LUMONICS INC
S-4/A, 1999-02-08
SPECIAL INDUSTRY MACHINERY, NEC
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<PAGE>
 
    
 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 8, 1999     
                                          
                                       REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 333-71449     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                ---------------
                                 
                              AMENDMENT NO. 1     
                                       
                                    TO     
                                    FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                                ---------------
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>
         ONTARIO                     36992                   38-1859358
     (STATE OR OTHER      (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
     JURISDICTION OF          CLASSIFICATION CODE)      IDENTIFICATION NO.)
     INCORPORATION OR
      ORGANIZATION)
</TABLE>
 
                               105 SCHNEIDER ROAD
                            KANATA, ONTARIO K2K 1Y3
                                 (613) 592-1460
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                    REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE)
 
                                  W. SCOTT NIX
                     PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                 LUMONICS INC.
                               130 LOMBARD STREET
                            OXNARD, CALIFORNIA 93030
                                 (805) 488-5559
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                                   Copies to:
        CHARLES J. GARDNER, Q.C.                 STUART M. CABLE, P.C.
           LABARGE WEINSTEIN                  GOODWIN, PROCTER & HOAR LLP
     333 PRESTON STREET, 11TH FLOOR                  EXCHANGE PLACE
        OTTAWA, ONTARIO K1S 5M4             BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109-2881
             (613) 231-3000                          (617) 570-1000
 
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: Upon
consummation of the transactions described herein and from time to time after
this registration statement becomes effective.
 
  If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, 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(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. [_]
 
  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 THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
                               500 ARSENAL STREET
                         WATERTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS 02472
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
   
  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the stockholders of General
Scanning Inc., a Massachusetts corporation, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on March
17, 1999, at the offices of Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP, Exchange Place,
Boston, Massachusetts.     
 
  The meeting is called:
 
  1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Amended
     and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 27, 1998,
     among Lumonics Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Ontario,
     Grizzly Acquisition Corp., New Grizzly Acquisition Corp., each a
     Massachusetts corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lumonics, and
     GSI.
 
  2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the special
     meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting.
   
  The holders of a majority of the GSI common stock outstanding on February 8,
1999 must approve the proposed merger which is more fully described in the
attached joint proxy statement/prospectus. A list of stockholders will be
available at the meeting and, during the ten days prior to the meeting, at the
offices of Goodwin, Procter & Hoar llp.     
 
  To make sure that your shares are voted at the meeting please sign and date
the enclosed proxy and return it in the envelope provided. Sending in a signed
proxy will not affect your right to attend the meeting and vote in person. You
may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by following the
directions beginning on page 12 of the joint proxy statement/prospectus.
 
  If the GSI stockholders approve the merger agreement at the special meeting
and the merger occurs, any stockholder (1) who files with GSI before the vote
on the merger agreement written objection to the merger agreement stating that
such stockholder intends to demand payment for his or her shares of GSI common
stock if the merger occurs and (2) whose shares of GSI common stock are not
voted in favor of the merger agreement, has the right to demand in writing from
GSI Lumonics, within 20 days after GSI Lumonics mails a written notice that the
merger has occurred, payment for such shares and an appraisal of the shares'
value. GSI and any such stockholder shall, in such cases, have the rights and
duties and are required to follow the procedure set forth in Sections 88 to 98,
inclusive, of Chapter 156B of the General Laws of Massachusetts a copy of which
is attached to the joint proxy statement/prospectus as Annex F.
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE
APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
 
  WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND, WE URGE YOU TO SIGN AND DATE THE
ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors
 
                                          Victor H. Woolley, Clerk
Watertown, Massachusetts
   
February  , 1999     
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
                               105 SCHNEIDER ROAD
                            KANATA, ONTARIO K2K 1Y3
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
   
  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the shareholders of Lumonics
Inc. will be held on March 17, 1999, at the offices of LaBarge Weinstein, 333
Preston Street, 11th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5N4, commencing at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, for the following purposes:     
 
1. To consider and to approve the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
   Merger dated October 27, 1998, by and among Lumonics, Grizzly Acquisition
   Corp. and New Grizzly Acquisition Corp., each a Massachusetts corporation
   and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lumonics, and General Scanning Inc. and the
   issuance of additional common shares of Lumonics under the merger agreement,
   including the issuance of common shares of Lumonics upon the exercise of GSI
   stock options outstanding at the time of the merger.
 
2. To consider and approve, conditional upon the merger, the continuance of
   Lumonics into New Brunswick so that it will be governed by the Business
   Corporations Act (New Brunswick);
   
3. To consider and to confirm, conditional upon the continuance, the adoption
   by the Lumonics Board of Directors on February 1, 1999 of By-Law No. 1 of
   Lumonics, a General By-Law which conforms with the requirements of the
   Business Corporations Act (New Brunswick) and which repeals By-Laws No. 18
   and No. 19 of Lumonics;     
 
4. To consider and to approve the change of the name of Lumonics Inc. to GSI
   Lumonics Inc., conditional upon the merger; and
 
5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the special
   meeting or any adjournment thereof.
 
  LUMONICS SHAREHOLDERS MUST APPROVE ALL OF THESE PROPOSALS, INCLUDING THE NAME
CHANGE, IN ORDER FOR THE MERGER TO OCCUR. IF THE SHAREHOLDERS FAIL TO APPROVE
ANY ONE OF THE LUMONICS PROPOSALS THE MERGER WILL NOT OCCUR. The accompanying
joint proxy statement/prospectus and the Canadian financial statement
supplement, which has been circulated to Lumonics shareholders with this
notice, provide additional information relating to matters to be addressed at
the special meeting and form part of this notice.
   
  Only those Lumonics shareholders of record at the close of business on
Wednesday, February 10, 1999 will be entitled to notice of the special meeting.
If you transfer your shares after you receive this notice, the new holder may
make a written demand prior to the special meeting to be included in the list
of shareholders eligible to vote at the special meeting.     
 
  You have the right to revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised by
following the directions on page 17 of the joint proxy statement/prospectus.
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE
APPROVAL OF ALL THE LUMONICS PROPOSALS.
 
  YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED
PROXY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO BE AT THE SPECIAL
MEETING.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors
                                          LUMONICS INC.
 
                                          Charles Gardner, Q.C., Secretary
Ottawa, Ontario
   
February   , 1999     
<PAGE>
 
                              
                           GENERAL SCANNING INC.     
                                 
                              PROXY STATEMENT     
                                  
                               LUMONICS INC.     
     
  MANAGEMENT INFORMATION STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS FOR UP TO 17,827,894 SHARES
                                             
               MERGER PROPOSED--YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT     
          
  The Boards of Directors of General Scanning Inc. and Lumonics Inc. have
unanimously agreed on a merger of equals to form one of the world's leading
suppliers of laser-based advanced manufacturing systems. In the merger, GSI
stockholders will each receive 1.347 GSI Lumonics common shares for each share
of GSI common stock they own and Lumonics shareholders will continue to hold
their common shares of Lumonics, which, following the merger, will be renamed
GSI Lumonics Inc. Immediately following the merger, the GSI stockholders and
the Lumonics shareholders will each, as a group, own approximately 50% of the
common shares of GSI Lumonics.     
          
  The GSI stockholders and the Lumonics shareholders must approve the merger
agreement at their special meetings for the merger to occur. Lumonics
shareholders must also approve certain other proposals, including the name
change to GSI Lumonics Inc. If either the GSI stockholders or the Lumonics
shareholders fail to approve all of the proposals relating to the merger, the
merger will not occur.     
       
       
       
          
  The dates, times and places of the special meetings are as follows:     
   
FOR GSI STOCKHOLDERS:     
   
  March 17, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. local time     
   
  Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP     
   
  Exchange Place, Boston, MA 02109     
   
FOR LUMONICS SHAREHOLDERS:     
   
  March 17, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. local time     
   
  LaBarge Weinstein     
   
  333 Preston Street, 11th Floor,     
   
  Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5N4     
 
  GSI's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"GSCN" and Lumonics' common shares are traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange
under the symbol "LUM." The GSI Lumonics common shares will be listed on Nasdaq
and The Toronto Stock Exchange.
       
       
          
  WE URGE YOU TO READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE VOTING AND TO CONSIDER THE
DISCUSSION OF RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MERGER WHICH BEGINS ON PAGE 8.     
 
_____________________________________
Charles D. Winston
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
_____________________________________
W. Scott Nix
President and Chief Executive Officer

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
 REGULATORS HAVE APPROVED THE GSI LUMONICS COMMON SHARES TO BE ISSUED UNDER
 THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OR DETERMINED IF THIS JOINT PROXY
 STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR ADEQUATE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
 CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
  Joint proxy statement/prospectus dated February   , 1999 and first mailed to
     GSI stockholders and Lumonics shareholders on or about that date.     
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER....................................   1
SUMMARY...................................................................   2
RISK FACTORS..............................................................   8
  Risk Factors Regarding the Merger.......................................   8
  Risk Factors Regarding GSI, Lumonics and GSI Lumonics...................   9
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS................  11
GSI SPECIAL MEETING.......................................................  12
  Purpose of the GSI Special Meeting......................................  12
  Record Date.............................................................  12
  Quorum..................................................................  12
  Required Vote...........................................................  12
  Voting Rights; Proxies..................................................  12
  Solicitation of Proxies.................................................  13
LUMONICS SPECIAL MEETING..................................................  13
  Matters to Be Addressed at the Lumonics Special Meeting.................  13
  Record Date; Voting Securities..........................................  15
  Ownership...............................................................  16
  Quorum..................................................................  16
  Votes Required..........................................................  16
  Solicitation of Proxies.................................................  16
  Appointment and Revocation of Proxies...................................  16
  Voting of Proxies and Discretionary Authority...........................  17
THE MERGER................................................................  18
  General.................................................................  18
  Background of the Merger................................................  18
  Financial Information Exchanged Between GSI and Lumonics................  20
  Recommendation of the Board of Directors of GSI; Reasons for the Merg-
   er.....................................................................  21
  Recommendation of the Board of Directors of Lumonics; Reasons for the
   Merger.................................................................  22
  Structure of the Merger.................................................  24
  Opinion of GSI's Financial Advisor......................................  24
  Opinion of Lumonics' Financial Advisor..................................  29
  Interests of Management, Board Members and a Significant Shareholder in
   the Merger.............................................................  33
  Waiver of GSI Rights Agreement..........................................  33
  Accounting Treatment of the Merger......................................  34
  United States Federal Income Tax Consequences...........................  34
  Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences................................  38
  Regulatory Approvals Required...........................................  40
  Nasdaq and Toronto Stock Exchange Listing...............................  40
  Resale of GSI Lumonics Common Shares....................................  40
  Dissenters' Rights......................................................  41
THE MERGER AGREEMENT......................................................  42
  Merger Consideration....................................................  42
  Conversion of Shares; Procedures for Exchange of Certificates...........  42
  GSI Stock Options.......................................................  43
  Effective Time..........................................................  43
</TABLE>    
 
                                      (i)
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
  Conduct of Business Prior to the Merger ................................  43
  Offers from Other Parties ..............................................  44
  Conditions to the Merger................................................  45
  Representations and Warranties..........................................  46
  Termination; Termination Fees...........................................  46
  Expenses................................................................  47
  Indemnification of GSI Officers and Directors by GSI Lumonics Following
   the Merger.............................................................  47
  Amendments to the Merger Agreement......................................  47
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS...................................................  48
COMPARATIVE MARKET DATA AND DIVIDENDS.....................................  50
  Lumonics................................................................  50
  GSI.....................................................................  51
  Dividend Policy.........................................................  51
PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GSI
 LUMONICS INC.............................................................  52
ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS AGAINST LUMONICS AND GSI LUMONICS................  61
WHERE YOU MAY FIND MORE INFORMATION.......................................  61
BUSINESS OF GSI...........................................................  63
  Overview................................................................  63
  Business Strategy.......................................................  63
  Products and Services...................................................  64
  Product List............................................................  69
  Customers...............................................................  70
  Sales, Marketing and Customer Support...................................  70
  Research and Development................................................  71
  Manufacturing...........................................................  72
  Backlog.................................................................  72
  Competition.............................................................  72
  Patents and Intellectual Property.......................................  73
  Legal Proceedings.......................................................  74
  Employees...............................................................  75
  Properties..............................................................  76
  Selected Financial Data.................................................  77
  Supplementary Financial Information ....................................  79
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
   of Operations..........................................................  80
  Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners..........  88
BUSINESS OF LUMONICS......................................................  90
  Corporate History and Structure.........................................  90
  Business of Lumonics ...................................................  90
  Corporate Strategy......................................................  91
  Acquisitions and Strategic Relationships ...............................  92
  Customers...............................................................  93
  Sales, Marketing and Distribution.......................................  93
  Order Backlog...........................................................  93
  Customer Service and Replacement Parts..................................  94
  Laser Systems...........................................................  94
  Cutting, Drilling and Welding Systems ..................................  94
</TABLE>    
 
                                      (ii)
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          -----
<S>                                                                       <C>
  Coding and Marketing Systems...........................................    95
  Competition............................................................    96
  Production and Operations..............................................    97
  Research and Development...............................................    97
  Patents and Intellectual Property......................................    97
  Legal Proceedings......................................................    98
  Human Resources........................................................    98
  Principal Properties...................................................    99
  Other Developments.....................................................    99
  New Products...........................................................   100
  Expansions.............................................................   100
  Selected Financial Data................................................   100
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Operat-
   ing Results...........................................................   102
  Security Ownership of Management of Certain Beneficial Owners..........   110
DESCRIPTION OF LUMONICS COMMON SHARES....................................   111
MANAGEMENT...............................................................   112
  Directors of GSI Lumonics .............................................   112
  Management of GSI Lumonics.............................................   112
  Current Executive Officers of GSI......................................   112
  Current Executive Officers of Lumonics.................................   113
  Biographies ...........................................................   114
  Compensation of Executive Officers.....................................   115
  Executive Compensation Agreements......................................   121
  Director Compensation..................................................   122
  Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation............   123
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.........................   123
COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS.......................................   124
  Ontario vs. New Brunswick..............................................   124
  Massachusetts vs. New Brunswick........................................   126
CURRENCY PRICES..........................................................   131
OTHER MATTERS............................................................   132
LEGAL MATTERS............................................................   132
EXPERTS..................................................................   132
GENERAL SCANNING STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS...................................   132
LUMONICS DIRECTORS' APPROVAL UNDER CANADIAN LAW..........................   133
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS............................................ FIN-1
Annexes:
  A.  Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger..................   A-1
  B.  Stock Option Agreements............................................   B-1
  C.  Opinion of GSI's Financial Advisor.................................   C-1
  D.  Opinion of Lumonics' Financial Advisor.............................   D-1
  E.  Summary and Text of Section 185 of the Business Corporations Act
   (Ontario).............................................................   E-1
  F.  Text of Sections 85 to 98 of Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts
         Business
         Corporation Law.................................................   F-1
  G.  Lumonics Resolutions Relating to the Lumonics Proposals............   G-1
  H.  Draft Articles of Continuance and General By-Law of Lumonics.......   H-1
</TABLE>    
 
                                     (iii)
<PAGE>
 
                     QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER
 
Q: Why are the companies proposing the merger?
 
A: The companies are proposing a merger of equals in order to create a company
with greater market and product diversity that is in a better position to
develop new uses for the companies' existing technologies.
 
Q: What is meant by a merger of equals?
 
A: The stockholders of GSI and the shareholders of Lumonics, each as a group,
will, immediately after the merger, own approximately 50% of the shares of the
new entity. We have selected the eight directors of GSI Lumonics equally from
the boards of GSI and Lumonics. In addition, GSI Lumonics will be managed by
some members of the current management team of each company.
 
Q: Where will the GSI Lumonics common shares be listed?
 
A: The GSI Lumonics common shares will be listed on both The Toronto Stock
Exchange and Nasdaq.
 
Q: If I am a GSI stockholder, what will I receive in the merger?
 
A: You will receive 1.347 GSI Lumonics common shares for each share of GSI
common stock you own.
 
Q: If I am a Lumonics shareholder, what will happen to my Lumonics common shares
in the merger?
 
A: Your Lumonics common shares will remain outstanding following the merger and,
without further action on your part, will be GSI Lumonics common shares.
 
Q: When will the merger be completed?
 
A: We intend to complete the merger shortly after we receive the necessary
shareholder and regulatory approvals.
 
Q: If I am a GSI stockholder, should I send in my certificates now?
 
A: No. Do not send in your GSI common stock certificates now. After the merger
is completed, we will send you written instructions for exchanging your
certificates.
 
Q: What do I need to do now?
 
A: Just mail your signed proxy card in the enclosed return envelope as soon as
possible, so that your shares of GSI common stock or Lumonics common shares may
be represented at the GSI special meeting or Lumonics special meeting, as
applicable.
 
Q: What do I do if I want to change my vote?
 
A: You may send in a later-dated, signed proxy card to the Clerk of GSI or to
the transfer agent of Lumonics, as applicable, so that it arrives before the
appropriate special meeting, or attend the appropriate special meeting and vote
in person.
 
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
                                    SUMMARY
   
  This summary highlights selected information from this document and may not
contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand the
merger fully and for a more complete description of the legal terms of the
merger, you should read this entire document carefully.     
       
       
       
All dollar amounts indicated by $ are in United States dollars and all dollar
amounts indicated by Cdn$ are in Canadian dollars.
 
THE COMPANIES (SEE PAGES 63 AND 90)
 
                GENERAL SCANNING INC.         LUMONICS INC.
                500 Arsenal Street            105 Schneider Road
                Watertown, MA 02472           Kanata, Ontario K2K 1Y3
                (617) 924-1010                (613) 592-1460
                www.genscan.com               www.lumonics.com.
 
  Both GSI and Lumonics design, develop, manufacture and market laser-based
advanced manufacturing systems for semiconductor, electronics, aerospace and
automotive industries. Although the companies frequently serve similar
customers in the same industries, the companies' product lines complement each
other, with little overlap. GSI's applications use primarily low- to mid-power
lasers integrated into sophisticated manufacturing systems for processing
materials at micron-scale accuracy. GSI's applications include machining
microelectronic components, inspection of printed circuit boards and repair of
semiconductor memory chips. Lumonics' applications use primarily mid- to high-
power lasers incorporated into complete advanced manufacturing systems.
Lumonics' applications include cutting, drilling, welding and marking a wide
range of materials from semiconductor wafers to automotive parts.
   
  Each company also conducts significant business outside of the industries
they jointly serve. For example, GSI provides the medical industry with systems
for diagnostic film imaging, biological scanners used in DNA research and
medical chart recorders for critical patient care monitoring. Lumonics is a
leading supplier of welding systems used in the manufacture of consumer
products such as batteries and razor blades. GSI Lumonics plans to leverage the
companies' international sales and service structure by cross-selling products
to each other's customers and by benefiting from GSI's strong direct presence
in the Far East and Lumonics' similar strength in Europe. GSI Lumonics plans to
offer more products to its current customer base and to expand its customer
base through the joint development of new systems and applications. As a
result, the combined company will be more diversified by market, customer,
product and application.     
 
THE MERGER (SEE PAGE 18)
 
  The companies have entered into a merger agreement under which GSI
stockholders will receive 1.347 GSI Lumonics common shares in exchange for each
share of GSI common stock they hold and will receive cash for any fractional
shares. Lumonics shareholders will continue to hold their Lumonics common
shares and Lumonics will change its name to GSI Lumonics Inc. The current GSI
stockholders and the current Lumonics shareholders will, immediately following
the merger, each, as a group, own approximately 50% of the outstanding GSI
Lumonics common shares.
 
THE MEETINGS (SEE PAGES 12 AND 13)
 
  THE GSI SPECIAL MEETING. At the GSI special meeting, holders of GSI common
stock will vote on a proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
   
  The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of GSI common stock must
approve the merger agreement in order for the merger to occur. The current
directors and executive officers of GSI beneficially own as a group
approximately 6.14% of the shares of GSI common stock.     
 
  THE LUMONICS SPECIAL MEETING. At the Lumonics special meeting, holders of
Lumonics common shares will vote upon:
 
  .  the approval of the merger agreement and the issuance of Lumonics common
     shares under the merger agreement, including the issuance of Lumonics
     common shares upon the exercise of GSI stock options outstanding at the
     time of the merger;
  .  the continuance of Lumonics into New Brunswick;
  .  the confirmation of a new General By-Law of Lumonics; and
  .  the change of the name of Lumonics to GSI Lumonics Inc.
   
  For the merger to occur, the holders of a majority of the Lumonics common
shares voting at the Lumonics special meeting by proxy or in person must vote
in favor of the merger agreement and share issuance and the by-law
confirmation. The holders of at least two-thirds of the Lumonics common shares
voting at the Lumonics special meeting by proxy or in person must vote in favor
of the continuance and the name change. The Lumonics shareholders must approve
all of these proposals in order for the merger to occur. The directors and
officers of Lumonics beneficially own as a group approximately 3.36% of the
outstanding Lumonics common shares.     
 
  CHANGE OF PROXY VOTE. Lumonics shareholders and GSI stockholders may revoke
proxies they have submitted at any time prior to the vote at the special
meetings. GSI stockholders should follow the directions on page 12 and Lumonics
shareholders should follow the directions on page 17.
   
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS (SEE PAGE 41)     
 
  Under Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law, holders of
GSI common stock who do not vote in favor of the merger and who fully comply
with the Massachusetts law requirements will have the right to an appraisal of
their GSI common stock and to receive a cash payment for their shares instead
of receiving common shares of GSI Lumonics. Under the Business Corporations Act
(Ontario), holders of Lumonics common shares who send written objection to the
continuance of Lumonics to New Brunswick and who fully comply with the dissent
procedure under Ontario law will be entitled to be paid the cash fair value of
their Lumonics common shares. If you fail to take any necessary step in
connection with the exercise of your dissenters' rights, you may lose your
dissenter's rights.
 
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS (SEE PAGES 24 AND 29)
 
  Needham & Company, Inc., GSI's financial advisor, delivered its written
opinion dated October 27, 1998 to the GSI Board of Directors. Needham's opinion
states that, as of the date of the opinion and subject to specific matters
stated in the opinion, the 1.347 GSI Lumonics common shares that GSI
stockholders will receive for each share of GSI common stock is fair to the GSI
stockholders from a financial point of view. CIBC Wood Gundy Securities Inc.,
Lumonics' financial advisor, delivered its written opinion dated October 27,
1998 to the Lumonics Board of Directors. CIBC Wood Gundy's opinion states that
the merger is fair to the Lumonics shareholders from a financial point of view.
For information on the assumptions made, matters considered and limits of the
review undertaken by the Companies' financial advisors, see "The Merger--
Opinion of GSI's Financial Advisor" and "The Merger--Opinion of Lumonics'
Financial Advisor." We have attached the opinion of GSI's financial advisor as
Annex C and the opinion of Lumonics' financial advisor as Annex D to this
document.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
 
TAX CONSEQUENCES (SEE PAGES 34 AND 38)
       
  It is not currently known whether or not the merger will require GSI
stockholders to recognize gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We urge
you to consider carefully the discussion of the tax consequences related to the
merger and to review these tax consequences with your tax advisor.
   
EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON MANAGEMENT AND BOARD MEMBERS (SEE PAGE 33)     
 
  The Board of Directors of GSI Lumonics will have eight members, four of whom
currently serve on Lumonics' Board of Directors and four of whom currently
serve on GSI's Board of Directors. In addition, some members of current
management of GSI and Lumonics will join the management team of GSI Lumonics.
In addition, GSI and its executive officers have, with one exception, amended
their key officer and manager retention agreements in connection with the
merger to limit the benefits they could receive under their agreement.
   
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER (SEE PAGES 40 AND 45)     
 
  For the merger to occur, conditions specified in the merger agreement must be
satisfied, including:
 
  .  obtaining approval of the merger under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
     Improvement Act;
  .  obtaining the requisite shareholder approvals;
  .  confirming that the shares of GSI common stock dissenting to the
     approval of the merger agreement and the Lumonics common shares
     dissenting to the continuance of Lumonics into New Brunswick does not
     exceed the amount prescribed by the merger agreement; and
  .  confirming each party's compliance with the merger agreement.
 
TERMINATION FEE (SEE PAGE 46)
 
  If either company receives an alternative proposal from a third party and the
merger agreement terminates, the party that received the alternative proposal
may be required to pay a termination fee. The termination fee would be equal to
$4 million, plus expenses up to $500,000.
 
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS (SEE PAGE 48)
 
  Each of GSI and Lumonics granted to the other an option to purchase
approximately 19.9% of its common shares outstanding immediately before
exercise of the relevant stock option agreement. These options may be exercised
under substantially the same circumstances that require a company to pay the
termination fee. The options may discourage offers by third parties to acquire
GSI or Lumonics prior to the merger. The stock option agreements terminate upon
completion of the merger.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
 
                    SUMMARY PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  We prepared the following pro forma summary unaudited consolidated financial
information to illustrate the estimated effects of the merger. You should read
the information below in conjunction with the financial statements of Lumonics
and GSI contained in this document, including the related notes. You should not
rely on the pro forma information as being indicative of the historical results
we would have had without the merger or the future results that we will achieve
after the merger.
 
  The unaudited information reflects certain comparative per share data related
to book value per share and income (loss) per share from continuing operations:
 
  .  on a historical basis for GSI and Lumonics;
 
  .  on a pro forma combined basis per GSI Lumonics common share which shows
     the data for a theoretical common share of GSI Lumonics as if the
     companies had historically been combined; and
 
  .  on an equivalent pro forma basis per share of GSI common stock which
     shows the data for a theoretical share of GSI common stock as if the
     companies had historically been combined.
 
The equivalent per share data for GSI has been computed by multiplying the GSI
Lumonics pro forma amounts by the conversion number of 1.347.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 
                               GSI LUMONICS INC.
 
         SUMMARY PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        PRO FORMA   PRO FORMA
                           GSI     LUMONICS  SUBTOTAL  ADJUSTMENTS CONSOLIDATED
                         --------  --------  --------  ----------- ------------
                          (THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER
                                           SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>
OPERATIONS DATA (NINE
 MONTHS ENDED
 SEPT. 30, 1998):
Sales................... $141,684  $110,210  $251,894                $251,894
Gross profit............   65,826    31,862    97,688                  97,688
Net loss for the
 period.................     (742)   (5,336)   (6,078)      (540)      (6,618)
                         ========  ========  ========    =======     ========
Net loss per common
 share
  Basic (000's)......... $  (0.06) $  (0.31)                         $  (0.19)
  Diluted (000's)....... $  (0.06) $  (0.31)                         $  (0.19)
Adjusted weighted
 average common shares
  Basic.................   12,560    17,088                            34,130
  Diluted...............   12,560    17,088                            34,130
BALANCE SHEET DATA
 (SEPT. 30, 1998):
Working capital......... $ 59,668  $ 90,443  $150,111    $(5,448)    $144,663
Total assets............  113,457   164,994   278,451      5,820      284,271
Long-term debt..........    1,516     4,439     5,955                   5,955
Stockholders' equity....   78,553   124,683   203,236     (2,076)     201,160
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        PRO FORMA   PRO FORMA
                              GSI    LUMONICS SUBTOTAL ADJUSTMENTS CONSOLIDATED
                            -------- -------- -------- ----------- ------------
                             (THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER
                                              SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                         <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>
OPERATIONS DATA (YEAR
 ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997):
Sales.....................  $181,530 $177,328 $358,858               $358,858
Gross profit..............    86,725   65,922  152,647                152,647
Net income for the year...     5,109   11,912   17,021    (905)        16,116
                            ======== ======== ========    ====       ========
Net income per common
 share
  Basic (000's)...........  $   0.42 $   0.75                        $   0.49
  Diluted (000's).........  $   0.40 $   0.72                        $   0.48
Adjusted weighted average
 common shares
  Basic...................    12,065   15,989                          33,031
  Diluted.................    12,657   16,454                          33,841
</TABLE>
 
PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       GSI      LUMONICS  PRO FORMA EQUIVALENT
                                    HISTORICAL HISTORICAL COMBINED  PRO FORMA
                                    ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
Basic income (loss) per share from
 continuing operations:
  For the year ended December 31,
   1997 ...........................   $ 0.42     $ 0.75    $ 0.49     $ 0.66
  For the first three quarters of
   1998............................   $(0.06)    $(0.31)   $(0.19)    $(0.26)
Book value per share(a)............   $ 6.21     $ 7.33    $ 5.91     $ 7.96
</TABLE>
 
(a) As of September 30, 1998 for Lumonics and as of October 3, 1998 for GSI.
    GSI historical book value per share excludes treasury stock.
 
  Neither GSI nor Lumonics has ever paid any cash dividends on their shares of
common stock or common shares, respectively.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES
 
  The following table discloses the closing sale price per share of GSI common
stock on Nasdaq and closing sale price per Lumonics common share on The Toronto
Stock Exchange on October 27, 1998, the business day preceding the public
announcement of the merger. The GSI equivalent per share price was calculated
by multiplying the closing sale price for a Lumonics common share by the
conversion number of 1.347, and dividing that product by the exchange rate of
Canadian dollars to US dollars of Cdn$1.5395 on October 27, 1998. The
equivalent share price indicates what the per share price of GSI common stock
would have been if the merger had occurred on October 27 and the merger did not
affect the per share price of Lumonics common shares on that date.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    PRICE PER SHARE
            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         GSI
                                                                                      EQUIVALENT
                                                                                      PER SHARE
             GSI                       LUMONICS                                         PRICE
            ------                     --------                                       ----------
            <S>                        <C>                                            <C>
            $5.125                     Cdn$8.75                                         $7.66
</TABLE>
 
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
 
  This document includes financial information relating to GSI derived from
GSI's consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States. Financial information
relating to Lumonics was derived from Lumonics' consolidated financial
statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles and recast in United States dollars. Pro forma financial information
relating to GSI Lumonics was derived from historical financial information for
GSI and Lumonics prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles. A financial statement supplement is being delivered to Lumonics
shareholders together with this document, as required by applicable Canadian
provincial securities regulations. The supplement contains historical financial
statements of GSI and Lumonics prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in Canada, and pro forma financial information of GSI
Lumonics derived from financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
  GSI Lumonics intends to prepare and distribute to its shareholders annual and
quarterly financial information in US dollars prepared in accordance with US
generally accepted accounting principles. GSI Lumonics will also comply with
the financial disclosure requirements of applicable Canadian provincial
securities regulations by preparing and distributing to its shareholders annual
and quarterly financial information in accordance with Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
  SHAREHOLDERS OF LUMONICS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF GSI SHOULD CONSIDER THE
FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE REST OF THIS DOCUMENT.
 
RISK FACTORS REGARDING THE MERGER
   
  THE COMPANIES' STOCK PRICES COULD CHANGE AFTER YOU APPROVE THE MERGER, BUT
THE CONSIDERATION RECEIVED BY GSI STOCKHOLDERS WILL NOT CHANGE. The number of
GSI Lumonics common shares issuable in exchange for one share of GSI common
stock is a fixed ratio. This ratio was determined on October 27, 1998 and will
not vary with increases or decreases in the price of either Lumonics common
shares or GSI common stock. The price of GSI common stock and Lumonics common
shares may vary for any of the following reasons:     
 
  .  changes in the business, operations or prospects of Lumonics or GSI;
 
  .  market assessments of the likelihood that the merger will occur;
 
  .  the timing of the merger;
 
  .  the prospects of the merger and post-merger operations;
 
  .  regulatory considerations;
 
  .  settlement of patent litigation claims; or
     
  .  general conditions in the laser industry.     
          
  INTEGRATING OPERATIONS IN A MERGER OF EQUALS TRANSACTION MAY BE
DIFFICULT. Lumonics and GSI believe that a merger of equals transaction may
present more difficulties in integrating the operations of the constituent
companies than most mergers, because neither constituent company is intended to
be dominant. In the case of the merger of GSI and Lumonics, the board of
directors and senior executives of the merged company will be drawn equally
from both companies. The parties intend to integrate their research and
development programs, and to reduce their reliance on third party distributors
and component suppliers. The parties will also have to coordinate their product
offerings and management information systems. GSI Lumonics management may be
temporarily distracted from the company's day-to-day business until integration
is completed. The integration of product lines could also cause confusion or
dissatisfaction among existing customers of Lumonics and GSI. There is a risk
that integration will not occur smoothly or successfully. The inability of
management to successfully integrate the operations of the two companies could
harm the business, results of operations and financial condition of GSI
Lumonics including, without limitation, product development cycles and
marketing efforts. As is common in the technology industry, competitors may
attempt to recruit key employees and solicit customers of the companies during
the merger and integration process. A loss of employees or customers could also
harm the business, results of operations and financial condition of GSI
Lumonics. Even if achieved in an efficient, effective and timely manner, the
combination of the two companies' businesses may not result in results of
operation and financial condition superior to what each company would have
achieved independently.     
 
  MERGER MAY STIMULATE COMPETITION.  The merger may cause GSI's and Lumonics'
competitors to enter business combinations, accelerate product development or
aggressively reduce prices. These and other competitive practices could create
more powerful or aggressive competitors. There is a risk that GSI Lumonics will
not be able to compete successfully as future markets evolve. Increased
competitive pressure could lead to lower sales of and prices for GSI Lumonics'
products, and this could harm GSI Lumonics' business, results of operations and
financial condition.
 
   OWNERSHIP WILL BE DILUTED AND VOTING POWER WILL DECLINE. After the merger, a
substantial amount of additional GSI Lumonics common shares will be available
for trading in the public market. The additional shares in the market may cause
the price of the GSI Lumonics common shares to decline. In addition, the voting
power of the existing Lumonics shareholders will substantially decline.
Finally, if holders of GSI Lumonics common shares sold a significant portion of
their stock in a short period of time, the market price of GSI Lumonics common
share could be reduced.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  THE COMPANIES MAY INCUR SUBSTANTIAL EXPENSES AND PAYMENTS IF THE MERGER FAILS
TO OCCUR. The merger may not occur. If the merger does not occur, the companies
will each have incurred substantial expenses in connection with the
transactions described in this document. In addition, if either party receives
an alternative transaction proposal from a third party and the merger agreement
is afterwards terminated the party receiving the alternative proposal may be
required to reimburse the other party for its transaction expenses up to
$500,000 and pay a termination fee of $4 million.
       
  THERE MAY BE FUTURE CHARGES AGAINST EARNINGS. Generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States require use of the purchase method of
accounting to account for the merger. The total purchase price will be
allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair
value. If the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net tangible assets,
GSI Lumonics will allocate the excess purchase price, based on independent
expert valuation, to intangible assets which will include purchased in-process
research and development and acquired technology, with the remainder to
goodwill. While the amortization or write-off of these intangibles will have no
effect on GSI Lumonics' cash flow, such amortization or write-off may reduce
GSI Lumonics' reported earnings and earnings per share. Based on the
preliminary purchase price allocation for the transaction, management has
estimated that $6,802,000 of the purchase price will be allocated to purchased
in-process research and development and will be expensed at the time of the
merger, $6,801,000 will be allocated to acquired technology and will be
amortized over 60 months and $2,448,000 will be allocated to goodwill and will
be amortized over 15 years. The final purchase price allocation may differ
significantly from the preliminary purchase price allocation. The difference
could result in significant changes to the charges referenced above.
 
  IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO EFFECT OR ENFORCE JUDGMENTS AGAINST LUMONICS AND GSI
LUMONICS DUE TO FOREIGN LOCATION. Lumonics is a corporation organized under the
laws of Ontario, Canada with its principal place of business in Kanata,
Ontario. GSI Lumonics will be a corporation organized under the laws of New
Brunswick, Canada. Some of the directors and officers and some experts named in
this document are residents of Canada and their assets and Lumonics' assets are
located outside the United States. Consequently, it may be difficult for United
States investors to commence legal action within the United States against
Lumonics, GSI Lumonics, or their directors or officers, or to collect on a
judgment of a United States court. Investors should not assume that courts in
Canada would enforce judgments of US courts based on US securities laws.
Lumonics has appointed Warren Scott Nix as its agent for service of process in
any action in any US court arising out of the registration of GSI Lumonics
common shares.
 
  THE MERGER MAY REQUIRE RECOGNITION OF GAIN FOR GSI STOCKHOLDERS. The exchange
of GSI common stock for GSI Lumonics common shares as contemplated by the
merger may require recognition of gain under US federal income tax laws. See
"The Merger--Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences."
 
RISK FACTORS REGARDING GSI, LUMONICS AND GSI LUMONICS
 
  THE COMPANIES EXPERIENCE QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATIONS. Lumonics and
GSI have experienced and expect to continue to experience significant
fluctuations in their quarterly operating results due to the following factors:
 
  .  market acceptance of new and enhanced products,
 
  .  timing and shipment of significant orders,
 
  .  mix of products sold,
 
  .  exchange rate fluctuations,
 
  .  length of sales cycles and
 
  .  cycles in the markets Lumonics and GSI serve.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
In addition, GSI Lumonics' net sales and operating results for a quarter will
depend on generating and shipping orders in the same quarter that the order is
received. The failure to receive anticipated orders or delays in shipments near
the end of a quarter, due to rescheduling, cancellations or unexpected
manufacturing difficulties, may cause net sales in a particular quarter to fall
significantly below expectations. This could hurt GSI Lumonics' operating
results for such quarter.
   
  IF THE COMPANIES CANNOT PROTECT OR LAWFULLY USE THEIR PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY,
THEY MAY BE UNABLE TO COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY. Each company protects its
intellectual property through patent filings, confidentiality agreements and
the like. However, these methods of protection are uncertain and costly, and
they may not succeed. In addition, each company may face allegations that it is
violating the intellectual property rights of third parties. These types of
allegations are common in the industry, and GSI in particular is subject to a
number of potentially significant pending patent infringement actions. An
adverse determination in a lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on
GSI's business, financial condition, and results of operations. See "Business
of GSI--Legal Proceedings".     
 
  CUSTOMERS MAY DEFER PURCHASING DECISIONS PENDING EVALUATION OF GSI LUMONICS'
FUTURE PRODUCT STRATEGY. Distributors, resellers and potential end users of
Lumonics' and GSI's products may not continue their current buying patterns in
light of the announced merger. Customers may defer purchasing decisions as they
evaluate GSI Lumonics' future product strategy and consider the product
offerings of competitors. If substantial numbers of customers defer purchases,
these deferrals could harm the business, results of operations and financial
condition of Lumonics, GSI or GSI Lumonics.
   
  CUSTOMERS' CYCLICAL FLUCTUATIONS MAY ADVERSELY IMPACT THE COMPANIES'
OPERATIONS. Several significant markets for Lumonics' and GSI's products have
historically been subject to economic fluctuations, due to the substantial
capital investment required in the industries served. In the past, this has led
to significant short-term over or under capacity in some market segments,
particularly in the semiconductor, aerospace and automotive industries where
the companies generated more than 30% of their revenues on a combined basis in
the nine months ended September 30, 1998. These fluctuations may continue and
could have an adverse impact on GSI Lumonics' operations.     
          
  THE COMPANIES DEPEND ON LIMITED SOURCE SUPPLIERS WHICH COULD CAUSE
SUBSTANTIAL MANUFACTURING DELAYS AND ADDITIONAL COST IF A DISRUPTION OF SUPPLY
OCCURS.  GSI obtains components for some products from a single source. The
companies also rely on a limited number of suppliers to provide materials and
components and independent contractors to manufacture subassemblies for some of
their products. If any suppliers or subcontractors experienced difficulties
that resulted in a reduction or interruption in supply to GSI Lumonics or a
failure to meet any of GSI Lumonics' manufacturing requirements, GSI Lumonics'
business, results of operations and financial condition would be harmed until
GSI Lumonics secured alternative sources. Lumonics' and GSI's manufacturers may
not be able to meet the future requirements of GSI Lumonics, and manufacturing
services may not continue to be available to GSI Lumonics at favorable prices,
or at all.     
 
  INTRODUCTION OF NEW AND ENHANCED PRODUCTS MUST BE TIMELY. The markets for
Lumonics' and GSI's products experience, and the markets for GSI Lumonics'
products will experience, rapidly changing technologies, evolving industry
standards, frequent new product introductions and short product life cycles.
Approximately one-half of GSI's 1997 sales were from products introduced after
1995. The development of new technology is a complex and uncertain process
requiring high levels of innovation and accurate anticipation of technological
and market trends. GSI Lumonics may have to manage the transition from older
products in order to minimize disruption in customer ordering patterns, avoid
excess inventory and ensure adequate supplies of new products. GSI Lumonics may
not successfully develop, introduce or manage the transition of new products.
Failed market acceptance of new products or problems associated with new
product transitions could harm GSI Lumonics' business and financial condition
and results of operations, particularly on a quarterly basis.
 
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
       
       
  LUMONICS HAS A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH A SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDER. Upon
completion of the merger, Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd. will indirectly
control approximately 18% of GSI Lumonics' outstanding common shares and will
be in a position to elect at least one director to the Board of Directors of
GSI Lumonics. In addition, Lumonics currently relies on Sumitomo for its sales
into Japan. In fiscal 1997, sales to or through Sumitomo represented 10.7% of
Lumonics' total sales. Sumitomo is not required to purchase any minimum
quantities of Lumonics' products and may terminate its distribution agreement
on three months notice. Lumonics and Sumitomo have discussed exploring
initiatives to improve sales and distribution of Lumonics' products in Japan.
However, there is a risk that Sumitomo will not continue to purchase GSI
Lumonics' systems in similar quantities.
       
           CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  This document contains forward-looking statements, including, without
limitation, statements concerning possible or assumed future results of
operations of GSI, and those preceded by, followed by or that include the words
believes, expects, anticipates or similar expressions. For those statements,
GSI claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements
contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should
understand that the following important factors, in addition to those discussed
under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this document, could affect the future
results of GSI and GSI Lumonics, and could cause those results to differ
materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements:
 
  .  changes in economic conditions in the markets served by the companies;
 
  .  a significant delay in completing the merger;
 
  .  future regulatory actions and conditions in the companies' operating
     areas; and
 
  .  other risks and uncertainties described in GSI's public announcements
     and filings.
 
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
                              GSI SPECIAL MEETING
 
PURPOSE OF THE GSI SPECIAL MEETING
 
  At the GSI Special Meeting, holders of GSI common stock will consider and
vote on the merger agreement. Holders of GSI common stock may also consider and
vote on matters related to the conduct of the GSI special meeting.
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GSI HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT
AND RECOMMENDS THAT GSI STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE
MERGER AGREEMENT.
 
RECORD DATE
   
  The GSI Board has fixed the close of business on February 8, 1999 as the
record date for determining which shareholders are entitled to notice of and to
vote at the GSI special meeting. As of the record date, there were 12,679,640
shares of GSI common stock issued and outstanding, each of which entitles the
holder to one vote.     
 
QUORUM
 
  Before business may be conducted at a GSI special meeting, there must be a
quorum of shareholders. A quorum exists when a majority of the GSI voting stock
is represented at the meeting in person or by proxy.
 
REQUIRED VOTE
   
  For the merger to occur, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of GSI common stock must vote in favor of the merger agreement. As of the GSI
record date, the current directors and executive officers of GSI and their
affiliates beneficially owned as a group approximately 6.14% of the outstanding
shares of GSI common stock. The directors and executive officers of GSI have
indicated to GSI that they and their affiliates presently intend to vote their
shares in favor of the merger agreement.     
 
VOTING RIGHTS; PROXIES
 
  All shares of GSI common stock represented by properly executed proxies will,
unless such proxies have been previously revoked, be voted as indicated on the
proxies.
 
IF YOU DO NOT INDICATE INSTRUCTIONS IN YOUR PROXY, YOUR SHARES OF GSI COMMON
STOCK WILL BE VOTED FOR THE MERGER AGREEMENT. GSI does not know of any matter
other than the merger agreement that is to come before the GSI special meeting.
The persons acting under the enclosed proxy will have the discretion to vote on
any other matter properly presented at the GSI special meeting using their best
judgment, unless such authorization is expressly withheld in the proxy. If,
however, the special meeting is adjourned to solicit additional proxies for the
merger agreement, no proxy voted against the merger agreement will be voted in
favor of the adjournment. If you execute a proxy, you may revoke it at any time
before it is exercised by:
 
  .  giving a subsequent proxy;
 
  .  delivering to Victor H. Woolley, Clerk of GSI, a written revocation
     prior to the voting of the proxy at the GSI special meeting; or
 
  .  attending the GSI special meeting and informing the Clerk of GSI in
     writing that you wish to vote your shares in person.
 
Mere attendance at the GSI special meeting will not revoke your proxy.
 
  If you would like to attend the meeting and your shares are held by a broker,
bank or other nominee, you must bring to the meeting a recent brokerage
statement or a letter from the nominee confirming your beneficial ownership of
the shares. You must also bring a form of personal identification. In addition,
if you wish to vote your shares at the meeting, you must obtain from the
nominee a proxy issued in your name.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
  If you abstain from voting as to a particular matter, or your broker or
nominee indicates on a proxy that he or she lacks discretionary authority to
vote as to a particular matter, your shares will be counted as present to
determine whether a quorum exists. However, because the merger agreement and
the merger must be approved by the holders of a majority of the shares of GSI
common stock, any abstention or broker non-vote will have the same effect as a
vote against the merger.
 
  The GSI special meeting may be postponed or adjourned for any reason. At a
subsequent reconvening of the GSI special meeting, all proxies except for any
proxies that have been revoked will be voted in the same manner as they would
have been voted at the original meeting.
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
 
  GSI will assume all expenses of GSI's solicitation of proxies, including the
cost of preparing and mailing this document to GSI stockholders. GSI has
retained Mackenzie Partners, Inc. to assist it in soliciting proxies and will
pay approximately $10,000, plus reasonable out of pocket expenses, in
connection with the solicitation. PROXIES MAY ALSO BE SOLICITED FROM GSI
STOCKHOLDERS BY DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF GSI IN PERSON OR BY
TELEPHONE, TELEGRAM OR OTHER MEANS OF COMMUNICATION. GSI will reimburse the
directors, officers and employees who solicit proxies for reasonable out-of-
pocket expenses; GSI will not, however, otherwise compensate them for the
solicitation. GSI also plans to make arrangements to have proxy solicitation
materials forwarded to beneficial owners of shares held by brokerage houses,
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries. GSI will reimburse these parties for
their reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding the materials.
 
  The merger agreement is of great importance to the stockholders of GSI.
Accordingly, we urge you to read and carefully consider the information
presented in this document, and to complete, date, sign and promptly return the
enclosed proxy in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
 
                            LUMONICS SPECIAL MEETING
 
MATTERS TO BE ADDRESSED AT THE LUMONICS SPECIAL MEETING
 
 Merger Agreement and Share Issuance Proposal
   
  Lumonics shareholders at the Lumonics special meeting will be asked to
approve the merger agreement and the issuance of Lumonics common shares which,
as a result of the name change, will be GSI Lumonics common shares. Based on
the 12,679,640 shares of GSI common stock outstanding on the GSI record date
and the conversion number of 1.347, approximately 17,079,475 GSI Lumonics
common shares will be issued to existing GSI stockholders under the merger
agreement. These shares will represent approximately 50% of the outstanding GSI
Lumonics common shares immediately after the merger. If you approve the merger
agreement and share issuance, you will also approve the assumption by GSI
Lumonics of all options and warrants to purchase shares of GSI common stock
outstanding at the effective time of the merger. Approximately 2,122,621 GSI
Lumonics common shares will be issuable upon the exercise of assumed GSI stock
options.     
 
  The shareholders of Lumonics will consider the merger agreement and share
issuance and if thought fit, pass the merger and share issuance resolution
included in Annex G to this document. The resolution must be approved by a
majority of the votes cast by the Lumonics shareholders who vote on the
resolution at the special meeting.
 
 Continuance into New Brunswick
 
  Lumonics is incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), which
has the following requirements for directors:
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
  .  that a majority of the members of the Board of Directors and of each
     committee of the Board be resident Canadians; and
 
  .  that the Board not transact business at a meeting of directors unless a
     majority of the directors present are resident Canadians unless the
     resident Canadians not attending previously approved the matter being
     considered.
 
  Lumonics and GSI have agreed that after the merger, the GSI Lumonics Board of
Directors will consist of eight directors, four of whom have been selected from
the current members of the GSI Board of Directors and four of whom have been
selected from the current members of the Lumonics Board of Directors. A
majority of the proposed GSI Lumonics Board of Directors are not residents of
Canada. Thus, in order to complete the merger, GSI Lumonics must not be
constrained by the Ontario residency requirements.
 
  The Business Corporations Act (New Brunswick) does not have any provisions
analogous to the Ontario residency requirements for boards of directors.
Lumonics shareholders will be asked to approve the continuance of Lumonics to
New Brunswick following approval of the merger. The continuance will not have
any material legal, business or tax consequences for GSI Lumonics. The
continuance will afford GSI Lumonics the flexibility to structure its board of
directors for the merger and its business needs.
 
  Differences between the Ontario and New Brunswick laws are summarized under
"Comparative Rights of Shareholders." GSI Lumonics will continue to be bound by
applicable Canadian provincial securities laws and The Toronto Stock Exchange
rules, which currently impose auditing, financial reporting, continuous
disclosure and other requirements relating to the rights of shareholders.
Lumonics has included provisions in the draft articles of continuance and By-
Law attached as Annex H to this document which would maintain some protections
which the New Brunswick laws do not provide. These provisions relate to
shareholder proposals, requisitions of meetings, and applications to court for
investigations of GSI Lumonics.
 
  The shareholders of Lumonics will consider the continuance, and if thought
fit, pass the continuance special resolution included in Annex G to this
document. The special resolution must be approved by not less than two-thirds
of the votes cast by the Lumonics shareholders who vote on the special
resolution.
 
  Holders of Lumonics common shares have dissent rights concerning the
continuance. See "The Merger--Dissenters' Rights."
 
 Approval of New General By-Law
 
  The current General By-Laws of Lumonics, By-Laws No. 18 and No. 19, conform
to Ontario law. If Lumonics is continued under New Brunswick law, it will be
necessary to create a new General By-Law. The directors of Lumonics have
adopted, conditional upon completion of the continuance, By-Law No. 1, which is
a General By-Law governing the business and affairs of GSI Lumonics. By-Law No.
1 is substantially similar to By-Laws No. 18 and No. 19, except as described
below. By-Law No. 1 repeals By-Laws No. 18 and No. 19. The full text of By-Law
No. 1 is attached in Annex H to this document.
 
  By-Law No. 1 sets out general regulations which govern the internal affairs
of GSI Lumonics, including the following:
 
  .  establishing the quorum for meetings of directors and shareholders;
 
  .  establishing the manner of conducting meetings of directors and
     shareholders;
 
  .  establishing signing authorities;
 
  .  establishing the duties of the officers of the corporation; and
 
  .  establishing the authority of designated persons to contract on behalf of
     the corporation.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
  The current By-Laws of Lumonics provide that a quorum is one holder of
Lumonics common shares present in person or by proxy. Under By-Law No. 1, the
quorum required for a shareholders' meeting of GSI Lumonics is the presence of
holders of 20% of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote at such
meeting.
 
  Lumonics shareholders must confirm By-Law No. 1 in order for the continuance
to occur. By-Law No. 1 will be effective as a By-Law of GSI Lumonics upon the
continuance.
 
  The shareholders of Lumonics will be asked to consider By-Law No. 1, and if
deemed advisable, will pass the By-Law resolution included in Annex G to this
document. The resolution must be approved by a majority of the Lumonics
shareholders who vote on the resolution.
 
 Name Change
 
  In connection with and subject to the completion of the merger, Lumonics
shareholders will be asked to approve the change of the name Lumonics to GSI
Lumonics Inc. The merger agreement provides that, as a condition to the
completion of the merger, Lumonics will change its name to GSI Lumonics Inc.
 
  Lumonics shareholders will be asked to consider the name change, and if
thought fit, to pass the special resolution relating to the name change,
included in Annex G to this document. The special resolution must be approved
by not less than two-thirds of the votes cast by the Lumonics shareholders who
vote on the special resolution.
 
  Other Matters. Other than the approval of the preceding matters, Lumonics is
not presently aware of any other business to be brought before the Lumonics
special meeting. If any matters come before the special meeting which are not
directly referred to in this document or the enclosed proxy, including
incidental matters, the proxyholders will vote the shares represented by the
proxies based on the recommendations of the management of Lumonics.
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF LUMONICS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MERGER AND
THE MERGER AGREEMENT. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE
"FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND SHARE ISSUANCE, THE CONTINUANCE,
THE BY-LAW CONFIRMATION AND THE NAME CHANGE.
 
RECORD DATE; VOTING SECURITIES
   
  The Lumonics Board has fixed February 10, 1999 as the Lumonics record date
for determining those Lumonics shareholders entitled to receive notice of the
Lumonics special meeting. If a Lumonics shareholder does not receive a notice,
however, the shareholder is not deprived of a vote at the special meeting. A
person who has acquired Lumonics common shares after the Lumonics record date
is entitled to vote those shares at the Lumonics special meeting by:     
 
  .  producing properly endorsed share certificates or otherwise establishing
     share ownership; and
 
  .  prior to the special meeting, demanding in writing to be included on the
     list of Lumonics shareholders entitled to vote at the special meeting.
   
  Lumonics is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of which
17,068,001 were issued and outstanding on the record date and are entitled to
vote at the special meeting. Lumonics shareholders are entitled to one vote for
each common share registered in their name.     
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
OWNERSHIP
 
  Each person known by the directors or senior officers of Lumonics to
beneficially own or exercise control or direction over 10% or more of the
common shares is disclosed as follows:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                     PERCENTAGE
                                                                         OF
                                                                    OUTSTANDING
                                                                    SHARES AS OF
                                                                    FEBRUARY 10,
    SHAREHOLDER                                            SHARES       1999
    -----------                                           --------- ------------
<S>                                                       <C>       <C>
Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd. .......................... 6,078,238    35.61%
</TABLE>    
 
QUORUM
 
  A quorum is required to conduct business at a special meeting. A quorum for
the Lumonics special meeting is the presence in person or by properly executed
proxy of one holder of Lumonics common shares entitled to vote.
 
VOTES REQUIRED
   
  The merger agreement and share issuance and the By-Law confirmation must be
approved by the holders of a majority of Lumonics common shares voting at the
special meeting. The continuance and the name change must be approved by the
holders of two-thirds of Lumonics common shares voting at the special meeting.
As of the Lumonics record date, the directors and executive officers of
Lumonics, their affiliates and Sumitomo beneficially owned as a group
approximately 38.97% of the outstanding Lumonics common shares. They have
indicated that they intend to vote in favor of all of the Lumonics proposals.
    
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
 
  We are providing this document in connection with a special meeting of
Lumonics shareholders. We will hold the special meeting at the time and place
and for the purposes described in the accompanying notice and at any
adjournment(s). With this document, we are soliciting proxies by or on behalf
of Lumonics management. While we expect to solicit proxies primarily by mail,
management, employees or agents of Lumonics may solicit proxies in person or by
telephone. Lumonics will assume all costs of this solicitation.
 
APPOINTMENT AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
 
  The individuals named in Lumonics' form of proxy are directors or officers of
Lumonics. A Lumonics shareholder may appoint a proxyholder who is not listed on
the form of proxy by deleting the names in the proxy related to Lumonics,
inserting a person's name in the blank space provided, and returning the proxy
or by completing a substitute form of proxy and returning it.
 
  A proxy will only be valid if it is complete and received by Lumonics'
transfer agent 48 hours or more before the day of the special meeting.
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are not included in the calculation of time.
Lumonics' transfer agent is Montreal Trust Company of Canada, 151 Front Street
West, 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2N1.
 
  A Lumonics shareholder who has given a proxy has the right to revoke it at
any time before it is exercised. In addition to revocation in any other manner
permitted by law, a Lumonics shareholder may revoke a proxy by doing all of the
following:
 
  .  Preparing a written request to revoke a proxy.
 
  .  Signing the request or having an attorney sign the request. If an
     attorney signs the request, the attorney must have written authority to
     do so. If the shareholder is a corporation, an authorized officer or
     attorney must sign the request.
 
  .  Sending the request to Lumonics' transfer agent or Lumonics' head office
     before 4:30 p.m. Toronto time on the business day before the day of the
     special meeting or giving the request to the chairman of the special
     meeting before the meeting begins.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
VOTING OF PROXIES AND DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY
 
  You may direct management how to vote your shares on each proposal. IF YOU
GIVE NO SPECIFIC VOTING INSTRUCTIONS, MANAGEMENT OF LUMONICS WILL VOTE YOUR
SHARES "FOR" EACH MATTER.
 
  THE PERSON HOLDING YOUR PROXY WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE DISCRETIONARY
AUTHORITY TO VOTE ON ANY AMENDMENTS TO OR VARIATIONS IN ANY MATTERS IDENTIFIED
IN THE NOTICE, AND OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE LUMONICS
SPECIAL MEETING. Management will use their best judgment on such matters. The
management of Lumonics knows of no amendment, variation or other matter which
may be presented to the Lumonics special meeting.
 
  A person appointed as a proxyholder by a shareholder will be entitled to vote
the shares represented by the proxy the form of proxy is properly completed and
delivered and has not been revoked.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                                   THE MERGER
   
  This section of this document, as well as the next two sections entitled "The
Merger Agreement" and "Stock Option Agreements," describe the proposed merger,
the merger agreement and the stock option agreements. We urge you to read the
merger agreement and the stock option agreements. The merger agreement is
attached as Annex A and the stock option agreements are attached as Annex B.
    
GENERAL
 
  The merger will occur only if the Lumonics shareholders and GSI stockholders
approve the merger and all other requirements in the merger agreement are
satisfied or waived. In the merger, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lumonics will
merge into GSI and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lumonics. Lumonics will
then change its name to "GSI Lumonics Inc." At the time of the merger,
stockholders of GSI will have the right to receive 1.347 GSI Lumonics common
shares for each share of GSI common stock. Lumonics shareholders will continue
to hold their Lumonics common shares which due to the name change will be GSI
Lumonics common shares.
   
  In the merger Lumonics will issue to holders of GSI common stock
approximately 17,079,475 GSI Lumonics common shares. These shares will
represent approximately 50% of the issued and outstanding GSI Lumonics common
shares immediately following the completion of the merger. In addition,
Lumonics will assume all options and warrants to purchase GSI common stock
outstanding at the time of the merger, which will be exercisable for
approximately 2,122,621 GSI Lumonics common shares.     
 
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
   
  GSI. A strategy of GSI has been to continue to expand its expertise and
leverage its core technologies to develop new products and enhance existing
products to address new applications and evolving manufacturing requirements.
While recognizing the need for industry consolidation, GSI focused its external
growth initiatives on niche product line extensions to broaden the range of
GSI's products and the markets they serve, GSI acquired complementary
businesses in 1996 and 1997. In 1998, following the consolidation in related
capital equipment manufacturing industries which had occurred in recent years,
GSI began to focus its strategic growth vision on the need for more large-scale
consolidation in its industry.     
 
  Lumonics. Lumonics has been interested in complementing its internal growth
with an external business partnership for a variety of reasons. First, Lumonics
believes that the laser systems industry is due for a large-scale
consolidation. There has not been any significant consolidation in the industry
since the 1980s, at which time Lumonics was one of the industry companies that
participated in the trend. In addition, Lumonics believes that the current
industry structure, with five public companies each with annual sales of less
than $250 million, is not sustainable in the long-term. Second, Lumonics has
already established a global infrastructure in sales, service and customer
support. A potential merger candidate could provide complementary products and
technologies to take advantage of existing infrastructure in an effort to
achieve higher sales and profit levels. Finally, customers increasingly demand
large suppliers that have the global product development and support resources
to meet their present and future needs.
 
  Discussions between GSI and Lumonics.
 
  In the summer of 1995, prior to the initial public offerings of each of GSI
and Lumonics, Robert Atkinson, Chairman of Lumonics, telephoned Jean Montagu,
the then Chairman of GSI, to discuss a business combination of Lumonics and
GSI. GSI was then in the process of pursuing its initial public offering, and
no further discussion took place.
   
  At a meeting of the Lumonics Board on February 24, 1997, management presented
an in-depth analysis of potential strategic partners, including GSI. The Board
authorized management to continue to pursue these opportunities.     
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
  In the spring of 1997, Robert Atkinson and Jean Montagu had preliminary
discussions, and scheduled an in-person meeting to discuss, the possibility of
a business collaboration. The meeting never occurred.
   
  On September 21, 1997, Robert Atkinson and Scott Nix, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Lumonics, visited GSI to meet with Charles Winston, Chief
Executive Officer of GSI and Victor Woolley, Chief Financial Officer of GSI, to
discuss the possibility of a business collaboration, including a merger of the
two companies. Despite interest from both companies at this time, the companies
had no further discussions for almost a year.     
 
  On August 10, 1998, Charles Winston visited the offices of Lumonics to
further discuss a possible merger. Dialogue at this time, though preliminary,
was more detailed than the previous conversation.
 
  At the Lumonics Board of Directors meeting on August 11, 1998, management
reviewed with the Board the preliminary discussions that had taken place with
GSI and GSI's level of interest. The Board agreed that management should pursue
this opportunity with the assistance of its financial advisors, CIBC Wood Gundy
and Ernst & Young Corporate Finance.
   
  During the second week of August, Lumonics, along with CIBC Wood Gundy and
Ernst & Young Corporate Finance, conducted an analysis of a possible merger
with GSI. They focused primarily on assessing the relative value of the
companies and the accounting implications of various transaction structures.
       
  On August 26, 1998, Lumonics management presented a preliminary term sheet to
GSI. Both parties reconfirmed earlier observations that the transaction had
significant strategic rationale, including the potential to realize synergies.
The companies' financial advisors began discussions and on September 10, 1998
the companies signed a non-disclosure agreement to allow them to share
confidential information to further evaluate a potential merger.     
   
  On September 19, 1998, Charles Winston and Victor Woolley met with GSI's
financial advisor, Needham, to seek advice regarding a possible transaction
with Lumonics.     
 
  On September 21, 1998, Lumonics' and GSI's respective financial advisors met
to further discuss a proposed term sheet.
 
  On September 22, 1998, Needham presented its preliminary analysis of the
proposed merger to GSI's Board of Directors. The Board agreed that GSI should
continue discussions with Lumonics.
   
  On September 28, 1998, the management teams of Lumonics and GSI and their
respective financial, accounting and legal advisors met to discuss the key
terms of the merger, including a merger of equals structure in which each
company's stockholders would own approximately 50% of the combined company
immediately following the merger. The teams also discussed potential issues and
the next steps required to reach a final agreement.     
   
  On October 7, 1998, Lumonics management met with its Board and financial
advisors to review what had taken place with GSI since the last Board meeting
on August 11, 1998. At that meeting, Charles Winston made a presentation to the
Lumonics Board.     
   
  On October 13, 1998, GSI and Needham attended a meeting in Kanata, Ontario to
review Lumonics' business plan and financial forecasts.     
   
  On October 15, 1998, GSI management met with its Board to review what had
taken place with Lumonics since the last GSI Board meeting. At that meeting,
Robert Atkinson and Scott Nix made a presentation to the GSI Board.
Representatives of Needham were present at this meeting and discussed their
preliminary due diligence findings and other aspects of the proposed merger.
    
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
   
  On October 16, 1998, the two companies and their respective financial
advisors held a meeting in Boston, Massachusetts to review GSI's business plan
and financial forecasts.     
   
  On October 22, 1998, the GSI Board of Directors held a telephonic meeting to
discuss the proposed merger. Representatives of Needham participated and were
available to answer questions of the Board of Directors. On October 22, Needham
and CIBC Wood Gundy discussed various methodologies for calculating the
conversion number in light of the merger of equals structure. They concluded
that it would be appropriate to calculate it on the basis of each company's
outstanding common shares. This methodology produced an exchange ratio of 1.347
GSI Lumonics common shares for each share of GSI common stock.     
 
  On October 24, 1998, senior executives of Lumonics and GSI and their
respective legal advisors finalized the principal terms of the merger
agreement.
   
  On October 27, 1998, Needham delivered its oral opinion, which it
subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of such date and subject to certain
assumptions and other matters as set forth in such opinion, the conversion
number of 1.347 was fair to the stockholders of GSI from a financial point of
view. On that same date, CIBC Wood Gundy delivered its written opinion that as
of that date, the transaction was fair to the shareholders of Lumonics from a
financial point of view. In the afternoon, both Boards unanimously approved the
merger agreement and the merger and authorized the execution and delivery of
such agreement.     
 
  The merger agreement was executed in the evening of October 27, 1998, and GSI
and Lumonics issued a joint press release announcing the transaction on October
28, 1998 prior to the opening of financial markets in the United States and
Canada.
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXCHANGED BETWEEN GSI AND LUMONICS
 
  In connection with their due diligence, GSI provided to Lumonics certain
projections of future financial performance prepared by the management of GSI,
and Lumonics provided to GSI certain projections of future financial
performance prepared by the management of Lumonics. This projected financial
information was also provided to the parties' respective financial advisors in
connection with their analyses. The material portions of these projections are
summarized below.
   
  The statements regarding GSI's financial projections constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and
Section 21E of the Exchange Act and are subject to the safe harbors created
thereby. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in forward-looking
financial information of any kind, the inclusion of such information in this
document should not be regarded as a representation that the financial
projections will be achieved. Investors are cautioned that these financial
projections should not be regarded as fact and should not be relied upon as an
accurate representation of future results. The projections were not examined,
reviewed or compiled by Arthur Andersen LLP, GSI's independent public
accountants, or Ernst & Young LLP, Lumonics' independent chartered accountants,
and they assume no responsibility for the projections, they do not express any
opinion or any other form of assurance on the projections and they disclaim any
association with the projections. The projections were not prepared in
accordance with the standards for prospective financial information established
by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The financial
projections were prepared for internal budgeting and planning purposes and not
for the purposes of the proposed merger or with a view toward public
disclosure. They were based on numerous subjective estimates and other
assumptions and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and
contingencies. Further, there have been and will be differences between actual
and forecasted results and such differences may be material. As disclosed
elsewhere in this document under "Risk Factors," the business and operations of
GSI and Lumonics are subject to substantial risks which increase the
uncertainty inherent in the financial projections. Any of the factors disclosed
under "Risk Factors" could cause the actual results to differ materially from
the financial projections described above. See "Cautionary Statement Concerning
Forward-Looking Statements."     
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
   
  The projections were prepared in October 1998 and have not been adjusted to,
and do not, reflect or take into account any circumstances or events occurring
after that date. GSI and Lumonics disclaim any duty to update or otherwise
publicly to revise the projections and make no representations as to whether
the projections will be achieved or otherwise. Since the date the projections
were prepared, each of GSI and Lumonics has reduced the size of their
respective work forces due to actual and anticipated continued lower sales
activity. The companies currently anticipate that actual results may be below
the financial projections, particularly in the near future.     
   
  The GSI projections included the following projections:     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           1998         1999         2000         2001
                           ----         ----         ----         ----
<S>                        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Total Sales                $185 million $169 million $199 million $245 million
Gross Profit                 86           78           95          121
Income from Operations/1/     7           11           19           34
</TABLE>
   
  The Lumonics projections included the following projections:     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           1998         1999         2000         2001
                           ----         ----         ----         ----
<S>                        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Total Sales                $146 million $149 million $162 million $186 million
Gross Profit                 44           52           59           71
Income (Loss) from Opera-
 tions/1/                    (6)           6           10           15
</TABLE>
- --------
/1/ Does not account for special one-time charges.
 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GSI; REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
  In reaching its determination that the merger is in the best interests of the
GSI stockholders, and unanimously recommending that the GSI stockholders
approve the merger agreement, the Board of Directors of GSI considered a number
of factors, including the following:
 
  (1)  The merger will create certain synergies, operating efficiencies and
  cost reductions, including reductions through volume purchases and the
  reduction of duplicative research and development and certain general
  administrative expenses.
     
  (2)  GSI Lumonics will have greater resources and be better able to service
  customers by creating new and innovative products as a result of the
  combination of the proprietary information and technology of each company
  and the integration of the expertise of each company.     
 
  (3)  The merger will enable GSI Lumonics to sell complementary products to
  customers of the separate companies which prior to the merger purchased
  products from one of the companies.
 
  (4)  GSI Lumonics will have significantly greater financial resources and
  industry presence, domestically and internationally.
 
  (5)  GSI Lumonics will be better able to compete with competitors and to
  address supplier reduction programs by large customers.
 
  (6)  The higher market capitalization of GSI Lumonics will expand GSI's
  investor base, reduce trading price volatility, increase trading volume,
  increase liquidity for its shareholders and result in coverage of its
  common stock by a larger number of financial analysts.
   
  In addition, the Board of Directors:     
 
    . reviewed the management, business, properties, financial condition,
      operating results and prospects of Lumonics and the current industry,
      economic and market conditions;
 
    . reviewed the merger agreement and the stock option agreements,
      including the circumstances under which GSI and Lumonics could
      terminate the merger agreement and the termination fees payable by
      GSI and Lumonics under certain circumstances; and
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
    . received the oral opinion of Needham, subsequently confirmed by a
      written opinion dated October 27, 1998, that, as of the date of such
      opinion and based upon and subject to certain matters stated in the
      opinion, the conversion number of 1.347 is fair to GSI stockholders
      from a financial point of view.
 
    The Board of Directors also considered negative factors associated with
  the proposed merger, including the following:
 
    . the fact that GSI's revenue growth and profit margins exceeded those
      of Lumonics in recent periods;
 
    . the uncertainty concerning personal tax consequences arising from the
      merger and the potential that such consequences may be unfavorable to
      individual GSI stockholders;
 
    . the loss of the protections of corporate law of Massachusetts for the
      surviving parent corporation in the merger, and the corresponding
      uncertainty concerning the protections of the corporate law of New
      Brunswick;
 
    . the mandatory nature of cumulative voting in New Brunswick; and
 
    . the possibility that the termination fee would become payable to
      Lumonics or the stock option granted to Lumonics would become
      exercisable;
 
    . the potential effects of failing to complete the merger after having
      announced it, including providing information to competitors and
      disrupting GSI's ongoing operations.
   
  In view of the wide variety of factors considered, the GSI Board did not find
it practical to, and did not, quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to
the specific factors considered, and individual directors may have given
differing weights to different factors. After taking into consideration all the
factors set forth above, the Board determined that, in its business judgment,
the potential benefits of the proposed merger outweighed the potential
detriments associated with the proposed merger. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GSI
UNANIMOUSLY BELIEVES THAT THE MERGER IS FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF
THE GSI STOCKHOLDERS.     
 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF LUMONICS; REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
  In reaching its determination that the Lumonics proposals are in the best
interests of the Lumonics shareholders, and unanimously recommending that the
Lumonics shareholders approve the Lumonics proposals, the Board of Directors of
Lumonics considered a number of factors, including the following:
 
  (1)  The business combination of Lumonics and GSI will create the largest
  publicly-traded company in the industrial laser systems industry.
 
  (2)  Lumonics and GSI have similar cultures and operating philosophies.
  These common principles will assist with a rapid integration of operations.
 
  (3)  The combination of Lumonics and GSI should achieve significant
  synergies with potential savings and benefits, including:
 
    . Materials Costs. Materials costs are expected to be reduced by using
      group buying power on commonly used parts, by supplying GSI with
      optical components and lasers from Lumonics, and by consolidating the
      galvo requirements of Lumonics with those of GSI.
 
    . Distribution Costs. Distribution costs are expected to be reduced by
      eliminating third party distribution in regions where the combined
      company has a direct sales presence. It is also expected that the
      merger will result in a reduction of expenses such as advertising,
      trade exhibition costs, travel and other marketing costs.
 
    . Research and Development Expenses. Significant savings are expected
      to be achieved by integrating research and development programs which
      are tailored to similar applications.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
    . Customer Service and Support Costs. New revenue is expected to be
      generated by eliminating the use of third parties to support GSI's
      parts and services business and keeping that business within GSI
      Lumonics and by increasing the amount of revenue generated from
      current GSI customers through the use of Lumonics' existing parts and
      service group.
 
    . Corporate Overhead. Corporate overhead costs are expected to be
       reduced through savings realized in areas such as information
       technology, public company costs and investor relations as a result
       of the merger. Furthermore, savings are expected to be generated due
       to the requirement for a single management team and the elimination
       of duplicated positions in such departments as operations and
       administration.
     
  (4)  GSI Lumonics will be able to leverage the sales, service and customer
  support infrastructure of the two companies by cross-selling business and
  the merger will enhance Lumonics' marketplace presence around the world by
  increasing market penetration in specific geographic regions where Lumonics
  and GSI each have current distribution strengths.     
 
  (5)  The technological, sales and customer support capabilities of GSI
  Lumonics will allow for quicker and more effective expansion of the
  applications for laser systems to better serve Lumonics' existing customers
  and to direct a broader array of product and services to new customers.
 
  (6)  The merger will permit GSI Lumonics to improve manufacturing
  efficiencies and enhance customer service and support.
 
  (7)  The merger will provide greater financial strength, market
  capitalization, increased public float and a dual stock exchange listing
  which should result in greater trading liquidity and broader research
  analyst coverage, thereby improving shareholder value.
 
  (8)  GSI Lumonics will have greater scope and financial resources to pursue
  acquisition opportunities that may arise as the laser systems industry
  continues to consolidate worldwide.
 
  (9)  The expanded product line of GSI Lumonics will increase access to
  certain industry segments, for example the medical instrument sector and
  packaging market.
 
  (10)  In addition, the Board of Directors received a written opinion of
  CIBC Wood Gundy on October 27, 1998 to the effect that, as of the date of
  such opinion and based upon and subject to certain matters stated in the
  opinion, the transaction is fair to Lumonics shareholders from a financial
  point of view.
 
  The Board of Directors also considered negative factors associated with the
proposed merger, including the following:
 
    . the potential negative consequences resulting from GSI's existing
       litigation;
 
    . GSI's relatively low cash position;
 
    . the mandatory nature of cumulative voting in New Brunswick; and
 
    . the potential effects of failing to complete the merger after having
       announced it, including providing information to competitors and
       disrupting Lumonics' ongoing operations.
 
  In view of the variety of factors considered in connection with its
evaluation of the merger, the Lumonics Board did not find it practicable to,
and did not, quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific
factors considered in reaching its determination. After considering the various
factors, the Board determined that, in its business judgment, the positive
factors far outweighed the negative factors. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF LUMONICS
UNANIMOUSLY BELIEVES THAT THE MERGER IS FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF
ITS SHAREHOLDERS.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
 
STRUCTURE OF THE MERGER
 
  The companies agreed that Lumonics would be the surviving parent corporation
resulting from the merger based upon a consideration of perceived positive and
negative factors. The principal positive factors GSI and Lumonics considered
were:
 
  . the perception that Lumonics has a more diverse and stable shareholder
    base and that such base would be otherwise lost because of Canadian
    institutional shareholder limitations on foreign stock ownership and a
    perceived unwillingness of Canadian shareholders to own foreign stocks;
 
  . the fact that Lumonics has historically traded at a greater multiple to
    earnings and had a less volatile share price than GSI, and the perception
    that this might support a higher valuation for GSI Lumonics; and
 
  . the belief that the structure would be favored by Lumonics' shareholders,
    including its principal shareholder, and that this would enhance the
    ability of Lumonics to gain shareholder approval of the merger.
 
  The principal negative factors considered were:
 
  . the uncertainty concerning personal tax consequences arising from the
    merger and the potential that such consequences may be unfavorable to
    individual GSI stockholders;
 
  . the potential that US stockholders may be unable or unwilling to own
    shares in a Canadian corporation due to internal investment criteria or
    other reasons;
 
  . the necessity of obtaining Lumonics shareholder approval of and the
    incremental cost in implementing the change in jurisdiction of Lumonics'
    incorporation to New Brunswick;
 
  . the perception that Massachusetts has more protective corporate law
    statutes and body of law; and
 
  . the mandatory nature of cumulative voting in New Brunswick.
 
