAGOR, AND THESE PROVISIONS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO NO EXCEPTIONS.
NEITHER THE BANK NOR THE MORTGAGOR HAS AGREED WITH OR REPRESENTED TO THE OTHER
THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH WILL NOT BE FULLY ENFORCED IN ALL
INSTANCES.

         EXECUTED under seal as of the date first above written.


                                       MORTGAGOR:


                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.




                                       By:_________________________________

                                       Title:______________________________



                                      -12-
<PAGE>   59
                          COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Suffolk, ss.                                                    November__, 1993

         Then personally appeared the above named ___________________________ of
MKS Instruments, Inc., and acknowledged that the foregoing is the free act and
deed of said corporation, before me,



                                       ____________________________________
                                       Notary Public
                                       Name:
                                       My commission expires:



                                      -13-
<PAGE>   60
                    AGREEMENT REGARDING LOST PROMISSORY NOTES

         In consideration of the execution and delivery to the First National
Bank of Boston (the "Bank") by MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Company") of
replacement notes with respect to the Term Note dated November 1, 1993 in the
principal amount of $10,000,000 payable to the order of the Bank and the Demand
Revolving Credit Note dated November 1, 1993 in the principal amount of
$7,000,000 payable to the order of the Bank (the "Original Notes"), the Bank and
the Company hereby agree as follows:

         1.  The Bank has been unable to locate the Original Notes, which were
delivered by the Company to the Bank on November 1, 1993. The Bank has made or
caused to be made diligent efforts to find and recover the Original Notes, but
has been unable to do so, and accordingly believes the Original Notes are lost
or misplaced.

         2.  The Bank is, and has been, the rightful and unconditional owner of
the Original Notes at all times since issuance of the Original Notes to it on
November 1, 1993. The Original Notes have not been endorsed by the Bank for
transfer or sold, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, transferred, or deposited
under any agreement by the Bank, and no instrument or document authorizing such
transfer, sale, assignment, pledge, hypothecation, or deposit of the Original
Notes has been executed by or on behalf of the Bank.

         3.  The Bank agrees that if the Original Notes shall ever be found to
be in the custody and control of the Bank or recovered by the Bank, the Bank
will immediately and without consideration surrender the Original Notes to the
Company or its successor for cancellation.

         4.  The Bank agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its
successors and assigns (collectively, "Indemnitees") from and against any and
all liability, obligation, loss, damage and expense (including reasonable
attorneys' fees) arising from or on account of the sale, assignment, transfer,
hypothecation, pledge or other disposition of the Original Notes, by operation
of law or otherwise, by or for the Bank to any person other than the Company.
The Company agrees (i) that it will give prompt notice to the Bank upon
presentation to the Company of either Original Note or after receiving a claim
in writing against it of any claim against it as to which recovery may be sought
against the Bank under the foregoing indemnity and (ii) if such claim shall
arise from the claim of a third party, that it will permit the Bank to assume
the defense of any such claim or any litigation resulting from such claim. If
the Bank assumes the defense of such claim or any litigation resulting
therefrom, the obligations of the Bank hereunder as to such claim shall be to
take all steps that the Bank in its sole discretion deems necessary in the
defense, compromise or settlement of such claim or litigation and to pay or
reimburse the Company for the amount of any settlement approved by the Bank or
any judgment in connection with such claim or litigation and all costs and
expenses of the Company associated therewith. The Company shall cooperate fully
to make available to the Bank, at the
<PAGE>   61
Bank's expense, all pertinent information and witnesses under its control. A
final determination of any such action, suit, proceeding, claim, demand or
assessment through legal proceedings shall be binding and conclusive upon the
parties hereto as to the validity or invalidity, as the case may be, of such
claim against the Bank.

         5.  The Bank agrees to keep this Agreement as an official record of the
Bank and to maintain a copy of this Agreement in the loan file for the Company.

         6.  The Bank represents and warrants that this Agreement has been duly
authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Bank.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement under
seal as of the 8th day of March, 1994.


                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
                                       BOSTON



                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Director
                                              -----------------------------



                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.



                                       By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Treasurer
                                              -----------------------------







                                      -2-
<PAGE>   62
                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                                 FIRST AMENDMENT

                                TO LOAN AGREEMENT


This First Amendment (this "Amendment") dated as of June 30, 1994 amends the
Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 1993 (the "Loan Agreement"), between MKS
INSTRUMENTS, INC. (the "Borrower") and THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON (the
"Bank"). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the
meanings assigned to them in the Loan Agreement.

         WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Bank have executed the Loan Agreement
providing for a revolving credit facility for borrowings by the Borrower in
amounts up to $7,000,000; and

         WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested, and the Bank has agreed, to extend
the maturity of the credit facilities for an additional one-year period, on the
terms and conditions set forth below;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Bank and the Borrower agree as follows:

         Section 1. Amendment to the Loan Agreement. Section 1.1.46 of the Loan
Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the date "June 30, 1994" appearing
therein in the definition of "Revolver Termination Date" and substituting
therefor the date "June 30, 1995".

         Section 2. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby
represents and warrants as follows:

         (a) The execution and delivery of this Amendment and the performance of
this Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan
Documents, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been
authorized by all necessary corporate actions of the Borrower. This Amendment,
the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents
constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable
against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

         (b) The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Amendment, the Loan
Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents. Neither the
authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of this
Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby or any
other Loan Document nor the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby
or thereby violates or will violate any provision of the corporate charter or
by-laws of
<PAGE>   63
the Borrower, or does or will, with the passage of time or the giving of notice
or both, result in a breach of or a default under, or require any consent under
or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property
or assets of the Borrower pursuant to, any material instrument, agreement or
other document to which the Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower or any
of its properties may be bound or affected.

              (c) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Amendment
and the performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and
the Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law or
regulation applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of any court
or governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the Borrower.


         Section 3. Conditions to Effectiveness. The effectiveness of this
Amendment is conditioned on the following:

         (a) the Borrower and the Bank shall each have executed and delivered a
counterpart of this Amendment;

         (b) the representations and warranties contained in Article V of the
Loan Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof; and

         (c) no Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement shall have
occurred and is continuing.

         Section 4. Miscellaneous.

         (a) On and after the date hereof, each reference in the Loan Agreement
to "this Agreement" or words of like import shall mean and be deemed to be a
reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

         (b) Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan Agreement is in all
respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms, covenants
and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.

         (c) This Amendment and the modifications to the Loan Agreement set
forth herein shall be deemed to be a document executed under seal and shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   64
         (d) This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly
executed as of the date and the year first above written.


                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.



                                       By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Treasurer
                                              -----------------------------


                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF 
                                       BOSTON


                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Director
                                              -----------------------------




                                      -3-
<PAGE>   65
                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                                SECOND AMENDMENT

                                TO LOAN AGREEMENT

This Second Amendment (this "Amendment") dated as of October 27, 1994 amends the
Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 1993, as amended by the First Amendment
dated as of June 30, 1994 (as so amended, the "Loan Agreement"), between MKS
INSTRUMENTS, INC. (the "Borrower") and THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON (the
"Bank"). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the
meanings assigned to them in the Loan Agreement.

         WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Bank have executed the Loan Agreement
providing for the Term Loan in the original principal amount of $10,000,000; and

         WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested, and the Bank has agreed, to amend
the interest rate applicable to the Term Loan from time to time, and modify
certain of the provisions with respect to the payment of interest thereon, on
the terms and conditions set forth below;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Bank and the Borrower agree as follows:

         Section 1. Amendments to the Agreement.

         (a) Section 2.5 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
phrase "30, 60, 90, 120, 150 or 180 days" and substituting therefor the phrase
"one, two, three, four, five or six months".

         (b) Section 3.2 of the Loan Agreement whereby amended as follows:

         (1) by deleting Section 3.2.1(i) and replacing it with the following:

             "(i) During any period in which the Borrower maintains a Cash
         Flow Ratio in excess of 1.35 to 1 but less than 1.75 to 1 and a
         Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio in excess of 1.35 to 1:

             (a)  the LIBOR Rate plus 1.75% or
             (b)  the Long Term Funds Rate plus 1.75%."; and

         (2) adding new a Section 3.2.1(iii) as follows:

             "(iii) During any period in which the Borrower maintains a
         Cash Flow Ratio in excess of 1.75 to 1 and a Debt-to-Net Worth
         Ratio not in excess of 1.35 to 1:
<PAGE>   66
             (a)  the LIBOR Rate plus 1.40% or
             (b)  the Long Term Funds Rate plus 1.40%."
             (c) Section 3.2.4 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by
deleting the phrase "30, 60, 90, 120, 150 or 180 days" and substituting
therefor the phrase "one, two, three, four, five or six months".

         Section 2. Representations and Warranties.

         (a) The execution and delivery of this Amendment and the performance of
this Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan
Documents, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been
authorized by all necessary corporate actions of the Borrower. This Amendment,
the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents
constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable
against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

         (b) The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Amendment, the Loan
Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents. Neither the
authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of this
Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby or any
other Loan Document nor the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby
or thereby violates or will violate any provision of the corporate charter or
by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will, with the passage of time or the giving
of notice or both, result in a breach of or a default under, or require any
consent under or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon
any property or assets of the Borrower pursuant to, any material instrument,
agreement or other document to which the Borrower is a party or by which the
Borrower or any of its properties may be bound or affected.

         (c) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Amendment and
the performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and the
Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law or regulation
applicable to the Borrower, or any writ order or decree of any court or
governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the Borrower.

         Section 3. Conditions to Effectiveness. The effectiveness of this
Amendment is conditioned on the following:

         (a) the Borrower and the Bank shall each have executed and delivered a
counterpart of this Amendment;


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   67
         (b) the representations and warranties contained in Article V of the
Loan Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof; and

         (c) no Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement shall have
occurred and is continuing.

         Section 4. Miscellaneous.

         (a) On and after the date hereof; each reference in the Loan Agreement
to "this Agreement" or words of like import shall mean and be deemed to be a
reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

         (b) Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan Agreement is in all
respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof; and the terms, covenants
and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.

         (c) This Amendment and the modifications to the Loan Agreement set
forth herein shall be deemed to be a document executed under seal and shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.

         (d) This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly executed
as of the date and the year first above written.


                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.



                                       By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Treasurer
                                              -----------------------------






                                      -3-
<PAGE>   68
                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
                                       BOSTON



                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Vice President and Director
                                              -----------------------------




                                      -4-
<PAGE>   69
                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                                 THIRD AMENDMENT

                                TO LOAN AGREEMENT

This Third Amendment (this "Amendment") dated as of June 30, 1995 amends the
Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 1993, as amended (the "Loan Agreement"),
between MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC. (the "Borrower") and THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
BOSTON (the "Bank"). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Loan Agreement.

         WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Bank have executed the Loan Agreement
providing for a revolving credit facility for borrowings by the Borrower in
amounts up to $7,000,000; and

         WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested, and the Bank has agreed, to extend
the maturity of the credit facilities for an additional ninety (90) day period,
on the terms and conditions set forth below;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Bank and the Borrower agree as follows:

         Section 1. Amendment to the Loan Agreement. Section 1.1.46 of the Loan
Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the date "June 30, 1995 appearing
therein in the definition of "Revolver Termination Date" and substituting
therefore the date "September 30, 1995".

         Section 2. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby
represents and warrants as follows:

         (a) The execution and delivery of this Amendment and the performance of
this Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan
Documents, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been
authorized by all necessary corporate actions of the Borrower. This Amendment,
the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents
constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable
against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

         (b) The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Amendment, the Loan
Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents. Neither the
authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of this
Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby or any
other Loan Document nor the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby
<PAGE>   70
or thereby violates or will violate any provision of the corporate charter or
by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will, with the passage of time or the giving
of notice or both, result in a breach of or a default under, or require any
consent under or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon
any property or assets of the Borrower pursuant to, any material instrument,
agreement or other document to which the Borrower is a party or by which the
Borrower or any of its properties may be bound or affected.

         (c) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Amendment and
the performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and the
Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law or regulation
applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of any court or
governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the Borrower.

         Section 3. Conditions to Effectiveness. The effectiveness of this
Amendment is conditioned on the following:

         (a) the Borrower and the Bank shall each have executed and delivered a
counterpart of this Amendment;

         (b) the representations and warranties contained in Article V of the
Loan Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof; and

         (c) no Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement shall have
occurred and is continuing.

         Section 4. Miscellaneous.

         (a) On and after the date hereto, each reference in the Loan Agreement
to "this Agreement" or words of like import shall mean and be deemed to be a
reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

         (b) Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan Agreement is in all
respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms, covenants
and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.

         (c) This Amendment and the modifications to the Loan Agreement set
forth herein shall be deemed to be a document executed under seal and shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.



                                      -2-
<PAGE>   71
         (d) This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly executed
as of the date and the year first above written.


                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.



                                       By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Treasurer
                                              -----------------------------


                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF 
                                       BOSTON


                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Director
                                              -----------------------------




                                      -3-
<PAGE>   72
BANK OF BOSTON




                                  July 27, 1995

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


Attention:  Robert F. O'Brien, Treasurer


Ladies and Gentlemen:

         WHEREAS, MKS Instruments, Inc. a Massachusetts corporation ("Borrower")
and The First National Bank of Boston ("Lender") are parties to that certain
Loan Agreement dated November 1, 1993, as amended (the "Loan Agreement"); and

         WHEREAS, Borrower has signed a letter of intent dated May 17, 1995 (the
"Letter of Intent") which sets forth Borrower's intention to acquire through
merger UTI Instruments Company ("UTI"); and

         WHEREAS, Borrower has requested a waiver of Section 8.1(b) of the Loan
Agreement which restricts mergers to allow Borrower, or a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Borrower, to merge with UTI pursuant to the terms of the Letter of
Intent, and Lender has agreed to do so as set forth herein;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Bank hereby waives compliance with Section 8.1(b)
of the Loan Agreement to permit the merger of Borrower, or a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Borrower, with UTI pursuant to the terms of the Letter of Intent.
This waiver is subject to Borrower, or a wholly-owned subsidiary of Borrower,
completing the merger with UTI on or before September 30, 1995.

         This waiver herein given shall not operate as a waiver of any other
Default or Event of Default, if any, now existing or hereafter arising. Borrower
represents that as of the date hereof all of the representations and warranties
set forth in Article V of the Loan Agreement are true and correct.

         In consideration of the foregoing, Borrower acknowledges that it has no
claims, counterclaims, offsets, or defenses against Lender with respect to the
Loan Agreement or otherwise.
<PAGE>   73
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lender has caused this document to be executed as a document
under seal by its duly authorized officer as of this 27th day of July, 1995.



                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
                                       BOSTON



                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Director
                                              -----------------------------


ASSENTED TO:

MKS INSTRUMENTS




By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
    --------------------------------
Title: Treasurer
       -----------------------------

Date:_______________________________ 



                                      -2-
<PAGE>   74
BANK OF BOSTON




                               September 25, 1995


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


          RE   Loan Agreement dated November 1, 1993 by and between MKS
               Investments, Inc. a Massachusetts corporation ("Borrower") and
               The First National Bank of Boston ("Lender")

Attention:     Robert F. O'Brien, Treasurer


Ladies and Gentlemen:

         In a letter dated July 27, 1995 the Lender agreed, provided the merger
was completed on or before September 30, 1995, to waive Section 8.1 (b) to allow
the Borrower to merge with UTI Instruments Company.

         The Borrower has requested that the Lender extend the time period for
completion of the merger from September 30, 1995 to October 31, 1995 and the
Lender hereby so agrees.

         This waiver herein given shall not operate as a waiver of any other
Default or Event of Default, if any, now existing or hereafter arising. The
Borrower represents that as of the date hereof all of the representations and
warranties set forth in Article V of the Loan Agreement are true and correct.

         In consideration of the foregoing, Borrower acknowledges that it has no
claims, counterclaims, offsets, or defenses against Lender with respect to the
Loan Agreement or otherwise.
<PAGE>   75
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lender has caused this document to be executed as a document
under seal by its duly authorized officer as of this 25th day of September,
1995.

                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
                                       BOSTON


                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Director
                                              -----------------------------


ASSENTED TO:

MKS INSTRUMENTS


By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
    --------------------------------
Title: Treasurer
       -----------------------------

Date: 9/26/95
      ------------------------------

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   76
                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                                FOURTH AMENDMENT

                                TO LOAN AGREEMENT


This Fourth Amendment (this "Amendment") dated as of September 30, 1995 amends
the Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 1993, as amended (the "Loan
Agreement"), between MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC. (the "Borrower") and THE FIRST
NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON (the "Lender"). Capitalized terms used herein but not
otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Loan
Agreement.

         WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Lender have executed the Loan Agreement
providing for a revolving credit facility for borrowings by the Borrower in
amounts up to $7,000,000; and

         WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested, and the Lender has agreed, to
extend the maturity of the credit facilities on the terms and conditions set
forth below;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Bank and the Borrower agree as follows:

         Section 1. Amendment to the Loan Agreement.

         (a) Section 1.1.46 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting
the date "September 30, 1995" appearing therein in the definition of "Revolver
Termination Date" and substituting therefore the date "June 30, 1996".

         (b) Section 1.1.34 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding
"the Letter of Credit Agreements" after "the Notes,".

         (c) Section 2.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
existing language and substituting the following:

         2.1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lender
hereby agrees to make Advances from time to time to the Borrower during the
period from the date hereof to the Revolver Termination Date (or such earlier
date on which the Lender shall have demanded payment of the Revolving Credit
Note) in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed at any time $7,000,000,
less the face amount of outstanding Letters of Credit plus unpaid LC Draws (as
defined in Section 2.1.2). The Lender shall have the absolute discretion to make
such Advances as it deems appropriate and to demand repayment of Advances at any
time. Each Advance shall, at the option of the Borrower, be a Base Rate Loan, a
LIBOR Loan or a Money Market Rate Loan provided, however, that no LIBOR Loan or
Money Market Rate Loan shall be made at any time in a principal amount of less
than $1,000,000.
<PAGE>   77
              2.1.2 Subject to the execution and delivery by the Borrower of a
letter of credit application and agreement and related documents in form
satisfactory to the Lender (each such "Letter of Credit Agreement"), and subject
to the terms of this Agreement, the Lender agrees to issue for the account of
the Borrower one or more standby letters of credit (the "Letters of Credit")
from time to time, from and after the date hereof with expiration dates not
later than the earlier of one year from the date of issuance or the Revolver
Termination Date, provided the sum of the aggregate face amount of outstanding
Letters of Credit plus unpaid LC Draws shall not exceed $250,000 after giving
effect to such issuance. The Lender shall have absolute discretion to issue such
Letters of Credit. The Borrower shall pay to the Lender upon the issuance of
each Letter of Credit, a Letter of Credit fee equal to 1.25% per annum of the
face amount of such Letter of Credit (pro-rated for the number of days such
Letter of Credit is outstanding). The Borrower shall also pay to the Lender, on
demand from time to time, such fees and expenses as are customarily charged by
the Bank in connection with the opening, amendment, negotiation and
administration of each Letter of Credit. The Borrower shall pay the Lender for
draws made on the Letters of Credit ("LC Draws") and other amounts relating to
the Letters of Credit due from time to time in accordance with the Letter of
Credit Agreements. If at any time the sum of the aggregate amount of Revolving
Credit Loans plus the aggregate face amount of outstanding Letters of Credit and
unpaid LC Draws shall exceed the Revolving Credit Loan, the Borrower shall
immediately pay cash to the Lender in such amount as shall be necessary to
eliminate such excess.

         (d) Section 9.2 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding the
following:

Upon the Revolver Termination Date, or the acceleration of the Revolving Credit
Note, the Borrower hereby agrees to pay to the Lender an amount equal to the
face amount of the then outstanding Letters of Credit, which amount shall be
held by the Lender as cash collateral for all LC Draws. The Borrower hereby
grants to the Bank a security interest in and pledge of such cash collateral to
secure all such LC Draws and other Obligations relating to the Letters of
Credit.

         Section 2. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby
represents and warrants as follows:

         (a) The execution and delivery of this Amendment and the performance of
this Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan
Documents, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been
authorized by all necessary corporate actions of the Borrower. This Amendment,
the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents
constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable
against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   78
         (b) The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Amendment, the Loan
Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents. Neither the
authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of this
Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby or any
other Loan Document nor the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby
or thereby violates or will violate any provision of the corporate charter or
by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will, with the passage of time or the giving
of notice or both, result in a breach of or a default under, or require any
consent under or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon
any property or assets of the Borrower pursuant to, any material instrument,
agreement or other document to which the Borrower is a party or by which the
Borrower or any of its properties may be bound or affected.

         (c) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Amendment and
the performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and the
Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law or regulation
applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of any court or
governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the Borrower.

         Section 3. Conditions to Effectiveness. The effectiveness of this
Amendment is conditioned on the following:

         (a) the Borrower and the Bank shall each have executed and delivered a
counterpart of this Amendment;

         (b) the representations and warranties contained in Article V of the
Loan Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof; and

         (c) no Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement shall have
occurred and is

         Section 4. Miscellaneous.

         (a) On and after the date hereof, each reference in the Loan Agreement
to "this Agreement" or words of like import shall mean and be deemed to be a
reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

         (b) Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan Agreement is in all
respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms, covenants
and agreements therein shall remain in till force and effect.



                                      -3-
<PAGE>   79
         (c) This Amendment and the modifications to the Loan Agreement set
forth herein shall be deemed to be a document executed under seal and shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.

         (d) This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly executed
as of the date and the year first above written.



                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.



                                       By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Treasurer
                                              -----------------------------


                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF 
                                       BOSTON


                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Director
                                              -----------------------------




                                      -4-
<PAGE>   80
                        FIFTH AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT


         This Fifth Amendment to Loan Agreement is entered into as of the 31st
day of October, 1995, by and between The First National Bank of Boston
("Lender") and MKS Instruments, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("Borrower").

         WHEREAS, the Lender and the Borrower entered into a Loan Agreement as
of November 1, 1993 and have subsequently amended such Loan Agreement (as
amended, the "Loan Agreement");

         WHEREAS, the Lender and the Borrower desire to amend the Loan
Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and
valuable consideration, the adequacy and receipt of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

         1.  The Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting Section 1.1.14.
(the definition of Consolidated Operating Cash Flow) and replacing it with the
following:

             1.1.14. "Consolidated Operating Cash Flow" shall mean for any
         period, the net income (or loss) for such period (before extraordinary
         items and excluding the net income of any business entity that is not a
         Subsidiary has an ownership interest unless such net income shall have
         actually been received by such company in the form of cash
         distributions) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries before deducting
         Interest Expense and taxes and after restoring thereto depreciation of
         real and personal property and leasehold improvements and amortization
         and after deducting cash taxes paid, Sub S distributions required to
         make shareholder tax payments, and capital expenditures incurred,
         provided that capital expenditures shall not include real estate
         purchases funded by debt.

         2.  The Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting Section 3.2.1. and
replacing it with the following:

             3.2.1. Borrower agrees to pay interest in respect of the unpaid
         principal amount of the Term Loan from the date of this Agreement until
         paid in full as follows. The Term Loan shall bear interest at the Base
         Rate unless Borrower desires to pay interest on all or a portion of the
         Term Loan at one of the following rates:

                    (i)   During any period in which the Borrower maintains a
             Debt-to-Net Worth Ration not in excess of 1.35 to 1:
<PAGE>   81
                          (a) and a Cash Flow Ration of from 1.35 to 1 to and
                    including 1.75 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus 1.60%;

                          (b) and a Cash Flow Ration of from 1.76 to 1 to and
                    including 2.0 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus 1.30%

                          (c) and a Cash Flow Ration of from 2.01 to 1 to and
                    including 3.0 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus 1.10%;

                          (d) and a Cash Flow Ration in excess of 3.0 to 1, the
                    LIBOR Rate plus .90%; or

                          (e) the Long Term Funds Rate plus 1.75%; or

                    (ii)  During any period in which the Borrower maintains a
            Debt-to-Net Worth Ration of 1.35 to 1 or more or a Cash Flow
            Ratio of less than 1.35 to 1:

                          (a) the LIBOR Rate plus 2.00%; or 
                          (b) the Long Term Funds Rate plus 1.75%.

         3.  The Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following clause
(k) to Section 9.1 after clause (j) thereof;

                    (k) There shall occur any Event of Default under the Loan 
Agreement between the Borrower and the Lender dated as of October 31, 1995;

         4.  As hereby amended, the Loan Agreement is hereby ratified and
confirmed.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have causes this Fifth Amendment
to Loan Agreement to be executed as an agreement under seal as of the data first
above written.


Witness:                               MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.




/s/ Richard S. Chute                   By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
- ---------------------------------          --------------------------------

                                       Title: Treasurer
                                              -----------------------------





                                       -2-
<PAGE>   82
                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
                                       BOSTON


                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Director
                                              -----------------------------


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   83
BANK OF BOSTON

                                October 11, 1995



Robert F. O'Brien
Treasurer
MKS Instruments, Inc.
Six Shattuck Road
Andover, MA 01810


RE:  Loan Agreement dated November 1, 1993, by and between MKS
     Instruments, Inc, a Massachusetts corporation ("Borrower") and The
     First National Bank of Boston ("Lender"), as amended.


Dear Bob:

The purpose of this letter is to confirm our discussion regarding MKS's
potential acquisition of UTI Instruments Company, Inc ("UTI"). The Loan
Agreement restricts the use of the proceeds of Advances to general working
capital purposes, including acquisitions less than $2,500,000 per annum. You
have indicated that you plan to use the proceeds of Advances to temporarily fund
the acquisition of UTI for an amount to exceed $2,500,000. We hereby agree that
the proceeds of Advances may temporarily fund the UTI acquisition with permanent
funding to be in place on or before March 31, 1996. This agreement is subject to
satisfactory review of the Merger Agreement between MKS Instruments, Inc. and
UTI Instruments Company, Inc.

All other terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement shall remain in full force
and effect, including, without limitation, the Lender's absolute discretion to
make Advances and to demand repayment of Advances at any time.

Nothing contained in this letter shall operate as a waiver of any other Default
or Event of Default, if any, now existing or hereafter arising. The Borrower
represents that as of the date hereof all of the representations and warranties
set forth in Article V of the Loan Agreement are true and correct.

In consideration of the foregoing, Borrower acknowledges that it has no claims,
counterclaims, offsets, or defenses against Lender with respect to the Loan
Agreement or otherwise.
<PAGE>   84
If the foregoing correctly states our understanding, please sign the enclosed
copy of this letter where indicated.