GSI and Lumonics decided, on balance, that the positive factors for having
Lumonics be the surviving parent corporation outweighed the negative factors.
The overriding considerations in making this determination, related to
Lumonics' more stable shareholder base and greater historical trading multiple
to earnings, supported the potential for higher prices for GSI Lumonics common
shares.
 
OPINION OF GSI'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
 
  Under an engagement letter dated October 13, 1998, GSI retained Needham to
furnish financial advisory services with respect to the proposed merger and to
render an opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the
proposed conversion number to the stockholders of GSI. Although Needham
assisted GSI in determining the methodology for calculating the conversion
ratio of 1.347, the merger of equals structure, which provided the basis for
determining the conversion ratio, was determined through arms' length
negotiations between GSI and Lumonics and not by Needham.
 
  At a meeting of the Board of Directors of GSI on October 27, 1998, Needham
delivered its oral opinion (subsequently confirmed in writing) that, as of such
date and based upon and subject to certain assumptions and other matters
described in its written opinion, the proposed conversion number of 1.347 is
fair to the stockholders of GSI from a financial point of view. NEEDHAM'S
OPINION IS ADDRESSED TO THE GSI BOARD, IS DIRECTED ONLY TO THE FINANCIAL TERMS
OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY
STOCKHOLDER OF GSI AS TO HOW SUCH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD VOTE AT THE GSI SPECIAL
MEETING.
 
  The complete text of the October 27, 1998 opinion, which sets forth the
assumptions made, matters considered, limitations on and scope of the review
undertaken by Needham, is attached to this document as Annex C, and the summary
of the Needham opinion set forth in this document is qualified in its entirety
by
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
 
reference to the Needham opinion. GSI STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE
NEEDHAM OPINION CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE
PROCEDURES FOLLOWED, THE MATTERS CONSIDERED, AND THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE BY
NEEDHAM.
 
  In arriving at the Needham opinion, Needham, among other things:
 
  . reviewed the merger agreement;
 
  . reviewed certain publicly available information concerning GSI and
     Lumonics and certain other relevant financial and operating data of GSI
     and Lumonics made available from the internal records of GSI and
     Lumonics;
 
  . reviewed the historical stock prices and trading volumes of the GSI
     common stock and the Lumonics common shares;
 
  . held discussions with members of senior management of GSI and Lumonics
     concerning their current and future business prospects;
 
  .  reviewed certain financial forecasts and projections prepared by the
     respective managements of GSI and Lumonics;
 
  .  compared certain publicly available financial data of companies whose
     securities are traded in the public markets and that Needham deemed
     relevant to similar data for GSI and Lumonics;
 
  .  reviewed the financial terms of certain other business combinations that
     Needham deemed generally relevant; and
 
  .  performed or considered such other studies, analyses, inquiries and
     investigations as Needham deemed appropriate.
   
  Without independent verification, Needham relied upon and assumed:     
     
  .  the accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by or
     discussed with it for purposes of rendering the Needham opinion;     
     
  .  that GSI's and Lumonics' financial forecasts provided to Needham by
     their respective managements reflect the best currently available
     estimates and judgments of the two companies' managements of the
     companies' future operating and financial performance; and     
            
  .  the estimates of Lumonics' and GSI's managements of the synergies and
     cost savings that may be achieved as a result of the proposed merger.
      
            
  Needham did not assume any responsibility for or make or obtain any
independent evaluation, appraisal or physical inspection of the assets or
liabilities of GSI or Lumonics. The Needham opinion states that it was based on
economic, monetary and market conditions as they existed and could be evaluated
as of the date of such opinion. Needham expressed no opinion as to what the
value of Lumonics common shares will be when issued to the stockholders of GSI
pursuant to the merger or the prices at which the Lumonics common shares will
actually trade at any time. In addition, Needham was not asked to consider, and
the Needham opinion does not address:     
     
  .GSI's underlying business decision to engage in the merger;     
     
  .  the relative merits of the merger as compared to any alternative
     business strategies that might exist for GSI; or     
     
  .the effect of any other transaction in which GSI might engage.     
   
No other limitations were imposed by GSI on Needham with respect to the
investigations made or procedures followed by Needham in rendering the Needham
opinion.     
 
  Based on this information, Needham performed a variety of financial analyses
of the merger and the conversion number. The following paragraphs summarize the
material financial analyses performed by Needham in arriving at the Needham
opinion. In performing its analyses, Needham converted Canadian dollar-
denominated data with respect to Lumonics into U.S. dollars at exchange rates
or average exchange rates for the applicable date or period, calculated from
data provided by a third-party information service.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
 
  Exchange Ratio Analysis. Needham reviewed the exchange ratios of shares of
GSI common stock and Lumonics common shares implied by the daily closing prices
of GSI common stock and Lumonics common shares for various periods since
Lumonics' initial public offering in September 1995. These exchange ratios were
calculated by dividing the closing price of GSI common stock by the closing
price of Lumonics common shares for each day in the applicable period. Needham
noted that the average implied exchange ratios for the period from Lumonics'
initial public offering to October 23, 1998, from October 23, 1997 to October
23, 1998, and from January 1, 1998 to October 23, 1998 were 1.23, 0.85 and
0.87, respectively. Needham also noted that the implied exchange ratio on
October 23, 1998 was 1.04. Based on the terms of the merger agreement, the
conversion number is 1.347.
 
  Needham also reviewed the premium to GSI stockholders represented by the
conversion number compared to the implied exchange ratios based on closing
prices of the GSI common stock and Lumonics common shares as of one day, one
week and four weeks prior to the announcement of the proposed merger. Such
premiums were 40.6%, 85.9% and 25.3%, respectively. Needham noted that such
premiums were higher than those found in selected merger of equals transactions
reviewed by Needham.
 
  Contribution Analysis. Needham reviewed and analyzed pro forma contribution
of each of Lumonics and GSI to pro forma combined financial and operating
information as of June 30, 1998, for the year ended December 31, 1997 and for
the twelve months ended June 30, 1998.
 
  The following table sets forth GSI's implied contributions, as of June 30,
1998, to pro forma combined cash, total assets, working capital and
stockholders' equity of the combined GSI and Lumonics.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   JUNE 30, 1998
                                                                   -------------
      <S>                                                          <C>
      Cash........................................................      6.5%
      Total assets................................................     38.3
      Working capital.............................................     38.5
      Stockholders' equity........................................     38.3
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, GSI's implied
contributions to estimated pro forma combined revenues, earnings before
interest and taxes and net income.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             YEAR ENDED     TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
                                          DECEMBER 31, 1997    JUNE 30, 1998
                                          ----------------- -------------------
   <S>                                    <C>               <C>
   Revenues .............................       50.6%              54.2%
   Earnings before interest and taxes....       53.6               76.6
   Net income (1)........................       50.8               70.5
</TABLE>
 
  (1) GSI net income for the year ended December 31, 1997 excludes a charge for
acquired in-process research and development. Net income for the twelve months
ended June 30, 1998 excludes one-time charges.
 
Based on the conversion number, GSI's stockholders will own approximately 50%
of the combined company after the merger. The results of the contribution
analysis are not necessarily indicative of the contributions that the
respective businesses may have in the future.
 
  Accretion/Dilution Analysis. Needham reviewed certain pro forma financial
impacts of the merger (assuming that it had occurred at the end of the first
quarter of 1999) on the holders of GSI common stock and Lumonics common shares
based on the conversion number, GSI's and Lumonics' respective managements'
projected financial results for the last three quarters of 1999 and calendar
year 2000, and assumed post-Merger savings consisting of estimated cost savings
associated with consolidating certain operations, research and development
activities and administrative functions. Based upon these projections and
assumptions, Needham noted that the merger would result in accretion of the
equivalent projected earnings per share of GSI common stock in the last three
quarters of 1999 and in calendar year 2000. The actual operating or financial
results achieved by the combined entity may vary from projected results, and
such variations may be material.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
 
  Selected Company Analysis. Using publicly available information, Needham
compared selected historical and projected financial and market data ratios for
Lumonics and GSI, and for the combined data of the two companies (the "Combined
Company") without taking into account anticipated synergies or cost savings
(other than estimated cost savings during the last three quarters of 1999), to
the corresponding data and ratios of certain other publicly traded
manufacturers of lasers and laser systems and companies in the machine vision
industry that Needham determined to be generally comparable to GSI and Lumonics
due to their lines of business and relative size. These companies (the
"Selected Companies") consisted of:
 
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>
  Coherent, Inc.                             Perceptron, Inc.
  CyberOptics Corporation                    Robotic Vision Systems, Inc.
  Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.        Rofin-Sinar Technologies, Inc.
  Excel Technology, Inc.                     Spectra-Physics Lasers, Inc.
  ICOS Vision Systems, Inc.
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth information concerning multiples for the
Selected Companies, GSI, Lumonics and the Combined Company. Needham calculated
multiples for the Selected Companies based on the closing stock prices for
those companies on October 23, 1998, and for GSI and Lumonics based on the
closing prices of GSI common stock and Lumonics common shares on October 23,
1998, of $5.35 per share and $5.13 per share, respectively.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   SELECTED COMPANIES
                                   ------------------
                                                                       COMBINED
                                     MEAN     MEDIAN     GSI  LUMONICS COMPANY
                                   --------- ---------- ----- -------- --------
<S>                                <C>       <C>        <C>   <C>      <C>
Total market capitalization to
 last twelve months' revenues....       1.0x      0.7x   0.3x   0.4x      0.4x
Total market capitalization to
 projected calendar 1998
 revenues........................       1.0x      0.7x   0.4x   0.4x      0.5x
Total market capitalization to
 projected calendar 1999
 revenues........................       0.9x      0.6x   0.4x   0.4x      0.5x
Market value of common stock to
 last twelve months' earnings per
 share...........................      14.4x     14.4x   7.2x  19.7x     11.0x
Market value to projected calen-
 dar 1998 earnings per share.....      18.9x     15.8x  14.8x     NM    137.7x
Market value to projected calen-
 dar 1999 earnings per share.....      14.6x     10.7x  10.2x  18.1x     12.9x
Market value to historical book
 value...........................       1.5x      1.2x   0.8x   0.8x      0.9x
</TABLE>
- --------
NM = Not meaningful, due to Lumonics' projected net loss for calendar 1998
 
  Selected Transaction Analysis. Needham also analyzed publicly available
financial information for 18 selected mergers and acquisitions, representing
the transactions since January 1, 1992 considered by Securities Data Company, a
financial database service, to be mergers of equals with transaction values
less than $1.5 billion (the "Selected Transactions"). Securities Data Company
defined mergers of equals to encompass mergers involving parties of
approximately equal market capitalization. Needham deemed none of these
transactions to be comparable to the merger primarily because none of the
transactions involved companies in the same industry as GSI and Lumonics. In
examining these transactions, Needham analyzed certain parameters of the
acquired companies' common stock relative to the consideration offered, such as
one-day, one-week and four-week premiums of the consideration offered to the
acquired companies' stock prices prior to the announcement of the transaction.
 
  The Selected Transactions were:
 
  .United Meridian Corporation / Ocean Energy, Inc.;
 
  .Rykoff-Sexton, Inc. / JP Foodservice, Inc.;
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
 
  .  First Financial Corporation / Associated Banc-Corp;
 
  .  BW/IP, Inc. / Durco International, Inc.;
 
  .  Central & Southern Holding Company / Premier BancShares, Inc.;
 
  .  OSB Financial Corporation / FCB Financial Corp;
 
  .  Indiana Federal Corporation / Pinnacle Financial Services, Inc.;
 
  .  Health Systems International, Inc. / Foundation Health Corporation;
 
  .  Liberty Bancorp, Inc. / Hinsdale Financial Corporation.;
 
  .  Colonial Data Technologies Corporation / U.S. Order, Inc.;
 
  .  Cupertino National Bancorp / Greater Bay Bancorp;
 
  .  Southwestern Public Service Company / Public Service Company of Colorado;
 
  .  FirstFed Michigan Corporation / Charter One Financial, Inc.;
 
  .  Lexington Savings Bank / Main Street Community Bancorp;
 
  .  Abbey Healthcare Group / Homedco Group, Inc.;
 
  .  Anchor Bancorp, Inc. / Dime Bancorp, Inc.;
 
  .  SynOptics Communications, Inc. / Wellfleet Communications, Inc.; and
 
  .  Critical Care America, Inc. / Medical Care International Inc.
 
  The following table sets forth information concerning the stock price
premiums in the Selected Transactions and the stock price premiums implied by
the proposed merger:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                             SELECTED TRANSACTIONS
                                             --------------------------
                                                                          GSI/
                                                                        LUMONICS
                                             HIGH   LOW    MEAN  MEDIAN  MERGER
                                             ----  -----   ----  ------ --------
<S>                                          <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>    <C>
One day stock price premium................. 24.4% (13.9)%  8.2%   8.9%   40.6%
One week stock price premium................ 33.3   (9.8)  12.7   13.3    85.9
Four week stock price premium............... 38.9  (10.9)  12.5   14.6    25.3
</TABLE>    
 
  Needham also noted that, in the Selected Transactions, the acquired
companies' stockholders had an average and median ownership in the Combined
Company of 47.3% and 45.9%, respectively, compared to the pro forma ownership
percentage of GSI's stockholders in the Combined Company of approximately 50%.
 
  No company, transaction or business used in the "Selected Company Analysis"
or "Selected Transaction Analysis" as a comparison is identical to GSI,
Lumonics or the Merger. Accordingly, these analyses are not simply
mathematical; rather, they involve complex considerations and judgments
concerning differences in the financial and operating characteristics and other
factors that could affect the acquisition, public trading or other values of
the Selected Companies, Selected Transactions, or the business segment, company
or transaction to which they are being compared.
 
  Other Analyses. In rendering its opinion, Needham considered certain other
analyses, including, among other things, a history of trading prices for GSI
and Lumonics and a comparison of GSI's and Lumonics' indexed stock price
performance relative to each other.
   
  The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete description of
the analyses performed by Needham in connection with the rendering of the
Needham opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion involves various
determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant quantitative and
qualitative methods of     
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
 
   
financial analyses and the application of those methods to the particular
circumstances and, therefore, such an opinion is not readily susceptible to
summary description. Accordingly, Needham believes that its analyses must be
considered as a whole and that considering any portions of such analyses and of
the factors considered, without considering all analyses and factors, could
create a misleading or incomplete view of the process underlying the Needham
opinion. In its analyses, Needham made numerous assumptions relating to
industry performance, general business and economic and other matters, many of
which are beyond the control of GSI or Lumonics. Any estimates contained in
these analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of
future results or values, which may be significantly more or less favorable
than those set forth in the opinion. Additionally, analyses relating to the
values of business or assets do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily
reflect the prices at which businesses or assets may actually be sold.
Accordingly, such analyses and estimates are inherently subject to substantial
uncertainty. The Needham opinion and Needham's related analyses were only one
of the many factors considered by GSI's Board of Directors in its evaluation of
the proposed merger and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of
GSI's Board of Directors or management relating to the conversion number or the
proposed merger.     
       
       
       
       
       
       
  Under the terms of the Needham engagement letter, GSI has paid Needham an
advisory fee of $100,000 and has agreed to pay Needham a fee for rendering the
Needham opinion of $250,000. Needham will also receive an additional
transaction fee, upon consummation of the merger, of 1.0% of the aggregate
purchase price paid in the merger, against which the initial fee of $100,000
would be credited. GSI has also agreed to reimburse Needham for its reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses and to indemnify it against certain liabilities relating
to or arising out of services performed by Needham as financial advisor to GSI.
 
  Needham is a nationally recognized investment banking firm. As part of its
investment banking services, Needham is frequently engaged in the evaluation of
businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions,
negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of securities, private
placements and other purposes. Needham was retained by the GSI Board of
Directors to act as GSI's financial advisor in connection with the Merger based
on Needham's experience as a financial advisor in mergers and acquisitions as
well as Needham's familiarity with the laser and laser systems manufacturing
and machine vision industries. In the normal course of its business, Needham
may actively trade the equity securities of GSI for its own account or for the
account of its customers and, therefore, may at any time hold a long or short
position in such securities.
 
OPINION OF LUMONICS' FINANCIAL ADVISOR
 
  The Board of Directors of Lumonics retained CIBC Wood Gundy to review the
merger and to provide to the Board financial advice and an opinion as to the
fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger to the shareholders of
Lumonics. At the meeting of the Lumonics Board of Directors on October 27,
1998, CIBC Wood Gundy rendered its opinion in writing that, as of such date and
based upon and subject to certain assumptions and other matters described in
its opinion, the merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to the
shareholders of Lumonics.
 
  The full text of the CIBC Wood Gundy opinion dated October 27, 1998, is
attached as Annex D to this document. Lumonics shareholders and GSI
stockholders should read the CIBC Wood Gundy opinion for a discussion of
assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken
by CIBC Wood Gundy in rendering its opinion. The summary of the CIBC Wood Gundy
opinion set forth in this document is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the full text of such opinion.
 
  CIBC Wood Gundy is one of Canada's largest investment banking firms, with
operations in all facets of corporate and government finance, mergers and
acquisitions, equity and fixed income sales and trading and investment
research. CIBC Wood Gundy has provided investment banking services to Lumonics
in the past including acting as lead manager in the underwriting of securities
of Lumonics during the past 24 months.
 
  CIBC Wood Gundy was formally engaged by Lumonics in connection with the
merger under an agreement between Lumonics and CIBC Wood Gundy dated January
29, 1997, as amended by letter agreement dated August 14, 1998. Under the terms
of the engagement agreement, Lumonics has agreed to pay CIBC Wood Gundy
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
a fee of Cdn$100,000 for rendering its opinion. CIBC Wood Gundy will also
receive an additional transaction fee, upon consummation of the merger, of
Cdn$2,160,000. Lumonics has also agreed to reimburse CIBC Wood Gundy for its
reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses and to indemnify it against certain
liabilities relating to or arising out of services performed by CIBC Wood Gundy
as financial advisor to Lumonics.
 
  In preparing its opinion, CIBC Wood Gundy reviewed and relied upon, or
undertook, among other things:
 
  .  the merger agreement;
 
  .  publicly available information for Lumonics and GSI, including annual
     reports for GSI and Lumonics, Lumonics' current Annual Information Form,
     GSI's current Form 10-K, and current proxy solicitation materials for
     both companies;
 
  .  discussions with members of the management of both companies concerning
     their current business operations, financial condition and results and
     prospects;
 
  .  information provided by management of both companies including budgets,
     forecasts, strategic plans and Board Committee minutes;
 
  .  information and advice received from Lumonics' tax advisors and U.S.
     legal advisors;
 
  .  conversations with other professional advisors assisting Lumonics during
     its due diligence process;
 
  .  certain financial and stock market data of Lumonics, GSI and other
     companies in the laser-based advanced manufacturing systems industry;
 
  .  certain recent public and non-public transactions in the laser systems
     industry;
 
  .  a certificate dated the date of the CIBC Wood Gundy opinion from senior
     officers of Lumonics as to the accuracy and completeness of the
     information provided in connection with Lumonics; and
 
  .  such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations
     and financial, economic and market criteria that CIBC Wood Gundy deemed
     relevant.
 
  In delivering its opinion, CIBC Wood Gundy relied upon and assumed without
independent verification the completeness, accuracy and fair presentation of
all the financial and other information, data, advice, opinions and
representations obtained by it from public sources, Lumonics, senior management
of Lumonics and GSI and agents for and advisors to Lumonics and GSI.
 
  In preparing its opinion, CIBC Wood Gundy made several assumptions, including
that all of the conditions required to implement the merger will be met and
that the representations and warranties in the merger agreement with respect to
Lumonics, its subsidiaries and affiliates, the merger and GSI are accurate in
all material respects. In addition, CIBC Wood Gundy assumed that the potential
damages arising from the pending patent litigation in which GSI is a defendant
are not material.
 
  The CIBC Wood Gundy opinion was rendered on the basis of securities markets
and economic, financial and general business conditions prevailing as at the
date thereof. In its analyses and in preparing the opinion, CIBC Wood Gundy
made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general
business and economic conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond
the control of CIBC Wood Gundy or any party involved in the merger.
 
  CIBC Wood Gundy's opinion has been provided for the use of the Board of
Directors of Lumonics and should not be construed as a recommendation to any
holder of Lumonics common shares as to whether to vote in favour of the
transactions contemplated by the merger. CIBC Wood Gundy's opinion states that
it may not be used by any other person or relied upon by any other person other
than the Lumonics Board of Directors without the express prior written consent
of CIBC Wood Gundy. Whether or not CIBC Wood Gundy's opinion could be relied
upon by Lumonics shareholders to support a claim against CIBC Wood Gundy is an
issue
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
 
which if asserted, would be resolved by a court of competent jurisdiction. The
resolution of such issue would have no effect on the rights and
responsibilities of the Lumonics Board of Directors under applicable Canadian
or United States law, including federal securities law. The availability of a
defense would have no effect on the rights or responsibilities of the Lumonics
Board of Directors or CIBC Wood Gundy under applicable U.S. federal securities
laws.
 
  Based on the foregoing information, CIBC Wood Gundy performed a variety of
financial analyses of the merger. The following paragraphs summarize the
material financial analyses performed by CIBC Wood Gundy in arriving at its
opinion and presented to the Lumonics Board of Directors.
 
 Analysis of Comparable Companies
   
  Using publicly available information, CIBC Wood Gundy compared selected
historical and projected financial and market data ratios for Lumonics and GSI
to the corresponding data and ratios of certain other publicly traded
manufacturers of lasers and laser systems. CIBC Wood Gundy determined certain
other public companies to be generally comparable to Lumonics and GSI based on
their lines of business and relative size. These companies consisted of Axcess
Inc., Coherent Inc., Cyberoptics Corp., Cymer Inc., Electro Scientific
Industries Inc., Excel Technology Inc., II-VI Inc., Laser Technology Inc.,
Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc., and Zygo Corp. (the "Selected Companies"). The
data and ratios included total enterprise value ("TEV"), computed as the sum of
market capitalization, preferred shares, net debt, deferred taxes and minority
interest, to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization
("EBITDA") and EBIT and total market capitalization to historical and projected
earnings and historical cash flow, the last item being defined as net earnings
plus depreciation and amortization. All historically based ratios were computed
from public information disclosed in companies' year-end and quarterly reports.
Ratios of total market capitalization to projected earnings were based on mean
per-share earnings estimates of Institutional Brokers Estimate Services for
Lumonics, GSI and the Selected Companies.     
   
  CIBC Wood Gundy calculated multiples for Lumonics and GSI based on the
closing prices of Lumonics common shares and GSI common stock on October 23,
1998 of Cdn$8.25 and $5.13 per share, respectively. Mean multiples for the
Selected Companies were adjusted to exclude those values lying more than one
standard deviation from the mean, a statistical method of excluding factors
that could skew the mean of the total data sample. For the Selected Companies,
the calculated multiples are provided in the table below.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                     PRICE/1-YEAR PRICE/2-YEAR
                                                                       FORECAST     FORECAST   PRICE/CASH
                                                   PRICE/EARNINGS/1/ EARNINGS PER EARNINGS PER  FLOW/1/
                         TEV/EBITDA/1/ TEV/EBIT/1/     PER SHARE        SHARE        SHARE     PER SHARE
                         ------------- ----------- ----------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
<S>                      <C>           <C>         <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
Selected Companies
  Adjusted mean.........     5.7x          7.3x          14.5x          17.3x        10.7x        9.7x
  Median................     5.6x          7.6x          12.4x          16.5x        11.5x        9.1x
  Mean..................     7.1x          9.2x          14.4x          22.5x        13.2x       10.0x
Lumonics................     7.0x         12.9x          22.4x           neg.        18.3x       11.2x
GSI.....................     3.7x          5.0x           8.3x          16.5x         9.2x        5.3x
</TABLE>    
- --------
/1/ Latest-twelve-month figures.
   
  CIBC Wood Gundy subsequently calculated the market capitalizations for
Lumonics and GSI that would be associated with the foregoing adjusted mean
multiples of the Selected Companies. Based on the relative market
capitalizations computed from this analysis, Lumonics' shareholders could
expect to own between 40.5% and 49.0% of the combined company. The lower end of
this range represents the average of Lumonics' calculated market
capitalizations relative to those of the combined company using the adjusted
means of the price-to-earnings multiples for this analysis (the price-to-one-
year-forecast-earnings multiple was excluded from this analysis due to
Lumonics' projected net loss relating to this period). The upper end of this
range was derived from the same methodology but from having used the TEV-to-
EBITDA multiple in the analysis. This     
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
 
   
range compares with 50% that is implied by the exchange ratio of 1.347 GSI
Lumonics shares per GSI share. Had CIBC Wood Gundy relied on mean multiples
instead of adjusted mean multiples, the range of implied ownership for
Lumonics' shareholders would have equalled 40.4% to 46.5%.     
       
 Market Capitalization Analysis
 
  CIBC Wood Gundy reviewed the stock market price performance of Lumonics
shares and GSI stock in relation to each other over the prior 1, 10, 30, 60,
90, 180 and 360 days ending October 23, 1998. According to this analysis, the
implied ownership by Lumonics shareholders of the combined company would equal
between 50.6% and 61.0%.
 
 Profit Contribution Analysis
 
  CIBC Wood Gundy reviewed and analyzed pro forma net income and cash flow
contribution both on an historical and projected basis. The net income and cash
flow figures for Lumonics and GSI were adjusted to remove the effects of one-
time charges. Forecast results relate to 1999 and 2000 and were not meaningful
for 1998 due to the anticipated net loss for Lumonics for this period. Forecast
results were based on actual historical results, management projections, a
review of industry and company research, and discussions with Lumonics and GSI
management.
 
  CIBC Wood Gundy calculated Lumonics' mean share of combined net income and
cash flow over several time periods as provided in the table below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        LATEST TEN LATEST FOUR FORECAST FORECAST
                            1996  1997   QUARTERS   QUARTERS     1999     2000
                            ----  ----  ---------- ----------- -------- --------
<S>                         <C>   <C>   <C>        <C>         <C>      <C>
Net income................. 56.0% 49.2%    45.3%      28.4%      44.0%    38.6%
Cash flow.................. 55.0% 49.5%    47.2%      36.4%      50.0%    45.0%
</TABLE>
 
  This analysis indicated that Lumonics' mean share of pro forma combined net
income equalled 43.6% (median of 44.7%) across these time periods; Lumonics'
mean share of pro forma cash flow equalled 47.2% (median of 48.4%) across these
time periods.
 
 Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
 
  CIBC Wood Gundy performed a discounted cash flow ("DCF") analysis for both
Lumonics and GSI on a stand-alone basis using underlying operating projections
based on actual historical results, management projections, a review of
industry and company research, and discussions with Lumonics and GSI
management. Using a range of discount rates, CIBC Wood Gundy calculated
estimates of net present value of free unlevered cash flows for the years 1999
through 2003 and of the forecast free cash flow as at the end of 2003 assuming
a range of perpetual growth rates. After calculating these present value
estimates of all future unlevered free cash flows, CIBC Wood Gundy added each
company's cash to and subtracted each company's debt from these estimates to
arrive at present value estimates attributable to the common equity for each
company. Based on this analysis, the implied value of Lumonics' equity equalled
between 53.5% to 56.5% of the implied value of the combined company's equity.
 
 Pro forma Financial Impact Analysis
 
  CIBC Wood Gundy reviewed certain pro forma financial impacts of the merger on
the earnings per share ("EPS") and cash flow per share ("CFPS") of Lumonics,
based on the conversion number of 1.347 and the same forecast financial results
for 1999 and 2000 as used in the profit contribution and DCF analyses. This
analysis indicted that the merger would be accretive to Lumonics' forecast 1999
and 2000 EPS and CFPS, even in the absence of synergy, under both U.S. and
Canadian GAAP. The actual operating or financial results achieved by the
combined company may vary from projected results, and such variations may be
material.
 
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 
   
  The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not
necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. In arriving
at its opinion, CIBC Wood Gundy considered the results of all of its analyses
as a whole and did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or
factor considered by it. Furthermore, CIBC Wood Gundy believes that selecting
any portion of its analyses, without considering all analyses, would create an
incomplete view of the process underlying its opinion. The analyses which CIBC
Wood Gundy performed are not necessarily indicative of actual values or actual
future results, which may be more or less favorable than those suggested by
such analyses.     
 
INTERESTS OF MANAGEMENT, BOARD MEMBERS AND A SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDER IN THE
MERGER
 
  Employee Retention Agreements. GSI has a program to retain key personnel and
has entered into agreements with some of its executive officers under the
program. The agreements, with one exception, have been amended in connection
with the execution of the merger agreement to limit the benefits payable under
the agreements. See "Management--Executive Compensation Agreements."
 
  Board and Management of GSI Lumonics. The Board of Directors of GSI Lumonics
will be comprised of eight members. The initial Board is expected to be
comprised of the following individuals: Charles D. Winston, Woodie C. Flowers,
Ph.D., Richard B. Black, and Paul F. Ferrari, each of whom currently serves as
a Director of GSI and Robert J. Atkinson, Warren Scott Nix, Yukihito Takahashi,
and Benjamin J. Virgilio, each of whom currently serves as a Director of
Lumonics. Mr. Atkinson will be Chairman of the Board of GSI Lumonics. In
addition, the management team of GSI Lumonics will be comprised of some members
of the management teams of GSI and Lumonics, including Charles Winston as Chief
Executive Officer and Warren Scott Nix as Chief Operating Officer.
 
  Directors and Officers Indemnification and Insurance. The proposed General
By-Law of GSI Lumonics will be effective after the merger. The By-Law requires
the corporation to protect its officers and directors from liability incurred
in such capacity to the extent permitted or required by New Brunswick law. The
By-Law provides that no director or officer of GSI Lumonics will incur
liability unless he acts dishonestly, not in good faith or imprudently. By-Law
No. 1 does not, however, relieve a director or officer from the duty to comply
with New Brunswick law.
 
  The merger agreement provides that GSI Lumonics will, until the sixth
anniversary of the merger and for so long as any claim for insurance coverage
asserted on or prior to that date has not been fully adjudicated, maintain
directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage for directors and
officers of GSI. The policies must provide at least the same coverage
maintained by GSI on October 27, 1998, provided that GSI Lumonics will not be
required to expend in excess of 150% of the premiums paid by GSI in 1997 for
such insurance, in order to continue that insurance coverage.
 
  Interests of Principal Shareholder of Lumonics. Following the merger,
Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd. will indirectly control approximately 18% of GSI
Lumonics' outstanding common shares and will be in a position to elect at least
one director to the Board of Directors of GSI Lumonics as a result of
cumulative voting rights existing under New Brunswick law. In addition,
Lumonics currently relies on Sumitomo for its sales into Japan. In fiscal 1997,
sales to or through Sumitomo represented 10.7% of Lumonics' total sales.
 
WAIVER OF GSI RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
  On April 30, 1997, GSI entered into a Rights Agreement with American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company as rights agent. Under the agreement, the GSI Board of
Directors declared a dividend payable on May 1, 1997 of one preferred stock
purchase right for each outstanding share of GSI Common Stock. Each right
entitles the registered holder to purchase from GSI one ten-thousandth of a
share of Preferred Stock of GSI, par value $0.01 per share, at a cash exercise
price of $70.00 per one ten-thousandth of a share, subject to adjustment, upon
the happening of trigger events.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
  In the merger agreement, GSI represents and warrants that it has taken and
will take all necessary action under the rights agreement so that the execution
and delivery of the merger agreement and the stock option agreements and the
occurrence of the merger will not trigger the rights agreement. In accordance
with this representation, on October 27, 1998 GSI entered into a waiver of the
rights agreement. The rights agreement will expire upon the completion of the
merger.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT OF THE MERGER
 
  US generally accepted accounting principles require that the companies use
the purchase method of accounting to account for the merger. The total purchase
price will be allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based
on their respective fair values. To the extent that this purchase price exceeds
the fair value of the net tangible assets acquired at the effective time of the
merger, GSI Lumonics will allocate the excess purchase price, based on
independent expert valuation, to intangible assets which will include purchased
in-process research and development and acquired technology, with the remainder
to goodwill.
 
  Under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, the merger of
Lumonics and GSI will be accounted for as a pooling of interests because
neither of the companies can be identified as the acquiror. Under this method
of accounting, the consolidated financial statements of GSI Lumonics will
reflect the combined historical carrying values of the assets, liabilities and
shareholders' equity of each of Lumonics and GSI. Accordingly, no goodwill or
other fair value increments will arise in connection with the merger under
Canadian GAAP.
 
  Financial information contained in this document includes information from
GSI financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP and Lumonics
financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP, recast in US dollars
and pro forma financial statements prepared based on such US GAAP historical
financial statements of GSI and Lumonics. Pro forma financial statements
prepared based on GSI and Lumonics historical financial information prepared in
accordance with Canadian GAAP have been delivered to Lumonics shareholders,
together with this document, in the Canadian GAAP financial statement
supplement.
 
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
  The following discussion of the material US federal income tax consequences
of the merger and of holding GSI Lumonics common shares is based on the Code,
the final, proposed and temporary Treasury Regulations, administrative rulings
and interpretations and judicial decisions, in each case as in effect as of the
date hereof. All of the foregoing are subject to change at any time, possibly
with retroactive effect, and to differing interpretations. Except as
specifically provided below, the following discussion is limited to the US
federal income tax consequences relevant to a US holder of GSI common stock. A
US holder is:
 
  (1) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
 
  (2) a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United
      States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; or
 
  (3) a partnership, trust or estate treated, for US federal income tax
      purposes, as a domestic partnership, trust or estate.
 
A non-US holder is any stockholder other than a US holder. The discussion set
forth below does not address all aspects of US federal income taxation that may
be relevant to a particular holder of shares of GSI common stock in light of
such holder's particular circumstances or to holders subject to special
treatment under the US federal income tax laws, such as non-US holders, banks,
other financial institutions, insurance companies, dealers in securities, tax-
exempt entities, persons who hold GSI common stock or GSI Lumonics common
shares as part of a "straddle," "hedge" or "conversion transaction," holders
who acquired their GSI common stock by exercising employee stock options or
otherwise as compensation or taxpayers whose functional currency is not the US
dollar, nor any consequences arising under the laws of any state, locality or
foreign jurisdiction. This discussion assumes that the holders of GSI common
stock hold their shares of stock as capital assets within the meaning of
Section 1221 of the Code.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
 
  GSI has received an opinion from its counsel, Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP, to
the effect that the merger will be treated for US federal income tax purposes
as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In cases
of a reorganization in which stock of a US corporation is acquired by a foreign
corporation, such as the merger, Section 367 of the Code and the Treasury
Regulations promulgated thereunder impose requirements, in addition to those
otherwise applicable, in order for the reorganization to qualify for
nonrecognition of gain treatment. Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP did not opine as
to whether the exchange of GSI common stock for GSI Lumonics common shares
satisfies the requirements of Section 367 of the Code due to factual
uncertainties concerning the relative values of GSI and Lumonics at the time of
the merger, and other uncertainties concerning the satisfaction of the active
trade or business requirement of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under
Section 367 of the Code. The tax opinion of Goodwin, Procter and Hoar llp is
based on facts existing on the date hereof, assumes the absence of changes in
existing facts and relies on representations and covenants made by GSI and
Lumonics.
 
  In general, for an exchange of GSI common stock for GSI Lumonics common
shares by a US person in the merger to qualify for nonrecognition of gain
treatment (in addition to meeting the requirements of Section 368 of the Code),
the reporting requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(6) must
be satisfied and each of the following conditions must be met:
 
  .  fifty percent or less of both the total voting power and the total value
     of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation is received, in the
     aggregate, by the "US transferors" (as defined in the Treasury
     Regulations) in the transaction;
 
  .  fifty percent or less of the total voting power and the total value of
     the stock of the transferee foreign corporation is owned, in the
     aggregate, immediately after the transaction by US persons that are
     either officers or directors or "five-percent shareholders," as defined
     therein and computed taking into account direct, indirect and
     constructive ownership, of the US corporation;
 
  .  either (1) the US person is not a "five-percent shareholder" (computed
     taking into account direct, indirect and constructive ownership) of the
     transferee foreign corporation or (2) the US person is a "five-percent
     shareholder" of the transferee foreign corporation and enters into an
     agreement with the IRS to recognize gain under certain circumstances;
     and
     
  .  the active trade or business test is satisfied.     
          
Under the applicable Treasury Regulations, the active trade or business test
includes a substantiality test. The substantiality test will be deemed
satisfied if, at the time of the merger, the fair market value of Lumonics is
equal to or greater than the fair market value of GSI. In calculating the
relative fair market values of Lumonics and GSI, the value of any assets
acquired by Lumonics, or by any of its qualified subsidiaries or qualified
partnerships, outside the ordinary course of business in the thirty-six months
prior to the merger will be excluded from the fair market value of Lumonics. An
asset which would otherwise be excluded in calculating the fair market value of
Lumonics may nonetheless be included in such calculation if Lumonics did not
acquire the asset for the principal purpose of satisfying the substantiality
test and such asset, or the proceeds thereof, does not produce and is not held
for the production of passive income such as interest payments or dividends.
       
  The satisfaction of the conditions identified above and the resulting
qualification of the merger for nonrecognition of gain treatment depends on
facts as they exist at the time of the merger as well as the resolution of
certain questions of law. As a result, we are uncertain whether the condition
identified by the second bullet point above will be satisfied. In addition, we
are highly uncertain whether the condition identified by the first bullet point
above and the substantiality test of the active trade or business test will be
satisfied. Factual uncertainties include the exact number of GSI Lumonics
shares that US transferors of GSI common stock acquire in the merger and the
fair market values of GSI and Lumonics at the effective time of the merger.
Further uncertainties include which of Lumonics' assets were acquired outside
the ordinary course of its business within the 36 months prior to the merger,
and the use to which such assets have been put. Lastly, satisfaction of the
condition identified by the third bullet point will depend on the circumstances
of each shareholder.     
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 
   
  If the conditions specified above are satisfied, and subject to the reporting
requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(6), GSI believes that
the merger will probably be eligible for nonrecognition of gain treatment. If,
after the merger, GSI Lumonics, in its sole discretion, determines that there
is a reasonable basis for satisfaction of the requirements of Section 367 of
the Code, it intends to make the necessary U.S. federal income tax filings
required of it under Section 367 of the Code. Thus, it is possible that the
merger could so qualify. GSI Lumonics will determine whether there is a
reasonable basis for the position that the merger is eligible for
nonrecognition of gain treatment prior to the end of 1999. Neither Lumonics nor
GSI has requested, or intends to request, a ruling from the IRS regarding the
recognition of gain in connection with the merger.     
 
  Tax Implications of the Merger to US Holders of GSI Common Stock. If the
merger qualifies as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of
the Code but the exchange of GSI Lumonics common shares for GSI common stock
does not qualify for nonrecognition of gain treatment as a result of the
application of Section 367 of the Code, then:
 
  .  a US holder of GSI common stock will recognize gain in an amount equal
     to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the GSI Lumonics
     common shares at the time of the merger and any cash in lieu of
     fractional shares exchanged therefor as a result of the merger over such
     holder's adjusted basis in his GSI common stock surrendered; and
 
  .  a US holder of GSI common stock will not recognize loss in the merger,
     except with respect to any cash received in lieu of factional shares.
 
Alternatively, if all of the requirements of Section 367 of the Code and the
Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder are satisfied, no gain or loss will
be recognized for US federal income tax purposes by US holders of GSI common
stock as a result of the merger except with respect to any cash received in
lieu of fractional shares, subject to the discussion in "Special Filing
Requirements Applicable to Five-Percent Shareholders."
 
  In either case, cash received in lieu of fractional share interests will be
treated as received in exchange for a fractional GSI Lumonics common share.
Gain or loss recognized on such exchange will be measured by the difference
between the amount of cash received and the portion of the adjusted basis in
the shares of the GSI common stock surrendered that is allocable to such
fractional share. Any gain or loss recognized as a result of the merger,
including gain recognized by virtue of Section 367 of the Code, will be capital
gain or loss. In general, capital gains of individuals derived with respect to
capital assets held for more than one year are eligible for reduced rates of
taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
 
  The aggregate tax basis of GSI Lumonics common shares received as a result of
the merger will be the same as the US holder's aggregate adjusted basis in the
GSI common stock surrendered in the merger, decreased by the basis allocable to
fractional shares for which cash is received in the merger and increased by the
amount of gain, if any, recognized as a result of the merger other than gain
attributable to the cash received in lieu of fractional share interests. If US
holders of GSI common stock recognize gain from the merger as a result of the
application of Section 367 of the Code, the holding period for any GSI Lumonics
common shares received will be determined by reference to the effective time of
the merger. Otherwise, the holding period of the GSI Lumonics common shares
held by a former US holder of GSI common stock as a result of the merger will
include the period during which such holder held the GSI common stock
surrendered.
 
  Special Filing Requirement Applicable to Five-Percent Shareholders. If the
merger qualifies as a tax-free reorganization in which gain is not recognized
pursuant to Section 354 and Section 367 of the Code, a US holder who is a
"five-percent shareholder" of GSI Lumonics in accordance with the Treasury
Regulations under Section 367 of the Code immediately after the merger must
file a "gain recognition agreement" with the IRS in order for the exchange by
such five-percent shareholder of his GSI common stock for GSI Lumonics common
shares to qualify for nonrecognition of gain treatment. Otherwise, such five-
percent shareholder will be treated as if he had sold all of his GSI common
stock in a fully taxable transaction. Under a gain recognition agreement, such
a five-percent shareholder generally will be treated as having sold GSI common
stock in a
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
 
fully taxable transaction on the date of the merger if GSI Lumonics disposes of
any stock of GSI in a taxable transaction, or if GSI Lumonics disposes of
substantially all the assets of GSI in a taxable transaction, within a
specified period of time after the merger or if certain other events occur
within a specified period of time after the merger.
 
  Merger Consideration Backup Withholding. To the extent that GSI Lumonics, in
its sole discretion, determines that the merger does not satisfy all of the
applicable requirements of Section 367 of the Code for nonrecognition of gain
treatment, a US holder of GSI common stock who participates in the merger may
become subject to U.S. backup withholding tax at a rate of 31% with respect to
the consideration received in the merger unless such holder:
 
  (1) is a corporation or other exempt recipient and, if required,
      demonstrates its status as such; or
 
  (2) provides a United States taxpayer identification number, certifies that
      the taxpayer identification number provided is correct and that the
      holder has not been notified by the IRS that he is subject to backup
      withholding due to the under-reporting of interest or dividends, and
      otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the backup
      withholding rules.
 
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a
refund or a credit against such holder's US federal income tax liability
provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
 
  Tax Implications of Holding GSI Lumonics Common Shares. A US holder of GSI
Lumonics common shares will be required to include in gross income as dividend
income the amount of any distributions, including constructive distributions,
paid on the GSI Lumonics common shares, including any foreign taxes withheld
from the amount received, on the date such distribution is received to the
extent such distributions are paid out of GSI Lumonics' current or accumulated
earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of such earnings and profits will
be applied against and will reduce the US holder's basis in the GSI Lumonics
common shares and, to the extent in excess of such basis, will be treated as
gain from the sale or exchange of the GSI Lumonics common shares. Dividends
paid on the GSI Lumonics common shares generally will not qualify for the
dividends-received deduction available to corporations. Dividends paid in
foreign currency will be includible in the income of the US holder in a US
dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate on the day the
dividends are received. If the Canadian dollars received as a dividend are not
converted into US dollars on the date of receipt, a US holder will have a basis
in Canadian dollars equal to its US dollar value on the date of receipt. Any
gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition will be
treated as ordinary income or loss.
 
  Generally, a US holder will have the option of claiming the amount of
Canadian tax withheld at source on the distribution of dividends on the GSI
Lumonics common shares as either a deduction from adjusted gross income or as a
dollar-for-dollar credit against the US holder's US federal income tax
liability. If the US holder elects to claim a credit for such Canadian taxes,
the election will be binding for all foreign taxes paid or accrued by the US
holder for such taxable year. Individuals who claim the standard deduction
rather than itemized deductions may not claim a deduction for foreign taxes
withheld, but may claim such amount as a credit against the individual's US
federal income tax liability. The foreign tax credit in any taxable year may
not offset more than 90% of a US holder's liability for US individual or
corporate alternative minimum tax.
 
  The amount of foreign income taxes for which a US holder may claim a credit
in any year is subject to complex limitations and restrictions that must be
determined on an individual basis by each US holder. These rules limit foreign
tax credits allowable with respect to specific classes of income to the US
federal income taxes otherwise payable with respect to each class of income.
The total amount of allowable foreign tax credits in any year generally cannot
exceed regular US tax liability for the year attributable to certain foreign
source income. However, this limitation on the use of foreign tax credits
generally will not apply to electing individual US holders whose creditable
foreign taxes during the year do not exceed a specified maximum amount if such
individual's gross income for the tax year from non-US sources consists solely
of certain "passive income."
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
 
Dividends paid by GSI Lumonics which are foreign source will generally be
"passive income" for US foreign tax credit purposes. A US holder will not be
allowed a foreign withholding tax credit for foreign withholding taxes imposed
on dividends paid on GSI Lumonics common shares if such US holder:
 
  (1) has held GSI Lumonics common shares for less than 16 days of the 30-day
      period beginning 15 days before the date on which such shares become
      ex-dividend with respect to such dividend; or
 
  (2) is obligated to make certain payments related to such dividends,
      whether by a short sale or otherwise, with respect to a substantially
      similar or related property.
 
  For US federal income tax purposes, a US holder will recognize taxable gain
or loss on any sale, exchange or other disposition of GSI Lumonics common
shares in an amount equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the
amount realized on such sale, exchange or other disposition and such US
holder's basis in such shares. Any such gain or loss will be capital gain or
loss. Capital gains of individuals from capital assets held for more than one
year are eligible for reduced rates of taxation depending on the holding period
of such capital assets. A US holder may deduct capital losses only from capital
gains plus, in the case of a US holder other than a corporation, a maximum of
$3,000, or $1,500 in the case of a married individual filing separately, of
ordinary income. Generally, capital losses not allowed in the year recognized
may, in the case of a corporation, be carried back three years and carried
forward five years, and, in the case of an individual, be carried forward
indefinitely. Any gain generally will be treated as US source income for
US foreign tax credit purposes. Under current law, the source of a loss on the
sale, exchange or other disposition of such GSI Lumonics common shares is
unclear. A US holder that receives foreign currency upon the disposition of GSI
Lumonics common shares and converts the currency into dollars subsequent to
receipt will generally have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any
appreciation or depreciation of the value of the foreign currency against the
US dollar.
 
  US HOLDERS OF GSI COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO
THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM FROM THE MERGER AND FROM HOLDING GSI
LUMONICS COMMON SHARES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL,
FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE EFFECT OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE TAX
LAWS.
 
CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
  The following is a discussion of the material Canadian federal income tax
consequences of holding and disposing of GSI Lumonics common shares generally
applicable to certain US holders who acquire GSI Lumonics common shares in the
merger.
 
  This discussion only applies to a US holder of GSI Lumonics common shares who
for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Canadian Tax Act") at all
relevant times:
 
  (1) is not, and is not deemed to be, resident in Canada;
 
  (2) deals at arms' length with GSI Lumonics;
 
  (3) holds GSI Lumonics common shares as capital property; and
     
  (4) does not use or hold and is not deemed to use or hold GSI Lumonics
      common shares in connection with the carrying on of a business in
      Canada,     
   
and who, for the purposes of the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Convention (the
"Convention") at all relevant times, is resident in the United States.     
   
  GSI Lumonics common shares will generally be considered to be capital
property to a US holder for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act unless the US
holder holds GSI Lumonics common shares in the course of carrying on a business
of trading or dealing in securities or otherwise as part of a business of
buying and     
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
selling securities or the US holder acquired GSI Lumonics common shares as part
of a transaction considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of
trade. A limited liability company may not be, and a partnership will not be, a
US holder that is resident in the United States for purposes of the Convention.
 
  This discussion does not apply to a US holder who is an organization exempt
from tax in the United States and described in Article XXI of the Convention, a
US holder which is a "financial institution" as defined in the Canadian Tax Act
for purposes of the mark-to-market rules or a US holder which is a non-resident
insurer carrying on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere.
 
  This discussion is based on the current provisions of the Canadian Tax Act
and the regulations thereunder in force as of the date hereof, the current
published administrative policies of Revenue Canada and all specific proposals
to amend the Canadian Tax Act and such regulations publicly announced by the
Minister of Finance (Canada). This discussion is not exhaustive of all possible
Canadian federal income tax consequences and, except for the announced
proposals, does not take into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether
by legislative, governmental or judicial action, and does not take into account
provincial, territorial or foreign tax consequences which may differ
significantly from those discussed herein. None of the announced proposals, if
enacted in the form proposed, would affect this discussion.
 
  US HOLDERS OF GSI LUMONICS COMMON SHARES SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS FOR ADVICE RELATING TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM HAVING REGARD TO
THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
  Dividends. Subject to the provisions of the Convention, Canadian withholding
tax at a rate of 25% will be payable on dividends paid or credited, or deemed
to be paid or credited, by GSI Lumonics to a US holder on GSI Lumonics common
shares. Under the Convention, the withholding tax rate is generally reduced to
15% or, if the US holder is a corporation that owns 10% or more of GSI Lumonics
voting stock, to 5%.
 
  Disposition of GSI Lumonics Common Shares. Upon a disposition or deemed
disposition by a US holder of GSI Lumonics common shares, a capital gain (or
loss) will generally be realized by the US holder to the extent that the
proceeds of disposition, less costs of disposition, exceed (or are exceeded by)
the adjusted cost base of the GSI Lumonics common shares to such US holder. A
deemed disposition of GSI Lumonics common shares will arise on the death of a
US holder.
 
  Subject to the provisions of the Convention, capital gains realized by a US
holder on a disposition or deemed disposition of GSI Lumonics common shares
will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act unless the GSI Lumonics
common shares constitute "taxable Canadian property" (as defined in the
Canadian Tax Act) to such US holder at the time of the disposition or deemed
disposition, in which case the capital gains will be subject to tax under the
Canadian Tax Act at rates which will approximate those payable by a Canadian
resident. GSI Lumonics common shares will not be "taxable Canadian property" to
a US holder at the time of a disposition or deemed disposition of such shares
unless, at that time, the stock is not listed on a prescribed stock exchange,
which includes the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq, the Montreal Exchange
and The Toronto Stock Exchange, or, at any time during the five-year period
immediately preceding such time, the US holder, persons with whom the US holder
did not deal at arm's length or the US holder together with such persons, owned
or had a interest in or a right to acquire 25% of more of the issued shares of
any class or series of shares of capital stock of GSI Lumonics.
 
  Further, under the Convention, a US holder will not be subject to tax under
the Canadian Tax Act on a disposition or deemed disposition of GSI Lumonics
common shares unless, at the time of the disposition or deemed disposition, the
value of the GSI Lumonics common shares is derived principally from real
property situated in Canada. Lumonics believes that the Lumonics common shares
do not now derive their value principally from real property situated in
Canada; however, the determination must be made at the time of the disposition
or deemed disposition.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
REGULATORY APPROVALS REQUIRED
   
  The merger requires the consent of the Department of Justice and the US
Federal Trade Commission under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act.
On January 6, 1999, the companies received a second request for information
from the DOJ which stays the expiration of the applicable waiting period until
the parties substantially comply with the request or the DOJ grants early
termination of the waiting period. The request for information solicited
information on particular products of the companies in order to assist the DOJ
in their review of the transaction. The merger cannot occur until Hart-Scott
approval is received.     
 
  In addition, at any time before or after the merger, the FTC or the DOJ could
take action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the
public interest, including seeking to enjoin the merger or seeking divestiture
of substantial assets of GSI or Lumonics. At any time before or after the
merger, any state or locality could take such action under its own antitrust
laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest. Such action
could include seeking to enjoin the consummation of the merger or seeking
divestiture of substantial assets of GSI or Lumonics. Private parties may also
seek to take legal action under the antitrust laws under certain circumstances.
 
  Based on available information, each of GSI and Lumonics believes that the
merger will be in compliance with Federal, state and local antitrust laws.
However, a challenge to the merger on antitrust grounds might be made.
 
  Lumonics and GSI do not believe that any material governmental filings are
required with respect to the merger other than the filing of the certificate of
merger with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the notification under the
Hart-Scott Act indicated above. The merger is conditioned upon, among other
things, the absence of any preliminary or permanent injunction or other order
issued by any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction which prohibits
or restricts the consummation of the merger.
 
NASDAQ AND TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
 
  For the merger to occur, the GSI Lumonics common shares to be issued to GSI
stockholders in the merger and under GSI's stock option plans must be approved
for listing on The Toronto Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, subject to official
notice of issuance. Each of the Toronto Stock Exchange and Nasdaq has
conditionally granted approval subject to GSI Lumonics fulfilling all of its
requirements. Lumonics and GSI have agreed to cooperate and promptly prepare
and submit to The Toronto Stock Exchange and Nasdaq all reports, applications
and other documents that may be necessary or desirable to enable all of the GSI
Lumonics Common Shares that will be issued and outstanding or will be reserved
for issuance at the effective time of the merger to be listed for trading on
The Toronto Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. At the completion of the merger, GSI
common stock will not trade on any exchange.
 
RESALE OF GSI LUMONICS COMMON SHARES
   
  All GSI Lumonics common shares issued in connection with the merger will be
freely transferable under US securities laws, except for any GSI Lumonics
common shares received by persons who are deemed to be affiliates, for purposes
of Rule 145 under the Securities Act, of GSI at the time of the GSI special
meeting or the Lumonics special meeting. The companies expect that
approximately 2.04% of the GSI Lumonics common shares will be owned by GSI
affiliates.     
   
  Affiliates of GSI may not sell their shares, except under an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act covering the shares or in
compliance with Rule 145 (or Rule 144 under the Securities Act in the case of
persons who are or become affiliates of GSI Lumonics) or another applicable
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. In general,
under Rule 145, for one year following the effective time of the merger, an
affiliate (together with certain related persons) would be entitled to sell GSI
Lumonics common shares acquired in connection with the merger publicly only
through unsolicited brokers' transactions     
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
 
   
or in transactions directly with a market maker, as such terms are defined in
Rule 144. Additionally, the number of shares to be sold by an affiliate
(together with certain related persons) within any three-month period for
purposes of Rule 145 may not exceed the greater of 1% of the outstanding GSI
Lumonics common shares or the average weekly trading volume of the stock during
the four calendar weeks preceding the sale. Rule 145 would remain available,
however, to affiliates only if GSI Lumonics filed all required reports with the
Commission for 90 days and remained current with its informational filings with
the Commission under the Exchange Act. One year after the effective time of the
merger, a person who was an affiliate of GSI at the time of the GSI special
meeting would be able to sell GSI Lumonics common shares acquired in the merger
without such manner of sale or volume limitations provided that GSI Lumonics
was current with its Exchange Act informational filings and such person was not
then an affiliate of GSI Lumonics. Two years after the effective time of the
merger, a person who was an affiliate of GSI at the time of the GSI special
meeting would be able to sell such GSI Lumonics common shares acquired in the
merger without any restrictions so long as the person had not been an affiliate
of GSI Lumonics for at least three months prior thereto.     
   
  Under Canadian provincial securities laws, GSI Lumonics common shares issued
in connection with the merger will be freely transferable subject to
restrictions applicable to so-called control persons. Generally, a control
person is a shareholder holding more than 20% of the GSI Lumonics common shares
or holding a sufficient number of GSI Lumonics common shares to affect
materially the control of GSI Lumonics.     
 
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
  GSI Stockholders. Under Massachusetts law, if the merger agreement is
approved and the merger occurs, any holder of shares of GSI common stock:
 
    (1) who files with GSI, before the vote on the merger agreement,
        written objection to the merger stating that he or she intends to
        demand payment for his or her shares of GSI common stock if the
        merger occurs; and
 
    (2) whose shares of GSI common stock are not voted in favor of the
        merger agreement,
 
has the right to demand in writing from GSI Lumonics, within twenty days after
the date GSI Lumonics mails written notice that the merger has occurred,
payment for his or her shares of GSI common stock and an appraisal of the value
of the shares. GSI Lumonics and any the holder will have the rights and duties
and must follow the procedures set forth in Sections 85 through 98, inclusive,
of Chapter 156B of the General Laws of Massachusetts.
 
  Any holder of shares of GSI common stock contemplating making a demand for
appraisal is urged to review carefully the provisions of Sections 85 through 98
of Chapter 156B the full text of which is attached to this document as Annex F,
particularly the procedural steps required to perfect such dissenters' rights.
You will lose your dissenters' rights under Massachusetts law if you do not
follow the procedural requirements. Voting against the merger is not sufficient
to perfect your dissenters' rights; you must send a written objection to GSI
prior to the vote of the GSI stockholders approving the merger.
 
  Lumonics Shareholders. Under the provisions of section 185 of the Business
Corporations Act (Ontario) shareholders of Lumonics are entitled to send to
Lumonics a written objection to the special resolution for approval of the
continuance of Lumonics under the Business Corporations Act (New Brunswick). In
addition to any other rights a holder of Lumonics common shares may have, when
the continuance of Lumonics under the New Brunswick laws becomes effective, if
a holder has complied with the dissent procedure under the Ontario law, the
holder is entitled to be paid the fair value of the Lumonics common shares for
which the holder has dissented, determined as at the close of business on the
day before the special resolution is adopted.
 
  The dissent procedure provided by the Ontario law is summarized and set out
in full in Annex E hereto and holders of Lumonics common shares who may wish to
dissent are referred to the Annex. If you do not adhere strictly to the
requirements of the Ontario law you may lose your rights under that section.
The execution or exercise of a proxy does not constitute a written objection
for the purposes of the Ontario law.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
 
                              THE MERGER AGREEMENT
 
  THE FOLLOWING IS A DESCRIPTION OF THE MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT WHICH IS ATTACHED AS ANNEX A TO THIS DOCUMENT. YOU SHOULD READ THE
MERGER AGREEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY.
 
  GSI and Lumonics have entered into the merger agreement which provides for,
among other things, the following:
 
  .  the merger consideration to be paid to GSI stockholders;
 
  .  the procedures for exchanging shares of common stock of GSI for common
     shares of GSI Lumonics;
 
  .  the continuation of the GSI stock options outstanding at the time of the
     merger;
 
  .  when and how the merger will occur;
 
  .  the conduct of business of each company from the date the merger
     agreement was signed until the time the merger occurs;
 
  .  representations and warranties made by each of GSI and Lumonics
     concerning their respective businesses;
 
  .  the conditions that must be met for the merger to occur;
 
  .  the termination of the merger agreement under certain conditions; and
 
  .  the effects of a termination upon the companies.
 
  Each of these provisions is discussed in further detail below.
 
MERGER CONSIDERATION
 
  At the time of the merger, each issued and outstanding share of GSI common
stock other than:
 
  (1) shares owned by GSI as treasury stock or by Lumonics or its
      subsidiaries, all of which will be canceled; or
 
  (2) shares held by GSI stockholders who exercise their dissenters rights,
 
will be converted into the right to receive 1.347 GSI Lumonics common shares.
GSI Lumonics will not issue fractional common shares, but will pay cash to any
GSI stockholder who would have held fractional shares as the result of the
merger.
 
  If before the merger, either company changes its common shares into a
different number or kind of shares or securities, then a proportionate
adjustment will be made to the number of GSI Lumonics common shares to be
received by GSI stockholders so that the equity interest to be received by
stockholders is equivalent to what they would have received had no change
occurred.
 
CONVERSION OF SHARES; PROCEDURES FOR EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
 
  Promptly after the merger, GSI Lumonics will deposit with an exchange agent
certificates representing the GSI Lumonics common shares to be issued to GSI
stockholders under the merger agreement and cash in lieu of fractional shares
to be paid to the stockholders.
 
  As soon as reasonably practicable after the merger, the exchange agent will
mail to each holder of GSI common stock a letter of transmittal and
instructions for surrendering and exchanging GSI common stock for GSI Lumonics
common shares. Upon surrender of a certificate for cancellation to the exchange
agent and delivery to the exchange agent of a letter of transmittal, the holder
of a certificate will be entitled to receive a certificate representing the
number of whole GSI Lumonics common shares to which the holder is entitled,
plus the cash amount payable in lieu of fractional shares which the holder has
the right to receive. The holder of GSI common stock will not be entitled to
receive interest on any funds to be received in the merger. If a transfer of
GSI common stock has not been registered in the stock transfer records of GSI,
the merger consideration may be issued to a transferee if the certificate
representing shares of GSI common stock is
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
 
   
presented to the exchange agent accompanied by all necessary transfer
documents. GSI certificates surrendered for exchange by any person constituting
an affiliate of GSI for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act may not
be exchanged until GSI Lumonics has received an affiliate agreement from the
person.     
 
  After the merger, there will be no transfers on the stock transfer books of
GSI of the shares of GSI common stock which were outstanding immediately prior
to the merger.
 
  GSI stockholders who surrender their certificates in exchange for GSI
Lumonics' common shares will be entitled to receive, without interest, all
dividends or other distributions payable on GSI Lumonics common shares with a
record date after the merger.
 
  The exchange agent, upon demand of GSI Lumonics, will deliver to GSI Lumonics
any certificates representing GSI Lumonics common shares or cash which remain
undistributed to the stockholders of GSI for six months after the merger. Any
GSI stockholders who have not then submitted their GSI certificates may look
only to GSI Lumonics as general creditors for payment of their claim for GSI
Lumonics common shares, any cash in lieu of fractional shares of GSI Lumonics
common shares and any dividends or distributions on GSI Lumonics common shares.
 
  GSI STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT RETURN THEIR GSI CERTIFICATES WITH THE ENCLOSED
PROXY AND SHOULD NOT FORWARD GSI CERTIFICATES TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT UNTIL THEY
HAVE RECEIVED TRANSMITTAL LETTERS.
 
GSI STOCK OPTIONS
   
  Under the merger agreement, each outstanding option or warrant to purchase
GSI common stock will be assumed by GSI Lumonics and will then, after the
merger, be an option to acquire a number of GSI Lumonics common shares, rounded
down to the nearest whole number, equal to the product of the number of shares
of GSI common stock issuable upon exercise of the option and 1.347. The option
exercise price will be the amount, rounded up to the nearest cent, equal to the
exercise price of the option divided by 1.347. GSI Lumonics will comply with
the GSI stock option plans and take actions within its control that are
reasonably necessary to ensure that each GSI stock option that is an incentive
stock option as defined in section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
will continue to qualify under Section 422 of the Code. Lumonics will reserve
for issuance a sufficient number of GSI Lumonics common shares for delivery
under the merger agreement. As soon as practicable after the merger, GSI
Lumonics will file a registration statement on Form S-8 (or any successor or
other appropriate form) with respect to the GSI Lumonics common shares subject
to such options and will use best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the
registration statement or registration statements for so long as such options
remain outstanding. All options to purchase Lumonics common shares outstanding
at the time of the merger will remain outstanding without any change to their
terms.     
 
EFFECTIVE TIME
 
  The merger will become effective when the parties file Articles of Merger
with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO THE MERGER
 
  GSI and Lumonics have each agreed that prior to the merger, it:
 
  (1) will conduct its business only in the ordinary course consistent with
  its past practice, and
 
  (2) will use all commercially reasonable efforts to:
 
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
 
  .  preserve its present business organization and reputation;
 
  .  keep its key personnel;
 
  .  maintain its assets in good working order;
 
  .  maintain insurance;
 
  .  preserve its relationships with customers and suppliers; and
 
  .  comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and orders.
 
  In addition, neither company will take actions not in the ordinary course of
business, except as permitted by the merger agreement or required by law. For
example, neither company will:
 
  .  amend its charter documents;
 
  .  pay dividends or make distributions;
 
  .  reclassify any of its capital stock;
 
  .  adopt a plan of reorganization;
 
  .  repurchase any capital stock;
 
  .  issue, sell, any share of its stock or modify the rights of
     securityholders;
 
  .  make acquisitions;
 
  .  dispose of assets;
 
  .  permit any material change in any pricing, marketing, purchasing,
     investment, accounting, financial reporting, inventory, credit,
     allowance or tax practice or policy;
 
  .  permit any material change in any method of calculating any reserve for
     accounting, financial reporting or tax purposes;
  .  permit any material change in, make any material tax election or settle
     or compromise any material income tax liability;
 
  .  enter into, amend in any material respect or terminate any employee
     benefit plan;
 
  .  increase in any manner the compensation or fringe benefits of any
     personnel; or
 
  .  make any change in its lines of business.
 
  The companies have agreed to confer on a regular basis with the other party
relating to matters relevant to the merger, and to promptly advise the other
party of any change which could harm such party or its ability to complete the
merger. No party will be required, however, to make any disclosure that would
violate applicable law.
 
  Each party will try to cure any circumstance that will cause the merger
agreement to be breached. The parties will also take all commercially
reasonable steps to satisfy the conditions in the merger agreement.
 
  Finally, GSI has agreed not to amend or take any action with respect to its
rights agreement, and Lumonics has agreed to adopt a shareholder rights plan as
soon as possible after the merger.
 
OFFERS FROM OTHER PARTIES
 
  In the merger agreement, GSI and Lumonics agreed that until either the
termination of the merger agreement or the time of the merger, neither party
will initiate, solicit or encourage any inquiries or proposal to acquire:
 
  (1)  all or any significant portion of its assets;
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
 
  (2) 20% or more of the outstanding shares of its common stock; or
 
  (3) 20% of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of any of its
      subsidiaries.
 
If a third party contacts either GSI or Lumonics with such a proposal, that
party must notify the other party immediately.
 
  Under the merger agreement, however, neither party's Board is prohibited from
furnishing information to or entering into discussions or negotiations with any
person or group that makes an unsolicited bona fide proposal if the following
conditions are satisfied:
 
  .  the parties have entered into a confidentiality agreement with terms
     and conditions no less favorable to such party than the confidentiality
     agreement between GSI and Lumonics;
 
  .  the shareholders of the party considering an alternative proposal have
     not yet approved the merger;
 
  .  such party's Board based upon the written opinion of outside counsel
     determines in good faith that such action is required for the Board of
     Directors to comply with its fiduciary duties to its shareholders as
     imposed by law;
 
  .  such proposal is not conditioned on the receipt of financing and the
     Board of Directors has reasonably concluded in good faith that the
     person or group making such proposal will have adequate sources of
     financing to consummate such acquisition;
 
  .  the Board of Directors reasonably concludes that such other proposal is
     more favorable to such party's shareholders than the merger; and
 
  .  the party considering the alternative proposal keeps the other party to
     the merger agreement fully informed of all discussions or negotiations.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
  Before the merger can occur, certain conditions must be fulfilled or,
alternatively, waived by the appropriate party or parties. If any material
condition is waived, the companies will resolicit the consent of their
shareholders to the merger if required by law. The conditions which remain
outstanding include the following:
 
  .  approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act must be obtained;
 
  .  the necessary shareholder approvals must be obtained;
 
  .  no regulatory authority shall have enacted or enforced any law or order
     which has the effect of restricting the merger;
 
  .  all actions of, filings with and notices to any third parties must be
     obtained; and
 
  .  the number of shares for which dissent rights are perfected cannot
     exceed 6% of the number of GSI Lumonics common shares that would be
     outstanding immediately following the merger. For this purpose, each
     dissenting share of GSI common stock will be multiplied by 1.347.
 
  The obligation of each company to effect the merger is further subject to
each of the following additional conditions all which may be waived in whole or
in part by the company in its sole discretion:
 
  .  the representations and warranties made by the other company in the
     merger agreement must be true on the date of the merger;
 
  .  the other company must have performed and complied with, in all material
     respects, each agreement required by the merger agreement; and
 
  .  there will not have been any development having a negative impact on the
     other company, excluding stock market fluctuations, changes in general
     economic conditions, or any other development that could reasonably be
     expected generally to have a negative effect on companies in the
     industries in which the other company operates.
 
  In addition, in order for the merger to occur, the GSI rights agreement
cannot be triggered by a third party.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
  In the merger agreement, each of GSI and Lumonics made reciprocal
representations and warranties, subject to exceptions which were disclosed by
the appropriate party, concerning their business and assets. The
representations and warranties must be true and correct at the time of the
merger or else the other party will not be required to complete the merger.
Such representations and warranties include, among other things:
 
  .  that the party is duly authorized, validly existing and in good standing
     and that its issued and outstanding shares are fully paid and
     nonassessable;
 
  .  that the party's Board of Directors authorized the signing and
     performance of the merger agreement;
 
  .  that the party has provided and will provide accurate information to the
     Commission, the Canadian regulatory authorities, Nasdaq and The Toronto
     Stock Exchange;
 
  .  that, except as otherwise disclosed, there are no suits, actions filed
     or threatened against the party; the party is not in violation of laws,
     including environmental laws and laws regulating employee benefit plans
     and tax laws; and there are no undisclosed liabilities;
 
  .  that the party's regulatory reports are accurate;
 
  .  that the party has all necessary rights to the intellectual property
     used in its business;
 
  .  that the party has complied with its organizational documents including
     its by-laws and certificate of incorporation; and
 
  .  that the party has received or as of the merger will receive all
     necessary consents from governmental and regulatory authorities and
     third parties.
 
In addition, GSI makes representations relating to its Rights Agreement. GSI
also represents and warrants that it has taken all necessary actions so that
the provisions of Massachusetts laws regulating acquisitions of control shares
are not applicable to the merger agreement, the stock option agreements, the
merger or other transactions contemplated by such agreements. Lumonics
represents and warrants that it is not subject to any "takeover" statute or
regulation under Canadian laws.
 
TERMINATION; TERMINATION FEES
 
  GSI or Lumonics may terminate the merger agreement, whether before or after
receiving shareholder approval, if:
 
  .  the merger is not completed by March 31, 1999;
 
  .  the companies do not obtain the required shareholder approvals;
 
  .  the other party materially breaches the merger agreement;
 
  .  a law or court order permanently prohibits the merger;
 
  .  its Board of Directors determines in good faith that termination of the
     merger agreement is required for such Board to comply with its fiduciary
     duties relating to an unsolicited bona fide alternative proposal by
     another party; or
 
  .  the other party receives an unsolicited bona fide alternative proposal
     and such party's Board of Directors changes its recommendation regarding
     the merger in a manner adverse to the terminating party.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
 
  If either of the companies receives an alternative proposal from a third
party and the merger agreement is thereafter terminated under any of the
following circumstances, the party that received the alternative proposal must
reimburse the other party for its transaction expenses up to $500,000 and pay a
termination fee of $4 million:
 
  .  the party that receives the alternative proposal terminates the merger
     agreement because its Board of Directors determines that termination of
     the merger agreement is required for the Board to comply with its
     fiduciary duties; or
 
  .  the party that did not receive the alternative proposal terminates the
     merger agreement because the other party materially breaches the merger
     agreement; or
 
  .  the party that did not receive the alternative proposal terminates the
     merger agreement because the Board of Directors of the other party
     changes its approval or recommendation of the merger; or
 
  .  either party terminates the merger agreement for any reason and a
     definitive agreement with respect to an alternative proposal is executed
     within one year after such termination. This does not apply if the party
     who did not receive the alternative proposal breaches the merger
     agreement or fails to obtain its shareholders' approval.
 
 If the party required to pay the above fee fails to pay such amount due, and
in order to obtain such payment, the other party files a lawsuit that results
in a judgment against such party for such amount, then the party must also pay
to the other party, as the case may be, all costs and expenses including
attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by such other party or any of its
subsidiaries in connection with such suit, together with interest on the amount
of the fee at a rate equal to the prime rate publicly announced from time to
time by The Chase Manhattan Bank and in effect on the date such payment was
required to be made.
 
EXPENSES
 
  The parties will share equally:
 
  .  the fee required for the Hart-Scott-Rodino filing,
 
  .  the filing fee payable to the Commission for this document, and
 
  .  the expenses incurred in connection with the printing and mailing of
     this document.
 
Each of GSI and Lumonics will pay all other costs or expenses incurred by it in
connection with the merger agreement and the related transactions including any
termination fees described above.
 
INDEMNIFICATION OF GSI OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS BY GSI LUMONICS FOLLOWING THE
MERGER
 
  GSI Lumonics has agreed to indemnify for six years after the merger each
present and former director or officer of GSI against all losses incurred
because such person is or was a director or officer of GSI and relating to any
action or omission prior to the merger, as permitted by applicable law. GSI
Lumonics will not be liable for any claim, resulting from the willful
misconduct of the person seeking indemnification.
 
  GSI Lumonics will, for six years following the merger and for so long
thereafter as any claim for insurance coverage asserted on or prior to such
date has not been fully resolved or adjudicated, maintain directors' and
officers' liability insurance terms that are at least as advantageous to the
insured parties. GSI Lumonics will not, however, be required to spend more than
150% of the premiums paid by GSI in 1997 for such insurance in order to
continue such insurance coverage.
 
AMENDMENTS TO THE MERGER AGREEMENT
 
  The Boards of Directors of GSI or Lumonics may amend the merger agreement
whether prior to or after the GSI stockholders' approval or the Lumonics
shareholders' approval has been obtained, but only to the extent permitted by
applicable law.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
 
                            STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS
 
  We have summarized the material terms of the stock option agreements below.
You should, however, read the full text of the stock option agreements which
are attached to this document as Annex B.
 
  As a condition to GSI's entering into the merger agreement, Lumonics entered
into a stock option agreement, dated as of October 27, 1998, with GSI and as a
condition to Lumonics' entering into the merger agreement, GSI entered into an
amended and restated stock option agreement, dated as of October 27, 1998, with
Lumonics and a Lumonics subsidiary.
 
  Under the stock option agreements:
 
  (1)  Lumonics granted to GSI an option to purchase a number of Lumonics
       common shares up to approximately 19.9% of the number of Lumonics
       common shares outstanding immediately before exercise of the option to
       purchase Lumonics common shares at an exercise price of Cdn$8.09 per
       share, subject to adjustment under specified circumstances; and
 
  (2)  GSI granted a Lumonics subsidiary an option for Lumonics to purchase a
       number of shares of GSI common stock up to approximately 19.9% of the
       number of shares of GSI common stock outstanding immediately before
       exercise of the option to purchase GSI common stock at exercise price
       of $4.57 per share, subject to adjustment under specified
       circumstances.
 
The option exercise prices are equal to the average of the closing price of a
share of the applicable security on the exchange on which it is traded for the
ten days ended October 27, 1998. Each option price per share is payable in cash
or by delivery of shares of the company granting such option having a value,
based upon trailing ten-day average closing prices, equal to the aggregate
option price for the shares to be purchased.
 
  Each of the options becomes exercisable in whole or in part if a triggering
event occurs prior to the termination of the option. The stock option
agreements generally provide that each option will become exercisable after the
merger agreement becomes terminable by the grantee in circumstances under which
the grantee could be entitled to payment of a termination fee.
 
  Each of the stock option agreements provides that the applicable options will
terminate upon the earliest of:
 
  (1)  the time of the merger;
 
  (2)  the termination of the merger agreement, except where the grantee of
       the option is required to pay a termination fee; or
 
  (3)  one year after termination of the merger agreement if a termination
       fee is paid, with such termination date extended to no later than the
       second anniversary of the date of the stock option agreement in the
       event that the option cannot be exercised because of an applicable
       judgment, decree, order, law or regulation.
 
Neither option will be exercisable if grantee is in willful breach of any of
its representations or warranties, or in material breach of any of its
covenants, contained in the option agreement or the merger agreement. The
issuance of shares pursuant to the exercise of each option is subject to the
satisfaction of certain conditions, including governmental and regulatory
approvals having been obtained, and the issuance of shares pursuant to the
exercise of the GSI option is subject to The Toronto Stock Exchange having
conditionally approved the listing of the shares issuable pursuant to the
exercise of the Lumonics option.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
 
  At any time within two years of exercise of an option, the grantee will have
certain registration rights relating to the shares issued under the option. In
connection therewith, the issuer will use its reasonable best efforts to:
 
  .  cause the filing with the Commission of a registration statement under
     the Securities Act or, in the case of the Lumonics stock option
     agreement, a prospectus under the Securities Act (Ontario) to cover the
     shares; and
 
  .  cause the registration statement or prospectus to remain effective for a
     period of 180 days.
 
  Each stock option agreement provides that at any time after the option is
exercisable upon request of the grantee, the company that granted the option
will repurchase the option and all or any part of the shares purchased by the
holder under such option received upon the full or partial exercise of the
option from the holder thereof. The company that granted such option will
repurchase the option at a price equal to the product of the greater of:
 
  (1)  the average closing price of one share of the common stock of the
       issuer for the five trading days before the date the party seeking to
       sell such option or shares gives notice; or
 
  (2)  the price per share that a third party offers to pay in a tender offer
       or acquisition;
 
minus the price at which shares of common stock may be purchased under the
option, multiplied by the number of shares subject to the option. If the
company that granted the option is required to repurchase shares that were
acquired under an option, then it must pay a price per share equal to the
exercise price of the option (as adjusted) plus the difference between the
highest price per share offered for the relevant shares by a third party during
the repurchase period and such exercise price, multiplied by the number of
option shares.
 
  If the party granting the option merges with another company and is not the
surviving corporation, changes its stock or sells all or substantially all of
its assets, the option will be converted into an option with terms similar to
those of the outstanding option being to buy stock of the entity that survives
the merger or acquires the assets of the issuer.
 
  Neither the company granting the option nor the company receiving the option
may transfer or sell the option to a third party without the other's
permission.
 
  The stock option agreements may increase the likelihood that the merger will
occur. If the merger does not occur because a third party acquires the stock or
assets of the party issuing the stock option, than the stock option agreements
compensate the grantee for the efforts undertaken and the expenses, losses and
opportunity costs incurred by it. THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS MAY HAVE THE
EFFECT OF DISCOURAGING OFFERS BY OTHERS TO ACQUIRE LUMONICS OR GSI PRIOR TO THE
MERGER.
 
  As of the date of this document, GSI and Lumonics believe that the options
have not become effective.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
 
                     COMPARATIVE MARKET DATA AND DIVIDENDS
 
LUMONICS
 
  The Lumonics common shares are listed and traded on The Toronto Stock
Exchange. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per
Lumonics common share as reported on The Toronto Stock Exchange, for the
quarterly periods presented below:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                              LUMONICS COMMON
                                                                  SHARES
                                                            -------------------
                                                              HIGH       LOW
                                                            --------- ---------
      <S>                                                   <C>       <C>
      Calendar 1996:
        First quarter...................................... Cdn$26.00 Cdn$18.75
        Second quarter.....................................     29.20    25.125
        Third quarter......................................     28.00     25.00
        Fourth quarter.....................................     28.00     24.05
      Calendar 1997:
        First quarter......................................     30.05     24.30
        Second quarter.....................................     29.00     24.60
        Third quarter......................................     32.25     27.00
        Fourth quarter.....................................     29.25     21.50
      Calendar 1998:
        First quarter......................................     27.00     21.50
        Second quarter.....................................     23.00     11.80
        Third quarter......................................     13.75      7.55
        Fourth quarter.....................................      8.75      6.75
      Calendar 1999:
        First quarter to February 5, 1999..................     10.25      7.55
</TABLE>    
   
  On October 27, 1998, the last trading day prior to announcement of the
execution of the merger agreement, the closing price per Lumonics common share
as reported on The Toronto Stock Exchange was Cdn$8.75. On February 5, 1999,
the closing price per share was Cdn$7.60 Shareholders are urged to obtain
current market quotations. As of February 5, 1999, there were approximately 50
holders of record of Lumonics common shares.     
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
 
GSI
 
  The GSI common stock is listed and traded on Nasdaq. The following table sets
forth the high and low sales prices per share of GSI common stock as reported
on Nasdaq for the calendar quarters presented below:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                   GSI COMMON
                                                                      STOCK
                                                                  -------------
                                                                   HIGH   LOW
                                                                  ------ ------
      <S>                                                         <C>    <C>
      Calendar 1996:
        First quarter............................................ $15.00 $8.875
        Second quarter...........................................  25.00  12.75
        Third quarter............................................  18.00   9.00
        Fourth quarter........................................... 13.375   8.00
      Calendar 1997:
        First quarter............................................ 13.563  8.625
        Second quarter........................................... 15.875  6.875
        Third quarter............................................  35.00  13.00
        Fourth quarter........................................... 34.875 16.313
      Calendar 1998:
        First quarter............................................ 21.875 12.625
        Second quarter........................................... 24.625   8.25
        Third quarter............................................   9.75   3.75
        Fourth quarter...........................................  6.625  3.750
      Calendar 1999:
        First quarter to February 5, 1999........................   8.75  6.125
</TABLE>    
   
  On October 27, 1998, the last trading day prior to announcement of the
execution of the merger agreement, the closing price per share of GSI common
stock as reported on Nasdaq was $5.125. On February 5, 1999, the closing price
per share was $6.750. Stockholders are urged to obtain current market
quotations. As of February 5, 1999, there were approximately 238 holders of
record of GSI common stock. Since many shares of GSI common stock are
registered in "nominee" or "street" name, GSI estimates that the total number
of beneficial owners is approximately 4,000.     
 
DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  Neither GSI nor Lumonics has paid any cash dividends on its shares of common
stock or common shares, respectively. The GSI Lumonics Board of Directors will
determine future dividends, if any, in light of the earnings and financial
condition of GSI Lumonics and its subsidiaries and other factors.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
 
  PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GSI LUMONICS INC.
 
  The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information of GSI
Lumonics was prepared to illustrate the estimated effects of the merger for
balance sheet purposes as of September 30, 1998 and for purposes of the results
of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and for the year
ended December 31, 1997.
 
  Based upon the terms of the merger agreement, and the resulting attributes of
the merger, the pro forma statements have been prepared using the purchase
method of accounting for the merger in accordance with US GAAP. The unaudited
pro forma condensed consolidated financial information of GSI Lumonics
presented is derived from a combination of Lumonics' and GSI's financial
information.
 
  The balance sheets and statements of operations of Lumonics and GSI have been
summarized so they may be presented on a consistent basis for purposes of the
unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information of GSI
Lumonics. The pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as at September
30, 1998 gives effect to the transactions set out in the merger agreement, more
fully described in Note 2, as though they had occurred on September 30, 1998.
The pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine
months ended September 30, 1998 and the year ended December 31, 1997 give
effect to these transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 1997.
 
  The allocation of the aggregate purchase price reflected in the unaudited pro
forma condensed consolidated financial information of GSI Lumonics is
preliminary. The actual purchase price allocation is to reflect the fair values
of net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon
management's evaluation of such assets and liabilities following the completion
of the transaction and, accordingly, the adjustments that have been included
will change based upon the final allocation of the total purchase price. Such
allocation may differ significantly from the preliminary allocation included
herein.
 
  The following GSI Lumonics pro forma financial statements have been prepared
based on the historical financial statements of GSI and Lumonics which were
prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Separate GSI Lumonics pro forma financial
statements based on the historical financial statements of GSI and Lumonics
which were prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP have been delivered to
Lumonics shareholders together with this document in the Canadian GAAP
financial statement supplement.
 
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
 
                               GSI LUMONICS INC.
 
                 PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          GENERAL              PRO FORMA   PRO FORMA
                          NOTES LUMONICS  SCANNING  SUBTOTAL  ADJUSTMENTS CONSOLIDATED
                          ----- --------  --------  --------  ----------- ------------
                                          (THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS)
<S>                       <C>   <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>
         ASSETS
         ------
Cash and cash equiva-
 lents..................         25,924     4,423    30,347                  30,347
Short term investments..         12,585       --     12,585                  12,585
Accounts receivable.....         32,915    38,659    71,574                  71,574
Due from related par-
 ties...................          4,551       --      4,551                   4,551
Inventories.............         43,437    37,848    81,285                  81,285
Other assets............   2.5    6,418    10,220    16,638                  16,638
Current portion of swap
 contracts..............            485       --        485                     485
                                -------   -------   -------     -------     -------
    Total current as-
     sets...............        126,315    91,150   217,465                 217,465
Fixed assets............         32,041    15,428    47,469                  47,469
Long term portion of
 swap contracts.........            727       --        727                     727
Goodwill and other as-
 sets...................   2.5    5,911     6,879    12,790       6,801      18,610
                           2.5                                    2,448
                           2.5                                   (3,429)
                                -------   -------   -------     -------     -------
                                164,994   113,457   278,451       5,820     284,271
                                =======   =======   =======     =======     =======
     LIABILITIES &
  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  --------------------
Bank indebtedness and
 current portion of
 long-term debt.........          8,046     6,997    15,043                  15,043
Accounts payable........          8,825     8,822    17,647                  17,647
Accrued liabilities and
 income taxes...........   2.3   14,828    11,101    25,929       5,448      31,377
Accrued compensation and
 benefits...............          4,173     4,562     8,735                   8,735
                                -------   -------   -------     -------     -------
    Total current lia-
     bilities...........         35,872    31,482    67,354       5,448      72,802
Long term debt..........          4,439     1,516     5,955                   5,955
Deferred compensation...            --      1,906     1,906                   1,906
Deferred income taxes...   2.5      --        --        --        2,448       2,448
                                -------   -------   -------     -------     -------
    Total liabilities...         40,311    34,904    75,215       7,896      83,111
Stockholders' equity
  Capital stock ........   2.5  138,690       130   138,820        (130)    221,969
                           2.1                                   82,891
                           2.2                                      836
                           2.3                                     (448)
  Additional paid in
   capital..............   2.5      --     50,040    50,040     (50,040)        --
  Retained earnings
   (deficit)............   2.5   (6,872)   30,052    23,180     (30,052)    (13,674)
                           2.5                                   (6,802)
  Treasury stock........   2.5      --       (589)     (589)        589         --
  Accumulated other
   comprehensive
   income...............   2.5   (7,135)   (1,080)   (8,215)      1,080      (7,135)
                                -------   -------   -------     -------     -------
    Total stockholders'
     equity.............        124,683    78,553   203,236      (2,076)    201,160
                                -------   -------   -------     -------     -------
                                164,994   113,457   278,451       5,820     284,271
                                =======   =======   =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                             See accompanying notes
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
 
                               GSI LUMONICS INC.
 
            PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                  FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         GENERAL              PRO FORMA   PRO FORMA
                         NOTES LUMONICS  SCANNING  SUBTOTAL  ADJUSTMENTS CONSOLIDATED
                         ----- --------  --------  --------  ----------- ------------
                          (THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER SHARE
                                                 AMOUNTS)
<S>                      <C>   <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>
Sales...................       110,210   141,684   251,894                 251,894
Cost of goods sold......        78,348    75,858   154,206                 154,206
                               -------   -------   -------      -----      -------
Gross profit............        31,862    65,826    97,688                  97,688
Selling, general and
 administration.........  2.6   28,354    39,948    68,302      1,142       69,146
                          2.6                                    (298)
Research and
 development............        10,038    20,869    30,907                  30,907
Restructuring,
 litigation and other
 charges................         2,016     5,777     7,793                   7,793
                               -------   -------   -------      -----      -------
Loss before the
 following..............        (8,546)     (768)   (9,314)      (844)     (10,158)
Interest (expense)
 income (net)...........         1,007      (378)      629                     629
                               -------   -------   -------      -----      -------
Loss before taxes.......        (7,539)   (1,146)   (8,685)      (844)      (9,529)
Recovery of taxes.......  2.6   (2,203)     (404)   (2,607)      (304)      (2,911)
                               -------   -------   -------      -----      -------
Net loss for the
 period.................        (5,336)     (742)   (6,078)      (540)      (6,618)
Foreign currency
 translation
 adjustments............        (3,028)      312    (2,716)                 (2,716)
Change in unrealized
 gain (loss) on
 marketable equity
 securities, net........                    (501)     (501)                   (501)
                               -------   -------   -------      -----      -------
Comprehensive loss for
 the period.............        (8,364)     (931)   (9,295)      (540)      (9,835)
                               =======   =======   =======      =====      =======
Net loss per common
 share                      3
  Basic.................       $ (0.31)  $ (0.06)                          $ (0.19)
  Diluted...............       $ (0.31)  $ (0.06)                          $ (0.19)
Adjusted weighted
 average common shares
  Basic (000's).........        17,088    12,560                            34,130
  Diluted (000's).......        17,088    12,560                            34,130
</TABLE>
 
 
                             See accompanying notes
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
 
                               GSI LUMONICS INC.
 
            PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          GENERAL              PRO FORMA   PRO FORMA
                          NOTES LUMONICS  SCANNING  SUBTOTAL  ADJUSTMENTS CONSOLIDATED
                          ----- --------  --------  --------  ----------- ------------
                           (THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER SHARE
                                                  AMOUNTS)
<S>                       <C>   <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>
Sales...................        177,328   181,530   358,858                 358,858
Cost of goods sold......        111,406    94,805   206,211                 206,211
                                -------   -------   -------                 -------
Gross profit............         65,922    86,725   152,647        --       152,647
Research and develop-
 ment...................         11,993    22,302    34,295                  34,295
Selling, general and
 admin. ................   2.6   37,991    46,676    84,667      1,523       86,080
                           2.6                                    (110)
Acquired in-process
 research and
 development............                   10,600    10,600                  10,600
                                -------   -------   -------     ------      -------
Income before the fol-
 lowing.................         15,938     7,147    23,085     (1,413)      21,672
Interest income (net)...          1,048       464     1,512        --         1,512
                                -------   -------   -------     ------      -------
Income before tax.......         16,986     7,611    24,597     (1,413)      23,184
Provision for taxes.....   2.6    5,074     2,502     7,576       (508)       7,068
                                -------   -------   -------     ------      -------
Net income for the
 year...................         11,912     5,109    17,021       (905)      16,116
Foreign currency trans-
 lation adjustment......         (4,193)     (305)   (4,498)                 (4,498)
                                -------   -------   -------     ------      -------
Comprehensive income for
 the year...............          7,719     4,804    12,523       (905)      11,618
                                =======   =======   =======     ======      =======
Net income per common
 share                       3
  Basic.................        $  0.75   $  0.42                           $  0.49
  Diluted...............        $  0.72   $  0.40                           $  0.48
Adjusted weighted aver-
 age common shares
  Basic (000's) ........         15,989    12,065                            33,031
  Diluted (000's).......         16,454    12,657                            33,841
</TABLE>
 
 
                             See accompanying notes
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
 
                               GSI LUMONICS INC.
 
        NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
    
 (THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA AND UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)     
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  The pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared
using the purchase method of accounting for the merger of Lumonics Inc. and
General Scanning Inc. described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus
document. The ongoing business will continue as GSI Lumonics Inc.
 
  The accompanying pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements have
been prepared by management of Lumonics based on the unaudited and audited
consolidated financial statements of Lumonics, prepared in accordance with US
GAAP, as at and for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and for the year
ended December 31, 1997, respectively, and the unaudited and audited
consolidated financial statements of General Scanning, prepared in accordance
with US GAAP, as at and for the nine months ended October 3, 1998 and for the
year ended December 31, 1997, respectively. The use of General Scanning's
financial statements for the fiscal period ended October 3, 1998 as opposed to
September 30, 1998 had no significant impact on reported results. The
accounting policies used in the preparation of the pro forma condensed
consolidated financial statements are those disclosed in Lumonics' audited and
unaudited consolidated financial statements. Management determined no
adjustments are necessary to conform the General Scanning financial statements
with the accounting policies used by Lumonics in the preparation of its
consolidated financial statements.
 
  In the opinion of the management of Lumonics, these pro forma condensed
consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of pro forma financial statements.
 
  The pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements are not
necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have been achieved
if the transactions reflected therein had been completed on the dates
indicated or the results which may be obtained in the future. In preparing
these pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements, no adjustments
have been made to reflect transactions which have occurred since the dates
indicated or to reflect the operating benefits and general and administrative
cost savings expected to result from combining the operations of Lumonics and
General Scanning.
 
  The pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the description of the merger in this joint proxy
statement/prospectus, the unaudited and audited consolidated financial
statements of Lumonics as at and for the nine months ended September 30, 1998
and for the year ended December 31, 1997, respectively, and notes thereto,
included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, and the unaudited and
audited consolidated financial statements for General Scanning as at and for
the nine month period ended October 3, 1998 and as at and for the year ended
December 31, 1997, respectively, and notes thereto, also included in this
joint proxy statement/prospectus.
 
2. PRO FORMA ASSUMPTIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS
 
  These pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements give effect to
the following assumptions and adjustments as if they had occurred on September
30, 1998 in respect of the pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet and
on January 1, 1997 in respect of the pro forma condensed consolidated
statements of operations:
 
  .  Completion of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, as
     more fully described elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
 
  .  Absence of any material transactions by, or changes in operations or the
     fair values of assets and liabilities of, Lumonics and General Scanning
     subsequent to September 30, 1998 other than as described elsewhere in
     this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
                               GSI LUMONICS INC.
 
                   NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
    (THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA AND UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)
 
  .  Neither GSI stockholders nor Lumonics stockholders exercise dissenters'
     rights in respect of the Merger.
 
  The total purchase price will be allocated to the net identifiable assets
acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values. The
aggregate purchase price reflected in the pro forma condensed consolidated
financial statements is based upon the average Lumonics share price for the
three days before and three days after the announcement of the merger agreement
on October 28, 1998.
 
                    TRANSACTIONS GIVING EFFECT TO THE MERGER
                         AND AGREEMENTS RELATED THERETO
 
2.1 SHARES PURCHASED
 
  To record $82,891 for the issuance by Lumonics of 17,041,740 common shares at
$4.864 (Cdn$7.60) per share in exchange for all 12,651,626 outstanding shares
of General Scanning common stock as of October 27, 1998, on the basis of an
exchange ratio of 1.347 common shares of Lumonics for each one share of General
Scanning common stock.
 
2.2 GENERAL SCANNING STOCK OPTIONS/EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLANS
 
  To record $836 as paid-in capital, to reflect the cost to Lumonics of
assuming General Scanning stock options and warrants, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
       <S>                                                                 <C>
       A total of 1,869,387 Lumonics stock options (equal to 1,387,815
        General Scanning stock options, outstanding as of October 27,
        1998) were valued at a fair value of $0.443 per Lumonics Inc.
        stock option.....................................................  $828
       A total of 70,718 Lumonics stock options (equal to 52,500 General
        Scanning Stock warrants, outstanding as of October 27, 1998) were
        valued at a fair value of $0.11 per Lumonics Inc. stock option...     8
                                                                           ----
       Fair value of stock options to be issued..........................  $836
                                                                           ====
</TABLE>
 
  The fair value of the options was estimated using a Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free rate
of 4%, expected life of 4 years, expected volatility of 0.3, and a dividend
yield at zero. The options entitle holders to one common share of Lumonics upon
exercise, have a weighted average remaining life of 8 years and weighted
average exercise price of $10.61.
 
  On or prior to the date of completion of the transaction, Lumonics may grant
additional Lumonics stock options for common shares of Lumonics for newly-hired
employees and the retention or promotion of current employees. These pro forma
condensed consolidated financial statements do not reflect these possible
grants since the total number of options is not known at this time and any
options are to be issued at exercise prices equal to the price of Lumonics'
stock on the date of grant.
 
2.3 COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSACTION
 
  To record the estimated costs of $5,000 associated with the transaction,
consisting of investment banking, legal and other professional costs to be
included in the cost of acquisition. Also to record the estimated costs (net of
tax) of share issuance and registration of $448, which costs have been charged
to share capital.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
 
                               GSI LUMONICS INC.
 
                   NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
    (THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA AND UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)
 
2.4 COSTS OF MERGER RELATED PLANNING ACTIVITIES
 
  Management has commenced merger related planning activities and is not yet in
a position to estimate merger related restructuring and integration costs,
related to the rationalization of either Lumonics or General Scanning
operations. These pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements do not
reflect the costs of any such plans. Any amounts applicable to General Scanning
will result in an adjustment to the final purchase price allocation. Any
amounts applicable to Lumonics will be expensed as incurred.
 
2.5 ADJUSTMENTS TO RECORD THE PURCHASE
 
  To allocate the aggregate purchase price to General Scanning's net
identifiable assets, in accordance with the purchase method of accounting. The
aggregate purchase price was determined as follows:
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                               <C>
     Shares purchased (2.1)........................................... $ 82,891
     Options purchased (2.2)..........................................      836
                                                                       --------
       Total purchase price........................................... $ 83,727
                                                                       ========
     Allocated as follows:
     Current assets................................................... $ 91,150
     Fixed assets.....................................................   15,428
     Acquired technology of General Scanning(2).......................    6,801
     Deferred income taxes............................................   (2,448)
     Allocated to goodwill(2)(3)......................................    2,448
     Other long-term assets of General Scanning(1)....................    3,450
     Current liabilities..............................................  (31,482)
     Long-term debt...................................................   (1,516)
     Deferred compensation............................................   (1,906)
     Transaction costs................................................   (5,000)
     In-process research and development..............................    6,802
                                                                       --------
                                                                       $ 83,727
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>
 
- --------
(1) Comprised of notes receivable of Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. ("RVSI") of
    $2,250, RVSI common stock of $730 and other deposits of $470.
 
(2) Goodwill of $2,448 and the acquired technology of $6,801 have been
    classified as "Goodwill and other assets" in the pro forma balance sheet.
 
(3) The historical goodwill of General Scanning of $3,429 has been eliminated.
 
  Management has estimated that $6,802 of the purchase price can be allocated
to purchased in-process research and development and expensed at the time of
the acquisition, $6,801 can be allocated to acquired technology and amortized
over the useful life of 60 months and $2,448 can be allocated to goodwill and
amortized over the useful life of 15 years. At the time of acquisition, the
technological feasibility of the in-process research and development has not
been established and management believes it has no determinable alternate
future use.
 
  The non recurring charge of $6,802 for purchased in-process research and
development is not considered in the pro forma income statement.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
 
                               GSI LUMONICS INC.
 
                   NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
    (THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA AND UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)
 
  There is significant uncertainty surrounding the successful development of
the purchased in-process technology because General Scanning's markets are
characterized by rapid technological change and product innovation. There is
also possibility for an adverse effect on the future results from operations if
the research and development projects are not successfully developed. Examples
of possible limitations of the success of the in-process research and
development include alternative laser technologies that could be patented by
others for use in memory repair or the industry may move to the next level of
memory technology sooner than anticipated.
 
  General Scanning's in-process research and development efforts include
development of new products and features for its next generation products and
may be categorized broadly into three main product areas: (1) laser systems,
(2) recorder/printer products, and (3) optical component products. General
Scanning expects to complete these projects by late calendar year 1999 at a
currently estimated cost of approximately $6.5 million. The remaining efforts
of the in-process research and development include development and testing
activities related to completion of the technology into commercially viable
products. At the earliest, the economic benefits of the acquired in-process
technology are expected to begin in late 1999.
 
  The allocation of the aggregate purchase price reflected in the unaudited pro
forma condensed consolidated financial information of GSI Lumonics is
preliminary and based on the financial position of General Scanning at
September 30, 1998. The actual purchase price allocation is to reflect the fair
value, at the merger date, of the assets acquired (including purchased in-
process research and development, acquired technology, fixed assets and
goodwill) and liabilities assumed based upon management's evaluation of such
assets and liabilities following the closing of the merger and, accordingly,
the adjustments that have been included will change based upon the final
allocation of the total purchase price. Such allocation may differ
significantly from the preliminary allocation included herein. Before such
evaluation can be completed, pertinent information to be received includes
estimates of the fair value of certain intangible and tangible assets, acquired
as at the time of completion of the merger, and the final integration plan for
the merger. The final purchase price allocations as of the time of completion
of the merger may differ significantly from the preliminary allocation included
herein.
 
2.6 ADJUSTMENTS TO AMORTIZE INTANGIBLES ACQUIRED IN THE MERGER
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       NINE MONTHS
                                                          ENDED      YEAR ENDED
                                                      SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
                                                          1998          1997
                                                      ------------- ------------
                                                         $000'S        $000'S
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>
To give effect to amortization of acquired technol-
 ogy and other intangibles arising from the merger..      1,142        1,523
                                                          =====        =====
Elimination of amortization of other goodwill in
 historical financial statements of GSI.............       (298)        (110)
                                                          =====        =====
To give effect to income taxes on the above adjust-
 ment...............................................        304          508
                                                          =====        =====
</TABLE>
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
 
                               GSI LUMONICS INC.
 
                   NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
    (THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA AND UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)
 
3. COMMON SHARES
 
  The number of pro forma common shares outstanding after giving effect to the
transaction are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        000'S
                                                                        ------
     <S>                                                                <C>
     Lumonics common shares outstanding at September 30, 1998.......... 17,019
     Lumonics shares to be issued in exchange for all outstanding Gen-
      eral Scanning common stock....................................... 17,042
                                                                        ------
     Pro forma common shares outstanding of GSI Lumonics............... 34,061
                                                                        ======
</TABLE>
 
  The number of pro forma common shares outstanding excludes Lumonics shares
issuable upon the exercise of options to be issued as a result of the
assumption of General Scanning stock options and warrants. See 2.2.
 
  The pro forma net income (loss) per common share was based on the weighted
average number of common shares of Lumonics outstanding during the period
giving effect to the transaction as if it had occurred on January 1, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      NINE MONTHS
                                                         ENDED      YEAR ENDED
                                                     SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1998          1997
                                                     ------------- ------------
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>
                                                         000's         000's
BASIC:
  Lumonics average shares outstanding...............    17,088        15,989
  Lumonics shares to be issued for outstanding
   General Scanning shares..........................    17,042        17,042
                                                        ------        ------
    Total...........................................    34,130        33,031
                                                        ======        ======
DILUTED:
  Lumonics adjusted average shares outstanding......    17,088        16,454
  Lumonics adjusted average shares to be issued for
   outstanding General Scanning shares, options and
   warrants.........................................    17,042        17,387
                                                        ------        ------
    Total...........................................    34,130        33,841
                                                        ======        ======
</TABLE>
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
 
           ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS AGAINST LUMONICS AND GSI LUMONICS
 
  Lumonics is currently organized under the Business Corporation Act (Ontario)
and GSI Lumonics will be organized under the laws of New Brunswick under the
Business Corporation Act (New Brunswick). Some of Lumonics' current directors
and some of GSI Lumonics' proposed directors and officers and certain experts
named in this document are residents of Canada, and a substantial portion of
their assets will be located outside the United States. Consequently, it may be
difficult for United States investors to effect service of process on such
persons, or to enforce, in United States courts, judgments (in original actions
or in actions for enforcement) against Lumonics or GSI Lumonics or these
persons which are obtained in the courts of the United States and which are
based on the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the
United States. There is doubt as to the enforceability in Canada against
Lumonics or GSI Lumonics or any of its directors and officers or experts named
in this document who are not residents of the United States, in original
actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments rendered by courts of the
United States, of claims arising solely from the application of the United
States federal securities laws.
 
                      WHERE YOU MAY FIND MORE INFORMATION
 
  This document is a part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 which
Lumonics has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933. It does not, however, contain all the information set
forth in the registration statement on Form S-4, including any amendments.
Statements contained in this document concerning the provisions of documents
are necessarily summaries of such documents and, while such summaries contain
the material provisions of such documents, each statement is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the copy of the applicable document filed with the
Commission or attached as an annex hereto.
 
  GSI files annual, quarterly, and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed may be inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024,
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and are
available at the following regional offices of the Commission: the Northeast
Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and
the Chicago Regional Office, Northwest Atrium Center, 500 W. Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511.
 
  You may obtain copies of the Lumonics registration statement or GSI's filings
at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 or such
materials may be inspected and copied at the Commission's Web site
(http://www.sec.gov). In addition, material filed by GSI can be inspected at
the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1935 K
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
 
  Lumonics files annual, quarterly, and special reports, proxy statements and
other information with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities in such
provinces where so required. Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information that have been or will be filed by Lumonics with the Canadian
securities administrators are available at a Web site (http://www.sedar.com)
maintained on behalf of the Canadian securities administrators.
 
  Lumonics common shares are traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange. Reports,
proxy statements and other information concerning Lumonics can be inspected at
the offices of The Toronto Stock Exchange at 2 First Canadian Place, Toronto,
Ontario, Canada M5X 1J2.
 
  GSI Lumonics will, following the merger, be subject to the requirements of
the Exchange Act and will file annual, quarterly, and special reports, proxy
statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
 
Commission, Canadian Securities Administrators, Nasdaq and The Toronto Stock
Exchange. After the merger, information will be available regarding GSI
Lumonics from the Securities and Exchange Commission as indicated above.
 
                               ----------------
 
  NEITHER GSI NOR LUMONICS HAS AUTHORIZED ANY PERSON TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION
NOT CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT AND YOU MAY NOT RELY UPON ANY INFORMATION NOT
CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, ANY
OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED BY THIS DOCUMENT, OR THE SOLICITATION OF A PROXY, IN
ANY JURISDICTION TO OR FROM ANY PERSON TO OR FROM WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE
SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER, OR PROXY SOLICITATION IN SUCH
JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS DOCUMENT NOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF ANY
SECURITIES UNDER THIS DOCUMENT SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY
IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THIS
DOCUMENT SINCE THE DATE OF THIS DOCUMENT.
 
  LUMONICS HAS PROVIDED ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT WITH RESPECT
TO LUMONICS AND GSI HAS PROVIDED ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT
WITH RESPECT TO GSI. THE PRECEDING SENTENCE DOES NOT AFFECT THE PARTIES
RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER U.S. FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
 
                                BUSINESS OF GSI
 
OVERVIEW
 
  GSI was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1968. GSI develops and manufactures
a broad line of laser systems for a wide range of applications in the
automotive, electronics, semiconductor, medical and aircraft industries. In
addition, GSI produces a line of laser subsystems and components, which are
used in GSI's own systems as well as sold in the merchant market. GSI also
designs and manufactures a line of printers for medical instrument companies,
and recently introduced a new foil imprinting technology for use in photo labs
and retail photo finishing outlets. In 1997, over 85% of GSI's revenues were
derived from the sale of laser systems and components. GSI sells and supports
its products worldwide. In 1997, 56% of its sales were in the United States,
27% in Asia and 17% in Europe. For the first nine months of 1998, 59% of its
sales were in the United States, 20% in Asia and 21% in Europe.
 
  GSI manufactures laser systems for a variety of industrial applications
including: thin film resistor processing systems used in the production of
automotive sensors for airbags, anti-lock brakes, emissions control and airflow
measurement; thick film resistor processing systems used in the manufacture of
surface mount ("SMT") electronic components; memory repair processing systems
used in the fabrication of high density computer memory chips; inspection
systems for solder paste and component placement on SMT printed circuits; laser
marking systems used for permanent identification of products such as
integrated circuit packages and automotive components; component handling and
sorting systems used in the integration of one or more laser process or
inspection systems; precision alignment systems used primarily in the
fabrication of aircraft composite structures; inspection and metrology systems
employing non-contact 3-D image processing used in the manufacture of disk
drives and other precise tolerance devices; micro-array scanners for biological
analysis; and laser systems and subsystems used in film imaging. In addition,
GSI manufactures laser subsystems and components used by GSI and its customers
in many applications including materials processing, test and measurement,
alignment, inspection, graphics, vision systems, rapid prototyping and certain
medical procedures including dermatology and ophthalmology.
 
  GSI's core technological expertise which is employed in each of these
applications is high speed micropositioning and precise power control of
lasers, as well as 2-D and 3-D image processing. Designing and manufacturing
GSI's products requires specialized expertise in: electronics that can operate
reliably and accurately under a wide range of environmental conditions;
electromechanical devices that can sustain high torsional acceleration; optics
and lenses that operate with a variety of laser power and wavelength; closed-
loop electronic servo systems that precisely and quickly measure and control
relative positions of mechanical components; and software that controls laser
systems and interfaces with adjunct equipment. In addition, GSI maintains
control of the critical production processes which, GSI believes, allows it to
control costs, realize higher quality production and bring new products to
market more quickly. Two of GSI's core development and manufacturing sites,
located in Wilmington, MA and Bedford, MA, are ISO 9001 certified operations.
 
  GSI expands the scope and use of its core products by working closely with
leading customers to identify both value-added functionality and new
applications. GSI designs and manufactures systems and components with the aim
of providing its customers with low overall cost of ownership. GSI's close
relationship with its customers enables it to expand the number of applications
for its core technology and reduce the risks associated with new product
development. GSI believes that the diversity of applications for its products
reduces the risk of dependence on the economic conditions in any one industrial
sector it serves.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  GSI's strategy is to continue to apply its expertise in rapid and high
accuracy micropositioning and precise power control of laser beams and 2-D and
3-D image processing to the development and manufacture of end-user and OEM
systems, subsystems and components for a broad range of market applications.
This strategy builds upon GSI's strengths in technology, manufacturing and
distribution.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
 
  The key elements of GSI's business strategy are as follows:
 
  Leverage Core Technology. GSI is committed to developing new products and
enhancing existing products to address new applications and evolving
manufacturing requirements primarily by leveraging GSI's core technologies for
high accuracy micropositioning and precise power control of lasers and in image
processing.
 
  Customer Driven Product Development. GSI seeks to partner and work closely
with leading manufacturing companies in selected but diverse areas. This
approach allows GSI to incorporate customer feedback during the design process,
which expedites product development, thereby saving development time and
expense. GSI believes that developing a product to meet a need identified by a
market leader and potential customer decreases the risk typically associated
with new product introductions.
 
  Broad Applications in Diverse Markets. GSI currently offers products serving
broad applications in diverse markets, including laser systems for
semiconductor manufacturing, production of automotive sensors, manufacturing of
electronic components and circuits, precision alignment of manufactured parts,
permanent product marking, film imaging and biological analysis. GSI makes
subsystems and components for OEM manufacturers of equipment for detection of
in-process defects and contamination, performance of medical diagnostic and
corrective procedures, confocal microscopy, film imaging, rapid prototyping,
and medical patient vital sign recording. By addressing diverse markets, GSI
seeks to increase its product sales and reduce its reliance on any single
industry or customer. In addition, GSI's marketing strategy is to continue to
develop products based on its core technical and manufacturing competencies for
markets in which it believes it can attain a leading position in market share.
 
  Maintain Control of Critical Production Processes. GSI's manufacturing
strategy is to identify and perform internally those manufacturing functions
which enable GSI to maintain control over critical portions of the production
process and which add value to its products. GSI believes it achieves a number
of competitive advantages from such integration, including the ability to
achieve lower cost and higher quality, to bring new products and product
enhancements quickly and reliably to market, and to produce sophisticated
component parts not readily available from other sources.
 
  Focus on Customers' Overall Cost of Ownership. GSI designs and manufactures
systems, subsystems and components aimed at providing its customers with low
overall cost of ownership relative to competing solutions. GSI's laser systems
are intended to assist customers in achieving higher yields, greater
productivity, more efficient use of operator time and more economical use of
manufacturing space.
 
  Address Worldwide Markets. GSI markets, sells and supports its products
worldwide. GSI believes the strength of its international sales and customer
support organization is important to its continued success. To facilitate its
worldwide marketing strategy, GSI has dedicated sales and support organizations
in Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Germany, England, France and Italy, in addition to eight major locations in the
United States.
 
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
 
 Laser Systems and Components
 
  Thin Film Laser Processing Systems--GSI's laser systems are used in the
production of thin film circuits to precisely tune the performance of linear
and mixed signal devices used in a variety of applications including automotive
electronics, consumer products, personal computers, communications products,
appliances, and medical instruments. Tuning is accomplished by adjusting
various component parameters with selective laser cuts, while the circuit is
under test, thereby achieving the desired electrical performance. For example,
in automotive applications, these precision sensor circuits are used to measure
analog variables such as acceleration, voltage, temperature and pressure, and
convert them into electronic signals suitable for computer
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
 
processing and subsequent control of vehicle performance and safety. Automotive
applications include engine control, airbag deployment, anti-lock brake control
and active suspension systems. The M310 laser system subjects the sensor to a
calibrating pressure and then the laser adjusts the sensor parameters to
exacting specifications. GSI's M310 systems combine material handling, test
stimulus, temperature control and laser trim subsystems into a single turnkey
package for tuning linear and mixed signal devices.
 
  Recently, such linear mixed signal circuits are being adopted for smart
appliances (such as camcorders and mobile GPS devices), extended life
batteries, video games, medical instruments and HVAC systems. Such mixed signal
devices were among the fastest growing segments in the electronic components
industry during 1997. GSI's thin film resistor processing systems range in
price from approximately $300,000 to $1,000,000. Representative customers
include Analog Devices, Robert Bosch, Denso, Fuji Denki, Burr Brown, Maxim,
Motorola and Texas Instruments.
 
  Thick Film Laser Processing Systems--GSI's laser systems are used in the
production of thick film resistive components (known as chip resistors) for SMT
electronic circuits. Chip resistors are microelectronic components that replace
larger axial lead resistors formerly used in electronic circuits. Chip
resistors are used in most consumer and industrial electronic products
including CD players, VCRs, TVs, camcorders and cellular telephones. A
camcorder, for example, may contain over five hundred chip resistors. The
increasing use of these devices is being driven by the demand for enhanced
functionality, reduced size, and lower cost of consumer electronics. SMT
components meet these needs by providing reduced package size and production
set-up time, and improved reliability and delivery times. GSI's W724C laser
system is an integral part of the process for manufacturing chip resistors. By
means of selected cuts, laser systems are used to change the effective length
and cross section of the electrical conductor of each resistor element. The
resistance is monitored, and the laser action continues until the precise
resistance value is obtained. GSI believes that the size of resistors will
continue to shrink and, as a result, manufacturers will require more precise
laser systems. In November 1998, GSI introduced the W770 Chip Component Trim
System featuring faster and higher quality cuts, as well as an intelligent
parts handler for increased reliability and simplicity, delivering production
tolerant, "lights out" operation on the smallest packages sizes and
automatically manages multi-lot jobs and non-conforming parts.
 
  GSI's W670 laser systems are used for processing more general purpose hybrid
thick film electronic circuits. These circuits are designed to withstand harsh
environmental uses, such as automotive ignition controls, fuel sensors and high
voltage regulation.
 
  GSI's thick film resistor processing systems range in price from
approximately $200,000 to $350,000. Representative customers include Kyocera,
Matsushita, Philips, Samsung and Vishay.
 
  Litigation with Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. ("RVSI"), arising from GSI's
acquisition of View Engineering, Inc., was settled in June 1998. Under the
terms of the settlement, in consideration of $3.75 million in stock and notes
from RVSI, GSI has agreed not to compete and has granted an exclusive
technology license to RVSI in the field of semiconductor interconnection
inspection. RVSI agreed not to compete in the field of solder paste inspection.
 
  Surface Mount Measurement Systems--GSI's surface mount measurement products
address another sector of the electronics industry, the manufacture of printed
circuit board assemblies. Customers for SMT measurement products require
systems which can be used for prototyping, near-process monitoring and in-line
process control. These systems can be installed near or in the circuit board
assembly line to address these needs. In the manufacture of surface-mount
electronics, solder, in paste form, is stenciled onto the circuit board with a
screen printer, and then components are placed in their respective positions on
the board by automated equipment. Critical variables in the manufacturing
process, which GSI's systems address, include the amount of solder deposited on
the board and the accurate placement of the electronic components.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
 
  The Model 8100 system was introduced in 1995 and represents the third
generation of equipment design. The Model 8100 uses GSI's patented three-
dimensional scanning laser data acquisition technology, and can inspect either
solder paste depositions or component placement accuracy. The current base
price for the Model 8100 system is approximately $200,000 to $250,000. The
strongest market segments for SMT measurement products have been in the
computer, telecommunications and automotive industries as well as in contract
manufacturers which serve those and other industries. The Model 8200 system was
introduced in March 1998 and offers a faster, lower-priced solution for
inspection of smaller sized circuit boards. The current price for the Model
8200 is approximately $125,000 to $150,000. The strongest market segments for
SMT measurement products have been in the telecommunications, automotive, and
computer industries as well as contract manufacturers which serve those and
other industries. Customers include Celestica, Delco, Ericsson, Jabil Circuits,
and Motorola.
 
  Memory Repair Systems--Dynamic random access memory chips are critical
components in the active memory portion of computers and a broad range of other
digital electronic products. To obtain efficient yields in the production
process, each memory component is designed with redundant circuitry. Using
GSI's M325 and M325 Plus laser systems, a semiconductor manufacturer can
effectively disconnect defective or redundant circuits in a memory chip with
accurately positioned and power modulated laser pulses. This improves the yield
of usable components per treated wafer, effectively lowering the cost per unit
produced.
 
  The demand for memory, measured in megabits, has in recent years been growing
at greater than 50% per year. Approximately half to three quarters of memory
components produced are used in personal computers, with additional demand
coming from networked systems (file servers), flat panel displays, multimedia
systems and consumer electronics. Memory demand by the computer industry is
driven by both memory intensive software (Windows 95, graphics, etc.) and
higher speed microprocessors. As the memory capacity increases, the feature
size and spacing between the elements of the microcircuits decrease. The
industry is presently changing from 16 megabit to 64 megabit memory in response
to the demand for additional memory, space limitations to accommodate it and
manufacturing economics. GSI offers products which are currently being used for
processing memory up to and including 64 megabits. First-pass manufacturing
yields are typically low at the start of production of a new generation of
higher capacity devices. First-pass yields have decreased to, now, less than
20% with each successive generation of memory chips as geometries shrink and
manufacturing becomes more difficult. Laser processing is used to raise
production yields to acceptable economic levels, frequently to greater than
95%.
 
  Memory components are currently produced in batches on silicon wafers
typically measuring 6" or 8" in diameter. The industry is currently planning
for production using 12" (300 millimeter) diameter wafers. GSI believes that
its technology and systems architecture will allow it to develop and introduce
products to process the new 12" wafers. However, industry implementation of
conversion to 12" wafers has been delayed due to current conditions of excess
capacity within the semiconductor industry. GSI's M325 memory processing
systems range in price from approximately $500,000 to $900,000. Representative
customers include Cypress Semiconductor, Dominion Semiconductor, IBM,
Mitsubishi and Toshiba.
 
  Permanent Marking Systems--GSI's moving spot laser marking systems are used
to apply permanent alphanumeric, graphic and bar-code identification directly
onto electronic components, industrial products and packaging materials. Laser
marking systems remove precise amounts of material from, or modify the surface
of, an object being marked by exact control of the laser beam as it moves along
a prescribed path. Such systems are gaining acceptance over a broad range of
markets, replacing older technologies such as inkjet, mechanical imprinting,
chemical etching and ink stamping. This change is being driven by the need for
permanent marking and for marking systems which can be interfaced with
computers, and by environmental acceptance. Industry has recently begun to
require product traceability for years after the date of manufacture. At
present, inkjet and ink stamping do not provide this permanence, while laser
marking does. Also, the laser marking process does not involve the use of
environmentally hazardous solvents.
 
  As an example of this application, GSI's HM1500 laser system is used to mark
integrated circuit ("IC") packages. The plastic or ceramic package surrounding
an IC must be marked without penetration of its thin wall to avoid damaging the
expensive circuits it protects. This process requires a high degree of
precision.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
 
Laser marking for this application is gaining widespread usage. GSI's laser
systems are also used in other applications including the marking of automotive
parts, electrical components, tools, medical implants, as well as in the
decorative marking of consumer items. During 1996, GSI replaced its current
product offerings with the 1000 Series products which offered significant
advantages in terms of higher power, larger marking fields, faster marking
speeds and higher precision. In 1997, GSI introduced a diode-pumped laser
marker, with a full 8,760 hour warranty on the laser, which requires no
external cooling or three-phase power. The FM3500-4 laser marking system, also
introduced in mid-1997, multiplexes a high power laser beam into four
completely independent marking heads that can be remotely located up to 100
feet away from the laser by fiber optic cable. GSI's laser marking systems
range in price from approximately $50,000 to $225,000. Representative customers
include Harris, Hewlett-Packard, Motorola, SGS Thompson, Texas Instruments and
Toshiba.
 
  Components Handling Systems--GSI designs, manufactures and, then, integrates
electronic components handling systems for laser marking, lead inspection,
parts sorting and parts packaging. This capability was added in late 1997
through the acquisition of Reel-Tech, Inc. Products include in-tray laser
marking, tube-to-tube laser marking, tape and reel systems, media transfer
systems and integrated multi-process systems. These systems can handle a wide
variety of component package configurations. This capability enables GSI to
more effectively serve its customers by meeting the emerging trend to more
closely integrate multiple processes and, therefore, increase manufacturing
productivity. GSI's component handler systems sell in the price range of
approximately $125,000 to $400,000. Representative customers include Micron,
Motorola and Samsung.
 
  Precision Alignment Systems--GSI's precision alignment systems interface with
computer assisted design and manufacturing ("CAD/CAM") software to assist in
the precision alignment of parts during manufacturing assembly processes. The
principal use to date has been in the precision alignment of composite
materials for the aircraft industry. Composite materials are important elements
in the fabrication of critical structures for aircraft, such as jet engine
cowlings, cargo and nose wheel doors, and control surfaces of the wings and
vertical stabilizer, as well as for major components in jet engines,
helicopters, communication satellites and rockets. GSI's systems project a
precise image generated from existing CAD/CAM data to guide the assembly
operations personnel in the proper placement and order of layers of composite
materials. GSI's OLT4000 precision alignment systems allow aircraft
manufacturers to eliminate mechanical alignment templates, minimize costs from
engineering changes, and reduce operator learning time and assembly labor
requirements. GSI is exploring the applications of these systems in other
markets. GSI's precision alignment systems sell in the range from approximately
$50,000 to $250,000. Representative customers include Bell Helicopter, Boeing,
CFAN, Daimler-Benz Aerospace, Hughes Aircraft and Northrop Grumman.
 
  Metrology Systems--GSI's metrology products are automated, non-contact
dimensional coordinate measurement systems which provide major electronics,
telecommunications, and computer manufacturers with the ability to perform
micron accurate measurements of component parts and assemblies produced
throughout their manufacturing processes. These systems use combinations of CCD
video camera, image processing, and various laser sensor technologies to
acquire part measurement data. The metrology products are primarily sold to
manufacturers of disk drives, semiconductor packages, printed circuit boards,
and their associated micro-electronic components. During 1997, GSI replaced one
of its core product offerings with a new Voyager platform featuring advances in
illumination and autofocus technology, complemented by easy-to-use graphical
user interface to facilitate measurement and programming. Current prices range
from $55,000 to $150,000. Representative customers include Applied Magnetics,
Cummins Engine, IBM, Intel, K. R. Precision and Seagate Technology.
 
  Film Imaging Systems--The application of lasers for imaging directly onto
film has progressed steadily over the past decade to the point where it has
become the technology of choice in two major markets: medical diagnostics and
graphics. Both applications demand precise micropositioning for pixel placement
and adjustable contrast range. Medical diagnostics often involve images of the
human anatomy derived from computer assisted tomography ("CAT"), magnetic
resonance imaging ("MRI") or nuclear medicine systems. Such images are usually
presented on photographic film for viewing by a radiologist. GSI's laser
imaging subsystems are used to produce images of adjustable gray-level contrast
and high resolution for enhanced medical diagnostic
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
 
purposes. GSI's laser imaging equipment, using data sets from CAT, MRI or
nuclear medicine equipment, creates a film image by moving a laser beam across
the width of the film, and modulating it to produce the correct gray scale
level for each picture element, or pixel. When the width of the film has been
scanned, the next line is scanned in sequence. The process is continued until
the entire image is exposed.
 
  In late 1997, GSI introduced a film duplicating system which duplicates 8 x
10 and 14 x 17 films from existing X-ray, CAT and MRI electronic films.
Initially, the system will directly interface with wet and dry laser imaging
systems including Imation's DryView 8700 Laser Imaging System. In November
1998, GSI expanded this digitizing equipment to include applications in
teleradiology and PACS (picture archiving and communication systems).
 
  GSI also sells a modified version of its film imaging subsystem to write
directly onto a film plate for graphic printing.
 
  GSI's laser imaging systems and subsystems sell in the range from
approximately $1,500 to $20,000. Representative customers include A.B. Dick,
Agfa and Imation. Imation's imaging business, including its OEM relationship
with GSI, is being acquired by Eastman Kodak.
 
  Large format systems--In 1997, GSI commenced development of an innovative
laser patterning system for use in the manufacture of flat panel displays
("FPD"). The development, alpha and beta phases of this project are funded by
two multinational companies with an interest in the FPD industry. In 1998, GSI
delivered and installed two prototypes. FPDs are compact, lightweight, low
power alternatives to the traditional picture tube used in televisions and
computer monitors. A typical FPD is composed of a thin layer of liquid crystal
sandwiched between two sheets of glass, with a variety of layers of material
patterned onto the glass surfaces. The rapidly growing FPD market has been
driven by the growth in "laptop" portable computers and is projected to grow
from $10.8 billion in 1995 to $23.7 billion in 2002 (Stanford Resources). To
reduce manufacturing costs per FPD, the industry is moving to large (up to 1
meter by 1 meter) glass substrates, capable of simultaneously fabricating six
to nine FPDs per substrate, and to new techniques for one or more of the
manufacturing steps. The product under development combines GSI's expertise in
the precision pointing, shaping and control of laser beams to precision
patterns, this time over a large field of view when compared to GSI's current
applications. Production versions of the product are expected to be priced
between $2.5 to $3.5 million each.
 
  Biological scanners--In late 1997, GSI introduced a laser-based fluorescence
imaging system for use in the measurement of gene expression. Identification
and quantification of the expression level of different genes under varying
conditions provide researchers with a rough functional analysis of genomic
sequence information, which could lead to potential drug targets. Similarly,
gene expression analysis can be used for diagnostic purposes. Some scientists
believe that pharmacogenomics (the discipline of identifying genes responsible
for different reactions to drugs) could be the quickest route to improving the
therapeutic specificity of drugs. Several biotechnology companies are active in
the development of molecular array technology and fluorescently labeled
ligands. The ScanArray 3000 Biochip Analysis System measures the fluorescent
intensity at each DNA grid spot facilitating, at high speed, the analysis of
the expression level of a particular gene. The system is offered for sale to
end users in research and, on an OEM basis, for resale by those companies
active in biochemistry and microchip technology. The average unit selling price
is less than $100,000.
 
  Components--GSI develops, produces and sells optical scanners and scanner
subsystems which include optics, software and control systems. These are used
by GSI and its customers in a variety of applications including materials
processing, test and measurement, alignment, inspection, displays, graphics,
vision, rapid prototyping, and medical applications including dermatology and
ophthalmology. GSI intends to continue to work with its customers to develop
new components and subsystems based upon its optical scanning technology. GSI
sells its scanners in a range from approximately $100 to $4,000 and its
subsystems in a range from approximately $2,000 to $30,000. Representative
customers include Eastman Kodak, Nikon, Perceptron and Texas Instruments.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
 
 Printing Products
 
  GSI develops, produces and sells a variety of thermal printers which are
designed for use with defibrillators, patient care monitors, cardiac pacemaker
programmers, and other medical applications. The printers are used to provide a
permanent record of a patient's condition during critical medical care.
 
  GSI's printers generate signal traces, grids and real time annotation on heat
sensitive paper. Paper widths ranging from 48 to 216 millimeters are moved at
speeds that can be remotely selected in the range from 1 millimeter per hour to
125 millimeters per second, and have a resolution of 8 x 32 dots per
millimeter. The text and graphics are generated by selectively and
instantaneously modulating the temperature of small (approximately 0.105 x
0.175 millimeters) elements of a print head across the width of the chart. The
heated elements create dots on thermal sensitive paper. By repeated action
under the control of an on-board microprocessor, the desired graphic output can
be produced.
 
  GSI works closely with its OEM customers to develop and produce thermal
printers which are incorporated into its customers' products. Typical
customized features of thermal printers offered by GSI include: package and
size dimensions dictated by the customer's end products; speed and accuracy of
chart transport; print resolution; number of fonts; and number of data
channels. Medical uses for GSI's thermal printers require high reliability,
since they are often used in emergency medical equipment which must be rugged
and lightweight. GSI believes that its ability to work rapidly and efficiently
with its customers provides an important benefit to such customers.
Approximately, 66,000 thermal printers were shipped during 1997. GSI's thermal
printers sell in a range from approximately $200 to $3,000. Representative
customers include Datascope, Marquette, Medtronic, Physio-Control, Solectron,
Spacelabs Medical and Zoll Medical.
 
  In 1997, GSI introduced a new foil imprinting technology, initially for use
in photo labs and in retail photo finishing locations for personalization of
greeting cards. The new process can replace time-consuming litho techniques, as
well as film, metal dies, type and plates typically required by current foil
stamping processes. Qualex, Inc., a subsidiary of Eastman Kodak, is GSI's
initial customer for this new application. This technology may be applied to
other materials in graphics art.
 
PRODUCT LIST
 
  The following is an abbreviated list of GSI's products and their typical
market applications:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRODUCTS                 MARKET APPLICATIONS
- --------                 -------------------
<S>                      <C>
Laser Systems
  M310ST................ Automotive sensor production
  M310/W678............. Processing of thin film electronic circuits
  W770.................. Manufacture of thick film resistive components (chip resistors)
  W670.................. Processing of hybrid thick film electronic circuits
  Model 8100 and 8200... Solder paste measurement, component placement inspection
  M325.................. Memory and PLD fabrication
  HM1000 Series......... Integrated circuit marking
  DM1100................ Permanent marking of manufactured parts
  FM3500-4.............. Marking across multiple production lines
  VersaStation.......... Material handling and marking of large industrial parts
  LM-4000............... Integrated tube-to-tube marking
  LM-6000............... Integrated in-tray marking
  LM-3000MT............. Dual probe tape and reel for fine pitch SMDs
  OLT4000............... Assembly of composite structures
  Voyager 1000.......... Benchtop metrology
  Ultra 8............... Automated, non-contact 3-D measurement
  TAE................... Production of film images for both medical and graphics applications
</TABLE>
 
                                       69
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRODUCTS                     MARKET APPLICATIONS
- --------                     -------------------
<S>                          <C>
  LD2000.................... Digitizer for film duplication, teleradiology, PACs
  ScanArray................. Fluorescent imaging for DNA analysis
Components
  HPM/SPM/HPLK.............. Laser processing of materials, including permanent
                             marking, cutting, drilling and rapid prototyping
  VSH....................... Semiconductor inspection
                             Performance of medical procedures in ophthalmology
                             and dermatology
                             Performance of biomedical measurement and analysis
  Optical Scanners.......... Processing of materials
                             Test, measurement and alignment
                             Ophthalmology and dermatology applications
                             Confocal microscopes
                             Projection of images on film
                             Inspection
Printers
  AR42...................... Defibrillator vital sign recording
  OMNI-100.................. Patient critical care monitoring
  OMNI-200.................. Cardiac pacemaker programming
  AR200FB................... Stress testing; electroencephalograph
  Slimline.................. Foil imprinting at point-of-sale
  Decorator 2000............ Foil imprinting at central labs
</TABLE>
 
CUSTOMERS
 
  GSI has over 1,000 customers. During 1997, no single customer accounted for
more than 5% of total sales. GSI's ten most significant customers in terms of
sales in 1997, listed alphabetically, were: Analog Devices, Boeing, Denso, IBM,
Imation, Intel, Maxim, Micron, Physio-Control and Texas Instruments.
 
SALES, MARKETING AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
 
  GSI believes that its marketing, sales and customer support organizations are
important to its long-term growth and give GSI the ability to respond rapidly
to the needs of its customers. GSI has marketing managers for each major
product line who have worldwide responsibility for determining product strategy
based on knowledge of the industry, customer requirements and product
performance. These marketing managers have direct contact with customers and
support the field sales and service personnel. GSI believes that its business
has been, and is expected to continue to be, dependent upon the capital
expenditure approval cycles of its customers which are, in turn, affected by
cycles in the markets served by these customers.
 
  GSI sells and supports its products worldwide primarily through its own
direct sales and customer service organization. This domestic and international
sales network is augmented by selected independent sales representatives for
end-user laser systems, due to the geographical dispersion of customers for
such products. Field offices have been located in close proximity to key
customers to help achieve short response time. In the United States, GSI
provides marketing support at its locations in Watertown, Wilmington, Arlington
and Bedford, Massachusetts, Simi Valley and Santa Clara, California and in Ann
Arbor, Michigan. In Europe, GSI distributes its products through its direct
sales offices located in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and France. GSI
distributes its products in Japan through its offices in Tokyo and Osaka.
Throughout the remainder of Asia, GSI distributes through its offices in Hong
Kong, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>
 
  GSI provides customer support in the form of applications engineering, repair
services and spare parts inventory through its offices in Massachusetts,
Michigan, California, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong,
Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan. Engineering and
field support personnel provide telephone support or are dispatched to customer
locations. Additionally, GSI's offices generally have certain models of GSI's
laser systems which are used for demonstration purposes and for applications
engineering. From time to time, at the request of a customer, GSI will install
a laser system at the customer's manufacturing site to establish manufacturing
process and demonstrate product performance as part of the selling process
prior to receipt of an order. The typical purchase of a laser system includes
installation and on-site customer support and applications engineering during a
warranty period.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
  GSI devotes significant resources to development programs directed at
creating new products and product enhancements, as well as developing new
applications for existing products. All of the markets served by GSI are
characterized by rapid technological change and product innovation. GSI
believes that continued timely development of new products and product
enhancements to serve both existing and new markets is necessary to remain
competitive.
 
  GSI maintains significant expertise in the following core technologies:
 
    Mechanics: design of mechanisms with high rigidity and low moving mass; use
of materials at high stress levels; techniques for precise assembly and
vibration isolation of bearings, lasers and lenses.
 
    Optics: design of laser quality lenses with variable depth of field or
large numerical aperture; design of mirrors of high dynamic rigidity; selection
of wavelength-specific mirror and lens coatings; specification and adjustment
of lasers; and interaction of lasers with materials.
 
    Magnetics: design and use of rare-earth magnets; heat treatment of
specialty magnetic alloys; design and heat dissipation of compact electrical
drive coils.
 
    Electronics: design of wide bandwidth power amplifiers and high signal-to-
noise ratio and low thermal drift signal detection circuits; design and
manufacture of analog servo controllers with low electromagnetic interference
(EMI) circuitry.
 
    Software: development of high-speed computing algorithms for real-time
control of servo mechanisms; handling of data transmitted according to
customer-specific protocols; design of operator-friendly computer/systems
interfaces.
 
    Systems Design: integration of mechanisms, optics, lasers, laser electro-
optics, power supplies, electronics, communications interfaces and software.
 
  GSI's personnel work closely with customers, frequently at the customers'
facilities, to develop complete process solutions that often involve new or
extended application of GSI's existing products. This close cooperation leads
to new products being developed for a ready customer.
 
  For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, GSI's research and
development expenditures were approximately $22.3 million (excluding a one-time
expense relating to acquired in-process research and development associated
with the acquisition of Reel-Tech), $18.4 million and $17.1 million,
respectively. These amounts were approximately 12%, 12% and 14% of sales in the
respective periods. As of November 13, 1998, GSI had 133 people engaged in
research and product development activities. Because GSI believes that the
development of new products is vital to its continued success, GSI expects
significant expenditures to continue on research and development activities.
Approximately one-half of 1997 sales were from products introduced during the
current and previous two years.
 
                                       71
<PAGE>
 
MANUFACTURING
 
  GSI's manufacturing strategy is to identify and perform internally those
manufacturing functions which enable GSI to maintain control over critical
portions of the production process and which add value to its products. GSI
believes it achieves a number of competitive advantages from such integration,
including the ability to achieve lower costs and higher quality, the ability to
bring new products and product enhancements quickly and reliably to market, and
the ability to produce sophisticated component parts not available from other
sources.
 
  GSI's manufacturing is conducted at four facilities located near Boston,
Massachusetts and in Simi Valley, California. Each of GSI's manufacturing
facilities has co-located manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, marketing
and product design personnel. GSI believes, based on its experience, that this
organizational proximity greatly accelerates development and entry into
production of new products and aids economical manufacturing. GSI's thermal
printers and many of its laser systems are manufactured under ISO 9001
certification.
 
  GSI has fully integrated manufacturing operations in key strategic elements,
such as state-of-the-art metals and plastics fabrication, surface mount (SMT)
printed circuit board fabrication and testing, and extensive in-process and
final product testing capabilities. GSI believes it gains competitive
advantages in its capability to produce high quality, short-run parts and
assemblies in a just-in-time environment which reduces delivery times to
customers.
 
  Certain of the components and materials included in GSI's laser systems and
optical products are currently obtained from single source suppliers. GSI
currently obtains a component for one of its laser systems products from a
single source. GSI currently maintains a six month inventory of this component
and plans to increase this over the next year. GSI has explored the possibility
of producing this component internally, and in the event of a disruption in the
outside supply of this component, GSI believes that it could commence
production internally within twelve months
 
  GSI is subject to a variety of governmental regulations related to the
discharge or disposal of toxic, volatile, or otherwise hazardous chemicals used
on GSI's premises. GSI believes that it is in material compliance with these
regulations and that it has obtained all necessary environmental permits to
conduct its business. Such compliance has not had a material effect upon GSI
capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position. GSI has no current or
planned capital expenditures for environmental control facilities.
Nevertheless, future regulations could require GSI to purchase expensive
equipment or to incur other substantial expenses to comply with environmental
regulations. Any failure by GSI to control the use of, or adequately restrict
the discharge or disposal of, hazardous substances could subject GSI to future
liabilities, result in fines being imposed on GSI, or result in the suspension
of production or cessation of GSI's manufacturing operations in one or more
locations.
 
BACKLOG
 
  GSI defines backlog as written purchase orders or other contractual
agreements for products for which the customer has requested delivery within
the next twelve months. Backlog was approximately $44 million on December 31,
1997 compared to $36 million on December 31, 1996 and was $35 million as of
October 3, 1998, compared to $47 million as of September 27, 1997.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The markets for GSI's products are highly competitive. GSI is subject to
substantial competition from both established competitors and potential new
market entrants. Significant competitive factors include: product
functionality, performance, size, flexibility, cost, market presence, customer
satisfaction, customer support capabilities and breadth of product line. GSI
believes that it competes favorably on the basis of each of these factors.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>
 
  Competition in the development, manufacture and sale of laser systems is
concentrated in certain segments and fragmented in others. To GSI's knowledge,
the automotive sensor manufacturing market in which GSI's thin film processing
systems are used has no other competitors. The markets for the thick film
hybrid circuit processing systems in which GSI competes have several other
manufacturers. GSI is aware of three competitors in vision systems for solder
paste and component placement inspection. GSI competes primarily with Electro
Scientific Industries, which has the major market share, in laser systems for
memory fabrication. GSI is aware of laser marking systems produced by many
other manufacturers which compete with GSI's laser marking equipment. There are
several competitors in the field of component handling systems. To GSI's
knowledge, in the precision alignment market for the aircraft industry, GSI has
one competitor. There are several competitors in the field of general purpose,
non-contact metrology in which GSI competes.
 
  GSI knows of at least five other manufacturers of subsystems for the film
imaging systems and subsystems market.
 
  In the optical scanner subsystem and components markets, GSI knows of two
other manufacturers. Additionally, there exist two alternate technologies,
rotating polygons and XY-moving tables, to the galvonometric scanning
technology used by GSI, which compete for certain segments of the markets
served by GSI's products.
 
  Printers for the medical equipment market has fragmented competition, mostly
from vertically integrated equipment manufacturers.
 
  GSI expects its competitors to continue to improve the design and performance
of their products. There can be no assurance that GSI's competitors will not
develop enhancements to, or future generations of, competitive products that
will offer superior price or performance features, or that new processes or
technologies will not emerge that render GSI's products less competitive or
obsolete. As a result of the substantial investment required by a customer to
integrate capital equipment into a production line, or to integrate components
and subsystems into a product design, GSI believes that once a customer has
selected certain capital equipment, or certain components or subsystems from a
particular vendor, the customer generally relies upon that vendor to provide
equipment for the specific production line or product application and may seek
to rely upon that vendor to meet other capital equipment, or component or
subsystem requirements. Accordingly, GSI may be at a competitive disadvantage
with respect to a particular customer if that customer uses a competitor's
manufacturing equipment or components. Increased competitive pressure could
lead to lower prices for GSI's products, thereby adversely affecting GSI's
business and results of operations. There can be no assurance that GSI will be
able to compete successfully in the future.
 
PATENTS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
 
  GSI believes that the success of its business depends more on the technical
competence and creativity of its employees than on patents, trademarks and
copyrights. Nevertheless, GSI has a policy of seeking patents, when
appropriate, on inventions concerning new products and improvements as part of
its ongoing research, development and manufacturing activities.
 
  Although GSI has been granted, has filed applications for and has been
licensed under a number of patents in the United States and foreign countries,
there can be no assurance as to the degree of protection offered by these
patents or as to the likelihood that patents will be issued for pending
applications.
 
  Competitors in the United States and foreign countries, many of which have
substantially greater resources and have made substantial investments in
competing technologies, may have applied for or obtained, or may in the future
apply for and obtain, patents that will prevent, limit or interfere with GSI's
ability to make and sell some of its products. Although GSI believes that its
products do not infringe the patents or other proprietary rights of third
parties, there can be no assurance that other third parties will not assert
infringement claims against GSI or that such claims will not be successful.
 
                                       73
<PAGE>
 
  GSI also relies upon trade secret protection for its confidential and
proprietary information. GSI routinely enters into confidentiality agreements
with its employees and consultants. There can be no assurance, however, that
these agreements will provide meaningful protection of GSI's trade secrets,
know-how or other proprietary information in the event of any unauthorized use,
misappropriation or disclosure of such trade secrets, know-how or other
proprietary information.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. v. View Engineering, Inc. USDC Case No. 95-7441.
This case involves a patent infringement complaint by Robotic Vision Systems,
Inc. ("RVSI") alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,463,227. A trial date
is scheduled for June 1, 1999. The referenced patent covers a method of
inspecting the electronic interconnect leads of certain semiconductor
components. In settlement of separate litigation with RVSI in June 1998 (see
below), arising from GSI's acquisition of View in August 1996, GSI agreed not
to compete in the field of semiconductor interconnection inspection. During the
first six months of 1998, sales by GSI of all products used in semiconductor
lead interconnection inspection which involved products relating to the alleged
infringement totalled approximately 2% of GSI's total sales.
 
  Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. v. General Scanning Inc. USDC Case No. C-
96-4628. In October, 1998 the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
California issued a decision on motions for summary judgment in an action filed
against GSI for alleged patent infringement concerning U.S. Patent Nos.
5,265,114 and 5,473,624. The Court granted Electro Scientific's motions for
summary judgment on infringement and on the issue of whether Electro Scientific
committed inequitable conduct by intentionally failing to cite prior art to the
U.S. Patent Office in connection with one of its patents. The Court denied
GSI's motion for summary judgment that the Electro Scientific patents are
invalid due to prior art. The case is in a phase of further discovery and a
trial is scheduled for March, 1999. The referenced patents cover the use of
1.32 micron wavelength lasers in the repair of memory chips and semiconductors
with imbedded memory. During the first nine months of 1998, sales by GSI of
products associated with memory repair using 1.32 micron wavelength accounted
for approximately 2% of total sales. Since the District Court's decision in
October 1998, GSI has discontinued sales of 1.32 wavelength laser systems for
use in memory repair applications. General Scanning is a licensee under a U.S.
patent owned by a third party; which GSI believes covers 1.32 micron wavelength
laser technology for laser processing of semiconductor devices including
memory, that predates the Electro Scientific patents by ten years. While GSI
believes that this prior art demonstrates the invalidity of Electro
Scientific's patents, the District Court decided that certain issues of fact
were raised which must be determined at trial.
 
  Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. v. General Scanning Inc. USDC Case No.
98-4027. On or about October 20, 1998 Electro Scientific commenced an action in
the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleging
infringement of three Electro Scientific patents (U.S. Patent Nos. 5,569,398,
5,685,995 and 5,808,272) and seeking an injunction, damages and attorneys'
fees. Discovery has not yet commenced, and a trial date has not been set. The
referenced patents cover the use of 1.32 micron wavelength lasers in the
trimming of certain semiconductor devices. To date, GSI has shipped only one
system employing such technology for an application covered by the patents and
this unit is being converted to another wavelength at the request of the
customer.
 
  Robotic Vision Systems Inc. v. View Engineering, Inc. USDC Case No. 96-2288.
In June 1998, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
found infringement by View Engineering, Inc. ("View") on a particular method of
measuring substrate coplanarity of unpopulated ball grid array packages. RVSI
had previously dropped all claims for damages; hence, no damages were awarded.
The Court determined that View had not willfully infringed and therefore
refused RVSI's claim for attorneys' fees. The Court enjoined View from
infringing or inducing infringement of the patent in question, No. 5,465,152.
GSI, on behalf of View, has appealed the injunction. No date has been set for
oral argument on the appeal. In settlement of separate litigation with RVSI, in
June 1998 (see below), arising from the GSI acquisition of View in August 1996,
GSI agreed not to compete in the field of semiconductor interconnection
inspection. Systems for use in inspection of ball grid electronic
interconnection and for measuring substrate coplanarity accounted for
approximately 1% of total sales during the first six months of 1998.
 
                                       74
<PAGE>
 
  Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. v. General Scanning Inc. USDC Case No. 96-3884.
Litigation with RVSI, arising from GSI's acquisition of View in August 1996,
was settled in June 1998. RVSI claimed that GSI used improperly obtained
information in connection with the acquisition. GSI denied all such claims.
Under the terms of the settlement, in consideration of $3.75 million in stock
and notes from RVSI, GSI has agreed not to compete and has granted an exclusive
technology license to RVSI in the field of semiconductor interconnection
inspection. RVSI agreed not to compete in the field of solder paste inspection.
 
  GSI believes that RVSI's and Electro Scientific's claims in each of the above
actions are without merit; and GSI is vigorously defending these proceedings.
However, if RVSI or Electro Scientific prevails on one or more of its claims,
there could be a material adverse effect on GSI's business, operating results
and/or financial condition.
 
  General Scanning Inc. v. Voxel. In May 1998, a three-member panel of the
American Arbitration Association decided in favor of GSI and awarded GSI $1.9
million plus applicable post-judgement interest. The award included $1.0
million that GSI had recorded as earned and due from Voxel as of December 31,
1997 for engineering services performed and out-of-pocket expenses related to
the construction of beta units. Following the arbitration decision Voxel filed
a voluntary petition under Chapter 11, which was subsequently converted to a
proceeding under Chapter 7 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code. Accordingly, in the
quarter ended July 4, 1998, GSI fully reserved for the possible
uncollectibility of approximately $1.0 million due to GSI.
 
  Other. A party has commenced legal proceedings in the United States against a
number of US semiconductor manufacturing companies, including companies that
have purchased systems from GSI. The plaintiff in the proceedings has alleged
that certain equipment used by these manufacturers infringes patents claimed to
be held by the claimant. While GSI is not a defendant in any of the
proceedings, several of GSI's customers have notified GSI that, if the party
successfully pursues infringement claims against them, they may require GSI to
indemnify them to the extent that any of their losses can be attributed to
systems sold to them by GSI.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of November 13, 1998 and taking into account the workforce reduction
discussed below, GSI had 762 full-time employees worldwide, including 341 in
manufacturing, 191 in marketing, sales and field service, 133 in research and
development, and 97 in general administration. Approximately 105 of these
employees, mostly foreign nationals, reside and work outside of the United
States, primarily in marketing, sales and support. In addition, GSI
periodically engages contract employees principally in new product development
and manufacturing operations. None of GSI's employees is represented by a labor
union, and GSI has never experienced a work stoppage or strike. GSI considers
its employee relations to be good.
 
  In early November, GSI reduced its staff by 70 employees, or about 8% of its
total work force, from its manufacturing process systems group located in
Massachusetts and California as well as in its worldwide systems sales and
service force, particularly in the Far East. This action was designed to allow
the company to operate profitably at lower levels of sales over the next
several quarters, while maintaining critical skills and capacity to respond to
an anticipated upturn late in 1999.
 
                                       75
<PAGE>
 
PROPERTIES
 
  GSI's headquarters is located in Watertown, Massachusetts, which is a suburb
of Boston. The principal owned and leased properties of GSI and its
subsidiaries are listed in the table below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    APPROXIMATE
LOCATION                                 PURPOSE                    SQUARE FEET OWNED/LEASED
- --------              --------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------
<S>                   <C>                                           <C>         <C>
Watertown, MA, USA    Marketing, sales, manufacturing, engineering,   84,000          owned
                      offices; corporate headquarters
Wilmington, MA, USA   Marketing, sales, manufacturing, engineering,   78,000    leased(/1/)
                      offices
Arlington, MA, USA    Marketing, sales, manufacturing, engineering,   32,000    leased(/2/)
                      offices
Bedford, MA, USA      Marketing, sales, manufacturing, engineering,   50,000    leased(/3/)
                      offices
Simi Valley, CA, USA  Marketing, sales, manufacturing, engineering,   41,000          owned
                      offices
Ann Arbor, MI, USA    Marketing, sales, engineering, offices          15,000    leased(/4/)
Billerica, MA, USA    Marketing, sales, manufacturing, engineering,   80,000    leased(/5/)
                      offices
</TABLE>
  Additional sales and service offices are located in Japan, Germany, France,
Italy, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, the
Philippines and other locations in the United States. These additional
marketing and sales offices are in leased facilities occupying approximately
25,000 square feet in the aggregate.
 
  GSI believes that additional manufacturing facilities will be required within
the next two years and that suitable additional or substitute space will be
available as needed.
 
- --------
/1/Lease expires in 2007, with two 5-year renewal options.
/2/Lease expires in 2000, with one 2-year renewal option.
/3/Lease expires in 2003, with one 3-year renewal option.
/4/Lease expires in 2001, with two 3-year renewal options.
/5/Lease expires in 2008, with two 5-year renewal options.
 
                                       76
<PAGE>
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following table presents selected historical income statement and balance
sheet data of GSI. The balance sheet data presented below as of December 31,
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the income statement data presented below
for each of the years in the five year-period ended December 31, 1997 are
derived from GSI's consolidated financial statements which have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants. The financial statements
as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997 and the report of Arthur Andersen LLP relating
thereto are included elsewhere in this document. The balance sheet data
presented below as of October 3, 1998 and income statement data for the nine-
month periods ended September 27, 1997 and October 3, 1998 are derived from
unaudited consolidated financial statements, which, in the opinion of GSI
management, contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals,
necessary for fair presentation of the financial position and results of
operations for these periods. The operating results for the nine months ended
September 27, 1997 and October 3, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the
results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year. The data should be
read in conjunction with GSI's financial statements and related notes and GSI's
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.
 
  In August 1996 GSI acquired View Engineering, Inc. by issuing 1,437,060
shares of GSI common stock in exchange for all of View's outstanding shares of
capital stock, accrued preferred dividends and the net value of warrants and
options. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests for
accounting purposes and, accordingly, the financial statements for the years
1993, 1994 and 1995 were retroactively restated to include the accounts of
View.
 
  On November 28, 1997 GSI acquired the assets of Reel-Tech, Inc. in a
transaction that was accounted for as a purchase. Accordingly, the operations
of Reel-Tech, Inc. have been included in the consolidated financial statements
from the date of acquisition. The purchase price of $14.4 million includes
$0.7 million of tangible net assets, $10.6 million of acquired in-process
research and development and $3.1 million of goodwill.
 