                                       Very truly yours,



                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
                                       BOSTON


                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           ----------------------------------
                                               Sharon A. Stone, Director



ASSENTED TO AND ACCEPTED this 16th day of October:


MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.


By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
    --------------------------------
Title: Treasurer
       -----------------------------



                                      -2-
<PAGE>   85
                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                                 SIXTH AMENDMENT

                                TO LOAN AGREEMENT


         This Sixth Amendment (the "Amendment") dated as of February 23, 1996
amends the Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 1993, as amended (the "Loan
Agreement"), between MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Borrower") and The First
National Bank of Boston (the "Lender"). Capitalized terms used herein but not
otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Loan
Agreement.

         WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Lender and Chemical Bank shall enter into a
loan agreement (the "1996 Loan Agreement") on the date hereof; and

         WHEREAS, the Lender and the Borrower agree that certain terms of the
Loan Agreement should be made consistent with similar terms in the 1996 Loan
Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Lender and the Borrower agree as follows:

         Section 1. Amendment to the Loan Agreement.

         (a) Section 4.2.2. of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting
the existing language and substituting the following:

              4.2.2. The Lender will notify the Borrower of any event occurring
after the date of this Agreement that will entitle the Lender to any additional
payment under this Section 4.2 as promptly as practicable. The Lender will
furnish to the Borrower with such notice a certificate signed by an officer of
the Lender certifying that the Lender is entitled to payment under this Section
4.2 and setting forth the basis (in reasonable detail) and the amount of each
request by the Lender for any additional payment pursuant to this Section 4.2.
Such certificate shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. The
Borrower shall not be obligated to compensate the Lender pursuant to this
Section for amounts accruing prior to the date that is 180 days before the
Lender notifies the Borrower of its obligations to compensate the Lender for
such amounts.

         (b) Sections 7.1(a) and 7.1(c) of the Loan Agreement are hereby amended
by replacing the word "sixty" in each with the word "forty-five".

         (c) Section 8.1(b) of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting
the existing language and substituting the following:
<PAGE>   86
         8.1(b)  Mergers, Etc. Neither the Borrower nor any subsidiary will
consolidate with or merge into any other Person or permit any other Person to
consolidated with or merge into it, or acquire all or substantially all of the
assets of any Person, or sell, assign, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in
one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its
assets to any Person, except that

                 (1) a Subsidiary may consolidate with or merge into the
         Borrower or another Subsidiary; and

                 (2) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may acquire all or
         substantially all of the assets of any Person provided (i) such Person
         is engaged in a line of business substantially similar to one or more
         of Borrower's existing lines of business, (ii) the aggregate purchase
         price liability incurred in any calendar year, including all contingent
         liabilities, when aggregated with all such acquisitions and any
         Investments permitted under Section 8.4(2) in any calendar year shall
         not exceed 25% of consolidated Tangible Net Worth as of the end of the
         most recent fiscal quarter or, if 80% or more of the purchase price is
         paid in capital stock of the Borrower, 40% of Consolidated Tangible Net
         Worth as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter and (iii) based
         on a pro forma calculation of the ratios set forth in Section 8.7 as of
         the date such acquisition is closed, assuming consolidated of the
         acquired business with the Borrower for the four full fiscal quarters
         ended immediately preceding such closing and pro forma debt and debt
         service payments based on scheduled principal payments, including
         acquisition borrowings, if any, and pro forma interest on total debt at
         then prevailing borrowing rates, Borrower is in compliance with the
         financial covenants set forth in Section 8.7.

     (d) Section 8.2 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
existing clause (11) and substituting the following:

                 (11) Liens in respect of any purchase money obligations for
         tangible property used in its business, which obligations shall not at
         any time exceed 5% of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, provided that
         any such encumbrances shall not extend to property and assets of the
         Borrower or any subsidiary not financed by such a purchase money
         obligation;

     (e) Section 8.3 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding the
following words to the end thereof prior to the close parenthesis: "and
transfers of capital equipment that will be leased pursuant to Financing
Leases".



                                      -2-
<PAGE>   87
     (f) Section 8.4 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
existing clause (2) and substituting the following:

                 (2) Investments in or to any Subsidiary or other Person,
         provided Borrower remains in compliance with Section 8.1(b);

and by deleting from clause (4) the word "$100,000,000" and replacing it with
the word "$500,000,000".

     (g) Section 8.7 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting
subsection (a) and replacing it with the following:

         (a)  Consolidated Tangible Net Worth. The Consolidated Tangible Net
Worth as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower shall:

              (A) prior to an IPO, not be less than the sum of (i) $38,000,000,
     and (ii) 50% of Consolidated Net Income (excluding losses) for each
     consecutive fiscal quarter of the Borrower beginning with the quarter
     ending March 31, 1996, on a cumulative basis; and

              (B) after an IPO, not be less than the sum of (i) the amount
     required by clause (A) above immediately prior to such IPO plus (ii) the
     net proceeds to the Borrower of the IPO less (iii) the Sub S Dividends.

For purposes of the foregoing, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:

     "IPO" shall mean the initial underwritten public offering pursuant to an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
covering the offer and sale of the Borrower's Common Stock for the account of
the Borrower.

     "Sub S Dividends" shall mean one or more distributions by the Borrower to
its shareholders who were shareholders prior to the IPO in an aggregate amount
equal to the Borrower's "accumulated adjustments account", as defined in Section
1368(a)(1) if the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as of the date of the IPO.

     (h) Section 9.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by replacing
existing clause (i) with the following:

     (i) There shall occur any default under any instrument or agreement
evidencing any indebtedness for money borrowed in excess of $100,000 by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

and by adding the following clauses (l) and (m) after clause (k):



                                      -3-
<PAGE>   88
         (l) There shall occur any Event of Default under any other loan or
credit agreement to which the Borrower and the Lender are parties:

         (m) The transfer by John R. Bertucci and/or his Affiliates of
securities of the Borrower or the voting power related to such securities as a
result of which the power to elect, appoint or cause the election or appointment
of at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Borrower
shall no longer be held by John R. Bertucci and/or his Affiliates;

     Section 2. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby represents
and warrants as follows:

     (a) The execution and delivery of this Amendment and the performance of
this Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan
Documents, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been
authorized by all necessary corporate actions of the Borrower. This Amendment,
the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents
constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable
against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

     (b) The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Amendment, the Loan
Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents. Neither the
authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of this
Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby or any
other Loan Document nor the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby
or thereby violates or will violate any provision of the corporate charter
by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will, with the passage of time or the giving
of notice or both, result in a breach of or a default under, or require any
consent under or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon
any property or assets of the Borrower pursuant to, any material instrument,
agreement or other document to which the Borrower is a party or by which the
Borrower or any of its properties may be bound or affected.

     (c) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Amendment and the
performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and the Loan
Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law or regulation
applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of any court or
governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the Borrower.

     Section 3. Conditions to Effectiveness. The effectiveness of this Amendment
is conditioned on the following:



                                      -4-
<PAGE>   89
     (a) The Borrower and the Lender shall each have executed and delivered a
counterpart of this Amendment;

     (b) The representations and warranties contained in Article V of the Loan
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof; and

     (c) No Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement shall have
occurred and be continuing.

     Section 4. Miscellaneous.

     (a) On and after the date hereof, each reference in the Loan Agreement to
"this Agreement" or words of like import shall mean and be deemed to be a
reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

     (b) Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan Agreement is in all
respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms, covenants
and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.

     (c) This Amendment and the modifications to the Loan Agreement set forth
herein shall be deemed to be a document executed under seal and shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.

     (d) This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
document.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly
executed as of the date and the year first above written.


                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.



                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                       By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien           
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Treasurer                    
                                              -----------------------------
                                                                           


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   90
                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
                                       BOSTON


                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           ----------------------------------
                                       Title:  Director


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   91
                                     WAIVER

         This Waiver (the "Waiver") dated as of October 18, 1996 concerns the
Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 1993, as amended (the "1993 Loan
Agreement"), between MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Borrower") and The First
National Bank of Boston (the "Lender") and the Loan Agreement dated as of
October 31, 1995, as amended (the "1995 Loan Agreement") between the Borrower
and the Lender. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall
have the meanings assigned to them in the 1993 and 1995 Loan Agreements.

         The Lender hereby waives the Events of Default under Section 9.1(g),
(k) and (l) of the 1993 Loan Agreement and under Section 8.1 (g), (k), and (l)
of the 1995 Loan Agreement resulting from (1) Borrower's failure to meet the
financial covenants set forth in Section 8.7(b) and (c) of the 1993 Loan
Agreement and Section 7.7 (b) and (c) of the 1995 Loan Agreement as of the end
of the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1996 and (2) the Event of Default that has
occurred under Section 8.1(g), (k) and (1) of the Loan Agreement dated as of
February 23, 1996 among the Borrower, the Lender and the Chase Manhattan Bank
(f/k/a Chemical Bank) as a result of Borrower's failure to meet the financial
covenants set forth in Section 7.7(b) and (c) of such Loan Agreement as of the
end of the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1996.

         Except for the above waiver, the 1993 and 1995 Loan Agreements are in
all respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms,
covenants and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Lender has caused this Waiver to be duly
executed as of the date and the year first above written.


                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
                                       BOSTON


                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           ----------------------------------
                                       Title: Director

                                       

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   92
                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                          WAIVER AND SEVENTH AMENDMENT

                                TO LOAN AGREEMENT


     This Waiver and Seventh Amendment (the "Wavier and Amendment") dated as of
February 4, 1997 concerns the Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 1993 (the
"Loan Agreement"), between MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Borrower") and The First
National Bank of Boston (the "Lender"). Capitalized terms used herein but not
otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Loan
Agreement.

     WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lender waive certain Events of
Default; and

     WHEREAS, the Lender is willing, on the terms, subject to the conditions and
to the extent set forth below, to grant such a wavier;

     NOW, THEREFORE, the Lender and the Borrower agree as follows:

     Section 1. Waiver. The Lender hereby waives the Events of Default under
Section 9.1(g), (j), (k) and (l) of the Loan Agreement resulting from Borrower's
failure to meet the financial covenant set forth in Section 8.7(c) of the Loan
Agreement as of the end of the fiscal quarters ended September 30 and December
31, 1996.

     Section 2. Amendment to the Loan Agreement.

     (a) Section 3.2.1. of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding the
following at the end thereof:

     Notwithstanding the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), from June 30, 1996
     through June 30, 1997, the only alternative to the Base Rate shall be the
     LIBOR Rate plus 2.00%.

     (b)  Section 8.7(c) of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
          existing language and substituting the following:

          (c)  Cash Flow Ratio.  The ratio ("Cash Flow Ratio") of Consolidated
     Operating Cash Flow to Consolidated Debt Service:

               (1) for the Borrower's fiscal quarter ending March 31, 1997,
          shall not be less than 1.25 to 1.00;

               (2) for the Borrower's two consecutive fiscal quarters ending 
          June 30, 1997, shall not be less than 1.00 to 1.00;
<PAGE>   93
               (3) for the Borrower's three consecutive fiscal quarters ending
          September 30, 1997, shall not be less than 1.25 to 1.00; and

               (4) for the Borrower's four consecutive fiscal quarters ending
          December 31, 1997 and for each series of four consecutive fiscal 
          quarters of the Borrower ending after December 31, 1997, shall not be
          less than 1.25 to 1.00.

     Section 3. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby represents
and warrants as follows:

         (a) The execution and delivery of this Waiver and Amendment and the
performance of this Waiver and Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby
and each of the other Loan Documents, and the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby, have been authorized by all necessary corporate actions of the
Borrower. This Waiver and Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and
each of the other Loan Documents constitute the legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with
their respective terms.

         (b) The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Waiver and Amendment,
the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents.
Neither the authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of
this Waiver and Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement as amended
hereby or any other Loan Document nor the performance of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby violates or will violate any provision of the
corporate charter or by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will, with the passage
of time or the giving of notice or both, result in a breach of or a default
under, or require any consent under or result in the creation of any lien,
charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Borrower pursuant to,
any material instrument, agreement or other document to which the Borrower is a
party or by which the Borrower or any of its properties may be bound or
affected.

         (c) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Waiver and
Amendment and the performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement as amended
hereby and the Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law
or regulation applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of any
court or governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the
Borrower.

     Section 4. Loan Documents. This Waiver and Amendment shall be a Loan
Document for all purposes.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   94
     Section 5. Conditions to Effectiveness. The effectiveness of this Waiver
and Amendment is conditioned on the following:

         (a) The Borrower and the Lender shall each have executed and delivered
a counterpart of this Waiver and Amendment;

         (b) The representations and warranties contained in Article of the Loan
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof;

         (c) No Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement shall have
occurred and be continuing other than the Events of Default described in Section
1 hereof; and

         (d) The Borrower's audited consolidated financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 1996 shall not differ in any materially adverse respect
from the Borrower's unaudited consolidated financial statements for the year
ended December 31, 1996, which the Borrower has provided to the Lender and upon
which the Lender has relied in agreeing to this Waiver and Amendment.

     Section 6. Miscellaneous.

         (a) On and after the date hereof, each reference in the Loan Agreement
to "this Agreement" or words of like import shall mean and be deemed to be a
reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

         (b) Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan Agreement is in all
respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms, covenants
and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.

         (c) This Waiver and Amendment and the modifications to the Loan
Agreement set forth herein shall be deemed to be a document executed under seal
and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

         (d) This Waiver and Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same document.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   95
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Waiver and Amendment to be
duly executed as of the date and the year first above written.


                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.



                                       By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien           
                                           --------------------------------
                                       Title: Treasurer                    
                                              -----------------------------
                                                                           

                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
                                       BOSTON



                                       By:_________________________________

                                       Title:______________________________


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   96
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Waiver and Amendment to be
duly executed as of the date and the year first above written.


                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.



                                       By:_________________________________

                                       Title:______________________________



                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
                                       BOSTON



                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           ----------------------------------
                                       Title: Director




                                      -5-
<PAGE>   97
                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                           WAIVER AND NINTH AMENDMENT

                                TO LOAN AGREEMENT


     This Waiver and Ninth Amendment (the "Waiver and Amendment") dated as of
January 28, 1999 concerns the Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 1993 (the
"Loan Agreement"), between MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Borrower") and
BankBoston, N.A. (f/k/a The First National Bank of Boston; the "Lender"), as
amended. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the
meanings assigned to them in the Loan Agreement.

     WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lender waive certain Events of
Default and agree to change certain financial covenants in the Loan Agreement;
and

     WHEREAS, the Lender is willing, on the terms, subject to the conditions and
to the extent set forth below, to grant such a waiver and amend the Loan
Agreement to effect such changes;

     NOW, THEREFORE, the Lender and the Borrower agree as follows:

     Section 1. WAIVER. The Lender hereby waives the Events of Default under
Section 9.1(g), (j), (k) and (l) of the Loan Agreement resulting from Borrower's
failure to meet the financial covenant set forth in Section 8.7(c) of the Loan
Agreement as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1998.

     Section 2.  AMENDMENT OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT.

     (a) Section 3.2.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding the
following sentences at the end thereof:

     Notwithstanding the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), from the date hereof
     through the date on which the effect of a change resulting from the
     Borrower's delivery of its financial statements and Compliance Certificate
     for the quarter ending June 30, 1999 will take effect, the only alternative
     to the Base Rate shall be the LIBOR Rate plus 1.65%.

     The effect of any change to the Borrower's Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio or Cash
     Flow Ratio on the interest rate available pursuant to Section 3.2.1(i) or
     (ii) shall take effect on the first day of the month immediately following
     the month in which the Borrower delivers its financial statements pursuant
     to Section 7.1(a) or (b) and Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section
     7.1(c).

                                                        
<PAGE>   98


     (b) Section 8.7(c) of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding the
following clause at the end thereof:

     provided, however, that as of the end of each of the fiscal quarters listed
     below, the Cash Flow Ratio shall not be less than the ratio stated directly
     below such quarter:


      Q4 1998         Q1 1999          Q2 1999           Q3 1999
      -------         -------          -------           -------
      .6 to 1         .5 to 1          .5 to 1           1.1 to 1

     provided, however, that, the foregoing notwithstanding, if the Cash Flow
     Ratio for the first fiscal quarter of 1999 is less than 1 to 1, then the
     Cash Flow Ratio for the second fiscal quarter of 1999 shall not be less
     than 1 to 1 and further, that the Cash Flow Ratio for the first and second
     fiscal quarters of 1999 shall mean the ratio as of the end of each such
     quarter of (i) Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for such fiscal quarter
     ended on such date to (ii) Consolidated Debt Service for such quarter and
     that the Cash Flow Ratio for the third fiscal quarter of 1999 shall mean
     the ratio as of the end of such quarter of (i) Consolidated Operating Cash
     Flow for the first three fiscal quarters of 1999 ended on such date to (ii)
     Consolidated Debt Service for such quarters.

     (c) Section 8.7 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding the
following subsection (d):

          (d) EBIT-TO-INTEREST RATIO. The ratio of the sum of Consolidated Net
     Income plus Interest Expense, the interest portion of Financing Lease
     Obligations and all taxes in respect of income and profits paid or payable
     (including accrued Sub S distributions required to make shareholder tax
     payments) as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower beginning
     with the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1998 to Interest Expense during
     such quarter shall not be less than 2 to 1 for the fiscal quarters ending
     December 31, 1998 and March 31, 1999 and 3 to 1 for the fiscal quarters
     ending June 30, 1999 and September 30, 1999.

     Section 3. FEES. The Borrower shall pay to the Lender a fee of $10,000 on
the date of this Waiver and Amendment.

     Section 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Borrower hereby represents
and warrants as follows:

           (a) The execution and delivery of this Waiver and Amendment and the
performance of this Waiver and Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby
and each of the other Loan Documents, and the transactions contemplated

                                       -2-

<PAGE>   99


hereby and thereby, have each of the other Loan Documents, and the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, have been authorized by all necessary corporate
actions of the Borrower. This Waiver and Amendment, the Loan Agreement as
amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents constitute the legal, valid
and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in
accordance with their respective terms.

           (b) The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Waiver and Amendment,
the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents.
Neither the authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of
this Waiver and Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement as amended
hereby or any other Loan Document nor the performance of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby violates or will violate any provision of the
corporate charter or by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will, with the passage
of time or the giving of notice or both, result in a breach of or a default
under, or require any consent under or result in the creation of any lien,
charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Borrower pursuant to,
any material instrument, agreement or other document to which the Borrower is a
party or by which the Borrower or any of its properties may be bound or
affected.

           (c) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Waiver and
Amendment and the performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement as amended
hereby and the Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law
or regulation applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of any
court or governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the
Borrower.

     Section 5. LOAN DOCUMENTS. This Waiver and Amendment shall be a Loan
Document for all purposes.

     Section 6. CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS. The effectiveness of this Waiver
and Amendment is conditioned on the following:

          (a) The Borrower and the Lender shall each have executed and delivered
a counterpart of this Waiver and Amendment;

          (b) The representations and warranties contained in Article V of the
 Loan Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
 date hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof;

          (c) No Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement shall have
 occurred and be continuing other than the Events of Default described in
 Section 1 hereof; and


                                       -3-

<PAGE>   100



          (d) The Lender shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory
to it:

              (i)   an opinion of independent counsel to the Borrower with
          respect to this Waiver and Amendment;

              (ii)  a certificate as to the Borrower's legal existence and good
          standing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and

              (iii) a certificate of the Borrower's Clerk as to (x) no changes
          in its charter documents and by-laws as amended, (y) corporate votes
          authorizing the execution and delivery of this Waiver and Amendment
          and (z) incumbency of the officers authorized to execute this Waiver
          and Amendment on behalf of the Borrower;

          (e) The Borrower's audited consolidated financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 1998 (the "1998 Statements") shall not differ in any
materially adverse respect from the Borrower's unaudited consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1998, which the Borrower has provided
to the Lender and upon which the Lender has relied in agreeing to this Waiver
and Amendment and the Borrower shall deliver the 1998 Statements to the Lender
no later than 30 days after the date of this Waiver and Amendment.

          (f) The conditions set forth in clauses (b) - (e) of Section 6.1 of
the Loan Agreement shall have been met as of the date hereof, provided that
for purposes thereof and Section 5.5 of the Loan Agreement, the "Balance
Sheet Date" shall mean December 31, 1998 and the financial statements
referred to therein shall mean the unaudited statements for the year ended
December 31, 1998, that have been furnished to the Lender.

     Section 7. MISCELLANEOUS

          (a) On and after the date hereof, each reference in the Loan Agreement
to "this Agreement" or words of like import shall mean and be deemed to be a
reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

          (b) Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan Agreement is in
all respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms,
covenants and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.

          (c) This Waiver and Amendment and the modifications to the Loan
Agreement set forth herein shall be deemed to be a document executed under
seal and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

                                       -4-

<PAGE>   101



          (d) This Waiver and Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same document.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Waiver and Amendment
to be duly executed as of the date and the year first above written.


                                        MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                                       By: /s/ William P. Donlan
                                           ---------------------
                                       Title: Treasurer

                                       BANKBOSTON, N.A.

                                       By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           -------------------
                                       Title: Director






                                       -5-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.13



                                 LOAN AGREEMENT



                                  by and among



                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.,
                                  as Borrower,


                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,
                             As Agent and as Lender,

                                       and

                                 CHEMICAL BANK,
                                   as Lender,




                                February 23, 1996



<PAGE>   2




                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page


                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

1.1. Definitions .........................................................     1
1.2. Accounting Terms ....................................................     8
1.3. Other Definitional Provisions .......................................     8

                                   ARTICLE II

                            REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

2.1. Revolving Credit ....................................................     8
2.2. Advances ............................................................     9
2.5. Interest Periods ....................................................    11
2.6. Unused Commitment Fee ...............................................    11
2.7. Deficiency Advances .................................................    12
2.8. Termination of Existing Facilities ..................................    12

                                   ARTICLE III

                                ADDITIONAL TERMS

3.1. Payments ............................................................    13
3.2. Capital Adequacy ....................................................    14
3.3. Special Provisions Governing LIBOR Loans ............................    15
3.4. Taxes ...............................................................    16

                                   ARTICLE IV

                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER

4.1. Organization, Existence and Power ...................................    17
4.2. Authorization of Loan Documents; Binding Effect .....................    18
4.3. Authority ...........................................................    18
4.4. Capital Structure ...................................................    18
4.5. Financial Condition .................................................    18
4.6. Pending Litigation ..................................................    19
4.7. Certain Agreements; Material Contracts ..............................    19


                                      -i-
<PAGE>   3
4.8.  Authorization, Etc .................................................    19
4.9.  No Violation .......................................................    20
4.10. Payment of Taxes ...................................................    20
4.11. Transactions With Affiliates, Officers, Directors and 1%
      Shareholders .......................................................    20
4.12. ERISA ..............................................................    21
4.13. Ownership of Properties; Liens .....................................    21
4.14. Employment Matters .................................................    21
4.15. Insurance ..........................................................    21
4.16. Indebtedness .......................................................    22
4.17. Securities Law Compliance ..........................................    22
4.18. Accuracy of Information ............................................    22

                                    ARTICLE V

                             CONDITIONS TO ADVANCES

5.1. Each Advance ........................................................    22
5.2. First Advance .......................................................    23

                                   ARTICLE VI

                      AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

6.1. Reporting Requirements ..............................................    24
6.2. Loan Proceeds .......................................................    26
6.3. Maintenance of Business and Properties; Insurance ...................    26
6.4. Payment of Taxes ....................................................    26
6.5. Compliance with Laws, etc ...........................................    27
6.7. Further Assurances ..................................................    27
6.8. Bank Accounts .......................................................    27

                                   ARTICLE VII

                       NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

7.1. Sale of Assets; Mergers, Etc ........................................    28
7.2. Liens and Encumbrances ..............................................    29
7.3. Sales and Leasebacks ................................................    31
7.4. Investments .........................................................    31
7.5. Transactions with Affiliates ........................................    32
7.6. ERISA Compliance ....................................................    32
7.7. Financial Covenants .................................................    33
7.8. Contracts Prohibiting Compliance with Agreement .....................    33


                                      -ii-
<PAGE>   4
                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

8.1. Default .............................................................    33
8.2. Agent to Act ........................................................    36
8.3. Cumulative Rights ...................................................    36
8.4. No Waiver ...........................................................    36
8.5. Allocation of Proceeds ..............................................    36

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                    THE AGENT

9.1. Appointment .........................................................    37
9.2. Limitation on Liability .............................................    37
9.3. Reliance ............................................................    38
9.4. Notice of Default ...................................................    38
9.5. No Representations ..................................................    38
9.6. Indemnification .....................................................    39
9.7. The Agent in its Individual Capacity ................................    39
9.8. Resignation .........................................................    40
9.9. Sharing of Payments, Etc ............................................    40
9.10. Fees ...............................................................    41

                                    ARTICLE X

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

10.1. Assignments and Participations .....................................    41
10.2. Survival of Representations, Etc ...................................    42
10.3. Right of Setoff ....................................................    43
10.4. Indemnity; Costs, Expenses and Taxes ...............................    43
10.5. Notices ............................................................    44
10.6. MASSACHUSETTS LAW ..................................................    45
10.7. Counterparts .......................................................    45
10.8. JURISDICTION, SERVICE OF PROCESS ...................................    45
10.9. Limit on Interest ..................................................    46
10.10. Amendments ........................................................    46
10.11. Headings ..........................................................    47
10.12. WAIVER OF NOTICE, ETC .............................................    47
10.13. Severability ......................................................    48
10.14. Entire Agreement ..................................................    48


                                     -iii-
<PAGE>   5
10.15. Compliance with Covenants .........................................    48
10.16. Termination .......................................................    48
10.17. WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY ...........................................    48


                                      -iv-
<PAGE>   6
                                 LOAN AGREEMENT


      This Loan Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of the 23rd day
of February, 1996, by and among The First National Bank of Boston ("Bank of
Boston"), Chemical Bank ("Chemical"; hereinafter Bank of Boston and Chemical may
be referred to individually as a "Lender" or collectively as the "Lenders"), The
First National Bank of Boston in its capacity as agent for the Lenders (in such
capacity, together with any successor agent appointed in accordance with the
terms of Section 9.8, the "Agent"), and MKS Instruments, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation ("Borrower").

                                    PREMISES:

      WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders make available to it
a revolving credit facility of up to $20,000,000; and

      WHEREAS, the Lenders are willing to make such revolving credit facility
available to the Borrower on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and
valuable consideration, the adequacy and receipt of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

      1.1. Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this
Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, which meanings
shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms:

            "Adjusted LIBOR Rate" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.4.1.