                                       77
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
             (IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                          ------------------------
                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          ----------------------------------------------  SEPTEMBER 27, OCTOBER 3,
                           1993     1994      1995      1996      1997        1997         1998
                          -------  -------  --------  --------  --------  ------------- ----------
                                                                                (UNAUDITED)
                                         (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>           <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Net sales:
 Laser systems and com-
  ponents...............  $62,994  $77,488  $103,405  $131,867  $154,536    $109,128     $116,134
 Printers...............   18,821   20,624    22,915    24,666    26,994      18,859       25,550
                          -------  -------  --------  --------  --------    --------     --------
   Total sales..........   81,815   98,112   126,320   156,533   181,530     127,987      141,684
                          -------  -------  --------  --------  --------    --------     --------
Gross profit:
 Laser systems and com-
  ponents...............   29,785   37,760    47,861    60,829    74,686      52,349       54,695
 Printers...............    7,614    8,533    10,061    10,851    12,039       8,383       11,131
                          -------  -------  --------  --------  --------    --------     --------
   Total gross profit...   37,399   46,293    57,922    71,680    86,725      60,732       65,826
                          -------  -------  --------  --------  --------    --------     --------
Operating expenses:
 Research and product
  development...........   11,208   13,090    17,106    18,400    22,302      16,056       20,869
 Selling, general and
  administrative........   21,689   27,326    33,091    39,475    46,169      32,781       40,043
 Acquired in-process
  research and
  development...........      --       --        --        --     10,600         --           --
 Restructuring, litiga-
  tion and other
  charges...............      --       --        --        --        --          --         5,777
                          -------  -------  --------  --------  --------    --------     --------
   Total operating ex-
    penses..............   32,897   40,416    50,197    57,875    79,071      48,837       66,689
                          -------  -------  --------  --------  --------    --------     --------
Income (loss) from oper-
 ations.................    4,502    5,877     7,725    13,805     7,654      11,895         (863)
Merger expenses.........      --       --        --     (1,950)      --          --           --
Interest income (ex-
 pense), net............     (896)    (847)     (682)      272       464         398         (378)
Foreign exchange trans-
 action gains (losses)..      (24)     636       331      (159)     (507)       (326)          95
                          -------  -------  --------  --------  --------    --------     --------
Income (loss) before in-
 come taxes.............    3,582    5,666     7,374    11,968     7,611      11,967       (1,146)
Income taxes............    1,291    1,868     2,803     5,367     2,502       4,030         (404)
                          -------  -------  --------  --------  --------    --------     --------
Net income (loss).......  $ 2,291  $ 3,798  $  4,571  $  6,601  $  5,109    $  7,937     $   (742)
                          =======  =======  ========  ========  ========    ========     ========
Basic income (loss) per
 common share...........  $  0.31  $  0.52  $   0.48  $   0.56  $   0.42    $   0.66     $  (0.06)
                          =======  =======  ========  ========  ========    ========     ========
Diluted income (loss)
 per common share.......  $  0.26  $  0.42  $   0.44  $   0.53  $   0.40    $   0.63     $  (0.06)
                          =======  =======  ========  ========  ========    ========     ========
Weighted average common
 shares outstanding and
 dilutive potential com-
 mon shares.............    8,863    9,099    10,357    12,476    12,657      12,585       12,560
                          =======  =======  ========  ========  ========    ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           DECEMBER 31,
                              ---------------------------------------
                                                                      OCTOBER 3,
                               1993    1994    1995    1996    1997      1998
                              ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ----------
<S>                           <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.............. $19,725 $20,275 $52,396 $57,680 $62,663  $59,668
Total assets.................  47,732  49,859  89,708  95,573 115,042  113,457
Long-term obligations........   6,980   2,961   3,102   3,442   3,208    3,422
Stockholders' equity.........  23,216  27,111  59,754  68,289  78,229   78,553
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       78
<PAGE>
 
SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  The following table presents unaudited supplementary financial information of
GSI for each of the quarters in 1996 and 1997 and for the first three quarters
of 1998. The supplementary financial information is derived from the unaudited
consolidated financial statements of GSI, which, in the opinion of GSI
management, contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals,
necessary for fair presentation of the results of operations for these periods.
These operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may
be expected for any other interim period or the entire fiscal year. The data
should be read in conjunction with GSI's financial statements and related notes
and GSI's Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
                SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          96Q1     96Q2     96Q3     96Q4     97Q1     97Q2    97Q3     97Q4     98Q1     98Q2     98Q3
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
                                                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Net sales:
 Laser systems and
  components...........  $31,350  $34,522  $32,744  $33,251  $31,109  $37,504 $40,515  $45,408  $44,504  $39,753  $31,877
 Printers..............    6,334    6,148    5,419    6,765    6,608    5,210   7,041    8,135    6,068    9,319   10,163
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
 Total sales...........   37,684   40,670   38,163   40,016   37,717   42,714  47,556   53,543   50,572   49,072   42,040
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
Gross profits:
 Laser systems and
  components...........   14,672   15,845   15,569   14,743   15,012   17,527  19,810   22,337   21,757   19,377   13,561
 Printers..............    2,706    2,657    2,336    3,152    3,061    2,291   3,051    3,656    2,745    3,984    4,402
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
 Total gross profit....   17,378   18,502   17,905   17,895   18,073   19,818  22,841   25,993   24,502   23,361   17,963
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
Operating expenses:
 Research and product
  development..........    4,603    4,534    4,853    4,410    4,952    4,978   6,126    6,246    7,461    7,269    6,139
 Selling, general and
  administrative.......    9,903   10,376    9,313    9,883   10,321   11,103  11,357   13,388   13,385   14,447   12,211
 Restructuring,
  litigation and other
  charges..............      --       --       --       --       --       --      --       --       --     5,060      717
 Acquired in-process
  research and
  development..........      --       --       --       --       --       --      --    10,600      --       --       --
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
 Total operating
  expenses.............   14,506   14,910   14,166   14,293   15,273   16,081  17,483   30,234   20,846   26,776   19,067
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
Income (loss) from
 operations............    2,872    3,592    3,739    3,602    2,800    3,737   5,358   (4,241)   3,656   (3,415)  (1,104)
Merger (expenses)......      --       --    (1,950)     --       --       --      --       --       --       --       --
Interest income
 (expense), net........      125       32       34       81       98      165     135       65      (34)    (240)    (104)
Foreign exchange
 transaction gains
 (losses)..............      (19)     (42)     (70)     (28)    (110)      11    (227)    (181)     (82)      62      115
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
Income (loss) before
 income taxes..........    2,978    3,582    1,753    3,655    2,788    3,913   5,266   (4,356)   3,540   (3,593)  (1,093)
Income taxes...........    1,400    1,683      824    1,460      978    1,367   1,685   (1,528)   1,239   (1,261)    (382)
                         -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
Net income (loss)......  $ 1,578  $ 1,899  $   929  $ 2,195  $ 1,810  $ 2,546 $ 3,581  $(2,828) $ 2,301  $(2,332) $  (711)
                         =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  ======= =======  =======  =======  =======  =======
Basic income (loss) per
 common share..........  $  0.14  $  0.16  $  0.08  $  0.19  $  0.15  $  0.21 $  0.30  $ (0.23) $  0.18  $ (0.19) $ (0.06)
                         =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  ======= =======  =======  =======  =======  =======
Diluted income (loss)
 per common share......  $  0.13  $  0.15  $  0.07  $  0.18  $  0.15  $  0.20 $  0.28  $ (0.23) $  0.18  $ (0.19) $ (0.06)
                         =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  ======= =======  =======  =======  =======  =======
Weighted average common
 shares outstanding and
 dilutive potential
 common shares.........   12,422   12,513   12,514   12,456   12,465   12,553  12,739   12,310   12,870   12,571   12,637
                         =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  ======= =======  =======  =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       79
<PAGE>
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  GSI is a leading manufacturer of laser systems and components and thermal
printers. In the first nine months of 1998, approximately 82% of GSI's revenues
were derived from sales of laser systems and components and the balance was
derived from sales of thermal printers compared to 85% for the first nine
months of 1997. In 1997, 1996 and 1995, such sales accounted for approximately
85%, 84%, and 82%, respectively, of GSI's revenues. Sales of laser systems and
components for the first nine months of 1988 grew approximately 6% over sales
in the same period in 1997 and in 1997 and in 1996 grew approximately 17% and
28%, respectively, over sales for this segment in the comparable prior periods.
Printers sales during the first nine months of 1998 grew approximately 35% over
sales for the same period in 1997 and in 1997 and 1996 grew approximately 9%
and 8%, respectively, over the comparable prior periods.
 
  In November 1997, GSI acquired Reel-Tech, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Data I/O Corporation. The transaction was structured as a purchase of
substantially all the assets and the business of Reel-Tech and its subsidiary
in Singapore and was accounted for as a purchase. The operations of Reel-Tech
have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of
acquisition and are not material to comparative prior periods. The purchase
price of $14.4 million included $0.7 million of tangible net assets, $10.6
million of acquired in-process research and development, which was recorded as
a charge to operations on the date of acquisition, and $3.1 million of
goodwill. Reel-Tech is an integrator of electronics components handling systems
for marking, inspection, sorting and packaging.
 
  Upon consummation of the Reel-Tech acquisition, GSI immediately expensed
$10.6 million representing purchased in-process technology that had not yet
reached technological feasibility and has no alternative future use. The value
was determined by estimating the costs to develop the purchased in-process
technology into commercially viable products, estimating the resulting net cash
flows from such projects, and discounting the net cash flows back to their
present value. The discount rate included a factor that took into account the
uncertainty surrounding the successful development of the purchased in-process
technology. The in-process projects were expected to be commercially viable on
dates ranging from the end of calendar year 1998 through calendar year 1999.
Expenditures to complete these projects were expected to total approximately
$3.2 million.
 
  To date, GSI has not achieved any economic benefits from the purchase of
Reel-Tech's in-process research and development. This is due to GSI entering
into a non-compete agreement with Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. as part of the
settlement of legal actions brought by Robotic Vision Systems against View
Engineering and GSI. The agreement states that GSI will not compete in
semiconductor interconnection inspection market for a period of ten years. This
non-compete agreement has caused GSI to change its business strategy as it
relates to the Reel-Tech purchased in-process research and development. GSI's
original objective in acquiring the assets of Reel-Tech was to implement a
strategy of combining certain functions performed at the back end of the
semiconductor component manufacturing process, specifically marking, inspection
and packaging. GSI planned to combine its laser marking capability and View
Engineering's vision inspection technology with Reel-Tech's new component parts
handling/packaging systems. The settlement agreement with RVSI limits GSI's
ability to offer certain of these features to its customers. As a result, the
in-process research and development projects at Reel-Tech were discontinued.
The resulting impact is included in GSI's restructuring charges recorded during
1998. GSI does not expect any future revenue or cash flow from Reel-Tech's in-
process research and development.
 
  In August 1996, GSI acquired View Engineering, Inc. by issuing 1,437,060
shares of GSI common stock. The transaction was recorded as a pooling of
interests for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of View for all periods presented. View employs
laser image processing technology to serve applications requiring precision
inspection, measurement and process control in several industries.
 
                                       80
<PAGE>
 
  GSI sells its laser systems primarily to manufacturers of products containing
advanced electronic components and circuitry. In addition, GSI produces a line
of laser subsystems and components which are used in GSI's own systems, as well
as sold to other manufacturers of laser systems. GSI's laser systems sales have
been, and are expected to continue to be, dependent upon its customers' capital
expenditures which are in turn affected by cycles in the markets served by
those customers. GSI's strategy is to expand applications for its products into
different and varied markets to limit its dependency on any one market; but it
may not always be successful in doing so. GSI also sells printers to
manufacturers of medical equipment for patient care monitoring.
 
  Product prices have remained relatively stable during the periods covered by
this discussion, and price fluctuations did not have a material effect on
reported gross profit until the third quarter of 1998. A significant portion of
sales are made in foreign currencies. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates,
particularly in the Japanese yen and European currencies as compared to the
U.S. dollar, can impact GSI's sales and expenses, which are reported in U.S.
dollars.
 
  In September 1995, GSI raised a net $27.7 million through its initial public
offering of 2,585,000 shares of common stock including over-allotments.
 
  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of
net sales represented by each item reflected in GSI's consolidated statements
of income:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  YEAR ENDED               FOR THE NINE
                                 DECEMBER 31,              MONTHS ENDED
                               -------------------  ---------------------------
                               1995   1996   1997   SEPT. 27, 1997 OCT. 3, 1998
                               -----  -----  -----  -------------- ------------
<S>                            <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>            <C>
Net Sales:
  Laser systems and compo-
   nents......................  81.9%  84.2%  85.1%      85.3%         82.0%
  Printers....................  18.1   15.8   14.9       14.7          18.0
                               -----  -----  -----      -----         -----
  Total sales................. 100.0  100.0  100.0      100.0         100.0
                               -----  -----  -----      -----         -----
Cost of Sales:
  Laser systems and compo-
   nents......................  53.7   53.9   51.7       52.0          52.9
  Printers....................  56.1   56.0   55.4       55.5          56.4
                               -----  -----  -----      -----         -----
  Total cost of sales.........  54.1   54.2   52.2       52.5          53.5
                               -----  -----  -----      -----         -----
Gross profit:
  Laser systems and compo-
   nents......................  46.3   46.1   48.3       48.0          47.1
  Printers....................  43.9   44.0   44.6       44.5          43.6
                               -----  -----  -----      -----         -----
  Total gross profit..........  45.9   45.8   47.8       47.5          46.5
                               -----  -----  -----      -----         -----
Operating expenses:
  Research and product devel-
   opment.....................  13.5   11.8   12.3       12.6          14.7
  Selling, general and admin-
   istrative..................  26.2   25.2   25.5       25.6          28.3
  Acquired in-process research
   and development............   --     --     5.8        --            --
  Restructuring, litigation
   settlement and other
   charges....................   --     --     --         --            4.1
                               -----  -----  -----      -----         -----
  Total operating expenses....  39.7   37.0   43.6       38.2          47.1
Income from operations........   6.1    8.8    4.2        9.3          (0.6)
Merger (expenses).............   --    (1.2)   --         --            --
Interest income (expense),
 net..........................  (0.5)   0.1    0.3        0.3          (0.3)
Foreign exchange transaction
 gains (losses)...............   0.2   (0.1)  (0.3)      (0.2)          0.1
                               -----  -----  -----      -----         -----
Income before income taxes....   5.8    7.6    4.2        9.4          (0.8)
Income taxes..................   2.2    3.4    1.4        3.2          (0.3)
                               -----  -----  -----      -----         -----
Net income....................   3.6%   4.2%   2.8%       6.2          (0.5)%
                               =====  =====  =====      =====         =====
</TABLE>
 
                                       81
<PAGE>
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1997 AND OCTOBER 3, 1998
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  SALES. Total sales were $141.7 million for the nine months ended October 3,
1998, an increase of 11% over $128.0 million in total sales in the nine-month
period ended September 27, 1997. Laser systems and component sales for the nine
months ended October 3, 1998 increased 6% to $116.1 million from $109.1 million
in the comparable period of 1997 primarily due to strengthening sales in
medical imaging, DNA biochip scanning, continued solid performance in trim and
test applications for the automotive and electronics markets, and sales by the
Reel-Tech operation, which was acquired by GSI in November 1997. GSI continues
to benefit from continued strong performance in laser imaging for medical
applications, the microarray biochip reader, the recently introduced laser
duplicator for diagnostic film and the LD2000 Series Digitizer for
teleradiology and PACs applications. GSI expects that these products will
provide the opportunity for growth in the medical market during 1999.
 
  Although laser systems and component sales increased 6% over the same nine-
month period in the prior year, they fell short of GSI's expectations. Slower
than expected activity occurred in GSI's semiconductor product lines and in
Asia. Since early summer, GSI has experienced a dramatic slowdown in systems
sales into the semiconductor and electronics markets, particularly in Asia.
Approximately 40% of the company's current total sales are exposed to these
issues. Total sales to Asia have declined more than 40% from a recent peak in
the third quarter 1997 to the third quarter 1998. Sales to the semiconductor
industry, excluding discontinued products, have declined more than 40% from a
peak in the fourth quarter of 1997 to the third quarter 1998. Product lines
most affected by the slowdown are in the company's manufacturing process
systems group including applications for memory repair, component parts
handling, marking of semiconductor packages and certain other related
applications. GSI is experiencing delays requested by customers in deliveries
and orders previously considered to be highly probable. As a result, visibility
for ordering and shipment of these manufacturing process systems is more
limited than has been the case in prior time periods. Pursuant to a litigation
settlement, GSI has agreed not to compete in the field of semiconductor
interconnection inspection. Sales in this sector have historically ranged
between 5% and 10% of total sales. GSI does not anticipate marked improvement
in its semiconductor product line sales or in the Asian markets it serves until
later in 1999, at the earliest. Therefore, as previously announced, GSI is
aggressively continuing its fixed expense reductions by consolidating
operations of its manufacturing process systems group, reductions in employment
worldwide, tighter controls on discretionary expenses, and lower capital
expenditures. These actions are designed to allow the company to operate
profitably at the new expected lower level of revenues over the next several
quarters.
 
  Printer sales for the nine months ended October 3, 1998 increased 35% to
$25.6 million from $18.9 million in the comparable period of 1997 primarily due
to expanded shipments of the new photo finishing system which was introduced
late last fall. This segment of the company's business has not experienced
significant cyclicality in the past, however, sales of certain printers used in
the greeting card industry tend to increase in the third quarter in
anticipation of holiday greeting card sales.
 
  Laser systems and components sales were 82% of total sales in the nine months
ended October 3, 1998 compared to 85% of total sales for the comparable period
of 1997. International sales, many of which are denominated in foreign
currencies, were approximately 41% and 45% of total sales in the nine months
ended October 3, 1998 and September 27, 1997, respectively. Sales to Asia have
declined in recent quarters, partially offset by increases in sales to Europe
in the first half of 1998.
 
  GROSS PROFIT. Total gross profit was $65.8 million, or 46% of sales, for the
nine months ended October 3, 1998, compared to $60.7 million, or 47% of sales,
for the nine-month period ended September 27, 1997. Laser systems and
components gross profit decreased to 47% of sales in the nine months ended
October 3, 1998 from 48% of sales for the comparable nine-month period of 1997.
The decrease was primarily due to product mix (including lower sales of higher-
margin products into the memory segment of the semiconductor industry due to
over capacity in plant and equipment), and lower pricing frequently associated
with a weakening in product
 
                                       82
<PAGE>
 
demand. Printers gross profit remained at 44% of sales in the nine months ended
October 3, 1998 from 44% for the comparable nine-month period of 1997.
 
  RESEARCH AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. Research and product development expenses
increased to $20.9 million, or 15% of total sales, for the nine months ended
October 3, 1998, from $16.1 million, or 13% of total sales, for the nine-month
period ended September 27, 1997. This increase was primarily due to the
addition of full-time and consulting personnel and related costs to support the
development of new laser systems and components products.
 
  SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Selling, general and administrative
expenses increased to $40.0 million in the nine months ended October 3, 1998
from $32.8 million in the comparable period of 1997. This increase was
primarily due to the addition of sales and marketing support personnel and
related costs incurred in supporting anticipated increased sales. Headcount in
sales, general and administrative functions increased during the first half of
the year from 307 at December 1997. As a result of weak business conditions,
particularly in GSI's systems group which requires a disproportionate share of
total sales and support costs because of the sophistication of the products and
their intentional distribution, GSI reduced staff in this functional area in
the third and fourth quarter to its current level of 288. Approximately $2
million of the increase was attributable to ongoing legal fees associated with
litigation with RVSI arising out of the company's acquisition of View
Engineering, Inc. in August 1996, as discussed below. Also, in the prior
quarter, GSI fully reserved for the possible uncollectibility of $1.0 million
due (and previously recorded as earned) from Voxel, which after an arbitration
panel ruling in favor of GSI, during the prior quarter, filed a voluntary
petition under Chapter 11, which was subsequently converted to a proceeding
under Chapter 7 or the Federal Bankruptcy Code. Selling, general and
administrative expenses were 28% of total sales for the nine-month period ended
October 3, 1998 compared to 26% of total sales for the comparable period in
1997.
 
  RESTRUCTURING, LITIGATION SETTLEMENT AND OTHER CHARGES. GSI reduced its
staff, primarily in its large systems product lines, by approximately 230
employees including temporary help. The reduction was primarily the result of
the legal settlement with RVSI and adverse business conditions in the market
for semiconductor and, to a lesser extent, electronic capital equipment,
particularly in Asia. GSI has also, however, added approximately 10 employees
in other product lines unaffected by such adverse business factors. GSI
believes that such changes made during the year will be adequate to allow the
company to operate profitably at lower levels of revenues over the next several
quarters, while maintaining critical skills and capacity to respond to an
anticipated upturn late in 1999. In November 1998, GSI announced a staff
reduction of approximately 70 employees (who are included in the 230 employees
referenced above) and consolidation of certain manufacturing operations at an
estimated one-time cost of $1 to 2 million which will be recorded by GSI in the
fourth quarter of 1998. Annual savings from these most recent reductions are
expected to be approximately $5 million annually.
 
  A charge of $0.7 million was taken during the three months ended October 3,
1998 to accrue employee severance costs associated with the move of Reel-Tech
operations from Indiana to Massachusetts, and with the restructuring of
overseas operations. In the quarter ending July 4, 1998, the $5.1 million
restructuring, litigation settlement and other charges included: $3.7 million
relating to a litigation settlement with Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. ("RVSI")
and charges of $1.4 million relating to a reduction in GSI's cost structure,
including $1.1 million of leased facility costs and $0.3 million of employee
severance costs. Accruals remaining as of October 3, 1998 from prior quarter
restructuring charges are $0.6 million of leased facility costs.
 
  Litigation with RVSI, arising from GSI's acquisition of View Engineering, was
settled in June 1998. RVSI claimed that GSI used improperly obtained
information in connection with the acquisition. GSI denied all such claims.
Under the terms of the settlement, GSI has agreed not to compete and has
granted an exclusive technology license to RVSI in the field of semiconductor
interconnection inspection. RVSI agreed not to compete in the field of solder
paste inspection. Costs associated with the settlement were $7.4 million,
including unsaleable inventory of $5.1 million, legal fees of $1.3 million,
employee severance of $0.2 million, leased facility costs of $0.2 million and
other related costs of $0.6 million. Partially offsetting these costs is $3.75
million consideration RVSI agreed to pay GSI for the non-competition agreement
and technology license.
 
                                       83
<PAGE>
 
The consideration consists of a subordinated note of $2.25 million and 271,493
shares of RVSI common stock valued at $1.5 million at the settlement date. The
subordinated note bears interest at the prime rate with quarterly pro-rata
principal payments from September 2001 through June 2003. GSI considers the
common stock to be available-for-sale and, accordingly, is recording changes in
its fair market value, net of tax effects, as a component of stockholders'
equity.
 
  INTEREST. Net interest expense was $0.4 million for the nine-month period
ended October 3, 1998 compared to net interest income of $0.4 million for the
comparable period of 1997. A decrease in cash, resulting in less interest
income, and an increase in debt, resulting in more interest expense, were
primarily due to a $12.4 million cash outlay used for the acquisition of the
assets of Reel-Tech, Inc. in November 1997.
 
  FOREIGN EXCHANGE. Foreign exchange transactions resulted in a gain of $95
thousand in the nine months ended October 3, 1998 compared to a loss of $326
thousand in the comparable period of 1997. Gains and losses are incurred when
GSI's net receivables denominated in certain non-U.S. currencies, including
yen, deutsche marks and other major European currencies, are not fully hedged.
GSI continues to use foreign exchange forward contracts, primarily to reduce
the impact of foreign currency fluctuations arising from intercompany balances.
 
  INCOME TAX. The effective income tax rate for GSI was 35% for the nine months
ended October 3, 1998 compared to 34% for the nine months ended September 27,
1997.
 
  NET INCOME (LOSS). Net loss for the nine months ended October 3, 1998 was
$0.7 million or $0.06 per share, and net income for the nine months ended
September 27, 1997 was $7.9 million or $0.63 per share, based upon 12.6 million
weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares in each of the
1998 and 1997 periods.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  Cash and cash equivalents totaled $4.4 million on October 3, 1998 compared to
$8.4 million on December 31, 1997. Notes payable to banks and the current
portion of long-term debt increased to $7.0 million on October 3, 1998 from
$4.2 million on December 31, 1997. During the first nine months of 1998, $4.5
million was used in operating activities, $4.2 million was provided by
financing activities and $3.8 million was used in investing activities.
 
  Net loss of $0.7 million in the first nine months of 1998, supplemented by
non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization and deferred compensation
totaling $3.4 million, offset by $3.8 million non-cash income for the
consideration received from RVSI pursuant to the litigation settlement and by a
net increase in working capital of $3.0 million, resulting in $4.5 million used
in operating activities.
 
  Cash flow from investing activities was primarily due to capital expenditures
of $3.8 million including $2.6 million of equipment, $0.7 million of
applications software for operations and $0.5 million of facility and leasehold
improvements.
 
  GSI's revolving credit agreement with its lending bank provides for a maximum
$20 million revolving credit facility. GSI also has $6 million in international
credit lines. Borrowings under the $20 million revolving credit facility, of
which $3.0 million were outstanding at October 3, 1998, bear interest at the
London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus one and one-half percent, or prime,
determined at the time of borrowing, 8.25% as of October 3, 1998. The agreement
requires compliance with certain financial ratios and expires December 31,
1999. The financial ratios relate to tangible net worth, the ratio of total
liabilities divided by tangible net worth, quick ratio reflecting the
relationship of the sum of cash and accounts receivable to current liabilities
and pre-tax earnings coverage of interest expense. Borrowings under the
international credit lines, of which $4.0 million denominated in yen were
outstanding at October 3, 1998, currently accrue interest at a rate of 1.42%.
 
 
                                       84
<PAGE>
 
  GSI believes that existing cash, together with cash generated by future
operations and the existing bank lines of credit, will be sufficient to satisfy
anticipated cash needs to fund working capital and investments in manufacturing
facilities and equipment for its existing businesses over the next twelve
months. Longer term, working capital financing that may be required to respond
to future growth of its business should be covered by the company's existing
basic credit agreement. GSI may, however, from time to time, as market and
business conditions warrant, invest in or acquire complementary businesses,
products or technologies, and GSI may require additional equity or debt
financings to fund such activities, which could result in additional dilution
to GSI's shareholders.
 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  SALES. Total sales increased to $181.5 million in 1997 from $156.5 million in
1996 and $125.3 million in 1995. Sales of laser systems and components
increased primarily due to increased unit volume of end-user systems, primarily
reflecting growth in demand for the GSI's products used in semiconductor
production and electronics manufacturing. Secondarily, sales in 1997 increased
by approximately $4.8 million due to funding by two multinational companies for
development of a laser patterning system for use in the manufacture of flat
panel displays. Less than $1 million in revenues were anticipated during the
following year to complete this development project. The increase in the sales
of printers were primarily due to increased unit volume of printers and to the
introduction of a new product in the fourth quarter of 1997. International
sales, as a percentage of total sales, were 44% in 1997, 41% in 1996 and 47% in
1995. Sales in Asia were 27% and in Europe were 17% of total sales in 1997.
 
  GROSS PROFIT. Total gross profit was $86.7 million, or 47.8% of sales, in
1997, $71.7 million, or 45.8% of sales, in 1996 and $57.9 million, or 45.9% of
sales, in 1995. Laser systems and components gross profit as a percentage of
sales was 48.3%, 46.1% and 46.3% for the years 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The improvement in the laser systems and components gross profit
in 1997 was primarily due to an increase in sales into semiconductor and
electronics manufacturing which typically involve sophisticated applications
which generate a higher gross profit and, to a lesser content, improved
absorption of labor and manufacturing overhead resulting from a 17% increase in
production volume. Printers gross profit as a percentage of sales was 44.6% in
1997, 44.0% in 1996 and 43.9% in 1995.
 
  RESEARCH AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. Research and product development expenses
increased 21% to $22.3 million in 1997 (excluding a one-time expense relating
to acquired in-process research and development associated with the acquisition
of Reel-Tech) from $18.4 million in 1996 and $17.1 million in 1995. This
increase in research and product development expenses was primarily due to the
addition of personnel and related costs to support the development of new laser
systems and components. Research and product development expenses as a
percentage of sales have ranged between approximately 12% to 13% over the past
three years. Because GSI believes that the development of new products is vital
to its continued success, GSI expects to maintain similar levels of research
and development expenses as a percentage of sales over the long term.
 
  SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Selling, general and administrative
expenses were $46.2 million in 1997, $39.5 million in 1996 and $33.1 million in
1995. These increases in selling, general and administrative expenses were
primarily due to the addition of sales and marketing personnel and related
costs and to additional sales commission expense incurred in supporting
increased sales. Additionally, in 1997 legal costs increased by approximately
$1.5 million as a result of defending various legal proceedings associated with
GSI's acquisition of View Engineering. Selling, general and administrative
expenses as a percentage of sales have ranged between approximately 25% to 26%
over the past three years.
 
  ACQUIRED IN-PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Acquired in-process research
and development expense in 1997 of $10.6 million results from an independent
appraisal of Reel-Tech's intangible assets acquired.
 
 
                                       85
<PAGE>
 
  INTEREST. Net interest was $464 thousand in 1997 compared to $272 thousand in
1996 and net expense of $682 thousand in 1995. These changes primarily reflect
interest earned on cash raised in GSI's initial public offering in September
1995 and the repayment of View's revolving credit debt subsequent to View's
acquisition by GSI in August 1996.
 
  FOREIGN EXCHANGE. Foreign exchange transactions resulted in a loss of $507
thousand in 1997 an $159 thousand in 1996 as compared to a gain of $331
thousand in 1995. The losses in 1997 and 1996 were due primarily to a weakening
of the Japanese yen and major European currencies compared to the U.S. dollar
at a time when GSI's net receivables denominated in these currencies were not
fully hedged.
 
  INCOME TAX. The effective income tax rate for GSI was 33% in 1997, 45% in
1996 and 38% in 1995, compared to a United States Federal tax rate of 34%.
GSI's effective tax rate for each year was benefited by research and
development credits and by deductions associated with GSI's foreign sales
corporation. GSI's effective rate for each year was increased by higher tax
rates in many of the countries where GSI operates and
by state income taxes. The high 1996 rate was the result of:
 
  .  a portion of merger expenses not being tax deductible; and
 
  .  losses incurred at View prior to the effective date of the merger that
     could not be used to offset GSI's profit for tax purposes.
 
The 1995 rate reflects increased profits in GSI's foreign operations. GSI has
provided a valuation allowance against View's net operating loss carryforwards
and tax credits due to the uncertainty of their realizability as a result of
limitations on their utilization in accordance with certain tax laws and
regulations. View's operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards
were approximately $4.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively, as of December
31, 1997 and are restricted to offsetting future profits in that business and
their use is limited to approximately $1.2 million per year.
 
  NET INCOME. Net income was $5.1 million in 1997, $6.6 million in 1996 and
$4.6 million in 1995. The decrease in net income in 1997 from 1996 was due to
the $10.6 million acquired in-process research and development expense
associated with the acquisition of Reel-Tech. The increase in net income in
1996 over 1995, despite one-time merger expenses and an increase in the
effective tax rate associated with the acquisition of View, was primarily due
to increased sales and a leveraging of operating expenses which grew at a lower
rate than did the increase in sales.
 
  SUMMARY. GSI has experienced, and may continue to experience, fluctuations in
operating results due to a variety of factors, including: the rate of growth of
the markets for its products; market acceptance of GSI's products and those of
its competitors; development and promotional expenses relating to the
introduction of new products or new versions of existing products; changes in
pricing policies by GSI and its competitors; the timing of the receipt of
orders from major customers; the timing of shipments; and economic conditions
in markets served by GSI. GSI's expense levels are based, in part, on its
expectations as to future sales and, as a result, operating results would be
disproportionately affected by a reduction in sales or a failure to meet GSI's
sales expectations. GSI believes that its business has been, and is expected to
continue to be, dependent upon its customers' capital expenditures which are,
in turn, affected by cycles in the markets served by those customers. GSI's
worldwide sales expose GSI to risks relating to economic conditions outside of
the United States. GSI believes that recent and ongoing economic turmoil in
certain Asian markets has reduced GSI's sales. It is difficult to predict the
future effect of the Asian situation on GSI's results.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  Cash and cash equivalents totaled $8.4 million on December 31, 1997 compared
to $17.7 million on December 31, 1996. In the Fall of 1995, GSI raised a net
$27.7 million through its initial public offering of 2,585,000 shares of GSI
Common Stock, inclusive of 335,000 shares exercised by the underwriters to
cover over-allotments.
 
                                       86
<PAGE>
 
  A net $3.2 million was provided by operating activities during 1997. Net
income of $5.1 million was supplemented by non-cash charges totaling $0.5
million for depreciation, amortization and deferred compensation, net of
deferred income taxes and by $10.6 million for acquired in-process research and
development, which is included in cash flows used in investing activities. In
support of expanded business activity, accounts receivable and inventory
increased by $19.9 million offset by an increase in payables and accrued
expenses of $7.0 million.
 
  Cash flows in investing activities in 1997 include $12.4 million for the
acquisition of Reel-Tech, representing cash expended. An additional $2.0
million of consideration for Reel-Tech was represented by the issuance of
75,118 shares of the GSI's Common Stock. Investing activities in 1997 also
includes capital expenditures of $5.3 million. These expenditures were
primarily for the purposes of adding manufacturing capacity, providing
equipment for operating efficiencies within GSI's existing facilities and the
acquisition and initial installation of a new company-wide information system
platform. GSI began to occupy newly leased 78,000 square feet of additional
manufacturing, research and office space in December 1997.
 
  GSI's revolving credit agreement with its lending bank, as amended in 1997,
provides for a maximum $20 million revolving credit facility and $6 million in
international credit lines. Borrowings under the $20 million revolving credit
facility bear interest at the London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus one
and one-quarter percent or prime, determined at time of borrowing. Borrowings
under the international credit lines, of which $4.2 million was outstanding at
December 31, 1997, accrue interest at a negotiated rate approximating the prime
rate in the applicable country. The agreement requires compliance with certain
financial ratios and expires December 31, 1999.
 
YEAR 2000
 
  The use of computer programs written using two digits rather than four to
define the applicable year gives rise to what is commonly referred to as the
Year 2000 problem. The major areas being addressed by GSI in regards to Year
2000 compliance are internal operating systems, the installed base of products
at customer sites and third party compliance issues.
 
  The efficient operation of GSI's business is dependant, in part, on its
computer software and hardware. These systems are used in several key areas of
GSI's business, including sales, purchasing, engineering, inventory control,
manufacturing, service and financial reporting. GSI has been evaluating its
systems to identify potential Year 2000 compliance problems. These actions are
necessary to ensure that the programs and systems will recognize and accurately
process the Year 2000 and beyond. Evaluation and planning phases have been
completed. Based on present information, GSI believes its systems for
operations will be Year 2000 compliant by the first quarter of 1999.
 
  GSI also continues to assess the impact of the Year 2000 issue on the
operations of its products installed at customers. The installed base customers
that have older products that are not Year 2000 compliant are being contacted
and offered upgrade options. This effort should be complete by the third
quarter of 1999.
 
  Finally, GSI is in the process of assessing its major suppliers' compliance
with Year 2000 issues. This will be an ongoing effort through the next year.
GSI believes that suppliers and customers present the area of greatest risk to
GSI in part because of GSI's limited ability to influence actions of such third
parties, and in part because of GSI's inability to estimate the level of impact
of noncompliance of third parties throughout the extended supply chain. The
most reasonably likely worst case scenario would involve non-performance by a
supplier, which could delay production and delivery of product to customers.
 
  Independent of issues related to Year 2000, in 1995, GSI began a program to
select, acquire and install a new hardware and software platform to replace its
then current system which did not have the capacity to accommodate GSI's growth
plans. Recent upgrades to such systems to make them Year 2000 compliant have
been made by GSI's hardware and software providers under standard maintenance
contracts at no additional cost
 
                                       87
<PAGE>
 
to GSI. Because GSI has been upgrading its operations systems to newer
applications which are Year 2000 compliant, it is anticipated that the future
costs of the Year 2000 compliance for operations will not materially impact the
financial results of GSI. Separate expenditures exclusively for Year 2000
compliance have been immaterial to date. However, the effect of third party
impact cannot be quantified at this time because GSI cannot accurately estimate
the magnitude, duration, or ultimate impact of noncompliance by suppliers,
customers and other third parties that have no direct relationship to GSI. GSI
believes that its competitors face a similar risk. Going forward GSI will
continue to make every effort to identify and minimize that risk. Contingency
plans include identifying second source suppliers for critical components, and
review of accounts receivable statements with customers and preparing to assist
customers in the event their accounts payable systems fail.
 
  To the extent this analysis discusses financial projections, information or
expectations about GSI's products or markets, or otherwise makes statements
about the future, such statements are forward looking and are subject to a
number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the statements made. These factors include the fact that GSI's
sales have been, and are expected to continue to be, dependent upon customer
capital equipment expenditures which are, in turn, affected by business cycles
in the markets served by those customers. Other factors include continued
volatility in the semiconductor industry and Asian markets, the risk of order
delays and cancellations, the risk of delays by GSI's OEM customers in
introducing their new products and market acceptance of those products
incorporating subsystems supplied by GSI, similar risks to GSI in delays in new
product introductions and market acceptance of its new products, and other
risks detailed in this document.
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
   
  The following table sets forth as of December 31, 1998 certain information
regarding the beneficial ownership of GSI common stock and, assuming the merger
had occurred on December 31, 1998, GSI Lumonics common shares by:     
 
  .  each of the persons or entities known by GSI to be the beneficial owners
     of more than 5% of the GSI common stock,
 
  .  each of the GSI named executive officers,
 
  .  each director of GSI and
 
  .  all directors and executive officers of GSI as a group (14 persons).
     
  When reviewing the table, please note the following:     
     
  .  Beneficial ownership is a legal term and is determined in accordance
     with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. If someone
     beneficially owns the shares indicated, it generally means that he or
     she has sole voting or investment power relating to the shares.     
     
  .  A stockholder is also deemed to beneficially own any shares underlying
     options or warrants that are exerciseable within 60 days. These shares
     are set out separately in the first column of the table, and also
     included in the numbers in the second column.     
     
  .  A stockholder's ownership percentage of GSI common stock is based on the
     12,666,476 shares outstanding on December 31, 1998, plus any options or
     warrants exercisable by that stockholder within 60 days.     
       
                                       88
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                          NUMBER OF SHARES OF
                                  GSI
                             COMMON STOCK
                          UNDERLYING OPTIONS  NUMBER OF SHARES                   NUMBER OF SHARES
                                  AND              OF GSI                        OF GSI LUMONICS
                               WARRANTS         COMMON STOCK   PERCENTAGE OF GSI   COMMON STOCK   PERCENTAGE OF GSI
                          EXERCISABLE WITHIN    BENEFICIALLY     COMMON STOCK      BENEFICIALLY    LUMONICS COMMON
                                60 DAYS            OWNED         OUTSTANDING          OWNED       STOCK OUTSTANDING
                          ------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
<S>                       <C>                 <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>
Pierre J. Brosens
 Sc.D. (1)(4)...........          2,000            774,297            6.11%         1,042,978           3.06%
Jean I. Montagu (1)(2)..            --             400,000(3)         3.16%           538,800           1.58%
Charles D. Winston (5)..         42,790            133,079(6)         1.05%           179,257              *
Gregory S. Baletsa (5)..         56,660             66,660(6)            *             89,791              *
Thomas R. Swain (5).....          9,248             68,212(6)            *             91,882              *
Joseph A.
 Verderber (5)..........         24,360             65,076(6)            *             87,657              *
Victor H. Woolley (5)...         45,840             69,040(6)            *             92,997              *
Paul F. Ferrari (5).....         18,500            111,000               *            149,517              *
Woodie C. Flowers,
 Ph.D. (5)..............          2,000             31,400               *             42,296              *
Richard B. Black (5)....          6,000             11,000               *             14,817              *
Dorothy S. Zinberg,
 Ph.D. (5)..............          6,000              6,000               *              5,388              *
Arthur R. Buckland (5)..          4,000              4,000               *              5,388              *
All directors, nominees
 for director and
 executive officers as a
 group (14 persons).....        235,598          1,910,536           15.08%         2,573,492           7.54%
</TABLE>    
- --------
  *Less than 1% of outstanding common shares
       
       
       
          
(1) Mr. Montagu resigned as an executive officer and director of GSI on April
    17, 1997. Dr. Brosens resigned as an executive officer as of September 30,
    1997 and a Director of GSI in October 1998.     
   
(2) Address: 76 Walnut Place, Brookline, MA 02146.     
   
(3) A number of the shares indicated in the table may be held by Mr. Montagu
    indirectly through a corporation or may be held jointly by Mr. Montagu and
    his wife.     
   
(4) 34 Dundonald Road, Belmont, MA 02178.     
   
(5) Address: c/o GSI, 500 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472     
   
(6) The shares of GSI common stock listed do not include the following shares
    which may be acquired upon the achievement by GSI of certain performance
    goals: Mr. Baletsa, 15,000 shares; Mr. Winston, 75,000 shares; Mr. Swain,
    5,000 shares; Mr. Verderber, 20,000 shares; Mr. Woolley, 15,000 shares. GSI
    does not expect to reach such performance goals within 60 days, and, thus,
    does not expect that such shares may be acquired by those persons within
    such time.     
       
                                       89
<PAGE>
 
                              BUSINESS OF LUMONICS
 
CORPORATE HISTORY AND STRUCTURE
 
  Lumonics was incorporated by letters patent as Lumonics Research Limited
under the laws of Ontario on November 26, 1970 for the purpose of producing
lasers for scientific and research applications. By articles of amendment dated
June 11, 1980, the company changed its name to Lumonics Inc. Lumonics first
became a public company in 1980 and Lumonics common shares were listed on The
Toronto Stock Exchange until 1989. From 1980 to 1988 annual revenues of
Lumonics increased twelve-fold from Cdn$7.4 million to Cdn$87.5 million.
 
  In 1989, all of the outstanding Lumonics common shares were acquired by SHI
Canada Inc. ("SHI"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Heavy Industries,
Ltd. ("Sumitomo"), and Lumonics ceased to be a public company. Sumitomo
acquired Lumonics to expand its relationship with the company, which began in
1988 when Sumitomo became a value-added reseller of Lumonics' products in
Japan. Sumitomo, a Tokyo Stock Exchange listed company, is one of Japan's
leading manufacturers and builders of ships, heavy machinery and equipment,
chemical plants, steel structures and bridges. Sales to Sumitomo, Lumonics'
largest distributor, represented 10.7% of Lumonics' total sales in fiscal 1997.
 
  On September 28, 1995, Lumonics again became a public company and its shares
were listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange. As part of the public offering, SHI
participated in a secondary offering. On June 9, 1997 Lumonics completed a
public offering of 2.0 million shares from treasury, with SHI participating in
a secondary offering of 1.0 million shares. SHI completed a sale to the public
of an additional 1.0 million shares on September 29, 1997.
 
  Lumonics has historically prepared and filed its consolidated financial
statements in Canadian dollars and in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The
consolidated financial statements of Lumonics included in this document have
been prepared in accordance with US GAAP and have been recast in US dollars in
accordance with US GAAP. The following discussion is based on the US GAAP
financial statements. Lumonics shareholders are also referred to the Canadian
GAAP Financial Statements Supplement in which Lumonic's consolidated financial
statements prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP are presented.
 
BUSINESS OF LUMONICS
 
  Lumonics is a world leader in the development, design, manufacture and
marketing of laser-based advanced manufacturing systems, products and services.
Lumonics' systems are used in highly automated manufacturing environments for
cutting, drilling and welding and for coding and marking a wide range of
products. In addition to lasers, Lumonics' systems often include precision or
fibre optics, proprietary control software, robotics, machine vision, motion
control and parts handling.
 
  Lumonics' laser systems are sold to a variety of targeted industrial markets.
Some markets, such as the semiconductor, electronics, aerospace, medical device
manufacturing and nuclear energy industries have used laser systems as enabling
technologies where precision, reliability, speed, process quality and
flexibility are essential. Other industries, such as automotive and packaging,
have used laser systems less frequently and for a more limited range of
applications, although utilization of lasers in these markets is increasing.
Still other industries, such as consumer products manufacturing, are
characterized by comparatively low utilization of laser systems.
 
                                       90
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth sales to Lumonics' primary markets and each
market's primary applications for the nine months ended September 30, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        MARKET       % OF SALES PRIMARY APPLICATIONS
        ------       ---------- --------------------
   <C>               <C>        <S>
   Semiconductor         11%    Marking of wafers and integrated circuits
   Electronics           21     Micro welding, wire stripping, component
                                identification
   Automotive             8     3-D cutting, body welding, component
                                identification
   Aerospace             10     Engine drilling, wire identification, welding
                                components
   Packaging              8     Marking of packages (food, pharmaceuticals) and
                                bottles
                                (beer, wine)
   Emerging              20     Spot welding, metal marking, remote welding
   Parts and Service     22
                        ---
                        100%
</TABLE>
 
  Lumonics markets its systems worldwide in more than 40 countries through its
global distribution network, which includes 13 sales offices in North America,
Europe and Asia-Pacific and 45 independent distributors and agents in 30
countries. Lumonics has seven manufacturing facilities located in Canada, the
United States and the United Kingdom.
 
  Many of Lumonics' customers are among the largest global participants in
their respective industries. Approximately 60% of the company's sales in 1997
were generated from existing customers.
 
CORPORATE STRATEGY
 
  Lumonics' objective is to maintain and enhance its market position and to use
its competitive advantages to establish leadership positions for additional
applications and in other targeted industries. The strategies to achieve this
goal are:
 
  One Lumonics--Lumonics is managed as an integrated business combining its
worldwide skills and capabilities to increase market share and to maximize its
profitability. Employees operate in an environment in which they are provided
with information about Lumonics' systems, services and operational activities
and are encouraged to work together to use all of the Lumonics' resources in
delivering value-added total solutions to meet customer needs in targeted
markets.
 
  Total Solutions--Lumonics focuses on identifying for its customers the
solutions which the Lumonics' systems represent, rather than on the systems
themselves. To grow market share, Lumonics delivers turn-key, total solutions
which add value to manufacturing processes, are customer-defined and Lumonics-
developed.
 
  Industry Focused Operations--Lumonics concentrates its marketing activities
on the advanced manufacturing segments of the Semiconductor, Electronics,
Aerospace, Automotive and Packaging industries. These industries were targeted
because of their projected growth rates and utilization of advanced
manufacturing processes and because of Lumonics' established market presence.
 
  Rapid Response Organization--Lumonics recognizes that being a customer driven
organization is key to its continued growth. With approximately 60% of the
Lumonics' sales in 1997 generated from existing customers, the timeliness and
effectiveness of all customer interaction is a high priority. In 1994, Lumonics
successfully implemented 24 hour, 365 day a year, field service support in
North America. This field service support has subsequently been extended to
both Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
 
  Global Perspective--Lumonics provides its total solutions in the principal
geographic locations in which its customers operate. The company recognizes the
global nature of its customer base as well as the important regional areas in
which certain of the targeted industries operate. This strategy exploits
Lumonics' international manufacturing capability and global distribution and
service network to serve its multinational and regional customers.
 
                                       91
<PAGE>
 
  People Development--Lumonics believes that its human resources are integral
to its profitable growth. Lumonics makes a significant investment in human
resources through personnel development and training programs at all levels of
the organization.
 
  Profitable Growth--Lumonics achieves its growth by developing new products
internally and by acquiring complementary product lines and technology which
enhance Lumonics' position in the targeted industries. Lumonics' global
distribution and service network and the size and nature of its existing
customer base position Lumonics to profitably add new technologies, products
and systems to its existing product offerings.
 
  Since the implementation of the strategies outlined above, Lumonics has
generated a 130% increase in sales, from $77.0 million in 1992 to $177.3
million in 1997, and a 156% increase in gross profit, from $25.7 million in
1992 to $65.9 million in 1997. Net income in 1997 was $11.9 million and order
backlog as at December 31, 1997 was $45 million.
 
ACQUISITIONS AND STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS
 
  In addition to growing its level of internally generated sales, expanding
through acquisitions and strategic relationships is an integral component of
Lumonics' strategy. Lumonics seeks to acquire complementary products and
technologies which can be integrated easily into Lumonics' global distribution
and service network. Lumonics has a history of expanding its product lines by
acquiring laser-based technologies and systems from others and entering into
strategic relationships which increase penetration of targeted markets.
 
 ACQUISITIONS
 
  The purchase in June 1993 of the Xymark(R) line of advanced laser marking
systems enabled Lumonics to expand the portfolio of laser-based marking systems
it offers to the Packaging industry. Xymark systems also provide Lumonics with
technology that may be applied in other markets in which Lumonics operates.
Since the purchase of Xymark for approximately $3.8 million, annual unit sales
of Xymark systems have more than tripled.
 
  In June 1996, Lumonics acquired substantially all of the assets and
technology of Hobart Laser Products Inc. for approximately $4.4 million. Hobart
technology extends Lumonics' high-power, solid state product range giving
Lumonics more potential applications within the target markets. Hobart's high-
power laser systems have been integrated into Lumonics' core product offerings
as the MultiWave(TM) 3000 and MultiWave(TM) 1500.
 
  In June 1998, Lumonics made a technology acquisition for approximately $1.1
million, acquiring Meteor Optics Inc., of Glendale, Arizona which specializes
in manufacturing fibre optics - a key component in the beam delivery of higher-
powered YAG lasers. Meteor Optics has been a valued supplier to Lumonics for
several years and has now been renamed Lumonics Phoenix Operations.
 
 STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS
 
  In forming and evaluating strategic relationships, Lumonics seeks:
 
  .  to achieve greater market penetration into its target markets;
 
  .  to develop new markets for Lumonics' systems;
 
  .  to provide Lumonics with additional products to manufacture, sell and
     distribute into its target markets.
 
                                       92
<PAGE>
 
CUSTOMERS
 
  Lumonics has over 1,000 customers, many of whom are among the largest global
participants in their respective industries. Lumonics's customers include:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEMICONDUCTOR&
ELECTRONICS        AEROSPACE         AUTOMOTIVE            PACKAGING         OTHER
- --------------     ---------         ----------            ---------         -----
<S>                <C>               <C>                   <C>               <C>
Lucent             Beech Aircraft    Audi                  Allied Lyons      British Nuclear Fuels
Canon              Boeing            Bosch                 Allied Distillers Cardiac Pacemakers
Hewlett Packard    British Aerospace BMW                   Carlsberg         Corning
IBM                General Electric  Chrysler              Coca-Cola         Gillette
Intel              Lockheed          Ford                  General Foods     Johnson & Johnson
Motorola           McDonnell Douglas General Motors        Glaxo             Solar Turbine
Nortel             Pratt & Whitney   Harley Davidson       Kellogg's         Westinghouse
Philips            Rolls Royce       Kelsey Hayes          Labatts           Whirlpool
Texas Instruments  SNECMA            Nippon Denso          Procter & Gamble
Toshiba                              Pico Industrial Tools United Distillers
Yamaha                               Toyota                Seagrams
                                     Volvo
                                     Honda
                                     Magna
</TABLE>
 
SALES, MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
 
  Lumonics' systems are marketed in more than 40 countries. Lumonics has 53
direct sales personnel operating in 12 sales offices located in eight
countries. In addition, Lumonics has 45 independent distributors and agents in
30 countries. For the nine months ended September 30, 1998, 6% of sales were in
Canada, 43% of sales were in the United States, 27% were in Europe, 12% were in
Japan and 12% were in Asia-Pacific.
 
  Lumonics directs its worldwide sales and marketing activities from Oxnard,
California. In Europe, Lumonics maintains offices in the United Kingdom,
Germany, France, and Italy. Sales offices are maintained in Singapore and
Malaysia to cover the Asia-Pacific market outside of Japan. In Japan, Lumonics'
principal distributor is Sumitomo, which accounted for 10.7% of Lumonics' total
sales in 1997.
 
  Independent distributors and agents market Lumonics' systems in areas such as
Eastern Europe, South Korea, People's Republic of China, Australia and Latin
America.
 
  All direct sales staff and distributors are trained on Lumonics' systems,
services and operational activities, and are given information on industry
trends and applications. Sales and marketing teams identify new opportunities
based on customers' medium to long term manufacturing requirements. Internal
and external resources are used to develop and implement industry and country-
specific marketing strategies which are shared across Lumonics' sales and
marketing network.
 
  Once a sales opportunity has been identified, Lumonics tries to provide the
optimal solution to satisfy a customer's application requirements. Lumonics
provides customers with process diagnostic and verification techniques, as well
as specialized training in the operation and maintenance of its systems.
 
ORDER BACKLOG
 
  Backlog is defined by Lumonics as an unconditional purchase order for a
product to be delivered within the next twelve months, although typical
delivery dates average eight to 12 weeks from the date an order is placed. As
at December 31, 1997 Lumonics' order backlog was $45 million. As at December
31, 1996 order backlog was $46 million. Backlog at September 30, 1998 was $36
million. Backlog at September 30, 1997 was $51 million.
 
                                       93
<PAGE>
 
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS
 
  One of Lumonics' principal strategies is to focus on customer service.
Recognizing the importance of its existing and growing installed base Lumonics
follows its customers into new geographic regions by providing local service
and support. Lumonics has 166 customer service personnel of which 85 are field
service technicians located in 10 countries. Lumonics' field service and in-
house technical support personnel receive ongoing training with respect to
Lumonics' laser-based systems, maintenance procedures, laser-operating
techniques and processing technology. Most of Lumonics' distributors also
provide customer service and support.
 
  Many of Lumonics' laser systems are operated 24 hours a day in high speed,
quality intensive manufacturing operations. Accordingly, in 1994 Lumonics
successfully launched 24-hour, 365-day-a-year service support to its North
American customers. This support includes field service personnel who reside in
close proximity to Lumonics' installed base. Lumonics has subsequently extended
this support to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
 
  Lumonics' approach to the sale of replacement parts is closely linked to
Lumonics' strategic focus on rapid customer response. Lumonics provides same or
next day delivery of parts worldwide to minimize disruption to a customers
manufacturing operations. Lumonics generally expects to provide after sale
parts and service for seven to ten years. Lumonics' growing base of installed
systems is expected to continue to generate a stable source of parts and
service sales.
 
LASER SYSTEMS
 
  More than 14,000 of Lumonics' laser systems have been sold since 1970,
including those sold by entities which have since been acquired by Lumonics.
Lumonics currently offers a range of laser-based systems of which there are ten
principal product lines.
 
  Lumonics' systems can be used in a variety of applications, including robotic
welding of automobile bodies, precision hole drilling in jet engine turbo fans
for the Aerospace industry and land-based turbines, and marking silicon wafers
in the manufacture of semiconductor microchips. Lumonics' range of products,
breadth of technology, ability to offer customized solutions and 28 years of
application and laser processing expertise allow Lumonics to satisfy customers'
needs for enhanced productivity.
 
  Lumonics' systems can be divided into two core application areas:
 
  .  cutting, drilling and welding (materials processing);
 
  .  coding and marking.
 
  In addition to lasers, Lumonics' systems often include precision or fibre
optics, proprietary control software, robotics, machine vision, motion control
and parts handling.
 
  The following is a description of Lumonics' principal product lines:
 
CUTTING, DRILLING AND WELDING SYSTEMS
 
 JK700 Series
 
  Lumonics' JK700 Series laser systems incorporate advanced solid state laser
technology to produce efficient, reliable, dependable and accurate production
systems. The JK700 systems operate at uniform energy density, offer improved
process efficiency and require less energy to be used. These systems use
Lumonics' patented power supply, allowing a wide range of applications,
including drilling cooling holes in jet engine turbo fans, seam welding cardiac
pacemakers and welding automotive parts such as ignition components, fuel
injector assemblies and smog detection sensors. These systems also permit high
speed, repetitive processing which maximizes production rates. The JK700 Series
can be readily linked with robotics systems to provide manufacturers with a
flexible production tool. The current price range for a JK700 system is
$100,000 to $250,000.
 
                                       94
<PAGE>
 
 LuxStar(TM)
 
  The introduction by Lumonics of the LuxStar laser welding system in 1993
brought its high power, state-of-the-art laser expertise to lower power, high
volume applications. The LuxStar produces welds that would be difficult or
impossible for conventional welding systems to produce. The product's low heat
input prevents damage or distortion to surrounding components. In addition,
Lumonics' proprietary control software ensures reliable laser output and
consistent weld quality. The LuxStar is compact, with its laser beam
deliverable through flexible fibre optics, and is used in the Electronics
industry for welding micro components in the manufacture of televisions,
computers, hard disk drives and related applications. As with Lumonics' other
laser systems, there is no tool wear since the laser does not come in contact
with the workpiece. Current prices for a LuxStar system range from $60,000 to
$150,000.
 
 MultiWave(TM)
 
  Lumonics' MultiWave laser product line was introduced in 1993. Since then the
product line has been expanded by the acquisition of Hobart Laser Products in
1996 adding the MultiWave 3000 and MultiWave 1500, and by the development of
Lumonics' latest high power laser, the MultiWave Auto, launched in late 1997.
MultiWave systems produce continuous and modulated power with high throughput
speeds and power flexibility to achieve cutting and high speed, deep
penetration welding in reflective materials. MultiWave is often integrated with
customers' robotic systems. MultiWave is used in various applications,
including processing of zinc coated materials and aluminum in the Automotive
industry, deep penetration welding for energy and petrochemical applications,
and processing reflective or difficult materials in the manufacture of both
airframes and turbines in the Aerospace industry. The current price range for a
MultiWave system is $125,000 to $400,000.
 
 Laserdyne(R)
 
  Laserdyne systems provide fully integrated motion and laser control on multi-
axis, articulated machines. These systems incorporate proprietary control
software and permit high speed, precision processing of large parts where the
workpiece cannot be in motion during processing. Laserdyne systems are used in
the manufacture and repair of jet aircraft engines, and trimming of aerospace
and automobile stampings and other large formed parts. Laserdyne systems can be
integrated with automated guided vehicles and conveyor systems. The current
price range for a Laserdyne system is $625,000 to $950,000.
 
 ScreenCut(TM)
 
  ScreenCut laser stencil cutting systems are designed to reduce the time to
produce solder stencils in the printed circuit board industry by combining fast
conversion of design files with a state-of-the-art linear motor based laser
cutting system. The ScreenCut laser system is used for cutting stencils as an
alternate to or, in some cases, a complement to the traditional, photochemical
machining process. ScreenCut systems sell for approximately $350,000.
 
 INDEX(R)/IMPACT(R)
 
  INDEX and IMPACT laser systems are used for cutting and drilling thin
materials with very high resolution and precision such as drilling via holes of
sizes less than 20 microns in flexible printed circuit boards. Current prices
for INDEX and IMPACT systems range from $60,000 for a single laser to $600,000
for a turn-key system.
 
CODING AND MARKING SYSTEMS
 
 LaserMark(R)
 
  The LaserMark system, which was pioneered by Lumonics in 1976, was the
world's first industrial laser-based marking system. LaserMark, which Lumonics
continues to upgrade and enhance, provides flexible,
 
                                       95
<PAGE>
 
reliable, programmable, clean and safe marks for the Electronics and Packaging
industries. As a result, LaserMark is still a market leader with over 3,000
systems installed to date. LaserMark provides high speed, non-contact coding
without ink, thereby allowing clean, permanent and attractive date and batch
coding on a wide range of materials including paper, foil, glass, plastics,
coated metals and ceramics. LaserMark systems currently range in price from
$40,000 to $100,000.
 
 WaferMark(R)
 
  Lumonics' WaferMark laser systems are used for marking silicon wafers used in
the Semiconductor manufacturing industry. Lumonics' position as a principal
supplier of wafer marking laser systems enables it to work closely with
customers and to keep current with their future development needs and
activities. The current generation of WaferMark systems incorporates advanced
robotics to provide debris free marking of high density silicon wafers along an
automated production line. WaferMark systems currently range in price from
$160,000 to $500,000.
 
 LightWriter(R)
 
  LightWriter systems are used for tracing and regulatory compliance purposes
on various materials including metals, plastics and ceramics. Applications
include serializing micro processors in the Semiconductor industry, coding
automotive airbag assemblies and engraving surgical instruments. The current
price range for a LightWriter system is $55,000 to $85,000.
 
 Xymark(R)
 
  Xymark high speed dot matrix laser coding systems complement the LaserMark(R)
product line. Xymark systems can be programmed and adjusted to vary the length,
character style and height of a mark. These systems use Lumonics' proprietary
software and are employed in a wide variety of applications such as marking
food packages, bottles and beverage containers. Prices for Lumonics' Xymark
systems currently range between $20,000 and $50,000.
 
 Other Systems and Products
 
  Other systems and products offered by Lumonics include diode-pumped solid
state lasers, various custom designed systems, precision optical components and
fiber optics.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The market for laser-based advanced manufacturing systems is fragmented, and
includes a large number of competitors, many of which are small or privately
owned or which compete with Lumonics on a limited geographic, industry-specific
or application-specific basis. Lumonics also competes in certain target markets
with competitors which are part of large industrial groups. Lumonics believes
it has the largest market share for many applications in the markets in which
its systems are sold. Companies such as ESI, GSI, Trumpf-Haas, Mazak, NEC and
Rofin-Sinar compete in certain of the markets in which Lumonics operates.
However, in Lumonics' opinion, none of these companies competes in all of the
industries, applications and geographic markets currently served by Lumonics.
 
  Lumonics also competes with manufacturers of conventional non-laser products
in applications such as welding, drilling, cutting and marking. Lumonics
believes that as industries continue to modernize, seek to reduce production
costs and require more precise and flexible manufacturing, the features of
laser-based systems will become more desirable than systems incorporating
conventional manufacturing techniques and processes.
 
 
                                       96
<PAGE>
 
PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS
 
  Lumonics' systems are manufactured in seven locations: two in the Ottawa
area, one in each of Minnesota and California and Phoenix and two in the United
Kingdom.
 
  Lumonics' in-house manufacturing includes only those manufacturing operations
which are critical to achieve quality standards or protect intellectual
property. Such operations include process development, sub-assembly, testing,
proprietary software design and hardware/software integration. Lumonics
minimizes the number of suppliers and component types but, wherever
practicable, it has at least two sources of supply for key items. Lumonics is
not dependent on any supplier and has not experienced difficulty in obtaining
necessary materials and components.
 
  Lumonics is committed to meeting internationally recognized manufacturing
standards. Lumonics facilities with ISO 9001 certification include: its two
facilities in England, its Kanata, Ontario facility, and its California
facility. Lumonics intends to apply for certification of all of its
manufacturing sites.
 
  Lumonics is subject to various federal, provincial, state and local
provisions concerning the discharge of materials into the environment or
otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Lumonics believes it
is currently in compliance with these provisions and that continued compliance
with current provisions will not have a material impact on its capital
expenditures in the current year or in future years. Lumonics also believes
that continued compliance with current provisions will not impact on the
earnings and competitive position of Lumonics and its subsidiaries. It should
be noted that future regulations could be enacted which could require Lumonics
to purchase costly capital equipment or otherwise incur substantial expenses in
order to comply with those new regulations.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
  Lumonics' research and development activities are directed at meeting
customers' manufacturing needs and application processes. Core technologies
include gas and solid state lasers, precision optics, electronic power
supplies, fibre optics, control systems and systems integration. Lumonics
strives for customer-driven development activities and promotes the use of
alliances with key customers and joint development programs in a wide range of
its target markets.
 
  Lumonics has 157 employees engaged in product research and development.
Lumonics' research and development activities are carried out in five locations
around the world and are centrally coordinated and managed. Interaction and
communication among research and development personnel throughout Lumonics
promote a sharing of their cumulative expertise. Lumonics maintains strong
links with leading industrial, government and university research laboratories
around the world, including Sumitomo's corporate technology group. Such
linkages include funding of doctoral and post-doctoral research, joint
development programs with research institutes and personnel exchange programs
with universities and other research organizations.
 
  For the nine months ended September 30, 1998, Lumonics' research and
development expenditures represented 9.1% of sales, compared to 6.8% of sales
for the same period in 1997. During the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995 the following amounts were spent on research and development activities:
$12.0 million; $11.9 million; and $7.1 million, respectively. During these
years, the amount of expenditures on customer-sponsored research activities was
not material in comparison to total research and development activities for
each year. R&D investments during the past two years have resulted in the
introduction of 5 new products which are targeted across all major markets.
 
PATENTS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
 
  Lumonics has intellectual property which includes patents, proprietary
software, technical know-how and expertise, designs, process techniques and
inventions. While policies and procedures are in place to protect
 
                                       97
<PAGE>
 
critical intellectual properties, Lumonics believes that its success depends to
a larger extent on the innovative skills, know-how, technical competence and
abilities of Lumonics' personnel.
 
  Lumonics protects its intellectual property in a number of ways including, in
certain circumstances, through patents. Lumonics has sought patent protection
primarily in the United States. Some patents have also been registered in other
jurisdictions including Great Britain, Japan and Germany. Lumonics currently
holds 24 separate patents for inventions relating to lasers, processes and
power supplies. In addition, Lumonics requires its employees and certain of its
customers, suppliers, distributors, agents and consultants to enter into
confidentiality agreements to further safeguard Lumonics' intellectual
property.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  A party has commenced legal proceedings in the United States against a number
of U.S. manufacturing companies, including companies which have purchased
systems from Lumonics. The plaintiff in the proceedings has alleged that
certain equipment used by these manufacturers infringes patents claimed to be
held by the claimant. While Lumonics is not a defendant in any of the
proceedings, seven of Lumonics' customers have notified Lumonics that, if the
party successfully pursues infringement claims against them, they may require
Lumonics to indemnify them to the extent that any of their losses can be
attributed to systems sold to them by Lumonics. While Lumonics does not believe
that the outcome of these claims will have a material adverse effect upon
Lumonics, there can be no assurance that any such claims, or any similar
claims, would not have a material adverse effect upon Lumonics' financial
condition or results of operations.
 
HUMAN RESOURCES
 
  As at September 30, 1998, Lumonics had 930 employees in the following
departments:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            NUMBER OF
                                                            EMPLOYEES PERCENTAGE
                                                            --------- ----------
   <S>                                                      <C>       <C>
   Production and Operations...............................    346        37%
   Customer Service........................................    166        18%
   Sales, Marketing and Distribution.......................    148        16%
   Research and Development................................    157        17%
   Administration..........................................    113        12%
                                                               ---       ---
     Total.................................................    930       100%
</TABLE>
 
  Lumonics believes in the principle of performance-linked compensation. Most
employees of Lumonics participate in a profit sharing program which provides
for payments determined on the achievement of annual operating targets and
calculated as a percentage of base salaries. Lumonics considers its employee
relations to be satisfactory.
 
                                       98
<PAGE>
 
PRINCIPAL PROPERTIES
 
  The following table lists the location and additional details of Lumonics'
principal manufacturing facilities and properties:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    APPROX.
                    FLOOR AREA
 LOCATION           (SQ. FT.)          OWNERSHIP            USE
 --------           ----------         ---------            ---
 <C>                <C>                <C>                 <S>
 CANADA
 Kanata, Ontario    74,000             Owned                Corporate head office,
                                                            manufacturing operations and
                                                            research & development
 Nepean, Ontario    40,900 (two sites) Owned                Manufacturing operations for
                                                            custom optics
 UNITED STATES
 Livonia, Michigan  30,000             Leased; lease        North American customer support
                                       expires March 31,    center, product demonstration
                                       2000                 facility and parts depot
 Eden Prairie,      69,000             Leased; lease        Manufacturing operations and
 Minnesota                             expires June 1999;   research & development
                                       no option to renew
 Oxnard, California 44,000             Leased; lease        Manufacturing operations and
                                       expires June 30,     research & development
                                       2004; option to
                                       purchase
 Phoenix, Arizona   6,000              Leased; lease        Manufacturing operations for
                                       expires July 2000    customer fibre optics
 UNITED KINGDOM
 Rugby, England     110,000            Owned                Manufacturing operations and
                                                            research & development
 Hull, England      35,000             Leased; lease        Manufacturing operations and
                                       expires June 2002;   research & development
                                       no option to renew
 CONTINENTAL EUROPE
 Munich, Germany    29,600             Leased; lease        European customer support center,
                                       expires January      product demonstration facility
                                       2013; option to      and parts depot
                                       renew
 ASIA-PACIFIC
 Singapore          5,800              Leased; lease        Asia-Pacific customer support
                                       expires February,    center, product demonstration
                                       2002 option to       facility and parts depot
                                       renew
</TABLE>
 
  Additional sales and services offices are located in France, Italy, Belgium,
Malaysia and Brazil. These offices are in leased facilities occupying a total
of approximately 7,000 square feet.
 
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
 
  On July 15, 1998, Lumonics announced its intention to make a normal course
issuer bid to repurchase up to 855,550 common shares, representing 5% of the
17,111,026 common shares outstanding as of July 15, 1998. The issuer bid became
effective July 17, 1998 and will not extend beyond July 16, 1999. Purchases
will be made from time to time at the then prevailing open market prices and
paid out of general corporate funds. All repurchased shares are to be canceled.
No shares will be knowingly purchased from Lumonics insiders or their
affiliates.
 
                                       99
<PAGE>
 
  During the period from July 21, 1998 to August 10, 1998, Lumonics purchased
94,900 shares in the open market under the normal course issuer bid. Since
August 10, 1998 no further shares have been repurchased by Lumonics.
 
NEW PRODUCTS
 
  Consistent with its plans to introduce new laser-based systems this year,
Lumonics launched its Impact(R) GS-600 system into the electronics market early
in the second quarter. This innovative system, which incorporates two types of
lasers, enables customers to drill blind vias (very precise holes) in every
type of circuit construction and material commonly used for printed wire board
fabrication. Drilling speeds can reach 600 holes per second depending on the
material being processed, and the system can create holes as small as 0.025
millimeters in diameter.
 
EXPANSIONS
 
  Mid-way through the second quarter of 1998, Lumonics opened a new 20,000
square foot European regional customer center in Munich, Germany. Housing 14
application labs where customers test their material samples on Lumonics laser
systems, this facility has attracted considerable attention since its opening
and is the centerpiece of Lumonics' European sales and support network.
 
  Lumonics has now completed phase one of a two-phase building and
consolidation program in Rugby, England. Phase one involved constructing an
extension to its main facility and moving personnel to allow for refurbishment
to begin on the older section of the main building. When phase two is complete
in the first quarter of 1999, Lumonics will have consolidated three buildings
into one facility.
 
  Late in the second quarter of 1998, Lumonics established its first service
and future sales office in Brazil. This will allow Lumonics to support
customers in the large and emerging markets of South America.
 
  Lumonics has negotiated an operating lease on a new 55,000 square-foot,
purpose-built facility in Livonia, Michigan, to relocate and expand its North
American regional customer center. This facility is expected to be ready for
occupancy in June, 1999. Lease payments under the agreement will be finalized
in 1999 but are expected to be approximately $500,000 per year for 5 years.
 
  Lumonics has also negotiated an operating lease on a new 100,000 square-foot,
purpose-built facility in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, to relocate and expand its
current Eden Prairie manufacturing facility. This facility is expected to be
ready for occupancy in July, 1999. Lease payments under the agreement will be
finalized in 1999 but are expected to be approximately $600,000 per year for 5
years.
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  Lumonics has historically prepared and filed its consolidated financial
statements in Canadian dollars and in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The
selected financial information of Lumonics set forth below has been prepared in
accordance with US GAAP, and has been recast in US dollars in accordance with
US GAAP. Lumonics shareholders are also referred to the Canadian GAAP financial
statement supplement in which Lumonic's consolidated financial statements
prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP are presented.
 
  The following table presents selected historical income statement and balance
sheet data of Lumonics. The balance sheet data presented below as of December
31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the income statement data presented
below for each of the years in the five year-period ended December 31, 1997 are
derived from Lumonics' consolidated financial statements which have been
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent chartered accountants. The financial
statements as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997 and the report of Ernst & Young LLP
relating thereto are included elsewhere in this joint proxy
statement/prospectus. The balance sheet data presented
 
                                      100
<PAGE>
 
below as of September 30, 1997 and 1998 and income statement data for the nine-
month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1998 are derived from unaudited
consolidated financial statements, which, in the opinion of Lumonics
management, contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals,
necessary for fair presentation of the financial position and results of
operations for these periods. The operating results for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the results that
may be expected for the entire fiscal year. The data should be read in
conjunction with Lumonics' financial statements and related notes and Lumonics'
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of
Operations.
                                  
                               LUMONICS INC.     
                   
                SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION     
              
           (IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                            NINE MONTHS
                               ENDED
                           SEPTEMBER 30           YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                          ---------------- ----------------------------------------
                           1998     1997    1997    1996    1995     1994    1993
                             $        $       $       $       $       $        $
                          -------  ------- ------- ------- -------  ------  -------
<S>                       <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Sales...................  110,210  128,267 177,328 153,367 125,268  97,828   80,188
Gross profit............   31,862   48,742  65,922  60,999  48,031  34,925   28,236
Selling, general and ad-
 ministrative
 expenses...............   28,354   28,115  37,991  33,380  28,769  22,897   20,046
Research and development
 costs..................   10,038    9,315  11,993  11,872   7,068   5,452    6,707
Revaluation of goodwill
 and
 restructuring
 costs(1)(2)............    2,016      --      --      --      --    1,144   26,858
Interest income
 (expense)(net).........    1,007      685   1,048     634    (854) (1,108)  (1,329)
Income (loss) before in-
 come taxes.............   (7,539)  11,997  16,986  16,381  11,340   4,325  (26,705)
Provision for income
 taxes..................   (2,203)   3,573   5,074   4,635   3,304     997       85
Net income (loss) for
 the period.............   (5,336)   8,424  11,912  11,746   8,036   3,327  (26,790)
Net income (loss) per
 common share:
  --Basic...............    (0.31)    0.54    0.75    0.83    0.70    0.31    (2.49)
  --Weighted average
   shares (000's).......   17,088   15,614  15,989  14,077  11,521  10,874   10,775
  --Diluted.............    (0.31)    0.52    0.72    0.78    0.65    0.30    (2.49)
  --Adjusted weighted
   average shares
   (000's)..............   17,088   16,338  16,454  15,079  12,457  11,267   10,775
<CAPTION>
                           SEPTEMBER 30                 DECEMBER 31
                          ---------------- ----------------------------------------
                           1998     1997    1997    1996    1995     1994    1993
                             $        $       $       $       $       $        $
                          -------  ------- ------- ------- -------  ------  -------
<S>                       <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Working capital.........   90,443  115,436 110,895  71,981  58,087  30,186   25,864
Total assets............  164,994  185,435 189,180 135,602 122,802  68,236   71,366
Long-term debt..........    4,439    8,282   6,159  10,365  15,494  17,673   17,919
Stockholders' equity....  124,683  133,250 133,623  88,345  71,343  33,318   30,300
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
(1) Restructuring costs includes $2,016 during the nine months ended September
    30, 1998 for severance, $1,144 during 1994 for the closure of a plant and
    severance and $360 in 1993 for severance.     
(2) During 1993, the Company re-evaluated its goodwill and concluded that
    $26,498 of goodwill could not be recovered from future operating results
    and such value should be written off, including approximately $18,500 of
    goodwill arising before December 31, 1985.
 
 
                                      101
<PAGE>
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND OPERATING
RESULTS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  Lumonics is a world leader in development, design, manufacture and marketing
of laser-based advanced manufacturing systems for the semiconductor,
electronics, aerospace, automotive, aerospace and packaging markets. Lumonics
also sells to other emerging markets such as consumer products, medical device
manufacturing and nuclear energy.
 
  For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 Lumonics achieved annual
sales growth of 15%, 22% and 28% respectively. For the first nine months of
1998 sales declined 14% from the corresponding period of 1997. Product prices
have remained relatively stable during the periods covered by this discussion,
and price fluctuations did not have a material effect on reported gross profit.
A significant portion of sales are made in foreign currencies. Fluctuations in
currency exchange rates, particularly in the U.S. dollar, the Japanese yen and
European currencies can impact Lumonics' sales and expenses. During 1996,
Lumonics continued to make significant investments in its distribution channels
and accelerated product development programs to strengthen its position in
selected markets and acquired the assets of Hobart Laser Products Inc. in June
1996. In May 1997, Lumonics raised a net $35.7 million through a public
offering of two million Lumonics Common Shares.
 
  Lumonics sales have been and are expected to continue to be heavily dependent
upon its customers capital expenditures which are in turn affected by cycles in
the markets served by those customers. Lumonics' strategy is to expand
applications for its products into different and varied markets to limit its
dependency on any one market, but it may not always be successful in doing so.
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  SALES.
 
  Due to continued cyclical weakness, sales in the semiconductor industry were
down 58.2% in the first nine months of 1998 compared to the corresponding
period in the prior year. Automotive sales were off 38.1% in the first nine
months of 1998 due to lower capital spending by North American automotive
companies. Packaging market sales were essentially flat over the first three
quarters of 1998. The emerging markets, which include a variety of customers in
diverse industries, recorded an 18.7% increase over the first nine months,
primarily as a result of increased demand from customers in the medical device,
consumer products and other markets.
 
  In the electronics market, sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1998
were up 28.9% primarily as a result of increased demand for systems from the
printed circuit board industry. Lumonics' aerospace market declined in the
first nine months of 1998 of 17.3% compared with the same period in 1997,
primarily due to a decline in demand for systems from the aerospace sector in
North America. The parts and service business declined 6.0% primarily as a
result of a slowdown in the semiconductor industry.
 
  SALES BY MARKET. Lumonics sales mix, that is the relative weighting of sales
among its target markets, has shifted this year because of the semiconductor
decline. As a point of reference, semiconductor sales accounted for 11% of
sales in the first nine months of 1998 versus 22% of sales in the first nine
months of 1997.
 
                                      102
<PAGE>
 
  The table below sets forth sales (in millions of $) by market for the periods
covered by this discussion.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    INCREASE
                                                   (DECREASE) NINE MONTHS ENDED
                         NINE MONTHS ENDED  % OF   OVER PRIOR   SEPTEMBER 30,   % OF
                         SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 TOTAL    PERIOD         1997        TOTAL
                         ------------------ -----  ---------- ----------------- -----
<S>                      <C>                <C>    <C>        <C>               <C>
Semiconductor                  $12.0        10.9%    (58.2)%        $28.7       22.4%
Electronics.............        23.2        21.1      28.9           18.0       14.0
Automotive..............         9.1         8.2     (38.1)          14.7       11.4
Aerospace...............        11.0        10.0     (17.3)          13.3       10.4
Packaging...............         9.4         8.5      (6.0)          10.0        7.8
Emerging................        21.6        19.6      18.7           18.2       14.2
Parts and Service.......        23.9        21.7      (5.9)          25.4       19.8
                               -----        ----                    -----       ----
Total                          110.2         100%                   128.3        100%
</TABLE>
 
  SALES BY REGION. On a geographic basis, sales in Europe increased 26.1% in
the first nine months of 1998 compared to the first nine months of 1997, a
result of activities to reorganize and enlarge the European sales and service
staff and a generally improving market. Sales declined 14.7% in Canada because
of a decline in sales to the automotive sector. Sales declined in the United
States due to a weak semiconductor market and lower capital spending in
automotive and aerospace markets. Sales declined in Latin and South America
following lower demand from the packaging market. The performance of Asia-
Pacific and Japanese markets was generally weak, primarily because of a weak
semiconductor market and a decline in economic activity in those regions.
 
  The table below sets forth sales (in millions of $) to each geographic region
for the periods covered by this discussion.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    INCREASE
                                                   (DECREASE) NINE MONTHS ENDED
                         NINE MONTHS ENDED  % OF   OVER PRIOR   SEPTEMBER 30,   % OF
                         SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 TOTAL    PERIOD         1997        TOTAL
                         ------------------ -----  ---------- ----------------- -----
<S>                      <C>                <C>    <C>        <C>               <C>
Canada..................       $  6.4        5.8%    (14.7)%       $  7.5        5.8%
United States...........         47.2       43.2     (28.4)          65.9       51.4
Latin and South Ameri-
 ca.....................          0.4        --      (71.4)           1.4        1.1
Europe..................         30.0       27.2      26.1           23.8       18.6
Japan...................         12.9       11.7     (11.6)          14.6       11.4
Asia-Pacific............         13.3       12.1     (11.9)          15.1       11.7
                               ------       ----                   ------       ----
Total                           110.2        100%                   128.3        100%
</TABLE>
 
  BACKLOG. Order backlog as of September 30, 1998 was $36 million down 29.0%
from $51.0 million as of September 30, 1997 due to factors described above.
 
  GROSS PROFIT MARGIN. Due to lower overall sales volume, declines in sales of
higher margin products, varying levels of capacity use at Lumonics'
manufacturing plants, cost overruns on large and custom systems, and costs
associated with consolidating UK (Rugby) facilities, Lumonics generated lower
gross profit and margin in 1998. For the nine months ended September 30, 1998,
gross profit was $31.9 million (28.9% margin) versus $48.7 million (38.0%
margin) in the nine months ended September 30, 1997. Gross margin in 1998 also
reflects additional inventory provisions totaling $1.4 million charged to cost
of goods sold in the second quarter of 1998.
 
  SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. For the first nine months of
1998 expenses increased $0.3 million from the corresponding period in 1997. The
increase is primarily attributable to the expansion of Lumonics worldwide
direct sales force.
 
  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES. Expenses increased by $0.7 million in the
first nine months of 1998 compared with the first nine months of 1997.
Investments in development programs for new products
 
                                      103
<PAGE>
 
targeted at the aerospace and electronics markets and a reduction in external
funding accounted for the increase in expenses during the period.
 
  RESTRUCTURING CHARGE. In an effort to align operating expenses with
anticipated sales volumes of $30 million to $36 million per quarter until at
least the first quarter of fiscal 1999, Lumonics incurred a pre-tax
restructuring charge during the nine months ended September 30, 1998 of $2.0
million for severance costs related to a 15% downsizing of Lumonics' global
workforce (to reduce the number of employees from 1,066 at March 31, 1998). As
well, inventory provisions totaling $1.4 million were charged to cost of goods
sold.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  Cash and cash equivalents totaled $25.9 million on September 30, 1998
compared to $56.8 million on December 31, 1997. Bank indebtedness decreased to
$5.1 million on September 30, 1998 from $15.2 on December 31, 1997. Bank
indebtedness at September 30, 1998 bore interest at 7.0%. The current portion
of long-term debt decreased to $3.0 million on September 30, 1998 from $3.1
million on December 31, 1997. During the first nine months of 1998, $2.2
million was used in operating activities, $13.7 million was used in investing
activities and $11.4 million was used in financing activities.
 
  Net loss of $5.3 million in the first nine months of 1998, less non-cash
charges for depreciation and amortization of $3.6 million, plus other
adjustments totalling $0.5 million, resulted in a use of $2.2 million in
operating activities.
 
  Cash flow used in investing activities was $13.7 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1998 compared to $36.1 million for the corresponding period
in the prior year. Changes during the nine month period ended September 30,
1998 were primarily due to capital expenditures of $11.8 million for fixed
assets, $42 million for purchases and $41.1 million from maturities of short
term investments, and $1.1 million for the purchase of Meteor Optics Inc.
Changes during the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 were primarily
due to capital expenditures of $3.9 million for fixed assets, $80.7 million for
purchases and $48.2 million from maturities of short term investments.
 
  Cash flow used in financing activities was $11.4 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1998 compared to $39.9 million cash provided by financing
activities for the same period in the prior year. Changes during the nine month
period ended September 30, 1998 were primarily due to $9.7 million reduction in
bank indebtedness, $1.2 million used to repay long term debt and $0.6 million
used to repurchase and cancel 94,900 common shares. Changes during the nine
month period ended September 30, 1997 were primarily due to $3.5 million
increase in bank indebtedness, $1.3 million used to repay long term debt, $35.7
million raised through a public offering of 2 million shares of common stock
and $1.9 million raised from the exercise of stock options.
 
  Capital expenditures during the nine months ended September 30, 1998 of $11.8
million include approximately $8.5 million on new facilities expansions in
England and Canada, approximately $1.0 million on new computer equipment and
$2.3 million on machinery and equipment. Capital expenditures during the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 of $3.9 million include approximately $1.1
million on new facilities expansions in England approximately $1.2 million on
new computer equipment and $1.6 million on machinery and equipment.
 
  At September 30, 1998, Lumonics has credit facilities available of
approximately $21 million in Canadian dollar, US dollar and pound sterling. In
connection with these borrowing facilities, Lumonics has provided a security
interest against Lumonics' assets and is subject to covenants requiring, among
other things, Lumonics to maintain specific financial ratios and conditions.
These financial covenants include requirements for Lumonics' current ratio,
debt to equity ratio, interest coverage ratio, shareholders' equity, and a
yearly limitation on capital expenditures. Lumonics is in compliance with all
such covenants, ratios and conditions as at September 30, 1998, after obtaining
a waiver with respect to interest coverage ratio requirements. Borrowings under
these facilities amounted to $5.1 million as at September 30, 1998 and $15.2
million as at December 31, 1997.
 
                                      104
<PAGE>
 
FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following table sets forth items in the Consolidated Statement of
Operations as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                            -------------------
                                                            1997   1996   1995
                                                            -----  -----  -----
   <S>                                                      <C>    <C>    <C>
   Sales................................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
   Cost of goods sold......................................  62.8   60.2   61.7
   Gross profit margin.....................................  37.2   39.8   38.3
   Expenses Selling, general and administrative............  21.4   21.8   23.0
   Research and development................................   6.8    7.7    5.6
   Income before the following.............................   9.0   10.3    9.7
   Net interest income (expense)...........................   0.6    0.4   (0.7)
   Income before taxes.....................................   9.6   10.7    9.0
   Provision for income taxes..............................   2.9    3.0    2.6
   Net income..............................................   6.7    7.7    6.4
</TABLE>
 
  SALES BY MARKET. The following table sets forth sales (in millions of
dollars) to Lumonics' primary markets as well as parts and service revenue for
1997, 1996 and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   1997                     1996                1995
                          ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------
                                         INCREASE                 INCREASE
                                        (DECREASE)               (DECREASE)
                                 % OF   OVER PRIOR        % OF   OVER PRIOR
                          SALES  TOTAL     YEAR    SALES  TOTAL     YEAR    SALES  TOTAL
                          ------ -----  ---------- ------ -----  ---------- ------ -----
<S>                       <C>    <C>    <C>        <C>    <C>    <C>        <C>    <C>
Semiconductor...........  $ 38.1  21.5%     5.0%   $ 36.3  23.7%    41.8%   $ 25.6  20.4%
Electronics.............    27.7  15.6     51.4      18.3  11.9     (3.2)     18.9  15.1
Automotive..............    18.7  10.6     37.5      13.6   8.8     63.9       8.3   6.6
Aerospace...............    17.7  10.0     12.0      15.8  10.3     49.1      10.6   8.5
Packaging...............    13.7   7.7     20.2      11.4   7.4      8.6      10.5   8.4
Emerging................    26.6  15.0     (4.7)     27.9  18.2     29.2      21.6  17.2
Parts and Service.......    34.8  19.6     15.6      30.1  19.7      1.0      29.8  23.8
                          ------ -----     ----    ------ -----     ----    ------ -----
 Total..................  $177.3 100.0%    15.6%   $153.4 100.0%    22.4%   $125.3 100.0%
</TABLE>
 
  Despite weak conditions in the Semiconductor market and a slight decline in
Emerging markets, sales increased 15.6% to $177.3 million in 1997, compared
with $153.4 million in 1996 and $125.3 million in 1995. The increase in 1997
over 1996 is primarily attributable to continued strong demand in North
America, a recovering market in Europe, successful new product introductions in
the Electronics market and further penetration in the Automotive market. Sales
increased in 1996 primarily as a result of strong demand for Lumonics' laser-
based systems from the semiconductor, automotive, aerospace and emerging
markets, offset by lower sales to the electronics market.
 
  For the Semiconductor market in 1997, as expected, sales of systems were far
below traditional growth levels because of a lack of fabrication plant
construction worldwide. The 5% sales growth achieved in 1997 comes after
increases of 41.8% in 1996 and 79% in 1995. The Semiconductor market is
cyclical and the recent downturn in the industry slowed demand for Lumonics'
products. For 1996, contributing to the rate of growth was strong demand for
Lumonics' silicon wafer marking systems for new semiconductor fabrication
plants, market acceptance of Lumonics' TrayMark(R) product (part of the
Lightwriter(R) product line) introduced in 1996 and a strong replacement
market.
 
  For the electronics market, sales grew 51.4% in 1997, primarily as a result
of market acceptance of Lumonics' new and enhanced system offerings and new
applications. In late 1996 and early 1997, Lumonics started shipping new
versions of its ScreenCut(TM) 400 and IMPACT(R) GS-300 systems to manufacturers
of
 
                                      105
<PAGE>
 
printed circuit boards. New applications such as welding components used in the
production of computer disk drives also contributed to sales growth. Sales to
the electronics market declined 3.2% in 1996 compared to 1995. Sales in the
fourth quarter of 1996 were weak, primarily as a result of lower-than-expected
order intake in the third quarter and delays in shipping new products.
 
  In the automotive market, Lumonics continued to penetrate the market in 1997
with strong demand from automakers and their suppliers and this market
represented 10.6% of total sales. Sales increased 37.5% in 1997 following
growth of 63.9% in 1996 when Lumonics' products were gaining acceptance by both
automakers and parts suppliers for applications such as welding, cutting and
marking. In late 1997, after more than 18 months of development, Lumonics
introduced a major new product, the MultiWave-Auto(TM), designed principally
for applications in the automotive market.
 
  Sales to the aerospace market increased 12.0% to $17.7 million in 1997,
compared with $15.8 million in 1996. During 1997, Lumonics delivered a $3.5
million order (two systems), the largest advanced laser-based systems ever
built by Lumonics.
 
  In early 1996, Lumonics reorganized its distribution channels for the
packaging market, establishing a sales team complemented by agents with
industry knowledge and experience. After implementing this distribution system,
Lumonics was able to increase sales to customers in this market by 20.2% in
1997 versus 8.6% revenue growth in 1996.
 
  Sales of systems to emerging markets decreased 4.7% in 1997, largely because
of lower sales to customers in the nuclear energy industry and manufacturers of
consumer products. Sales of systems to emerging markets increased 29.2% in 1996
compared to 1995 principally as a result of increased demand from customers in
the medical device, nuclear energy and consumer products industries.
 
  Parts and service revenue increased 15.6% in 1997. A growing installed base,
improved service offerings from Lumonics and more customers using multiple
production shifts contributed to sales growth. Parts and service sales
increased 1% in 1996 to $30.1 million representing 19.7% of consolidated sales
compared to 23.8% in 1995. During 1996, particularly in the second and third
quarters, some customers were reducing their manufacturing output to lower
their inventory levels, resulting in reduced parts and service sales for
Lumonics during that period.
 
  SALES BY REGION. Distribution of Lumonics' systems and services is via
Lumonics' global network of sales and service offices and through third-party
distributors and agents. In 1997, 77% of sales were made through Lumonics'
direct sales and service channel, compared with 76% in 1996. Lumonics' sales
territories are divided into the following regions: Canada, the United States
and Latin and South America, Europe (consisting of Europe, the Middle East and
Africa), Japan and Asia-Pacific (consisting of ASEAN countries, China and other
Asia-Pacific countries). The table below sets forth sales (in millions of US$)
to each geographic region for 1997, 1996 and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   1997                     1996                1995
                          ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------
                                         INCREASE                 INCREASE
                                        (DECREASE)               (DECREASE)
                                 % OF   OVER PRIOR        % OF   OVER PRIOR        % OF
                          SALES  TOTAL     YEAR    SALES  TOTAL     YEAR    SALES  TOTAL
                          ------ -----  ---------- ------ -----  ---------- ------ -----
<S>                       <C>    <C>    <C>        <C>    <C>    <C>        <C>    <C>
Canada..................  $  9.7   5.5%    31.1%   $  7.4   4.8%    42.3%   $  5.2   4.1%
United States...........    91.8  51.8     23.7      74.2  48.4     42.1      52.2  41.7
Latin and South Ameri-
 ca.....................     1.6   0.9    300.0       0.4   0.3    (73.3)      1.5   1.2
Europe..................    33.4  18.8     13.2      29.5  19.2     (0.7)     29.7  23.7
Japan...................    19.8  11.2      4.2      19.0  12.4      1.1      18.8  15.0
Asia-Pacific............    21.0  11.8     (8.3)     22.9  14.9     27.9      17.9  14.3
                          ------ -----    -----    ------ -----    -----    ------ -----
 Total..................  $177.3 100.0%    15.6%   $153.4 100.0%    22.4%   $125.3 100.0%
</TABLE>
 
                                      106
<PAGE>
 
  Sales to customers in Canada increased 31.1% in 1997 on higher demand in the
automotive and electronics markets. In 1996, Canadian sales increased 42.3% on
demand from the automotive and aerospace markets.
 
  Sales in the United States increased 23.7% in 1997 with gains in the
semiconductor, electronics, automotive and aerospace markets. Growth of 42.1%
in 1996 was primarily due to increased demand from the semiconductor,
automotive and aerospace markets.
 
  Sales in Latin and South America increased 300% in 1997 from a low base in
1996. The increase in 1997 was attributable to demand in the packaging and
electronics markets. The sales decline of 73.3% in 1996 was due to lower sales
in the automotive market.
 
  Sales in Europe increased 13.2% in 1997 after a 0.7% decline in 1996. Sales
growth in this region can be attributed to Lumonics' reorganized and enlarged
European sales force as well as some improvement in general market conditions.
The small 1996 decline occurred during a reorganization of its European
distribution channels to mirror the successful market-focused distribution
channel Lumonics implemented in North America.
 
  Sales to Japan grew 4.2% in 1997 to $19.8 million, compared with $19.0
million in 1996 and $18.8 million in 1995. Economic conditions in Japan
affected Lumonics' ability to improve sales performance in that country in
1997. The Japanese market is served primarily by Lumonics' largest distributor
and significant shareholder, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., which accounted
for $18.9 million of 1997 sales and $17.4 million of 1996 sales and $17.4
million of 1995 sales. In 1997, Lumonics commenced discussions with Sumitomo to
explore initiatives to improve sales and distribution of Lumonics' products in
Japan.
 
  Sales to the Asia-Pacific region declined 8.3% in 1997, primarily as a result
of a weak semiconductor market. Most of Lumonics' large customers in this
region are multinationals manufacturing products for global markets. The
economic crisis in the region did not have a material impact on 1997 sales.
Growth of 27.9% during 1996 in the Asia-Pacific market can be attributed to
Lumonics' increased presence in the region with the opening and staffing of
Lumonics' new customer support center in Singapore in April 1996, and strong
demand from the semiconductor and electronics markets.
 
  GROSS PROFIT MARGIN. Gross profit margin declined to 37.2% in 1997, compared
with 39.8% in 1996 and 38.3% in 1995. Inefficiencies in the manufacture of
large custom systems during the 1997 year and higher costs associated with the
introduction of advanced products to serve new applications in Lumonics'
targeted markets contributed to lower 1997 gross margins. Gross profit margin
increased to 39.8% in 1996 compared with 1995, primarily as a result of higher
sales volumes, improvements in manufacturing operations and a favorable product
mix.
 
  SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and
administrative expenses decreased to 21.4% of sales in 1997 from 21.8% of sales
in 1996 and 23.0% in 1995. Actual expenses increased to $38.0 million in 1997
from $33.4 million in 1996, primarily as a result of higher costs associated
with the launch of new laser-based advanced manufacturing systems, a larger
direct sales force and higher sales volumes. During 1996, selling, general and
administrative expenses decreased to 21.8% of sales from 23.0% in 1995. Actual
1996 expenses increased to $33.4 million from $28.8 million in 1995, primarily
as a result of Lumonics' strengthened distribution channels, investments in
customer support centers and higher promotional expenditures.
 
  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES. Research and development expenses for
1997, net of government assistance, were 6.8% of sales or $12.0 million,
compared with 7.7% of sales or $11.9 million in 1996 and 5.6% of sales or $7.1
million in 1995. Government assistance in 1997 was $2.1 million, compared with
$0.2 million in 1996 and $0.3 million in 1995. During the 1997 year, Lumonics
launched five new or enhanced products: the MultiWave-Auto(TM) for high-power
applications in the Automotive market, the LightWriter(R) 2000
 
                                      107
<PAGE>
 
for high-speed marking of semiconductor components, the IMPACT(R) GS-300 and
the ScreenCut(TM) 4000 for applications in the printed circuit board industry,
and the WaferMark(R) Sigma XC for marking 300-millimeter silicon wafers. During
1996, Lumonics increased expenditures to accelerate development programs for
products aimed at the automotive, aerospace, and semiconductor and electronics
markets. Lumonics believes the development of new products is vital to its
continued success.
 
  INTEREST. Net interest income was $1.0 million or 0.6% of sales in 1997,
compared with $0.6 million or 0.4% in 1996 and net interest expense of $0.9
million or (0.7%) of sales in 1995. The change in 1997 is a result of interest
on the investment of proceeds from a public issue of two million shares in May
1997, which raised $35.7 million.
 
  INCOME TAXES. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 1997 was
29.9%, compared with 28.3% in 1996 and 29.1% in 1995. Lumonics' effective tax
rate for each year was less than the Canadian statutory tax rate because tax
rates in many of the countries where Lumonics operates are lower than the
Canadian statutory rate. Lumonics has provided a valuation allowance against
operating loss tax carryforwards and investment tax credits due to the
uncertainty of their realizability as a result of limitations on their
utilization in accordance with certain tax laws and regulations, market
conditions, and historical operations in those jurisdictions.
 
  NET INCOME. Net income was $11.9 million in 1997, $11.7 million in 1996 and
$8.0 million in 1995. The increase in net income was primarily due to increased
sales and a leveraging of operating expenses which grew at a lower rate than
did the increase in sales.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  Cash and cash equivalents totaled $56.8 million on December 31, 1997 compared
to $29.3 million on December 31, 1996. During 1997, Lumonics issued two million
shares for proceeds of $35.7 million pursuant to a public offering and also
issued 386,932 shares for total proceeds of $1.9 million pursuant to Lumonics'
share option plans. During 1996, Lumonics issued 893,343 shares for a total of
$4.8 million pursuant to Lumonics' share option plans.
 
  In 1997, Lumonics used $5.3 million to fund operations, including investing
$21 million in non-cash working capital balances, primarily a result of an
increase in accounts receivable from shipments late in the fourth quarter. In
1996, a net $15.2 million was provided by operating activities, when net income
of $11.7 million was supplemented by non-cash charges totaling $3.1 million for
depreciation. In 1995, a net $6.5 million was provided by operating activities,
when net income of $8.0 million was supplemented by non-cash charges totaling
$2.9 million for depreciation and, in support of expanded business activity,
accounts receivable and inventory increased by $3.3 million and $7.8 million
respectively. Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $9.3 million in
1997, including $80.2 million of purchases and $79.4 million of maturities of
short term investments, and $8.7 million in capital expenditures. Capital
expenditures included $4.2 million of costs incurred in the expansion and
modernization of Lumonics' manufacturing facility in Rugby, England and
$4.5 million invested in machinery and equipment at other Lumonics' locations.
Cash flows provided by investing activities totaled $9.8 million in 1996,
including $20.8 million of purchases and $38.1 million of maturities of short
term investments, $5.1 million in net fixed asset additions and $4.4 million to
acquire the assets of Hobart Laser Products Inc. Capital additions during 1996
included $4.6 million on machinery and equipment, $0.3 million on building
improvements and $0.2 million on vehicles. During the 1996 year, Lumonics
received $1.5 million as payment in full of a mortgage receivable that was not
due until December 31, 2001. Cash flows used in investing activities totaled
$34.6 million in 1995, including $32.7 million of purchases and $3.5 million of
maturities of short term investments and $6.7 million in net capital asset
additions. Capital additions in 1995 included $3.7 million for the construction
and the outfitting of Lumonics' optics manufacturing facility in Nepean,
Ontario, $2.8 million for machinery and equipment and $0.2 million on vehicles.
 
                                      108
<PAGE>
 
  Under borrowings by Lumonics from Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. in 1990 and
1991, term loans are repayable by Lumonics in 10 equal semi-annual
installments, which commenced in April 1996. Lumonics made two payments in 1997
totaling $2.5 million and two payments in 1996 totaling $2.6 million and, as at
December 31, 1997, the current portion of the long-term debt was $3.1 million.
 
  Borrowings under Lumonics credit facilities amounted to $15.2 million as at
December 31, 1997 and $7.5 million as at December 31, 1996. Lumonics believes
that its existing cash, together with cash generated from future operations and
its existing bank lines of credit, will be sufficient to satisfy anticipated
cash needs to fund working capital and investments in manufacturing facilities
and equipment for its existing businesses over the next two years.
 
CURRENCY EXCHANGE MATTERS
 
  Lumonics has substantial operations in the United States and the United
Kingdom, the sales and related expenses of which create a partial hedge against
foreign currency exposure. In addition, Lumonics has a policy that permits up
to 50% of the foreign currency exposure in the annual operating plan to be
hedged. As at December 31, 1997, Lumonics had hedge contracts in place to
exchange $9.0 million for Canadian dollars at an average rate of Cdn$1.4161
($0.7061). As at December 31, 1996, Lumonics had hedge contracts in place to
exchange $2.0 million for Canadian dollars at an average rate of Cdn$1.3426
($0.7448).
 
YEAR 2000
 
  Lumonics has an evolving plan intended to achieve Year 2000 compliance for
its products and operations. In November 1998, Lumonics notified its customers
that all of its laser system products in current manufacture had achieved Year
2000 compliance. For products which were not in current manufacture, Lumonics
provides advice and information to customers regarding those products and,
where possible, provides upgrades or modifications to the existing products so
as to render those products Year 2000 compliant. Lumonics has upgraded major
information technology systems to serve its business needs, which suppliers
have confirmed to be Year 2000 compliant. Lumonics performed individual tests
on internal desktop and laptop computers. Lumonics has performed tests on, or
has received certification of compliance from suppliers on embedded systems
such as telephone systems, security systems and heating, ventilation and air
conditioning systems. Computers and systems found to be non-compliant will be
upgraded during 1999.
 
  The Year 2000 specific costs incurred in the past, and expected to be
incurred in the future, do not have a material effect on Lumonics' financial
position or results of operations.
 
  Lumonics is confident of its readiness in the area of internal operations.
However, some customers, suppliers and distributors have not certified Year
2000 compliance to Lumonics. The Company's reasonable worst case scenario with
respect to Year 2000 is manufacturing problems of customers or suppliers having
a material impact on Lumonics if customers delay orders or suppliers delay
delivery of parts.
 
  Through 1999, Lumonics intends to develop contingency relationships with
alternate suppliers where existing suppliers cannot certify Year 2000
compliance to offset, to the extent possible, potential disruption in the
supply of parts.
 
INFLATION
 
  Product prices have remained relatively stable during the periods covered by
this discussion and price fluctuations did not have a material effect on
reported gross profit.
 
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
  Lumonics expects to report an after-tax loss of between $2.4 million and $2.7
million (14 cents to 16 cents per share) for the three months ended December
31, 1998. The company expects to release its year-end audited
 
                                      109
<PAGE>
 
results on February 25, 1999. The loss is primarily attributed to the extended
downturn in worldwide capital equipment markets, particularly the semiconductor
industry. As a result, Lumonics' sales mix continued a shift to lower margin
products. The Company incurred higher than expected costs associated with the
introduction of new products and the manufacture of large, custom systems.
Sales in the fourth quarter are expected to be approximately $35 million.
   
  In 1998, Lumonics' sales to the semiconductor market declined by 60% from
1997. In the fourth quarter of 1998, sales to the semiconductor market
accounted for 6% of total sales compared to 19% of total sales for the same
period in 1997. Total sales in North America, representing approximately 50% of
Lumonics' sales, declined by 27% in 1998 compared with 1997. Total sales in the
Asia market including Japan, representing approximately 23% of Lumonics' sales,
declined by 12% in 1998 compared with 1997. Total sales in Europe, representing
approximately 28% of Lumonics' sales, increased by 30% in 1998 compared with
1997.     
 
  Lumonics expects its sales to remain between $30 million and $37 million per
quarter pending a recovery in capital equipment spending. Because of lower
backlog to start the year, first quarter 1999 sales are expected to come in at
the lower end of this range. In response, Lumonics plans to reduce its global
workforce by 12%. To cover the associated costs, Lumonics will record a
restructuring charge of between $0.9 million and $1.1 million in the first
quarter of 1999. Because of the timing of restructuring initiatives, Lumonics
expects to report a loss in the first quarter of 1999.
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
   
  The following table sets forth as of December 31, 1998 certain information
regarding the beneficial ownership of Lumonics common shares and, assuming the
merger had occurred on December 31, 1998, GSI Lumonics common shares by:     
       
       
  .  each of the persons or entities known by Lumonics to be the beneficial
     owners of more than 5% of the Lumonics common shares;
 
  .each of the named executive officers;
 
  .each director of Lumonics; and
 
  .  all directors and executive officers of Lumonics as a group (13
     persons).
   
  When reviewing the table, please note the following:     
     
  .  Beneficial ownership is a legal term and is determined in accordance
     with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. If someone
     beneficially owns the shares indicated, it generally means that he or
     she has sole voting or investment power relating to the shares.     
     
  .  A stockholder is also deemed to beneficially own any shares underlying
     options or warrants that are exerciseable within 60 days. These shares
     are set out separately in the first column of the table, and also
     included in the numbers in the second column.     
     
  .  A shareholder's ownership percentage of Lumonics common shares is based
     on the 17,056,001 shares outstanding on December 31, 1998, plus any
     options exerciseable by that stockholder within 60 days.     
 
                                      110
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                             NUMBER OF LUMONICS
                               COMMON SHARES                        PERCENTAGE OF
                             UNDERLYING OPTIONS      NUMBER OF        LUMONICS    PERCENTAGE OF
                                AND WARRANTS      LUMONICS COMMON   COMMON SHARES GSI LUMONICS
                             EXERCISABLE WITHIN SHARES BENEFICIALLY  OUTSTANDING  COMMON SHARES
                                  60 DAYS              OWNED        BEFORE MERGER  OUTSTANDING
                             ------------------ ------------------- ------------- -------------
   <S>                       <C>                <C>                 <C>           <C>
   Robert J. Atkinson......       131,249              141,249              *             *
   Warren Scott Nix........       192,083              199,083          1.15%             *
   Desmond J. Bradley......        79,582               79,582              *             *
   Michael W. Lupiano......        22,499               23,499              *             *
   Patrick D. Austin.......        32,499               32,499              *             *
   John W. George..........        20,000               20,500              *             *
   Charles J. Gardner......        12,500               15,500              *             *
   Douglas C. Cameron......        20,000               23,000              *             *
   Atsushi Naitoh..........        20,000               20,000              *             *
   Dr. Peter Rose..........        16,667               16,667              *             *
   Yukihito Takahashi......         3,333                3,333              *             *
   Benjamin J. Virgilio....           --                     0              *             *
   William B. Waite........        16,667               16,667              *             *
   Sumitomo Heavy
    Industries Ltd.........           --             6,078,238         35.64%        17.81%
   All directors and
    executive officers as a
    group (13 persons).....       567,079              591,579          3.36%         1.72%
</TABLE>    
- --------
 *Less than 1% of outstanding common shares.
       
       
       
       
          
   The persons listed above have the following municipality of residence: Mr.
   Atkinson, Kanata, Ontario, Canada; Mr. Nix, West Lake Village, California,
   U.S.A.; Mr. Bradley, Stittsville, Ontario, Canada; Mr. Lupiano, Nepean,
   Ontario, Canada; Mr. Austin, Ojai, California, U.S.A.; Mr. George, Rochester
   Hills, Michigan, U.S.A.; Mr. Gardner, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Mr. Cameron,
   Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Mr. Naitoh, Tokyo, Japan; Dr. Rose, Rockport,
   Massachusetts, U.S.A.; Mr. Takahashi, Tokyo, Japan; Mr. Virgilio, Kleinberg,
   Ontario, Canada; and Mr. Waite, Victoria, B.C., Canada.     
 
                     DESCRIPTION OF LUMONICS COMMON SHARES
   
  The authorized capital of Lumonics consists of an unlimited number of
Lumonics common shares of which 17,068,001 shares were issued and outstanding
on the Lumonics record date.     
 
  The holders of Lumonics common shares are entitled to one vote per share at
all meetings of shareholders of Lumonics, to participate ratably in any
dividends which may be declared by the board of directors and, in the event of
liquidation, dissolution or winding-up or other distribution of assets or
property of Lumonics, to a pro rata share of the assets of Lumonics after
payment of all liabilities and obligations. For a description of the rights of
shareholders of Lumonics after Lumonics is continued into the province of New
Brunswick, including the right to cumulative voting for the election of
directors, see "Comparative Rights of Shareholders--Ontario vs. New Brunswick."
 
  Lumonics has neither declared nor paid any dividends on the Lumonics common
shares.
 
                                      111
<PAGE>
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS OF GSI LUMONICS
 
  The Board of Directors of GSI Lumonics will consist of eight directors. Of
the eight Directors, four have been selected from the current Lumonics Board of
Directors and four have been selected from the current GSI Board of Directors.
It is currently expected that the following individuals will be the directors
of the GSI Lumonics:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 DIRECTOR             AGE EXPECTED PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AFTER THE MERGER
 --------             --- ----------------------------------------------
 <C>                  <C> <S>
 Robert J. Atkinson   57  Chairman, GSI Lumonics Inc.
 Richard B. Black     65  President, Oak Technology, Inc.
 Paul F. Ferrari      68  Independent Consultant/Former V.P. and Treasurer
                          Thermo Electron Corporation
 Woodie C. Flowers    55  Pappalardo Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT
                          President & Chief Operating Officer, GSI Lumonics
 Warren Scott Nix     51  Inc.
 Yukihito Takahashi   59  Managing Director, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
 Benjamin J. Virgilio 59  President & CEO, Rea International Inc.
 Charles D. Winston   57  Chief Executive Officer, GSI Lumonics Inc.
</TABLE>
 
MANAGEMENT OF GSI LUMONICS
 
  The management team of GSI Lumonics will be comprised of members of the
management teams of GSI and Lumonics and is expected to consist of the
following persons:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 NAME                AGE POSITION WITH LUMONICS
 ----                --- ----------------------
 <C>                 <C> <S>
 Charles D. Winston   57 Chief Executive Officer
 Warren Scott Nix     51 President and Chief Operating Officer
 Desmond J. Bradley   41 Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
 Michael R. Kampfe    48 Vice President, Laser Systems Group
 Patrick D. Austin    47 Vice President, Sales
 John W. George       55 Vice President, Customer Support
 Gregory S. Baletsa   45 Vice President, Instruments Group
 Victor Sabella       53 Vice President, Components Group
 
CURRENT EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF GSI
 
  The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of the current
executive officers of GSI:
 
<CAPTION>
 NAME                AGE POSITION WITH GSI
 ----                --- -----------------
 <C>                 <C> <S>
 Charles D. Winston   57 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
                         Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
 Victor H. Woolley    56 Clerk
                         Vice President and General Manager of the Recorder
 Gregory S. Baletsa   45 Products Division
                         Vice President and General Manager of the Optical
 Michael R. Kampfe    48 Scanning Products Division
 Victor Sabella       53 Group Vice President, Laser Systems
 Thomas R. Swain      53 Vice President, Corporate Development
 Joseph A. Verderber  59 Group Vice President, Laser Systems
</TABLE>
 
                                      112
<PAGE>
 
CURRENT EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF LUMONICS
 
  The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of the current
executive officers of Lumonics:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                AGE POSITION WITH LUMONICS
- ----                --- ----------------------
<S>                 <C> <C>
Robert J. Atkinson   57 Chairman of the Board and Director
Warren Scott Nix     51 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Patrick D. Austin    47 Vice President, Sales
Desmond J. Bradley   41 Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer
John W. George       55 Vice President, Customer Support
Michael W. Lupiano   44 Vice President, Human Resources
</TABLE>
 
BIOGRAPHIES
   
  The name of each Executive Officer of GSI and Lumonics and each Director of
GSI Lumonics and the principal occupation held by each person named for at
least the past five years are as follows:     
 
  Robert J. Atkinson has served as Chairman of the Board of Lumonics since
January 1997. Prior to January 1997, Mr. Atkinson also served as Chief
Executive Officer of Lumonics. Mr. Atkinson has been a director of Lumonics
since 1973.
 
  Patrick Austin has held his current position since January 1996. Prior to
that time he was Vice President, Market Development of Lumonics and prior to
October 1992 was Vice President, Laser Marking Division.
 
  Gregory S. Baletsa joined GSI in 1985. Since 1989, he has served as Vice
President and General Manager of GSI's Recorder Products Division.
 
  Richard B. Black has served as President of Oak Technology, Inc. since 1998.
He has served as a Director of GSI since 1992. He has served as Chairman of the
Board of ERCM Incorporated since 1983. He also serves as a Director of Oak
Technology, Inc., Morgan Group, Inc., Gabelli Funds, Inc., Benedetto Gartland,
Inc. and Grand Eagle Companies.
 
  Desmond J. Bradley has held his current position since October 1994. From
September 1993 until October 1994, Mr. Bradley was Vice President, Finance and
Administration of Lumonics. Prior to September 1993, he was Vice President,
Laser Products Division.
 
  Paul F. Ferrari has been an independent consultant since 1991. He has served
as a Director of GSI since 1969. Previously, he was Vice President of Thermo
Electron Corporation from 1988 to 1991 and was Treasurer of Thermo Electron
Corporation from 1967 to 1988. He also serves as a Director of Thermedics Inc.
and ThermoTrex Inc.
 
  Woodie C. Flowers, Ph.D., is the Pappalardo Professor of Mechanical
Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has been a Director of
GSI since 1991. Professor Flowers also served as a Professor of Teaching
Innovation at the MIT School of Engineering from 1991 to 1993 and was Head of
the Systems Design Division at MIT from 1989 to 1991. He also serves as a
Director of Nypro, Inc. and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
 
  John W. George has held his position since January 1997. Prior to that time
he was Director, North American Service.
 
  Michael R. Kampfe joined GSI in 1984. From 1990 through 1996, he served as
Vice President and General Manager of GSI's Laser Graphics Division. In late
1996, the Laser Graphics Division was merged into the Optical Scanning Products
Division under Mr. Kampfe.
 
  Michael W. Lupiano has held his current position since February 1990 when he
joined Lumonics.
 
                                      113
<PAGE>
 
  Warren Scott Nix has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Lumonics
since January 1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Nix was President and Chief
Operating Officer of Lumonics. Prior to January 1996, Mr. Nix was Vice
President, Operations of Lumonics and prior to July 1994, was Executive Vice
President, North American Operations. Prior to June 1993, Mr. Nix was Vice
President and General Manager of the Nuclear Division of Allied Signal Inc.
 
  Victor Sabella served as Vice President and General Manager of GSI's Optical
Scanning Products Division from October 1992 through 1996. In late 1996, Mr.
Sabella became General Manager of the then newly-formed Industrial Laser
Products Division, a combination of the Laser Systems Division's laser marking
product line and a new initiative for this technology into expanded industrial
applications. Since the reorganization of the Laser Systems Group in July 1998,
Mr. Sabella has served as Group Vice President, Laser Systems. Prior to joining
GSI, from 1991 to 1992, Mr. Sabella served as Senior Vice President of
Crosscomm Corp., a communication inter-networking firm. From 1986 to 1991, he
served as the General Manager of the Microelectronics Division at Analog
Devices, Inc.
 
  Thomas R. Swain joined GSI in August 1996 with the acquisition of View. From
the acquisition through March, 1998, Mr. Swain was Vice President and General
Manager of View Engineering Division. Since April 1998, Mr. Swain has been Vice
President of Corporate Development. Prior to the acquisition, Mr. Swain was
President and Chief Executive Officer of View. Mr. Swain originally joined View
in 1984 as the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer and was
promoted to President in 1992.
 
  Yukihito Takahashi is General Manager of the Laser Systems Division of
Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. and has held his position for the past five
years. He has been a Director of Lumonics since 1997.
 
  Joseph A. Verderber has served as Vice President and General Manager of GSI's
Laser Systems Division since May 1991. Since the reorganization of the Laser
System Group in July 1998, Mr. Verderber has served as Group Vice President,
Laser Systems. Before joining GSI, Mr. Verderber served as President of Barco
Graphics, Inc. from 1990 to 1991. From 1961 to 1990, Mr. Verderber served in a
number of executive positions at AM International, Inc., including Vice
President and General Manager, VariTyper.
 
  Benjamin J. Virgilio is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Rea
International Inc., an automotive fuel systems manufacturer, and has been a
Director of Lumonics since 1998. Prior to May 1995 Mr. Virgilio was a business
consultant. Prior to November 1993, he was President and Chief Executive
Officer of A.G. Simpson Limited.
 
  Charles D. Winston has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of GSI
since September 1988. He has served as a Director of GSI since 1989. Prior to
joining GSI, from 1986 to 1988, Mr. Winston served as a management consultant.
In 1986, Mr. Winston was an officer of Savin Corporation. From 1981 to 1985, he
served as a Senior Vice President of Federal Express Corporation.
 
  Victor H. Woolley has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of GSI
since August 1995. From 1986 to 1995, Mr. Woolley was Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Sepracor Inc., a public company involved in the
manufacture of systems, medical devices and consumables for the biotechnology
and pharmaceutical industries, as well as conducting research in drug
development.
 
                                      114
<PAGE>
 
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
  GSI SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE. The following table provides certain
information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
concerning the compensation paid or accrued for:
 
  (1) GSI's Chief Executive Officer;
 
  (2) the other four most highly compensated executive officers who were
      serving as executive officers of GSI at the end of the fiscal year
      ended December 31, 1997; and
 
  (3) two additional individuals who served as executive officers of GSI
      during 1997 but were not serving as executive officers at the end of
      the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
   
  When reviewing the table, please note the following:     
   
 .  Salary includes amounts deferred pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal
   Revenue Code and to GSI's payroll deferral plan.     
   
 .  Bonuses are reflected in this table for the year they were earned under
   GSI's officer bonus plan. The bonuses are based on a set formula under the
   plan.     
   
 .  Other annual compensation equals GSI's contributions under the company's
   401(k) plan and, in 1995, GSI's contribution under its employee stock
   ownership plan.     
   
 .  GSI also provides a group life insurance policy for all of its employees,
   but does not believe that the amount of allocable premiums paid under the
   policy is material.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                  LONG TERM
                                                                 COMPENSATION
                                 ANNUAL COMPENSATION                AWARDS
                         --------------------------------------  ------------
                                                                  SECURITIES
NAME AND PRINCIPAL                                 OTHER ANNUAL   UNDERLYING   ALL OTHER
POSITION                 YEAR     SALARY   BONUS   COMPENSATION  OPTIONS (#)  COMPENSATION
- ------------------       ----    -------- -------- ------------  ------------ ------------
<S>                      <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>           <C>          <C>
Charles D. Winston       1997    $268,383 $221,740   $ 6,400        25,000      $ 53,000(1)(2)
 President and Chief     1996     230,753  160,280     6,000        14,650        32,000(1)
 Executive Officer       1995     219,764  149,243     6,000             0        32,000(1)
Jean I. Montagu          1997      53,693   39,544     6,400             0       138,400(3)
 Former Chairman, Board  1996     178,801   94,413     6,000             0             0
 of Directors            1995     171,515   97,769     6,000             0             0
Pierre J. Brosens        1997     149,482  100,349     6,400             0        90,198(4)
 Former Chairman, Board
  of                     1996     178,801   94,413     6,000             0             0
 Directors               1995     171,515   97,769     6,000             0             0
Victor H. Woolley        1997     146,190   84,320     6,400         9,600             0
 Vice President & Chief  1996     140,070   53,428     6,000             0             0
 Financial Officer       1995(5)   50,777   28,798       690        50,000             0
Gregory S. Baletsa       1997     137,871   67,000     6,400         8,400             0
 Vice President and Gen-
  eral                   1996     130,528   39,846     6,000         3,000             0
 Manager Recorder Prod-
  ucts                   1995     125,298   44,784     6,000             0             0
 Division
Thomas R. Swain          1997     153,645   53,550    10,610(7)     10,000             0
 Vice President and Gen-
  eral                   1996(6)   60,581    4,914     1,390(7)     10,000             0
 Manager, View Engineer-
  ing
 Division
Joseph A. Verderber      1997     154,611   52,200     6,400         8,400             0
 Vice President and      1996     144,208   16,688     6,000         5,000             0
 General Manager,        1995     135,182  124,202     6,000             0             0
 Laser Systems Division
</TABLE>    
- --------
 
                                      115
<PAGE>
 
   
(1) In 1992, GSI's Board of Directors authorized a loan to Charles D. Winston
    in the amount of $160,000 for expenses of his relocation to Massachusetts,
    secured by deferred income owed to Mr. Winston in a like amount. Under the
    agreement, as amended, the loan was forgiven over a five year period ending
    December 31, 1997. Amounts shown for 1997, 1996 and 1995 include $32,000 of
    the loan amount forgiven and charged as compensation expense.     
   
(2) During 1997 GSI purchased a life insurance policy on the life of Charles D.
    Winston with a death benefit of $1,250,000. GSI and Mr. Winston have
    entered into a split dollar compensation agreement under which one half of
    the death benefit will be paid to the beneficiary designated by Mr. Winston
    and one half of the death benefit will be paid to GSI. The split dollar
    compensation agreement also provides for Mr. Winston to bear a share of
    each annual premium under the policy. Upon the surrender or cancellation of
    the policy GSI will receive an amount equal to the premium payments made by
    GSI and not reimbursed by Mr. Winston (net of loans and withdrawals by
    GSI), and Mr. Winston will receive any remaining proceeds from the policy.
    The amount shown for 1997 includes the $21,000 premium paid by GSI during
    1997 without reduction for any portion of the premium to be borne by Mr.
    Winston.     
   
(3) Jean I. Montagu's employment with GSI ended effective April 17, 1997. The
    amount shown for 1997 represents severance payments made by GSI to Mr.
    Montagu under a non-competition agreement by and between General Scanning
    and Mr. Montagu dated February 28, 1985. Severance payments to Mr. Montagu
    under the agreement ceased in April 1998.     
   
(4) Pierre J. Brosens resigned his employment with GSI effective September 30,
    1997, and he resigned as Chairman of the Board of Directors in October
    1998. The amount shown for 1997 represents $4,500 in directors fees paid to
    Dr. Brosens after his resignation and $85,698 in severance payments made by
    GSI to Dr. Brosens under a certain non-competition agreement.     
   
(5) Victor H. Woolley joined GSI in August 1995.     
   
(6) Thomas R. Swain joined GSI in August 1996.     
   
(7) Also includes an auto allowance of $5,941 in 1997 and $1,130 in 1996.     
   
  GSI STOCK OPTION PLANS. In 1981, GSI established the 1981 Stock Option Plan,
as amended and restated in 1987, for the benefit of key employees of GSI and
its subsidiaries. Subject to the requirements of the 1981 Plan, the Board of
Directors of GSI has the authority to select those employees to whom options
will be granted, the number of options to be granted, and the exercise price of
such options; provided, however, that such option price shall not be lower than
the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant, as
determined by the Board of Directors. A maximum of 283,000 shares of common
stock were issuable under the 1981 Plan. As of the GSI record date, there were
outstanding options to acquire 61,500 shares of GSI common stock under the 1981
Plan.     
   
  In 1992, GSI established the 1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended, which
provides for the issuance of incentive stock options (options that do not meet
the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) and non-qualified stock options. Under the 1992 Plan, options may be
granted to employees or directors of, or consultants or advisors to GSI or its
subsidiaries or parent; provided, however, that incentive options may be
granted only to employees of GSI or its subsidiaries or parent. The 1992 Plan
is administered by a committee comprised of directors of GSI as appointed by
the Board of Directors. No committee member shall have received an option under
the 1992 Plan for one year prior to or while serving on the committee. The
committee has the authority to select those persons to whom options will be
granted, the number of options to be granted, and the exercise price of such
options; provided, however, that such option price shall not be lower than the
fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant, as determined
by the committee. A total of 2,000,000 options to purchase shares of GSI Common
Stock are eligible to be issued under the 1992 Plan. As of the GSI record date,
there were outstanding options to acquire 1,461,814 shares of GSI common stock
under the 1992 Plan.     
 
                                      116
<PAGE>
 
   
  In 1995, GSI established the 1995 Directors' Warrant Plan (the "1995 Warrant
Plan") for the benefit of those directors of GSI who are not employees of GSI
at the time of the grant of such warrant issued under the 1995 Warrant Plan.
The 1995 Warrant Plan is administered by a committee of disinterested directors
of GSI which has the discretionary authority to select those directors to whom
a warrant will be granted, the time of granting, the number of shares subject
to the warrant and the vesting schedule and the exercise period of the warrant.
The exercise price of the warrant shall be the fair market value of the common
stock as of the date such warrant is granted as determined by the committee. A
total of 100,000 shares of common stock are subject to the 1995 Warrant Plan.
As of the GSI record date, there were outstanding warrants to acquire 40,000
shares of GSI common stock under the 1995 Warrant Plan. In addition, as of the
GSI record date there were outstanding warrants to acquire 12,500 shares of GSI
common stock held by non-employee directors.     
   
  As of the GSI record date there were an aggregate of 1,575,814 options and
warrants under the 1981 Stock Option Plan, the 1982 Stock Option Plan, the 1995
Warrant Plan and held by non-employee directors. Each of these options and
warrants will be assumed by GSI Lumonics upon completion of the Merger. See
"The Merger Agreement--GSI Stock Options."     
   
  GSI OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997. The following table provides
information regarding options granted under GSI's 1992 Stock Option Plan during
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 to the GSI executive officers named in
the GSI summary compensation table. The last two columns of the table show the
hypothetical gain of the options granted based on assumed annual compound stock
appreciation rates of 5% and 10% above the exercise price over the full 10-year
term of the options. The 5% and 10% assumed rates of appreciation are mandated
by the rules of the Commission and do not represent GSI's estimate or
projection of future GSI Common Stock prices.     
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                     POTENTIAL
                                                                 REALIZABLE VALUE
                                                                    AT ASSUMED
                                                                  ANNUAL RATES OF
                                                                    STOCK PRICE
                                                                 APPRECIATION FOR
                                  INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                 OPTION TERM
                     ------------------------------------------- -----------------
                                  PERCENT
                                  OF TOTAL
                     NUMBER OF    OPTIONS
                     SECURITIES   GRANTED    EXERCISE
                     UNDERLYING TO EMPLOYEES OR BASE
                      OPTIONS    IN FISCAL    PRICE   EXPIRATION
       NAME           GRANTED       YEAR      ($/SH)     DATE       5%       10%
       ----          ---------- ------------ -------- ---------- -------- --------
<S>                  <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>
Charles D. Winston     25,000       8.7       13.375   06/04/07   210,287  532,908
Jean I. Montagu             0         0                                 0        0
Pierre J. Brosens           0         0                                 0        0
Victor H. Woolley       9,600       3.4       13.375   06/04/07    80,746  204,634
Gregory S. Baletsa      8,400       2.9       13.375   06/04/07    70,652  179,054
Thomas R. Swain        10,000       3.5        9.125   03/19/07    57,370  145,430
Joseph A. Verderber     8,400       2.9       13.375   06/04/07    70,652  179,054
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                      117
<PAGE>
 
   
  AGGREGATED GSI OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END
OPTION VALUES. The following table sets forth information regarding options
exercised in Fiscal 1997 and unexercised options held at December 31, 1997 by
the executive officers listed in GSI's summary compensation table.     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               NUMBER OF
                                                 SHARES          VALUE OF
                                               UNDERLYING      UNEXERCISABLE
                                              UNEXERCISED      IN-THE-MONEY
                                                OPTIONS           OPTIONS
                                               AT FISCAL         AT FISCAL
                        SHARES                YEAR-END(#)        YEAR-END
                     ACQUIRED ON    VALUE     EXERCISABLE/     EXERCISABLE/
   NAME              EXERCISE (#)  REALIZED  UNEXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE(1)(2)
   ----              ------------ ---------- -------------- -------------------
<S>                  <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>
Charles D. Winston     226,000    $3,942,358 110,860/28,790 $1,533,560/$97,278
Jean I. Montagu              0             0            0/0                0/0
Pierre J. Brosens            0             0            0/0                0/0
Victor H. Woolley            0             0  31,920/27,680    314,940/234,760
Gregory S. Baletsa       3,750        83,438   55,380/8,520    793,442/ 30,110
Thomas R. Swain          2,496        19,778   4,000/14,496      9,000/ 84,055
Joseph A. Verderber     40,000     1,025,600   16,680/9,720     204,580/32,790
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Market value of the underlying shares on the date of exercise, less the
    option exercise price.
(2) Market value of shares covered by in-the-money options on December 31,
    1997, less the option exercise price. Options are in-the-money if the
    market value of the share covered thereby is greater than the option
    exercise price.
 
  LUMONICS SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE. The following table provides certain
information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
concerning the compensation paid or accrued for Lumonics' Chief Executive
Officer and the other four most highly compensated executive officers who were
serving as executive officers of Lumonics at the end of the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                LONG TERM
                                                               COMPENSATION
                                 ANNUAL COMPENSATION              AWARDS
                         ------------------------------------  ------------
                                                                SECURITIES
                                                                  UNDER
   NAME AND PRINCIPAL    FISCAL                  OTHER ANNUAL    OPTIONS     ALL OTHER
        POSITION          YEAR   SALARY   BONUS  COMPENSATION    GRANTED    COMPENSATION
   ------------------    ------ -------- ------- ------------  ------------ ------------
<S>                      <C>    <C>      <C>     <C>           <C>          <C>
Robert J. Atkinson (5)    1997  $183,956 $25,278   $41,944(1)    100,000
 Chairman since January
  2,                      1996   209,598 110,011    40,837(1)          0
 1997, formerly Chairman  1995   196,441 138,434    35,434(1)          0
 and Chief Executive Of-
  ficer
Warren Scott Nix          1997   275,000  37,500          (4)    240,000       60,000(2)
 President and Chief      1996   215,000 113,000          (4)          0
 Executive Officer since  1995   195,000 153,005          (4)          0
 January 2, 1997, for-
  merly
 President and Chief
 Operating Officer
Patrick D. Austin         1997   153,000  25,400          (4)     40,000
 V.P. Sales               1996   142,000  55,739          (4)          0
                          1995   140,000  58,800          (4)          0
Desmond J. Bradley (5)    1997   109,526  11,195    19,692(3)     45,000
 V.P. Finance             1996   105,921  38,137    18,454(3)          0
 Chief Financial Officer  1995    94,297  48,816    16,264(3)          0
Dave B. Egleston (6)      1997   122,669  11,813          (4)     40,000
 V.P. Operations
</TABLE>
 
                                      118
<PAGE>
 
- --------
(1) For 1997, 1996 and 1995, includes total amounts accrued of $34,689, $33,982
    and $29,557 with respect to a deferred retirement benefit.
(2) Represents the forgiveness of a demand loan for relocation expenses.
(3) For 1997, 1996 and 1995, includes total amounts accrued of $14,808,
    $13,071, $10,736 with respect to a deferred retirement benefit and $4,064,
    $4,764 and $4,850 of automobile expenses.
(4) Perquisites and Personal Benefits do not exceed the lesser of $50,000 and
    10% of the total of the annual salary and bonus of the executive.
(5) For 1997, 1996 and 1995 compensation paid in Canadian dollars has been
    translated to U.S. dollars at the following rates: 0.7222, 0.7334 and
    0.7286.
(6) Mr. Egleston joined Lumonics in February 1997.
   
  LUMONICS STOCK OPTION PLANS. Lumonics entered into option agreements ("Option
Agreements") dated May 11, 1994 (the "Date of Grant") with five executive
officers under which options to purchase 700,000 common shares were granted at
an exercise price of Cdn$4.00 per share. As of the Lumonics record date there
are options to acquire 141,250 common shares outstanding under the Option
Agreements. The options granted pursuant to the Option Agreements will expire
on September 14, 2001. On September 1, 1994, Lumonics adopted a stock option
plan for key employees and directors (the "Plan"). As of the Lumonics record
date, there are outstanding options held by 71 employees and directors to
acquire 220,075 common shares under the Plan, all of which options were granted
on September 1, 1994. The exercise price of all outstanding options under the
Plan is Cdn$7.00 per share. All outstanding options under the Plan will expire
September 14, 2001. No additional options will be granted under the Plan and
the outstanding options will continue until they expire as options of GSI
Lumonics.     
   
  On September 14, 1995, Lumonics established the 1995 Stock Option Plan for
Employees and Directors (the "1995 Plan") for the benefit of employees
(including contract employees) and directors of Lumonics. Subject to the
requirements of the 1995 Plan, the Compensation Committee or in lieu thereof,
the Board of Directors, has the authority to select those directors and
employees to whom options will be granted, the number of options to be granted
and the price at which the common shares may be purchased. The exercise price
of options granted under the 1995 Plan must be equal to the closing price of
Lumonics' Common Shares on The Toronto Stock Exchange on the trading day
immediately preceding the date of grant. Originally a maximum of 406,000
options to purchase common shares were permitted to be issued under the 1995
Plan. On February 24, 1997 the Board amended the 1995 Plan to increase by
1,500,000 Common Shares, to 1,906,000, the maximum aggregate number of Common
Shares of Lumonics that may be issued under the 1995 Plan, subject to
adjustment for stock splits or other changes in Lumonics capital structure. As
of the Lumonics record date, 1,630,900 options are issued and outstanding under
the 1995 Plan at prices ranging from Cdn$7.25 per share to Cdn$28.60 per share.
As of the Lumonics record date, there were 1,992,225 aggregate options
outstanding under the Option Agreements, the Plan and the 1995 Plan. These
options will continue as options of GSI Lumonics upon completion of the Merger.
    
  No past financial assistance has been given to participants to assist them in
purchasing common shares under the 1995 Plan, nor is any such financial
assistance contemplated. The 1995 Plan contains no provision for Lumonics to
provide any such assistance.
 
                                      119
<PAGE>
 
  LUMONICS STOCK OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 1997. The following table provides
information regarding options granted by Lumonics during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997 to the Lumonics Named Executive Officers:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 POTENTIAL
                                                                             REALIZABLE VALUE
                                                                                AT ASSUMED
                                                                              ANNUAL RATE OF
                                                                                SHARE PRICE
                                                                             APPRECIATION FOR
                                                                              OPTION TERM(3)
                                                                             -----------------
                           NUMBER     PERCENT OF
                         OF SHARES  TOTAL OPTIONS
                         UNDERLYING   GRANTED TO      EXERCISE
                          OPTIONS     EMPLOYEES       OR BASE     EXPIRATION
          NAME            GRANTED   IN FISCAL YEAR PRICE($/SH)(1)  DATE(2)    5%($)    10%($)
          ----           ---------- -------------- -------------- ---------- -------- --------
<S>                      <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>      <C>
Robert J. Atkinson         50,000         6.0%         $19.50      02/03/01  $210,000 $452,500
 Chairman                  50,000         6.0           17.33      12/29/01   186,500  402,000
Warren Scott Nix          100,000        12.0           18.06      01/02/01   389,000  838,000
 President and Chief       50,000         6.0           19.50      02/03/01   210,000  452,500
 Executive Officer         90,000        10.8           17.33      12/29/01   335,700  723,600
Patrick D. Austin          20,000         2.4           19.50      02/03/01    84,000  181,000
 V.P. Sales                20,000         2.4           17.33      12/29/01    74,600  160,800
Desmond J. Bradley         25,000         3.0           19.50      02/03/01   105,000  226,250
 V.P. Finance and          20,000         2.4           17.33      12/29/01    74,600  160,800
 Chief Financial Officer
David B. Egleston          20,000         2.4           18.42      01/27/01    79,400  171,000
 V.P. Operations           20,000         2.4           17.33      12/29/01    74,600  160,800
</TABLE>
 
- --------
(1) The exercise price is expressed in US$ using an exchange rate of 0.7222.
 
(2) All options expire on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. Options
    granted on January 2, 1997 are exercisable starting 12 months after the
    date of grant, with one-half becoming exercisable at that time, and with
    full vesting occurring on the second anniversary date. Options granted on
    January 27, 1997 and December 29, 1997 are exercisable starting 12 months
    after the date of grant, with one-third of the options becoming exercisable
    at that time, and with an additional one-third of the options becoming
    exercisable on each successive anniversary date, with full vesting
    occurring on the third anniversary date. Options granted on February 3,
    1997 are exercisable starting 12 months after the date of grant, with two-
    thirds becoming exercisable at that time, and with full vesting occurring
    on the second anniversary date.
 
(3) This column shows the hypothetical gain of the options granted based on
    assumed annual share appreciation rates of 5% and 10% above the exercise
    price over the full term of the option. The 5% and 10% rates of
    appreciation are mandated by the rules of the Commission and do not
    represent Lumonics' estimate of future GSI Lumonics' common share prices.
 
                                      120
<PAGE>
 
  AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
VALUES. The following table sets forth information regarding stock options
exercised by executive officers of Lumonics named in the Lumonics Summary
Compensation Table during fiscal 1997 and the value of unexercised options held
by them as of December 31, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     NUMBER OF          VALUE OF
                                                 SHARES UNDERLYING     UNEXERCISED
                                                    UNEXERCISED       IN-THE-MONEY
                                                      OPTIONS            OPTIONS
                                                     AT FISCAL          AT FISCAL
                            SHARES                  YEAR-END(#)         YEAR-END
  NAME AND PRINCIPAL     ACQUIRED ON    VALUE      EXERCISABLE/       EXERCISABLE/
       POSITION          EXERCISE (#)  REALIZED    UNEXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE(1)(2)
  ------------------     ------------ ---------- ----------------- -------------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>        <C>               <C>
Robert J. Atkinson
 Chairman                   81,250    $1,848,438       0/181,250    $     0/1,864,063
Warren Scott Nix
 President and Chief
 Executive Officer          41,250       969,375  18,750/300,000    360,938/1,606,250
Patrick D. Austin V.P.
 Sales                      12,500       253,125        0/52,500            0/285,625
Desmond J. Bradley V.P.
 Finance and Chief
 Finance Officer            31,250       734,375   12,500/88,750      240,625/935,938
David B. Egleston V.P.
 Operations                      0             0        0/40,000             0/60,000
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Market value of the underlying shares on the date of exercise less the
    option exercise price.
(2) Market value of shares covered by in-the-money options on December 31,
    1997, less the option exercise price. Options are in-the-money if the
    market value of the share covered thereby is greater than the option
    exercise price.
 
  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS. Each of GSI and Lumonics has entered into
arrangements with certain of its executive officers, each of whom will serve as
an executive officer of the GSI Lumonics.
 
  GSI COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS. On May 1, 1997, the Board of Directors of GSI
adopted a Key Officer and Manager Retention Program to assist GSI in securing
the commitment of certain key employees. Under the program, GSI entered into
Key Employee Retention Agreements (the "Retention Agreements") with Messrs.
Winston, Baletsa, Kampfe, Verderber, Sabella, Woolley and Pelsue and Ms.
Palmer.
 
  The one-year Retention Agreements are renewable for successive one-year
terms, unless a Change of Control occurs. Following a Change of Control, the
terms of the Retention Agreements extend for a period of not less than two
years after the last day of the month in which the Change of Control occurred.
A Change of Control consists of:
 
  .  certain changes in the composition of GSI's Board of Directors;
 
  .  the acquisition by certain persons of beneficial ownership of 20% or
     more of the outstanding voting securities of GSI;
 
  .  a change in control of GSI that must be reported under the Exchange Act;
     or
 
  .  adoption of a plan of liquidation or an agreement to sell substantially
     all of the GSI's assets.
 
  Each employee's Retention Agreement provides for a severance payment if a
Change of Control occurs or employment with GSI is terminated under certain
circumstances. Subject to various adjustments, the severance payment equals
four times the sum of the employee's annual salary, and the employee's average
annual bonus for the three preceding fiscal years. In addition, GSI will make a
lump sum cash payment to the employee equal to the estimated cost of providing
life, disability, accident and health insurance benefits to the employee for a
period of four years.
 
 
  The Retention Agreements of all employees, other than Mr. Woolley, were
amended to waive severance payments and other rights under the Retention
Agreements as they relate to the Merger. The employees executed amendments
providing that the Merger will not constitute a Change of Control and trigger
rights under the Retention Agreements. Mr. Verderber's Retention Agreement was
amended to provide for employment for one year in the combined company
following the Merger, in addition to a severance package if Mr. Verderber's
employment is terminated after the twelve month period. Upon termination, Mr.
Verderber is
 
                                      121
<PAGE>
 
entitled to a one-time payment of the sum of his annual base salary, and his
average annual bonus for the proceeding three years. In addition, Mr. Verderber
is entitled to the continuation of the benefits program in existence at the
time of the termination or a lump sum payment of benefits. Ms. Palmer's
Retention Agreement was amended to secure her continued employment in the
combined company through September 30, 1999. Effective October 1, 1999, Ms.
Palmer is entitled to a severance package that includes salary, bonus and
benefits coverage for one year following the termination of her employment. If
a position in the combined company is offered to Ms. Palmer after October 1,
1999, Ms. Palmer may decide to accept the offer or exercise her rights under
the severance package as amended. Mr. Winston's Retention Agreement as amended
provides for "severance exactly as defined in the severance package held by
Robert Atkinson, Chairman of Lumonics." The other Retention Agreements were
amended (with the exception of Mr. Woolley's Agreement) to provide for a one-
time severance payment in the event of termination of employment with GSI equal
to the sum of the employee's annual base salary, and the employee's average
annual bonus for the preceding three years. The employee is also entitled to
health, medical and disability insurance coverage for one year following the
termination. Mr. Baletsa and Mr. Sabella included an additional provision
providing that, during the six months or one year respectively following the
Merger, each is entitled to the severance payment even if the employee
terminates his employment without good reason. Mr. Woolley's Retention
Agreement has not been amended.
 
  LUMONICS COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS. On April 13, 1998 Lumonics Inc. concluded
compensation agreements with its Chairman and members of its Executive
Management Team. Agreements are effective January 1, 1998, continue for a
minimum term of three years and automatically extend for periods of one year
after the initial term unless notice is given by Lumonics or the individual at
least 90 days prior to the expiration of the current period that the agreement
shall not be extended. Lumonics entered into such an agreement with each of the
following individuals: Robert Atkinson, W. Scott Nix, Pat Austin, Desmond
Bradley, Dave Egleston, John George and Michael Lupiano.
 
  Each employee's Retention Agreement provides for a severance payment if a
Change of Control occurs or employment with Lumonics is terminated under
certain circumstances.
 
  Under the agreements applicable to Mr. Atkinson and Mr. Nix, the severance
payment is equal to twice the sum of annual salary, average target and actual
bonus payments for the last two years and the cost of certain employment
benefits. If the payment is as a result of a Change of Control, the benefit is
calculated as three times the previously noted sum.
 
  Under the agreements applicable to Messrs. Austin, Bradley, Egleston, George
and Lupiano, the severance payment is equal to a factor (one month times the
number of months employed with Lumonics, minimum one year, maximum two years)
times the sum of annual salary, average target and actual bonus payments for
the last two years and the cost of certain employment benefits. If the payment
is as a result of a Change of Control, the factor is increased by one year.
 
  The merger does not constitute a change of control for purposes of these
employment agreements.
 
  During August 1998, Mr. Egleston terminated his employment with Lumonics. He
received the full amount payable under the terms of the above-noted employment
agreement.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
  GSI DIRECTOR COMPENSATION. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997,
GSI directors who were not employees of GSI received the following directors'
fees in consideration of their services as directors: an annual retainer of
$10,000, plus $1,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors attended in
person or by telephone conference as well as reimbursement of travel expenses.
Additionally, the Chairs of the Audit Committee and of the Compensation
Committee of the GSI Board of Directors received an annual retainer of $4,000,
and other members of these committees received an annual retainer of $2,000.
During 1997, GSI also
 
                                      122
<PAGE>
 
granted to each of Messrs. Ferrari and Black, each a non-employee director, a
warrant for the purchase of 2,000 shares of GSI Common Stock with an exercise
price of $13.00 per share, the fair market value on the date of grant.
 
  LUMONICS DIRECTOR COMPENSATION. Lumonics Directors who are not employees of
Lumonics or representatives of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Limited currently
receive an annual retainer of $7,500 and an attendance fee of $1,000 for
attending meetings of shareholders, the Board of Directors and committees of
the Board of Directors. In addition, upon initial election and every third year
thereafter, they receive an option to purchase 10,000 shares of Lumonics Common
Stock with an exercise price of fair market value on the date of grant.
Directors who are employees of Lumonics receive no remuneration for serving as
members of the Board of Directors. Directors who represent Sumitomo Heavy
Industries Limited receive an option to purchase 10,000 shares of Lumonics
Common Stock with an exercise price of fair market value on the date of grant
upon their initial election and every third year thereafter. All directors,
other than those representing Sumitomo Heavy Industries Limited, are entitled
to reimbursement by Lumonics for all reasonable expenses incurred in attending
meetings of shareholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of
Directors. No additional compensation is paid to the chairs of the various
committees.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
  Each of the members of the Compensation Committee of GSI, Messrs. Ferrari and
Richard, is, and was during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, an outside
member of the GSI Board of Directors. As of December 31, 1997, the members of
the Compensation Committee of Lumonics were Messrs. Atkinson, Gardner and
Naitoh. Mr. Atkinson is Chairman of Lumonics. Mr. Gardner is Secretary of
Lumonics and provides legal services to it, but is not an employee. Mr. Gardner
is Counsel to a law firm that provides legal services to Lumonics. During the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, Mr. Gardner's firm was paid Cdn$69,751 for
legal services which included Mr. Gardner acting as a director of Lumonics and
as a member of its audit and compensation committees.
 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  In 1992, GSI's Board of Directors authorized a loan to Charles D. Winston in
the amount of $160,000 for expenses of relocation to Massachusetts, secured by
deferred income owed to Mr. Winston in a like amount. The single amount was
intended to cover all relocation and related expenses including real estate
fees, moving services, temporary housing and other relocation expenses. Under
the agreement, as amended, the loan was to be forgiven over the five year
period ended December 31, 1997. In each of 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993,
$32,000 of the loan amount was forgiven and charged as compensation expense.
There was no balance remaining at December 31, 1997.
 
  In August 1990, Lumonics borrowed Japanese yen ((Yen)) 500 million from
Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., which, through a currency and interest rate
swap agreement with a Canadian chartered bank, was converted to US dollars. In
June 1991, Lumonics borrowed an additional (Yen)1.5 billion from Sumitomo,
which, through two separate currency and interest rate swap agreements with two
Canadian chartered banks, was converted into Canadian dollars and US dollars.
Both loans from Sumitomo are term loans repayable in 10 equal semi-annual
installments, which commenced in April 1996. Lumonics made two payments in 1997
totaling $2.5 million and two payments in 1996 totaling $2.6 million and, as at
December 31, 1997, the current portion of the long-term debt was $3.1 million.
   
  Sumitomo currently owns 35.61% of the outstanding Lumonics common shares.
Upon completion of the Merger, Sumitomo will own approximately 18% of the
outstanding GSI Lumonics common shares. Sumitomo acts as Lumonics' principal
distributor in Japan. Lumonics also currently relies on Sumitomo for its sales
in Japan. In fiscal year 1997, sales to and through Sumitomo were $18.9
million, in fiscal 1996 and 1995 were $17.4 million representing 10.7%, 11.3%
and 13.9%, respectively, of Lumonics' total sales. Lumonics and Sumitomo have
also discussed exploring initiatives to improve sales and distribution of
Lumonics products in Japan.     
 
                                      123
<PAGE>
 
                       COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
ONTARIO VS. NEW BRUNSWICK
 
  Upon the issuance of a certificate of continuance under New Brunswick law,
the shareholders of Lumonics, a corporation incorporated under the laws of the
province of Ontario, will become shareholders of a corporation continued under
the laws of the province of New Brunswick. Generally, Ontario and New Brunswick
law provide substantially similar rights to shareholders of a corporation
existing under either of those jurisdictions. New Brunswick law contains
derivative action, oppression, and dissent and appraisal rights similar to
those prescribed by Ontario law. There are, however, differences between
Ontario and New Brunswick law which will result in various changes to the
rights of shareholders of Lumonics. The following is a summary of the
significant differences between Ontario and New Brunswick law insofar as they
may be regarded as affecting the rights of shareholders of Lumonics. The
following is a summary only and does not purport to be a comprehensive
statement of the particulars of the actual statutory provisions to which
reference is made.
 
  Residency and Qualification of Directors. There is no requirement under New
Brunswick law that directors be residents or citizens of Canada. Accordingly,
following the continuance, Lumonics will not be required to have a majority of
directors who are resident Canadians on the board of directors of Lumonics, or
any committee thereof, as currently required under Ontario law.
 
  Cumulative Voting. Under New Brunswick law, shareholders have cumulative
voting rights in the election of directors. Ontario law permits, but does not
require, such cumulative voting rights. Cumulative voting rights permit each
shareholder entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders to cast a number of
votes equal to the number of shares held by the shareholder multiplied by that
number of directors to be elected. The shareholder is entitled to cast all such
votes in favor of one candidate for director or distribute them among the
candidates in any manner. The Articles of Continuance, however, provide that,
subject to applicable law, the shareholders of Lumonics will not have
cumulative voting rights. Such provision has been included in the Articles of
Continuance to anticipate any potential future amendment of New Brunswick law,
should New Brunswick law be amended to permit articles to provide that such
cumulative voting rights will not be available to shareholders of Lumonics
subject to New Brunswick law. Shareholders of Lumonics should note, however,
that New Brunswick law does not currently contain any such provision permitting
articles to provide that such cumulative voting rights will not apply.
 
  Place of Meetings of Shareholders. Under Ontario law, meetings of
shareholders may be held at such place in or outside Ontario as the directors
determine, or, in the absence of such determination, at the place where the
registered office of Lumonics is located. The by-laws of Lumonics currently
permit the directors to determine the location of shareholders meetings. Under
New Brunswick law, there is no mandatory requirement to hold shareholders'
meetings within New Brunswick or within Canada. The GSI Lumonics Articles
provide that shareholders' meetings may be held at any one or more locations
throughout the world, including without limitation, locations specifically
identified in such articles.
 
  Auditors and Financial Statements. After the Merger, GSI Lumonics intends to
prepare and deliver quarterly audited annual financial statements in accordance
with US GAAP. As described above, Lumonics, notwithstanding continuance under
New Brunswick law, will continue to be subject to applicable securities laws in
Canada and the rules of The Toronto Stock Exchange which provide for
comprehensive financial reporting and audit requirements including, for
example, preparation and delivery of audited financial statements in accordance
with Canadian GAAP and the appointment of an audit committee. Accordingly, the
following differences between the Ontario and New Brunswick law will not impact
upon the financial statements and audit requirements currently imposed upon
Lumonics by such securities laws and stock exchange rules. New Brunswick law
does not require Lumonics to appoint an auditor or that financial statements be
subject to audit. Further, under New Brunswick law financial statements can be
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable
in non-Canadian jurisdictions. Under
 
                                      124
<PAGE>
 
Ontario law a public company is required to appoint an auditor and to deliver
audited financial statements to shareholders and to the Director under the
Ontario Act. Such financial statements, under the Ontario Act, are required to
be prepared in accordance with standards of the Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants. Further, under Ontario law, Lumonics is required to appoint an
audit committee. New Brunswick law does not contain a similar requirement.
 
  Capital. Under New Brunswick law, share capital may be specified as having a
par value or no par value. Under Ontario law, there is no provision for par
value shares. However, the GSI Lumonics Articles continue to provide for only
non-par value shares.
 
  Pre-Emptive Rights. Under New Brunswick law, unless otherwise provided in the
articles of a corporation, shareholders have pre-emptive rights in respect of
the issuance of certain securities of the corporation. However, New Brunswick
law provides that a corporation which has its shares listed on a prescribed
stock exchange including The Toronto Stock Exchange is not subject to the
otherwise applicable pre-emptive rights provisions in the New Brunswick Act.
Furthermore, the GSI Lumonics Articles specifically provide that such pre-
emptive rights will not be available to shareholders of the corporation. Under
Ontario law, the granting of pre-emptive rights is permissive rather than
mandatory and, at present, there is no provision in the articles of Lumonics
for pre-emptive rights.
 