            "Advance" shall mean the drawing down by the Borrower of a Base Rate
Loan or a LIBOR Loan on any given Advance Date.

            "Advance Date" shall mean the date as of which an Advance is
consummated.

            "Affiliate" of any Person shall mean any other Person which,
directly or indirectly, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, "control" of any
Person shall mean the power, directly or indirectly, either to (i) vote 10% or
more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of
directors of such Person or (ii) direct the management and policies of such
Person, whether by contract or otherwise. As to
<PAGE>   7
the Borrower, the term "Affiliate" shall include, without limitation, any
partnership or joint venture of which the Borrower or any Affiliate of the
Borrower is a general partner or is a limited partner with more than a ten
percent (10%) interest, and any director or executive officer of the Borrower.

            "Applicable Commitment Percentage" shall mean, with respect to each
Lender at any time, a fraction, the numerator of which shall be such Lender's
Revolving Credit Commitment and the denominator of which shall be the Total
Revolving Credit Commitment, which Applicable Commitment Percentage for each
Lender as of the Closing Date is as set forth in Exhibit A; provided, however,
that the Applicable Commitment Percentage of each Lender shall be increased or
decreased to reflect any assignments to or by such Lender effected in accordance
with Section 10.1.

            "Assignment and Acceptance" shall mean an Assignment and Acceptance
in the form of Exhibit B (with blanks appropriately filled in) delivered to the
Agent in connection with an assignment of a Lender's interest under this
Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1.

            "Base Rate" shall mean the higher of (a) the annual rate of interest
announced from time to time by the Bank of Boston at the Bank of Boston's office
at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts, as its "base rate" or (b) one-half
of one percent (1/2%) above the Federal Funds Effective Rate. For the purposes
of this definition, "Federal Funds Effective Rate" shall mean, for any day, the
rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal
funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by
federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a
Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York, or if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business
Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by
the Bank of Boston from three funds brokers of recognized standing selected by
the Bank of Boston.

            "Base Rate Loan" shall mean an Advance that is specified as such in
the Notice of Borrowing with respect to such Advance and that bears interest at
the Base Rate.

            "Borrowing" shall mean the incurrence of one or more Advances on a
given date.

            "Business Day" shall mean a day on which commercial banks are
required to be open for business in Boston, Massachusetts.

            "Cash Flow Ratio" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.7(c).

            "Closing Date" shall mean the date of this Agreement.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   8
            "Compliance Certificate" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
6.1(c).

            "Consolidated Debt Service" shall mean for any period the sum
(without duplication) of Interest Expense, the interest portion of Financing
Lease Obligations and required principal payments on long-term debt of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis.

            "Consolidated Indebtedness" shall mean the Indebtedness of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis.

            "Consolidated Net Income" shall mean for any period the net income
(or loss) for such period (before extraordinary items and excluding the net
income of any business entity that is not a Subsidiary in which the Borrower or
one of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest unless such net income shall
have actually been received by such company in the form of cash distributions)
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries after deducting all operating expenses,
depreciation and amortization, Interest Expense, the interest portion of
Financing Lease Obligations, all taxes in respect of income and profits paid or
payable (including accrued Sub S distributions required to make shareholder tax
payments) and all other proper deductions, all determined on a consolidated
basis.

            "Consolidated Operating Cash Flow" shall mean for any period, the
net income (or loss) for such period (before extraordinary items and excluding
the net income of any business entity that is not a Subsidiary in which the
Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest unless such net
income shall have actually been received by the Borrower or Subsidiary, as the
case may be, in the form of cash distributions) of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries before deducting Interest Expense and taxes and after restoring
thereto depreciation of real and personal property and leasehold improvements
and amortization and after deducting cash taxes paid, Sub S distributions
required to make shareholder tax payments, and capital expenditures incurred,
provided that capital expenditures shall not include real estate purchases
funded by debt.

            "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" shall mean, at any time, the
stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles including the book
amount of all minority interests in MKS International, Inc. but excluding the
book amount of all minority interests in other Affiliates and any foreign
exchange translation adjustment, with no upward adjustments due to a
reevaluation of assets (other than any such upward adjustment as may be required
under generally accepted accounting principles in connection with the
acquisition by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of another company or entity)
minus the following items (without duplication of deductions) appearing on the
balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries:


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   9
            (a) the book amount of all assets (including, without limitation,
goodwill, patents, trademarks, copyrights, organizational expense and
unamortized debt discount) that would be treated as intangibles under generally
accepted accounting principles;

            (b) treasury stock; and

            (c) any write-up in the book amount of any asset or Investment
subsequent to the Closing Date, resulting from a reevaluation or reappraisal
thereof from the amount entered in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles by the Borrower or any Subsidiary on its books with respect to its
acquisition of the asset or Investment.

            "Costs" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.4.

            "Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 7.7(b).

            "Default" shall mean any event that, with the lapse of time, the
giving of notice, or both, would become an Event of Default hereunder.

            "Event of Default" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1
hereof.

            "Existing Loan Agreements" shall mean the Loan Agreements between
the Borrower and the Bank of Boston dated November 1, 1993 and October 31, 1995,
respectively.

            "Financing Lease" shall mean any lease of the Borrower or a
Subsidiary, as lessee, that is shown or is required to be shown in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles as a liability on the balance
sheet of the lessee thereunder.

            "Financing Lease Obligation" shall mean for any period the monetary
obligation of the lessee under a Financing Lease. The amount of a Financing
Lease Obligation at any date is the amount at which the lessee's liability under
the Financing Lease would be required to be shown on its balance sheet at such
date.

            "Hazardous Substances" shall mean any hazardous waste, as defined by
42 U.S.C. Section 6903(5), any hazardous substances, as defined by 42 U.S.C.
Section 601(14), any pollutant or contaminant, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section
9601(33), or any toxic substance, oil or hazardous materials or other chemicals
or substances regulated by any laws or regulations relating to the discharge of
air pollutants, water pollutants, or processed wastewater.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   10
            "Indebtedness" shall mean, for any Person, (a) all obligations of
such Person that in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
would be reflected on the balance sheet of such Person as a liability, (b) all
obligations of any other Person the payment or collection of which such Person
has guaranteed (except by reason of endorsement for collection in the ordinary
course of business) or in respect of which such Person is liable, contingently
or otherwise, including, without limitation, liable by way of agreement to
purchase, to provide funds for payment, to supply funds to or otherwise to
invest in such other Person, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss, (c)
all obligations of any other Person for borrowed money or for the deferred
purchase price of property or services secured by (or for which the holder of
such indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured
by) any mortgage, or other encumbrance upon or in property (including, without
limitation, accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, whether or not
such Person has assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness or
obligations, and (d) Financing Lease Obligations of such Person.

            "Interest Expense" shall mean for any period the aggregate amount of
interest recorded, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
on the financial statements for that period by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
in respect of Consolidated Indebtedness incurred for borrowed money.

            "Interest Period" shall mean the period designated by the Borrower
as such in the Notice of Borrowing with respect to any LIBOR Loan pursuant to
and subject to the limitations set forth in Section 2.5.

            "Interest Rate Determination Date" shall mean the third Business Day
prior to the first day of the related Interest Period for a LIBOR Loan.

            "Interim Maturity Date" shall mean the last day of any Interest
Period.

            "Investments" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.4.

            "IPO" shall mean the initial underwritten public offering pursuant
to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, covering the offer and sale of the Borrower's Common Stock for the
account of the Borrower.

            "LIBOR Loan" shall mean an Advance that is specified as such in the
Notice of Borrowing with respect to such Advance and that bears interest at the
adjusted LIBOR Rate.

            "LIBOR Rate" shall mean for any Interest Rate Determination Date,
the rate obtained by dividing (i) the quotation offered by the Agent in the
interbank Eurodollar market for U.S. dollar deposits of amounts in immediately
available funds


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   11
comparable to the principal amount of the LIBOR Loan for which the LIBOR Rate is
being determined with a maturity comparable to the Interest Period for which
such LIBOR Rate will apply as of approximately noon (Boston time) three Business
Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period by (ii) a percentage
equal to 100% minus the stated maximum rate of all reserves required to be
maintained against "Eurocurrency liabilities" as specified in Regulation D (or
against any other category of liabilities that includes deposits by reference to
which the interest rate on LIBOR Loans is determined) as applicable on such date
to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System.

            "Licenses" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.8.

            "Lien" shall mean any interest in property securing an obligation
owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the property, whether
the interest is based on common law, statute or contract (including the security
interest lien arising from a mortgage, encumbrance, pledge, conditional sale or
trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes). For
the purposes of this Agreement, the Borrower or a Subsidiary shall be deemed to
be the owner of any property that it has acquired or holds subject to a
Financing Lease or a conditional sale agreement or other arrangement pursuant to
which title to the property has been retained by or vested in some other Person
for security purposes, and such retention or vesting shall be deemed to be a
Lien.

            "Loan Documents" shall mean each of this Agreement, the Notes and
any other document or instrument executed by the Borrower in favor of the
Lenders in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

            "Note" shall mean a Revolving Credit Note.

            "Notice of Borrowing" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.2.1.

            "Obligations" shall mean, without limitation, any and all
liabilities, debts, and obligations of the Borrower to each of the Lenders, of
each and every kind, nature and description, arising under this Agreement or any
other Loan Document, whether now existing or hereafter incurred. "Obligations"
also means, without limitation, any and all obligations of the Borrower to act
or to refrain from acting in accordance with the terms, provisions and covenants
of this Agreement or of any other Loan Document.

            "Permitted Liens" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.2.

            "Person" shall mean any natural person, corporation, unincorporated
organization, trust, joint-stock company, joint venture, association, company,
partnership or government, or any agency or political subdivision of any
government.


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   12
            "Required Lenders" shall mean, as of any date, Lenders on such date
having Credit Exposures (as defined below) aggregating at least 66-2/3% of the
aggregate Credit Exposures of all the Lenders on such date. For purposes of the
preceding sentence, the "Credit Exposure" of each Lender shall mean the
aggregate principal amount of the Advances owing to such Lender plus the
aggregate unutilized amounts of such Lender's Revolving Credit Commitment.

            "Revolver Termination Date" shall mean June 30, 1999 or any
subsequent anniversary thereof if the Total Revolving Credit Commitment shall
have been renewed by the Lenders.

            "Revolving Credit Commitment" means, with respect to each Lender,
the obligation of such Lender to make Advances to the Borrower up to an
aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding equal to such Lender's
Applicable Commitment Percentage of the Total Revolving Credit Commitment.

            "Revolving Credit Facility" shall mean the loan arrangement
described in Article II of this Agreement, subject to all other applicable terms
of this Agreement.

            "Revolving Credit Note" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.3.

            "Revolving Credit Outstandings" means, as of any date of
determination, the aggregate principal amount of all Advances then outstanding
and all interest accrued thereon.

            "Revolving Loan Account" shall mean the account on the books of the
Agent in the name of the Borrower in which the following shall be recorded:
Advances made by the Lenders to and for the account of the Borrower pursuant to
Section 2 of this Agreement; all other charges, expenses and other items
properly chargeable to the Borrower with respect to such Advances; all Costs
with respect to such Advances; all payments made by the Borrower on account of
Indebtedness evidenced by the Revolving Credit Notes; and other appropriate
debits and credits.

            "Subsidiary" shall mean any Person of which the Borrower at the time
owns, directly or indirectly, through another Subsidiary or otherwise, 50% or
more of the equity interests.

            "Sub S Dividends" shall mean one or more distributions by the
Borrower to its shareholders who were shareholders prior to the IPO in an
aggregate amount equal to the Borrower's "accumulated adjustments account," as
defined in Section 1368(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as of the
date of the IPO.


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   13
            "Total Revolving Credit Commitment" shall mean a principal amount
equal to $20,000,000.

      1.2. Accounting Terms. Accounting terms not specifically defined in this
Agreement shall have the meanings given to them under generally accepted
accounting principles.

      1.3. Other Definitional Provisions. The words "hereof," "herein" and
"hereunder," and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer
to this Agreement as a whole and not any particular provision of this Agreement.
Any Article, Section, Exhibit or Schedule references are to this Agreement
unless otherwise specified.


                                   ARTICLE II

                            REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

      2.1. Revolving Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, each Lender severally agrees to make Advances from time to time to
the Borrower during the period from the date hereof to the Revolver Termination
Date on a pro rata basis as to the total Borrowing requested by the Borrower on
any day determined by such Lender's Applicable Commitment Percentage up to but
not exceeding the Revolving Credit Commitment of such Lender, provided, however,
that the Lenders will not be required and shall have no obligation to make any
such Advance (i) so long as a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing or (ii) if the Agent has accelerated the maturity of any of the Notes
as a result of an Event of Default; provided further, however, that immediately
after giving effect to each such Advance, the aggregate principal amount of
Revolving Credit outstandings shall not exceed the Total Revolving Credit
Commitment. Within such limits and subject to the terms and conditions hereof,
the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow under the Revolving Credit Facility
on any Business Day from the Closing Date until, but (as to borrowings and
reborrowings) not including, the Revolver Termination Date. All Advances shall
be due and payable no later than the Revolver Termination Date. Each Advance
shall, at the option of the Borrower, be a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Loan
provided, however, that no LIBOR Loan having an Interest Period of 2, 3 or 6
months shall be made at any time in a principal amount of less than $1,250,000
and no LIBOR Loan having an Interest Period of 1 month shall be made at any time
in a principal amount of less than $1,000,000.


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   14
      2.2. Advances.

            2.2.1. Whenever the Borrower desires to obtain a LIBOR Loan
hereunder, it may request that the Agent provide quotes as of any specified
Interest Rate Determination Date as to the LIBOR Rate for any or all Interest
Periods, and the Agent shall promptly provide such quotes. The Borrower shall
give the Agent prior telecopied or telephone notice (given not later than 11:00
a.m. (Boston time)) on the day of any Borrowing with respect to a Base Rate Loan
and at least three Business Days prior to the day of any Borrowing with respect
to a LIBOR Loan. Each such notice (each a "Notice of Borrowing") shall specify
the principal amount of each Advance to be made, the date of the Borrowing
(which shall be a Business Day), whether each Advance being made is to be
initially maintained as a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Loan and, in the case of a
LIBOR Loan, the initial Interest Period applicable thereto. If such notice is
given by telephone, it shall be immediately confirmed in writing. Notice of
receipt of a Notice of Borrowing, together with the amount of each Lender's
portion of an Advance requested thereunder, shall be provided by the Agent to
each Lender by facsimile transmission with reasonable promptness on the day the
Agent receives the Notice of Borrowing. No more than one Base Rate Loan shall be
outstanding at any time, but the Borrower may increase the principal amount of
any Base Rate Loan at any time by giving a Notice of Borrowing as set forth
above.

            2.2.2. No later than 3:00 p.m. on the Advance Date, each Lender
shall, pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement,
make the amount of the Advance or Advances to be made by it on such day
available by wire transfer to the Agent in the amount of its pro rata share,
determined according to such Lender's Applicable Commitment Percentage of the
Advance or Advances to be made on such day. Such wire transfer shall be directed
to the Agent and shall be in the form of Dollars constituting immediately
available funds. The amount so received by the Agent shall, subject to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, promptly be made available to the Borrower on
the date so specified by delivery of the proceeds thereof to the Revolving Loan
Account or otherwise as shall be directed in the applicable Notice of Borrowing
and reasonably acceptable to the Agent.

            2.2.3. Upon the Interim Maturity Date of any LIBOR Loan, unless the
Borrower (i) shall have given the Agent a Notice of Borrowing in accordance with
Section 2.2.1 requesting that a new LIBOR Loan be made on such Interim Maturity
Date or (ii) shall have repaid such LIBOR Loan on such Interim Maturity Date,
the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested that the Lenders make a Base Rate
Loan to the Borrower on such Interim Maturity Date in an aggregate principal
amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the LIBOR Loan maturing on
such Interim Maturity Date.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   15
      2.3. Revolving Loan Account. The Advances made by each Lender from time to
time to the Borrower under this Agreement shall be evidenced by a Revolving
Credit Note in the form of Exhibit C hereto (each, a "Revolving Credit Note") in
the amount of such Lender's Revolving Credit Commitment. The Advances and the
amounts of all payments on the Revolving Credit Notes shall be recorded by the
Agent in the Revolving Loan Account of the Borrower. The debit balance of the
Revolving Loan Account shall represent the amount of the Borrower's indebtedness
to the Lenders from time to time by reason of Advances and other appropriate
charges hereunder. All statements regarding the Revolving Loan Account shall be
deemed to be accurate absent manifest error or unless objected to by the
Borrower within 30 days after receipt. The Borrower agrees to review each such
statement promptly after receipt and to bring any errors or discrepancies to the
Agent's attention promptly.

      2.4. Interest.

            2.4.1. The Borrower agrees to pay interest in respect of the unpaid
principal amount of each Advance from the date the proceeds thereof are made
available to the Borrower until maturity (whether by acceleration, voluntary
prepayment or otherwise) as follows. Each Advance shall bear interest at the
Base Rate in effect from time to time unless the Borrower elects and qualifies
to pay interest on such Advance at the following rate (the "Adjusted LIBOR
Rate"):

                  (i) During any period in which the Borrower maintains a
      Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio of less than 1 to 1:

                        (a) and a Cash Flow Ratio of less than 1.75 to 1, the
                  LIBOR Rate plus 1.125%;

                        (b) and a Cash Flow Ratio of 1.75 to 1 or greater up to
                  and including 2.5 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus .875%; or

                        (c) and a Cash Flow Ratio in excess of 2.5 to 1, the
                  LIBOR Rate plus .625%;

                  (ii) During any period in which the Borrower maintains a
      Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio of 1 to 1 or more but less than or equal to 1.5 to
      1:

                        (a) and a Cash Flow Ratio of less than 1.75 to 1, the
                  LIBOR Rate plus 1.25%;

                        (b) and a Cash Flow Ratio of 1.75 to 1 or greater up to
                  and including 2.5 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus 1.00%; or

                        (c) and a Cash Flow Ratio in excess of 2.5 to 1, the
                  LIBOR Rate plus .75%.


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   16
            2.4.2. Overdue principal and (to the extent permitted by law)
overdue interest in respect of each Base Rate Loan and each LIBOR Loan (to the
extent not converted into a Base Rate Loan) shall bear interest, payable on
demand, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to the Base
Rate in effect from time to time plus 3% per annum.

            2.4.3. Interest shall accrue from and including the date of any
Advance and shall be payable by the Borrower on each Advance in arrears on the
last day of each of the Borrower's fiscal quarters, on any prepayment (on the
amount prepaid), on any maturity date (whether by acceleration or otherwise),
and after such maturity, on demand. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of
actual days elapsed and a 360-day year.

      2.5. Interest Periods. At the time it gives any Notice of Borrowing with
respect to a LIBOR Loan, the Borrower shall elect the Interest Period applicable
to the related Advance, which Interest Period shall, at the option of the
Borrower, be a period of 1, 2, 3 or 6 months. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein:

                  (i) if any Interest Period begins on a day for which there is
            no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of
            such Interest Period, such Interest Period shall end on the last
            Business Day of such calendar month;

                  (ii) if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day
            that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the
            next succeeding Business Day; provided that if any Interest Period
            would otherwise expire on the day that is not a Business Day but is
            a day of the month after which no further Business Day occurs in
            such month, such Interest Period shall expire on the next preceding
            Business Day;

                  (iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Revolver
            Termination Date.

      2.6. Unused Commitment Fee. For the period beginning on the Closing Date
and ending on the Revolver Termination Date, the Borrower agrees to pay to the
Agent, for the pro rata benefit of the Lenders based on their Applicable
Commitment Percentages, an unused commitment fee equal to 0.25% per annum
multiplied by the average daily amount by which (a) the Total Revolving Credit
Commitment exceeds (b) the Revolving Credit Outstandings less all accrued and
unpaid interest. Such fees shall be due in arrears on the last Business Day of
each March, June, September and December commencing March 29, 1996 to and on the
Revolver Termination Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as any Lender
fails to make available any portion of its Revolving Credit Commitment when


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   17
requested, such Lender shall not be entitled to receive payment of its pro rata
share of such fee for so long as such Lender shall not have made available such
portion. Such fee shall be calculated on the basis of a year of 360 days for the
actual number of days elapsed.

      2.7. Deficiency Advances. No Lender shall be responsible for any default
of any other Lender in respect to such other Lender's obligation to make any
Advance nor shall the Revolving Credit Commitment of any Lender hereunder be
increased as a result of such default of any other Lender. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, in the event any Lender shall fail to advance funds
to the Borrower as herein provided, the Agent may in its discretion, but shall
not be obligated to, advance under the Revolving Credit Note in its favor as a
Lender all or any portion of such amount or amounts (each, a "deficiency
advance") and shall thereafter be entitled to payments of principal of and
interest on such deficiency advance in the same manner and at the same interest
rate or rates to which such other Lender would have been entitled had it made
such advance under its Revolving Credit Note; provided that, upon payment to the
Agent from such other Lender of the entire outstanding amount of each such
deficiency advance, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, from the
most recent date or dates interest was paid to the Agent by the Borrower on each
Advance comprising the deficiency advance at the rate of interest payable by the
Borrower and payment by such other Lender to Agent of customary late fees, then
such payment shall be credited against the applicable Revolving Credit Note of
the Agent in full payment of such deficiency advance and the Borrower shall be
deemed to have borrowed the amount of such deficiency advance from such other
Lender as of the most recent date or dates, as the case may be, upon which any
payments of interest were made by the Borrower thereon.

      2.8. Termination of Existing Facilities. The outstanding Advances, if any,
under the Loan Agreement between the Borrower and Bank of Boston dated November
1, 1993 (the "1993 Agreement") shall be replaced on the date hereof by one or
more Advances under this Agreement and Borrower shall have no further right to
obtain, and Lender shall have no obligation to make, Advances under the 1993
Agreement. The $3,000,000 demand unsecured revolving credit facility made
available to the Borrower by Chemical Bank as set forth in a letter agreement
dated August 23, 1995 shall terminate on the date hereof.


                                      -12-
<PAGE>   18
                                   ARTICLE III

                                ADDITIONAL TERMS

      3.1. Payments.

            3.1.1. The Borrower shall have the right to prepay the Notes, in
whole at any time or in part from time to time, without premium or penalty,
provided that, except as set forth in Section 3.3, no Advance, either in whole
or in part, may be prepaid on the Advance Date of such Advance. The Borrower
shall give notice (by telex or telecopier, or by telephone (confirmed in writing
promptly thereafter)) to the Agent of each proposed prepayment hereunder prior
to 11:00 a.m. (Boston time), (x) with respect to Base Rate Loans, upon the
Business Day of the proposed prepayment and (y) with respect to LIBOR Loans, at
least three Business Days prior to the Business Day of the proposed prepayment,
which notice in each case shall specify the proposed prepayment date (which
shall be a Business Day), the aggregate principal amount of the proposed
prepayment and which Advances are to be prepaid. LIBOR Loans that are
voluntarily prepaid before the last day of the applicable Interest Period shall
be subject to the additional compensation requirements set forth in Section 3.3,
and each prepayment of a LIBOR Loan shall be in an aggregate principal amount of
not less than the total principal amount outstanding at such time under such
LIBOR Loan. If at any time the outstanding principal amount of the Advances
exceeds $20,000,000, the Borrower will immediately prepay the Advances by the
amount of such excess.

            3.1.2. All payments of principal and interest due under the Notes
(including Prepayments), and any other amounts owing to the Lenders under this
Agreement shall be made by the Borrower not later than 2:30 p.m., Boston time,
on the day due in lawful money of the United States of America to the Agent at
its Boston, Massachusetts office in immediately available funds. The Borrower
hereby authorizes the Agent to charge such payments as they become due, if not
otherwise paid by the Borrower, to any account of the Borrower with the Agent as
the Agent may elect.

            3.1.3. Whenever any payment to be made hereunder or under any other
Loan Document shall be stated to be due on a day that is not a Business Day,
such payment may be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension
of time shall in such case be included in computing interest or other fees or
charges provided for under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided,
however, that with respect to LIBOR Loans, if the next succeeding Business Day
falls in another calendar month, such payment shall be made on the next
preceding Business Day.

            3.1.4. All payments made by the Borrower on the Notes shall be
applied by the Agent (a) first, to the payment of Costs with respect to the
Notes, (b)


                                      -13-
<PAGE>   19
second, to the payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes, until all
such accrued interest has been paid, and (c) third, to the payment of the unpaid
principal amount of the Notes. Except as otherwise provided herein, (a) each
payment on account of the principal of and interest on the Notes and the fees
described in Section 2.6 shall be made to the Agent for the account of the
Lenders pro rata based on their Applicable Commitment Percentages, (b) all
payments to be made by the Borrower for the account of each of the Lenders on
account of principal, interest and fees, shall be made without diminution,
setoff, recoupment or counterclaim, and (c) the Agent will promptly distribute
to the Lenders in immediately available funds payments received in fully
collected, immediately available funds from the Borrower.

      3.2. Capital Adequacy.

            3.2.1. If, after the date of this Agreement, a Lender shall have
reasonably determined in good faith that the adoption or effectiveness after the
date hereof of any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital
adequacy, or any change therein, or any change in the interpretation or
administration thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable
agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance
by such Lender with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether
or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or
comparable agency, has or would have the effect of materially reducing the rate
of return on such Lender's capital or assets as a consequence of its commitments
or obligations hereunder to a level below that which such Lender could have
achieved but for such adoption, effectiveness, change or compliance (taking into
consideration such Lender's then current policies with respect to capital
adequacy), then from time to time, subject to Section 3.2.2, within 15 days
after demand, the Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender
such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender for such
reduction (after such Lender shall have allocated the same fairly and equitably
among all of its customers or any class generally affected thereby).

            3.2.2. The Agent will notify the Borrower of any event occurring
after the date of this Agreement that will entitle a Lender to any additional
payment under this Section 3.2 as promptly as practicable. The Agent will
furnish to the Borrower with such notice a certificate signed by an officer of
the Lender requesting payment certifying that such Lender is entitled to payment
under this Section 3.2 and setting forth the basis (in reasonable detail) and
the amount of each request by such Lender for any additional payment pursuant to
this Section 3.2. Such certificate shall be conclusive in the absence of
manifest error. The Borrower shall not be obligated to compensate such Lender
pursuant to this Section for amounts accruing prior to the date that is 180 days
before such Agent notifies the Borrower of its obligations to compensate such
Lender for such amounts.