  Take-Over Bid Rules. Ontario law does not prescribe take-over bid rules and
requirements. Applicable securities laws, however, contain comprehensive take-
over bid rules which stipulate a 20% threshold for their application to an
offer to acquire shares. Generally stated, these rules provide that any person
or company which offers to acquire shares which result in such person or
company holding more than 20% of the outstanding shares of Lumonics, must, with
certain exceptions, make an identical offer to all the shareholders of
Lumonics. The corresponding percentage under New Brunswick law is 50%; however
the 20% threshold under applicable securities laws will continue to apply to
GSI Lumonics.
 
  Financial Assistance. Under New Brunswick law the articles of Lumonics may
provide that financial assistance may be given to certain persons and related
corporations notwithstanding solvency tests otherwise prescribed in New
Brunswick law. The GSI Lumonics Articles do not so provide. Ontario law
subjects financial assistance to prescribed solvency tests, which cannot be
removed by provision in the articles of Lumonics.
 
  Shareholder Proposals. New Brunswick law provides that holders of not less
than 10% of the voting shares of Lumonics may submit a proposal with respect to
the election of directors. Under Ontario law the corresponding threshold is 5%.
However, the Articles of Continuance specifically provide that holders of not
less than 5% of the voting shares of Lumonics may submit a proposal with
respect to the election of directors.
 
  Mandatory Solicitation of Proxies. As described above, Lumonics,
notwithstanding continuance under New Brunswick law will continue to be subject
to applicable securities laws and The Toronto Stock Exchange rules which
provide for comprehensive mandatory proxy solicitation rules. Accordingly, the
following differences between New Brunswick and Ontario law will not impact
upon the requirement for the mandatory solicitation of proxies by Lumonics
currently imposed upon Lumonics by such securities laws and stock exchange
rules. New Brunswick law contains no provisions relating to the mandatory
solicitation of proxies. Ontario law provides that, in the event a corporation
offers its securities to the public, management must, in respect of any meeting
of shareholders, provide a form of proxy together with the giving of notice of
such meeting to each shareholder who is entitled at that time to receive notice
of the meeting. Under Ontario law, proxies cannot be solicited without the
delivery of either a management proxy circular or a dissident's proxy circular.
 
  Requisition of Meeting by Shareholders. New Brunswick law provides that
holders of not less than 10% of the voting shares of Lumonics may require the
directors to call a meeting of shareholders. Under Ontario law, the
corresponding threshold is 5%. The Articles of Continuance specifically provide
that the holders of not less than 10% of the voting shares of Lumonics may
require the directors to call a meeting of shareholders.
 
                                      125
<PAGE>
 
  Investigations of Lumonics. Under the New Brunswick Act, the holders of not
less than 10% of the issued shares of any class of a corporation may apply to
the Court for an order requiring that an investigation be made of a corporation
or of any affiliated corporation. Under Ontario law, any security holder (which
term includes any shareholder), may make such an application.
 
  We have attached the draft Articles of Continuance and By-Law of GSI Lumonics
as Annex H to this document.
 
MASSACHUSETTS VS. NEW BRUNSWICK
 
  Following the merger, the stockholders of GSI will become stockholders of GSI
Lumonics. As stockholders of GSI, their rights are presently governed by the
Massachusetts law and by the GSI Articles of Organization and the GSI By-Laws.
As stockholders of GSI Lumonics, their rights will be governed by the law of
New Brunswick, Canada and by the GSI Lumonics Articles and the GSI Lumonics By-
Laws. The following discussion summarizes the material differences between the
rights of holders of GSI common stock and holders of GSI Lumonics common shares
and differences between the charters and by-laws of GSI and GSI Lumonics. The
GSI Lumonics Articles and the GSI Lumonics By-Laws are attached to this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Annex H. Reference is also made to the GSI
Articles, the GSI By-Laws and the relevant provisions of Massachusetts law and
New Brunswick law for the complete text of each of the relevant provisions of
such documents and statutes.
 
  Special Meeting of Stockholders. Massachusetts law provides that special
meetings of stockholders of a corporation with a class of voting stock
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (a "public
company"), may be called by a corporation's president or directors, and, unless
otherwise provided in the articles of organization or by-laws, must be called
by its clerk or any other officer upon written application of the owners of at
least 40% of the corporation's stock entitled to vote at such meeting. GSI's
By-Laws provide for the call of a special meeting of stockholders by the
president or directors of GSI, or upon written application of the owners of not
less than 40% in interest of GSI's stock entitled to vote at such meeting. New
Brunswick law and the GSI Lumonics Articles provide that holders of not less
than 10% of the voting shares of GSI Lumonics may require the directors to call
a meeting of shareholders.
 
  Notice of Stockholders Meetings. Under Massachusetts law, written notice of
all meetings of stockholders must be given to stockholders at least seven days
before the meeting. The GSI By-Laws provide that such notice must be given at
least seven days, but not more than 60 days, before the meeting. Under New
Brunswick law, subject to the articles or a unanimous shareholders agreement,
notice of all meetings of shareholders must be sent not less than 21 days and
not more than 50 days before the meeting to each shareholder entitled to vote
at the meeting. The GSI Lumonics By-laws provide that a written notice of all
meetings of shareholders be given to shareholders at least 21 days, but not
more than 50 days, before the meeting. The GSI Lumonics By-laws also provide
that such notice may specify a time not more than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays
and holidays) before which time proxies to be used at such meeting must be
deposited. Neither Massachusetts law nor the GSI Articles or By-Laws contain a
similar provision. The presence of the provision could make it more difficult
or impossible for a shareholder not attending a meeting of shareholders in
person to vote or change its vote in the period preceding the meeting.
 
  Proposals of Stockholders. Under New Brunswick law, shareholders may submit
to the corporation notice of any matter to be raised at a shareholders meeting.
The corporation shall set out the proposal in the notice of meeting provided
that it is submitted at least 90 days before the anniversary of the date of the
previous annual meeting, it has not been submitted in the last two years and is
not being submitted for an improper purpose. A proposal may include nominations
for the election of directors if it is signed by holders of not less than 10%
of the voting shares. However, the GSI Lumonics Articles specifically provide
for a reduced threshold of 5% of the voting shares in respect of a proposal for
the election of directors. There are no similar provisions currently applicable
to GSI. The practical effect of the provision in the GSI Lumonics Articles is
to require shareholders to own 5% of the GSI Lumonics shares before they can
have a proposal with respect to the nomination of directors set out in the
notice of the shareholders meeting.
 
                                      126
<PAGE>
 
  Inspection Rights. Under Massachusetts law, a corporation's stockholders have
the right for a proper purpose to inspect the corporation's articles of
organization, by-laws, records of all meetings of incorporators and
stockholders, and stock and transfer records, including the stockholder list.
In addition, stockholders of a Massachusetts business corporation have a
qualified common law right under certain circumstances to inspect other books
and records of the corporation. Under New Brunswick law, the holders of not
less than 10% of the issued shares of any class of a corporation may apply to
the Court for an order requiring that an investigation be made of a corporation
or of any affiliated corporation. Under New Brunswick law a shareholder of a
corporation has the right to inspect copies of:
 
  (1) the articles and by-laws of the corporation, including any amendments;
 
  (2) any unanimous shareholders' agreement;
 
  (3) minutes of meetings and resolutions of shareholders;
 
  (4) notices of changes of directors or registered office;
 
  (5) the share register; and
 
  (6) the list of all current and former directors.
 
  Action by Consent of Stockholders. Under Massachusetts law, any action to be
taken by stockholders may be taken without a meeting if all stockholders
entitled to vote on the matter consent to the action in writing, and a
corporation may not provide otherwise in its articles of organization or by-
laws. New Brunswick law contains a similar provision.
 
  Cumulative Voting. Massachusetts law does not provide for cumulative voting.
Under New Brunswick law, shareholders have cumulative voting rights in the
election of directors. Cumulative voting rights permit each shareholder
entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders to cast at such meeting a number
of votes equal to the number of shares held by the shareholders multiplied by
the number of directors to be elected. The shareholder is entitled to cast all
such votes in favor of one candidate for director or distribute them among the
candidates in any manner. Accordingly, cumulative voting may allow shareholders
with a relatively small percentage of the shares voting at a meeting of
shareholders to have a greater chance to elect a director or directors as
compared to an election of directors without cumulative voting. The GSI
Lumonics Articles, however, provide that, subject to applicable law, the
shareholders of GSI Lumonics will not have cumulative voting rights. Such
provision has been included in the GSI Lumonics Articles to anticipate any
potential future amendment of New Brunswick law, should New Brunswick law be
amended to permit articles to provide that such cumulative voting rights will
not be available to shareholders of GSI Lumonics subject to New Brunswick law.
New Brunswick law does not currently contain any such provision permitting
articles to provide that such cumulative voting rights will not apply.
 
  Voting By a Show of Hands. Under New Brunswick law, unless the by-laws
otherwise provide, voting at a meeting of shareholders shall be by a show of
hands except where a ballot is demanded, either before or after the vote, by a
shareholder or proxyholder entitled to vote at the meeting. The GSI Lumonics
By-Laws provide for voting by a show of hands except where a ballot is
demanded. On a vote by a show of hands, every shareholder or proxyholder
present has one (1) vote. On a vote by a ballot, every shareholder or
proxyholder present has one (1) vote for each share registered in his or her
name. Accordingly, if no shareholder or proxyholder requests to vote by ballot
at a meeting of shareholders, those shareholders or proxyholders who do attend
the meeting can control the vote despite the fact that they would not control
the vote if the vote had been taken by ballot. Massachusetts law and the GSI
By-Laws do not have any similar provisions regarding voting by a show of hands.
 
  Quorum, Votes Required. Under Massachusetts law and the GSI By-Laws, a
majority-in-interest of all capital stock entitled to vote at a stockholders
meeting constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at such meeting. A
quorum being present, the vote of stockholders required to pass a resolution
under
 
                                      127
<PAGE>
 
Massachusetts law is typically a majority or two-thirds of the outstanding
shares, depending upon the action being voted upon. Under New Brunswick law,
unless the articles, by-laws or a unanimous shareholders agreement otherwise
provide, the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting,
present in person or by proxy, constitute a quorum. The quorum requirement in
the GSI Lumonics By-Laws is 20% of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting of
shareholders. A quorum being present, the requisite vote of shareholders under
New Brunswick law is typically a majority or two-thirds of the votes cast on
the resolution, depending upon the action being voted upon. The GSI Lumonics
By-Laws provide that in case of an equality of shareholder votes, the chairman
of the meeting shall not have a second or casting vote in addition to the vote
or votes to which he may be entitled as a shareholder or proxyholder. There is
no method for breaking such a tie under New Brunswick law.
 
  Dividends and Repurchases of Stock. Under Massachusetts law, the payment of
dividends and the repurchase of a corporation's stock are generally permissible
if such actions are not taken when the corporation is insolvent, do not render
the corporation insolvent, and do not violate the corporation's articles of
organization. Similarly, the payment of dividends or the repurchase of stock
under New Brunswick law, except in circumstances where a corporation's articles
so provide in the case of a repurchase of shares, would not be permitted if the
corporation would be unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or the
realizable value of the corporations assets would after payment be less than
the aggregate of its liabilities and stated capital of all classes.
 
  Classification of the Board of Directors. Massachusetts law permits
classification of a corporation's board of directors. However, in the case of a
public company, Massachusetts law requires classification into three classes
and provides that the directors may be removed from office by the stockholders
only for cause unless the directors or two-thirds in interest of its
stockholders elect by vote to be exempt from such requirements. The GSI
Articles provide that GSI's Board of Directors is to be divided into three
classes with the directors of each class being elected for staggered three-year
terms. All directors under New Brunswick law are elected for terms of one year
which are not staggered. A practical effect of not having a board of directors
with staggered terms is that stockholders may replace the entire board of
directors by election in one year. With a staggered board, only one-third of
the members of the board can be replaced by election each year.
 
  Removal of Directors. Under Massachusetts law, except as otherwise provided
in a corporation's articles of organization or by-laws, directors may be
removed from office by a majority of the directors then in office with or
without cause. The GSI Articles contain a provision providing for the removal
of directors only for cause by vote of either the holders of a majority of
shares outstanding or a majority of the directors then in office. Under New
Brunswick law, directors may not remove a director but shareholders may do so
by a majority vote, provided that a director may not be removed if the number
of votes cast against this removal would be sufficient to elect him under
cumulative voting procedures. A practical effect of the different provisions
concerning the removal of directors is that a shareholder of GSI Lumonics may
be able to more easily remove directors from office as compared with such
ability under the GSI Articles.
 
  Vacancies on the Board of Directors. Under Massachusetts law, unless
otherwise provided in the charter or by-laws, vacancies on the board of
directors and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the
authorized number of directors may be filled by the remaining directors. The
GSI Articles do not provide otherwise. This ability to fill vacancies could be
used by an incumbent board of directors to maintain control of the board in the
face of an election by stockholders of new board members not favored by the
incumbent board. Under New Brunswick law, vacancies caused by an increase in
the number of directors or a failure to elect directors must be filled by
shareholders.
 
  Exculpation of Directors. Massachusetts law permits, and the GSI Articles
provide, that no director shall be personally liable to GSI, or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of fiduciary duty except where
such exculpation is expressly prohibited. The circumstances under which such
exculpation is prohibited relate to unauthorized distributions and loans to
insiders, breaches of a director's duty of loyalty, acts not in
 
                                      128
<PAGE>
 
good faith or involving intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,
and transactions from which a director derives an improper personal benefit.
New Brunswick law does not contain a similar provision. However, GSI Lumonics
By-Laws do contain a similar provision with respect to the protection of
directors.
 
  Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Others. Both Massachusetts law and
New Brunswick law generally permit indemnification of directors and officers
for expenses incurred by them by reason of their position with the corporation,
if the director or officer has acted in good faith and with the reasonable
belief that his conduct was in the best interest of the corporation.
 
  Interested Director Transactions. Massachusetts law does not prohibit related
party transactions. The GSI Articles provide that no transaction by GSI shall
be invalidated by the fact that one or more of GSI's directors or officers is a
party to the transaction or has a position or financial interest in a party to
the transaction. The GSI Articles also provide that any such interested
director may vote on the transaction, notwithstanding such interest. New
Brunswick law restricts interested directors from participating in meetings in
which transactions in which such director has an interest are considered.
 
  Sale, Lease or Exchange of Assets and Mergers. Massachusetts law provides
that a vote of two-thirds of the shares of each class of stock outstanding and
entitled to vote thereon is required to authorize the sale, lease, or exchange
of all or substantially all of a corporation's property and assets or a merger
or consolidation of the corporation into any other corporation, except that the
articles of organization may provide that the vote of a greater or lesser
proportion, but not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of each
class, is required. Under Massachusetts law, the articles of organization or
by-laws may provide that all outstanding classes of stock shall vote as a
single class, but, in the case of a merger or consolidation, the separate vote
of all classes of stock, the rights of which would be adversely affected by the
transaction, is also required. The GSI Articles reduce from two-thirds to a
majority of each class outstanding and entitled to vote thereon, the
stockholder vote required to approve such transactions, if the transaction is
approved by the Board of Directors. Under New Brunswick law, a sale, lease or
exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of a corporation outside the
ordinary course of business must be approved by the affirmative vote of at
least two-thirds of votes cast by the shareholders entitled to vote. At a
meeting to consider such a resolution all shares are entitled to vote whether
or not they otherwise carry the right to vote and, if the sale, lease or
exchange affects a class or series of shares in a different manner than the
other classes or series, the transaction must be separately approved by a two-
thirds vote of such class or series.
 
  Authority to Issue Shares. Massachusetts law provides a corporation the
authority to issue the maximum number of shares of its capital stock as
authorized in its articles of organization. The articles of organization, and
any amendments thereto, require the approval of the corporation's stockholders.
New Brunswick law does not require that any maximum number of shares which a
corporation has the authority to issue be specified in its articles, and the
GSI Lumonics articles of continuance authorize it to issue an unlimited number
of shares. Accordingly, the board of directors of GSI Lumonics has the
authority to issue shares of capital stock without a vote of its shareholders
which may result in a change in control of the company or dilution to
shareholders. Such a vote might have been required under Massachusetts law in
order to amend the corporation's articles of organization as discussed in the
following paragraph in order to increase the number of shares which the
corporation has the authority to issue. GSI Lumonics' ability to issue an
unlimited amount of shares allows the board of directors to issue shares as
full or partial consideration for the acquisition of new businesses. However,
applicable securities laws specifically restrict GSI Lumonics from issuing
shares for the purposes of preventing a takeover bid.
 
  Amendments to Charter. Under Massachusetts law, amendments to a corporation's
articles of organization relating to certain changes in capital or in the
corporate name require the vote of at least a majority of each class of stock
outstanding and entitled to vote thereon. Amendments relating to other matters
require a vote of at least two-thirds of each class outstanding and entitled to
vote thereon or, if the articles of organization so provide, a greater or
lesser proportion but not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of
each class. Under Massachusetts law, the articles of organization or by-laws
may provide that all outstanding
 
                                      129
<PAGE>
 
classes of stock shall vote as a single class, but the separate vote of any
class of stock the rights of which would be adversely affected by the
amendment, is also required. The GSI Restated Articles reduce from two-thirds
to a majority of each class outstanding and entitled to vote thereon, the
stockholder vote to approve such amendments, if the amendment is approved by
the Board of Directors. Under New Brunswick law, any change to the articles of
a corporation must be approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds
of the votes cast by the shareholders entitled to vote at a meeting. In
addition, if the change affects a particular class or series as specified under
New Brunswick law, the change must be separately approved by the two-thirds
vote of that class or series whether or not the class or series otherwise
carries the right to vote. New Brunswick law permits a corporation to provide
in its articles that a class or series shall not be entitled to vote separately
in the case of an amendment to increase or decrease the maximum number of
shares of a class or series having rights equal or superior to that class or
series, to effect an exchange, reclassification or cancellation of all of the
part of the shares of a class or series, or to create a new class or series
equal or superior to that class or series. However, the GSI Lumonics Articles
do not so provide.
 
  Amendments to By-laws. Massachusetts law provides that stockholders may amend
the By-laws and, if provided in its charter, the board of directors also has
this power. Under Massachusetts law, the power to make, amend or repeal by-laws
also lies in the stockholders; provided that if authorized by the articles of
organization, the by-laws may provide that the directors may also make, amend
or repeal the by-laws, except with respect to any provision which by law, the
articles of organization or the by-laws requires action by the stockholders.
The GSI By-laws provide that the By-laws may be amended by affirmative vote of
either the stockholders or a majority of the directors. Under New Brunswick
law, the Board of Directors of a corporation may make and amend by-laws
provided that any such by-law or amendment must be confirmed at the next
meeting of shareholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
shareholders entitled to vote thereat. Any by-law or amendment is effective
when made by the Board of Directors but ceases to be effective if not confirmed
by the shareholders.
 
  Appraisal Rights. Under Massachusetts law, a properly dissenting stockholder
is entitled to receive the appraised value of his shares when the corporation
votes:
 
  (1)  to sell, lease, or exchange all or substantially all of its property
       and assets;
 
  (2)  to adopt an amendment to its articles of organization which adversely
       affects the rights of the stockholder; or
 
  (3)  to merge or consolidate with another corporation.
 
New Brunswick law provides for similar rights to dissent and receive fair value
for shares.
 
 "Anti-Takeover" Statutes.
 
  Business Combination Statute. The Massachusetts "business combination"
statute provides that, if a person (with certain exclusions) acquires 5% or
more of the stock of a Massachusetts corporation without the approval of the
board of directors of that corporation (an "interested stockholder"), he may
not engage in certain transactions with the corporation for a period of three
years. The Massachusetts statute includes certain exceptions to this
prohibition; for example, if the board of directors approves the acquisition of
stock or the transaction prior to the time that the person became an interested
stockholder, or if the interested stockholder acquires 90% of the voting stock
of the corporation (excluding voting stock owned by directors who are also
officers and certain employee stock plans) in one transaction, or if the
transaction is approved by the board of directors and by the affirmative vote
of two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the
interested stockholder. GSI is subject to the Massachusetts Business
Combination statute. New Brunswick law does not provide any similar
restriction.
 
  Control Share Acquisition Statute. Under the Massachusetts Control Share
Acquisition statute for Massachusetts corporations, a person (hereinafter, the
"acquirer") who makes a bona fide offer to acquire, or
 
                                      130
<PAGE>
 
acquires, shares of stock of a corporation that when combined with shares
already owned, would increase the acquirer's ownership to at least 20%, 33
1/3%, or a majority of the voting stock of the corporation, must obtain the
approval of a majority of shares held by all stockholders except the acquirer
and the officers and inside directors of the corporation, to vote the shares
acquired. The statute does not require the acquirer to consummate the purchase
before the stockholder vote is taken. The Control Share Acquisition statute
permits a Massachusetts corporation to elect not to be governed by these
provisions by including such an election in its articles of organization or by-
laws. The GSI By-Laws contain a provision pursuant to which GSI elects not to
be governed by the Massachusetts Control Share Acquisition statute. However, if
at a future date the Board of Directors of GSI determines that it is in the
best interests of GSI and its stockholders that GSI be governed by the statute,
the By-Laws may be amended to permit GSI to be governed by such statute. Any
such amendment, however, would apply only to acquisitions crossing the
thresholds which occur after the effective date of such amendment. New
Brunswick law does not contain any statute which is similar to the
Massachusetts Control Share Statute.
 
  Other Interests. Massachusetts law expressly provides that in determining
what a director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the
corporation, he may consider the interests of the corporation's employees,
suppliers, creditors and customers; the economy of the state, region and
nation; community and societal considerations; and the long-term as well as
short-term interests of the corporation and its stockholders, including the
possibility that these interests may be best served by the continued
independence of the corporation. Thus, these interests could be considered even
in connection with a decision to sell a company. The GSI Articles and GSI By-
Laws do not discuss the consideration of societal factors. New Brunswick law
does not contain any specific similar factors that may be considered in
determining the best interests of a corporation.
 
                                CURRENCY PRICES
 
  The following table sets forth in Canadian dollars the exchange rates of the
Canadian dollar to the United States dollar, determined based upon publicly
available information from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the
calendar years 1993 through 1998. For example, on December 31, 1997, one US
dollar bought 1.4288 Canadian dollars.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            1998       1997       1996       1995       1994       1993
                         ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
High.................... Cdn$1.5770 Cdn$1.4398 Cdn$1.3822 Cdn$1.4238 Cdn$1.4078 Cdn$1.3443
Low.....................     1.4075     1.3357     1.3310     1.3285     1.3103     1.2428
End of Period...........     1.5375     1.4288     1.3697     1.3655     1.4030     1.3255
Average(1)..............     1.4898     1.3845     1.3637     1.3727     1.3661     1.2903
</TABLE>
- --------
 (1) The average of the exchange rate on the last business day of each month
 during the applicable period.
 
                                      131
<PAGE>
 
                                 OTHER MATTERS
 
  It is not expected that any matters other than those described in this
document will be brought before the GSI special meeting or the Lumonics special
meeting. If any other matters are presented, however, it is the intention of
the persons named in the GSI proxy and Lumonics proxy to vote the proxy in
accordance with the discretion of the persons named in such proxy.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the securities offered
hereby will be passed upon for Lumonics by Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements of GSI at December 31, 1996 and 1997
and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, included
in the proxy statement of GSI and elsewhere in this registration statement,
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are included in this
document in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting
and auditing in giving said report.
   
  The consolidated balance sheets of Lumonics as at December 31, 1996 and 1997
and the consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997,
included in this document, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
chartered accountants, as indicated in their report appearing elsewhere in this
document, and are included in reliance upon such report given upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.     
 
  Representatives from Arthur Andersen will be present at the GSI special
meeting and representatives from Ernst & Young will be present at the Lumonics
special meeting. The representatives present at the respective meetings will
have the opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
 
                     GENERAL SCANNING STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
 
  If the merger occurs, GSI will not hold its annual meeting of stockholders in
1999 . If the merger does not occur, GSI would hold its 1999 meeting on April
15, 1999, in accordance with its by-laws. In order for the company to consider
a stockholder proposal for inclusion in GSI's proxy materials for its 1999
meeting, the company must receive the stockholder proposal at 500 Arsenal
Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, Attention: Clerk, no later than October
31, 1998. If a stockholder submits a proposal other than in accordance with
Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, it will be deemed untimely if it is received
after February 12, 1999 (60 days prior to the scheduled meeting). However, if
GSI gives less than 70 days' notice of the meeting, a stockholder must give GSI
only 10 days' notice of the proposal.
 
                                      132
<PAGE>
 
                LUMONICS DIRECTORS' APPROVAL UNDER CANADIAN LAW
 
  The contents and the sending of this document insofar as it relates to
Lumonics and GSI Lumonics have been approved by the directors of Lumonics.
 
                                            (Signed) Charles J. Gardner, Q.C.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   Corporate Secretary
 
                                               LUMONICS INC.
       
                                      133
<PAGE>
 
[Outside back cover]
 
  Until [twenty-five calendar days after the offering date], all dealers that
effect the transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in
this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to
the dealer's obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and
with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
 
                                      134
<PAGE>
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                          ------
<S>                                                                       <C>
GENERAL SCANNING INC.
Report of Independent Public Accountants................................   FIN-2
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1995,
 1996 and 1997 and the nine months ended September 27, 1997 and October
 3, 1998 (unaudited)....................................................   FIN-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and October
 3, 1998 (unaudited)....................................................   FIN-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended De-
 cember 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the nine months ended October 3,
 1998 (unaudited).......................................................   FIN-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the nine months ended September 27, 1997 and
 October 3, 1998 (unaudited)............................................   FIN-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..............................   FIN-7
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                          ------
<S>                                                                       <C>
LUMONICS INC.
Auditors' Report........................................................  FIN-22
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 1997 and 1996............  FIN-23
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended De-
 cember 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.........................................  FIN-24
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31,
 1997, 1996 and 1995....................................................  FIN-25
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
 1997, 1996 and 1995....................................................  FIN-26
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..............................  FIN-27
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at September 30, 1998 (unaudited) and De-
 cember 30, 1997........................................................  FIN-41
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine
 months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 (unaudited) ..................  FIN-42
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended Septem-
 ber 30, 1998 and 1997
 (unaudited)............................................................  FIN-43
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)..................  FIN-44
</TABLE>
 
                                     FIN-1
<PAGE>
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Stockholders of General Scanning Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of General
Scanning Inc. (a Massachusetts corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31,
1996 and 1997 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1997. 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 in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of General Scanning Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
February 2, 1998
 
                                     FIN-2
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                              ----------------------
                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          ----------------------------------   SEP. 27,    OCT. 03,
                             1995        1996        1997        1997        1998
                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Net sales:
  Laser systems and com-
   ponents..............  $  103,405  $  131,867  $  154,536  $  109,128  $  116,134
  Printers..............      22,915      24,666      26,994      18,859      25,550
                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
    Total sales.........     126,320     156,533     181,530     127,987     141,684
                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Cost of sales:
  Laser systems and com-
   ponents..............      55,544      71,038      79,850      56,779      61,439
  Printers..............      12,854      13,815      14,955      10,476      14,419
                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
    Total cost of
     sales..............      68,398      84,853      94,805      67,255      75,858
                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Gross profit:
  Laser systems and com-
   ponents..............      47,861      60,829      74,686      52,349      54,695
  Printers..............      10,061      10,851      12,039       8,383      11,131
                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
    Total gross profit..      57,922      71,680      86,725      60,732      65,826
                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Operating expenses:
  Research and product
   development..........      17,106      18,400      22,302      16,056      20,869
  Selling, general and
   administrative.......      33,091      39,475      46,169      32,781      40,043
  Restructuring,
   litigation, and other
   charges..............         --          --          --          --        5,777
  Aquired in-process
   research and
   development..........         --          --       10,600         --          --
                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
    Total operating ex-
     penses.............      50,197      57,875      79,071      48,837      66,689
                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income (loss) from oper-
 ations.................       7,725      13,805       7,654      11,895        (863)
Merger expenses.........         --       (1,950)        --          --          --
Interest income (ex-
 pense), net............        (682)        272         464         398        (378)
Foreign exchange
 transaction gains
 (losses)...............         331        (159)       (507)       (326)         95
                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income (loss) before in-
 come taxes.............       7,374      11,968       7,611      11,967      (1,146)
Income taxes ...........       2,803       5,367       2,502       4,030        (404)
                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net income (loss).......  $    4,571  $    6,601  $    5,109  $    7,937  $     (742)
                          ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
Foreign currency
 translation
 adjustment.............        (256)       (139)       (305)       (193)        312
Change in unrealized
 gain (loss) on
 marketable equity
 securities, net........         --          --          --          --         (501)
                          ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Comprehensive income
 (loss).................  $    4,315  $    6,462  $    4,804  $    7,744  $     (931)
                          ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
Basic income (loss) per
 common share...........  $     0.48  $     0.56  $     0.42  $     0.66  $    (0.06)
                          ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
Diluted income (loss)
 per common share.......  $     0.44  $     0.53  $     0.40  $     0.63  $    (0.06)
                          ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
Weighted average common
 shares outstanding and
 dilutive potential
 common shares..........  10,357,287  12,476,237  12,656,763  12,585,418  12,559,869
                          ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                     FIN-3
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  AS OF DECEMBER
                                                       31,
                                                 -----------------   OCT. 03,
                                                  1996      1997       1998
                                                 -------  --------  -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                              <C>      <C>       <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents..................... $17,655  $  8,418   $  4,423
  Accounts receivable, less allowance of $867,
   $1,203 and $2,420, respectively..............  32,213    44,425     38,659
  Inventories...................................  26,051    34,051     37,848
  Deferred income taxes.........................   4,022     7,857      8,126
  Other current assets..........................   1,581     1,517      2,094
                                                 -------  --------   --------
    Total current assets........................  81,522    96,268     91,150
                                                 -------  --------   --------
Property, plant and equipment, net..............  12,922    14,611     15,428
Other assets....................................     428       437      3,450
Intangible assets, net of amortization of
 $1,753, $1,863 and $2,161, respectively........     701     3,726      3,429
                                                 -------  --------   --------
                                                 $95,573  $115,042   $113,457
                                                 =======  ========   ========
Current liabilities:
  Notes payable to banks and current portion of
   long-term debt............................... $ 3,030  $  4,169   $  6,997
  Current portion of deferred compensation......     --        582        136
  Accounts payable..............................   7,025    12,775      8,822
  Accrued expenses..............................  13,787    16,079     15,527
                                                 -------  --------   --------
    Total current liabilities...................  23,842    33,605     31,482
                                                 -------  --------   --------
Long-term debt, less current portion ...........   1,549     1,530      1,516
Deferred compensation, less current portion.....   1,893     1,678      1,906
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized
   1,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding--
   none.........................................     --        --         --
  Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized
   15,000,000 shares; issued 12,245,655,
   12,791,796 and 13,017,301, respectively......     122       128        130
  Additional paid-in capital....................  43,657    48,788     50,040
  Retained earnings.............................  25,685    30,794     30,052
  Cumulative translation adjustment.............    (587)     (892)      (579)
  Unrealized loss on marketable equity securi-
   ties, net....................................     --        --        (501)
  Treasury stock, at cost; 365,995; 366,073 and
   366,073, respectively........................    (588)     (589)      (589)
                                                 -------  --------   --------
    Total stockholders' equity..................  68,289    78,229     78,553
                                                 -------  --------   --------
                                                 $95,573  $115,042   $113,457
                                                 =======  ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                     FIN-4
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          UNREALIZED   TREASURY
                           COMMON STOCK                                    LOSS ON      STOCK
                          -------------- ADDITIONAL           CUMULATIVE  MARKETABLE ------------
                                 $.01PAR  PAID-IN   RETAINED  TRANSLATION   EQUITY
                          SHARES  VALUE   CAPITAL   EARNINGS  ADJUSTMENT  SECURITIES SHARES COST
                          ------ ------- ---------- --------  ----------- ---------- ------ -----
<S>                       <C>    <C>     <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>    <C>
Balance, December 31,
 1994...................   9,228  $ 92    $13,286   $14,513      $(192)     $ --      (366) $(588)
Net income..............     --    --         --      4,571        --         --       --     --
Issuance of common
 stock..................   2,585    26     27,714       --         --         --       --     --
Stock option and warrant
 exercises, including
 tax effects............     155     1        587       --         --         --       --     --
Cumulative translation
 adjustment.............     --    --         --        --        (256)       --       --     --
                          ------  ----    -------   -------      -----      -----     ----  -----
Balance, December 31,
 1995...................  11,968   119     41,587    19,084       (448)       --      (366)  (588)
Net income..............     --    --         --      6,601        --         --       --     --
Stock option and warrant
 exercises, including
 tax effects............     278     3      2,070       --         --         --       --     --
Cumulative translation
 adjustment.............     --    --         --        --        (139)       --       --     --
                          ------  ----    -------   -------      -----      -----     ----  -----
Balance, December 31,
 1996...................  12,246   122     43,657    25,685       (587)       --      (366)  (588)
Net income..............     --    --         --      5,109        --         --       --     --
Stock option and warrant
 exercises, including
 tax effects............     471     5      3,132       --         --         --       --     --
Fractional shares from
 View Engineering, Inc.
 merger.................     --    --         --        --         --         --       --      (1)
Shares issued in acquir-
 ing Reel-Tech, Inc. ...      75     1      1,999       --         --         --       --     --
Cumulative translation
 adjustment.............     --    --         --        --        (305)       --       --     --
                          ------  ----    -------   -------      -----      -----     ----  -----
Balance, December 31,
 1997...................  12,792  $128    $48,788   $30,794      $(892)       --      (366) $(589)
Net loss (unaudited)....     --    --         --       (742)       --         --       --     --
Stock option and warrant
 exercises, including
 tax effects
 (unaudited)............     225     2      1,252       --         --         --       --     --
Unrealized loss on mar-
 ketable
 equity securities, net
 (unaudited)............     --    --         --        --         --        (501)     --     --
Cumulative translation
 adjustment
 (unaudited)............     --    --         --        --         313        --       --     --
                          ------  ----    -------   -------      -----      -----     ----  -----
Balance, October 3, 1998
 (unaudited)............  13,017  $130    $50,040   $30,052      $(579)     $(501)    (366) $(589)
                          ======  ====    =======   =======      =====      =====     ====  =====
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                     FIN-5
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,     NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                --------------------------  ------------------
                                                            SEP. 27,  OCT. 3,
                                 1995     1996      1997      1997      1998
                                -------  -------  --------  --------  --------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                             <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
 ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss).............  $ 4,571  $ 6,601  $  5,109  $  7,937  $   (742)
Adjustments to reconcile net
 income (loss) to net cash
 provided by (used in)
 operating activities--
  Acquired in-process research
   and development............      --       --     10,600       --        --
  Depreciation and
   amortization...............    1,984    3,180     3,941     2,748     3,353
  Deferred compensation.......      319      347       367       320      (218)
  Deferred income taxes.......     (460)    (646)   (3,837)      --       (328)
Subordinated note and equity
 securities received for non-
 competition agreement and
 technology license pursuant
 to litigation settlement.....      --       --        --        --     (3,750)
Changes in current assets and
 liabilities, net of effect of
 Reel-Tech, Inc. acquisition--
  Accounts receivable.........   (4,194)  (9,444)  (13,659)  (12,413)    5,885
  Inventories.................   (9,104)  (1,119)   (6,271)   (3,981)   (3,748)
  Other current assets........   (1,111)       2       (42)     (278)     (456)
  Accounts payable and accrued
   expenses...................    4,520     (592)    6,977     5,214    (4,510)
                                -------  -------  --------  --------  --------
Net cash provided by (used in)
 operating activities.........   (3,475)  (1,671)    3,185      (453)   (4,514)
                                -------  -------  --------  --------  --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
 ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of Reel-Tech,
 Inc.(1)......................      --       --    (12,446)      --        --
Additions to property, plant
 and equipment, net...........   (2,596)  (6,902)   (5,335)   (3,143)   (3,848)
Decrease (increase) in other
 assets.......................      (67)      15        20        41        27
                                -------  -------  --------  --------  --------
Net cash used in investing
 activities...................   (2,663)  (6,887)  (17,761)   (3,102)   (3,821)
                                -------  -------  --------  --------  --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
 ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable to
 banks and others.............    2,464   13,633    16,662    14,619    30,059
Payments on notes payable to
 banks and others.............      --   (15,567)  (15,087)  (13,023)  (27,059)
Net payments on long-term
 debt.........................     (178)      (7)      (19)      (13)      (14)
Net proceeds from issuance of
 common stock.................   27,740      --        --        --        --
Stock option and warrant
 exercises, including tax
 effects......................      588    2,073     3,136     1,212     1,254
                                -------  -------  --------  --------  --------
Net cash provided by financing
 activities...................   30,614      132     4,692     2,795     4,240
                                -------  -------  --------  --------  --------
Effect of exchange rate
 changes on cash and cash
 equivalents..................     (143)     386       647       632       100
                                -------  -------  --------  --------  --------
Increase (decrease) in cash
 and cash equivalents.........   24,333   (8,040)   (9,237)     (128)   (3,995)
Cash and cash equivalents,
 beginning of period..........    1,362   25,695    17,655    17,655     8,418
                                -------  -------  --------  --------  --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end
 of period....................  $25,695  $17,655  $  8,418  $ 17,527  $  4,423
                                =======  =======  ========  ========  ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF
 CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period
 for--
  Interest....................  $ 1,064  $   862  $    478  $    317  $    525
                                =======  =======  ========  ========  ========
  Income taxes................  $ 2,540  $ 4,834  $  4,485  $  4,101  $    502
                                =======  =======  ========  ========  ========
  Net assets and in-process
   research and development
   acquired...................  $   --   $   --   $(14,446) $    --   $    --
  Issuance of common stock....      --       --      2,000       --        --
                                -------  -------  --------  --------  --------
  Net cash used to acquire
   business...................  $   --   $   --   $(12,446) $    --   $    --
                                =======  =======  ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Acquisition of Reel-Tech, Inc.:
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                     FIN-6
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)
 
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Nature of operations
 
  General Scanning Inc. develops, manufactures and sells its products on a
worldwide basis through two industry segments: laser systems and components;
and printers. The laser systems and components segment provides products for a
wide range of applications in the automotive, electronics, semiconductor,
medical and aircraft industries. The Company's core technological expertise
which is employed in each of these applications is high speed micropositioning
and precise power control of lasers, as well as 2D and 3D image processing. The
printer segment provides a line of thermal printers for the medical industry.
 
 Basis of presentation
 
  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of General
Scanning Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company"). Significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company's 50% joint venture in the United Kingdom, which had been accounted
for by the equity method, was fully acquired on December 31, 1995 in a purchase
transaction. The acquisition was not material to the Company's operations.
 
 
  In August 1996, the Company acquired View Engineering, Inc. ("View") by
issuing 1,437,060 shares of General Scanning Inc. common stock (after giving
effect to certain adjustments at the closing) in exchange for all of View's
outstanding shares of capital stock, accrued preferred dividends and the net
value of warrants and options. View uses laser image processing technology to
serve applications requiring precision inspection, measurement and process
control. The transaction has been accounted for as a pooling of interests for
accounting purposes and, accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial
statements have been retroactively restated to include the accounts of View for
all periods presented. Merger expenses include primarily brokers' fees and
legal and accounting costs. The following is a reconciliation of certain
restated amounts with amounts previously reported.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1995
                                                                  --------------
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
     <S>                                                          <C>
     Sales:
       General Scanning Inc. ....................................    $101,819
       View Engineering, Inc. ...................................      24,501
                                                                     --------
         As restated.............................................    $126,320
                                                                     ========
     Net income:
       General Scanning Inc. ....................................    $  6,009
       View Engineering, Inc. ...................................      (1,438)
                                                                     --------
         As restated.............................................    $  4,571
                                                                     ========
     Diluted income per common share:
       General Scanning Inc. ....................................    $   0.67
       View Engineering, Inc. ...................................       (0.23)
                                                                     --------
         As restated.............................................    $   0.44
                                                                     ========
</TABLE>
 
  On November 28, 1997, the Company acquired the assets of Reel-Tech, Inc.
("Reel-Tech") for $14.4 million, which consisted of $12.4 million of cash and
75,118 shares of General Scanning Inc. common stock.
 
                                     FIN-7
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)

Reel-Tech is an integrator of electronics components handling systems for
marking, lead inspection, parts sorting and parts packaging. The transaction
was accounted for as a purchase for accounting purposes and, accordingly, the
operations of Reel-Tech have been included in the consolidated financial
statements from the date of acquisition. Acquired in-process research and
development of $10.6 million charged against income in 1997 results from an
independent appraisal of Reel-Tech's intangible assets acquired. Goodwill
arising from the transaction of $3.1 million is being amortized on a straight-
line basis over a 10 year period. Results of operations would not have changed
materially for 1996 or 1997 if Reel-Tech had been acquired on January 1, 1996.
Upon consummation of the Reel-Tech acquisition, GSI immediately expensed $10.6
million representing purchased in-process technology that had not yet reached
technological feasibility and has no alternative future use. The value was
determined by estimating the costs to develop the purchased in-process
technology into commercially viable products, estimating the resulting net cash
flows from such projects, and discounting the net cash flows back to their
present value. The discount rate included a factor that took into account the
uncertainty surrounding the successful development of the purchased in-process
technology. The in-process projects were expected to be commercially viable on
dates ranging from the end of calendar year 1998 through calendar year 1999.
Expenditures to complete these projects were expected to total approximately
$3.2 million (see Note 13).
 
 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 date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Risks and uncertainties
 
  The Company has experienced, and may continue to experience, fluctuations in
operating results due to a variety of factors, including: the rate of growth of
the markets for laser systems and components and printers; market acceptance of
the Company's products and those of its competitors; development and
promotional expenses relating to the introductions of new products or new
versions of existing products; changes in pricing policies by the Company and
its competitors; the timing of the receipt of orders from major customers; the
timing of shipments and economic conditions in foreign markets.
 
  Certain of the components and materials included in the Company's laser
systems and optical products are currently obtained from single source
suppliers. There can be no assurance that a disruption of this outside supply
would not create substantial manufacturing delays and additional cost to the
Company.
 
 Cash and cash equivalents
 
  Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and highly liquid investments
having original maturity dates not exceeding three months. The investments are
stated at cost, which approximates their fair value. The Company does not
believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on its cash and cash
equivalents.
 
                                     FIN-8
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)
 
 Inventories
 
  Inventories, which include materials and conversion costs, are stated at the
lower of cost (primarily first-in, first-out) or market. Inventories consist of
the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                                     --------------- OCTOBER 3,
                                                      1996    1997      1998
                                                     ------- ------- -----------
                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
     <S>                                             <C>     <C>     <C>
     Purchased parts................................ $12,572 $14,992   $16,396
     Work-in-process................................   5,341   8,127     9,855
     Finished goods.................................   8,138  10,932    11,597
                                                     ------- -------   -------
       Total inventory.............................. $26,051 $34,051   $37,848
                                                     ======= =======   =======
</TABLE>
 Depreciation and amortization
 
  Depreciation and amortization are determined by the straight-line and
declining-balance methods over the estimated useful lives of the owned assets.
Estimated useful lives for buildings and improvements range from 5 to 31 years
and for machinery and equipment from 3 to 15 years. Leasehold improvements are
amortized over the lesser of their useful lives or the lease term, including
option periods expected to be utilized.
 
 Foreign currency
 
  Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated from foreign
currencies into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the period-end.
Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate in effect for
the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component
of stockholders' equity.
 
  Foreign exchange forward contracts and local currency borrowings are used to
reduce the impact of certain foreign currency balance sheet fluctuations. Gains
and losses from the forward contracts that are not hedges of firm commitments
are accrued at each balance sheet date and included in the Consolidated
Statements of Income as foreign exchange transaction gains (losses). At
December 31, 1997, the Company had such contracts to exchange foreign
currencies (yen, French francs and Deutsche marks) for U.S. dollars totaling
$4.2 million maturing through May 1998. The fair value of these contracts was
approximately $0.1 million at December 31, 1997, which was based on the present
value (using a 6% discount rate) of the difference between the U.S. dollars to
be received on these contracts and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the contract
price in the foreign currency (at the forward exchange rates at December 31,
1997).
 
  To the extent the Company utilizes foreign exchange forward contracts, it
purchases them from major financial institutions for terms that have not
exceeded six months.
 
  In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Statement establishes accounting and
reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including
certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the
balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The
Statement requires that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized
currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.
Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's gains and losses
to offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement, and
requires that a company must formally document, designate and assess the
effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.
 
                                     FIN-9
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)
 
  SFAS No. 133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. The
Company has not yet quantified the impact of adopting SFAS No. 133 on the
financial statements and have not determined the timing of or method of the
adoption of SFAS No. 133. However, the Statement could increase volatility in
earnings and other comprehensive income.
 
 Income (loss) per share of common stock
 
  In 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share, effective
December 15, 1997. Amounts reported herein for 1995 and 1996 as "Diluted income
per common share" are the same as those reported prior as "Net income per
common and common equivalent share outstanding." Basic income (loss) per common
share was computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding during the period. For diluted income per common
share, the denominator also includes dilutive outstanding stock options and
warrants determined using the treasury stock method.
 
  Common and diluted common shares calculations are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER    NINE MONTHS
                                                  31,               ENDED
                                          -------------------- ----------------
                                                                          OCT.
                                                               SEPT. 27,   3,
                                           1995   1996   1997    1997     1998
                                          ------ ------ ------ --------- ------
                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                       <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>       <C>
Weighted average common shares outstand-
 ing.....................................  9,608 11,774 12,065  11,984   12,560
Dilutive potential common shares.........    749    702    592     601      --
                                          ------ ------ ------  ------   ------
Diluted common shares.................... 10,357 12,476 12,657  12,585   12,560
                                          ====== ====== ======  ======   ======
Options and warrants excluded from di-
 luted income per common share as their
 effect would be antidilutive............      2     76    104     126      926
                                          ====== ====== ======  ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
 Revenue recognition
 
  The Company recognizes product revenues generally at the later of the time of
shipment or when substantially all terms and conditions of the sale have been
met. For certain long-term contracts, revenues and profits are recognized using
the percentage-of-completion method. The Company provides for estimated
warranty costs at the time of revenue recognition.
 
 Research and product development expense
 
  Expenditures for research and development of products and manufacturing
processes are expensed as incurred.
 
 Interest
 
  Interest income in 1996 and 1997 is net of $845,000 and $498,000 of interest
expense, respectively, and interest expense in 1995 is net of $373,000 of
interest income.
 
 Impairment of long-lived assets
 
  The Company periodically assesses the realizability of its long-lived assets
in accordance with SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of. Based on its review, the
Company does not believe that any material impairment of its long-lived assets
has occurred.
 
                                     FIN-10
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)
 
 Comprehensive income
 
  SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, establishes standards for
reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components in a full set
of general-purpose financial statements. The statement is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1997 and the Company has adopted the
statement in its fiscal quarter ending April 4, 1998.
 
 Interim financial statements
 
  The financial information as of and for the nine months ended September 27,
1997 and October 3, 1998 is not subject to audit by independent public
accountants. The information furnished reflects all adjustments (consisting of
only normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of management, are
necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods. It should
also be noted that results for the interim periods are not necessarily
indicative of the results expected for any other interim period or the full
year.
 
2. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
  Purchase price in excess of the fair market value of assets acquired,
including in-process research and development, is recorded as intangible
assets. Such assets arising from the acquisition of the minority interest in
Teradyne Laser Systems, Inc. in 1991 are being amortized on a straight-line
basis over their estimated useful lives of from 3 to 15 years. Goodwill arising
in connection with the acquisition of the assets of Reel-Tech, Inc. in 1997 is
being amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years. Amortization expense
was $84,000 in 1995 and 1996 and $109,000 in 1997.
 
3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
  Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                             ------------------
                                                               1996      1997
                                                             --------  --------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                       <C>       <C>
   Cost:
     Land, buildings and improvements....................... $ 10,936  $ 13,134
     Machinery and equipment................................   26,271    28,955
                                                             --------  --------
       Total cost...........................................   37,207    42,089
     Accumulated depreciation...............................  (24,285)  (27,478)
                                                             --------  --------
       Net property, plant and equipment.................... $ 12,922  $ 14,611
                                                             ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
4. ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
  Accrued expenses consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                ---------------
                                                                 1996    1997
                                                                ------- -------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                          <C>     <C>
   Accrued compensation and benefits........................... $ 6,701 $ 8,448
   Income taxes................................................   3,893   3,404
   Other.......................................................   3,193   4,227
                                                                ------- -------
     Total accrued expenses.................................... $13,787 $16,079
                                                                ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
                                     FIN-11
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)
 
5. DEBT
 
 Notes payable to banks and current portion of long-term debt
 
  Notes payable to banks and current portion of long-term debt consists of the
following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  -------------
                                                                   1996   1997
                                                                  ------ ------
                                                                       (IN
                                                                   THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                            <C>    <C>
   Lines of credit............................................... $3,013 $4,150
   Current portion of long-term debt.............................     17     19
                                                                  ------ ------
     Total....................................................... $3,030 $4,169
                                                                  ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
  The Company's revolving credit agreement with its lending bank was amended on
November 28, 1997. Under its amended terms, the agreement provides for
borrowings of up to $20,000,000 and will expire on December 31, 1999. Interest
on outstanding borrowings is charged at the London InterBank Offered Rate
(LIBOR) plus 1.25% or prime, determined at the time of borrowing. No such debt
was outstanding at December 31, 1997. A commitment fee of 3/8% per annum is
paid quarterly in arrears on the unused portion. Among other restrictions, the
agreement requires a minimum level of tangible net worth and compliance with
certain financial ratios.
 
  Under the terms of the revolving credit agreement, the Company's foreign
operations may borrow up to a maximum of $6,000,000 under lines of credit. Such
debt outstanding at December 31, 1997 was denominated in yen with a weighted
average interest rate of 1.6%.
 
 Long-term debt
 
  Long-term debt consists of a mortgage payable at 10 3/8% interest,
collateralized by certain land and building. Interest and principal are payable
at $14,906 per month until maturity in February 2000, at which time the
remaining principal of $1,507,516 will be payable. The portion of principal
payable within one year, which is included in current liabilities, is $19,000.
 
 Fair value of financial instruments
 
  SFAS No. 107, Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires
disclosure of the year-end fair value of significant financial instruments,
including debt. The Company believes, based upon current terms, that the
carrying value of its debt approximates its fair value.
 
6. DEFERRED COMPENSATION
 
  Officers and certain employees may defer payment of their compensation until
termination of employment or later. Interest on the outstanding balance is
credited quarterly at the prime rate. The portion of deferred compensation
estimated to be due within one year is included in current liabilities.
 
7. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 Recapitalization
 
  In August 1995, the Company's stockholders voted to amend its Articles of
Organization to change the par value of the Company's common stock from $1.00
to $.01. Subsequently, the Board of Directors authorized
 
                                     FIN-12
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)

a 5-for-1 stock split, effected as a dividend, of the Company's common stock.
All share and per share amounts of common stock for all periods presented have
been retroactively adjusted to reflect the change in par value and the stock
split.
 
 Preferred stock
 
  In August 1995, the stockholders approved an amendment to the Articles of
Organization which authorizes 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par
value. The preferred stock is divisible and issuable into one or more series.
The rights and preferences of the different series may be established by the
Board of Directors without further action by the stockholders. The Board of
Directors is authorized, with respect to each series, to fix and determine,
among other things, (i) the dividend rate, (ii) the liquidation preference,
(iii) whether such shares will be convertible into, or exchangeable for, any
other securities and (iv) whether such shares will have voting rights and, if
so, the conditions under which such shares will vote as a separate class.
 
 Shareholder rights plan
 
  On April 30, 1997, the Board of Directors adopted a Shareholders Rights Plan
( the "Plan") and declared a dividend distribution, payable on May 1, 1997, of
one preferred share purchase right under the Plan (each a "Right") for each
outstanding share of common stock of the Company. Under the Plan, each Right,
when exercisable, entitles the holder to purchase from the Company one ten-
thousandth of a share of the Company's Series A Junior Participating Preferred
Stock at a price of $70 per one ten-thousandth of a Preferred Share, subject to
adjustment and to certain exceptions. The value of the one ten-thousandth
interest in a share of Preferred Stock purchasable upon exercise of each Right
is intended to approximate the value of one share of common stock.
 
  The rights are not exercisable and cannot be transferred separately from the
common stock until the first to occur of (a) 10 business days after a public
announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons
(excluding certain persons and groups) has acquired beneficial ownership of 20%
or more of the outstanding common stock (the date of such an announcement, a
"Shares Acquisition Date"), or (b) 10 business days (subject to extension by
the Board) after the start or announcement of a tender or exchange offer, the
consummation of which would result in beneficial ownership by a person or group
of 20% or more of the outstanding common stock.
 
  Prior to the earlier of (a) the tenth day after the Shares Acquisition Date,
or (b) the expiration of the Rights, the Company may under certain
circumstances redeem the Rights at a price of $0.001 per Right. In certain
cases a Right will entitle the holder to purchase common stock of the Company
or an acquiring company having a value of two times the exercise price of the
Right. Under certain conditions the Company may exchange the Rights for common
stock or preferred stock. The Rights expire on May 1, 2007 unless they are
redeemed by the Company.
 
  So long as the Rights are not transferable separately from the common stock,
the Company will issue one Right with each new share of common stock issued.
The Rights could have certain anti-takeover effects, in that they would cause
substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire the Company
on terms not approved by the Board of Directors.
 
 Stock options
 
  The 1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended in August 1995, provides for the
issuance of nonqualified and incentive stock options to purchase up to
1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock, of which 175,611
 
                                     FIN-13
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)

were available for future grant at December 31, 1997. Under this plan, options
are granted at the fair value per share as determined by the Board of Directors
at the date of grant. Outstanding options vest over periods of three or four
years beginning on the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of
grant. The Company's 1981 Stock Option Plan has terminated; however, options to
purchase 197,160 shares of common stock were outstanding under the 1981 Plan at
December 31, 1997.
 
  During 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 123,
which defines a fair value based method of accounting for an employee stock
option or similar equity instrument and encourages all entities to adopt that
method of accounting for all of their employee stock compensation plans.
However, it also allows an entity to continue to measure compensation costs for
those plans using the method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. ("APB") 25. Entities electing to remain with the accounting
in APB 25 must make pro forma disclosures of net income and, if presented,
earnings per share as if the fair value based method of accounting defined in
the Statement had been applied.
 
  The Company has elected to account for its stock-based compensation plans
under APB 25, under which immaterial amounts of compensation have been
recognized. Had compensation cost for these plans been determined consistent
with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have
been reduced to the pro forma amounts below. Because SFAS No. 123 method of
accounting has not been applied to options granted prior to January 1, 1995,
the resulting pro forma compensation costs may not be representative of that to
be expected in future years.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1995   1996   1997
                                                            ------ ------ ------
   <S>                                                      <C>    <C>    <C>
   Net income (thousands):
     As reported........................................... $4,571 $6,601 $5,109
     Pro forma............................................. $4,483 $6,354 $4,410
   Diluted income per share:
     As reported........................................... $ 0.44 $ 0.53 $ 0.40
     Pro forma............................................. $ 0.43 $ 0.51 $ 0.35
</TABLE>
 
  The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 5.5% in 1997 (6.3% in 1995 and 1996),
expected dividend yield of zero, expected lives of 4 years upon vesting and
expected volatility of 50%.
 
                                     FIN-14
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)
 
  Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 is
presented below. The weighted average fair value of options granted was $4.47
in 1996 and $6.74 in 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       WTD. AVG.
                                                             OPTIONS   EX. PRICE
                                                            ---------  ---------
   <S>                                                      <C>        <C>
   Outstanding at December 31, 1994........................ 1,120,660    $2.38
   Granted.................................................   116,064     6.30
   Exercised...............................................  (155,000)    2.29
   Canceled................................................      (750)    2.36
                                                            ---------    -----
   Outstanding at December 31, 1995........................ 1,080,974     2.81
   Granted.................................................   166,250    14.33
   Exercised...............................................  (212,810)    2.32
   Canceled................................................    (6,250)    7.65
                                                            ---------    -----
   Outstanding at December 31, 1996........................ 1,028,164     4.75
   Granted.................................................   287,000    14.78
   Exercised...............................................  (449,523)    2.71
   Canceled................................................   (11,065)   10.97
                                                            ---------    -----
   Outstanding at December 31, 1997........................   854,576    $9.10
                                                            =========    =====
   Exercisable at December 31, 1997........................   462,335    $5.87
                                                            =========    =====
</TABLE>
 
  Additional information regarding the options outstanding at December 31, 1997
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           RANGE OF         NO. OF    WTD. AVG.      WTD. AVG.      NUMBER      WTD. AVG.
       EXERCISE PRICES      OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE REMAINING LIFE EXERCISABLE EXERCISE PRICE
       ---------------      ------- -------------- -------------- ----------- --------------
   <S>                      <C>     <C>            <C>            <C>         <C>
   $1.75-$2.36............. 241,910     $ 2.29       2.8 years      227,660       $ 2.29
   $2.50-$12.09............ 212,956     $ 5.70       7.0 years      131,515       $ 4.82
   $13.38.................. 222,910     $13.38       9.4 years       41,390       $13.38
   $15.00-$32.63........... 176,800     $17.10       9.0 years       61,770       $16.29
</TABLE>
 
 Warrants
 
  The Company has issued warrants for the purchase of common stock to the
nonemployee members of the Board of Directors. Warrants issued through 1995
vested over periods of three or four years, beginning on the date of grant, and
expire ten years from the date of grant. In 1996, 65,000 of such warrants were
exercised at prices ranging from $1.75 to $2.50 per share and in 1997, 17,500
of such warrants were exercised at $1.75 per share. At December 31, 1997,
37,500 of such warrants, all of which are exercisable, remain outstanding at
exercise prices ranging from $2.36 to $2.50 per share.
 
  During 1995, the stockholders adopted the 1995 Directors' Warrant Plan and
reserved 100,000 shares for future issuance of warrants to nonemployee
Directors under the Plan. The exercise price of such warrants is the fair
market value per share as determined by a committee of the Board of Directors
at the date of grant. The warrants are subject to vesting as determined by such
committee and expire ten years from the date of grant. In 1996, 8,000 of such
warrants were granted at an exercise price of $20.75 per share and in 1997
8,000 such warrants were granted at an exercise price of $13.00 per share. In
1997, 4,000 warrants were exercised at prices ranging from $13.00 to $20.75 per
share. At December 31, 1997, 12,000 of such warrants, all of which are
exercisable, remain outstanding at exercise prices ranging from $13.00 to
$20.75 per share.
 
                                     FIN-15
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)
 
8. BENEFIT PLANS
 
 Employee Stock Ownership Plan
 
  Under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) established in 1989, Company
contributions were in the form of cash or common stock and were allocated to
eligible employees based on their relative compensation. The ESOP was
terminated effective December 31, 1995 and the plan assets have been
distributed to plan participants. Company contributions to the ESOP were
$367,000 in 1995.
 
 Defined contribution plans
 
  The Company has an employee savings defined contribution plan under the
provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code under which
contributions may be made by its domestic employees. The Company matches the
contributions of participating employees on the basis of the percentages
specified in the plan. Company matching contributions to the plan were
$488,000, $1,080,000 and $1,379,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996
and 1997, respectively.
 
9. INCOME TAXES
 
  The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under this
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities using the currently enacted tax rates.
 
  The components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                    31,
                                                           ---------------------
                                                            1995   1996    1997
                                                           ------ ------- ------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                     <C>    <C>     <C>
   United States.......................................... $5,245 $10,348 $3,860
   Foreign................................................  2,129   1,620  3,751
                                                           ------ ------- ------
     Total................................................ $7,374 $11,968 $7,611
                                                           ====== ======= ======
</TABLE>
 
  The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists of
the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                 31,
                                                         ----------------------
                                                          1995    1996    1997
                                                         ------  ------  ------
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                   <C>     <C>     <C>
   Current:
     Federal and State.................................. $2,200  $5,209  $4,165
     Foreign............................................  1,292     804   2,174
                                                         ------  ------  ------
       Total current....................................  3,492   6,013   6,339
   Deferred.............................................   (689)   (646) (3,837)
                                                         ------  ------  ------
       Total............................................ $2,803  $5,367  $2,502
                                                         ======  ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
                                     FIN-16
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)
 
  The income tax provision for the years ended December 31 is different from
that which would be computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to
income before taxes as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                 ----------------------------
                                                  1995      1996       1997
                                                 -------   -------   --------
   <S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
   U.S. federal statutory tax rate.............     34.0 %    34.0 %     34.0 %
   State income taxes, net.....................      3.9       3.9        6.0
   Foreign sales corporation...................     (4.1)     (3.0)      (5.0)
   Research and development credits............     (6.6)     (3.3)     (10.5)
   Foreign tax rate differential...............      1.0       2.1       12.5
   View Engineering merger expenses not deduct-
    ible for tax purposes......................      --        4.0        --
   Change in valuation allowance for View pre-
    acquisition losses.........................      --        6.8       (6.0)
   Other, net..................................      9.8       0.3        1.9
                                                 -------   -------   --------
     Effective tax rate........................     38.0      44.8       32.9
                                                 =======   =======   ========
</TABLE>
 
  Significant components of deferred income tax assets as of December 31 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1996     1997
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                         <C>      <C>
   Deferred compensation...................................... $   700  $   814
   Vacation and sick pay benefit..............................     496      576
   Inventory valuation........................................   2,020    1,577
   Warranty costs.............................................     299      357
   Depreciation...............................................    (298)    (260)
   Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards................   2,673    2,248
   Acquired in-process research and development...............     --     3,816
   Accounts receivable valuation..............................     210      356
   Other......................................................     595      621
                                                               -------  -------
     Total deferred income tax assets.........................   6,695   10,105
   Less valuation allowance...................................  (2,673)  (2,248)
                                                               -------  -------
     Net deferred income tax assets........................... $ 4,022  $ 7,857
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  The Company has provided a valuation allowance on the net operating loss
carryforwards and tax credits related to its wholly-owned subsidiary, View
Engineering, Inc., due to the uncertainty of their realizability as a result of
limitations on their utilization in accordance with certain tax laws and
regulations. The operating loss carryforwards expire from 2005 through 2011 and
the tax credits expire in 1999 and 2000. View's US federal operating loss
carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards were approximately $4.3 million and
$0.7 million, respectively, as of December 31, 1997. Utilization of the
operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards is limited to
approximately $1.2 million per year.
 
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 Operating leases
 
  The Company leases certain equipment and facilities under operating lease
agreements that expire through 2007. The facility leases require the Company to
pay real estate taxes and other operating costs. For the years ended December
31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, lease expense was approximately $1,500,000, $1,787,000
and $1,948,000, respectively.
 
                                     FIN-17
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)
 
  Minimum lease payments under operating leases expiring subsequent to December
31, 1997 are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                  --------------
     <S>                                                          <C>
     1998........................................................     $2,219
     1999........................................................      1,834
     2000........................................................      1,432
     2001........................................................      1,020
     2002........................................................        847
     Thereafter..................................................      2,326
                                                                      ------
       Total minimum lease payments..............................     $9,678
                                                                      ======
</TABLE>
 
 Recourse receivables
 
  In Japan, where it is customary to do so, the Company discounts certain notes
receivable at a bank with recourse. The Company's maximum exposure was
$1,858,000 at December 31, 1997. The fair value of the recourse receivables was
not determinable. The Company received cash proceeds relating to the discounted
receivables of $7,188,000, $4,144,000 and $5,262,000 during the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
 Legal proceedings and disputes
 
  In August 1996, Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. ("RVSI") commenced an action
against General Scanning in the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of New York. RVSI claimed that General Scanning improperly obtained
proprietary information from RVSI for the purpose of obtaining ownership of
View Engineering, Inc. and of thwarting RVSI's attempts to acquire View
Engineering. The plaintiff was seeking compensatory and punitive damages in an
unspecified amount. In September 1997 and January 1998, that same Court issued
a series of decisions on General Scanning's motion for summary judgment. Claims
were dismissed for: (1) breach of contract, (2) breach of the implied covenant
of good faith and fair dealing, and (3) violations under the Massachusetts
Unfair and Deceptive Business Practices Statute. Claims were not dismissed for:
(1) tortious interference with business relations, (2) fraud of confidential
business information, and (3) unfair competition in contravention of New York
common law. The claims not dismissed, which the Company believes are without
merit and is defending vigorously, are expected to result in a jury trial
during 1998 (see Note 13).
 
  Voxel, a prior customer of the Company, asserted in December 1996 that the
Company may not have met certain product specifications. The Company believes
its product has met the necessary specifications. Pursuant to the dispute
resolution section in the Development Agreement between Voxel and the Company,
the matter had been submitted to binding arbitration. Net accounts receivable
at December 31, 1996 and 1997 included approximately $931,000 and $1,012,000,
respectively, of billed and unbilled amounts due from Voxel. Management
believes its case is meritorious and that the amounts due from Voxel are
recoverable (see Note 13).
 
  The Company has certain other contingent liabilities resulting from
litigation and claims incidental to its business, including three patent
infringement suits relating to products currently sold or expected to be sold
by the Company. Management believes that the probable resolution of such
contingencies will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations or financial position.
 
 
                                     FIN-18
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO MANDATED PERIODS)

11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION
 
  In 1992, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a loan to an officer in
the amount of $160,000 as a reimbursement for certain relocation expenses.
Under the agreement, as amended, the loan has been forgiven and charged as
compensation expense on a pro-rata basis over the five years ending December
31, 1997.
 
12. SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
 Industry segment reporting
 
  Information with respect to the Company's industry segments is set forth in
the table below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                     1995      1996      1997
                                                   --------  --------  --------
                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                <C>       <C>       <C>
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
  Laser systems and components.................... $103,564  $131,867  $154,536
  Printers........................................   22,915    24,666    26,994
  Intersegment elimination........................     (159)      --        --
                                                   --------  --------  --------
    Total......................................... $126,320  $156,533  $181,530
                                                   ========  ========  ========
Income from operations:
  Laser systems and components(1)................. $  6,330  $ 11,967  $  6,075
  Printers........................................    3,845     4,321     5,034
  Corporate expenses..............................   (2,450)   (2,483)   (3,455)
                                                   --------  --------  --------
    Total......................................... $  7,725  $ 13,805  $  7,654
                                                   ========  ========  ========
Identifiable assets:
  Laser systems and components.................... $ 55,556  $ 64,836  $ 91,923
  Printers........................................    5,081     8,150     6,844
  Corporate assets(2).............................   29,071    22,587    16,275
                                                   --------  --------  --------
    Total......................................... $ 89,708  $ 95,573  $115,042
                                                   ========  ========  ========
Capital expenditures:
  Laser systems and components.................... $  2,155  $  5,704  $  5,244
  Printers........................................      441     1,198        91
                                                   --------  --------  --------
    Total......................................... $  2,596  $  6,902  $  5,335
                                                   ========  ========  ========
Depreciation and amortization:
  Laser systems and components.................... $  1,699  $  2,773  $  3,459
  Printers........................................      285       407       482
                                                   --------  --------  --------
    Total......................................... $  1,984  $  3,180  $  3,941
                                                   ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes $10,600 charge for acquired in-process research and development in
    1997.
(2) Consists primarily of cash, cash equivalents and deferred tax assets.
 
                                     FIN-19
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)
 
 Geographic segment information
 
  Information with respect to the Company's geographic operations is set forth
in the table below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                     1995      1996      1997
                                                   --------  --------  --------
                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                <C>       <C>       <C>
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
  US, including export............................ $ 84,621  $107,033  $118,985
  Europe..........................................   12,461    21,300    23,554
  Asia............................................   29,238    28,200    38,991
                                                   --------  --------  --------
    Total......................................... $126,320  $156,533  $181,530
                                                   ========  ========  ========
Transfers to affiliates........................... $ 25,188  $ 31,800  $ 47,102
                                                   ========  ========  ========
Export sales:
  From US......................................... $ 17,245  $ 15,200  $ 17,300
                                                   ========  ========  ========
Income from operations:
  US, including export(1)......................... $  7,884  $ 13,623  $  7,299
  Europe..........................................      456       898     2,081
  Asia............................................    1,835     1,767     1,729
  Corporate.......................................   (2,450)   (2,483)   (3,455)
                                                   --------  --------  --------
    Total......................................... $  7,725  $ 13,805  $  7,654
                                                   ========  ========  ========
Identifiable assets:
  US.............................................. $ 48,935  $ 57,803  $ 75,184
  Europe..........................................    4,845     5,925     9,356
  Asia............................................    5,952    10,588    16,757
  Corporate(2)....................................   29,976    21,257    13,745
                                                   --------  --------  --------
    Total......................................... $ 89,708  $ 95,573  $115,042
                                                   ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes $10,600 charge for acquired in-process research and development in
    1997.
(2) Consists primarily of cash, cash equivalents and deferred tax assets.
 
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
 Restructuring, Litigation and Other Charges
 
  The $5,777,000 restructuring, litigation and other charges in 1998 includes
$3,670,000 relating to the settlement with RVSI and charges of $2,107,000
relating to a reduction in the Company's cost structure.
 
  Litigation with RVSI, arising from the Company's acquisition of View in
August 1996, was settled in June 1998. RVSI claimed that the Company used
improperly obtained information in connection with the acquisition (see Note
10). The Company denied all such claims. Under the terms of the settlement, the
Company has agreed not to compete and has granted an exclusive technology
license to RVSI in the field of semiconductor interconnection inspection. RVSI
agreed not to compete in the field of solder paste inspection.
 
  Costs associated with the RVSI settlement were $7,420,000, including
unsaleable inventory of $5,130,000, legal fees of $1,290,000, employee
severance of $210,000, leased facility costs of $188,000 and other related
 
                                     FIN-20
<PAGE>
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                (INCLUDING DATA APPLICABLE TO UNAUDITED PERIODS)

costs of $602,000. Partially offsetting these costs is $3,750,000 consideration
RVSI agreed to pay the Company for the non-competition agreement and technology
license. The consideration consists of a subordinated note of $2,250,000 and
271,493 shares of RVSI common stock valued at $1,500,000 at the settlement
date. The subordinated note bears interest at the prime rate with quarterly
pro-rata principal payments from September 2001 through June 2003. The Company
considers the common stock to be available-for-sale and, accordingly, is
recording changes in its fair market value, net of tax effects, as a component
of stockholders' equity. The total amount of consideration for RVSI has been
included in Other Assets in the accompanying unaudited balance sheet as of
October 3, 1998.
 
  In addition, as a result of the RVSI settlement, the Company has not achieved
the expected economic benefits from the purchase of Reel-Tech's in-process
research and development. The Company's original objective in acquiring the
assets of Reel-Tech was to implement a strategy of combining certain functions
performed at the back end of the semiconductor component manufacturing process,
specifically marking, inspection and packaging. The Company planned to combine
its laser marking capability and View Engineering's vision inspection
technology with Reel-Tech's new component parts handling/packaging systems. The
settlement agreement with RVSI limits the Company's ability to offer certain of
these features to its customers. As a result, the in-process research and
development projects at Reel-Tech were discontinued. The resulting impact is
included in the Company's restructuring charges recorded during 1998. The
Company does not expect any future revenue or cash flow from Reel-Tech's in-
process research and development.
 
  Charges of $2,107,000 relating to a reduction in the Company's cost structure
include $1,050,000 of leased facility costs and $1,057,000 of employee
severance.
 
 Merger Agreement
 
  On October 27, 1998 the Company and Lumonics Inc. ("Lumonics") entered into
an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement") to combine the companies in a
merger of equals transaction. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Lumonics will be merged with and into the Company and each
outstanding share of the Company will be exchanged for 1.347 shares of GSI
Lumonics stock. Upon consummation of the transaction, the stockholders of
General Scanning will own approximately 50% of the combined company.
Consummation of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain
conditions to closing, including regulatory approval and stockholder approval
of both companies. The merger is expected to close during the first quarter of
1999.
 
 Other
 
  In May 1998, a three-member panel of the American Arbitration Association
decided in favor of the Company with respect to the dispute with Voxel (see
Note 10) and awarded the Company $1.9 million plus applicable post-judgement
interest. Following the arbitration decision Voxel filed a voluntary petition
under Chapter 11, which was subsequently converted to a proceeding under
Chapter 7 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code. As of October 3, 1998, the amount due
from Voxel of approximately $1,012,000 has been fully reserved for by the
Company.
 
  During 1998, a party commenced legal proceedings in the U.S. District Court
for the District of Arizona against a number of U.S. semiconductor
manufacturing companies, including companies that have purchased systems from
the Company. The complaint alleges that methods used by these manufacturers
infringe patents held by this party. While the Company is not named as a
defendant in any of the proceedings, several of the Company's customers are
involved. A few of these customers have notified the Company of the allegations
and have asked the Company about the actions the Company plans to take in light
of patent indemnification provisions under which the Company's equipment was
purchased for the operations involved in the alleged infringements.
 
                                     FIN-21
<PAGE>
 
                                AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors of
Lumonics Inc.
 
  We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Lumonics Inc. as at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997. 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 in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain
reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
 
  In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31,
1997 and 1996 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of
the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997 in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
  On February 9, 1998 we reported without reservation to the stockholders on
the Company's consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in Canada.
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Ottawa, Canada,
February 9, 1998.
 
                                     FIN-22
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
                    (INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF ONTARIO)
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                         (IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               AS OF DECEMBER
                                                                     31,
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1997     1996
                                                               -------  -------
                            ASSETS
                            ------
<S>                                                            <C>      <C>
Current
Cash and cash equivalents..................................... $56,828  $29,338
Short-term investments (note 13)..............................  12,325   12,071
Accounts receivable (notes 2 and 6)...........................  45,096   25,662
Due from related party (note 12)..............................   5,328    3,475
Inventories (notes 3 and 6)...................................  35,369   32,983
Other assets (note 5).........................................   4,783    4,444
Current portion of swap contracts  (note 13)..................     564      900
                                                               -------  -------
Total current assets.......................................... 160,293  108,873
Fixed assets (note 4).........................................  23,960   19,755
Long-term portion of swap contracts (note 13).................   1,128    2,702
Other assets (note 5).........................................   3,799    4,272
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               189,180  135,602
                                                               =======  =======
<CAPTION>
             LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
             ------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>      <C>
Current
Bank indebtedness (note 6)....................................  15,213    7,473
Accounts payable..............................................   8,145    4,703
Accrued compensation and benefits.............................   3,657    3,911
Other accruals (note 17)......................................  16,178   16,001
Income taxes payable..........................................   3,125    1,349
Current portion of long-term debt (note 7)....................   3,080    3,455
                                                               -------  -------
Total current liabilities.....................................  49,398   36,892
Long-term debt (note 7).......................................   6,159   10,365
                                                               -------  -------
Total liabilities.............................................  55,557   47,257
                                                               -------  -------
Commitments and contingencies (notes 13 and 14)
Stockholders' equity (note 8)
Capital stock (1997--17,101,000; 1996--14,714,000)............ 139,178  101,619
Deficit.......................................................  (1,448) (13,360)
Accumulated other comprehensive income........................  (4,107)      86
                                                               -------  -------
Total stockholders' equity.................................... 133,623   88,345
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               189,180  135,602
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                             See accompanying notes
 
                                     FIN-23
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
              (IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   ACCUMULATED
                          CAPITAL STOCK               OTHER
                         ---------------          COMPREHENSIVE COMPREHENSIVE
                         SHARES  AMOUNT  DEFICIT     INCOME        INCOME      TOTAL
                            #       $       $           $             $          $
                         ------- ------- -------  ------------- ------------- -------
                         (000'S)
<S>                      <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>           <C>           <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1994................... 10,774   67,473 (33,142)    (1,013)                   33,318
Net income..............                   8,036                    8,036       8,036
Issuance of capital
 stock
  --public offering (net
   of issuing costs)....  2,871   28,866                                       28,866
  --stock options.......    176      515                                          515
Foreign currency
 translation
 adjustment.............                             (1,293)       (1,293)     (1,293)
                         ------  ------- -------     ------        ------     -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1995................... 13,821   96,854 (25,106)    (2,306)        6,743      69,442
                                                                   ======
Net income..............                  11,746                   11,746      11,746
Issuance of capital
 stock
  --stock options.......    893    4,765                                        4,765
Foreign currency
 translation
 adjustment.............                              2,392         2,392       2,392
                         ------  ------- -------     ------        ------     -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1996................... 14,714  101,619 (13,360)        86        14,138      88,345
                                                                   ======
Net income..............                  11,912                   11,912      11,912
Issuance of capital
 stock
  --public offering (net
   of issuing costs)....  2,000   35,658                                       35,658
  --stock option........    387    1,901                                        1,901
Foreign currency
 translation
 adjustment.............                             (4,193)       (4,193)     (4,193)
                         ------  ------- -------     ------        ------     -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1997................... 17,101  139,178  (1,448)    (4,107)        7,719     133,623
                         ======  ======= =======     ======        ======     =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                             See accompanying notes
 
                                     FIN-24
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
              (IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      -------------------------
                                                       1997     1996     1995
                                                         $        $        $
                                                      -------  -------  -------
<S>                                                   <C>      <C>      <C>
Sales................................................ 177,328  153,367  125,268
Cost of goods sold................................... 111,406   92,368   77,237
                                                      -------  -------  -------
Gross profit.........................................  65,922   60,999   48,031
Selling, general and administrative expenses.........  37,991   33,380   28,769
Research and development costs (note 9)..............  11,993   11,872    7,068
                                                      -------  -------  -------
Income before the following:.........................  15,938   15,747   12,194
Interest expense (note 7)............................   1,104    1,213    1,228
Interest income......................................  (2,152)  (1,847)    (374)
                                                      -------  -------  -------
Income before income taxes...........................  16,986   16,381   11,340
Provision for income taxes (note 10).................   5,074    4,635    3,304
                                                      -------  -------  -------
Net income for the year..............................  11,912   11,746    8,036
                                                      =======  =======  =======
Net income per common share (note 8)
  -- Basic...........................................    0.75     0.83     0.70
                                                      -------  -------  -------
  -- Weighted average shares (000's).................  15,989   14,077   11,521
                                                      -------  -------  -------
  -- Diluted.........................................    0.72     0.78     0.65
                                                      -------  -------  -------
  -- Adjusted weighted average shares (000's)........  16,454   15,079   12,457
                                                      -------  -------  -------
</TABLE>
 
 
                             See accompanying notes
 
                                     FIN-25
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                         [IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS]
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                    1997      1996      1995
                                                     $         $         $
                                                  --------  --------  --------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>       <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income for the year.........................    11,912    11,746     8,036
Items not affecting cash
 Depreciation...................................     3,607     3,070     2,862
 Amortization of intangible assets..............       400       380       384
 Deferred income taxes..........................      (434)     (732)      994
 Exchange loss (gain)...........................       241        13      (234)
Net change in non-cash operating assets and lia-
 bilities (note 11).............................   (21,011)      686    (5,503)
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Cash provided by (used in) operating activi-
 ties...........................................    (5,285)   15,163     6,539
                                                  --------  --------  --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to fixed assets.......................    (8,706)   (5,145)   (6,745)
Maturity of short-term investments..............    79,351    38,136     3,499
Purchase of short-term investments..............   (80,185)  (20,835)  (32,733)
Proceeds on disposal of fixed assets............       294       548     1,349
Additions to patents and technology.............       (53)      (84)      (26)
Decrease in other long-term assets..............        10     1,523       102
Acquisition of assets of Hobart Laser Products
 Inc. (note 16).................................       --     (4,356)      --
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Cash provided by (used in) investing activi-
 ties...........................................    (9,289)    9,787   (34,554)
                                                  --------  --------  --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issue of share capital (net of issue costs).....    37,560     4,765    29,381
Repayment of long-term debt.....................    (2,527)   (2,561)   (5,000)
Bank indebtedness...............................     7,741      (151)    6,580
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Cash provided by financing activities...........    42,774     2,053    30,961
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash
 and cash equivalents...........................      (710)   (1,383)      278
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents.......    27,490    25,620     3,224
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year....    29,338     3,718       494
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year..........    56,828    29,338     3,718
                                                  ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
 
                             See accompanying notes
 
                                     FIN-26
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
      (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
 
  Lumonics Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and markets laser-based
advanced manufacturing systems. The systems are used in highly automated
environments for applications such as cutting, drilling, welding, marking and
coding a wide range of products and materials. The Company's principal markets
are in Canada, United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CHANGE IN REPORTING CURRENCY
 
  These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in
United States (U.S.) dollars and in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP"), applied on a consistent basis. The
Company has historically prepared and filed its consolidated financial
statements in Canadian dollars. In these consolidated financial statements, the
Company has adopted the U.S. dollar as its reporting currency for presentation.
Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements have been restated in
accordance with SFAS No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation.
 
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
 
  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been
eliminated.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that effect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
  Cash equivalents are investments held to maturity and have original
maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents consist principally of
Canadian commercial paper and banker's acceptances. Cash equivalents are stated
at cost, which approximates their fair value.
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
 
  Short-term investments consist principally of Government of Canada Treasury
Bills and banker's acceptances, with original maturities greater than three
months. The Company has classified these investments as available-for-sale
securities in accordance with SFAS 115, and carries them at fair value. Any
unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are
excluded from earnings and reported as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income until realized.
 
INVENTORIES
 
  Finished goods are valued at the lower of average cost and net realizable
value. Work-in-process and raw materials are valued at the lower of average
cost and replacement cost.
 
                                     FIN-27
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
FIXED ASSETS
 
  Fixed assets are stated at cost. Buildings, machinery and equipment are
predominantly amortized using the declining balance method at the following
rates:
 
<TABLE>
       <S>                                                                <C>
       Buildings.........................................................     5%
       Machinery and equipment........................................... 20-33%
</TABLE>
 
GOODWILL
 
  Goodwill consists of the excess of cost over acquired net identifiable assets
for business purchase combinations.
 
  The amortization period for goodwill is determined on a separate basis for
each acquisition. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over periods
ranging from a minimum of two to a maximum of ten years from the date of
acquisition. The Company assessed the recoverability of its goodwill by
determining whether the amortization of goodwill over the remaining lives can
be recovered from future discounted operating results. At this time, the
company expects full recoverability.
 
PATENTS AND TECHNOLOGY
 
  Patents and purchased technology are stated at cost and are amortized on a
straight-line basis over the expected life of the asset, up to 17 years. The
Company periodically assesses the recoverability of its patents and technology
assets in accordance with SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-
Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
  The Company recognizes substantially all of its revenue at date of shipment
or when services are provided. Where applicable, a percentage of completion
basis is used for certain long term contracts. The Company accrues potential
product liability and warranty claims, based on the Company's claim experience,
when revenue is recognized.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
 
  Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and are
reduced by related non-refundable government assistance.
 
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
 
  The financial statements of the parent company and its non-U.S. subsidiaries
have been translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with the Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 52, Foreign Currency
Translation. All balance sheet amounts have been translated from foreign
currencies into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at year end.
Income statement amounts have been translated using the weighted average
exchange rate for the applicable year. Gains and losses resulting from changes
in exchange rates from year to year have been reported as a separate component
of accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
                                     FIN-28
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  Foreign exchange forward contracts and local currency borrowings are used to
reduce the impact of certain foreign currency balance sheet fluctuations and
foreign currency denominated sales. Gains and losses from forward contracts
that are not hedges of firm commitments are accrued at each balance sheet date
and included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as foreign exchange
transactions gains (losses).
 
  In certain circumstances, the Company uses currency and interest rate swap
contracts to manage foreign currency exposures and interest rate risk. Payments
and receipts under such swap contracts are recognized as adjustments to
interest expense on a basis that matches them with the fluctuations in the
interest receipts and payments under floating rate financial assets and
liabilities.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
  The liability method is used in accounting for income taxes. Under this
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
differences between financial reporting and the income tax bases of assets and
liabilities, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be
in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
 
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
  The Financial Accounting Standards Board recently issued SFAS No. 131,
Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, which will
be effective for the Company's December 31, 1998 year end. The Company has not
determined the impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial
statements.
 
2. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
  Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $191,000
and $221,000 as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
  Accounts receivable include unbilled receivables on long-term contracts of
$3,367,000 and $1,775,000 as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
3. INVENTORIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1997   1996
                                                                     $      $
                                                                   ------ ------
     <S>                                                           <C>    <C>
     Raw materials................................................  9,082 11,540
     Work-in-process.............................................. 12,138  8,906
     Finished goods............................................... 14,149 12,537
                                                                   ------ ------
                                                                   35,369 32,983
                                                                   ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
                                     FIN-29
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
4. FIXED ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1997                  1996
                                     --------------------- ---------------------
                                              ACCUMULATED           ACCUMULATED
                                      COST    AMORTIZATION  COST    AMORTIZATION
                                        $          $          $          $
                                     -------  ------------ -------  ------------
   <S>                               <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>
   Land.............................   2,117        --       2,201        --
   Buildings........................  15,939      3,986     12,024      3,532
   Machinery and equipment..........  26,634     16,744     23,759     14,697
                                     -------     ------    -------     ------
                                      44,690     20,730     37,984     18,229
   Accumulated amortization......... (20,730)              (18,229)
                                     -------               -------
   Net book value...................  23,960                19,755
                                     =======               =======
</TABLE>
 
5. OTHER ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1997  1996
                                                                     $     $
                                                                   ----- -----
   <S>                                                             <C>   <C>
   Short term other assets
     Prepaid expenses............................................. 1,677 2,051
     Deferred income taxes........................................ 3,106 2,393
                                                                   ----- -----
                                                                   4,783 4,444
                                                                   ----- -----
   Long term other assets
     Due from an employee.........................................    52    60
     Patents and technology, net of accumulated amortization of
      $1,125 (1996--$868)......................................... 3,443 3,748
     Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $1,084 (1996--
      $990).......................................................   304   464
                                                                   ----- -----
                                                                   3,799 4,272
                                                                   ===== =====
</TABLE>
 
6. BANK INDEBTEDNESS
 
  The Company has credit facilities of approximately $21 million which are
denominated in Canadian dollars, US dollars and Pound Sterling (1996--$20
million). Actual bank indebtedness is due on demand and bears interest based on
prime which resulted in an effective average rate of 8% for fiscal 1997 (1996--
6%). Accounts receivable and inventories have been pledged as collateral for
the bank indebtedness under general security agreements. The borrowings
require, among other things, the Company to maintain specified financial ratios
and conditions. As at December 31, 1997, the Company had unused and available
demand lines of credit amounting to approximately $3 million (1996--$10
million).
 
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
  The Company has a long term loan from Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., a
significant shareholder, all of which is repayable in Japanese yen. The foreign
exchange rates as at December 31, 1997 were 1 $Cdn to 90.5 yen (1996--1 $Cdn to
84.5 yen) and 1 $US to 129.9 yen (1996--1 $U.S. to 115.8 yen).
 
                                     FIN-30
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
  The Company has entered into currency and interest rate swap contracts which
oblige it to pay Canadian dollars and receive Japanese yen, and pay U.S.
dollars and receive Japanese yen, on the dates principal and interest payments
are due. The terms of these contracts are described in Note 13.
 
  Long term debt is comprised of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997    1996
                                                                  $       $
                                                                ------  ------
   <S>                                                          <C>     <C>
   Long term debt:
   Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., Japanese yen term loans,
    interest payable semi-annually at 6.30% with semi-annual
    principal payments, maturing October 31, 2000..............  9,239  13,820
   Less current portion........................................ (3,080) (3,455)
                                                                ------  ------
                                                                 6,159  10,365
                                                                ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  Interest on long-term debt during the year amounted to $464,000 (1996--
$640,000; 1995--$1,228,500).
 
  Payments of long-term debt are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             $
                                                                           -----
       <S>                                                                 <C>
       1998............................................................... 3,080
       1999............................................................... 3,080
       2000............................................................... 3,079
                                                                           -----
                                                                           9,239
                                                                           =====
</TABLE>
 
8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
  Accumulated other comprehensive income comprises unrealized foreign currency
translation gains and losses. For the year end December 31, 1997, the Company
has an unrealized loss of $4,193,000, (1996--gain of $2,392,000; 1995--loss of
$1,293,000) primarily as a result of fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against
the Canadian dollar and pound sterling.
 
CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of
common shares without nominal or par value. In fiscal 1994, the shareholders
approved a reduction in the stated legal capital and deficit totalling
$29,575,000. The stated legal capital stock of the company at December 31, 1997
is $109,603,000.
 
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
 
  The dilutive effect of stock options is excluded under the new requirements
of SFAS 128 for calculating basic net income per share, but is included in the
calculation of diluted net income per share.
 
                                     FIN-31
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
  The reconciliation of the numerator and denominator for the calculation of
basic net income per share and diluted net income per shares is as follows:
(000's, except for per-share amounts)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1997    1996    1995
                                                         ------- ------- ------
<S>                                                      <C>     <C>     <C>
Basic net income per share
  Net income............................................ $11,912 $11,746 $8,036
                                                         ------- ------- ------
  Weighted average number of shares outstanding.........  15,989  14,077 11,521
  Basic net income per share............................ $  0.75 $  0.83 $ 0.70
                                                         ------- ------- ------
Diluted net income per share
  Net income............................................ $11,912 $11,746 $8,036
                                                         ------- ------- ------
  Weighted average number of shares outstanding.........  15,989  14,077 11,521
  Dilutive effect of stock options......................     465   1,002    936
                                                         ------- ------- ------
  Adjusted weighted average number of shares outstand-
   ing..................................................  16,454  15,079 12,457
                                                         ------- ------- ------
  Diluted net income per share.......................... $  0.72 $  0.78 $ 0.65
                                                         ======= ======= ======
</TABLE>
 
STOCK OPTIONS
 
  The Company has stock option plans providing for the issue of options to
purchase the Company's common stock. Outstanding options vest over periods of
one to four years beginning on the date of grant. The options expire over a
period of two to seven years beginning at the date of grant. Of the 3.7 million
options authorized under these plans, 843,198 options were available for grant
as at December 31, 1997.
 
  Under SFAS No. 123, the Company has elected to continue applying APB Opinion
25 in accounting for its stock option plans, and to provide the pro forma
disclosure of earnings per share as if the fair value based method of
accounting had been applied.
 
  The exercise price of all stock options is equal to the market price of the
stock on the trading day preceding the date of grant. Accordingly, no
compensation cost has been recognized in the financial statements for the
Company's stock option plans. If the fair values of the options granted in
fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995 had been recognized as compensation expense on a
straight-line basis over the vesting period of the grant (consistent with the
method prescribed by SFAS No. 123), the Company's net income and earnings per
share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1997   1996  1995
                                                               $      $      $
                                                             ------ ------ -----
<S>                                                          <C>    <C>    <C>
Net income
  As reported............................................... 11,912 11,746 8,036
  Pro forma................................................. 11,145 11,486 7,967
Basic net income per share
  As reported...............................................   0.75   0.83  0.70
  Pro forma.................................................   0.70   0.82  0.69
Diluted net income per share
  As reported...............................................   0.72   0.78  0.65
  Pro forma.................................................   0.68   0.76  0.64
</TABLE>
 
                                     FIN-32
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
  Because SFAS No. 123 is applicable only to options granted subsequent to
January 1, 1995, the above pro forma disclosure is not indicative of pro forma
amounts that will be reported in future years. It is expected that all non-
vested awards will be included in the pro forma disclosure in fiscal 2000.
 
  The fair value of the options was estimated at the date of grant using a
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively: risk-free interest rates of
5.8%, 5.9% and 5.6%; expected life of the options of 1.82 years, 1.78 years and
1.23 years; and expected volatility of 30% and a dividend yield of zero for all
years.
 
  Activity in the stock option plans for fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995 was as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   1997             1996             1995
                             ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
                                     WEIGHTED         WEIGHTED         WEIGHTED
                                     AVERAGE          AVERAGE          AVERAGE
                                     EXERCISE         EXERCISE         EXERCISE
                             OPTIONS  PRICE   OPTIONS  PRICE   OPTIONS  PRICE
                                #       $        #       $        #       $
                             ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- --------
                             (000'S)          (000'S)          (000'S)
<S>                          <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>
Outstanding, beginning of
 year.......................    951    5.71    1,836    5.16    1,794    4.16
  Granted...................    833   18.40       50   19.16      220   10.56
  Exercised.................   (387)   4.91     (893)   5.33     (176)   2.92
  Cancelled.................    (76)  10.34      (42)   5.13       (2)   5.10
                              -----   -----    -----   -----    -----   -----
Outstanding, end of year....  1,321   13.15      951    5.71    1,836    5.16
                              -----   -----    -----   -----    -----   -----
Options exercisable at year
 end........................    123               69              273
                              -----            -----            -----
Weighted average per share
 fair value of options
 granted during the year
 calculated using the Black-
 Scholes option pricing
 model......................           3.76             3.79             1.69
                                      =====            =====            =====
</TABLE>
 
  The following table summarizes significant ranges of outstanding and
exercisable options as of December 31, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                OPTIONS
                                    OPTIONS OUTSTANDING       EXERCISABLE
                                 -------------------------- -----------------
                                                   WEIGHTED          WEIGHTED
                                         WEIGHTED  AVERAGE           AVERAGE
             RANGE OF                     AVERAGE  EXERCISE          EXERCISE
          EXERCISE PRICES        OPTIONS REMAINING  PRICE   OPTIONS   PRICE
                 $                  #      LIFE       $        #        $
          ---------------        ------- --------- -------- -------  --------
                                 (000'S)                    (000'S)
   <S>                           <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
   $2.79 to $10.10.............     463  3.8 years   4.62      80      6.19
   $16.72 to $19.93............     858  3.1 years  17.77      43     17.93
                                  -----                       ---
                                  1,321                       123
                                  =====                       ===
</TABLE>
 
9. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
 
  Research and development costs are net of non-refundable government
assistance of $2,123,000 (1996--$167,000; 1995--$333,000).
 
                                     FIN-33
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
10. INCOME TAXES
 
  Details of the income tax provision are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1997    1996   1995
                                                             $      $       $
                                                           -----  ------  -----
     <S>                                                   <C>    <C>     <C>
     Current
       Canadian........................................... 2,513     830    180
       Foreign............................................ 2,995   4,537  2,130
                                                           -----  ------  -----
                                                           5,508   5,367  2,310
                                                           -----  ------  -----
     Deferred
       Canadian...........................................   384   1,029  1,215
       Foreign............................................  (818) (1,761)  (221)
                                                           -----  ------  -----
                                                            (434)   (732)   994
                                                           -----  ------  -----
     Income tax provision................................. 5,074   4,635  3,304
                                                           =====  ======  =====
</TABLE>
 
  The income tax provision reported differs from the amounts computed by
applying the Canadian rate to income before income taxes. The reasons for this
difference and the related tax effects are as follows:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                     1997     1996     1995
                                                       $       $        $
                                                     -----   ------   ------
     <S>                                             <C>     <C>      <C>
     Expected Canadian tax rate.....................    44 %     44 %     44 %
     Expected income tax provision.................. 7,474    7,208    4,990
     Canadian rate adjustment for manufacturing and
      processing activities.........................  (624)    (354)    (311)
     Foreign tax rate differences...................  (244)     (98)    (391)
     Change in valuation allowance..................  (230)    (195)  (1,345)
     Permanent difference for UK tax deduction......   --    (1,325)     --
     Settlement of Canadian and foreign tax mat-
      ters..........................................  (423)     --       --
     Other individually immaterial items............  (879)    (601)     361
                                                     -----   ------   ------
     Reported income tax provision.................. 5,074    4,635    3,304
                                                     =====   ======   ======
</TABLE>    
 
                                     FIN-34
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
  Deferred income taxes result principally from temporary differences in the
recognition of certain revenue and expense items for financial and tax
reporting purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets
and liabilities as at December 31 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1997    1996
                                                                   $       $
                                                                 ------  ------
   <S>                                                           <C>     <C>
   Deferred tax assets
     Operating tax loss carryforwards...........................  2,803   1,348
     Investment tax credits.....................................  1,042   1,660
     Research and development expenses..........................  1,454   2,258
     Accounting provisions not deductible.......................  1,504   1,341
     Deferred revenue...........................................    790     883
     Other......................................................    756     430
                                                                 ------  ------
   Total deferred tax assets....................................  8,349   7,920
   Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.................. (4,515) (4,745)
                                                                 ------  ------
   Net deferred tax assets......................................  3,834   3,175
                                                                 ------  ------
   Deferred tax liabilities
     Book and tax differences on assets.........................    728     782
                                                                 ------  ------
   Net deferred income tax asset................................  3,106   2,393
                                                                 ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  The Company has provided a valuation allowance at December 31, 1997 related
primarily to (1) operating losses and unclaimed expenses of companies with an
inconsistent history of taxable incomes and losses and (2) investment tax
credits when realization is uncertain because they were not yet reviewed by the
taxation authorities. The 1996 valuation allowance relates primarily to (1)
investment tax credits earned during years not yet reviewed by taxation
authorities and (2) operating tax loss carry forwards and unclaimed expenses of
companies with a history of tax losses.
 
  The net change in the total valuation allowance for the years ended December
31, 1997 and December 31, 1996 was a decrease of $230,000 and a decrease of
$195,000, respectively.
 
  As at December 31, 1997, the Company had loss carryforwards of approximately
$7.5 million available to reduce future years' income for tax purposes of which
$310,000 expires by the end of 2000, a further $210,000 expires by the end of
2002, with the remainder carried forward indefinitely.
 
  Income before taxes attributable to foreign operations was $7,370,000;
$9,693,000; and $6,358,000 in each of fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
The Company has not recorded a provision for withholding tax on unremitted
earnings of foreign subsidiaries as the Company currently has no plans to
repatriate those earnings. The amount of retained earnings of foreign
subsidiaries as at December 31, 1997 was $13,020,000 (1996--$7,381,000). The
determination of the amount of the unrecognized tax provision on foreign
retained earnings is not practicable due to the complexities associated with
the hypothetical calculation.
 
  Income taxes paid were $2,531,000; $4,527,000; and $792,000 for fiscal years
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
                                     FIN-35
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
11. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
  The net change in non-cash working capital balances related to operations
consists of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1997     1996    1995
                                                           $       $       $
                                                        -------  ------  ------
                                                        (000'S)  (000'S) (000'S)
   <S>                                                  <C>      <C>     <C>
   Accounts receivable................................. (21,405)   (745) (3,349)
   Due from related party..............................  (2,086)  1,345  (1,598)
   Inventories.........................................  (3,654)   (217) (7,835)
   Accounts payable....................................   3,790    (931)    909
   Deferred revenue....................................    (608)  2,654   2,638
   Accrued warranty provision..........................     777     765     393
   Other accrued liabilities...........................     (74) (3,051)  2,333
   Accrued compensation and benefits...................     (77)  1,290     952
   Income taxes........................................   2,013     450     314
   Prepaid expenses....................................     313    (874)   (260)
                                                        -------  ------  ------
                                                        (21,011)    686  (5,503)
                                                        =======  ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
Supplemental cash flow information:
 
  Interest paid during the year totaled $1,112,000, $1,231,000 and $1,379,000
for the years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  In addition to matters discussed elsewhere, the Company had the following
transactions with related parties:
 
  During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company recorded sales revenue
of $18,891,000 (1996--$17,380,000; 1995 $17,391,000) from Sumitomo Heavy
Industries, Ltd., a significant shareholder, at values and terms approximately
equivalent to third party transactions. Transactions with Sumitomo are at
normal trade terms.
 
13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  The Company does not actively trade derivative financial instruments but uses
them to manage foreign currency and interest rate positions associated with its
debt instruments. The terms of these derivative contracts match the terms of
the underlying debt instruments and are generally used to reduce financing
costs. The Company currently has three such contracts outstanding, two of which
convert yen denominated debt to U.S. dollar denominated debt and one contract
which converts a yen denominated debt into Canadian dollars.
 
                                     FIN-36
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
  The fair value of the Company's recognized financial instruments approximates
carrying amounts where applicable, except as shown in the table below. The fair
value of long-term debt was determined by discounting cash flows of the
obligation at the rates generally available to the Company on similar credit
facilities. The fair values of the swap contracts have been estimated by
management using available market information and do not necessarily represent
amounts that the Company could potentially realize in a current market exchange
transaction between willing parties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1997           1996
                                                 -------------- ---------------
                                                 CARRYING FAIR  CARRYING  FAIR
                                                  VALUE   VALUE  VALUE   VALUE
                                                    $       $      $       $
                                                 -------- ----- -------- ------
<S>                                              <C>      <C>   <C>      <C>
Long-term debt:
  Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., Japanese yen
   term loans...................................  9,239   9,797  13,820  15,114
Favorable value of swaps:
  --to convert 300 million yen (1996--400
   million yen) to U.S. $2,047 (1996--U.S.
   $2,729), semi-annual interest at the six-
   month LIBOR less 1.56%.......................    262     748     726   1,195
  --to convert 450 million yen (1996--600
   million yen) to Cdn $3,488 (1996--Cdn $4,651)
   semi-annual interest at the three month BA
   rate less 1.62%..............................  1,035   1,416   1,787   2,501
  --to convert 450 million yen (1996--600
   million yen) to U.S. $3,070 (1996--U.S.
   $4,093) interest payable semi-annually at
   8.20%........................................    395     575   1,089   1,454
                                                  -----   -----  ------  ------
Favorable value of swaps........................  1,692   2,739   3,602   5,150
                                                  -----   -----  ------  ------
Economic value..................................  7,547   7,058  10,218   9,964
                                                  =====   =====  ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  The Company is exposed to credit-related losses with respect to the positive
fair value of the swap contracts in the event of non-performance by the
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and the Industrial Bank of Japan as
counterparties. The Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet
their obligations.
 
  The payments under the swap contracts are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             $
                                                                           -----
       <S>                                                                 <C>
       1998............................................................... 2,515
       1999............................................................... 2,516
       2000............................................................... 2,516
                                                                           -----
                                                                           7,547
                                                                           =====
</TABLE>
 
  As of December 31, 1997, the Company had foreign exchange forward contracts
with maturity dates ranging from March 18, 1998 to December 15, 1998 to sell
approximately U.S. $9 million in exchange for Canadian dollars at an average
rate of $1.416 which approximates market rates at December 31, 1997 for
contracts with similar terms.
 
  As at December 31, 1997, the Company had $12,325,000 (1996--$12,071,000)
invested in short-term investments denominated in Canadian dollars with
maturity dates between January 6, 1998 and July 9, 1998.
 
                                     FIN-37
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
RISK AND UNCERTAINTIES
 
  The Company operates internationally in one business segment. The Company
principally manufactures and distributes lasers. The Company is not dependent
on any single customer, group of customers, or supplier.
 
  The Company may experience fluctuations in operating results due to a variety
of factors including the rate of growth of markets for lasers, market
acceptance of the Company's products and those of its competitors, expenses
relating to the introduction of new products or new versions of existing
products, changes in pricing policies by the Company and its competitors,
timing of receipts of orders from major customers, the timing of shipments and
conditions in foreign markets and reliance on a limited number of suppliers.
 
  There is no concentration of credit risk related to the Company's position in
trade accounts receivable other than the amount due from Sumitomo Heavy
Industries, Ltd., a related party. Credit risk, with respect to trade
receivables, is minimized because of the diversification of the Company's
operations, as well as its large customer base and its geographical dispersion.
 
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  Future minimum payments under long-term operating leases for manufacturing
premises, automobiles and equipment are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            $
                                                                          ------
       <S>                                                                <C>
       1998..............................................................  2,540
       1999..............................................................  1,534
       2000..............................................................  1,221
       2001..............................................................    965
       2002..............................................................    955
       2003 and beyond...................................................  5,808
                                                                          ------
                                                                          13,023
                                                                          ======
</TABLE>
 
  Rent expense during fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $1,645,000; $1,754,000 and
$1,511,000 respectively.
 
  As has been reported by the Company since 1994, a party has commenced legal
proceedings in the United States against a number of U.S. manufacturing
companies, including companies which have purchased systems from Lumonics. The
plaintiff in the proceedings has alleged that certain equipment used by these
manufacturers infringes patents claimed to be held by him. While the Company is
not a defendant in any of the proceedings, five of Lumonics' customers have
notified the Company and others that, if the individual successfully pursues
his infringement claims against them, they may require Lumonics to indemnify
them to the extent that any of their losses can be attributed to systems sold
to them by the Company. While the Company does not believe that the outcome of
these claims will have a material adverse effect upon the Company, there can be
no assurance that any such claims, or any similar claims, would not have a
material adverse effect upon the Company's financial condition or results of
operations.
 
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
 
  The Year 2000 Issue arises because many computerized systems use two digits
rather than four to identify a year. Date-sensitive systems may recognize the
year 2000 as 1900 or some other date, resulting in errors when
 
                                     FIN-38
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)

information using year 2000 dates is processed. In addition, similar problems
may arise in some systems which use certain dates in 1999 to represent
something other than a date. The effects of the Year 2000 Issue may be
experienced before, on, or after January 1, 2000, and, if not addressed, the
impact on operations and financial reporting may range from minor errors to
significant systems failure which could affect an entity's ability to conduct
normal business operations. It is not possible to be certain that all aspects
of the Year 2000 Issue affecting the entity, including those related to the
efforts of customers, suppliers, or other third parties, will be fully
resolved.
 
15. DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN
 
  The Company's subsidiary in the United Kingdom maintains a defined benefit
pension plan which has a defined contribution section, known as the Lumonics
Ltd. UK Pension Scheme Retirement Savings Plan. Effective April 1997,
membership to the Final Salary Plan was closed to new entrants and the Company
provided a new Retirement Savings Plan which is a Money Purchase arrangement.
The most recent actuarial valuation as at December 1, 1997 indicates the
actuarial present value of the accrued pension benefits and the net assets
available to provide for these benefits, at market value, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1997  1996
                                                                      $      $
                                                                    ------ -----
       <S>                                                          <C>    <C>
       Pension fund assets......................................... 10,000 8,600
       Accrued pension benefits....................................  8,100 6,900
</TABLE>
 
  The assumptions used to develop the actuarial present value of the accrued
pension benefits were as follows for 1997, 1996, and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
       <S>                                                              <C>
       Discount rate...................................................       9%
       Compensation increase rate......................................       7%
       Investment return assumption....................................       9%
       Average remaining service life of employees..................... 18 years
</TABLE>
 
  The estimates are based on actuarially computed best estimates of pension
asset long-term rates of return and long-term rate of obligation escalation.
Variances between these estimates and actual experience are amortized over the
employees' average remaining service life.
 
  Pension expense during fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $500,000, $360,000 and
$335,000 respectively.
 
16. ACQUISITION
 
  In June 1996, the Company acquired, for cash consideration of $4,356,000,
working capital of $2,526,000 and technology for $1,830,000 from Hobart Laser
Products Inc., a laser manufacturer and distributor based in the United States.
This transaction has been accounted for as a purchase.
 
                                     FIN-39
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
17. OTHER ACCRUALS
 
  Other accruals consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1997   1996
                                                                     $      $
                                                                   ------ ------
     <S>                                                           <C>    <C>
     Deferred revenue.............................................  5,449  6,324
     Accrued warranty provision...................................  3,619  3,007
     Other........................................................  7,110  6,670
                                                                   ------ ------
                                                                   16,178 16,001
                                                                   ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
18. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
 
  The Company and its subsidiaries operate in Canada, the United States, Europe
and Asia-Pacific in one dominant industry segment, the manufacture and
distribution of laser based advanced manufacturing systems.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1997     1996     1995
                                                         $        $        $
                                                      -------  -------  -------
<S>                                                   <C>      <C>      <C>
By operating location
Sales:
  Canada:
    Sales to customers..............................   21,160   19,971   17,092
    Inter-segment sales.............................   13,383    9,384    7,951
  United States:
    Sales to customers..............................  103,310   90,746   60,110
    Inter-segment sales.............................   12,395    5,355    4,450
  Europe:
    Sales to customers..............................   43,767   39,382   44,975
    Inter-segment sales.............................   35,516   24,123   17,040
  Asia-Pacific:
    Sales to customers..............................    9,091    3,267    3,091
    Inter-segment sales.............................      363      296      134
  Eliminations......................................  (61,657) (39,157) (29,575)
                                                      -------  -------  -------
                                                      177,328  153,367  125,268
                                                      =======  =======  =======
Canadian export sales (including intersegment sales
 of $12,413, $8,519 and $6,828, respectively).......   29,762   24,686   21,157
                                                      -------  -------  -------
Income from operations before interest, income taxes
 and foreign exchange
  Canada............................................    7,027    4,208    4,346
  United States.....................................   10,540   11,789    5,578
  Europe............................................   (1,951)    (403)   2,001
  Asia-Pacific......................................      241      (62)     (25)
                                                      -------  -------  -------
                                                       15,857   15,532   11,900
                                                      -------  -------  -------
Identifiable assets:
  Canada............................................   28,094   23,908   20,250
  United States.....................................   47,800   40,374   31,598
  Europe............................................   44,599   32,047   31,638
  Asia-Pacific......................................    5,372    2,565    1,894
  Corporate (including cash and cash equivalents and
   short term investments)..........................   63,315   36,708   37,422
                                                      -------  -------  -------
                                                      189,180  135,602  122,802
                                                      =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  Transfers between operating locations are made at values approximately equal
to third party transactions.
 
                                     FIN-40
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 (IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
                                   UNAUDITED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1998          1997
                                                           $            $
                                                     ------------- ------------
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>
                       ASSETS
                       ------
Current
Cash and cash equivalents...........................     25,924       56,828
Short-term investments..............................     12,585       12,325
Accounts receivable.................................     32,915       45,096
Due from related party..............................      4,551        5,328
Inventories (note 4)................................     43,437       35,369
Other assets........................................      6,418        4,783
Current portion of swap contracts...................        485          564
                                                        -------      -------
Total current assets................................    126,315      160,293
Fixed assets........................................     32,041       23,960
Long term portion of swap contracts.................        727        1,128
Other assets........................................      5,911        3,799
                                                        -------      -------
                                                        164,994      189,180
                                                        =======      =======
        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
        ------------------------------------
Current
Bank indebtedness...................................      5,087       15,213
Accounts payable....................................      8,825        8,145
Accrued compensation and benefits...................      4,173        3,657
Other accrued liabilities...........................     14,828       16,178
Income taxes payable................................        --         3,125
Current portion of long-term debt...................      2,959        3,080
                                                        -------      -------
Total current liabilities...........................     35,872       49,398
Long-term debt......................................      4,439        6,159
                                                        -------      -------
Total liabilities...................................     40,311       55,557
                                                        -------      -------
Stockholders' equity
Capital stock (authorized--unlimited;
issued--17,019,000; 1997--17,101,000) (note 6)......    138,690      139,178
Deficit.............................................     (6,872)      (1,448)
Accumulated other comprehensive income..............     (7,135)      (4,107)
                                                        -------      -------
Total stockholders' equity..........................    124,683      133,623
                                                        -------      -------
                                                        164,994      189,180
                                                        =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
                             See accompanying notes
 
                                     FIN-41
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
               (IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                   UNAUDITED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NINE MONTHS
                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED    ENDED SEPTEMBER
                                           SEPTEMBER 30,            30,
                                        --------------------  ----------------
                                          1998       1997      1998     1997
                                            $          $         $        $
                                        ---------  ---------  -------  -------
<S>                                     <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>
Sales.................................     34,878     44,881  110,210  128,267
Cost of goods sold....................     24,954     28,076   78,348   79,525
                                        ---------  ---------  -------  -------
Gross profit..........................      9,924     16,805   31,862   48,742
Selling, general and administrative
 expenses.............................      8,374      9,362   28,354   28,115
Research and development costs........      2,832      2,642   10,038    9,315
Restructuring costs (note 5)..........        --         --     2,016      --
                                        ---------  ---------  -------  -------
Income (loss) before the following....     (1,282)     4,801   (8,546)  11,312
Interest expense......................        162        284      816      797
Interest income.......................       (512)      (671)  (1,823)  (1,482)
                                        ---------  ---------  -------  -------
Income (loss) before income taxes.....       (932)     5,188   (7,539)  11,997
Provision for income taxes (benefit)..       (277)     1,544   (2,203)   3,573
                                        ---------  ---------  -------  -------
Net income (loss) for the period......       (655)     3,644   (5,336)   8,424
Foreign currency translation adjust-
 ments................................     (1,175)       (28)  (3,028)  (1,226)
                                        ---------  ---------  -------  -------
Comprehensive income (loss) for the
 period...............................     (1,830)     3,616   (8,364)   7,198
                                        =========  =========  =======  =======
Net income (loss) per common share
  --Basic.............................      (0.04)      0.22    (0.31)    0.54
  --Diluted...........................      (0.04)      0.21    (0.31)    0.52
Adjusted weighted average shares (note
 2)
  --Basic (000's).....................     17,049     16,897   17,088   15,614
  --Diluted (000's)...................     17,049     17,382   17,088   16,338
</TABLE>
 
 
                             See accompanying notes
 
                                     FIN-42
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                          [IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS]
                                   UNAUDITED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                              SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                            ------------------
                                                              1998      1997
                                                            --------  --------
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss).........................................  $ (5,336) $  8,424
Items not affecting cash
 Depreciation.............................................     3,579     2,697
 Amortization of intangible assets........................       279       287
 Deferred income taxes....................................      (882)     (752)
 Exchange loss (gain).....................................       164        68
Net change in non-cash operating assets and liabilities...       (20)  (12,125)
                                                            --------  --------
Cash used in operating activities.........................    (2,216)   (1,401)
                                                            --------  --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to fixed assets.................................   (11,819)   (3,891)
Proceeds on disposal of fixed assets......................       148       190
Additions to patents and technology.......................       (23)      --
Maturity of short-term investments........................    41,136    48,232
Purchase of short-term investments........................   (42,015)  (80,657)
Acquisition of assets of Meteor Optics Inc. (note 3)......    (1,078)      --
                                                            --------  --------
Cash used in investing activities.........................   (13,651)  (36,126)
                                                            --------  --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issue (repurchase) of common shares (net of issue costs)..      (575)   37,707
Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness..................    (9,660)    3,454
Repayment of long-term debt...............................    (1,174)   (1,278)
                                                            --------  --------
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities...........   (11,409)   39,883
                                                            --------  --------
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash
 equivalents..............................................    (3,628)    1,261
                                                            --------  --------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents......   (30,904)    3,617
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period............    56,828    29,338
                                                            --------  --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period..................    25,924    32,955
                                                            ========  ========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information cash paid
 during the period for:
 Interest paid............................................       691       810
 Income taxes.............................................     3,005     1,780
</TABLE>
 
                             See accompanying notes
 
                                     FIN-43
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
       [TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS]
                                   UNAUDITED
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  The unaudited interim financial statements presented herein have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, these interim financial
statements do not include all information and footnotes required by generally
accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These
financial statements reflect all adjustments and accruals which management
considers necessary for fair presentation of financial position and results of
operations for periods presented. These financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto for the year ended December 31, 1997. The results for the interim
periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year
or for any future periods.
 
2. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
 
  Basic net income (loss) per common share was computed by dividing net income
(loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the
period. For diluted net income (loss) per common share, the denominator also
includes dilutive outstanding stock options determined using the treasury stock
method.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    THREE MONTHS   NINE MONTHS
                                                        ENDED         ENDED
                                                    SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                    ------------- -------------
                                                     1998   1997   1998   1997
                                                    ------ ------ ------ ------
                                                    000'S  000'S  000'S  000'S
   <S>                                              <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
   Weighted average number of shares outstanding..  17,049 16,897 17,088 15,614
   Dilutive effect of stock options...............     --     485    --     724
                                                    ------ ------ ------ ------
   Adjusted weighted average number of shares out-
    standing......................................  17,049 17,382 17,088 16,338
                                                    ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
3. BUSINESS ACQUISITION
 
  On June 15, 1998, the Company acquired Meteor Optics Inc., a company which
specializes in the manufacture of fibre optics for $1.1 million in cash. The
transaction was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the results of
operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the
acquisition date. Net tangible assets and acquired in-process research and
development costs had no significant value. The purchase price was allocated to
goodwill and will be amortized in accordance with the company's accounting
policies.
 
4. INVENTORIES
 
Finished goods are valued at the lower of average cost and net realizable
value. Work-in-process and raw materials are valued at the lower of average
cost and replacement cost. The components of inventory are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
                                                          1998          1997
                                                      ------------- ------------
   <S>                                                <C>           <C>
   Raw materials.....................................    $10,766      $ 9,082
   Work-in-process...................................     14,388       12,138
   Finished goods....................................     18,283       14,149
                                                         -------      -------
                                                         $43,437      $35,369
                                                         =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
                                     FIN-44
<PAGE>
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
       (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
5. RESTRUCTURING COSTS
 
  The Company incurred $2.0 million in restructuring costs in the form of
severance costs in the nine month period ended September 30, 1998. In addition,
an inventory write-down of $1.4 million is included in the cost of goods sold.
 
6. COMMON STOCK
 
  The Company announced a normal course issuer bid on July 15, 1998 to
repurchase and cancel up to 5% of its 17.1 million common shares outstanding at
that time. These purchases may continue until July 16, 1999 and will be paid
out of general corporate funds. The Company purchased and canceled 94,900
shares in the third quarter of 1998 at a total cost of $612,000 pursuant to
this bid.
 
7. RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
  The Financial Accounting Standards Board recently issued SFAS No. 133,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which will be
effective for the Company's December 31, 2000 year end. The Company has not
determined the impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial
statements.
 
8. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  The Company signed an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of October 27,
1998 to merge with General Scanning Inc.
 
                                     FIN-45
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         ANNEX A
                              
                           AMENDED AND RESTATED     
 
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
                          DATED AS OF OCTOBER 27, 1998
 
                                  BY AND AMONG
 
                                 LUMONICS INC.,
                           
                        GRIZZLY ACQUISITION CORP.,     
                          
                       NEW GRIZZLY ACQUISITION CORP.     
 
                                      AND
 
                             GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
             THIS TABLE OF CONTENTS IS NOT PART OF THE AGREEMENT TO
           WHICH IT IS ATTACHED BUT IS INSERTED FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          NO.
                                                                          ----
 <C>         <S>                                                          <C>
 ARTICLE I   THE MERGER.................................................   A-1
    1.01     The Merger.................................................   A-1
    1.02     Closing....................................................   A-1
    1.03     Effective Time.............................................   A-2
    1.04     Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving
              Corporation...............................................   A-2
    1.05     Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation........   A-2
    1.06     Effects of the Merger......................................   A-2
    1.07     Further Assurances.........................................   A-2
 ARTICLE II  CONVERSION OF SHARES.......................................   A-2
    2.01     Conversion of Capital Stock................................   A-2
    2.02     Exchange of Certificates...................................   A-4
 ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GRIZZLY..................   A-5
    3.01     Organization and Qualification.............................   A-5
    3.02     Capital Stock..............................................   A-6
    3.03     Authority Relative to This Agreement.......................   A-7
    3.04     Non-Contravention; Approvals and Consents..................   A-7
    3.05     Reports and Financial Statements...........................   A-8
    3.06     Absence of Certain Changes or Events.......................   A-8
    3.07     Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.........................   A-8
    3.08     Legal Proceedings..........................................   A-9
    3.09     Information Supplied.......................................   A-9
    3.10     Compliance with Laws and Orders............................   A-9
    3.11     Compliance with Agreements; Certain Agreements.............   A-9
    3.12     Taxes......................................................  A-10
    3.13     Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA..............................  A-10
    3.14     Labor Matters..............................................  A-11
    3.15     Environmental Matters......................................  A-11
    3.16     Intellectual Property Rights...............................  A-12
    3.17     Vote Required..............................................  A-14
    3.18     Opinion of Financial Advisor...............................  A-14
    3.19     Grizzly Rights Agreement...................................  A-14
    3.20     Ownership of Lynx Common Stock.............................  A-14
    3.21     Chapter 110D of Mass. Ann. Laws Not Applicable.............  A-14
 ARTICLE IV  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LYNX AND SUB.............  A-14
    4.01     Organization and Qualification.............................  A-14
    4.02     Capital Stock..............................................  A-15
    4.03     Authority Relative to This Agreement.......................  A-15
    4.04     Non-Contravention; Approvals and Consents..................  A-16
    4.05     Reports and Financial Statements...........................  A-16
    4.06     Absence of Certain Changes or Events.......................  A-17
    4.07     Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.........................  A-17
    4.08     Legal Proceedings..........................................  A-17
    4.09     Information Supplied.......................................  A-18
</TABLE>
 
                                       i
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           NO.
                                                                           ----
 <C>          <S>                                                          <C>
    4.10      Compliance with Laws and Orders...........................   A-18
    4.11      Compliance with Agreements; Certain Agreements............   A-18
    4.12      Taxes.....................................................   A-19
    4.13      Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA.............................   A-19
    4.14      Labor Matters.............................................   A-20
    4.15      Environmental Matters.....................................   A-20
    4.16      Intellectual Property Rights..............................   A-20
    4.17      Vote Required.............................................   A-21
    4.18      Opinion of Financial Advisor..............................   A-22
    4.19      Ownership of Grizzly Common Stock.........................   A-22
    4.20      Control Share Statute Not Applicable......................   A-22
 ARTICLE V    COVENANTS.................................................   A-22
    5.01      Covenants of Grizzly and Lynx.............................   A-22
    5.02      No Solicitations..........................................   A-24
    5.03      Grizzly Rights Agreement..................................   A-25
    5.04      Conduct of Business of Sub................................   A-25
    5.05      Third Party Standstill Agreements.........................   A-25
    5.06      Purchases of Common Stock of the Other Party..............   A-25
    5.07      Adoption of Lynx Rights Agreement.........................   A-25
 ARTICLE VI   ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS.....................................   A-26
    6.01      Access to Information; Confidentiality....................   A-26
    6.02      Preparation of Registration Statement and Proxy
               Statement................................................   A-26
    6.03      Approval of Shareholders..................................   A-26
    6.04      Grizzly Affiliates........................................   A-27
    6.05      Stock Exchange Listing....................................   A-27
    6.06      Certain Tax Matters.......................................   A-27
    6.07      Regulatory and Other Approvals............................   A-28
    6.08      [Omitted].................................................   A-28
    6.09      Grizzly Stock Plan........................................   A-28
    6.10      Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance....   A-29
    6.11      Lynx Governance...........................................   A-30
    6.12      Continuation; Name Change.................................   A-30
    6.13      Stock Option Agreements...................................   A-30
    6.14      Expenses..................................................   A-30
    6.15      Brokers or Finders........................................   A-30
    6.16      Takeover Statutes.........................................   A-30
    6.17      Conveyance Taxes..........................................   A-31
 ARTICLE VII  CONDITIONS................................................   A-31
    7.01      Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the
               Merger...................................................   A-31
    7.02      Conditions to Obligation of Lynx and Sub to Effect the
               Merger...................................................   A-32
    7.03      Conditions to Obligation of Grizzly to Effect the Merger..   A-32
 ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER.........................   A-33
    8.01      Termination...............................................   A-33
    8.02      Effect of Termination.....................................   A-34
    8.03      Amendment.................................................   A-35
    8.04      Waiver....................................................   A-35
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          NO.
                                                                          ----
 <C>        <S>                                                           <C>
 ARTICLE IX GENERAL PROVISIONS..........................................  A-35
    9.01    Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and
             Agreements.................................................  A-35
    9.02    Notices.....................................................  A-35
    9.03    Entire Agreement; Incorporation of Exhibits.................  A-36
    9.04    Public Announcements........................................  A-36
    9.05    No Third Party Beneficiaries................................  A-36
    9.06    No Assignment; Binding Effect...............................  A-36
    9.07    Headings....................................................  A-37
    9.08    Invalid Provisions..........................................  A-37
    9.09    Governing Law...............................................  A-37
    9.10    Enforcement of Agreement....................................  A-37
    9.11    Certain Definitions.........................................  A-37
    9.12    Counterparts................................................  A-38
 EXHIBITS
 EXHIBIT A  Form of Affiliate Agreement
 EXHIBIT B  Form of Incorporation and Bylaws of Lynx Post-Merger
</TABLE>
 
                                      iii
<PAGE>
 
                           GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS
 
  The following terms, when used in this Agreement, have the meanings ascribed
to them in the corresponding Sections of this Agreement listed below:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
"affiliate"..............................................  Section 9.11(a)
"Affiliate Agreement"....................................  Section 6.04
"this Agreement".........................................  Preamble
"Alternative Proposal"...................................  Section 5.02
"Antitrust Division".....................................  Section 6.07
"Articles of Merger".....................................  Section 1.03
"beneficially"...........................................  Section 9.11(b)
"business day"...........................................  Section 9.11(c)
"CERCLA".................................................  Section 3.15(b)
"Certificates"...........................................  Section 2.02(b)
"Closing"................................................  Section 1.02
"Closing Date"...........................................  Section 1.02
"Code"...................................................  Section 3.13
"Common Stock Trust".....................................  Section 2.02(e)(iii)
"Confidentiality Agreement"..............................  Section 6.01(a
"Confidential Information"...............................  Section 6.01(a)
"Constituent Corporations"...............................  Section 1.01
"Contracts"..............................................  Section 3.04(a)
"control," "controlling," "controlled by" and "under com-
 mon control with".......................................  Section 9.11(a)
"Conversion Number"......................................  Section 2.01(c)
"Current Grizzly Directors"..............................  Section 6.11
"MBCL"...................................................  Section 1.01
"Dissenting Share".......................................  Section 2.01(d)(i)
"Effective Time".........................................  Section 1.03
"Environmental Law"......................................  Section 3.15(e)(i)
"Environmental Permits"..................................  Section 3.15(a)
"ERISA"..................................................  Section 3.13(b)(i)
"Excess Shares"..........................................  Section 2.02(e)(ii)
"Exchange Act"...........................................  Section 3.04(b)
"Exchange Agent".........................................  Section 2.02(a)
"Exchange Fund"..........................................  Section 2.02(a)
"FTC"....................................................  Section 6.07
"Grizzly"................................................  Preamble
"Grizzly Affiliates".....................................  Section 6.04
"Grizzly Common Stock"...................................  Section 2.01(b)
"Grizzly Disclosure Letter"..............................  Section 3.01
"Grizzly Employee Benefit Plan"..........................  Section 3.13(b)(i)
"Grizzly Financial Statements"...........................  Section 3.05
"Grizzly Option Plans"...................................  Section 2.01(e)
"Grizzly Permits"........................................  Section 3.10
"Grizzly Preferred Stock"................................  Section 3.02
"Grizzly Reports"........................................  Section 3.05
"Grizzly Rights".........................................  Section 3.02(a)
"Grizzly Rights Agreement"...............................  Section 3.02(a)
"Grizzly Series A Preferred Stock".......................  Section 3.02(a)
"Grizzly Stock Option"...................................  Section 6.09
"Grizzly Shareholders' Approval".........................  Section 6.03(b)
</TABLE>
 
                                       iv
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<S>                                                        <C>
"Governmental or Regulatory Authority".................... Section 3.04(a)
"group"................................................... Section 9.11(f)
"Hazardous Material"...................................... Section 3.15(e)(ii)
"HSR Act"................................................. Section 3.04(b)
"Indemnified Liabilities"................................. Section 6.10(a)
"Indemnified Parties"..................................... Section 6.10(a)
"Indemnifying Party"...................................... Section 6.10(a)
"Intellectual Property Rights"............................ Section 3.16(a)
"knowledge"............................................... Section 9.11(d)
"laws".................................................... Section 3.04(a)
"Lien".................................................... Section 3.02(b)
"Lynx".................................................... Preamble
"Lynx Common Stock"....................................... Section 2.01(c)
"Lynx Directors".......................................... Section 6.11
"Lynx Disclosure Letter".................................. Section 4.01
"Lynx Employee Benefit Plan".............................. Section 4.13(b)
"Lynx Financial Statements"............................... Section 4.05
"Lynx Option Plan"........................................ Section 5.01(b)
"Lynx Permits"............................................ Section 4.10
"Lynx Reports"............................................ Section 4.05
"Lynx Shareholders' Approval"............................. Section 6.03(a)
"Lynx Shareholders' Meeting".............................. Section 6.03(a)
"Lynx Shareholders' Proposals"............................ Section 6.03(a)
"Lynx U.S."............................................... Section 2.02
"material", "material adverse effect" and "materially ad-
 verse"................................................... Section 9.11(e)
"Merger".................................................. Preamble
"Options"................................................. Section 3.02(a)
"orders".................................................. Section 3.04(a)
"person".................................................. Section 9.11(f)
"Plan".................................................... Section 3.13(b)(ii)
"Principal Party"......................................... Section 5.01
"Proxy Statement"......................................... Section 3.09
"qualified stock options"................................. Section 6.09(a)
"Registration Statement".................................. Section 4.09
"Representatives"......................................... Section 9.11(g)
"SEC"..................................................... Section 3.04(b)
"Secretary of State"...................................... Section 1.03
"Securities Act".......................................... Section 3.04(b)
"Shareholders' Meetings".................................. Section 6.03(b)
"Stock Option Agreements"................................. Preamble
"Sub"..................................................... Preamble
"Sub Common Stock"........................................ Section 2.01(a)
"Subsidiaries"............................................ Section 9.11(h)
"Subsidiary".............................................. Section 9.11(h)
"Surviving Corporation"................................... Section 1.01
"Surviving Corporation Common Stock"...................... Section 2.01(a)
"taxes"................................................... Section 3.12(c)
</TABLE>    
 
                                       v
<PAGE>
 
   
  This AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER dated as of October
27, 1998 ("this Agreement") is made and entered into by and among LUMONICS
INC., an Ontario corporation ("Lynx"), GRIZZLY ACQUISITION CORP., a
Massachusetts corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Lynx ("Old Sub"),
NEW GRIZZLY ACQUISITION CORP., a Massachusetts corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Lynx U.S. (as defined in Section 2.02) ("Sub"), and GENERAL
SCANNING INC., a Massachusetts corporation ("Grizzly").     
   
  WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Lynx, Old Sub and Grizzly have each
previously determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of their
respective shareholders to consummate, and have approved, the merger of equals
business combination transaction provided for herein in which Sub would merge
with and into Grizzly and Grizzly would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Lynx (the "Merger");     
   
  WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Lynx, Old Sub, Sub and Grizzly have each
determined that it is advisable and in the best interest of their respective
shareholders to substitute Sub for Old Sub as a party to the Merger, the
Agreement and the Stock Option Agreements referred to below;     
   
  WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Lynx and Grizzly have
determined that the Merger is in furtherance of and consistent with their
respective long-term business strategies and is fair to and in the best
interests of their respective shareholders, and this Agreement as originally
executed and the Merger have been approved by the sole shareholder of Sub;     
   
  WHEREAS, concurrently with the original execution and delivery of this
Agreement and as condition and inducement to the parties' willingness to enter
into this Agreement, Grizzly, Lynx and Old Sub entered into Stock Option
Agreements of even date herewith (the "Stock Option Agreements") providing for
the granting by (i) Grizzly to Old Sub or Lynx of an option to purchase from
Grizzly up to 2,517,673 shares of Grizzly Common Stock (as defined in Section
2.01(b)) at U.S. $4.57 per share, and (ii) Lynx to Grizzly of an option to
purchase from Lynx up to 3,391,656 shares of Lynx Common Stock (as defined in
Section 2.01(c) at Can. $8.09 per share, in each case subject to the terms and
conditions set forth therein;     
   
  WHEREAS, Lynx, Sub and Grizzly desire to make certain representations,
warranties and agreements in connection with the Merger and also to prescribe
various conditions to the Merger; and     
   
  WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend and restate this Agreement in its
entirety to read as follows;     
   
  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set
forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
substitute Sub for Old Sub as a party to this Agreement and amend and restate
this Agreement to read in its entirety and agree as follows:     
                                    
                                 ARTICLE I     
 
                                   THE MERGER
 
  1.01 The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this
Agreement, at the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.03), Sub shall be
merged with and into Grizzly in accordance with the Business Corporation Law of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "MBCL"). At the Effective Time, the
separate existence of Sub shall cease and Grizzly shall continue as the
surviving corporation in the Merger (the "Surviving Corporation"). Sub and
Grizzly are sometimes referred to herein as the "Constituent Corporations". As
a result of the Merger, the outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Constituent Corporations shall be converted or cancelled in the manner provided
in Article II.
 
  1.02 Closing. Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated and the
transactions herein contemplated shall have been abandoned pursuant to Section
8.01, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where applicable) of the
conditions set forth in Article VII, the closing of the Merger (the "Closing")
will take place at the offices of LaBarge Weinstein, 333 Preston Street, 11th
floor, Ottawa, Ontario, at 10:00 a.m., local
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
time, on the fifth business day following satisfaction of the condition set
forth in Section 7.01(a) unless another date, time or place is agreed to in
writing by the parties hereto (the "Closing Date"). At the Closing there shall
be delivered to Lynx, Sub and Grizzly the certificates and other documents and
instruments required to be delivered under Article VII.
 
  1.03 Effective Time. At the Closing, articles of merger (the "Articles of
Merger") shall be duly prepared and executed by the Surviving Corporation and
thereafter delivered to the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (the "Secretary of State") for filing, as provided in Section 78
of the MBCL, as soon as practicable on the Closing Date. The Merger shall
become effective at the time of the filing of the Articles of Merger with the
Secretary of State (the date and time of such filing being referred to herein
as the "Effective Time").
 
  1.04 Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. At
the Effective Time, (i) the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation shall be amended to read in their entirety (except for the
corporate name) as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation of Sub as in
effect immediately prior to the Effective Time until thereafter amended as
provided by law and such Articles of Incorporation, and (ii) the Bylaws of Sub
as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the Bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended as provided by law, the Articles
of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation and such Bylaws.
 
  1.05 Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation. The directors of
Sub and the officers of Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, from
and after the Effective Time, be the directors and officers, respectively, of
the Surviving Corporation until their successors shall have been duly elected
or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal
in accordance with the Surviving Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws.
 
  1.06 Effects of the Merger. Subject to the foregoing, the effects of the
Merger shall be as provided in the applicable provisions of the MBCL.
 
  1.07 Further Assurances. Each party hereto will, either prior to or after the
Effective Time, execute such further documents, instruments, deeds, bills of
sale, assignments and assurances and take such further actions as may
reasonably be requested by one or more of the others to consummate the Merger,
to vest the Surviving Corporation with full title to all assets, properties,
privileges, rights, approvals, immunities and franchises of either of the
Constituent Corporations or to effect the other purposes of this Agreement.
                                   
                                ARTICLE II     
 
                              CONVERSION OF SHARES
 
  2.01 Conversion of Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof:
 
    (a) Capital Stock of Sub. Each issued and outstanding share of the common
  stock, par value U.S. $.01 per share, of Sub ("Sub Common Stock") shall be
  converted into and become one fully paid and nonassessable share of common
  stock, par value U.S.$.01 per share, of the Surviving Corporation
  ("Surviving Corporation Common Stock"). Each certificate representing
  outstanding shares of Sub Common Stock shall at the Effective Time
  represent an equal number of shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock.
 
    (b) Cancellation of Treasury Stock and Stock Owned by Lynx and
  Subsidiaries. All shares of common stock, par value U.S. $.01 per share, of
  Grizzly ("Grizzly Common Stock") that are owned by Grizzly as treasury
  stock and any shares of Grizzly Common Stock owned by Lynx, Sub or any
  other wholly-owned Subsidiary (as defined in Section 9.11) of Lynx shall be
  canceled and retired and shall cease to exist and no stock of Lynx or other
  consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor.
 
    (c) Exchange Ratio for Grizzly Common Stock. (i) Each issued and
  outstanding share of Grizzly Common Stock (other than shares to be canceled
  in accordance with Section 2.01(b) and other than
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
  Dissenting Shares (as defined in Section 2.01(d))) shall be converted into
  the right to receive 1.347 (the "Conversion Number") fully paid and
  nonassessable shares of common stock of Lynx ("Lynx Common Stock").
 
      (ii) If, prior to the Effective Time, Lynx shall pay a dividend in,
    subdivide, combine into a smaller number of shares or issue by
    reclassification of its shares any shares of Lynx Common Stock, the
    Conversion Number shall be multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of
    which shall be the number of shares of Lynx Common Stock outstanding
    immediately after, and the denominator of which shall be the number of
    such shares outstanding immediately before, the occurrence of such
    event, and the resulting product shall from and after the date of such
    event be the Conversion Number, subject to further adjustment in
    accordance with this paragraph. If, prior to the Effective Time,
    Grizzly shall pay a dividend in, subdivide, combine into a smaller
    number of shares or issue by reclassification of its shares any shares
    of Grizzly Common Stock, the Conversion Number shall be multiplied by a
    fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of
    Grizzly Common Stock outstanding immediately before, and the
    denominator of which shall be the number of such shares outstanding
    immediately after, the occurrence of such event, and the resulting
    product shall from and after the date of such event be the Conversion
    Number, subject to further adjustment in accordance with this
    paragraph.
 
      (iii) All shares of Grizzly Common Stock converted in accordance with
    paragraph (i) of this Section 2.01(c) shall no longer be outstanding
    and shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall cease to
    exist, and each holder of a certificate representing any such shares
    shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right
    to receive the shares of Lynx Common Stock and any cash in lieu of
    fractional shares of Lynx Common Stock to be issued or paid in
    consideration therefor (determined in accordance with Section 2.02(e)),
    upon the surrender of such certificate in accordance with Section 2.02,
    without interest.
 
    (d) Dissenting Shares. (i) Notwithstanding any provision of this
  Agreement to the contrary, each outstanding share of Grizzly Common Stock
  the holder of which has not voted in favor of the Merger, has perfected
  such holder's right to an appraisal of such holder's shares in accordance
  with the applicable provisions of the MBCL and has not effectively
  withdrawn or lost such right to appraisal (a "Dissenting Share") shall not
  be converted into or represent a right to receive shares of Lynx Common
  Stock pursuant to Section 2.01(c), but the holder thereof shall be entitled
  only to such rights as are granted by the applicable provisions of the
  MBCL; provided, however, that any Dissenting Share held by a person at the
  Effective Time who shall, after the Effective Time, withdraw the demand for
  appraisal or lose the right of appraisal, in either case pursuant to the
  MBCL, shall be deemed to be converted into, as of the Effective Time, the
  right to receive shares of Lynx Common Stock pursuant to Section 2.01(c).
 
      (ii) Grizzly shall give Lynx (x) prompt notice of any written demands
    for appraisal, withdrawals of demands for appraisal and any other
    instruments served pursuant to the applicable provisions of the MBCL
    relating to the appraisal process received by Grizzly and (y) the
    opportunity to participate in all negotiations and proceedings with
    respect to demands for appraisal under the MBCL. Grizzly will not
    voluntarily make any payment with respect to any demands for appraisal
    and will not, except with the prior written consent of Lynx, settle or
    offer to settle any such demands.
 
    (e) Stock Option Plans. Subject to Canadian securities law and The
  Toronto Stock Exchange rules and subject to the terms and conditions of
  Grizzly's Director Warrant Plan, 1981 Stock Option Plan and 1992 Stock
  Option Plan (the "Grizzly Option Plans") and the stock option agreements
  executed pursuant thereto the Grizzly Option Plans and each warrant or
  option to purchase Grizzly Common Stock granted thereunder that is
  outstanding at the Effective Time shall be assumed by Lynx and continued in
  accordance with their respective terms and each such warrant or option
  shall become a right to purchase a number of shares of Lynx Common Stock
  equal to the Conversion Number multiplied by the number of shares of
  Grizzly Common Stock subject to such warrant or option immediately prior to
  the Effective Time, as more fully described in Section 6.09.
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
  2.02 Exchange of Certificates.
     
    (a) Exchange Agent. Prior to the Effective Time, Lynx shall issue certain
  shares of Lynx Common Stock to Lumonics Corporation, a Michigan corporation
  wholly owned by Lynx ("Lynx U.S."), as a capital contribution and shall
  issue certain shares of Lynx Common Stock to Lynx U.S. in exchange for
  either cash or a note. In addition, prior to the Effective Time, Lynx shall
  issue shares of Lynx Common Stock to Lynx U.S. as either a capital
  contribution or a sale, in an amount as may be required by any increase in
  the Conversion Number and promptly after the Effective Time shall
  contribute to Lynx U.S. cash in an amount equal to the aggregate amount
  payable in lieu of fractional shares in accordance with Section 2.02(e).
  Prior to the Effective Time, Lynx U.S. shall cause all such shares to be
  contributed to Sub. Promptly following the Effective Time, Lynx shall cause
  Lynx U.S. to make available to the Surviving Corporation for deposit with a
  bank, trust company or transfer agent designated before the Closing Date by
  Lynx and reasonably acceptable to Grizzly (the "Exchange Agent")
  certificates representing the number of duly authorized whole shares of
  Lynx Common Stock issuable in connection with the Merger plus an amount of
  cash equal to the aggregate amount payable in lieu of fractional shares in
  accordance with Section 2.02(e), to be held for the benefit of and
  distributed to such holders in accordance with this Section. The Exchange
  Agent shall agree to hold such shares of Lynx Common Stock and funds (such
  shares of Lynx Common Stock and funds, together with earnings thereon,
  being referred to herein as the "Exchange Fund") for delivery as
  contemplated by this Section and upon such additional terms as may be
  agreed upon by the Exchange Agent, Grizzly and Lynx.     
 
    (b) Exchange Procedures. As soon as reasonably practicable after the
  Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall cause the Exchange Agent to
  mail to each holder of record of a certificate or certificates which
  immediately prior to the Effective Time represented outstanding shares of
  Grizzly Common Stock (the "Certificates") whose shares are converted
  pursuant to Section 2.01(c) into the right to receive shares of Lynx Common
  Stock (i) a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall
  be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass,
  only upon delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent and shall be
  in such form and have such other provisions as the Surviving Corporation
  may reasonably specify) and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the
  surrender of the Certificates in exchange for certificates representing
  shares of Lynx Common Stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares. Upon
  surrender of a Certificate for cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together
  with such letter of transmittal duly executed and completed in accordance
  with its terms, the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive
  in exchange therefor a certificate representing that number of whole shares
  of Lynx Common Stock, plus the cash amount payable in lieu of fractional
  shares in accordance with Section 2.02(e), which such holder has the right
  to receive pursuant to the provisions of this Article II, and the
  Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. In no event shall
  the holder of any Certificate be entitled to receive interest on any funds
  to be received in the Merger. In the event of a transfer of ownership of
  Grizzly Common Stock which is not registered in the transfer records of
  Grizzly, a certificate representing that number of whole shares of Lynx
  Common Stock, plus the cash amount payable in lieu of fractional shares in
  accordance with Section 2.02(e), may be issued to a transferee if the
  Certificate representing such Grizzly Common Stock is presented to the
  Exchange Agent accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect
  such transfer and by evidence that any applicable stock transfer taxes have
  been paid. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 2.02(b), each
  Certificate shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time for all
  corporate purposes of Lynx, except as limited by paragraph (c) below, to
  represent ownership of the number of shares of Lynx Common Stock into which
  the number of shares of Grizzly Common Stock shown thereon have been
  converted as contemplated by this Article II. Notwithstanding the
  foregoing, Certificates representing Grizzly Common Stock surrendered for
  exchange by any person constituting an "affiliate" of Grizzly for purposes
  of Section 6.04 shall not be exchanged until Lynx has received an Affiliate
  Agreement (as defined in Section 6.04) executed by such person as provided
  in Section 6.04.
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
    (c) Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares. No dividends or
  other distributions declared or made after the Effective Time with respect
  to Lynx Common Stock with a record date on or after the Effective Time
  shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect
  to the shares of Lynx Common Stock represented thereby and no cash payment
  in lieu of fractional shares shall be paid to any such holder pursuant to
  Section 2.02(e) until the holder of record of such Certificate shall
  surrender such Certificate in accordance with this Section (or affidavits
  of loss with respect to lost, stolen or destroyed certificates). Subject to
  the effect of applicable laws, following surrender of any such Certificate
  or affidavit, there shall be paid to the record holder of the certificates
  representing whole shares of Lynx Common Stock issued in exchange therefor,
  without interest, (i) at the time of such surrender, the amount of
  dividends or other distributions, if any, with a record date on or after
  the Effective Time which theretofore became payable, but which were not
  paid by reason of the immediately preceding sentence, with respect to such
  whole shares of Lynx Common Stock, and (ii) at the appropriate payment
  date, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date on
  or after the Effective Time but prior to surrender and a payment date
  subsequent to surrender payable with respect to such whole shares of Lynx
  Common Stock.
 
    (d) No Further Ownership Rights in Grizzly Common Stock. All shares of
  Lynx Common Stock issued upon the surrender for exchange of Certificates in
  accordance with the terms hereof (including any cash paid pursuant to
  Section 2.02(e)) shall be deemed to have been issued at the Effective Time
  in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the shares of Grizzly
  Common Stock represented thereby. From and after the Effective Time, the
  stock transfer books of Grizzly shall be closed and there shall be no
  further registration of transfers on the stock transfer books of the
  Surviving Corporation of the shares of Grizzly Common Stock which were
  outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the
  Effective Time, Certificates are presented to the Surviving Corporation for
  any reason, they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this
  Section.
     
    (e) No Fractional Shares. (i) No certificate or scrip representing
  fractional shares of Lynx Common Stock will be issued in the Merger upon
  the surrender for exchange of Certificates, and such fractional share
  interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any rights of a
  shareholder of Lynx. In lieu of any such fractional shares, each holder of
  Certificates who would otherwise have been entitled to a fraction of a
  share of Lynx Common Stock in exchange for such Certificates pursuant to
  this Section shall receive from the Exchange Agent a cash payment in U.S.
  dollars without interest in lieu of such fractional share determined by
  multiplying such fraction by the average of the last sale prices of Lynx
  Common Stock, as reported by The Toronto Stock Exchange, for the five
  Toronto Stock Exchange trading days immediately preceding the Effective
  Date. As promptly as practicable after the determination of the amount of
  cash, if any, to be paid to holders of fractional interests, the Exchange
  Agent shall so notify Lynx, and Lynx shall cause Lynx U.S. to cause the
  Surviving Corporation to deposit such amount with the Exchange Agent and
  shall cause the Exchange Agent to forward payments to such holders of
  fractional interests subject to and in accordance with the terms hereof.
      
    (f) Termination of Exchange Fund and Common Stock Trust. Any portion of
  the Exchange Fund and Common Stock Trust which remains undistributed to the
  shareholders of Grizzly for six months after the Effective Time shall be
  delivered to the Surviving Corporation, upon demand, and any shareholders
  of Grizzly who have not theretofore complied with this Article II shall
  thereafter look only to the Surviving Corporation (subject to abandoned
  property, escheat and other similar laws) as general creditors for payment
  of their claim for Lynx Common Stock, any cash in lieu of fractional shares
  of Lynx Common Stock and any dividends or distributions with respect to
  Lynx Common Stock. Neither Lynx nor the Surviving Corporation shall be
  liable to any holder of shares of Grizzly Common Stock for shares of Lynx
  Common Stock (or dividends or distributions with respect thereto) or cash
  payable in respect of fractional share interests delivered to a public
  official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar
  law.
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
                                   
                                ARTICLE III     
 
                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GRIZZLY
   
  Grizzly represents and warrants to Lynx and Sub as of October 27, 1998 as
follows:     
   
  3.01 Organization and Qualification. Each of Grizzly and its Subsidiaries (as
defined in Section 9.11) is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and
has full corporate power and authority to conduct its business as and to the
extent now conducted and to own, use and lease its assets and properties,
except for such failures to be so incorporated, existing and in good standing
or to have such power and authority which, individually or in the aggregate,
are not having and could not be reasonably expected to have a material adverse
effect (as defined in Section 9.11) on Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole. Each of Grizzly and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified, licensed or
admitted to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
the ownership, use or leasing of its assets and properties, or the conduct or
nature of its business, makes such qualification, licensing or admission
necessary, except for such failures to be so qualified, licensed or admitted
and in good standing which, individually or in the aggregate, are not having
and could not be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on
Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Section 3.01 of the letter dated
the date hereof and delivered to Lynx and Old Sub by Grizzly concurrently with
the original execution and delivery of this Agreement (the "Grizzly Disclosure
Letter") sets forth (i) the name and jurisdiction of incorporation of each
Subsidiary of Grizzly, (ii) its authorized capital stock, (iii) the number of
issued and outstanding shares of its capital stock and (iv) the record owners
of such shares. Except for interests in the Subsidiaries of Grizzly and as
disclosed in Section 3.01 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter, Grizzly does not
directly or indirectly own any equity or similar interest in, or any interest
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for, any equity or similar
interest in, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint
venture or other business association or entity (other than (i) non-controlling
investments in the ordinary course of business and corporate partnering,
development, cooperative marketing and similar undertakings and arrangements
entered into in the ordinary course of business and (ii) other investments of
less than U.S. $100,000). Grizzly has previously made available to Lynx correct
and complete copies of the certificate or articles of incorporation and bylaws
(or other comparable charter documents) of Grizzly.     
 
  3.02 Capital Stock. (a) The authorized capital stock of Grizzly consists
solely of 30,000,000 shares of Grizzly Common Stock and 1,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $.01 per share ("Grizzly Preferred Stock"). As of
the close of business on October 26, 1998, 12,651,626 shares of Grizzly Common
Stock were issued and outstanding, 366,073 shares were held in the treasury of
Grizzly and 2,100,000 shares we reserved for issuance upon the exercise of
Options under the Grizzly Option Plans of which 1,440,315 were granted and are
outstanding. Since such date, there has been no change in the number of issued
and outstanding shares of Grizzly Common Stock or shares of Grizzly Common
Stock held in treasury or reserved for issuance other than the reservation of
2,517,673 shares pursuant to the relevant Stock Option Agreement. As of the
date hereof, no shares of Grizzly Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding
and 3,000 shares are designated Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock
("Grizzly Series A Preferred Stock") and are reserved for issuance in
accordance with the Rights Agreement dated as of May 1, 1997, as amended, by
and between Grizzly and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights
Agent (the "Grizzly Rights Agreement"), pursuant to which Grizzly has issued
rights (the "Grizzly Rights") to purchase shares of Grizzly Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock. All of the issued and outstanding shares of
Grizzly Common Stock are, and all shares reserved for issuance will be, upon
issuance in accordance with the terms specified in the instruments or
agreements pursuant to which they are issuable, duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Except pursuant to this Agreement, the
Grizzly Rights Agreement and the Stock Option Agreements and except as set
forth in Section 3.02 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter, there are no
outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, rights (including "phantom" stock
rights), preemptive rights or other contracts, commitments, understandings or
arrangements, including any right of conversion or exchange under any
outstanding security, instrument or agreement (together, "Options"), obligating
Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries to issue or sell any shares of capital stock
of Grizzly or to grant, extend or enter into any Option with respect thereto.
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
  (b) Except as disclosed in Section 3.02 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter, all
of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary of Grizzly are
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and are owned,
beneficially and of record, by Grizzly or a Subsidiary wholly owned, directly
or indirectly, by Grizzly, free and clear of any liens, claims, mortgages,
encumbrances, pledges, security interests, equities and charges of any kind
(each a "Lien"). Except as disclosed in Section 3.02 of the Grizzly Disclosure
Letter, there are no (i) outstanding Options obligating Grizzly or any of its
Subsidiaries to issue or sell any shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary of
Grizzly or to grant, extend or enter into any such Option or (ii) voting
trusts, proxies or other commitments, understandings, restrictions or
arrangements in favor of any person other than Grizzly or a Subsidiary wholly
owned, directly or indirectly, by Grizzly with respect to the voting of or the
right to participate in dividends or other earnings on any capital stock of any
Subsidiary of Grizzly.
 