                                      -14-
<PAGE>   20
      3.3. Special Provisions Governing LIBOR Loans. Notwithstanding any other
provisions of this Agreement, the following provisions shall govern with respect
to LIBOR Loans as to the matters covered:

            3.3.1. Increased Costs, Illegality, etc. (a) In the event that the
Agent shall have determined (which determination shall, if made in good faith
and absent manifest error, be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties):

                        (i) on any Interest Rate Determination Date, that by
            reason of any changes arising after the date of this Agreement
            affecting the interbank Eurodollar market, adequate and fair means
            do not exist for ascertaining the applicable interest rate on the
            basis provided for in the definition of LIBOR Rate; or

                        (ii) at any time during any Interest Period, that the
            Lenders shall incur increased costs (including taxes) or reductions
            in the amounts received or receivable hereunder with respect to a
            LIBOR Loan by reason of (x) any change since the Interest Rate
            Determination Date for the Interest Period in question in any
            applicable law or governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order
            (or any interpretation thereof and including the introduction of any
            new law or governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order) (such
            as, for example but not limited to, a change in official reserve
            requirements, but excluding reserve requirements that have been
            included in calculating the LIBOR Rate for such Interest Period)
            and/or (y) other circumstances affecting any Lender, the interbank
            Eurodollar market or the position of any Lender in the relevant
            market; or

                        (iii) at any time, that the making or continuance of any
            LIBOR Loan has become unlawful by compliance by the Lenders in good
            faith with any law, governmental rule, regulation, guideline or
            order, or has become impracticable as a result of a contingency
            occurring after the date of this Agreement;

then and in any such event, the Agent shall promptly after making such
determination give notice (by telephone confirmed in writing) to the Borrower of
such determination. Thereafter (x) in the case of clause (i) above, any Notice
of Borrowing given by the Borrower with respect to a LIBOR Loan that has not yet
been incurred shall be deemed rescinded by the Borrower and LIBOR Loans shall no
longer be available until such time as the Agent notifies the Borrower that the
circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist or that,
notwithstanding such circumstances, LIBOR Loans will again be made available
hereunder, (y) in the case of clause (ii), the Borrower shall pay to the Agent,
upon written demand therefor (but only with respect to any LIBOR Loan made
pursuant to a Notice of Borrowing issued


                                      -15-
<PAGE>   21
after the giving of the written notice that LIBOR Loans will again be made
available hereunder referred to in clause (x) above), such additional amounts
(in the form of an increased rate of, or a different method of calculating,
interest or otherwise as the Agent in its sole discretion shall determine) as
shall be required to compensate the Lenders for such increased cost or reduction
in amount received (a written notice as to additional amounts owed the Lenders,
showing the basis for such calculation thereof, shall be given to the Borrower
by the Agent and shall, absent manifest error, be final, conclusive and binding
upon the parties hereto), and (z) in the case of clause (iii), the Borrower
shall take one of the actions specified in Section 3.3.1(b) as promptly as
possible and, in any event, within the time period required by law.

            (b) At any time that any LIBOR Loan is affected by the circumstances
described in Section 3.3.1(a)(ii) or (iii), the Borrower may (and in the case of
a LIBOR Loan affected pursuant to Section 3.3.1(a)(iii) shall) either (x) if the
affected LIBOR Loan is then being made, withdraw the related Notice of Borrowing
by giving the Agent telephonic (confirmed in writing) notice thereof on the same
date that the Borrower was notified by the Agent pursuant to Section 3.3.1(a),
or (y) if the affected LIBOR Loans are then outstanding, upon at least three
Business Days' written notice to the Agent, require the Agent to convert each
LIBOR Loan so affected into a Base Rate Loan.

            3.3.2. Compensation. The Borrower shall compensate the Lenders, upon
the Agent's written request (which request shall set forth the basis for
requesting such amounts), for all reasonable losses, expenses and liabilities
(including, without limitation, any interest paid by the Lender to lenders of
funds borrowed by it to make or carry its LIBOR Loans to the extent not
recovered by the Lenders in connection with the re-employment of such funds) and
any loss sustained by any Lender in connection with the re-employment of the
funds (including, without limitation, a return on such re-employment that would
result in such Lender's receiving less than it would have received had such
LIBOR Loan remained outstanding until the last day of the Interest Period
applicable to such LIBOR Loan) that such Lender, may sustain: (i) if for any
reason (other than a default by or negligence of any Lender) a LIBOR Loan is not
advanced on a date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing (unless timely
withdrawn pursuant to Section 3.3.1(b)(x) above), (ii) if any payment or
prepayment of any LIBOR Loans occurs for any reason whatsoever (including,
without limitation, by reason of Section 3.3.1(b)) on a date that is prior to
the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto, (iii) if any prepayment
of any of its LIBOR Loans is not made on the date specified in a notice of
payment given by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.1 or (iv) as a consequence
of an election made by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.3.1(b) (y).

      3.4. Taxes. All payments made by the Borrower under this Agreement and any
Notes shall be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for
or on account of, any present or future income, stamp or other taxes, levies,
imposts,


                                      -16-
<PAGE>   22
duties, charges, fees, deductions or withholdings, now or hereafter imposed,
levied, collected, withheld or assessed by any governmental authority, excluding
net income taxes and franchise taxes (imposed in lieu of net income taxes)
imposed on any Lender as a result of a present or former connection between such
Lender and the jurisdiction of the governmental authority imposing such tax or
any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein (other than any
such connection arising solely from such Lender's having executed, delivered or
performed its obligations or received a payment under, or enforced, this
Agreement or any Note). If any such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, duties,
charges, fees deductions or withholdings ("Non-Excluded Taxes") are required to
be withheld from any amounts payable to the Lenders hereunder or under any Note,
the amounts so payable to the Lenders shall be increased to the extent necessary
to yield to the Lenders (after payment of all Non-Excluded Taxes) interest or
any such other amounts payable hereunder at the rates or in the amounts
specified in this Agreement. Whenever any Non-Excluded Taxes are payable by the
Borrower, as promptly as possible thereafter the Borrower shall send to the
Agent a certified copy of an original official receipt received by the Borrower
showing payment thereof. If the Borrower fails to pay any Non-Excluded Taxes
when due to the appropriate taxing authority or fails to remit to the Agent the
required receipts or other required documentary evidence, the Borrower shall
indemnify the Lenders for any incremental taxes, interest or penalties that may
become payable to any Lenders as a result of any such failure. The agreements in
this subsection shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment
of the Advances and all other amounts payable hereunder.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER

      In order to induce the Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to make
the loans provided for herein, the Borrower makes the following representations
and warranties to the Lenders, all of which shall survive the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the Notes.

      4.1. Organization, Existence and Power. The Borrower is duly incorporated,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation. The Borrower has the corporate power necessary to conduct the
business in which it is engaged, to own the properties owned by it and to
consummate the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents. The Borrower is
duly qualified or licensed to transact business in all places where the nature
of the properties owned by it or the business conducted by it makes such
qualification necessary and where the failure to be so qualified or licensed
would have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated financial condition,
assets or results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole.


                                      -17-
<PAGE>   23
      4.2. Authorization of Loan Documents; Binding Effect. The execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the performance of
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate actions of the Borrower. Each of the Loan Documents
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable
against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.

      4.3. Authority. The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan
Documents. Neither the authorization, execution, delivery, or performance by the
Borrower of this Agreement or of any other Loan Document nor the performance of
the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby violates or will violate any
provision of the corporate charter or by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will,
with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both, result in a breach of
or a default under, or require any consent under or result in the creation of
any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Borrower
pursuant to, any material instrument, agreement or other document to which the
Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower or any of its properties may be
bound or affected.

      4.4. Capital Structure. The number of shares of stock of which the
Borrower's authorized capital stock consists, the par value per share of such
stock, the number of shares of such stock that have been issued and are
outstanding and the number of shares that have been issued and are held by the
Borrower as treasury shares are all disclosed on the Disclosure Schedule. Set
forth in the Disclosure Schedule is a complete and accurate list of all
Subsidiaries of the Borrower. The Disclosure Schedule indicates the jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization of each of the Subsidiaries, the number of
shares or units of each class of capital stock or other equity of the
Subsidiaries authorized, and the number of such shares or units outstanding and
the percentage of each class of such equity owned (directly or indirectly) by
the Borrower. No shares of stock or units of equity interests of the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries are covered by outstanding options, warrants, rights of
conversion or purchase or similar rights granted or created by the Borrower
except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule. All the outstanding capital
stock of the Borrower has been validly issued and is fully paid and
nonassessable. All the stock or units of equity interests of the Borrower's
Subsidiaries that are owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower
are owned free and clear of all mortgages, deeds of trust, pledges, liens,
security interests and other charges or encumbrances.

      4.5. Financial Condition. The audited consolidated balance sheet of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries dated as of December 31, 1995 (the "Balance Sheet
Date") and the audited statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders'
equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for and as of the end of the period
ending on that date, including any related notes (the "Financial Statements"),
all of which were


                                      -18-
<PAGE>   24
heretofore furnished to the Lenders, are true, correct and complete in all
material respects and fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date of each such
statement and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied throughout the periods involved.
Other than as reflected in such Financial Statements and except for liabilities
incurred in the ordinary course of business since the date thereof, the Borrower
has no Indebtedness that is or would be material to the financial condition of
the Borrower, nor any material unrealized or unanticipated losses from any
commitments. Since the Balance Sheet Date there has been no material adverse
change in the consolidated financial condition (as set forth in the Financial
Statements) or results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken
as a whole.

      4.6. Pending Litigation. Except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule,
there are no suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower,
threatened before any court or arbitration tribunal or by or before any
governmental or regulatory authority, commission, bureau or agency or public
regulatory body against the Borrower that if adversely determined would have a
material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, assets or
results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

      4.7. Certain Agreements; Material Contracts. The Borrower is not a party
to any agreement or instrument or subject to any court order or governmental
decree adversely affecting in any material respect the business, properties,
assets or financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole.

      4.8. Authorization, Etc. All authorizations, consents, approvals,
accreditations, certifications and licenses required under the corporate charter
or by-laws of the Borrower or under applicable law or regulation for the
ownership or operation of the property owned or operated by the Borrower or the
conduct of any business or activity conducted by the Borrower, including
provision of services for which reimbursement is made by third party payors,
other than authorizations, consents, approvals, accreditations, certifications
or licenses the failure to obtain and/or maintain which would not have a
material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, assets or
results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole
(collectively, "Licenses") have been duly issued and are in full force and
effect. The Borrower has fulfilled and performed all of its material obligations
with respect to such licenses (to the extent now required to be fulfilled or
performed) and no event has occurred that would allow, with or without the
passage of time or the giving of notice or both, revocation or termination
thereof or would result in any other material impairment of the rights of the
holder of any such License. All filings or registrations with any governmental
or regulatory authority required for the conduct of the business or activity
conducted by the Borrower have been made, other than any such filings or
registrations as to which the failure to make same would not


                                      -19-
<PAGE>   25
have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, assets
or results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
Except as expressly contemplated hereby, no approval, consent or authorization
of or filing or registration with any governmental commission, bureau or other
regulatory authority or agency is required with respect to the execution,
delivery or performance of any of the Loan Documents.

      4.9. No Violation. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower
of the Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law or
regulation applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of any court
or governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the Borrower.
The Borrower is not in default, nor has any event occurred that with the passage
of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a default, in the
performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or
conditions contained in any agreement, instrument or other document to which the
Borrower is a party, which default would have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated assets, financial condition or results of operations of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. The Borrower is not in
violation of any applicable federal, state or local law, rule or regulation or
any writ, order or decree, which violation would have a material adverse effect
on the consolidated assets, financial condition or results of operations of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Except as otherwise set forth
in the Disclosure Schedule under the caption "Litigation," the Borrower has not
received notice of any violation of any federal, state or local environmental
law, rule or regulation or assertion that the Borrower has any obligation to
clean up or contribute to the cost of cleaning up any waste or pollutants.

      4.10. Payment of Taxes. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have properly
prepared and filed or caused to be properly prepared and filed all federal tax
returns and all material state and local tax returns that are required to be
filed and have paid all taxes shown thereon to be due and all other taxes,
assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, their income or profits or any properties belonging to the
Borrower. No extensions of any statute of limitations are in effect with respect
to any tax liability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower. No
deficiency assessment or proposed adjustment of the federal income taxes of the
Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower is pending and the Borrower has no
knowledge of any proposed liability of a substantial nature for any tax to be
imposed upon any of its properties or assets.

      4.11. Transactions With Affiliates, Officers, Directors and 1%
Shareholders. Except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule, the Borrower has
no Indebtedness to or material contractual arrangement or understanding with any
Affiliate, officer or director of the Borrower, nor any shareholder holding of
record at least 1% of the equity of the Borrower nor, to the best of the
Borrower's knowledge (without independent inquiry), any of their respective
relatives.


                                      -20-
<PAGE>   26
      4.12. ERISA. The Borrower has never established or maintained any funded
employee pension benefit plan as defined under Section 3(2)(A) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended and in effect on the date
hereof ("ERISA"), other than the plans described on the Disclosure Schedule. No
employee benefit plan established or maintained, or to which contributions have
been made, by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is subject to
Part 3 of Title I-B of ERISA, had an accumulated funding deficiency (as such
term is defined in Section 302 of ERISA) as of the last day of the fiscal year
of such plan ended most recently prior to the date hereof, or would have had an
accumulated funding deficiency (as so defined) on such day if such year were the
first year of the plan to which Part 3 of Title I-B of ERISA applied. No
material liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation has been incurred
or is expected by the Borrower to be incurred by it or any Subsidiary of the
Borrower with respect to any such plan or otherwise. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents will not involve on
the part of the Borrower any prohibited transaction within the meaning of ERISA
or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Borrower has never maintained,
contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any "multiemployer plan," as
defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA. The Borrower has never incurred any
"withdrawal liability" calculated under Section 4211 of ERISA, and there has
been no event or circumstance that would cause it to incur any such liability.

      4.13. Ownership of Properties; Liens. The Borrower has good and marketable
title to all its material properties and assets, real and personal, that are now
carried on its books, including, without limitation, those reflected in the
Financial Statements (except those disposed of in the ordinary course since the
date thereof), and has valid leasehold interests in its properties and assets,
real and personal, which it purports to lease, subject in either case to no
mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien, charge, encumbrance or title
retention or other security agreement or arrangement of any nature whatsoever
other than Permitted Liens and those specified in the Disclosure Schedule. All
of the Borrower's material leasehold interests and material obligations with
respect to real property are described on the Disclosure Schedule.

      4.14. Employment Matters. Except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule,
there are no material grievances, disputes or controversies pending or, to the
knowledge of the Borrower, threatened between the Borrower and its employees,
nor is any strike, work stoppage or slowdown pending or threatened against the
Borrower.

      4.15. Insurance. The Borrower maintains in force fire, casualty,
comprehensive liability and other insurance covering its properties and business
that is adequate and customary for the type and scope of its properties and
business.

      4.16. Indebtedness. Except as reflected in the Financial Statements or set
forth in the Disclosure Schedule, and other than Indebtedness incurred in the


                                      -21-
<PAGE>   27
ordinary course of business since the Balance Sheet Date, the Borrower has no
outstanding Indebtedness.

      4.17. Securities Law Compliance. The Borrower is not an "investment
company" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. All of
the Borrower's outstanding stock was offered, issued and sold in compliance with
all applicable state and federal securities laws.

      4.18. Accuracy of Information. None of the information furnished to the
Lenders by or on behalf of the Borrower for purposes of this Agreement or any
Loan Document or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby contains, and
none of such information hereinafter furnished will contain any material
misstatement of fact, nor does or will any such information omit any material
fact necessary to make such information not misleading at such time.


                                    ARTICLE V

                             CONDITIONS TO ADVANCES

      The Lenders shall not be obligated to make any Advances unless the
following conditions have been satisfied:

      5.1. Each Advance. The obligations of the Lenders to make each Advance are
subject to the following conditions precedent, each of which shall have been met
or performed on or before the Advance Date or the Closing Date, as the case may
be:

            (a) No Default. No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing or will occur upon the making of the Advance.

            (b) Correctness of Representations. The representations and
warranties made by the Borrower in this Agreement shall be true and correct with
the same force and effect as though such representations and warranties had been
made on and as of the Advance Date (i) except to the extent that the
representations and warranties set forth in Article IV of this Agreement are
untrue as a result of circumstances that have changed subsequent to the date
hereof, which change has caused no non-compliance by the Borrower with the
covenants, conditions and agreements in this Agreement and (ii) except that the
references in Section 4.5 of this Agreement to the financial statements and the
term "Balance Sheet Date" are deemed to refer to the most recent financial
statements (inclusive of consolidated balance sheets and statements of
operations, cash flows and stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries) furnished to the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.1(a) and (b) of
this Agreement and the date of such financial statements, respectively.


                                      -22-
<PAGE>   28
            (c) No Litigation; Certain Other Conditions. There shall be no suit
or proceeding (other than suits or proceedings disclosed on the Disclosure
Schedule on the date of this Agreement) pending or threatened before any court
or arbitration tribunal or by or before any governmental or regulatory
authority, commission, bureau or agency or public regulatory body that, if
determined adversely to the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower, is
reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated
financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

            (d) No Material Adverse Change. There shall have been no material
adverse change in the consolidated financial condition or results of operations
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole since the Balance Sheet
Date.

            (e) Loan Documents. All Loan Documents shall be in full force and
effect.

      5.2. First Advance. The obligations of the Lenders to make the first
Advance are subject to the following additional conditions precedent, each of
which shall have been met or performed on or before the Closing Date:

            (a) Deliveries. The Agent shall have received, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Agent and Lenders, the following:

                  (i) an opinion or opinions of independent counsel to the
      Borrower with respect to the Loan Documents and the transactions
      contemplated thereby;

                  (ii) certificates as to the Borrower's legal existence and
      good standing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and
      certificates as to the Borrower's authority to do business as a foreign
      corporation in the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut,
      Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York,
      Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas, each dated as of a recent date;

                  (iii) a certificate of the Borrower's Clerk as to (i) its
      charter documents and by-laws, as amended, (ii) corporate votes
      authorizing the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents, and (iii)
      incumbency of the officers authorized to execute the Loan Documents on
      behalf of the Borrower;

                  (iv) a Revolving Credit Note to the order of each Lender, each
      duly executed by the Borrower and otherwise appropriately completed;

                  (v) a certificate duly executed by the Borrower's chief
      financial officer dated the Advance Date or Closing Date, as the case may
      be, to the


                                      -23-
<PAGE>   29
      effect that each of the conditions set forth in the foregoing Section 5.1
      has been met as of such date.

            (b) All Proceedings Satisfactory. All corporate and other
proceedings taken prior to or on the Closing Date in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and all documents and exhibits
related thereto, shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the
Agent and the Lenders.

            (c) Additional Documents. The Borrower shall have delivered to the
Agent all additional opinions, documents and certificates that the Agent or any
Lender may reasonably require.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                      AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

      The Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of execution of this
Agreement and until the payment in full of the principal of and interest upon
the Notes and payment and performance of all other Obligations, unless the
Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing:

      6.1. Reporting Requirements. The Borrower shall furnish to the Lenders:

            (a) As soon as available and in any event within forty-five days
after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (i) a consolidated and consolidating balance
sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such quarter and
(ii) consolidated and consolidating statements of operations, cash flows and
stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period
commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending with the end of
such quarter, all in reasonable detail and duly certified by the chief financial
officer of the Borrower as having been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied (subject to addition of
notes and ordinary year-end audit adjustments), together with a certificate of
the chief financial officer of the Borrower stating that no Default or Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing or, if a Default or an Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the
action that the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto;

            (b) As soon as available and in any event within ninety days after
the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the audited consolidated balance
sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and
the audited consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders'
equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, in each case
accompanied by the


                                      -24-
<PAGE>   30
unqualified opinion with respect thereto of the Borrower's independent public
accountants and a certification by such accountants stating that they have
reviewed this Agreement and whether, in making their audit, they have become
aware of any Default or Event of Default and if so, describing its nature, along
with the related unaudited consolidating balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and the unaudited consolidating
statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders' equity of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year;

            (c) Not later than forty-five days following the end of each fiscal
quarter a certificate signed by the chief financial officer of the Borrower
substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto (the "Compliance Certificate");

            (d) Not later than thirty days after the end of each fiscal year of
the Borrower, the Borrower's representative forecast for the next fiscal year on
a consolidated basis, including, at a minimum, projected statements of profit
and loss and projected cash flow, prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied;

            (e) Promptly upon receipt thereof, one copy of each other report
submitted to the Borrower or any Subsidiary by independent accountants in
connection with any annual, interim or special audit made by them of the books
of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

            (f) Promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of all actions,
suits and proceedings before any court, arbitration tribunal or governmental
regulatory authority, commission, bureau, agency or public regulatory body that,
if determined adversely to the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower, would
be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated
financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

            (g) As soon as possible, and in any event within five days after the
Borrower shall know of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, the
written statement of the chief financial officer of the Borrower setting forth
details of such Default or Event of Default and action that the Borrower
proposes to take with respect thereto;

            (h) As soon as possible, and in any event within five days after the
occurrence thereof, written notice as to any other event of which the Borrower
becomes aware that with the passage of time, the giving of notice or otherwise,
is reasonably likely to result in a material adverse change in the consolidated
financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole; and


                                      -25-
<PAGE>   31
            (i) Such other information respecting the business or properties or
the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower as any
Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

      6.2. Loan Proceeds. The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Advances
only for the purpose of general working capital, acquisitions not prohibited
hereby and capital expenditures.

      6.3. Maintenance of Business and Properties; Insurance.

            (a) The Borrower will continue to engage in business of the same
general nature as the business currently engaged in by the Borrower. The
Borrower will at all times maintain, preserve and protect all material
franchises and trade names and preserve all the Borrower's material tangible
property used or useful in the conduct of its business and keep the same in good
repair, working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and from
time to time make all needful and proper repairs, renewals, replacements,
betterments, and improvements thereto so that the business carried on in
connection therewith may be conducted properly and advantageously at all times.

            (b) The Borrower will keep all of its insurable properties now or
hereafter owned adequately insured at all times against loss or damage by fire
or other casualty to the extent customary with respect to like properties of
companies conducting similar businesses and to the extent available at
commercially reasonable rates; and will maintain public liability and workmen's
compensation insurance insuring the Borrower to the extent customary with
respect to companies conducting similar businesses and to the extent available
at commercially reasonable rates, all by financially sound and reputable
insurers. The Borrower shall furnish to the Agent from time to time at the
Agent's request copies of all such insurance policies and certificates
evidencing such insurance coverage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower
may self-insure workmen's compensation to the extent permitted by law and may
also self-insure other risks to the extent reasonably deemed prudent by the
Borrower.

      6.4. Payment of Taxes. The Borrower shall pay and discharge, or cause to
be paid and discharged, all material taxes, assessments, and governmental
charges or levies imposed upon the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or their income
or profits, or upon any other properties belonging to the Borrower prior to the
date on which penalties attach thereto, and all lawful claims that, if unpaid,
might become a lien or charge upon any material properties of the Borrower,
except for such taxes, assessments, charges, levies or claims as are being
contested by the Borrower in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly
initiated and diligently prosecuted, for which adequate book reserves have been
established in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as to
which no foreclosure, distraint, sale or other


                                      -26-
<PAGE>   32
similar proceedings shall have been commenced, or, if commenced, have been
effectively stayed.

      6.5. Compliance with Laws, etc. The Borrower shall comply with the
requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any
governmental authority, and obtain or maintain all Licenses required under
applicable law or regulation for the operation of the Borrower's business, where
noncompliance or failure to obtain or maintain would have a material adverse
effect on the consolidated financial condition, assets, or results of operations
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided, however, that
such compliance or the obtaining of such Licenses may be delayed while the
applicability or validity of any such law, rule, regulation or order or the
necessity for obtaining any such License is being contested by the Borrower in
good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly initiated and diligently
prosecuted.

      6.6. Books, Records and Accounts. The Borrower shall keep true and correct
books, records and accounts, in which entries will be made in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and that shall
comply with the requirements of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to the
extent applicable to the Borrower. Each Lender or its representatives shall upon
reasonable notice to the Borrower be afforded, during normal business hours,
access to and the right to examine and copy any such books, records and accounts
and the right to inspect the Borrower's premises and business operations. All
financial and other information with respect to the Borrower and/or any of its
Subsidiaries now or hereafter obtained by any Lender under this Agreement or
otherwise in connection with any of the transactions contemplated hereunder
shall be held in confidence and shall not be released or made available to any
other Person, except (i) to governmental agencies (and examiners employed by
same) having oversight over the affairs of such Lender, (ii) pursuant to
subpoena or similar process issued by a court or governmental agency of
competent jurisdiction, or (iii) as otherwise directed by order of any court or
governmental agency of competent jurisdiction.

      6.7. Further Assurances. The Borrower shall execute and deliver, at the
Borrower's expense, all notices and other instruments and documents and take all
actions, including, but not limited to, making all filings and recordings, that
any Lender shall reasonably request in order to assure to the Lenders all rights
given to the Lenders hereby or under any other Loan Document.

      6.8. Bank Accounts. The Borrower shall maintain its principal operating
accounts with the Agent.


                                   ARTICLE VII


                                      -27-
<PAGE>   33
                       NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

      The Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of execution of this
Agreement and until the payment in full of the principal of and interest upon
the Notes and payment and performance of all other Obligations, unless the
Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing:

      7.1. Sale of Assets; Mergers, Etc.

            (a) Sale of Assets. The Borrower will not, except in the ordinary
course of business, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, to any Person any
assets (including the securities of any Subsidiary).

            (b) Mergers, Etc. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will
consolidate with or merge into any other Person or permit any other Person to
consolidate with or merge into it, or acquire all or substantially all of the
assets of any Person, or sell, assign, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in
one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its
assets to any Person, except that

                  (1) a Subsidiary may consolidate with or merge into the
            Borrower or another Subsidiary; and

                  (2) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may acquire all or
            substantially all of the assets of any Person provided (i) such
            Person is engaged in a line of business substantially similar to one
            or more of Borrower's existing lines of business, (ii) the aggregate
            purchase price liability incurred in any calendar year, including
            all contingent liabilities, when aggregated with all such
            acquisitions and any Investments permitted under Section 7.4(2) in
            any calendar year shall not exceed 25% of Consolidated Tangible Net
            Worth as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter or, if 80% or
            more of the purchase price is paid in capital stock of the Borrower,
            40% of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth as of the end of the most
            recent fiscal quarter and (iii) based on a pro forma calculation of
            the ratios set forth in Section 7.7 as of the date such acquisition
            is closed, assuming consolidation of the acquired business with the
            Borrower for the four full fiscal quarters ended immediately
            preceding such closing and pro forma debt and debt service payments
            based on scheduled principal payments, including acquisition
            borrowings, if any, and pro forma interest on total debt at then
            prevailing borrowing rates, Borrower is in compliance with the
            financial covenants set forth in Section 7.7.

      7.2. Liens and Encumbrances.


                                      -28-
<PAGE>   34
            (a) Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will (a) cause or permit
or (b) agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of
a contingency or otherwise), any of its real or personal property, whether now
owned or subsequently acquired, to be subject to any Lien other than Liens
described below (which may herein be referred to as "Permitted Liens"):

                  (1) Liens securing the payment of taxes, assessments or
            governmental charges or levies or the demands of suppliers,
            mechanics, carriers, warehousers, landlords and other like Persons,
            which payments are not yet due and payable or (as to taxes) may be
            paid without interest or penalty; provided, that, if such payments
            are due and payable, such Liens shall be permitted hereunder only to
            the extent that (A) all claims that the Liens secure are being
            actively contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, (B)
            adequate book reserves have been established with respect thereto to
            the extent required by generally accepted accounting principles, and
            (C) such Liens do not in the aggregate materially interfere with the
            owning company's use of property necessary or material to the
            conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken
            as a whole;

                  (2) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of
            business (A) in connection with worker's compensation, unemployment
            insurance, social security and other like laws, or (B) to secure the
            performance of letters of credit, bids, tenders, sales contracts,
            leases, statutory obligations, surety, appeal and performance bonds
            and other similar obligations, in each case not incurred in
            connection with the borrowing of money, the obtaining of advances or
            the payment of the deferred purchase price of property;

                  (3) Liens not otherwise described in Section 7.2(a)(1) or (2)
            that are incurred in the ordinary course of business and are
            incidental to the conduct of its business or ownership of its
            property, were not incurred in connection with the borrowing of
            money, the obtaining of advances or the payment of the deferred
            purchase price of property and do not in the aggregate materially
            detract from the value of, or materially interfere with the owning
            company's use of, property necessary or material to the conduct of
            the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

                  (4) Liens in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the
            Lenders;

                  (5) Liens permitted under Existing Loan Agreements;


                                      -29-
<PAGE>   35
                  (6) Judgment liens or attachments that shall not have been in
            existence for a period longer than 30 days after the creation
            thereof, or if a stay of execution shall have been obtained, for a
            period longer than 30 days after the expiration of such stay or if
            such an attachment is being actively contested in good faith and by
            appropriate proceedings, for a period longer than 30 days after the
            creation thereof;

                  (7) Liens existing as of the Closing Date and disclosed on the
            Disclosure Schedule hereto;

                  (8) Liens provided for in equipment or Financing Leases
            (including financing statements and undertakings to file financing
            statements) provided that they are limited to the equipment subject
            to such leases and the proceeds thereof;

                  (9) Leases or subleases with third parties or licenses and
            sublicenses granted to third parties not interfering in any material
            respect with the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the
            Borrower;

                  (10) Any Lien on any asset of any corporation existing at the
            time such corporation is merged into or consolidated with the
            Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower and not created in
            contemplation of such event;

                  (11) Any Lien existing on any asset prior to the acquisition
            thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower and not
            created in contemplation of such event;

                  (12) Liens in respect of any purchase money obligations for
            tangible property used in its business, which obligations shall not
            at any time exceed 5% of consolidated Tangible Net Worth, provided
            that any such encumbrances shall not extend to property and assets
            of the Borrower or any Subsidiary not financed by such a purchase
            money obligation;

                  (13) Easements, rights of way, restrictions and other similar
            charges or Liens relating to real property and not interfering in a
            material way with the ordinary conduct of its business; and

                  (14) Liens on its property or assets created in connection
            with the refinancing of Indebtedness secured by Permitted Liens on
            such property, provided that the amount of Indebtedness secured by
            any such Lien shall not be increased as a result of such refinancing
            and no


                                      -30-
<PAGE>   36
            such Lien shall extend to property and assets of the Borrower or any
            Subsidiary not encumbered prior to any such refinancing.

            (b) In case any property is subjected to a Lien in violation of
Section 7.2(a), the Borrower will make or cause to be made provision whereby the
Notes will be secured equally and ratably with all other obligations secured by
such property, and in any case the Notes shall have the benefit, to the full
extent that the holders may be entitled thereto under applicable law, of an
equitable Lien equally and ratably securing the Notes. Such violation of Section
7.2(a) shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder, whether or not any such
provision is made pursuant to this Section 7.2(b).

            (c) Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will agree with any
third party not to cause or permit any of its real or personal property, whether
now owned or subsequently acquired, to be subject to Liens (with or without
exceptions).

      7.3. Sales and Leasebacks. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries will not sell
or transfer any of their property and become, directly or indirectly, liable as
the lessee under a lease of such property (other than such transactions between
the Subsidiaries and transfers of capital equipment that will be leased pursuant
to Financing Leases).

      7.4. Investments. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will make or
maintain any investments, made in cash or by delivery of property or assets, (a)
in any Person, whether by acquisition of capital stock, Indebtedness, or other
obligations or securities, or by loan or capital contribution, or otherwise, or
(b) in any property, whether real or personal, (items (a) and (b) being herein
called "Investments"), except the following:

                  (1) Investments in direct obligations of, or guaranteed by,
            the United States government, its agencies or any public
            instrumentality thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of
            the United States government with maturities not to exceed (or an
            unconditional right to compel purchase within) one year from the
            date of acquisition;

                  (2) Investments in or to any Subsidiary or other Person,
            provided Borrower remains in compliance with Section 7.1(b);

                  (3) Investments and obligations issued by any state of the
            United States or any political subdivision of any such state or any
            public instrumentality thereof with maturities not to exceed (or an
            unconditional right to compel purchase within) 180 days of the date
            of acquisition that are rated in one of the top two rating
            classifications by at least one nationally recognized rating agency;


                                      -31-
<PAGE>   37
                  (4) Investments in demand and time deposits with, Eurodollar
            deposits with, certificates of deposit issued by, or obligations or
            securities fully backed by letters of credit issued by (x) any bank
            organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof,
            the District of Columbia or Canada having combined capital and
            surplus aggregating at least $500,000,000, or (y) any other bank
            organized under the laws of a state that is a member of the European
            Economic Community (or any political subdivision thereof), Japan,
            the Cayman Islands, or British West Indies having as of any date of
            determination combined capital and surplus of not less than
            $500,000,000 or the equivalent thereof (determined in accordance
            with generally accepted accounting principles);

                  (5) Shares of money market mutual funds registered under the
            Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

                  (6) Foreign currency swaps and hedging arrangements entered
            into in the ordinary course of business to protect against currency
            losses, and interest rate swaps and caps entered into in the
            ordinary course of business to protect against interest rate
            exposure on Indebtedness bearing interest at a variable rate;

                  (7) Investments in publicly traded companies and mutual funds
            (other than money market mutual funds) that in the aggregate shall
            not exceed $5,000,000; and

                  (8) Other Investments existing on the Closing Date and listed
            on the Disclosure Schedule.

      7.5. Transactions with Affiliates. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary
will enter into any transaction (including the purchase, sale or exchange of
property or the rendering of any service) with any Affiliate except upon fair
and reasonable terms that are at least as favorable to the Borrower or the
Subsidiary as would be obtained in a comparable arm's-length transaction with a
non-Affiliate.

      7.6. ERISA Compliance. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries
will at any time permit any employee pension benefit plan (as such term is
defined in Section 3 of ERISA) maintained by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries or in which employees of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is
entitled to participate to:

            (a)   engage in any "prohibited transaction" as such term is defined
                  in Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
                  amended, or described in Section 406 of ERISA;


                                      -32-
<PAGE>   38
            (b)   incur any "accumulated funding deficiency" as such term is
                  defined in Section 302 of ERISA, whether or not waived; or

            (c)   terminate under circumstances that could result in the
                  imposition of a Lien on the property of the Borrower or any
                  Subsidiary of the Borrower pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA.

      7.7. Financial Covenants. The Borrower covenants and agrees that:

            (a) Tangible Net Worth Test. The Consolidated Tangible Net Worth as
of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower shall:

                  (A) prior to an IPO, not be less than the sum of (i)
      $38,000,000, and (ii) 50% of Consolidated Net Income (excluding losses)
      for each consecutive fiscal quarter of the Borrower beginning with the
      quarter ending March 31, 1996, on a cumulative basis; and

                  (B) after an IPO, not be less than the sum of (i) the amount
      required by clause (A) above immediately prior to such IPO plus (ii) the
      net proceeds to the Borrower of the IPO less (iii) the Sub S Dividends.

            (b) Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio. The ratio ("Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio")
of the Consolidated Indebtedness (excluding all guaranties except guaranties
with respect to borrowed money) as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the
Borrower beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 1995 to its
Consolidated Tangible Net Worth as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the
Borrower beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 1995 shall not
exceed 1.5 to 1.

            (c) Cash Flow Ratio. The ratio (the "Cash Flow Ratio") as of the end
of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower of (i) Consolidated Operating Cash Flow
for the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended to (ii) Consolidated Debt
Service for the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended shall not be less
than 1.25 to 1.00.

      7.8. Contracts Prohibiting Compliance with Agreement. The Borrower will
not enter into any contract or other agreement that would prohibit or in any way
restrict the ability of the Borrower to comply with any provision of this
Agreement.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

      8.1. Default. If any one of the following events ("Events of Default")
shall occur:


                                      -33-
<PAGE>   39
            (a) Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower herein or in
any other Loan Document, or in any certificate or report furnished by the
Borrower hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any
material respect when made;

            (b) Payment of any principal or interest due under any Note shall
not be made on or before the date due;

            (c) A final judgment or settlement for in excess of $2,000,000 shall
be rendered against or agreed to by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for
the payment of money that, after deducting the amount of any insurance proceeds
paid or payable to or on behalf of the Borrower or its Subsidiary in connection
with such judgment or settlement, as the case may be, is in excess of
$2,000,000, and such judgment shall remain undischarged for a period of thirty
(30) days, during which period execution shall not effectively be stayed, or
such settlement shall remain unpaid for a period of thirty days after the agreed
payment date unless such delay has been agreed to by the other party. If a
dispute exists with respect to the liability of any insurance underwriter under
any insurance policy of the Borrower or its Subsidiary, no deduction under this
subsection shall be made for the insurance proceeds that are the subject of such
dispute;

            (d) The Borrower or any Subsidiary shall (1) voluntarily terminate
operations or apply for or consent to the appointment of, or the taking of
possession by, a receiver, custodian, trustee or liquidator of such Person or of
all or a substantial part of the assets of such Person, (2) admit in writing its
inability, or be generally unable, to pay its debts as the debts become due, (3)
make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (4) commence a
voluntary case under the Federal Bankruptcy Code (as now or hereafter in
effect), (5) file a petition seeking to take advantage of any other law relating
to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding-up, or composition or
adjustment of debts, (6) fail to controvert in a timely and appropriate manner,
or acquiesce in writing to, any petition filed against it in an involuntary case
under the Federal Bankruptcy Code or applicable state bankruptcy laws or (7)
take any corporate action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

            (e) Without its application, approval or consent, a proceeding shall
be commenced, in any court of competent jurisdiction, seeking in respect of the
Borrower or any Subsidiary: the liquidation, reorganization, dissolution,
winding-up, or composition or readjustment of debt, the appointment of a
trustee, receiver, liquidator or the like of such Person or of all or any
substantial part of the assets of such Person, or other like relief in respect
of such Person under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
winding-up, or composition or adjustment of debts; and, if the proceeding is
being contested in good faith by such Person, the same shall continue
undismissed, or unstayed and in effect for any period of 45


                                      -34-
<PAGE>   40
consecutive days, or an order for relief against such Person shall be entered in
any case under the Bankruptcy Code or applicable state bankruptcy laws;

            (f) Any foreclosure or other proceedings shall be commenced to
enforce, execute or realize upon any lien, encumbrance, attachment, trustee
process, mortgage or security interest for payment of an amount in excess of
$250,000 against the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

            (g) Default shall be made in the due observance or performance of
any covenant or agreement under Article VII;

            (h) Default shall be made in the due observance or performance of
any covenant or agreement contained herein (and not constituting an Event of
Default under any other clause in this Article VIII) or in any other Loan
Document or in any other agreement between any Lender and the Borrower
evidencing or securing borrowed monies and such default shall continue and shall
not have been remedied within thirty days after the date on which such default
occurred;

            (i) There shall occur any default under any instrument or agreement
evidencing any indebtedness for money borrowed in excess of $100,000 by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

            (j) The transfer by John R. Bertucci and/or his Affiliates of
securities of the Borrower or the voting power related to such securities as a
result of which the power to elect, appoint or cause the election or appointment
of at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Borrower
shall no longer be held by John R. Bertucci and/or his Affiliates;

            (k) There shall occur any material adverse change in the financial
condition of the Borrower;

            (l) There shall occur any Event of Default under either of the
Existing Loan Agreements;

then, and in any such event and at any time thereafter, if such Event of Default
or any other Event of Default shall have not been waived, any or all of the
following actions may be taken: (i) the Agent (A) with the consent of the
Required Lenders, may, and at the direction of the Required Lenders shall,
declare any obligation of the Lenders to make further Advances terminated,
whereupon the obligation of each Lender to make further Advances hereunder shall
terminate immediately, and (B) the Agent shall at the direction of the Required
Lenders, at their option, declare by notice to the Borrower any or all of the
Obligations to be immediately due and payable, and the same, including all
interest accrued thereon and all other obligations of the Borrower to the Agent
and the Lenders, shall forthwith become immediately due and


                                      -35-
<PAGE>   41
payable without presentment, demand, protest, notice or other formality of any
kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in
any instrument evidencing the Obligations to the contrary notwithstanding;
provided, however, that notwithstanding the above, if there shall occur an Event
of Default under clause (d) or (e) above, then the obligation of the Lenders to
make Advances shall automatically terminate and any and all of the Obligations
shall be immediately due and payable without the necessity of any action by the
Agent or the Required Lenders or notice to the Agent or the Lenders; and (ii)
the Agent and each of the Lenders shall have all of the rights and remedies
available under each of the Loan Documents or under any applicable law.

      8.2. Agent to Act. In case any one or more Events of Default shall occur
and not have been waived, the Agent may, and at the direction of the Required
Lenders shall, proceed to protect and enforce their rights or remedies either by
suit in equity or by action at law, or both, whether for the specific
performance of any covenant, agreement or other provision contained herein or in
any other Loan Document, or to enforce the payment of the Obligations or any
other legal or equitable right or remedy.

      8.3. Cumulative Rights. No right or remedy herein conferred upon the
Lenders or the Agent is intended to be exclusive of any other rights or remedies
contained herein or in any other Loan Document, and every such right or remedy
shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other such right or remedy
contained herein and therein or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or
by statute, or otherwise.

      8.4. No Waiver. No course of dealing between the Borrower and any Lender
or the Agent or any failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the Agent in
exercising any rights or remedies under any Loan Document or otherwise available
to it shall operate as a waiver of any rights or remedies and no single or
partial exercise of any rights or remedies shall operate as a waiver or preclude
the exercise of any other rights or remedies hereunder or of the same right or
remedy on a future occasion.

      8.5. Allocation of Proceeds. If an Event of Default has occurred and not
been waived, and the maturity of the Notes has been accelerated pursuant to this
Article VIII, all payments received by the Agent hereunder, in respect of any
principal of or interest on the Obligations or any other amounts payable by the
Borrower hereunder, shall be applied by the Agent in the following order:

            (a) amounts due to the Lenders pursuant to Sections 2.6 and 10.4;

            (b) amounts due to the Agent pursuant to Section 9.10;


                                      -36-
<PAGE>   42
            (c) payments of interest on Notes to be applied for the ratable
      benefit of the Lenders;

            (d) payments of principal of Notes to be applied for the ratable
      benefit of the Lenders;

            (e) payments of all other amounts due under any of the Loan
      Documents, if any, to be applied for the ratable benefit of the Lenders;
      and

            (f) any surplus remaining after application as provided for herein,
      to the Borrower or otherwise as may be required by applicable law.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                                    THE AGENT

      9.1. Appointment. Each Lender hereby irrevocably designates and appoints
Bank of Boston as the Agent for the Lenders under this Agreement, and each of
the Lenders hereby irrevocably authorizes Bank of Boston as the Agent for such
Lender, to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents and to exercise such powers as are expressly
delegated to the Agent by the terms of this Agreement and such other Loan
Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.
The Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly
set forth herein, or any fiduciary relationship with any of the Lenders, and no
implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or
liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or
otherwise exist against the Agent.

      9.2. Limitation on Liability. Neither the Agent nor any of its officers,
directors, employees, agents or attorneys-in-fact shall be liable to the Lenders
for any action lawfully taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under or in
connection with the Loan Documents except for its or their own gross negligence
or willful misconduct. Neither the Agent nor any of its affiliates shall be
responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recitals, statements,
representations or warranties made by the Borrower or any officer or
representative thereof contained in any Loan Document, or in any certificate,
report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in or received
by the Agent under or in connection with any Loan Document, or for the value,
validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of any Loan
Document, or for any failure of the Borrower to perform its obligations under
any Loan Document, or for any recitals, statements, representations or
warranties made, or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness,
enforceability or sufficiency of any collateral. The Agent shall not be under
any obligation to any of the Lenders to ascertain or to inquire as to the


                                      -37-
<PAGE>   43
observance or performance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of any
Loan Document on the part of the Borrower or to inspect the properties, books or
records of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries.

      9.3. Reliance. The Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully
protected in relying, upon any Note, writing, resolution, notice, consent
certificate, affidavit, letter, cablegram, telegram, telefacsimile or telex
message, statement, order or other document or conversation reasonably believed
by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the
proper Person or Persons and upon advice and statements of legal counsel
(including, without limitation, counsel to the Borrower), independent
accountants and other experts selected by the Agent. The Agent may deem and
treat the payee of any Note as the owner thereof for all purposes unless an
Assignment and Acceptance shall have been filed with and accepted by the Agent.
The Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action
under this Agreement unless it shall first receive advice or concurrence of the
Lenders or the Required Lenders as provided in this Agreement or it shall first
be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability
and expense that may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take
any such action. The Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or
in refraining from acting, under the Loan Documents in accordance with a request
of the Required Lenders, and such request and any action taken or failure to act
pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders and all present and
future holders of the Notes.

      9.4. Notice of Default. The Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or
notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default hereunder unless the
Agent has received notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to this
Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such
notice is a "notice of default." In the event that the Agent receives such a
notice, the Agent shall promptly give notice thereof to the Lenders. The Agent
shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall
be reasonably directed by the Required Lenders; provided that, unless and until
the Agent shall have received such directions, the Agent may (but shall not be
obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect
to such Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the
Lenders.

      9.5. No Representations. Each Lender expressly acknowledges that neither
the Agent nor any of its affiliates has made any representations or warranties
to it and that no act by the Agent hereafter taken, including any review of the
affairs of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, shall be deemed to constitute any
representation or warranty by the Agent to any Lender. Each Lender represents to
the Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any
other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the financial
condition, creditworthiness, affairs, status and nature of the Borrower and made
its own decision to enter into


                                      -38-
<PAGE>   44
this Agreement. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and
without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents
and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its
own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action
under the Loan Documents and to make such investigation as it deems necessary to
inform itself as to the status and affairs, financial or otherwise, of the
Borrower or its Subsidiaries. Except for notices, reports and other documents
expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Agent hereunder, the
Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any
credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition or
business of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries which may come into the possession
of the Agent or any of its Affiliates.

      9.6. Indemnification. Each of the Lenders agrees to indemnify the Agent in
its capacity as such (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower and without
limiting any obligations of the Borrower to do so), ratably according to the
respective principal amount of the Notes held by them (or, if no Notes are
outstanding, ratably in accordance with their respective Applicable Commitment
Percentages as then in effect) from and against any and all liabilities,
obligations, losses (excluding any losses suffered by the Agent as a result of
Borrower's failure to pay any fee owing to the Agent), damages, penalties,
actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or
nature whatsoever that may at any time (including without limitation at any time
following the payment of the Notes) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted
against the Agent in any way relating to or arising out of any Loan Document or
any other Document contemplated by or referred to therein or the transactions
contemplated thereby or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under or in
connection with any of the foregoing; provided that no Lender shall be liable
for the payment of any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses,
damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements
resulting from the Agent's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The
agreements in this subsection shall survive the payment of the Obligations and
the termination of this Agreement.

      9.7. The Agent in its Individual Capacity. With respect to its Advances
made or renewed by it and any Note issued to it, the Agent shall have the same
rights and powers under this Agreement as any Lender and may exercise the same
as though it were not the Agent, and the terms "Lender" and "Lenders" shall,
unless the context otherwise indicates, include the Agent in its individual
capacity. The Agent and its Affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from
and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower as though the
Agent were not the Agent hereunder. The Agent may apply any amount obtained by
it through exercise of a right of banker's lien, set-off, counterclaim or
otherwise to satisfaction of any obligations owed it by the Borrower whether
under this Agreement or any Existing Loan Agreement and shall have the right to
determine the order in which amounts are applied to such obligations.


                                      -39-
<PAGE>   45
      9.8. Resignation. If the Agent shall resign as Agent under this Agreement,
then the Required Lenders may appoint, with the consent, so long as there shall
not have occurred and be continuing a Default or Event of Default, of the
Borrower, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, a successor Agent
for the Lenders, which successor Agent shall be a commercial bank organized
under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, having a combined
surplus and capital of not less than $500,000,000, whereupon such successor
Agent shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties of the former Agent and the
obligations of the former Agent shall be terminated and canceled, without any
other or further act or deed on the part of such former Agent or any of the
parties to this Agreement; provided, however, that the former Agent's
resignation shall not become effective until such successor Agent has been
appointed and has succeeded of record to all right, title and interest in any
collateral held by the Agent; provided, further, that if the Required Lenders
and, if applicable, the Borrower cannot agree as to a successor Agent within
ninety (90) days after such resignation, the Agent shall appoint a successor
Agent that satisfies the criteria set forth above in this Section 9.8 for a
successor Agent and the parties hereto agree to execute whatever documents are
necessary to effect such action under this Agreement or any other Document
executed pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that in such event all
provisions of the Loan Documents shall remain in full force and effect. After
any retiring Agent's resignation hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this
Article IX shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be
taken by it while it was Agent under this Agreement.

      9.9. Sharing of Payments, Etc. Each Lender agrees that if it shall,
through the exercise of a right of banker's lien, set-off, counterclaim or
otherwise, obtain payment with respect to its Obligations (other than pursuant
to Article V) that results in its receiving more than its pro rata share of the
aggregate payments with respect to all of the Obligations (other than any
payment pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.3), then (a) such Lender shall be deemed to
have simultaneously purchased from the other Lenders a share in their
Obligations so that the amount of the Obligations held by each of the Lenders
shall be pro rata and (b) such other adjustments shall be made from time to time
as shall be equitable to insure that the Lenders share such payments ratably;
provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 9.9, the term "pro rata"
shall be determined with respect to the Revolving Credit Commitment after
subtraction of amounts, if any, by which any such Lender has not funded its
share of the outstanding Advances and Obligations. If all or any portion of any
such excess payment is thereafter recovered from the Lender that received the
same, the purchase provided in this Section 9.9 shall be rescinded to the extent
of such recovery, without interest. The Borrower expressly consents to the
foregoing arrangements and agrees that each Lender so purchasing a portion of
the other Lenders' Obligations may exercise all rights of payment (including,
without limitation, all rights of set-off, banker's lien or counterclaim) with
respect to such portion as fully as if such Lender were the direct holder of
such portion.


                                      -40-
<PAGE>   46
      9.10. Fees. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent, for its individual
account, an annual Agent's fee as from time to time agreed to by the Borrower
and Agent in writing.


                                    ARTICLE X

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

      10.1. Assignments and Participations. (a) At any time after the Closing
Date each Lender may, with the prior consent of the Borrower (so long as no
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) and the Agent, which consents
shall not be unreasonably withheld, assign to one or more banks or financial
institutions all or a portion of its rights and obligations under the Loan
Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of any Note payable
to its order); provided, that (i) each such assignment shall be of a constant
and not a varying percentage of all of the assigning Lender's rights and
obligations hereunder, (ii) for each assignment involving the issuance and
transfer of a Note, the assigning Lender shall execute an Assignment and
Acceptance and the Borrower hereby agrees to execute a replacement Note to give
effect to the assignment, (iii) the minimum aggregate amount of a Revolving
Credit Commitment that shall be assigned is $5,000,000, (iv) such assignee shall
have an office located in the United States, and (v) no consent of the Borrower
or the Agent shall be required in connection with any assignment by a Lender to
another Lender or to an Affiliate of any Lender. Upon such execution, delivery,
approval and acceptance, from and after the effective date specified in each
Assignment and Acceptance, (x) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto
and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder or under any such Note
have been assigned or negotiated to it pursuant to such Assignment and
Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and a holder
of such Note and (y) the assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that rights
and obligations hereunder or under such Note have been assigned or negotiated by
it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be
released from its obligations under this Agreement.

            (b) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the
Lender assignor thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with
each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) the assignment made
under such Assignment and Acceptance is made under such Assignment and
Acceptance without recourse; (ii) such assigning Lender makes no representation
or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial
condition of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the performance or observance
by the Borrower of any of its obligations under any Loan Document or any other
instrument or Document furnished pursuant hereto; (iii) such assignee confirms
that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of the
financial statements delivered pursuant to


                                      -41-
<PAGE>   47
Section 4.5 or Section 6.1, as the case may be, and such other Loan Documents
and other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own
credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iv)
such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, such
assigning Lender or any other Lender and based on such documents and information
as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit
decisions in taking or not taking action under any Loan Document; (v) such
assignee appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its
behalf and to exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are delegated to
the Agent by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such powers as are
reasonably incidental thereto; and (vi) such assignee agrees that it will
perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations that by the terms
of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender and a
holder of a Note.

            (c) The Agent shall maintain at its address referred to herein a
copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to and accepted by it.

            (d) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an
assigning Lender, the Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to Borrower.

            (e) Nothing herein shall prohibit any Lender from pledging or
assigning, without notice to or consent of the Borrower, any Note to any Federal
Reserve Bank in accordance with applicable law.

            (f) Each Lender may sell participations at its expense to one or
more banks or other entities as to all or a portion of its rights and
obligations under this Agreement; provided, that (i) such Lender's obligations
under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain
solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such
obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any Note issued to it
for the purpose of this Agreement, (iv) the Borrower, the Agent and the other
Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in
connection with such Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement and
with regard to any and all payments to be made under this Agreement and (v) the
sale of any such participations that require Borrower to file a registration
statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission or under the securities
regulations or laws of any state shall not be permitted.

            (g) The Borrower may not assign any rights, powers, duties or
obligations under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents without the prior
written consent of all the Lenders.

      10.2. Survival of Representations, Etc. All representations, warranties
and covenants made herein or in any Loan Document shall survive the making of
any


                                      -42-
<PAGE>   48
Advance hereunder and the delivery of the Notes and the consummation of all
other transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

      10.3. Right of Setoff. In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted
under applicable law or otherwise and not by way of limitation of any such
rights, upon the occurrence and during the unremedied continuation of an Event
of Default, the Agent and each Lender is hereby authorized at any time or from
time to time, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind
to the Borrower or to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly
waived, to set off and to appropriate and apply any and all deposits (general or
special) and any other indebtedness at any time held or owing by the Agent or
any Lender to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against and on
account of the Obligations, and all other claims of any nature or description
arising out of or connected with this Agreement or any other Loan Document,
irrespective of whether or not such Agent or Lender shall have made any demand
hereunder and although said Obligations, liabilities or claims, or any of them,
shall be contingent or unmatured.

      10.4. Indemnity; Costs, Expenses and Taxes. The Borrower hereby agrees to
indemnify the Lenders and their legal representatives, successors, assigns and
agents against, and agrees to protect, save and keep harmless each of them from
and to pay upon demand, any and all liabilities, obligations, taxes (including
any and all stamp and other taxes payable or determined to be payable in
connection with the execution and delivery of any Loan Documents), liens,
charges, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, suits, costs, indemnities,
expenses and disbursements (including, without limitation, reasonable legal
fees, costs and expenses, including without limitation reasonable costs of
attending and preparing for depositions and other court proceedings), of
whatsoever kind and nature, imposed upon, incurred by or asserted against such
indemnified party in any way relating to or arising out of the execution,
delivery, enforcement, performance and administration of this Agreement or any
other Loan Documents (all of the foregoing, collectively, "Costs") except to the
extent arising by reason of any Lender's gross negligence, misconduct or breach
hereof. Without limiting the foregoing, the Borrower agrees to pay on demand (a)
all out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Agent in connection with the
preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and any other Loan
Documents, including without limitation the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket
expenses of Foley, Hoag & Eliot, special counsel for the Agent, with respect
thereto, as well as (b) the reasonable fees and all out-of-pocket expenses of
legal counsel, independent public accountants and other outside experts retained
by the Lenders in connection with any request by the Borrower for consents,
waivers or other action or forbearance by the Lenders hereunder, for the
modification or amendment hereof, or other like matters relating to the
administration of this Agreement; and (c) all reasonable costs and expenses, if
any, of the Lenders incurred after the occurrence of any Event of Default
hereunder in connection with the enforcement of any of the Loan Documents or the
protection of any of the Lenders' rights thereunder, including, without
limitation, any internal


                                      -43-
<PAGE>   49
costs, including personnel costs of the Lenders incurred in connection with such
administration and enforcement or protection.

      10.5. Notices.

            (a) Unless telephonic notice is specifically permitted pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement, any notice or other communication hereunder to any
party hereto shall be by telegram, telecopier, telex, delivery in hand or by
courier, or registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) and shall be
deemed to have been given or made when telegraphed, telexed, telecopied (and
confirmed received), delivered in hand or by courier, or three days after being
deposited in the mails, postage prepaid, registered or certified, addressed to
the party as follows (or at any other address that such party may hereafter
specify to the other parties in writing):

            (a)  If to the Agent:

                 The First National Bank of Boston
                 100 Federal Street
                 Boston, Massachusetts  02110
                 Attn:  Ms. Sharon A. Stone, Director
                 Telecopier No. (617) 434-4426

                 with a copy to:

                 Arlene L. Bender, Esq.
                 Foley, Hoag & Eliot
                 One Post Office Square
                 Boston, Massachusetts  02109
                 Telecopier No. (617) 832-7000

            (b)  If to the Borrower:

                 MKS Instruments, Inc.
                 Six Shattuck Road
                 Andover, Massachusetts  01810
                 Attn:  Mr. Robert F. O'Brien, Treasurer
                 Telecopier No. (508) 975-3756


                                      -44-
<PAGE>   50
                  with a copy to:

                  Richard S. Chute, Esq.
                  Hill & Barlow
                  One International Place
                  Boston, Massachusetts 02110
                  Telecopier No. (617) 428-3500

             (c)  if to the Lenders:

                  At the addresses set forth on the signature pages hereof
                  and on the signature page of each Assignment and
                  Acceptance.

      10.6. MASSACHUSETTS LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS
SHALL BE DEEMED A CONTRACT MADE UNDER THE LAW OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTS AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF SAID STATE (WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS PRINCIPLES OF
CONFLICT OF LAWS).

      10.7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of
which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original and all of
which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

      10.8 JURISDICTION, SERVICE OF PROCESS.

            (a) ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE BORROWER WITH RESPECT
TO ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY JUDGMENT ENTERED BY ANY COURT IN RESPECT OF
ANY THEREOF SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
LOCATED IN SUFFOLK COUNTY OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, AS THE LENDERS (IN THEIR SOLE DISCRETION) MAY ELECT,
AND THE BORROWER HEREBY ACCEPTS THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS FOR
THE PURPOSE OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT ANY CLAIM
THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS.

            (b) IN ADDITION, THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE
FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION


                                      -45-
<PAGE>   51
IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY
JUDGMENT ENTERED BY ANY COURT IN RESPECT THEREOF BROUGHT IN SUFFOLK COUNTY IN
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, AND HEREBY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY
CLAIM THAT ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUFFOLK COUNTY IN THE
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.

      10.9. Limit on Interest. It is the intention of the Lenders and the
Borrower to comply strictly with all applicable usury laws; and, accordingly, in
no event and upon no contingency shall the Lenders ever be entitled to receive,
collect, or apply as interest under any Note any interest, fees, charges or
other payments equivalent to interest, in excess of the maximum rate that the
Lenders may lawfully charge under applicable statutes and laws from time to time
in effect; and, in the event that the Lenders ever receive, collect or apply as
interest on the Notes, any such excess, such amount that, but for this
provision, would be excessive interest shall be applied to the reduction of the
principal amount of the indebtedness evidenced by the Notes; and, if the
principal amount of indebtedness evidenced by the Notes, and all lawful interest
thereon, is paid in full, any remaining excess shall forthwith be paid to the
Borrower, or other party lawfully entitled thereto. In determining whether or
not the interest paid or payable, under any specific contingency exceeds the
highest contract rate permitted by applicable law from time to time in effect,
the Borrower and the Lenders shall, to the maximum extent permitted under
applicable law, characterize any non-principal payment as a reasonable loan
charge, rather than as interest. Any provision of any Note, or of any other
agreement between the Lenders and the Borrower, that operates to bind, obligate,
or compel the Borrower to pay interest in excess of such maximum lawful contract
rate shall be construed to require the payment of the maximum rate only. The
provisions of this Section 10.9 shall be given precedence over any other
provisions contained in the Notes or in any other agreement between the Lenders
and the Borrower that is in conflict with the provisions of this Section 10.9.

      10.10. Amendments. No amendment, modification or waiver of any provision
of any Loan Document and no consent by the Lenders to any departure therefrom by
the Borrower shall be effective unless such amendment, modification or waiver
shall be in writing and signed by the Agent, shall have been approved by the
Required Lenders through their written consent, and the same shall then be
effective only for the period and on the conditions and for the specific
instances and purposes specified in such writing; provided, however, that, no
such amendment, modification or waiver

            (i) that changes, extends or waives any provision of Section 3.1.4,
      Section 9.9 or this Section 10.10, the amount of or the due date of any
      scheduled principal installment of or the rate of interest payable on or
      fees


                                      -46-
<PAGE>   52
      payable with respect to any Obligation, that changes the definition of
      Required Lenders, that permits an assignment by the Borrower of its
      Obligations under any Loan Document, that reduces the required consent of
      the Lenders provided hereunder, that increases, decreases (other than
      pursuant to the express terms hereof) or extends (other than pursuant to
      the express terms hereof) the Revolving Credit Commitment of any Lender or
      the Total Revolving Credit Commitment or that waives any condition to the
      making of any Advance, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by
      each of the Lenders; or

            (ii) that affects the rights, privileges, immunities or indemnities
      of the Agent shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the Agent.

Notwithstanding any provision of the other Loan Documents to the contrary, as
between the Agent and the Lenders, execution by the Agent shall not be deemed
conclusive evidence that the Agent has obtained the written consent of the
Required Lenders. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances, except as otherwise expressly provided herein. No delay or
omission on any Lender's or the Agent's part in exercising any right, remedy or
option shall operate as a waiver of such or any other right, remedy or option or
of any Default or Event of Default.

      10.11. Headings. The headings of this Agreement are for convenience only
and are not to affect the construction of or to be taken into account in
interpreting the substance of this Agreement.

      10.12. WAIVER OF NOTICE, ETC. THE BORROWER WAIVES DEMAND, NOTICE, PROTEST,
NOTICE OF ACCEPTANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT, NOTICE OF LOANS MADE, CREDIT EXTENDED,
COLLATERAL RECEIVED OR DELIVERED OR OTHER ACTION TAKEN IN RELIANCE HEREON AND
ALL OTHER DEMANDS AND NOTICE OF ANY DESCRIPTION, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED HEREBY. WITH
RESPECT BOTH TO THE OBLIGATIONS AND COLLATERAL, THE BORROWER ASSENTS TO ANY
EXTENSION OR POSTPONEMENT OF THE TIME OF PAYMENT OR ANY OTHER INDULGENCE, TO ANY
SUBSTITUTION, EXCHANGE OR RELEASE OF COLLATERAL, TO THE ADDITION OR RELEASE OF
ANY PARTY OR PERSONS PRIMARILY OR SECONDARILY LIABLE, TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF
PRETRIAL PAYMENT THEREON AND THE SETTLEMENT, COMPROMISING OR ADJUSTING OF ANY
THEREOF, ALL IN SUCH MANNER AND AT SUCH TIME OR TIMES AS THE LENDERS MAY DEEM
ADVISABLE. THE BORROWER AGREES THAT NO ACTIONS TAKEN BY ANY PERSON EXCEPT THE
LENDERS SHALL IMPAIR OR OTHERWISE AFFECT ITS OBLIGATIONS


                                      -47-
<PAGE>   53
HEREUNDER UNTIL ALL OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWER HEREUNDER ARE SATISFIED IN FULL.

      10.13. Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions
contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal
or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability
shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall
be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never
been contained herein.

      10.14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents
constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties
with regard to the subject matter hereof and thereof and shall supersede all
prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, between the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

      10.15. Compliance with Covenants. All computations determining compliance
with Articles 6 and 7 shall utilize accounting principles in conformity with
those used in the preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section
4.5. If any subsequent financial reports of the Borrower shall be prepared in
accordance with accounting principles different from those used in the
preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.5, the Borrower
shall inform the Agent of the changes in accounting principles and shall provide
the Agent with such reports, such supplemental reconciling financial information
as may be required to ascertain compliance by the Borrower with the covenants
contained in this Agreement.

      10.16. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by the Borrower at
any time upon written notice of such termination to the Agent; provided,
however, that, unless and until all loans made by the Lenders hereunder and all
other Obligations hereunder of the Borrower to any Lender existing (whether or
not due) as of the time of the receipt of such notice by the Agent shall have
been paid in full, such termination shall in no way affect the rights and powers
granted to the Lenders in connection with this Agreement, and until such payment
in full all rights and powers hereby granted to the Lenders hereunder shall be
and remain in full force and effect.

      10.17. WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. THE BORROWER WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS
THAT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY ON ANY CLAIM OR ACTION, OF ANY NATURE
WHATSOEVER, RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER
LOAN DOCUMENTS.


                                      -48-
<PAGE>   54
      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as an agreement under seal as of the date first above written.


Witness:                      MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.



/s/ Richard S. Chute          By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
- --------------------------        -------------------------------
                              Title: Treasurer
                                     ----------------------------


                              THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON


                              By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                  -------------------------------
                              Title:
                                     ----------------------------     
                              Address:  100 Federal Street
                                        Boston, MA  02110


                              CHEMICAL BANK


                              By: /s/ Joseph Sachs
                                  -------------------------------
                              Title: Vice President
                                     ----------------------------
                                   
                              Address:  c/o Chemical Connecticut
                                        Corporation
                                        3 Landmark Square, Suite 401
                                        Stamford, CT  06901


                                      -49-
<PAGE>   55
                                     EXHIBIT A

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Revolving           Applicable
                                  Credit              Commitment
         Lender                   Commitment          Percentage
         ------                   -----------         ----------
        <S>                      <C>                  <C>
         The First National       $12,000,000                60%
          Bank of Boston

         Chemical Bank            $ 8,000,000                40%

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

                                  $20,000,000               100%
</TABLE>


                                      -50-
<PAGE>   56
                                    EXHIBIT B

                        FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

                        DATED __________________, ______

      Reference is made to the Loan Agreement dated as of February __, 1996 (the
"Agreement") among MKS Instruments, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the
"Borrower"), the Lenders (as defined in the Agreement), and The First National
Bank of Boston as Agent for the Lenders ("Agent"). Unless otherwise defined
herein, terms defined in the Agreement are used herein with the same meanings.

      ____________________ (the "Assignor") and _______________ (the "Assignee")
agree as follows:

      1. The Assignor hereby sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee
hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, WITHOUT RECOURSE, a _______%(1)
interest in and to all of the Assignor's rights and obligations under the
Agreement as of the Effective Date (as defined below), including, without
limitation, such percentage interest in the Advances owing to the Assignor on
the Effective Date and evidenced by the Revolving Credit Note held by the
Assignor.

      2. The Assignor (i) represents and warrants that, as of the date hereof,
the aggregate principal amount of Advances owing to it (without giving effect to
the assignments thereof which have not yet become effective) is $__________
under a Revolving Credit Note dated ____________, 19__ in the principal amount
of $_____________; (ii) represents and warrants that it is the legal and
beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such
interest is free and clear of any adverse claim; (iii) makes no representation
or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements,
warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Agreement or any
of the Loan Documents or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability,
genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Agreement or any of the Loan Documents
or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iv) makes no
representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the
financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or the performance or
observance by the Borrower of any of its obligations under any of the Loan
Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto and (v)
attaches hereto the Revolving Credit Note referred to in Paragraph 1 above and
requests that the Agent exchange such Note for replacement Notes as follows: a
Revolving Credit Note dated ________________, 19___ in the principal amount of
$____________________, payable to the order of the Assignor, and a Revolving
Credit

_______________________

      (1) Specify percentage in no more than 4 decimal points. The minimum
Revolving Credit Commitment that shall be assigned is $5,000,000.
<PAGE>   57
Note, dated ____________________________ 19__, in the principal amount of
$__________________ , payable to the order of the Assignee.

      3. The Assignee (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the Agreement,
together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.5
thereof and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to
make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and
Acceptance; (ii) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon
the Agent, the Assignor, or any other Lender and based on such documents and
information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own
credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Agreement; (iii)
appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to
exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are delegated to the Agent by
the terms thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental
thereto; (iv) will perform all of the obligations that by the terms of the
Agreement are required to be performed by the Lender; and (v) specifies as its
address for notices the office set forth beneath its name on the signature pages
hereof.

      4. The effective date for this Assignment and Acceptance shall be
____________________________ (the "Effective Date"). Following the execution of
this Assignment and Acceptance, it will be delivered to the Agent for approval
and acceptance and recording by the Agent.

      5. Upon such acceptance and recording, as of the Effective Date, (i) the
Assignee shall be a party to the Agreement and, to the extent provided in this
Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender
thereunder and under the Loan Documents and (ii) the Assignor shall, to the
extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be
released from its obligations under the Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

      6. Upon such acceptance and recording, from and after the Effective Date,
the Agent shall make all payments under the Agreement and Note in respect of the
interest assigned hereby (including, without limitation, all payments of
principal, interest and fees with respect thereto) to the Assignee. The Assignor
and Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the
Agreement and the Note for periods prior to the Effective Date directly between
themselves.

      7. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of _________.

                                       [NAME OF ASSIGNOR)

                                       By:________________________________
                                           Name:__________________________
                                           Title:_________________________


                                      B-2
<PAGE>   58
                                       Notice Address:__________________________
                                                      __________________________
                                       After the Effective Date
                                       Outstanding Advances:  $_________________


                                       [NAME OF ASSIGNEE)

                                       By:______________________________________
                                           Name:________________________________
                                           Title:_______________________________

                                       Notice Address/Lending Office
                                                       _________________________
                                                       _________________________
                                                       _________________________

                                       Wire transfer Instructions:
                                                       _________________________
                                                       _________________________
                                                       _________________________
                                       After the Effective Date
                                       Outstanding Advances:  $_________________

                                       Accepted this _____ day of ________, 19__

                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,
                                       as Agent


                                       By:______________________________________
                                           Name:________________________________
                                           Title:_______________________________

Consented to:

MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.


By:________________________________
   Name:___________________________
   Title:__________________________


                                      B-3
<PAGE>   59
                                    EXHIBIT C

                              REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

$______________                                            Boston, Massachusetts

                                                               February __, 1996


      FOR VALUE RECEIVED, MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC., a Massachusetts corporation
having its principal place of business located in Andover, Massachusetts (the
"Borrower"), hereby promises to pay to the order of
___________________________________________________ (the "Lender"), in its
individual capacity, at the office of THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON, as
agent for the Lender (the "Agent"), located at 100 Federal Street, Boston,
Massachusetts (or at such other place or places as the Agent may designate in
writing) at the times set forth in the Loan Agreement dated as of February __,
1996 among the Borrower, the financial institutions party thereto (collectively,
the "Lenders") and the Agent (the "Agreement" -- all capitalized terms not
otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the
Agreement), in lawful money of the United States of America, in immediately
available funds, the principal amount of ___________ DOLLARS ($__________) or,
if less than such principal amount, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all
Advances made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Agreement, on the
Revolver Termination Date or such earlier date as may be required pursuant to
the terms of the Agreement, and to pay interest from the date hereof on the
unpaid principal amount hereof, in like money, at said office, on the dates and
at the rates provided in the Agreement. All or any portion of the principal
amount of Advances may be prepaid as provided in the Agreement.

      If payment of all sums due hereunder is accelerated under the terms of the
Agreement or under the terms of the other Loan Documents executed in connection
with the Agreement, the then remaining principal amount and accrued but unpaid
interest shall bear interest, which shall be payable on demand, at the rate per
annum set forth in Section 2.4.2 of the Agreement. Further, in the event of such
acceleration, this Revolving Credit Note shall become immediately due and
payable, without presentation, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of
which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

      In the event this Revolving Credit Note is not paid when due at any stated
or accelerated maturity, the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the
principal and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys'
fees, and interest thereon at the rates set forth above.

      Interest hereunder shall be computed as provided in the Agreement.
<PAGE>   60
      This Revolving Credit Note is one of the Revolving Credit Notes in the
aggregate principal amount of $20,000,000 referred to in the Agreement and is
issued pursuant to and entitled to the benefits of the Agreement to which
reference is hereby made for a more complete statement of the terms and
conditions upon which the Advances evidenced hereby were or are made and are to
be repaid. This Revolving Credit Note is subject to certain restrictions on
transfer or assignment as provided in the Agreement.

      No delay or omission on the part of the Lender in exercising any right
hereunder shall operate as a waiver of such right or of any other right of the
Lender, nor shall any delay, omission or waiver on any one occasion be deemed a
bar to or waiver of the same or any other right on any future occasion. Every
maker, endorser and guarantor of this Revolving Credit Note or the obligations
represented hereby waives presentment, demand, notice, protest and all other
demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance,
default or enforcement of this Revolving Credit Note, assents to any extension
or postponement of the time of payment or any other indulgence, to any
substitution, exchange or release of collateral and to the addition or release
of any other party or person primarily or secondarily liable.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Revolving Credit Note to
be made, executed and delivered by its duly authorized representative under seal
as of the date and year first above written.


                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

WITNESS:

___________________________            By:____________________________
___________________________               Name:_______________________
                                          Title:______________________


                                      C-2
<PAGE>   61
                                    EXHIBIT D

                         FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE



The First National Bank of Boston, as Agent
100 Federal Street
Boston, Massachusetts  02110
Attn:  Ms. Sharon A. Stone, Director

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      Pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1(c) of the Loan Agreement (the
"Agreement") dated as of February __, 1996 by and between MKS Instruments, Inc.
(the "Borrower"), the Lenders (as defined in the Agreement) and The First
National Bank of Boston as Agent for the Lenders, the undersigned hereby
certifies in the name and on behalf of the Borrower as follows:

(A)   (1)   The Borrower has performed and maintained all of its obligations
            under the Agreement;

      (2)   The undersigned has caused the provisions of the Agreement to be
            reviewed and there is no Default or Event of Default thereunder,
            other than as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule attached hereto;

      (3)   No new action, suit or proceeding has been commenced, or threatened
            before any court, arbitration tribunal or governmental regulatory
            authority, commission, bureau, agency or public regulatory body
            that, if determined adversely to the Borrower or any Subsidiary of
            the Borrower, would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse
            effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of
            operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole,
            except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule attached hereto;

      (4)   All of the representations and warranties set forth in the Agreement
            other than Sections 4.5 and 4.6 are true and correct except as a
            result of the changes in circumstances set forth on the Disclosure
            Schedule attached hereto;

      (5)   Since the end of the last fiscal year of the Borrower, there has
            been no material adverse change in the financial condition, business
            or results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken
            as a whole, except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule attached
            hereto;


<PAGE>   62
      (6)   The financial statements submitted herewith are in compliance with
            the applicable provisions of Section 6.1 of the Agreement; and

      (7)   Said financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
            generally accepted accounting principles consistent with those
            applied in the preparation of the most recent annual financial
            statements furnished to the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.1 of the
            Agreement, present fairly in all material respects the information
            contained therein and the financial condition of the Borrower, and
            are correct in all material respects, subject in the case of
            statements furnished under Section 6.1(a) to normal year-end
            adjustments and the absence of certain footnotes required under
            generally accepted accounting principles.

(B)   The following calculations demonstrate that, based upon the financial
      statements of the Borrower submitted herewith, the Borrower is in
      compliance with all covenants set forth in Section 7.7 of the Agreement.


1.    Section 7.7(a) -- Tangible Net Worth
      Test

              (a)  Consolidated Tangible Net Worth         =    $____________

              (b)  50% of Consolidated Net Income
                   (excluding losses) for each
                   fiscal quarter beginning with the
                   fiscal quarter ending March 31,
                   1996, up to and including the
                   fiscal quarter last ended               =    $____________

              (c)  prior to an IPO:
                   (b) + $38,000,000
                   (which does not exceed
                   Consolidated Tangible Net Worth)        =    $____________

              (d)  after an IPO:
                   (c) + the net proceeds of the IPO
                   - the Sub S Dividend
                   (which does not exceed
                   Consolidated Tangible Net Worth)        =    $____________


                                      D-2
<PAGE>   63
         2.   Section 7.7(b) -- Debt-to-Net Worth
                   Ratio

              (a)  Consolidated Indebtedness
                   (excluding all guaranties except
                   guaranties with respect to
                   borrowed money) as of the end of
                   the fiscal quarter last ended           =    $____________

              (b)  Consolidated Tangible Net Worth
                   as of the end of the fiscal
                   quarter last ended                      =    $____________

              (c)  Ratio of (a) to (b)
                   (which is not more than 1.5 to 1)       =     ____________

         3.   Section 7.7(c) -- Cash Flow Ratio

              (a)  Consolidated Operating Cash Flow
                   for the four consecutive fiscal
                   quarters last ended                     =    $____________

              (b)  Consolidated Debt Service for the
                   four consecutive fiscal quarters
                   last ended                              =    $____________

              (c)  Ratio of (a) to (b)
                   (which is not less than 1.25 to
                   1.0)                                    =    $____________

              Terms defined in the Agreement and not otherwise expressly defined
         herein are used herein with the meanings set forth in the Agreement.

              In witness whereof, the undersigned has executed this Certificate
         on this ____ day of ________, 19___.

                                       MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.


                                       By:___________________________________

                                       Name:_________________________________

                                       Title:    Chief Financial Officer


                                      D-3
<PAGE>   64
                               DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE

(1)   4.4   Capital Structure.

      a.    Capital Stock.

                                            Issued and
                     Authorized Capital     Outstanding      Treasury
          Class             Stock           Capital Stock      Stock
          -----     --------------------    -------------    --------
          Class A   10,000, no par value          2,454           0
          common

          Class B   10,000, no par value          3,250           0
          common

      b.    Subsidiaries of Borrower.

            (i)   MKS International, Inc.; Jurisdiction of Incorporation:
                  Massachusetts; Authorized Capital Stock: 300,000, $.01 par
                  value; Issued and Outstanding Capital Stock: 19,013;
                  Percentage of Equity Owned by Borrower: 70%

            (ii)  MKS East, Inc.; Jurisdiction of Incorporation: Massachusetts;
                  Authorized Capital Stock: 300,000, $.01 par value; Issued and
                  Outstanding Capital Stock: 1,000; Percentage of Equity Owned
                  by Borrower: 77.5%

            (iii) MKS Japan, Inc.; Jurisdiction of Incorporation: Japan;
                  Authorized Capital Stock: 2,000, Y50,000 par value; Issued and
                  Outstanding Capital Stock: 707; Percentage of Equity Owned by
                  Borrower: 77.5%

            (iv)  MKS Instruments Canada Limited; Jurisdiction of Incorporation:
                  Canada; Authorized Capital Stock: unlimited number; Issued and
                  Outstanding Capital Stock: 1,100; Percentage of Equity Owned
                  by Borrower: 77.5%

            (v)   MKS Instruments Deutschland GmbH; Jurisdiction of
                  Incorporation: Germany; Authorized Capital Stock: 1,200,000
                  DM; Issued and Outstanding Capital Stock: 1,200,000 DM;
                  Percentage of Equity Owned by Borrower: 77.5%
<PAGE>   65
            (vi)  MKS Instruments France, S.A.; Jurisdiction of Incorporation:
                  France; Authorized Capital Stock: 5,000; Issued and
                  Outstanding Capital Stock: 5,000; Percentage of Equity Owned
                  by Borrower: 77%

            (vii) MKS Korea Co., Ltd.; Jurisdiction of Incorporation: Republic
                  of Korea; Authorized Capital Stock: 20,000; Issued and
                  Outstanding Capital Stock: 5,000; Percentage of Equity Owned
                  by Borrower: 77.5%

            (viii) MKS Instruments, UK Limited; Jurisdiction of Incorporation:
                  United Kingdom; Authorized Capital Stock: 100; Issued and
                  Outstanding Capital Stock: 100; Percentage of Equity Owned by
                  Borrower: 75.0%

            (ix)  MKS FSC, Inc.; Jurisdiction of Incorporation: Barbados;
                  Authorized Capital Stock: 1,000; Issued and Outstanding
                  Capital Stock: 1,000; Percentage of Equity Owned by Borrower:
                  77.5%

      c.    Outstanding Options, Etc.

            On November 30, 1995, the Borrower adopted the MKS Instruments, Inc.
            1995 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") pursuant to which options to
            purchase 192.1863 shares of Class B Common Stock of the Borrower
            have been granted. The option grants will not be effective until the
            Plan is adopted by the stockholders of the Borrower which has not
            yet occurred. The MKS Instruments, Inc. Stock Appreciation Plan, as
            amended, was terminated in its entirety, effective September 30,
            1995.

(2)   4.6   Pending Litigation.

            None.

(3)   4.11  Transactions with Affiliates, Etc.

            John R. Bertucci and Paul Utz, as lessors, lease on a month-to-month
            basis to the Borrower, as lessee, certain real estate in Santa
            Clara, California used by the Borrower as a sales and service
            facility. The current rent is approximately $57,696 per year.

(3)   4.12  ERISA.

            MKS Instruments, Inc. Profit-Sharing and Retirement Savings Plan


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   66
(4)   4.13  Ownership of Properties; Liens.

      (a)   Liens -- Borrower.

            (i)   Mortgage liens and security interests granted to Bank of
                  Boston on real property, fixtures, and certain other assets of
                  the Borrower.

            (ii)  Security interests granted to BancBoston Leasing, Inc. in
                  equipment leased by the Borrower.

            (iii) Security interests granted to certain lessors of equipment to
                  the Borrower, including Taylor of New England, Inc.,
                  Leasametric, Inc., Xerox Corporation, Pitney Bowes Credit
                  Corporation, and IBM Credit Corporation.

            (iv)  Liens granted to Leasing Associates, Inc. in certain
                  automobiles leased by the Borrower.

            (v)   Mortgage liens and security interests granted to Jefferson
                  National Life Insurance Company in connection with land owned
                  by Borrower in Boulder, Colorado.

            (vi)  Liens granted by UTI Instruments Company in its copying
                  machines and telephone system (UTI Instruments Company was
                  merged with and into the Borrower on November 17, 1995)

      (b)   Liens -- Subsidiaries.

            Liens granted by MKS Instruments France, S.A., MKS Investments
            Deutschland GmbH, and MKS Japan, Inc. on their respective land and
            buildings.

      (c)   Borrower's Material Leasehold Interests, Etc. See attachment.

(5)   4.14  Employment Matters.

            None.

(6)   4.16  Indebtedness.

      (a)   Indebtedness under the Existing Loan Agreements


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   67
      (b)   Loan Agreement with Chemical providing the Borrower with a revolving
            line of credit up to $3,000,000

      (c)   International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement dated as of June __,
            1995 by and between the Borrower and Chemical

      (d)   Guaranties as follows:

                  (i)   Guaranty by the Borrower of Indebtedness of MKS Japan,
                        Inc. to Fuji Bank and to Sanwa Bank.

                  (ii)  Guaranty by the Borrower of Indebtedness of MKS
                        Instruments Deutschland GmbH to Bank of Boston.

                  (iii) Guaranty by the Borrower of Indebtedness of MKS Korea
                        Co., Ltd. to Bank of Boston.

(7)   7.4  Investments.

            (a)   45,000 shares of common stock of Sycon Instruments, Inc.

            (b)   6,000 shares of common stock of Vacuum Technology, Inc.

            (c)   5,512 shares of Fuji Bank

            (d)   35,000 shares of common stock of Applied Science and
                  Technology, Inc.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   68
                              MKS Instruments Inc.
                                Property Summary


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                Lease        Annual
            Location                Lease/Own      Size (sq. ft.)       Landlord                Expires      Rent

DOMESTIC LEASED

<S>                                 <C>            <C>             <C>                          <C>        <C>
100 Washington Street                 Lease             500        Candid Associates            Month-to-    $13,800
North Haven, CT                                                                                   Month

500 North Red Street St. 300          Lease             250        Centers of West Shore        Month-to-     $6,678
Tampa, FL                                                                                         Month

St. 409, 11350 McCormick Rd.          Lease             845        Hill Management               7/31/97     $18,455
Hunt Valley, MD

St. 100C, 100 Roessler Road           Lease             250        Executive Secretarial         9/30/98      $7,740
Pittsburgh, PA                                                     Service Inc.

St. 111, 113, 789 Grove St.           Lease            14,627      General America Life Ins.     8/31/98     $65,822
Richardson, TX                                                     Group

St. 101, 6700 SW 105th                Lease             415        Go Co Realty                  1/12/96      $6,078
Beaverton, OR

5601B Midway Park Place               Lease            3,400       Singer Development            5/31/96     $25,542
Albuquerque, NM                                                    Partnership

St. 311, 6650 Highland Road           Lease             300        Superior Contracting         Month-to-     $7,200
Waterford, MI                                                      Corp.                          Month

St. 215, 3019 Alvin Devane Blvd.      Lease            4,144       H.R.C. Joint Venture L.P.     6/30/98     $35,814
Austin, TX                                                         & Austin Bell
                                                                   Tower Investment Co.

Bldg. 3, 3350 Scott Blvd.             Lease            4,000       Utz/Bertucci                  4/30/98     $57,696
Santa Clara, CA

24 Walpole Park South Dr.             Lease            20,084      Walpole Park South II         3/31/97    $100,420
Walpole, MA                                                        Trust

Unit A, 13341 Southwest Hwy.          Lease             300        Southwest Investment          8/31/97      $6,420
Orland Park, IL

Mill Building 7,250 Canal St.         Lease            4,000       Andrea Management             4/30/98      $8,000
Lawrence, MA

5330 Sterling Drive                   Lease            39,032      Aspen Industrial Park         10/31/98   $341,530
Boulder, CO                                                        Partnership

3844 E. University Drive              Lease            15,457      The Hewson Company            7/31/00    $115,000
Phoenix, AZ

119 Main Street                       Lease             272        Large Sammell &              Month-to-     $4,200
Flemington, NJ                                                     Danziger                       Month

1815 W. First Ave. Suite 119          Lease            1,523       Tri-City Commerce             06/30/96     $7,070
Mesa, AZ                                                           Center

550 N. Reo Street                     Lease             300        JFG Associates               Month-to-     $6,678
Tampa, FL                                                                                         Month

7978 Victor-Pittsford Road            Lease             300        Eastview Office Park          10/31/96     $6,000
Victor, NY                                                         WBW Assoc.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   69
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   Lease         Annual
            Location                     Lease/Own    Size (sq. ft.)            Landlord           Expires       Rent
<S>                                      <C>          <C>             <C>                          <C>           <C>
10220 SW Nimbus                            Lease          2,168       Petula Assoc. Ltd. & Koll     12/31/98           $26,928
Portland, OR                                                          Portland Assoc.

DOMESTIC LEASED

2030 Fortune Drive Suite C                 Lease          35,873      South Bay/Copley Assoc.       2/14/98           $277,656
San Jose, CA                                                          III

3722 Lehigh Street Suite 410               Lease          1,055       Jason C. and Marcus K.        12/31/96            $8,440
Whitehall, PA                                                         Danweber

DOMESTIC OWED

3189 E. Airway Ave.                         Own           3,500
Costa Mesa, CA

3350 Scott Blvd. Bldg. 4                    Own           5,000
Santa Clara, CA

Six Shattuck Road                           Own           82,000
Andover, MA

651 Lowell Street                           Own           85,000
Methuen, MA

17 Ballard Way                              Own           40,000
Lawrence, MA

FOREIGN LEASED

4c Jingnuin Bldg.                          LEASE         156.9 SM     Silicon Int'l Ltd.            04/10/96           $66,000
Shanghai, China

174 Cleopatra Drive                        Lease           100                                     Month-to-           C$1,540
Nepean, Ontario, Canada K2G5X2                                                                       Month      

2nd flr. Zeus Bldg. 3-16 Yangjag Dong      Lease        123.57 SM                                   10/31/96        W7,200,000
Seocho-Ku, Seoul Korea

988-1 Bangbac - Dong                       Lease          112 SM                                    12/11/96        W1,608,000
Seocho-Ku, Seoul Korea
                                                                                                               (pound
2 St. Georges Ct.                          Lease           2191                                                sterling)17,500
Altincham, Cheshire, England

Rudower Chaussee 5                         Lease          43 SM                                      09/99             DM8,000
D-12484 Berlin, Germany

Kalfjeslaan 40                             Lease          135 SM                                     12/97            DM30,000
NL-2623 AJ Delft, Germany

5-17-13 Narita-higeshi                     Lease          10,481                                               (Yen)50,160,480
Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Japan

4-1-45, Miyahara                           Lease          1,722                                                 (Yen)7,158,600
Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan

1-14-3 Hakataeki East, Hakata-ku           Lease          1,250                                                 (Yen)5,136,000
Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, Japan

1-34-6 Izumicyo, Izumi-ku                  Lease           610                                                  (Yen)2,162,160
Sendel-shi, Miyagi, Japan

1-1-14 Fujishirodal                        Lease           992                                                  (Yen)2,172,000
Suita-shi, Osaka, Japan
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   70
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Lease      Annual
                 Location         Lease/Own    Size (sq. ft.)    Landlord    Expires    Rent
<S>                               <C>          <C>               <C>         <C>        <C>
1-4-6 Honcho Aoba-ku                Lease           484                               (Yen)1,029,600
Sendai-shi, Miyagi

FOREIGN OWNED

108-30 Concourse Gate                Own           1,700                                     C$6,060
Nepean, Ontario, Canada K2E7U7                                                            Condo fees

43 Rue Du Cdt Rolland                Own           13,680
93350 - Le Bourget

Schatzbogen 43                       Own          1,310 SM
D-81829 Munchen, Germany

1-20-32, Miyamae                     Own           6,671
Suginami-ku, Tokyo
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   71
                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                           WAIVER AND FIRST AMENDMENT

                                TO LOAN AGREEMENT


         This Waiver and First Amendment (the "Waiver and Amendment") dated as
of October 18, 1996 concerns the Loan Agreement dated as of February 23, 1996
(the "Loan Agreement"), among MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Borrower"), The First
National Bank of Boston and The Chase Manhattan Bank (f/k/a Chemical Bank)
(together, the "Lenders"). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise
defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Loan Agreement.

         WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders waive certain
Events of Default; and

         WHEREAS, the Lenders are willing, on the terms, subject to the
conditions and to the extent set forth below, to grant such a waiver;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Lenders and the Borrower agree as follows:

         Section 1. Waiver. The Lenders hereby waive the Events of Default under
Section 8.1(g), (k) and (l) of the Loan Agreement resulting from Borrower's
failure to meet the financial covenants set forth In Section 7.7(b) and (c) of
the Loan Agreement as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1996.

         Section 2. Amendment to the Loan Agreement.

                  (a) Section 2.4.1. of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by
deleting the existing language and substituting the following:

                  2.4.1. The Borrower agrees to pay interest in respect of the
         unpaid principal amount of each Advance from the date the proceeds
         thereof are made available to the Borrower until maturity (whether by
         acceleration, voluntary prepayment or otherwise) as follows. Each
         Advance shall bear interest at the Base Rate in effect from time to
         time unless the Borrower elects and qualifies to pay interest on such
         Advance at the following rate (the "Adjusted LIBOR Rate"):

                           (i) During any period in which the Borrower maintains
                  a Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio of less than 1 to 1:

                                    (a) and a Cash Flow Ratio of less than 1.40
                           to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus 1.65%;
<PAGE>   72
                                    (b) and a Cash Flow Ratio of 1.40 to 1 or
                           greater but less than 1.75 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus
                           1.125%;

                                    (c) and a cash Flow Ratio of 1.75 to 1 or
                           greater up to and including 2.5 to 1, the LIBOR Rate
                           plus .875%; or

                                    (d) and a Cash Flow Ratio in excess of 2.5
                           to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus .625%;

                           (ii) During any period in which the Borrower
                  maintains a Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio of 1 to 1 or more but less
                  than or equal to 1.5 to 1:

                                    (a) and a Cash Plow Ratio of less than 1.40
                           to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus 1.65%;

                                    (b) and a Cash Flow Ratio of 1.40 to 1 or
                           greater but less than 1.75 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus
                           1.25%;

                                    (c) and a Cash Flow Ratio of 1.75 to 1 or
                           greater up to and including 2.5 to 1, the LIBOR Rate
                           plus 1.00%; or

                                    (d) and a Cash Flow Ratio in excess of 2.5
                           to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus .75%.

         Section 3. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby
represents and warrants as follows:

                  (a) The execution and delivery of this Waiver and Amendment
and the performance or this Waiver and Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended
hereby and each of the other Loan Documents, and the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby, have been authorized by all necessary corporate actions of
the Borrower. This Waiver and Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby
and each of the other Loan Documents constitute the legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with
their respective terms.

                  (b) The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Waiver and
Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each or the other Loan
Documents. Neither the authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the
Borrower of this Waiver and Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement
as amended hereby or any other Loan Document nor the performance of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby violates or will violate any
provision of the corporate charter or by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will,
with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both, result in a breach of
or a default under, or require any consent under or result in the creation of
any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Borrower
pursuant to, any material instrument, agreement or other


                                       -2-
<PAGE>   73
document to which the Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower or any of its
properties may be bound or affected.

                  (c) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Waiver
and Amendment and the performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement as
amended hereby and the Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision
of law or regulation applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of
any court or governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the
Borrower.

         Section 4. Loan Documents. This Waiver and Amendment shall be a Loan
Document for all purposes.

         Section 5. Conditions to Effectiveness. The effectiveness of this
Waiver and Amendment is conditioned on the following:

                  (a) The Borrower and the Lenders shall each have executed and
delivered a counterpart of this Waiver and Amendment;

                  (b) The representations and warranties contained in Article IV
of the Loan Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of
the date hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof; and

                  (c) No Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement
shall have occurred and be continuing other than the Events of Default described
in Section 1 hereof.

         Section 6. Miscellaneous.

                  (a) On and after the date hereof, each reference in the Loan
Agreement to "this Agreement" or words of like import shall mean and be deemed
to be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

                  (b) Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan Agreement
is in all respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms,
covenants and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.

                  (c) This Waiver and Amendment and the modifications to the
Loan Agreement set forth herein shall be deemed to be a document executed under
seal and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

                  (d) This Waiver and Amendment may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same document.


                                       -3-
<PAGE>   74
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Waiver and Amendment
to be duly executed as of the date and the year first above written.

                                            MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.



                                            By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
                                                -----------------------------
                                            Title: Treasurer
                                                   --------------------------


                                            THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON


                                            By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                                -----------------------------
                                            Title: Director
                                                   --------------------------


                                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK

                                            By: [illegible]
                                               ------------------------------
                                            Title: Vice President
                                                   --------------------------



                                       -4-
<PAGE>   75
                                     WAIVER

         This Waiver (the "Waiver") dated as of October 18, 1996 concerns the
Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 1993, as amended (the "1993 Loan
Agreement"), between MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Borrower") and The First
National Bank of Boston (the "Lender') and the Loan Agreement dated as of
October 31, 1995, as amended (the "1995 Loan Agreement") between the Borrower
and the Lender. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall
have the meanings assigned to them in the 1993 and 1995 Loan Agreements.

         The Lender hereby waives the Events of Default under Section 9.1(g),
(k) and (l) of the 1993 Loan Agreement and under Section 8.1(g), (k) and (l) of
the 1995 Loan Agreement resulting from (1) Borrower's failure to meet the
financial covenants set forth in Section 8.7(b) and (c) of the 1993 Loan
Agreement and Section 7.7(b) and (c) of the 1995 Loan Agreement as of the end of
the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1996 and (2) the Event of Default that has
occurred under Section 8.1(g), (k) and (l) of the Loan Agreement dated as of
February 23, 1996 among the Borrower, the Lender and The Chase Manhattan Bank
(f/k/a Chemical Bank) as a result of Borrower's failure to met the financial
covenants set forth in Section 7.7(b) and (c) of such Loan Agreement as of the
end of the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1996.

         Except for the above waiver, the 1993 and 1995 Loan Agreements are in
all respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms,
covenants and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Lender has caused this Waiver to be duly
executed as of the date and the year first above written.

                                          THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON



                                          By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                              ----------------------------------
                                          Title: Director
                                                 -------------------------------
<PAGE>   76
                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                           WAIVER AND SECOND AMENDMENT

                                TO LOAN AGREEMENT

         This Waiver and Second Amendment (the "Waiver and Amendment") dated as
of February 4, 1997 concerns the Loan Agreement dated as of February 23, 1996
(the "Loan Agreement"), among MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Borrower"), The First
National Bank of Boston and The Chase Manhattan Bank (f/k/a Chemical Bank)
(together, the "Lenders"). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise
defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Loan Agreement.

         WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders waive certain
Events of Default; and

         WHEREAS, the Lenders are willing, on the terms, subject to the
conditions and to the extent set forth below, to grant such a waiver;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Lenders and the Borrower agree as follows:

         Section 1. Waiver. The Lenders hereby waive the Events of Default under
Section 8.1(g), (k) and (l) of the Loan Agreement resulting from Borrower's
failure to meet the financial covenant set forth in Section 7.7(c) of the Loan
Agreement as of the end of the fiscal quarters ended September 30 and December
31, 1996.

         Section 2. Amendment to the Loan Agreement.

         (a) Section 2.4.1. of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding
the following at the end thereof:

                  Notwithstanding the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), from June
                  30,1996 through June 30, 1997, the Adjusted LIBOR Rate shall
                  be the LIBOR Rate plus 1.65%.

         (b) Section 7.7(c) of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting
the existing language and substituting the following:

         (c) Cash Flow Ratio. The ratio ("Cash Flow Ratio") of Consolidated 
Operating Cash Flow to Consolidated Debt Service:

                                    (1) for the Borrower's fiscal quarter ending
                           March 31, 1997, shall not be less than 1.25 to 1.00;

                                    (2) for the Borrower's two consecutive
                           fiscal quarters ending June 30, 1997, shall not be
                           less than 1.00 to 1.00;
<PAGE>   77
                                    (3) for the Borrower's three consecutive
                           fiscal quarters ending September 30, 1997, shall not
                           be less than 1.25 to 1.00; and

                                    (4) for the Borrower's four consecutive
                           fiscal quarters ending December 31, 1997 and for each
                           series of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the
                           Borrower ending after December 31, 1997, shall not be
                           less than 1.25 to 1.00.

         Section 3. Fees. The Borrower shall pay to the Agent, for the pro rata
benefit of the Lenders based on their Applicable Commitment Percentages, a fee
of $25,000 on the date of this Waiver and Amendment. If the parties agree to
another amendment of the Loan Agreement prior to the date 180 days after the
date of this Waiver and Amendment, the Lenders agree to reduce by $8,000 the fee
that would otherwise be required to induce the Lenders to agree to such
amendment.

         Section 4. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby
represents and warrants as follows:

                  (a) The execution and delivery of this Waiver and Amendment
and the performance of this Waiver and Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended
hereby and each of the other Loan Documents, and the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby, have been authorized by all necessary corporate actions of
the Borrower. This Waiver and Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby
and each of the other Loan Documents constitute the legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with
their respective terms.

                  (b) The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Waiver and
Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan
Documents. Neither the authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the
Borrower of this Waiver and Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement
as amended hereby or any other Loan Document nor the performance of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby violates or will violate any
provision of the corporate charter or by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will,
with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both, result in a breach of
or a default under, or require any consent under or result in the creation of
any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Borrower
pursuant to, any material instrument, agreement or other document to which the
Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower or any of its properties may be
bound or affected.


                                       -2-
<PAGE>   78
                  (c) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Waiver
and Amendment and the performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement as
amended hereby and the Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision
of law or regulation applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of
any court or governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the
Borrower.

         Section 5. Loan Documents. This Waiver and Amendment shall be a Loan
Document for all purposes.

         Section 6. Conditions to Effectiveness. The effectiveness of this
Waiver and Amendment is conditioned on the following:

                  (a) The Borrower and the Lenders shall each have executed and
delivered a counterpart of this Waiver and Amendment;

                  (b) The representations and warranties contained in Article IV
of the Loan Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of
the date hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof;

                  (c) No Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement
shall have occurred and be continuing other than the Events of Default described
in Section 1 hereof; and

                  (d) The Borrower's audited consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 1996 shall not differ in any materially adverse
respect from the Borrower's unaudited consolidated financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 1996, which the Borrower has provided to the Lenders and
upon which the Lenders have relied in agreeing to this Waiver and Amendment.

         Section 7. Miscellaneous.

                  (a) On and after the date hereof, each reference in the Loan
Agreement to "this Agreement" or words of like import shall mean and be deemed
to be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

                  (b) Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan Agreement
is in all respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms,
covenants and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.

                  (c) This Waiver and Amendment and the modifications to the
Loan Agreement set forth herein shall be deemed to be a document executed under
seal and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


                                       -3-
<PAGE>   79
                  (d) This Waiver and Amendment may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same document.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Waiver and Amendment
to be duly executed as of the date and the year first above written.

                                            MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.



                                            By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
                                                --------------------------------
                                            Title: Treasurer
                                                   -----------------------------


                                            THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON


                                            By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                                --------------------------------
                                            Title: Director
                                                   -----------------------------


                                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK

                                            By: [illegible]
                                                --------------------------------
                                            Title: Vice President
                                                   -----------------------------


                                       -4-
<PAGE>   80

                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                                THIRD AMENDMENT

                               TO LOAN AGREEMENT

     This Third Amendment (the "Amendment") dated as of February 2, 1998 
concerns the Loan Agreement dated as of February 23, 1996 (the "Loan
Agreement"), among MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Borrower"), BankBoston, N.A.
(f/k/a/ The First National Bank of Boston) and The Chase Manhattan Bank (f/k/a/
Chemical Bank) (together, the "Lenders"), and BankBoston, N.A. in its capacity
as agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, the "Agent") as amended on October
18, 1996 and February 4, 1997. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise
defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Loan Agreement.

     WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders increase the Total
Revolving Credit Commitment and make certain other changes to the Loan
Agreement;

     WHEREAS, the Lenders are willing, on the terms, subject to the conditions
and to the extent set forth below, to amend the Loan Agreement to effect such
changes;

     NOW, THEREFORE, the Lenders and the Borrower agree as follows:

     Section 1. Amendment of the Loan Agreement.

     (a)  Section 1.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
paragraphs setting forth the definitions of "Revolver Termination Date" and
"Total Revolving Credit Commitment" and replacing them with the following
paragraphs:

          "Revolver Termination Date" shall mean December 31, 1999 or any
     subseqent anniversary thereof if the Total Revolving Credit Commitment
     shall have been renewed by the Lenders.

          "Total Revolving Credit Commitment" shall mean a principal amount
     equal to $30,000,000.

     (b)  Section 2.4.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
existing language and substituting the following:

          2.4.1. The Borrower agrees to pay interest in respect of the unpaid
     principal amount of each Advance from the date the proceeds thereof are
     made available to the Borrower until maturity (whether by acceleration,


<PAGE>   81
     voluntary prepayment or otherwise) as follows. Each Advance shall bear
     interest at the Base Rate in effect from time to time unless the Borrower
     elects and qualifies to pay interest on such Advance at the following rate
     (the "Adjusted LIBOR Rate"):

          (i)   During any period in which the Borrower maintains a Debt-to-Net
     Worth Ratio of less than 1.25 to 1:

                (a)  and a Cash Flow Ratio of less than 1.75 to 1, the LIBOR
          Rate plus 1.125%;

                (b)  and a Cash Flow Ratio of 1.75 to 1 or greater up to and
          including 2.5 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus .875%; or

                (c)  and a Cash Flow Ratio in excess of 2.5 to 1, the LIBOR Rate
          plus .625%;

          (ii)  During any period in which the Borrower maintains a Debt-to-Net
     Worth Ratio greater than 1.25 to 1 but less than 1.5 to 1:

                (a)  and a Cash Flow Ratio of less than 1.75 to 1, the LIBOR
          Rate plus 1.25%;

                (b)  and a Cash Flow Ratio of 1.75 to 1 or greater up to and
          including 2.5 to 1, the LIBOR Rate plus 1.00%; or

                (c)  and a Cash Flow Ratio in excess of 2.5 to 1, the LIBOR Rate
          plus .75%;

     (c)  Section 2.6 of Loan Agreement is hereby amended by replacing "0.25%"
set forth therein with "0.1875%".

     Section 2.  Representations and Warranties.  The Borrower hereby
represents and warrants as follows:

          (a)  The execution and delivery of this Amendment and the performance
of this Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other
Loan Documents, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been
authorized by all necessary corporate actions of the Borrower. This Amendment,
the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents
constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable
against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   82
             (b)  The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and authority
to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Amendment, the Loan
Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents. Neither the
authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of this
Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby or any
other Loan Document nor the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby
or thereby violates or will violate any provision of the corporate charter or
by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will, with the passage of time or the giving
of notice or both, result in a breach of or a default under, or require any
consent under or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon
any property or assets of the Borrower pursuant to, any material instrument,
agreement or other document to which the Borrower is a party or by which the
Borrower or any of its properties may be bound or affected.

             (c)  The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Amendment
and the performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and
the Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law or
regulation applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of any court
or governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the Borrower.

     Section 3.  Loan Documents.  This Amendment and the additional Revolving
Credit Notes referred to in Section 4(d) below shall be Loan Documents for all
purposes.

     Section 4.  Conditions to Effectiveness.  The effectiveness of this
Amendment is conditioned on the following:

             (a)  The Borrower and the Lenders shall each have executed and
delivered a counterpart of this Amendment;

             (b)  The representations and warranties contained in Article IV of
the Loan Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
date hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof;

             (c)  No Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement shall
have occurred and be continuing; and

             (d)  The Agent shall have received, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Agent and the Lenders:

                  (i)  an opinion of independent counsel to the Borrower with 
             respect to this Amendment and the additional Revolving Credit Notes
             referred to below;

                  (ii) a certificate as to the Borrower's legal existence and
             good standing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts; 


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   83
               (iii) a certificate of the Borrower's Clerk as to (x) no changes
          in its charter documents and by-laws as amended, (y) corporate votes
          authorizing the execution and delivery of this Amendment and the
          replacement Revolving Credit Notes referred to below and (z)
          incumbency of the officers authorized to execute this Amendment and
          such replacement Revolving Credit Notes on behalf of the Borrower; and

               (iv) a Revolving Credit Note to the order of each Lender, in the
          aggregate amount of $30,000,000, each duly executed by the Borrower
          and otherwise appropriately completed, in replacement of the currently
          outstanding Notes.

     In addition, the Borrower hereby represents that the conditions set forth
in clauses (a) - (e) of Section 5.1 of the Loan Agreement have been met as of
the date hereof, provided that the "Balance Sheet Date" for purposes thereof
shall mean September 27, 1997 and the financial statements referred to in
Section 4.5 of the Loan Agreement are not audited.

     Section 5. Miscellaneous.

          (a) On and after the date hereof, each reference in the Loan
Agreement to "this Agreement" or words of like import shall mean and be deemed
to be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

          (b) Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan Agreement is in
all respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms,
covenants and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.

          (c) This Amendment and the modifications to the Loan Agreement set
forth herein shall be deemed to be a document executed under seal and shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.

          (d) This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and
the same document.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly
executed as of the date and the year first above written.

                                   MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.


                                   By: /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
                                       ----------------------------------
                                   Title: Treasurer

                                      -4-

          
<PAGE>   84
                                        BANKBOSTON, N.A.,
                                          Individually and as Agent


                                        By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                           --------------------------
                                        Title:  Director
                                              -----------------------




                                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK


                                        By:
                                           --------------------------

                                        Title:
                                              -----------------------



                                      -5-

<PAGE>   85
                                        BANKBOSTON, N.A.,
                                          Individually and as Agent


                                        By:                    
                                           --------------------------
                                        Title:           
                                              -----------------------




                                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK


                                        By: /s/ Illegible Signature
                                           --------------------------

                                        Title:  Vice President
                                              -----------------------




<PAGE>   86
[BANKBOSTON LETTERHEAD]

                                                               [BANKBOSTON LOGO]



                               December 29, 1997



MKS Instruments, Inc.
Six Shamrock Road
Andover, MA 01890


Attention:     Robert F. O'Brien, Treasurer

Re:            Proposed Credit Facilities


Ladies and Gentlemen:

     BankBoston, N.A. (f/k/a The First National Bank of Boston) (the "Agent")
is pleased to inform you of the commitment of BankBoston, N.A. and The Chase
Manhattan Bank (f/k/a/ Chemical Bank) (together, the "Lenders") to amend the
Loan Agreement dated as of February 23, 1996, as amended (the "Loan Agreement")
among you (the "Borrower") and the Lenders per the terms and conditions set
forth on the attached Term Sheet and the terms and conditions set forth in this
letter. Please understand that the Term Sheet does not purport to include all
of the terms and conditions which will be contained in the definitive documents
for this transaction. Therefore, this commitment is subject to the execution of
loan documentation containing terms and conditions customary in bank financing
documents in transactions of this type and, in any event, satisfactory to the
Lenders and their counsel. In connection therewith, the Borrower agrees to
provide the Lenders and their counsel with all such documents, certificates,
opinions, assurances and other materials, and take such further actions, as we
may reasonably request. Additionally, all closing costs, legal or otherwise,
are the Borrower's responsibility, whether or not the financing actually
closes.

     The Lenders' commitment under this letter is based on their review of
certain historical financial statements, projections and other information
provided to the Lenders by you. At the Lenders' election, their commitment
under this letter shall terminate if, at any time: (a) any information
submitted to the Lenders or any material representation, warranty or statement
made to the Lenders by or on behalf of the Borrower in connection with the
commitment shall prove to have been inaccurate, incomplete or misleading in any
material respect, (b) any material adverse change occurs after, or any
additional information is disclosed to or discovered by the Lenders which the
Lenders reasonably deem to be materially adverse, with respect to the condition
(financial or otherwise), business, operations, assets, liabilities or
prospects of the Borrower or (c) any condition to lending set forth in this
letter or the Term Sheet is not or cannot be satisfied.

     In consideration of the Lenders' commitment, the Borrower agrees, whether
or not the contemplated financing actually closes, to reimburse the Lenders
promptly upon request for any and all reasonable out-of-pocket costs, expenses
and fees (including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses)
heretofore or hereafter incurred by the Lenders in connection with the
negotiation, preparation and/or execution and delivery of the Term Sheet and
this letter and the definitive loan documentation, if any, relating thereto.

     Please review the attached Term Sheet at your convenience. If this
commitment is acceptable to you, please sign and return the enclosed copy of
this letter to the attention of Sharon Stone, on or before


<PAGE>   87
January 10, 1998. This commitment shall expire (a) as of such date, if the
Agent has not received your signed acceptance, and (b) in any event, following
such acceptance, on February 28, 1998, unless by such date the contemplated
financing shall have been consummated.

     This letter (a) shall be governed by the internal laws of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, (b) represents the entire agreement among the parties hereto
and supersedes all prior correspondence and dealings, (c) is not assignable to
any other party and (d) may only be amended or modified in a written instrument
signed by the parties.

     We are pleased to make this financing available and look forward to a
continuation of our relationship with you.


                                             Very truly yours,

                                             BANKBOSTON, N.A.


                                             By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                                -------------------------
                                                Sharon A. Stone, Director


AGREED:
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK

By:
   --------------------------
Title:
      -----------------------


ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

By: /s/ Robert J. O'Brien
   --------------------------
Title:  Treasurer
      -----------------------
Date:   12/31/97
     ------------------------




                                       2
<PAGE>   88
January 10, 1998. This commitment shall expire (a) as of such date, if the
Agent has not received your signed acceptance, and (b) in any event, following
such acceptance, on February 28, 1998, unless by such date the contemplated
financing shall have been consummated.

     This letter (a) shall be governed by the internal laws of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, (b) represents the entire agreement among the parties hereto
and supersedes all prior correspondence and dealings, (c) is not assignable to
any other party and (d) may only be amended or modified in a written instrument
signed by the parties.

     We are pleased to make this financing available and look forward to a
continuation of our relationship with you.


                                             Very truly yours,

                                             BANKBOSTON, N.A.


                                             By:
                                                -------------------------
                                                Sharon A. Stone, Director


AGREED:
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK

By: /s/ Illegible Signature
   --------------------------
Title:  Vice President
      -----------------------


ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

By:
   --------------------------
Title:
      -----------------------
Date:
     ------------------------




                                       2
<PAGE>   89
[BankBoston Letterhead]

                                  Confidential              [BankBoston Logo]

                             MKS Instruments, Inc.

                                   Term Sheet
                               December 29, 1997

Resolving Credit 
  Commitment:       Increase the Total Revolving Credit Commitment from
                    $20,000,000 to $30,000,000. The Applicable Commitment
                    Percentage of each Lender would remain the same with
                    BankBoston's Revolving Credit Commitment increasing to
                    $18,000,000 and Chase's Revolving Credit Commitment
                    increasing to $12,000,000.

Maturity:           Extend the Revolver Termination Date from June 30, 1999 to
                    December 31, 1999.

Interest Rates:     Amend the interest rates as follows:

                    The Agent's Base Rate or LIBOR plus the Applicable Margin
                    determined quarterly in accordance with the following 
                    Pricing Grid:

                    For Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio greater than 1.25:1, but less
                    than 1.5:1:

                    Level                             Alt. Base +    LIBOR +
                    -----                             -----------    -------
                    I.     Cash Flow Ratio > 2.5      0              75 bp
                    II.    Cash Flow Ratio 1.75 - 2.5 0              100 bp
                    III.   Cash Flow Ratio < 1.75     0              125 bp

                    For Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio less than 1.25:1:

                    Level                             Alt. Base +    LIBOR +
                    -----                             -----------    -------
                    I.     Cash Flow Ratio > 2.5      0              62.5 bp
                    II.    Cash Flow Ratio 1.75 - 2.5 0              87.5 bp
                    III.   Cash Flow Ratio < 1.75     0              112.5 bp

Unused 
Commitment Fee:     Reduce the Unused Commitment Fee to 3/16% per annum.

All other terms and conditions of the existing Loan Agreement will remain in 
full force and effect.
<PAGE>   90
                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                           WAIVER AND FIFTH AMENDMENT

                                TO LOAN AGREEMENT


     This Waiver and Fifth Amendment (the "Waiver and Amendment") dated as of
January 28, 1999 concerns the Loan Agreement dated as of February 23, 1996 (the
"Loan Agreement"), among MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Borrower"), BankBoston,
N.A. (f/k/a The First National Bank of Boston) and The Chase Manhattan Bank
(f/k/a Chemical Bank) (together, the "Lenders"), and BankBoston, N.A. in its
capacity as agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, the "Agent") as amended on
October 18, 1996, February 4, 1997, February 2, 1998 and February 3, 1998.
Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings
assigned to them in the Loan Agreement.

     WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders waive certain Events
of Default and agree to change certain financial covenants in the Loan
Agreement;

     WHEREAS, the Lenders are willing, on the terms, subject to the conditions
and to the extent set forth below, to grant such waiver and amend the Loan
Agreement to effect such changes;

     NOW, THEREFORE, the Lenders and the Borrower agree as follows:

     Section 1. WAIVER. The Lenders hereby waive the Events of Default under
Section 8.1(g), (k) and (l) of the Loan Agreement resulting from Borrower's
failure to meet the financial covenant set forth in Section 7.7(c) of the Loan
Agreement as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1998.

     Section 2. AMENDMENT OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT.

     (a)  Section 2.4.1. of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding the
following sentences at the end thereof:

     Notwithstanding the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), from the date hereof
     through the date on which the effect of a change resulting from the
     Borrower's delivery of its financial statements and Compliance Certificate
     for the quarter ending June 30, 1999 will take effect, the only alternative
     to the Base Rate shall be the LIBOR Rate plus 1.65%.

     The effect of any change to the Borrower's Debt-to-Net Worth Ratio or Cash
     Flow Ratio on the interest rate available pursuant to Section 2.4.1(i) or
     (ii) shall take effect on the first day of the month immediately following
     the month in

                                       -1-

<PAGE>   91



     which the Borrower delivers its financial statements pursuant to Section
     6.1(a) or (b) and Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 6.1(c).

     (b)  Section 7.7(c) of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding the
following clause at the end thereof:

     provided, however, that as of the end of each of the fiscal quarters listed
     below, the Cash Flow Ratio shall not be less than the ratio stated directly
     below such quarter:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                      <C>                 <C>                 <C>
     Q4 1998             Q1 1999             Q2 1999             Q3 1999
     -------             -------             -------             --------
     .6 to 1             .5 to 1             .5 to 1             1.1 to 1
</TABLE>

     provided, however, that, the foregoing notwithstanding, if the Cash Flow
     Ratio for the first fiscal quarter of 1999 is less than 1 to 1, then the
     Cash Flow Ratio for the second fiscal quarter of 1999 shall not be less
     than 1 to 1 and further, that the Cash Flow Ratio for the first and second
     fiscal quarters of 1999 shall mean the ratio as of the end of each such
     quarter of (i) Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for such fiscal quarter
     ended on such date to (ii) Consolidated Debt Service for such quarter and
     that the Cash Flow Ratio for the third fiscal quarter of 1999 shall mean
     the ratio as of the end of such quarter of (i) Consolidated Operating Cash
     Flow for the first three fiscal quarters of 1999 ended on such date to (ii)
     Consolidated Debt Service for such quarters.

     (c)  Section 7.7 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding the
following subsection (d):

          (d)  EBIT-TO-INTEREST RATIO. The ratio of the sum of Consolidated Net
     Income plus Interest Expense, the interest portion of Financing Lease
     Obligations and all taxes in respect of income and profits paid or payable
     (including accrued Sub S distributions required to make shareholder tax
     payments) as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower beginning
     with the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1998 to Interest Expense during
     such quarter shall not be less than 2 to 1 for the fiscal quarters ending
     December 31, 1998 and March 31, 1999 and 3 to 1 for the fiscal quarters
     ending June 30, 1999 and September 30, 1999.

     Section 3.     FEES. The Borrower shall pay to the Agent, for the pro rata
benefit of the Lenders, based on their Applicable Commitment Percentages, a fee
of $45,000 on the date of this Waiver and Amendment.

     Section 4.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Borrower hereby
represents and warrants as follows:

                                       -2-

<PAGE>   92




          (a)  The execution and delivery of this Waiver and Amendment and the
performance of this Waiver and Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby
and each of the other Loan Documents, and the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby, have been authorized by all necessary corporate actions of the
Borrower. This Waiver and Amendment, the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and
each of the other Loan Documents constitute the legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with
their respective terms.

          (b)  The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Waiver and Amendment,
the Loan Agreement as amended hereby and each of the other Loan Documents.
Neither the authorization, execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of
this Waiver and Amendment nor the performance of the Loan Agreement as amended
hereby or any other Loan Document nor the performance of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby violates or will violate any provision of the
corporate charter or by-laws of the Borrower, or does or will, with the passage
of time or the giving of notice or both, result in a breach of or a default
under, or require any consent under or result in the creation of any lien,
charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Borrower pursuant to,
any material instrument, agreement or other document to which the Borrower is a
party or by which the Borrower or any of its properties may be bound or
affected.

     (c)  The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Waiver and
Amendment and the performance by the Borrower of the Loan Agreement as amended
hereby and the Loan Documents do not and will not violate any provision of law
or regulation applicable to the Borrower, or any writ, order or decree of any
court or governmental or regulatory authority or agency applicable to the
Borrower.

     Section 5.     LOAN DOCUMENTS. This Waiver and Amendment shall be a Loan
Document for all purposes.

     Section 6.     CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS. The effectiveness of this
Waiver and Amendment is conditioned on the following:

          (a)       The Borrower and the Lenders shall each have executed and
delivered a counterpart of this Waiver and Amendment;

          (b)       The representations and warranties contained in Article IV
of the Loan Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of
the date hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof;


                                       -3-

<PAGE>   93



          (c)       No Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement
shall have occurred and be continuing other than the Events of Default described
in Section 1 hereof;

          (d)       The Agent shall have received, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Agent and the Lenders:

                    (i)       an opinion of independent counsel to the Borrower
          with respect to this Waiver and Amendment;

                    (ii)      a certificate as to the Borrower's legal existence
          and good standing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
          and

                    (iii)     a certificate of the Borrower's Clerk as to (x) no
          changes in its charter documents and by-laws as amended, (y) corporate
          votes authorizing the execution and delivery of this Waiver and
          Amendment and (z) incumbency of the officers authorized to execute
          this Waiver and Amendment on behalf of the Borrower;

          (e)       The Borrower's audited consolidated financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 1998 (the "1998 Statements") shall not differ in any
materially adverse respect from the Borrower's unaudited consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1998, which the Borrower has provided
to the Lenders and upon which the Lenders have relied in agreeing to this Waiver
and Amendment and the Borrower shall deliver the 1998 Statements to the Lenders
no later than 30 days after the date of this Waiver and Amendment.

          (f)       The conditions set forth in clauses (b) - (e) of Section 5.1
of the Loan Agreement shall have been met as of the date hereof, provided that
for purposes thereof and Section 4.5 of the Loan Agreement, the "Balance Sheet
Date" shall mean December 31, 1998 and the financial statements referred to
therein shall mean the unaudited statements for the year ended December 31,
1998, that have been furnished to the Lenders.

     Section 7.     MISCELLANEOUS.

          (a)       On and after the date hereof, each reference in the Loan
Agreement to "this Agreement" or words of like import shall mean and be deemed
to be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

          (b)       Except as amended and modified hereby, the Loan Agreement is
in all respects ratified and confirmed as of the date hereof, and the terms,
covenants and agreements therein shall remain in full force and effect.


                                       -4-

<PAGE>   94


          (c)       This Waiver and Amendment and the modifications to the Loan
Agreement set forth herein shall be deemed to be a document executed under seal
and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

          (d)       This Waiver and Amendment may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same document.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Waiver and Amendment to be
duly executed as of the date and the year first above written.



                                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                                             By: /s/ William P. Donlan
                                                 ---------------------
                                             Title: Treasurer

                                             BANKBOSTON, N.A.
                                             Individually and as Agent

                                             By: /s/ Sharon A. Stone
                                                 -------------------
                                             Title: Director


                                             THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK

                                             By: /s/ Joan Considine
                                                 ------------------
                                             Title: Vice President





                                       -5-


<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 43
Part No. 0250-00098                              Date: 4/30/97





APPLIED MATERIALS


Packaging Specification





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

  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>
<S>                                                           <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                          Rev.: K         Page 2 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                                              Date: 4/30/97

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


                             DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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 
                                    [**].



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Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 3 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                                              Date: 4/30/97

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


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



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Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 4 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                                              Date: 4/30/97

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



PCB                                 Printed Circuit Board

PCBA                                Printed Circuit Board Assembly

STATIC DISSIPATIVE                  Materials that have a surface resistivity
                                    [**].





                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

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Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 5 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                                              Date: 4/30/97



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject                                                                 Page No.

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

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Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 6 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                              Date: 4/30/97


              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










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Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 7 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                              Date: 4/30/97





                              LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

FIGURE NO.      SUBJECT                                                 PAGE NO.

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



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Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 8 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                                              Date: 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.








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Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 9 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                                              Date: 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


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<PAGE>   57


Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 10 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                                              Date: 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.



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<PAGE>   58


Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 11 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                                              Date: 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.












                   Figure 6.1. Commodity Code Reference Table



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   59


Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 12 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                                              Date: 4/30/97

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

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
                  palletzing 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 DELIVERY OF BOTH THE CONTAINER AND ITS
                             CONTENTS.

                  7.1.3.     Previously used containers [**].

                  7.1.4.     Recyclability is [**].

                  7.1.5.     All items are to be packaged individually [**].

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

                  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 degraded by the
                             packaging being used.


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<PAGE>   60


Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 13 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                                              Date: 4/30/97

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

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

                  7.1.10.    All parts must [**].

                  7.1.11.    Voids should be filled as required, [**].

                  7.1.12.    Packages [**].

                  7.1.13.    Protect all bagged items [**].

                  7.1.14.    Heavier parts, [**].

                  7.1.15.    Do not [**].

                  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 [**].

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

                  7.1.19.    The use of staples [**].

                  7.1.20.    All pallets shall [**].

                  7.1.21.    Overhang [**].

                  7.1.22.    When the center of gravity [**].

                  7.1.23.    All ground studs [**].

                  7.1.24.    All packaging materials must [**].

                  7.1.25.    Same parts must be [**].

                  7.1.26.    All inbound and outbound shipments are [**].


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Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 14 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                                              Date: 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. [**].


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Packaging Specification                          Rev.: K         Page 15 of 43
Part No. 0250-00098                                              Date: 4/30/97

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


         7.2.2.   Drops

                             [**].










                                      Chart


                             Figure 7.1. Drop Height


                             The product should be [**].

                  7.2.3.     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.

                             [**].



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

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Packaging Specification                                      Page 16 of 43
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 [**].

         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).












                                      Chart


                  *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>   64



Packaging Specification                                      Page 17 of 43
Part no. 0250-00098               Rev. K                     4/30/97







                                  Illustration


                             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.




                                      Chart


Note:  If the weight exceeds [**].



                      Figure 7.4. Size & Weight Limitations





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<PAGE>   65



Packaging Specification                                      Page 18 of 43
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.

                                  Illustration


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


                Figure 7.5. Regular Slotted Container Box Sealing







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Packaging Specification                                      Page 19 of 43
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.


                                      Chart






                                      Chart





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<PAGE>   67



Packaging Specification                                      Page 20 of 43
Part no. 0250-00098               Rev. K                     4/30/97





                                      Chart










                                      Chart








                 Figure 7.6. Small Parts Packaging Requirements





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Packaging Specification                                      Page 21 of 43
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 [**].

                  Securement to the pallet shall be made by [**]. To help with
                  load stability, [**] is recommended. The product shall be
                  protected from damage [**].

                  [**].

                  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.











                                  Illustration

                       Figure 7.7 4-Way Strapping of Load






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<PAGE>   69



Packaging Specification                                      Page 22 of 43
Part no. 0250-00098               Rev. K                     4/30/97







                                  Illustration

                       Figure 7.8. 2-Way Strapping Of Load















                                  Illustration

                Figure 7.9. Four-Way And Girth Strapping Of Load






                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   70



Packaging Specification                                      Page 23 of 43
Part no. 0250-00098               Rev. K                     4/30/97

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



                                  Illustration

                  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





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<PAGE>   71



Packaging Specification                                      Page 24 of 43
Part no. 0250-00098               Rev. K                     4/30/97


                  Vendor Requirements Specification. To assist in the
                  determination of labeling requirements, refer to the table to
                  below.

                  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.


                                      Chart












                       Figure 7.11. Labeling Requirements






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<PAGE>   72



Packaging Specification                                      Page 25 of 43
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.     Cleanroom Packaging

                  Clean packaging is required [**].

                  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
                                          [**]. See 0250-70699, Cleanroom
                                          Approved Materials.

                             7.9.2.2.     [**].

                  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 [**].

                             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.

                  7.9.4.     Overboxing



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Packaging Specification                                      Page 26 of 43
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                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                  When plastic corrugate boxes are specified on the contract,
                  purchase order or drawing, the part will only be required
                  [**].

                  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
                             [**].

                             [**].








                                      Chart

                          Figure 7.12. Desiccant Chart


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Packaging Specification                                      Page 27 of 43
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                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

         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 [**].



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Packaging Specification                                      Page 28 of 43
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                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

         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 [**].

                  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 [**].

         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.

         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.







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Packaging Specification                                      Page 29 of 43
Part no. 0250-00098               Rev. K                     4/30/97


                  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:

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

                                    -        International Air Transport
                                             Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods
                                             Regulations

                                    -        International Maritime Dangerous
                                             Goods (IMDG) Code

                                    -        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.


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                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, [**].



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                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
                                          [**].

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                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

         8.2.2.   Components, Integrated Circuits and Chips Packaging 
                  Requirements

                             8.2.2.1.     Integrated circuits may be packaged 
                                          [**].















                                  Illustration

                          Figure 8.1. IC Tube Packaging





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                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


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








                                  Illustration

                             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





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                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 [**].












                                  Illustration

                           Figure 8.3. PCBA Packaging


                             8.2.4.3.     If the bagged part [**].







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                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.






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                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 [**].




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                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:

                                          -    These items shall be [**].

                                          -    [**] cleanroom bag shall be 
                                               marked as follows: "PACKAGED IN
                                               CLASS XXXX CLEANROOM" (replace
                                               XXXX with appropriate class
                                               level. i.e., 100, 1000, 10,000).

                                          -    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:

                                          -    [**]

                                          -    [**]

                                          -    [**]

                             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 [**].





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                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.     [**].



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                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.)





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                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 [**].






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                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

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



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



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


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

<PAGE>   89





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












                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

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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



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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.


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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.



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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).

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                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



GRAPH


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



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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 [**].
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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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.

                                             illustration
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>   97


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                        Page 10 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B           7/15/9710

  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>   98


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                        Page 11 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B           7/15/9711

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

(3S) Shipping Container Label
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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>   99


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>   100


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                              illustration
page for data
field definitions.
                                   Vertical Format.  (not to scale)







                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   101


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:
- -        A single order number with multiple part numbers in an overpack 
         container.
- -        Multiple order numbers with a single part number in an overpack 
         container.
- -        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>   102


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                        Page 15 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 OR MASTER PACK WITH ITS OWN PACKING SLIP.

- -        Where there are multiple deliver dates for the line item, this is
         required each time the part is shipped.
- -        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 place one (3S) label and one packing slip on the shipping container. The
(3S) label shall specify the quantity of the part contained in that shipping
container. The package count is "1 of 1" for that shipping container.

Supplier may bundle together multiple master packs and/or multiple shipping
containers (that meet the requirements above) into a single overpack container.
If supplier bundles multiple master packs and/or shipping containers in an
overpack container, supplier shall place one (5S) outerpack label on the
overpack container.




                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials



<PAGE>   103

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:


                                     Graph







                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   104

Spot Buy 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 or master pack with its own packing slip.

         -    Where there are multiple delivery dates for the lien item, this is
              required each time the part is shipped.
         -    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 [**].

                                     Image





                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials
<PAGE>   105


                                  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>   106


                                  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>   107


                                  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>   108


                                  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>   109




                                  Attachment 8

                              Intentionally Omitted




<PAGE>   110









                                  Attachment 9

                              Intentionally Omitted




<PAGE>   111


                                  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>   112


================================================================================
CA to correct Discrepancy:  Explain

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

================================================================================
Preventative Measures Described:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

================================================================================
Scheduled Completion Date:                 _____________________________________

Supplier Signature:                        _____________________________________

Applied Materials Approval Signature:      _____________________________________

================================================================================







<PAGE>   113


                                  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>   114

                                  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>   115


                                  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>   116






                                  Attachment 14

                              Intentionally Omitted




<PAGE>   117









                                  Attachment 15

                              Intentionally Omitted




<PAGE>   118



                                  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>   119

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


                                  Attachment 17





                                [**] CALCULATION






                                      [**]





<PAGE>   120

                             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>   121


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 ********** 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 23.2
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
     We consent to the inclusion in this Amendment No. 1 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
   
February 26, 1999
    

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                          11,188
<SECURITIES>                                       538
<RECEIVABLES>                                   20,674
<ALLOWANCES>                                       656
<INVENTORY>                                     24,464
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                58,533
<PP&E>                                          74,640
<DEPRECIATION>                                  41,915
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  96,232
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           27,040
<BONDS>                                         13,786
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           113
<OTHER-SE>                                      54,713
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    96,232
<SALES>                                        139,763
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               139,763
<CGS>                                           83,784
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   83,784
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                46,361
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   253
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,483
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  8,135
<INCOME-TAX>                                       949
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              7,186
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     7,186
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.25
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.24
        

</TABLE>


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