  (c) Except as disclosed in Section 3.02 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter,
there are no outstanding contractual obligations of Grizzly or any Subsidiary
of Grizzly to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of Grizzly
Common Stock or any capital stock of any Subsidiary of Grizzly or to provide
funds to, or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution
or otherwise) in, any Subsidiary of Grizzly or any other person.
 
  3.03 Authority Relative to This Agreement. Grizzly has full corporate power
and authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to obtaining the
Grizzly Shareholders' Approval (as defined in Section 6.03(b)), to perform its
obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Grizzly and the
consummation by Grizzly of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
and validly approved by the Board of Directors of Grizzly, the Board of
Directors of Grizzly has recommended adoption of this Agreement by the
shareholders of Grizzly and directed that this Agreement be submitted to the
shareholders of Grizzly for their consideration, and no other corporate
proceedings on the part of Grizzly or its shareholders are necessary to
authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Grizzly
and the consummation by Grizzly of the transactions contemplated hereby, other
than obtaining the Grizzly Shareholders' Approval. This Agreement has been duly
and validly executed and delivered by Grizzly and constitutes a legal, valid
and binding obligation of Grizzly enforceable against Grizzly in accordance
with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general equitable principles
(regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in
equity or at law).
 
  3.04 Non-Contravention; Approvals and Consents. (a) The execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Grizzly do not, and the performance by Grizzly of
its obligations hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby will not, conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, constitute
(with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, result in or
give to any person any right of payment or reimbursement, termination,
cancellation, modification or acceleration of, or result in the creation or
imposition of any Lien upon any of the assets or properties of Grizzly or any
of its Subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of (i)
the certificates or articles of incorporation or bylaws (or other comparable
charter documents) of Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) subject to
the obtaining of Grizzly Shareholders' Approval and the taking of the actions
described in paragraph (b) of this Section, (x) any statute, law, rule,
regulation or ordinance (together, "laws"), or any judgment, decree, order,
writ, permit or license (together, "orders"), of any court, tribunal,
arbitrator, authority, agency, commission, official or other instrumentality of
the United States, any foreign country or any domestic or foreign state,
province, county, city or other political subdivision (a "Governmental or
Regulatory Authority") applicable to Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries or any
of their respective assets or properties, or (y) any note, bond, mortgage,
security agreement, indenture, license, franchise, permit, concession,
contract, lease or other instrument, obligation or agreement of any kind
(together, "Contracts") to which Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries is a party
or by which Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective
assets or properties is bound, excluding from the foregoing clauses (x) and (y)
conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults, terminations, modifications,
accelerations and creations and
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
impositions of Liens which, individually or in the aggregate, could not be
reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on Grizzly and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the ability of Grizzly to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
  (b) Except (i) for the filing of a premerger notification report by Grizzly
under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and
the rules and regulations thereunder (the "HSR Act"), (ii) for the filing of
the Proxy Statement (as defined in Section 3.09) and the Registration Statement
(as defined in Section 4.09) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the
rules and regulations thereunder (the "Exchange Act"), and the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the "Securities
Act"), the declaration of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement by
the SEC and filings with various state securities authorities that are required
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) for
the filing of the Certificate of Merger and other appropriate merger documents
required by the MBCL with the Secretary of State and appropriate documents with
the relevant authorities of other states in which the Constituent Corporations
are qualified to do business, (iv) the filing(s) as may be required by the
Investment Canada Act and/or the Competition Act (Canada) and (v) as disclosed
in Section 3.04 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter, no consent, approval or
action of, filing with or notice to any Governmental or Regulatory Authority or
other public or private third party is necessary or required under any of the
terms, conditions or provisions of any law or order of any Governmental or
Regulatory Authority or any Contract to which Grizzly or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries or any
of their respective assets or properties is bound for the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Grizzly, the performance by Grizzly of its
obligations hereunder or the consummation by Grizzly of the transactions
contemplated hereby, other than such consents, approvals, actions, filings and
notices which the failure to make or obtain, as the case may be, individually
or in the aggregate, could not be reasonably expected to have a material
adverse effect on Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the
ability of Grizzly to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
 
  3.05 Reports and Financial Statements. Grizzly has made available to Lynx
prior to the execution of this Agreement a true and complete copy of each form,
report, schedule, registration statement, definitive proxy statement and other
document (together with all amendments thereof and supplements thereto) filed
by Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries with the SEC since January 1, 1993 (as
such documents have since the time of their filing been amended or
supplemented, the "Grizzly Reports"), which are all the documents (other than
preliminary material) that Grizzly and its Subsidiaries were required to file
with the SEC since such date. As of their respective dates, the Grizzly Reports
(i) complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the
Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and (ii) did not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim
consolidated financial statements (including, in each case, the notes, if any,
thereto) included in the Grizzly Reports (the "Grizzly Financial Statements")
complied as to form in all material respects with the published rules and
regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States applied on a
consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated
therein or in the notes thereto and except with respect to unaudited statements
as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) and fairly present (subject, in the case
of the unaudited interim financial statements, to normal, recurring year-end
audit adjustments (which are not expected to be, individually or in the
aggregate, materially adverse to Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole)) the consolidated financial position of Grizzly and its consolidated
subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of
their operations and cash flows for the respective periods then ended. Except
as set forth in Section 3.05 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter, each Subsidiary
of Grizzly is treated as a consolidated subsidiary of Grizzly in the Grizzly
Financial Statements for all periods covered thereby.
 
  3.06 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as disclosed in Grizzly
Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or in Section 3.06 of the
Grizzly Disclosure Letter, (a) since June 30, 1998 there has not
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
 
been any change, event or development (excluding stock market fluctuations,
changes in general economic conditions, or any change, event, or development
having, or that could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a material adverse effect on companies in the industries in which
Grizzly operates generally) having, or that could be reasonably expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on Grizzly
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, and (b) between such date and the date
hereof (i) Grizzly and its Subsidiaries have conducted their respective
businesses only in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and (ii)
neither Grizzly nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action which, if
taken after the date hereof, would constitute a breach of any provision of
clause (ii) of Section 5.01(b).
 
  3.07 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except for matters reflected or
reserved against in the consolidated balance sheet of Grizzly and its
consolidated subsidiaries dated June 30, 1998 included in the Grizzly Financial
Statements or as disclosed in Section 3.07 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter,
neither Grizzly nor any of its Subsidiaries had at such date, or has incurred
since that date, any liabilities or obligations (whether absolute, accrued,
contingent, fixed or otherwise, or whether due or to become due) of any nature
that would be required by generally accepted accounting principles to be
reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of Grizzly and its consolidated
subsidiaries (including the notes thereto), except liabilities or obligations
(i) which were incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice or (ii) which have not been, and could not be reasonably expected to
be, individually or in the aggregate, materially adverse to Grizzly and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
  3.08 Legal Proceedings. Except as disclosed in the Grizzly Reports filed
prior to the date of this Agreement or in Section 3.08 of the Grizzly
Disclosure Letter, (i) there are no actions, suits, arbitrations or proceedings
pending or, to the knowledge of Grizzly, threatened against, relating to or
affecting, nor to the knowledge of Grizzly are there any Governmental or
Regulatory Authority investigations or audits pending or threatened against,
relating to or affecting, Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective assets and properties which, individually or in the aggregate, could
be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on Grizzly and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the ability of Grizzly to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) neither Grizzly nor any
of its Subsidiaries is subject to any order of any Governmental or Regulatory
Authority which, individually or in the aggregate, is having or could be
reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on Grizzly and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the ability of Grizzly to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
  3.09 Information Supplied. The joint proxy statement relating to the
Shareholders' Meetings (as defined in Section 6.03(b)), as amended or
supplemented from time to time (as so amended and supplemented, the "Proxy
Statement"), and any other documents to be filed by Grizzly with the SEC, The
Toronto Stock Exchange or any other Governmental or Regulatory Authority in
connection with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby will
(in the case of the Proxy Statement and any such other documents filed with the
SEC under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act) comply as to form in all
material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the Securities
Act, respectively, and will not, on the date of its filing or, in the case of
the Proxy Statement, at the date it is mailed to shareholders of Grizzly and of
Lynx and at the times of the Shareholders' Meetings, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light
of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading, except that no
representation is made by Grizzly with respect to information supplied in
writing by or on behalf of Lynx or Sub expressly for inclusion therein and
information incorporated by reference therein from documents filed by Lynx or
any of its Subsidiaries with the SEC.
 
  3.10 Compliance with Laws and Orders. Grizzly and its Subsidiaries hold all
permits, licenses, variances, exemptions, orders and approvals of all
Governmental and Regulatory Authorities necessary for the lawful conduct of
their respective businesses as presently conducted (the "Grizzly Permits"),
except for failures to hold such permits, licenses, variances, exemptions,
orders and approvals which, individually or in the aggregate, are not having
and could not be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on
Grizzly
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
 
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Grizzly and its Subsidiaries are in
compliance with the terms of the Grizzly Permits, except failures so to comply
which, individually or in the aggregate, are not having and could not be
reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on Grizzly and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Except as disclosed in the Grizzly Reports filed
prior to the date of this Agreement, Grizzly and its Subsidiaries are not in
violation of or default under any law or order of any Governmental or
Regulatory Authority, except for such violations or defaults which,
individually or in the aggregate, are not having and could not be reasonably
expected to have a material adverse effect on Grizzly and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole.
 
  3.11 Compliance with Agreements; Certain Agreements. (a) Except as disclosed
in the Grizzly Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, neither
Grizzly nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of Grizzly, any other
party thereto is in breach or violation of, or in default in the performance or
observance of any term or provision of, and no event has occurred which, with
notice or lapse of time or both, could be reasonably expected to result in a
default under, (i) the certificates or articles of incorporation or bylaws (or
other comparable charter documents) of Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries or
(ii) any Contract to which Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by
which Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets or
properties is bound, except in the case of clause (ii) for breaches, violations
and defaults which, individually or in the aggregate, are not having and could
not be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on Grizzly and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Except for this Agreement and those agreements
and other documents filed as exhibits to the Grizzly Reports or set forth in
Section 3.11 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter, as of the date of this
Agreement, neither Grizzly nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound
by (i) any "material contract" within the meaning of item 601(b)(10) of the
SEC's Regulation S-K or (ii) any non-competition agreement or other agreement
or arrangement that materially restricts it or any of its Subsidiaries from
competing in any line of business.
 
  (b) Except as disclosed in Section 3.11 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter or
in the Grizzly Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or as provided
for in this Agreement, as of the date hereof, neither Grizzly nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to any oral or written (i) consulting agreement not
terminable on 30 days' or less notice involving the payment of more than U.S.
$100,000 per annum in the aggregate for all such agreements, (ii) union or
collective bargaining agreement which covers any employees, (iii) agreement
with any executive officer or other employee of Grizzly or any of its
Subsidiaries the benefits of which are contingent or vest, or the terms of
which are materially altered, upon the occurrence of a transaction involving
Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries of the nature contemplated by this
Agreement, (iv) agreement with respect to any executive officer or other
employee of Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries providing any term of employment
or compensation guarantee or (v) agreement or plan, including any stock option,
stock appreciation right, restricted stock or stock purchase plan, any of the
benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting of the benefits of which
will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement or the value of any of the benefits of which will be
calculated on the basis of any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
 
  3.12 Taxes. (a) Each of Grizzly and its Subsidiaries has filed all material
tax returns and reports required to be filed by it, or requests for extensions
to file such returns or reports have been timely filed or granted and have not
expired, and all tax returns and reports are complete and accurate in all
respects, except to the extent that such failures to file, have extensions
granted that remain in effect or be complete and accurate in all respects, as
applicable, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse
effect on Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Grizzly and each of
its Subsidiaries has paid (or Grizzly has paid on its behalf) all taxes shown
as due on such tax returns and reports. The most recent financial statements
contained in the Grizzly Reports reflect an adequate reserve for all taxes
payable by Grizzly and its Subsidiaries for all taxable periods and portions
thereof accrued through the date of such financial statements, and no
deficiencies for any taxes have been proposed, asserted or assessed against
Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries that are not adequately reserved for, except
for inadequately reserved taxes and inadequately reserved deficiencies that
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on
Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. No requests for waivers of the
time to assess any taxes against Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries
 
                                      A-10
<PAGE>
 
have been granted or are pending, except for requests with respect to such
taxes that have been adequately reserved for in the most recent financial
statements contained in the Grizzly Reports, or, to the extent not adequately
reserved, the assessment of which would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a material adverse effect on Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole.
 
  (b) To the best knowledge of Grizzly, there are no liens for material amounts
of taxes on the assets of Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries except for
statutory liens for current taxes not yet due and payable.
 
  (c) As used in this Section 3.12 and in Section 4.12, "taxes" shall include
all federal, provincial, state, local and foreign income, capital, franchise,
property, sales, use, goods and services, excise, land transfer, workers
compensation, employment insurance, workers health and other taxes, including
obligations for taxes and other amounts required to be withheld from payments
due or made to any other person (including employees and non-resident persons)
and any interest, penalties or additions to tax.
 
  3.13 Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA. (a) Except as described in the Grizzly
Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or as would not have a
material adverse effect on Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (i)
all Grizzly Employee Benefit Plans (as defined below) are in compliance with
all applicable requirements of law, including ERISA and the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and (ii) neither Grizzly nor any of its
Subsidiaries has any liabilities or obligations with respect to any such
Grizzly Employee Benefit Plans, whether accrued, contingent or otherwise, nor
to the knowledge of Grizzly are any such liabilities or obligations expected to
be incurred. The execution of, and performance of the transactions contemplated
in, this Agreement will not (either alone or upon the occurrence of any
additional or subsequent events) constitute an event under any Grizzly Employee
Benefit Plan that will or may result in any payment (whether of severance pay
or otherwise), acceleration, forgiveness of indebtedness, vesting,
distribution, increase in benefits or obligation to fund benefits with respect
to any employee. The only severance agreements or severance policies applicable
to Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries are the agreements and policies
specifically referred to in Section 3.13 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter. The
last date on which stock options were granted to any officer or director of
Grizzly was May 15, 1998. Except as set forth in Section 3.13 of the Grizzly
Disclosure Letter, Grizzly has caused the executive party to all existing
executive retention agreements to waive application of such agreement to the
Merger, and copies of such waivers have been furnished to Lynx. The Board of
Directors of Grizzly has amended all Grizzly's deferred compensation agreements
so that the Merger will not result in the maturity thereof.
 
  (b) As used herein:
 
    (i) "Grizzly Employee Benefit Plan" means any Plan entered into,
  established, maintained, sponsored, contributed to or required to be
  contributed to by Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of the
  current or former employees or directors of Grizzly or any of its
  Subsidiaries and existing on the date of this Agreement or at any time
  subsequent thereto and on or prior to the Effective Time and, in the case
  of a Plan which is subject to Part 3 of Title I of the Employee Retirement
  Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations
  thereunder ("ERISA"), Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, at any
  time during the five-year period preceding the date of this Agreement; and
 
    (ii) "Plan" means any employment, bonus, incentive compensation, deferred
  compensation, pension, profit sharing, retirement, stock purchase, stock
  option, stock ownership, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, leave of
  absence, layoff, vacation, day or dependent care, legal services,
  cafeteria, life, health, medical, accident, disability, workmen's
  compensation or other insurance, severance, separation, termination, change
  of control or other benefit plan, agreement, practice, policy, program or
  arrangement of any kind, whether written or oral, including, but not
  limited to any "employee benefit plan" within the meaning of Section 3(3)
  of ERISA.
 
  3.14 Labor Matters. Except as disclosed in the Grizzly Reports filed prior to
the date of this Agreement or in Section 3.14 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter,
there are no material controversies pending or, to the knowledge of Grizzly,
threatened between Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries and any representatives
of its
 
                                      A-11
<PAGE>
 
employees, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
material adverse effect on Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, and,
to the knowledge of Grizzly, there are no material organizational efforts
presently being made involving any of the now unorganized employees of Grizzly
or any of its Subsidiaries. Since January 1, 1993, there has been no work
stoppage, strike or other concerted action by employees of Grizzly or any of
its Subsidiaries except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
material adverse effect on Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
  3.15 Environmental Matters. (a) Each of Grizzly and its Subsidiaries has
obtained all licenses, permits, authorizations, approvals and consents from
Governmental or Regulatory Authorities which are required under any applicable
Environmental Law (as defined below) in respect of its business or operations
("Environmental Permits"), except for such failures to have Environmental
Permits which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on Grizzly and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole. Each of such Environmental Permits is in full force and
effect and each of Grizzly and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with the terms
and conditions of all such Environmental Permits and with any applicable
Environmental Law, except for such failures to be in compliance which,
individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
  (b) To the knowledge of Grizzly, no site or facility now or previously owned,
operated or leased by Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries is listed or proposed
for listing on the National Priorities List promulgated pursuant to the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980,
as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder ("CERCLA"), or on any
similar state or local list of sites requiring investigation or clean-up.
 
  (c) No Liens have arisen under or pursuant to any Environmental Law on any
site or facility owned, operated or leased by Grizzly or any of its
Subsidiaries, other than any such real property not individually or in the
aggregate material to Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, and no
action of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority has been taken or, to the
knowledge of Grizzly, is in process which could subject any of such properties
to such Liens, and neither Grizzly nor any of its Subsidiaries would be
required to place any notice or restriction relating to the presence of
Hazardous Materials at any such site or facility owned by it in any deed to the
real property on which such site or facility is located.
 
  (d) There have been no environmental investigations, studies, audits, tests,
reviews or other analyses conducted by, or which are in the possession of,
Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries in relation to any site or facility now or
previously owned, operated or leased by Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries
which have not been delivered to Lynx prior to the execution of this Agreement.
 
  (e) As used herein in this Section 3.15 and in Section 4.15:
 
    (i) "Environmental Law" means any law or order of any Governmental or
  Regulatory Authority relating to the regulation or protection of human
  health, safety or the environment or to emissions, discharges, releases or
  threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals or industrial,
  toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into the environment (including,
  without limitation, ambient air, soil, surface water, ground water,
  wetlands, land or subsurface strata), or otherwise relating to the
  manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal,
  transport or handling of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals or industrial,
  toxic or hazardous substances or wastes; and
 
    (ii) "Hazardous Material" means (A) any petroleum or petroleum products,
  flammable explosives, radioactive materials, asbestos in any form that is
  or could become friable, urea formaldehyde foam insulation and transformers
  or other equipment that contain dielectric fluid containing levels of
  polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); (B) any chemicals or other materials or
  substances which are now or hereafter become defined as or included in the
  definition of "hazardous substances," "hazardous wastes," "hazardous
  materials," "extremely hazardous wastes," "restricted hazardous wastes,"
  "toxic substances," "toxic pollutants" or words of similar import under any
  Environmental Law; and (C) any other chemical or other material or
  substance, exposure to which is now or hereafter prohibited, limited or
  regulated by any Governmental or Regulatory Authority under any
  Environmental Law.
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>
 
  3.16 Intellectual Property Rights. Except as set forth in Section 3.16 of the
Grizzly Disclosure Letter, (a) Grizzly and its Subsidiaries have all right,
title and interest in, or a valid and binding license to use, all Intellectual
Property Rights (as defined below) individually or in the aggregate material to
the conduct of the businesses of Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Neither Grizzly nor any Subsidiary of Grizzly is in default (or with the giving
of notice or lapse of time or both, would be in default) under any license to
use such Intellectual Property, such Intellectual Property Rights are not being
infringed by any third party, and neither Grizzly nor any Subsidiary of Grizzly
is infringing any Intellectual Property Rights of any third party, except for
such defaults and infringements which, individually or in the aggregate, are
not having and could not be reasonably expected to have a material adverse
effect on Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. For purposes of this
Agreement, "Intellectual Property Rights" means patents and patent rights,
trademarks and trademark rights, trade names and trade name rights, service
marks and service mark rights, service names and service name rights,
copyrights and copyright rights and other proprietary intellectual property
rights and all pending applications for and registrations of any of the
foregoing.
 
  (b) Section 3.16 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter contains (or will be
supplemented to prior to Closing to contain) an accurate and complete list as
of the date of this Agreement of all licenses and agreements under which
Grizzly and its Subsidiaries are licensed to use third party Intellectual
Property Rights which are material to the business of Grizzly as currently
conducted (the "Grizzly Intellectual Property Rights").
 
  (c) Except as set forth in Section 3.16 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter
(including as it may be supplemented prior to Closing), to the knowledge of
Grizzly's chief executive and chief financial officers (acting in their
corporate and not personal capacities), Grizzly and its Subsidiaries are not
required to pay any royalties, fees or other amounts to any Person in
connection with the use or exploitation of the Grizzly Intellectual Property
Rights or the development, manufacture or commercial exploitation of any
products of Grizzly or its Subsidiaries in each such case in excess of $250,000
per annum.
 
  (d) Section 3.16 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter contains an accurate and
complete list as of the date of this Agreement of all registered patents,
registered trademarks, trade names, registered service marks and registered
copyrights (in each case that are currently in use), as well as all
applications for any and all of the foregoing, included in the Grizzly
Intellectual Property Rights (excluding third party Intellectual Property
Rights), including the jurisdiction in which each such Grizzly Intellectual
Property Rights has been issued or registered or in which any such application
for such issuance, approval or registration has been filed. All registered
patents, registered trademarks, trade names, registered service marks and
registered copyrights owned by Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries and which are
material to the conduct of their business as currently conducted are valid and
enforceable.
 
  (e) Section 3.16 of Grizzly Disclosure Letter contains an accurate and
complete list as of the date of this Agreement of all licenses and sublicenses
under which Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries has granted the right to
manufacture, reproduce, market or exploit any material products of Grizzly or
any Subsidiaries or any material adaptation, derivative or reformulation based
on any such product or any portion thereof.
 
  (f) Neither Grizzly nor any of its Subsidiaries is or will be as a result of
the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the performance of its
obligations under this Agreement, in breach of any license, sublicense,
assignment or other agreement to which it is a party giving it a license to
material third party Intellectual Property Rights (the "IP Licenses"). Neither
the execution or delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will cause or will result in a material change
to the terms of any material license, sublicense or other similar agreement.
 
  (g) Except as set forth in Section 3.16 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter,
neither Grizzly nor its Subsidiaries (A) has been sued in any suit, action or
proceeding which involves a claim of infringement or violation of any
Intellectual Property Right of any third party or (B) has received any written
claim or allegation that the manufacturing, importation, marketing, licensing,
sale, offer for sale, or use of any of its products infringes Intellectual
Property Rights of any third party.
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>
 
  (h) Grizzly and its Subsidiaries have taken all reasonable steps to protect
and preserve the confidential information, trade secrets and know-how of
Grizzly and its Subsidiaries, including appropriate non-disclosure agreements
with all employees and third persons having access to any confidential
information, trade secrets or know-how of Grizzly and its Subsidiaries.
 
  (i) Neither Grizzly nor any of its Subsidiaries has made any written claim or
allegation that any third person is or has infringed, misappropriated, breached
or violated the rights of Grizzly or its Subsidiaries in any of the Grizzly
Intellectual Property Rights which are material to the business of Grizzly as
currently conducted.
 
  (j) Except as set forth in Section 3.16 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter, all
internal computer systems that are material to the business, finances or
operations of Grizzly ("Material Grizzly Systems") are (i) able to receive,
record, store, process, calculate, manipulate and output dates from and after
January 1, 2000, time periods that include January 1, 2000 and information that
is dependent on or relates to such dates or time periods, in the same manner
and with the same accuracy, functionality, data integrity and performance as
when dates or time periods prior to January 1, 2000 are involved and (ii) able
to store and output date information in a manner that is unambiguous as to
century (collectively with clause (i) above, "Year 2000 Compliant") or can be
freely modified to be made Year 2000 Compliant without breaching any third
party license agreements or otherwise infringing any intellectual property
rights of any third party. All Material Systems that are not Year 2000
Compliant as of the date of this Agreement are set forth in Section 3.16 of the
Grizzly Disclosure Letter.
 
  3.17 Vote Required. Assuming the accuracy of the representation and warranty
contained in Section 4.19, the affirmative vote of the holders of record of at
least a majority of the outstanding shares of Grizzly Common Stock with respect
to the adoption of this Agreement is the only vote of the holders of any class
or series of the capital stock of Grizzly required to adopt this Agreement and
to approve the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and by the
Stock Option Agreements.
 
  3.18 Opinion of Financial Advisor. Grizzly has received the opinion of
Needham & Company, Inc., dated the date hereof, to the effect that, as of the
date hereof, the consideration to be received in the Merger by the shareholders
of Grizzly is fair from a financial point of view to the shareholders of
Grizzly, and a true and complete copy of such opinion has been delivered to
Lynx prior to the execution of this Agreement.
 
  3.19 Grizzly Rights Agreement. As of the date hereof and after giving effect
to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Stock Option
Agreements, each Grizzly Right is represented by the certificate representing
the associated share of Grizzly Common Stock and is not exercisable or
transferable apart from the associated share of Grizzly Common Stock, and
Grizzly has (i) taken all necessary actions so that the execution and delivery
of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
and by the Stock Option Agreements will not result in a "Distribution Date", a
"Triggering Event" or a "Business Combination" (as defined in the Grizzly
Rights Agreement) and (ii) amended the Grizzly Rights Agreement to (x) render
it inapplicable to this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby and (y) ensure that the Grizzly Rights Agreement may not be
further amended by Grizzly without the prior written consent of Lynx in its
sole discretion.
 
  3.20 Ownership of Lynx Common Stock. Neither Grizzly nor any of its
Subsidiaries or other affiliates beneficially owns any shares of Lynx Common
Stock.
 
  3.21 Chapter 110D of Mass. Ann. Laws Not Applicable.  Grizzly has taken all
necessary actions so that the provisions of Chapter 110D of Mass. Ann. Laws
will not, before the termination of this Agreement, apply to this Agreement,
the Stock Option Agreements, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated
hereby or thereby.
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>
 
                                   
                                ARTICLE IV     
 
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LYNX AND SUB
   
  Lynx and Sub represent and warrant to Grizzly as of October 27, 1998 as
follows:     
   
  4.01 Organization and Qualification. Each of Lynx and its Subsidiaries
(including Lynx U.S. and Sub) is a corporation duly incorporated, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of
incorporation and has full corporate power and authority to conduct its
business as and to the extent now conducted and to own, use and lease its
assets and properties, except for such failures to be so incorporated, existing
and in good standing or to have such power and authority which, individually or
in the aggregate, are not having and could not be reasonably expected to have a
material adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Sub was
formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, has engaged in no other business activities and has conducted
its operations only as contemplated hereby. Each of Lynx and its Subsidiaries
is duly qualified, licensed or admitted to do business and is in good standing
in each jurisdiction in which the ownership, use or leasing of its assets and
properties, or the conduct or nature of its business, makes such qualification,
licensing or admission necessary, except for such failures to be so qualified,
licensed or admitted and in good standing which, individually or in the
aggregate, are not having and could not be reasonably expected to have a
material adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Section
4.01 of the letter dated the date hereof and delivered by Lynx and Old Sub to
Grizzly concurrently with the original execution and delivery of this Agreement
(the "Lynx Disclosure Letter") sets forth (i) the name and jurisdiction of
incorporation of each Subsidiary of Lynx, (ii) its authorized capital stock,
(iii) the number of issued and outstanding shares of its capital stock and (iv)
the record owners of such shares. Except for interests in the Subsidiaries of
Lynx and as disclosed in Section 4.01 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter, Lynx does
not directly or indirectly own any equity or similar interest in, or any
interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for, any equity or
similar interest in, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company,
joint venture or other business association or entity (other than (i) non-
controlling investments in the ordinary course of business and corporate
partnering, development, cooperative marketing and similar undertakings and
arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business and (ii) other
investments of less than U.S. $100,000). Lynx has previously made available to
Grizzly correct and complete copies of the certificate or articles of
incorporation and bylaws (or other comparable charter documents) of Lynx.     
 
  4.02 Capital Stock. (a) The authorized capital stock of Lynx consists solely
of an unlimited number of shares of Lynx Common Stock. As of the close of
business on October 26, 1998, 17,043,501 shares of Lynx Common Stock were
issued and outstanding, and 2,121,650 shares were reserved for issuance
pursuant to Options of which 1,586,865 were granted and are outstanding. Since
such date, there has been no change in the number of issued and outstanding
shares of Lynx Common Stock or shares of Lynx Common Stock held in treasury or
(other than pursuant to the Stock Option Agreements) reserved for issuance
since such date. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Lynx Common Stock
are, and all shares reserved for issuance will be, upon issuance in accordance
with the terms specified in the instruments or agreements pursuant to which
they are issuable, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable. Except pursuant to this Agreement and except as set forth in
Section 4.02 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter, there are no outstanding Options
obligating Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries to issue or sell any shares of
capital stock of Lynx or to grant, extend or enter into any Option with respect
thereto.
 
  (b) Except as disclosed in Section 4.02 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter, all of
the outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary of Lynx are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and are owned,
beneficially and of record, by Lynx or a Subsidiary wholly owned, directly or
indirectly, by Lynx, free and clear of any Liens. Except as disclosed in
Section 4.02 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter, there are no (i) outstanding
Options obligating Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries to issue or sell any shares
of capital stock of any Subsidiary of Lynx or to grant, extend or enter into
any such Option or (ii) voting trusts, proxies or other commitments,
understandings, restrictions or arrangements in favor of any person other than
Lynx or a Subsidiary wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by Lynx with respect
to the voting of or the right to participate in dividends or other earnings on
any capital stock of any Subsidiary of Lynx.
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>
 
  (c) Except as disclosed in Section 4.02 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter, there
are no outstanding contractual obligations of Lynx or any Subsidiary of Lynx to
repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of Lynx Common Stock or any
capital stock of any Subsidiary of Lynx or to provide funds to, or make any
investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any
Subsidiary of Lynx or any other person.
   
  4.03 Authority Relative to This Agreement. Each of Lynx and Sub has full
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject (in the
case of this Agreement) to obtaining the Lynx Shareholders' Approval (as
defined in Section 6.03(a)), to perform its obligations hereunder and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by each of Lynx and Sub and the consummation by
each of Lynx and Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and
validly approved by its Board of Directors and by the sole shareholder of Sub,
the Board of Directors of Lynx has adopted a resolution declaring the
advisability of the Lynx Shareholders' Proposals (as defined in Section
6.03(a)) and directed that the Lynx Shareholders' Proposals be submitted for
consideration by the shareholders of Lynx in accordance with applicable laws,
and no other corporate proceedings on the part of either of Lynx or Sub or
their shareholders are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by Lynx and Sub and the consummation by Lynx and
Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby, other than obtaining the Lynx
Shareholders' Approval. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by each of Lynx and Sub and constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of each of Lynx and Sub enforceable against each of Lynx and Sub in
accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general
equitable principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered
in a proceeding in equity or at law).     
 
  4.04 Non-Contravention; Approvals and Consents. (a) The execution and
delivery of this Agreement by each of Lynx and Sub do not, and the performance
by each of Lynx and Sub of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby will not, conflict with, result in a
violation or breach of, constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or
both) a default under, result in or give to any person any right of payment or
reimbursement, termination, cancellation, modification or acceleration of, or
result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the assets or
properties of Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries under, any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of (i) the certificates or articles of incorporation
or bylaws (or other comparable charter documents) of Lynx or any of its
Subsidiaries, or (ii) subject to the obtaining of the Lynx Shareholders'
Approval and the taking of the actions described in paragraph (b) of this
Section, (x) any laws or orders of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority
applicable to Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets
or properties, or (y) any Contracts to which Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries is
a party or by which Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective
assets or properties is bound, excluding from the foregoing clauses (x) and (y)
conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults, terminations, modifications,
accelerations and creations and impositions of Liens which, individually or in
the aggregate, could not be reasonably expected to have a material adverse
effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the ability of Lynx
and Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
  (b) Except (i) for the filing of a premerger notification report by Lynx
under the HSR Act, (ii) for the filing of the Registration Statement with the
SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, the declaration of the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement by the SEC and filings with various
state securities authorities that are required in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) for the filing of the
Articles of Merger and other appropriate merger documents required by the MBCL
with the Secretary of State and appropriate documents with the relevant
authorities of other states in which the Constituent Corporations are qualified
to do business, (iv) as may be required under applicable requirements of the
Competition Act (Canada) and the Investment Canada Act, (v) as may be required
by the by-laws, rules, regulations or policies of The Toronto Stock Exchange in
respect of the Lynx Common Stock to be issued in the Merger and upon the
exercise of the Grizzly Options to be assumed by Lynx by reason of the Merger
and the listing of such Lynx Common Stock on such stock exchanges, (vi) such
filings as are required to be made and exemption rulings or orders as are
required to be obtained under the Ontario Business Corporations Act or Business
Corporations Act, c.B-9.1, Statutes of New Brunswick, 1981, or under Canadian
securities laws, and
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>
 
(vii) as disclosed in Section 4.04 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter, no consent,
approval or action of, filing with or notice to any Governmental or Regulatory
Authority or other public or private third party is necessary or required under
any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any law or order of any
Governmental or Regulatory Authority or any Contract to which Lynx or any of
its Subsidiaries is a party or by which Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries or any
of their respective assets or properties is bound for the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by each of Lynx and Sub, the performance by each of
Lynx and Sub of its obligations hereunder or the consummation by Lynx of the
transactions contemplated hereby, other than such consents, approvals, actions,
filings and notices which the failure to make or obtain, as the case may be,
individually or in the aggregate, could not be reasonably expected to have a
material adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the
ability of Lynx and Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
 
  4.05 Reports and Financial Statements. Lynx has made available to Grizzly
prior to the execution of this Agreement a true and complete copy of each form,
report, schedule, registration statement, definitive proxy statement and other
document (together with all amendments thereof and supplements thereto) filed
by Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries with Canadian securities regulatory
authorities and The Toronto Stock Exchange since January 1, 1993 (as such
documents have since the time of their filing been amended or supplemented, the
"Lynx Reports"), which are all the documents (other than preliminary material)
that Lynx and its Subsidiaries were required to file with Canadian securities
regulatory authorities and The Toronto Stock Exchange since such date. As of
their respective dates, the Lynx Reports (i) complied as to form in all
material respects with the requirements of Canadian securities laws and The
Toronto Stock Exchange, and (ii) did not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The audited
consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim consolidated financial
statements (including, in each case, the notes, if any, thereto) included in
the Lynx Reports (the "Lynx Financial Statements") complied as to form in all
material respects with the published rules and regulations of the Canadian
securities regulatory authorities with respect thereto, were prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada applied on a
consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated
therein or in the notes thereto and except with respect to unaudited statements
as permitted by Canadian securities laws) and fairly present (subject, in the
case of the unaudited interim financial statements, to normal, recurring year-
end audit adjustments (which are not expected to be, individually or in the
aggregate, materially adverse to Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole))
the consolidated financial position of Lynx and its consolidated subsidiaries
as at the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of their
operations and cash flows for the respective periods then ended. Except as set
forth in Section 4.05 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter, each Subsidiary of Lynx is
treated as a consolidated subsidiary of Lynx in the Lynx Financial Statements
for all periods covered thereby.
 
  4.06 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as disclosed in the Lynx
Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or in Section 4.06 of the
Lynx Disclosure Letter, (a) since June 30, 1998 there has not been any change,
event or development (excluding stock market fluctuations, changes in general
economic conditions, or any change, event or development having, or that could
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material
adverse effect on companies in the industries in which Lynx operates generally)
having, or that could be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a material adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole, and (b) between such date and the date hereof (i) Lynx and its
Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses only in the ordinary
course consistent with past practice and (ii) neither Lynx nor any of its
Subsidiaries has taken any action which, if taken after the date hereof, would
constitute a breach of any provision of clause (ii) of Section 5.01(b).
 
  4.07 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except for matters reflected or
reserved against in the consolidated balance sheet of Lynx and its consolidated
subsidiaries dated June 30, 1998 included in the Lynx Financial Statements or
as disclosed in Section 4.07 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter, neither Lynx nor
any of its Subsidiaries had at such date, or has incurred since that date, any
liabilities or obligations (whether absolute, accrued, contingent, fixed or
otherwise, or whether due or to become due) of any nature that would be
required
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>
 
by generally accepted accounting principles to be reflected on a consolidated
balance sheet of Lynx and its consolidated subsidiaries (including the notes
thereto), except liabilities or obligations (i) which were incurred in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or (ii) which have
not been, and could not be reasonably expected to be, individually or in the
aggregate, materially adverse to Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
  4.08 Legal Proceedings. Except as disclosed in the Lynx Reports filed prior
to the date of this Agreement or in Section 4.08 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter,
(i) there are no actions, suits, arbitrations or proceedings pending or, to the
knowledge of Lynx, threatened against, relating to or affecting, nor to the
knowledge of Lynx are there any Governmental or Regulatory Authority
investigations or audits pending or threatened against, relating to or
affecting, Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets
and properties which, individually or in the aggregate, could be reasonably
expected to have a material adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken
as a whole or on the ability of Lynx and Sub to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) neither Lynx nor any of its
Subsidiaries is subject to any order of any Governmental or Regulatory
Authority which, individually or in the aggregate, is having or could be
reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on Lynx and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the ability of Lynx and Sub to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
  4.09 Information Supplied. The registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed
with the SEC by Lynx in connection with the issuance of shares of Lynx Common
Stock in the Merger, as amended or supplemented from time to time (as so
amended and supplemented, the "Registration Statement"), and any other
documents to be filed by Lynx with the SEC, Canadian securities regulatory
authorities, The Toronto Stock Exchange or any other Governmental or Regulatory
Authority in connection with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
hereby will (in the case of the Registration Statement and any such other
documents filed with the SEC under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, with
Canadian securities regulatory authorities under Canadian securities laws or
with The Toronto Stock Exchange) comply as to form in all material respects
with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Securities Act or comparable
Canadian laws, respectively, and will not, on the date of its filing or, in the
case of the Registration Statement, at the time it becomes effective under the
Securities Act, at the date the Proxy Statement is mailed to shareholders of
Grizzly and of Lynx and at the times of the Shareholders' Meetings, contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading, except
that no representation is made by Lynx or Sub with respect to information
supplied in writing by or on behalf of Grizzly expressly for inclusion therein
and information incorporated by reference therein from documents filed by
Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries with the SEC, Canadian securities regulatory
authorities or The Toronto Securities Exchange.
 
  4.10 Compliance with Laws and Orders. Lynx and its Subsidiaries hold all
permits, licenses, variances, exemptions, orders and approvals of all
Governmental and Regulatory Authorities necessary for the lawful conduct of
their respective businesses as presently conducted (the "Lynx Permits"), except
for failures to hold such permits, licenses, variances, exemptions, orders and
approvals which, individually or in the aggregate, are not having and could not
be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on Lynx and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Lynx and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with
the terms of the Lynx Permits, except failures so to comply which, individually
or in the aggregate, are not having and could not be reasonably expected to
have a material adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Except as disclosed in the Lynx Reports filed prior to the date of this
Agreement, Lynx and its Subsidiaries are not in violation of or default under
any law or order of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority, except for such
violations or defaults which, individually or in the aggregate, are not having
and could not be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on Lynx
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
  4.11 Compliance with Agreements; Certain Agreements. (a) Except as disclosed
in the Lynx Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, neither Lynx nor
any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of Lynx, any other party thereto
is in breach or violation of, or in default in the performance or observance of
any term or provision of, and no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse
of time or both, could be
 
                                      A-18
<PAGE>
 
reasonably expected to result in a default under, (i) the certificates or
articles of incorporation or bylaws (or other comparable charter documents) of
Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any Contract to which Lynx or any of
its Subsidiaries is a party or by which Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries or any
of their respective assets or properties is bound, except in the case of clause
(ii) for breaches, violations and defaults which, individually or in the
aggregate, are not having and could not be reasonably expected to have a
material adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Except
for this Agreement and those agreements and other documents filed as exhibits
to the Lynx Reports or set forth in Section 4.11 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter,
as of the date of this Agreement, neither Lynx nor any of its Subsidiaries is a
party to or bound by (i) any material contract or (ii) any non-competition
agreement or other agreement or arrangement that materially restricts it or any
of its Subsidiaries from competing in any line of business.
 
    (b) Except as disclosed in Section 4.11 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter or
  in the Lynx Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or as
  provided for in this Agreement, as of the date hereof, neither Lynx nor any
  of its Subsidiaries is a party to any oral or written (i) consulting
  agreement not terminable on 30 days' or less notice involving the payment
  of more than U.S. $100,000 per annum in the aggregate for all such
  agreements, (ii) union or collective bargaining agreement which covers any
  employees, (iii) agreement with any executive officer or other employee of
  Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries the benefits of which are contingent or
  vest, or the terms of which are materially altered, upon the occurrence of
  a transaction involving Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries of the nature
  contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) agreement with respect to any
  executive officer or other employee of Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries
  providing any term of employment or compensation guarantee or (v) agreement
  or plan, including any stock option, stock appreciation right, restricted
  stock or stock purchase plan, any of the benefits of which will be
  increased, or the vesting of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by
  the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
  the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the basis
  of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
  4.12 Taxes. (a) Each of Lynx and its Subsidiaries has filed all material tax
returns and reports required to be filed by it, or requests for extensions to
file such returns or reports have been timely filed or granted and have not
expired, except that Lynx and its Subsidiaries have not filed federal or state
income taxes in the United States for calendar year 1997, and all tax returns
and reports are complete and accurate in all respects, except to the extent
that such failures to file, have extensions granted that remain in effect or be
complete and accurate in all respects, as applicable, individually or in the
aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on Lynx and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Lynx and each of its Subsidiaries has paid (or
Lynx has paid on its behalf) all taxes shown as due on such tax returns and
reports. The most recent financial statements contained in the Lynx Reports
reflect an adequate reserve for all taxes payable by Lynx and its Subsidiaries
for all taxable periods and portions thereof accrued through the date of such
financial statements, and no deficiencies for any taxes have been proposed,
asserted or assessed against Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries that are not
adequately reserved for, except for inadequately reserved taxes and
inadequately reserved deficiencies that would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as
a whole. No waivers of the time to assess any taxes against Lynx or any of its
Subsidiaries have been given or filed or are pending, except for waivers with
respect to such taxes that have been adequately reserved for in the most recent
financial statements contained in the Lynx Reports, or, to the extent not
adequately reserved, the assessment of which would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as
a whole.
 
  (b) To the best knowledge of Lynx, there are no liens for material amounts of
taxes on the assets of Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries except for statutory
liens for current taxes not yet due and payable.
 
  4.13 Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA. (a) Except as described in the Lynx
Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or as would not have a
material adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (i) all
Lynx Employee Benefit Plans (as defined below) are in compliance with all
applicable requirements of law, including ERISA and the Code, and (ii) neither
Lynx nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liabilities or obligations with
respect to any such Lynx Employee Benefit Plans, whether accrued, contingent or
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>
 
otherwise, nor to the knowledge of Lynx are any such liabilities or obligations
expected to be incurred. The execution of, and performance of the transactions
contemplated in, this Agreement will not (either alone or upon the occurrence
of any additional or subsequent events) constitute an event under any Lynx
Employee Benefit Plan that will or may result in any payment (whether of
severance pay or otherwise), acceleration, forgiveness of indebtedness,
vesting, distribution, increase in benefits or obligation to fund benefits with
respect to any employee. The only severance agreements or severance policies
applicable to Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries are the agreements and policies
specifically referred to in Section 4.13 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter. The
last date on which stock options were granted to any officer or director of
Lynx was May 12, 1998.
 
  (b) As used herein "Lynx Employee Benefit Plan" means any Plan entered into,
established, maintained, sponsored, contributed to or required to be
contributed to by Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of the
current or former employees or directors of Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries and
existing on the date of this Agreement or at any time subsequent thereto and on
or prior to the Effective Time and, in the case of a Plan which is subject to
Part 3 of Title I of ERISA, Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, at
any time during the five-year period preceding the date of this Agreement.
 
  4.14 Labor Matters. Except as disclosed in the Lynx Reports filed prior to
the date of this Agreement or in Section 4.14 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter,
there are no material controversies pending or, to the knowledge of Lynx,
threatened between Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries and any representatives of
its employees, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
material adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, and, to
the knowledge of Lynx, there are no material organizational efforts presently
being made involving any of the now unorganized employees of Lynx or any of its
Subsidiaries. Since January 1, 1993, there has been no work stoppage, strike or
other concerted action by employees of Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries except
as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect
on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
  4.15 Environmental Matters. (a) Each of Lynx and its Subsidiaries has
obtained all Environmental Permits which are required under any applicable
Environmental Law in respect of its business or operations, except for such
failures to have Environmental Permits which, individually or in the aggregate,
could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Lynx and
its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Each of such Environmental Permits is in
full force and effect and each of Lynx and its Subsidiaries is in compliance
with the terms and conditions of all such Environmental Permits and with any
applicable Environmental Law, except for such failures to be in compliance
which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to
have a material adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
  (b) To the knowledge of Lynx, no site or facility now or previously owned,
operated or leased by Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries is listed or proposed for
listing on the National Priorities List promulgated pursuant to CERCLA or on
any similar state, Canadian federal, provincial or local list of sites
requiring investigation or clean-up.
 
  (c) No Liens have arisen under or pursuant to any Environmental Law on any
site or facility owned, operated or leased by Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries,
other than any such real property not individually or in the aggregate material
to Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, and no action of any
Governmental or Regulatory Authority has been taken or, to the knowledge of
Lynx, is in process which could subject any of such properties to such Liens,
and neither Lynx nor any of its Subsidiaries would be required to place any
notice or restriction relating to the presence of Hazardous Materials at any
such site or facility owned by it in any deed to the real property on which
such site or facility is located.
 
  (d) There have been no environmental investigations, studies, audits, tests,
reviews or other analyses conducted by, or which are in the possession of, Lynx
or any of its Subsidiaries in relation to any site or facility now or
previously owned, operated or leased by Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries which
have not been delivered to Grizzly prior to the execution of this Agreement.
 
  4.16 Intellectual Property Rights. Except as set forth in Section 4.16 of the
Lynx Disclosure Letter, (a) Lynx and its Subsidiaries have all right, title and
interest in, or a valid and binding license to use, all
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>
 
Intellectual Property Rights individually or in the aggregate material to the
conduct of the businesses of Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Neither Lynx nor any Subsidiary of Lynx is in default (or with the giving of
notice or lapse of time or both, would be in default) under any license to use
such Intellectual Property Rights, such Intellectual Property Rights are not
being infringed by any third party, and neither Lynx nor any Subsidiary of Lynx
is infringing any Intellectual Property Rights of any third party, except for
such defaults and infringements which, individually or in the aggregate, are
not having and could not be reasonably expected to have a material adverse
effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
  (b) Section 4.16 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter contains (or will be
supplemented prior to Closing to contain) an accurate and complete list as of
the date of this Agreement of all licenses and agreements under which Lynx and
its Subsidiaries are licensed to use third party Intellectual Property Rights
which are material to the business of Lynx as currently conducted (the "Lynx
Intellectual Property Rights").
 
  (c) Except as set forth in Section 4.16 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter
(including as it may be supplemented prior to Closing), Lynx and its
Subsidiaries are not required to pay any material royalties, fees or other
amounts to any Person in connection with the use or exploitation of the Lynx
Intellectual Property Rights or the development, manufacture or commercial
exploitation of any products of Lynx or its Subsidiaries.
 
  (d) Section 4.16 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter contains an accurate and
complete list as of the date of this Agreement of all registered patents,
registered trademarks, trade names, registered service marks and registered
copyrights (in each case that are currently in use), as well as all
applications for any and all of the foregoing, included in the Lynx
Intellectual Property Rights (excluding third party Intellectual Property
Rights), including the jurisdiction in which each such Lynx Intellectual
Property Rights has been issued or registered or in which any such application
for such issuance, approval or registration has been filed. All registered
patents, registered trademarks, trade names, registered service marks and
registered copyrights owned by Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries and which are
material to the conduct of their business as currently conducted are valid and
enforceable.
 
  (e) Section 4.16 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter contains an accurate and
complete list as of the date of this Agreement of all licenses and sublicenses
under which Lynx or any of its Subsidiaries has granted the right to
manufacture, reproduce, market or exploit any material products of Lynx or its
Subsidiaries or any material adaptation, derivative or reformulation based on
any such product or any portion thereof.
 
  (f) Neither Lynx nor any of its Subsidiaries is or will be as a result of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or the performance of its obligations
under this Agreement, in breach of any IP Licenses. Neither the execution or
delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby will cause or will result in a material change to the terms
of any material license, sublicense or other similar agreement.
 
  (g) Except as set forth in Section 4.08 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter,
neither Lynx nor its Subsidiaries (A) has been sued in any suit, action or
proceeding which involves a claim of infringement or violation of any
Intellectual Property Right of any third party or (B) has received any written
claim or allegation that the manufacturing, importation, marketing, licensing,
sale, offer for sale, or use of any of its products infringes Intellectual
Property Rights of any third party.
 
  (h) Lynx and its Subsidiaries have taken all reasonable steps to protect and
preserve the confidential information, trade secrets and know-how of Lynx and
its Subsidiaries, including appropriate non-disclosure agreements with all
employees and third persons having access to any confidential information,
trade secrets or know-how of Lynx and its Subsidiaries.
 
  (i) Neither Lynx nor any of its Subsidiaries has made any written claim or
allegation that any third person is or has infringed, misappropriated, breached
or violated the rights of Lynx or its Subsidiaries in any of the Lynx
Intellectual Property Rights which are material to the business of Lynx as
currently conducted.
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>
 
  (j) Except as set forth in Section 4.16 of the Lynx Disclosure Letter, all
internal computer systems that are material to the business, finances or
operations of Lynx ("Material Lynx Systems") are Year 2000 Compliant or can be
freely modified to be made Year 2000 Compliant without breaching any third
party license agreements or otherwise infringing any intellectual property
rights of any third party. All Material Lynx Systems that are not Year 2000
Compliant as of the date of this Agreement are set forth in Section 4.16(j) of
the Lynx Disclosure Schedule.
 
  4.17 Vote Required. The affirmative votes of the holders of record of at
least the portion of the outstanding shares of Lynx Common Stock represented at
the meeting and specified in Section 4.17 of the Lynx Disclosure Schedule with
respect to the approval of each of the Lynx Shareholders' Proposals are the
only votes of the holders of any class or series of the capital stock of Lynx
required to approve the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby.
 
  4.18 Opinion of Financial Advisor. Lynx has received the opinion of CIBC Wood
Gundy Securities Inc., dated the date hereof, to the effect that, as of the
date hereof, the consideration to be paid in the Merger by Lynx is fair from a
financial point of view to the shareholders of Lynx, and a true and complete
copy of such opinion has been delivered to Grizzly prior to the execution of
this Agreement.
 
  4.19 Ownership of Grizzly Common Stock. Neither Lynx nor any of its
Subsidiaries or other affiliates beneficially owns any shares of Grizzly Common
Stock.
 
  4.20 Control Share Statute Not Applicable. Neither Lynx nor any of its
subsidiaries is subject to a statute or regulation of the type specified in
Section 6.16 that would affect this Agreement, the Stock Option Agreements, the
Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
                                    
                                 ARTICLE V     
 
                                   COVENANTS
 
  5.01 Covenants of Grizzly and Lynx. At all times from and after the date
hereof until the Effective Time, each of Grizzly and Lynx (each, a "Principal
Party") covenants and agrees as to itself and its Subsidiaries that (except as
expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or the Stock Option
Agreements, or to the extent that the other Principal Party shall otherwise
previously consent in writing):
 
    (a) Ordinary Course. Each Principal Party and each of its Subsidiaries
  shall conduct their respective businesses only in, and each Principal Party
  and each of its Subsidiaries shall refrain from taking any action except
  in, the ordinary course consistent with past practice.
 
    (b) Without limiting the generality of paragraph (a) of this Section, (i)
  each Principal Party and its Subsidiaries shall use all commercially
  reasonable efforts to preserve intact in all material respects their
  present business organization and reputation, to keep available the
  services of its key officers and employees, to maintain its assets and
  properties in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear
  excepted, to maintain insurance on its tangible assets and businesses in
  such amounts and against such risks and losses as are currently in effect,
  to preserve its relationships with customers and suppliers and others
  having significant business dealings with it and to comply in all material
  respects with all laws and orders of all Governmental or Regulatory
  Authorities applicable to it, and (ii) neither Principal Party shall, nor
  shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, except as otherwise expressly
  provided for in this Agreement:
 
      (A) amend or propose to amend its certificate or articles of
    incorporation or bylaws (or other comparable corporate charter
    documents), except that Lynx may amend its Certificate of Incorporation
    as contemplated by Section 6.03(a);
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>
 
      (B) (w) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on or make other
    distributions in respect of any of its capital stock, except for the
    declaration and payment of dividends by a wholly-owned Subsidiary
    solely to its parent corporation, (x) split, combine, reclassify or
    take similar action with respect to any of its capital stock or issue
    or authorize or propose the issuance of any other securities in respect
    of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares of its capital stock, (y)
    adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions
    providing for or authorizing such liquidation or a dissolution, merger,
    consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization
    or (z) directly or indirectly redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire
    any shares of its capital stock or any Option with respect thereto;
 
      (C) issue, deliver or sell, or authorize or propose the issuance,
    delivery or sale of, any shares of its capital stock or any Option with
    respect thereto (other than (I) the issuance of Grizzly Common Stock or
    Lynx Common Stock pursuant to options granted under the Grizzly Option
    Plans, the 1995 Stock Option Plan for Employees and Directors (the
    "Lynx Option Plan"), in each case outstanding on the date of this
    Agreement and in accordance with their present terms, (II) the issuance
    of options pursuant to the Grizzly Option Plan and the Lynx Option
    Plan, in each case in accordance with their present terms and only
    after consent with the other Principal Party (provided that no such
    consent shall be required in connection with the issuance of options to
    purchase up to 500,000 shares of Lynx Common Stock under the Lynx
    Option Plan and up to 230,000 shares of Grizzly Common Stock under the
    Grizzly Option Plans, in each case at fair value and as otherwise
    provided in the respective Plans), and the issuance of shares of
    Grizzly Common Stock and Lynx Common Stock, as the case may be, upon
    exercise of such options, (III) the issuance by a wholly-owned
    Subsidiary of its capital stock to its parent corporation, (IV) the
    issuance of Grizzly Common Stock or Lynx Common Stock, as the case may
    be, in accordance with the terms of the applicable Stock Option
    Agreement and (V) the issuance of Grizzly Rights and reservation and
    issuance of Grizzly Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the Grizzly
    Rights Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof) or modify or
    amend any right of any holder of outstanding shares of capital stock or
    Options with respect thereto;
 
      (D) acquire (by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing a
    substantial equity interest in or a substantial portion of the assets
    of, or by any other manner) any business or any corporation,
    partnership, association or other business organization or division
    thereof or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any assets other than
    in the ordinary course of its business consistent with past practice;
 
      (E) other than in the ordinary course of its business consistent with
    past practice, sell, lease, grant any security interest in or otherwise
    dispose of or encumber any of its assets or properties;
 
      (F) except to the extent required by applicable law, (x) permit any
    material change in (A) any pricing, marketing, purchasing, investment,
    accounting, financial reporting, inventory, credit, allowance or tax
    practice or policy or (B) any method of calculating any bad debt,
    contingency or other reserve for accounting, financial reporting or tax
    purposes or (y) make any material tax election or settle or compromise
    any material income tax liability with any Governmental or Regulatory
    Authority;
       
      (G) (x) incur (which shall not be deemed to include entering into
    credit agreements, lines of credit or similar arrangements until
    borrowings are made under such arrangements) any indebtedness for
    borrowed money or guarantee any such indebtedness other than loans to
    wholly-owned subsidiaries and loans in the ordinary course of its
    business consistent with past practice or (y) voluntarily purchase,
    cancel, prepay or otherwise provide for a complete or partial discharge
    in advance of a scheduled repayment date with respect to, or waive any
    right under, any indebtedness for borrowed money other than in the
    ordinary course of its business consistent with past practice;     
 
      (H) enter into, adopt, amend in any material respect (except as may
    be required by applicable law) or terminate any Grizzly Employee
    Benefit Plan or Lynx Employee Benefit Plan, as the case may be, or
    other agreement, arrangement, plan or policy between such Principal
    Party or one of its
 
                                      A-23
<PAGE>
 
    Subsidiaries and one or more of its directors, officers or employees,
    or, except for normal increases in the ordinary course of business
    consistent with past practice that, in the aggregate, do not result in
    a material increase in benefits or compensation expense to such
    Principal Party and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, increase in any
    manner the compensation or fringe benefits of any director, officer or
    employee or pay any benefit not required by any plan or arrangement in
    effect as of the date hereof;
 
      (I) enter into any Contract or amend or modify any existing Contract,
    or engage in any new transaction outside the ordinary course of
    business consistent with past practice or not on an arm's length basis,
    with any affiliate of such Principal Party or any of its Subsidiaries;
 
      (J) make any capital expenditures or commitments for additions to
    plant, property or equipment constituting capital assets except in the
    ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
 
      (K) make any change in the lines of business in which it participates
    or is engaged; or
 
      (L) enter into any Contract, commitment or arrangement to do or
    engage in any of the foregoing.
       
    (c) Advice of Changes. Each Principal Party shall confer on a regular and
  frequent basis with the other with respect to its business and operations
  and other matters relevant to the Merger, and shall promptly advise the
  other, orally and in writing, of any change or event, including, without
  limitation, any complaint, investigation or hearing by any Governmental or
  Regulatory Authority (or communication indicating the same may be
  contemplated) or the institution or threat of litigation, having, or which,
  insofar as can be reasonably foreseen, could have, a material adverse
  effect on such Principal Party and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or on
  the ability of such Principal Party, to consummate the transactions
  contemplated hereby; provided that no party shall be required to make any
  disclosure to the extent such disclosure would constitute a violation of
  any applicable law. In addition, Grizzly shall promptly disclose any change
  or event with respect to the litigation listed in Section 5.01(c) of the
  Grizzly Disclosure Letter.
 
    (d) Notice and Cure. Each Principal Party will notify the other of, and
  will use all commercially reasonable efforts to cure before the Closing,
  any event, transaction or circumstance, as soon as practical after it
  becomes known to such Principal Party, that causes or will cause any
  covenant or agreement of such Principal Party under this Agreement to be
  breached or that renders or will render untrue any representation or
  warranty of such Principal Party contained in this Agreement. Each
  Principal Party also will notify the other in writing of, and will use all
  commercially reasonable efforts to cure, before the Closing, any violation
  or breach, as soon as practical after it becomes known to such party, of
  any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by such Principal
  Party. No notice given pursuant to this paragraph shall have any effect on
  the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this
  Agreement for purposes of determining satisfaction of any condition
  contained herein.
 
    (e) Fulfillment of Conditions. Subject to the terms and conditions of
  this Agreement, each Principal Party will take or cause to be taken all
  commercially reasonable steps necessary or desirable and proceed diligently
  and in good faith to satisfy each condition to the other's obligations
  contained in this Agreement and to consummate and make effective the
  transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and neither Principal Party
  will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, take or fail to take
  any action that could be reasonably expected to result in the
  nonfulfillment of any such condition.
 
  5.02 No Solicitations. At all times from and after the date hereof until the
Effective Time, each Principal Party covenants and agrees as to itself and its
Subsidiaries (a) that neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries or other
affiliates shall, and it shall use its best efforts to cause its
Representatives (as defined in Section 9.11) not to, initiate, solicit or
encourage, directly or indirectly, any inquiries or the making or
implementation of any proposal or offer (including, without limitation, any
proposal or offer to its shareholders) with respect to a merger, consolidation
or other business combination including such Principal Party or any of its
Subsidiaries or any acquisition or similar transaction (including, without
limitation, a tender or exchange offer) involving the purchase of (i) all or
any significant portion of the assets of such Principal Party and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (ii) 20% or more of the outstanding shares of
such Principal Party's common stock or (iii) 20% of the
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>
 
outstanding shares of the capital stock of any Subsidiary of such Principal
Party (any such proposal or offer being hereinafter referred to as an
"Alternative Proposal"), or engage in any negotiations concerning, or provide
any confidential information or data to, or have any discussions with, any
person or group relating to an Alternative Proposal (excluding the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement), or otherwise facilitate any effort or attempt
to make or implement an Alternative Proposal; (b) that it will immediately
cease and cause to be terminated any existing activities, discussions or
negotiations with any parties with respect to any of the foregoing, and it will
take the necessary steps to inform such parties of its obligations under this
Section; and (c) that it will notify the other Principal Party immediately if
any such inquiries, proposals or offers are received by, any such information
is requested from, or any such negotiations or discussions are sought to be
initiated or continued with, it or any of such persons; provided, however, that
nothing contained in this Section 5.02 shall prohibit the Board of Directors of
either Principal Party from (i) furnishing information to (but only pursuant to
a confidentiality agreement in customary form and having terms and conditions
no less favorable to such Principal Party than the Confidentiality Agreement)
or entering into discussions or negotiations with any person or group that
makes an unsolicited bona fide Alternative Proposal, if, and only to the extent
that, prior to receipt of the Grizzly Shareholders' Approval (if such Principal
Party is Grizzly) or the Lynx Shareholders' Approval (if such Principal Party
is Lynx), (A) the Board of Directors of such Principal Party, based upon the
written opinion of outside counsel (a copy of which shall be provided promptly
to the other Principal Party), determines in good faith that such action is
required for the Board of Directors to comply with its fiduciary duties to
shareholders imposed by law, (B) such Alternative Proposal is not conditioned
on the receipt of financing and the Board of Directors has reasonably concluded
in good faith that the person or group making such Alternative Proposal will
have adequate sources of financing to consummate such Alternative Proposal and
that such Acquisition Proposal is more favorable to such Principal Party's
shareholders than the Merger, (C) prior to furnishing such information to, or
entering into discussions or negotiations with, such person or group, such
Principal Party provides written notice to the other Principal Party to the
effect that it is furnishing information to, or entering into discussions or
negotiations with, such person or group, which notice shall identify such
person or group in reasonable detail, and (D) such Principal Party keeps the
other Principal Party informed of the status and all material information with
respect to any such discussions or negotiations; and (ii) to the extent
required, complying with Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act with
regard to an Alternative Proposal. Nothing in this Section 5.02 shall (x)
permit any party to terminate this Agreement (except as specifically provided
in Article VIII), (y) permit any party to enter into any agreement with respect
to an Alternative Proposal for so long as this Agreement remains in effect (it
being agreed that for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, no party
shall enter into any agreement with any person or group that provides for, or
in any way facilitates, an Alternative Proposal (other than a confidentiality
agreement under the circumstances described above)), or (z) affect any other
obligation of any party under this Agreement.
 
  5.03 Grizzly Rights Agreement. Prior to the Effective Time, without the prior
written consent of Lynx, Grizzly will not take any action with respect to, or
make any determination under, or amend the Grizzly Rights Agreement, including
a redemption of the Grizzly Rights.
 
  5.04 Conduct of Business of Sub. Prior to the Effective Time, except as may
be required by applicable law and subject to the other provisions of this
Agreement, Lynx shall cause Sub to (a) perform its obligations under this
Agreement in accordance with its terms, (b) not incur directly or indirectly
any liabilities or obligations other than those incurred in connection with the
Merger, (c) not engage directly or indirectly in any business or activities of
any type or kind and not enter into any agreements or arrangements with any
person, or be subject to or bound by any obligation or undertaking, which is
not contemplated by this Agreement and (d) not create, grant or suffer to exist
any Lien upon its properties or assets which would attach to any properties or
assets of the Surviving Corporation after the Effective Time.
 
  5.05 Third Party Standstill Agreements. Each Principal Party agrees that,
during the period from the date of this Agreement through the Effective Time,
neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall terminate, amend, modify or waive
any provision of any confidentiality or standstill agreement to which it is a
party. During such period, each Principal Party shall enforce, to the fullest
extent permitted under applicable law, the provisions of
 
                                      A-25
<PAGE>
 
any such agreement, including, but not limited to, by obtaining injunctions to
prevent any breaches of such agreements and to enforce specifically the terms
and provisions thereof in any court having jurisdiction.
 
  5.06 Purchases of Common Stock of the Other Party. Each Principal Party
agrees that, during the period from the date hereof through the Effective Time,
neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries or other affiliates will purchase any
shares of capital stock of the other Principal Party (except pursuant to the
Stock Option Agreements).
 
  5.07 Adoption of Lynx Rights Agreement. As soon as possible following the
Effective Time, Lynx shall establish a shareholder rights plan and have it
approved by the Lynx Board of Directors and submit it to the Lynx shareholders
at the next annual shareholders general meeting.
                                   
                                ARTICLE VI     
 
                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
 
  6.01 Access to Information; Confidentiality. Each Principal Party shall, and
shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, throughout the period from the date
hereof to the Effective Time, (i) provide the other Principal Party and its
Representatives with full access, upon reasonable prior notice and during
normal business hours, to all officers, employees, agents and accountants of
such Principal Party and its Subsidiaries and their respective assets,
properties, books and records, but only to the extent that such access does not
unreasonably interfere with the business and operations of such Principal Party
and its Subsidiaries, and (ii) furnish promptly to such persons (x) a copy of
each report, statement, schedule and other document filed or received by such
Principal Party or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the requirements of
federal or state securities laws and each material report, statement, schedule
and other document filed with any other Governmental or Regulatory Authority,
and (y) all other information and data (including, without limitation, copies
of Contracts, Grizzly Employee Benefit Plans or Lynx Employee Benefit Plans, as
the case may be, and other books and records) concerning the business and
operations of such Principal Party and its Subsidiaries as the other party or
any of such other persons reasonably may request. No investigation pursuant to
this paragraph or otherwise shall affect any representation or warranty
contained in this Agreement or any condition to the obligations of the parties
hereto. Any such information or material obtained pursuant to this Section 6.01
that constitutes "Confidential Information" (as such term is defined in the
letter agreement dated as of September 10, 1998 between Grizzly and Lynx, as
amended and as attached to Section 6.01 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter (the
"Confidentiality Agreement")) shall be governed by the terms of the
Confidentiality Agreement.
 
  6.02 Preparation of Registration Statement and Proxy Statement. Grizzly and
Lynx shall prepare and file with the SEC, applicable Canadian securities
regulatory authorities and The Toronto Stock Exchange as soon as reasonably
practicable after the date hereof the Proxy Statement. Lynx shall prepare and
file with the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable after the date hereof the
Registration Statement, in which the Proxy Statement will be included as the
prospectus. Lynx and Grizzly shall use their best efforts to have the
Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC as promptly as practicable
after such filing. Lynx shall also take any action (other than qualifying as a
foreign corporation or taking any action which would subject it to service of
process in any jurisdiction where Lynx is not now so qualified or subject)
required to be taken under applicable state blue sky or securities laws in
connection with the issuance of Lynx Common Stock in connection with the
Merger. If at any time prior to the Effective Time any event shall occur that
should be set forth in an amendment of or a supplement to the Registration
Statement, Lynx shall prepare and file with the SEC such amendment or
supplement as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable. Lynx, Sub and
Grizzly shall cooperate with each other in the preparation of the Registration
Statement and the Proxy Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto, and
each shall notify the other of the receipt of any comments of the SEC with
respect to the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement and of any
requests by the SEC for any amendment or supplement thereto or for additional
information, and shall provide to the other promptly copies of all
correspondence between Lynx or Grizzly, as the case may be, or any of its
Representatives and the SEC
 
                                      A-26
<PAGE>
 
with respect to the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement. Lynx shall
give Grizzly and its counsel the opportunity to review the Registration
Statement and all responses to requests for additional information by and
replies to comments of the SEC before their being filed with, or sent to, the
SEC. Each of Grizzly, Lynx and Sub agrees to use its best efforts, after
consultation with the other parties hereto, to respond promptly to all such
comments of and requests by the SEC and to cause (x) the Registration Statement
to be declared effective by the SEC at the earliest practicable time and to be
kept effective as long as is necessary to consummate the Merger, and (y) the
Proxy Statement to be mailed to the holders of Grizzly Common Stock and Lynx
Common Stock entitled to vote at the meetings of the shareholders of Grizzly
and Lynx at the earliest practicable time.
 
  6.03 Approval of Shareholders. (a) Lynx shall, through its Board of
Directors, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its
shareholders (the "Lynx Shareholders' Meeting") for the purpose of voting on
(i) the adoption of a proposal that Lynx continue its existence under the laws
of the Province of New Brunswick, (ii) the adoption of this Agreement and (iii)
the adoption of a proposal to amend Lynx's Certificate of Incorporation to
change Lynx's name to GSI Lumonics Inc. (the "Lynx Shareholders' Proposals").
Unless it determines based upon the written opinion of outside counsel (a copy
of which shall be provided promptly to Grizzly) that doing so would violate the
Board of Directors' fiduciary duties to shareholders imposed by law, Lynx
shall, through its Board of Directors, include in the Proxy Statement the
recommendation of the Board of Directors of Lynx that the shareholders of Lynx
approve the Lynx Shareholders' Proposals by the requisite majorities (the "Lynx
Shareholders' Approval"), and shall use its best efforts to obtain the Lynx
Shareholders' Approval. At such meeting, Grizzly shall, and shall cause its
Subsidiaries to, cause all shares of Lynx Common Stock then owned by Grizzly or
any such Subsidiary to be voted in favor of the Lynx Shareholders' Proposals.
In the event that the Lynx Shareholders' Approval will likely not be obtained
on the date on which the Lynx Shareholders' Meeting is initially convened, the
Board of Directors of Lynx agrees to adjourn such Lynx Shareholders' Meeting at
least twice for the purpose of obtaining the Lynx Shareholders' Approval and to
use its best efforts during any such adjournments to obtain the Lynx
Shareholders' Approval.
 
  (b) Grizzly shall, through its Board of Directors, duly call, give notice of,
convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders (the "Grizzly Shareholders'
Meeting" and, together with the Lynx Shareholders' Meeting, the "Shareholders'
Meetings") for the purpose of voting on the adoption of this Agreement (the
"Grizzly Shareholders' Approval") as soon as reasonably practicable after the
date hereof. Unless it determines, based upon the written opinion of outside
counsel (a copy of which shall be provided promptly to Lynx) that doing so
would violate the Board of Directors' fiduciary duties to shareholders imposed
by law, Grizzly shall, through its Board of Directors include in the Proxy
Statement the recommendation of the Board of Directors of Grizzly that the
shareholders of Grizzly adopt this Agreement, and shall use its best efforts to
obtain such adoption. At such meeting, Lynx shall, and shall cause its
Subsidiaries to, cause all shares of Grizzly Common Stock then owned by Lynx or
any such Subsidiary to be voted in favor of the adoption of this Agreement. In
the event that the Grizzly Shareholders' Approval will likely not be obtained
on the date on which the Grizzly Shareholders' Meeting is initially convened,
the Board of Directors of Grizzly agrees to adjourn such Lynx Shareholders'
Meeting at least twice for the purpose of obtaining the Grizzly Shareholders'
Approval, and to use its best efforts during any such adjournments to obtain
the Grizzly Shareholders' Approval.
 
  (c) Lynx and Grizzly shall coordinate and cooperate with respect to the
timing of the Shareholders' Meetings and shall use their best efforts to cause
both of the Shareholders' Meetings to be held on the same day and as soon as
practicable after the date hereof.
 
  6.04 Grizzly Affiliates. At least 30 days prior to the Closing Date Grizzly
shall deliver a letter to Lynx identifying all persons who, at the time of the
Grizzly Shareholders' Meeting, may, in Grizzly's reasonable judgment, be deemed
to be "affiliates" (as such term is used in Rule 145 under the Securities Act)
of Grizzly ("Grizzly Affiliates"). Grizzly shall use its best efforts to cause
each Grizzly Affiliate to deliver to Lynx on or prior to the Closing Date a
written agreement substantially in the form and to the effect of Exhibit A
hereto (an "Affiliate Agreement"). Lynx shall be entitled to place legends as
specified in such Affiliate Agreements on the certificates evidencing any Lynx
Common Stock to be received by such Grizzly Affiliates pursuant to the terms
 
                                      A-27
<PAGE>
 
of this Agreement, and to issue appropriate stop transfer instructions to the
transfer agent for the Lynx Common Stock, consistent with the terms of such
Affiliate Agreements.
 
  6.05 Stock Exchange Listing. Lynx shall use its reasonable efforts to cause
the shares of Lynx Common Stock to be issued in the Merger and under the
Grizzly Stock Plans after the Merger in accordance with this Agreement to be
approved for listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and on Nasdaq, subject to
official notice of issuance, prior to the Closing Date.
   
  6.06 Certain Tax Matters. Lynx and Grizzly shall not take or fail to take any
action which action or failure would cause the Merger not to be described in
Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the Code other than any action contemplated by this
Agreement or any other document incident thereto. Nothing in this section
precludes either Lynx or Grizzly from taking any action that may cause gain to
be recognized by any person under Section 367 of the Code. Notwithstanding the
foregoing sentence, Lynx and Grizzly shall use reasonable efforts to comply
with the "reporting requirements" of Treasury Regulation Section 1.367(a)-
3(c)(6).     
 
  6.07 Regulatory and Other Approvals. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement and without limiting the provisions of Sections 6.02 and 6.03,
each Principal Party will proceed diligently and in good faith to, as promptly
as practicable, (a) obtain all consents, approvals or actions of, make all
filings with and give all notices to Governmental or Regulatory Authorities or
any other public or private third parties required of Principal Party or any of
their Subsidiaries to consummate the Merger and the other matters contemplated
hereby, and (b) provide such other information and communications to such
Governmental or Regulatory Authorities or other public or private third parties
as the other Principal Party or such Governmental or Regulatory Authorities or
other public or private third parties may reasonably request in connection
therewith. In addition to and not in limitation of the foregoing, each
Principal Party will (x) take promptly all actions necessary to make the
filings required of either of the Principal Party or their affiliates under the
HSR Act, (y) comply at the earliest practicable date with any request for
additional information received by such party or its affiliates from the
Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") or the Antitrust Division of the
Department of Justice (the "Antitrust Division") pursuant to the HSR Act, and
(z) cooperate with the other Principal Party in connection with such Principal
Party's filings under the HSR Act and in connection with resolving any
investigation or other inquiry concerning the Merger or the other matters
contemplated by this Agreement commenced by either the FTC or the Antitrust
Division or state attorneys general.
 
  6.08 [Omitted]
 
  6.09 Grizzly Stock Plan. (a) Subject to approval of The Toronto Stock
Exchange, at the Effective Time, each outstanding option to purchase shares of
Grizzly Common Stock (a "Grizzly Stock Option") under the Grizzly Option Plans,
whether vested or unvested, shall be deemed to constitute an option to acquire,
on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such Grizzly Stock
Option, a number of shares of Lynx Common Stock equal to the product (rounded
down to the nearest whole share) of (i) the number of shares of Grizzly Common
Stock issuable upon exercise of the option immediately prior to the Effective
Time and (ii) the Conversion Number; and the option exercise price per share of
Lynx Common Stock at which such option is exercisable shall be the amount
(rounded up to the nearest whole cent) obtained by dividing (iii) the option
exercise price per share of Grizzly Common Stock at which such option is
exercisable immediately prior to the Effective Time by (iv) the Conversion
Number; provided, however, that, in the case of any Grizzly Stock Option to
which Section 421 of the Code applies by reason of its qualification under any
of Sections 422-424 of the Code ("qualified stock options"), the option
exercise price, the number of shares purchasable pursuant to such option and
the terms and conditions of exercise of such option shall be determined in
order to comply with Section 425(a) of the Code. The adjustments provided
herein with respect to any Stock Options that are "incentive stock options" (as
defined in Section 422 of the Code) shall be effected in a manner consistent
with Section 424(a) of the Code.
 
  (b) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Lynx shall deliver to
the participants in the Grizzly Option Plans appropriate notices setting forth
such participants' rights pursuant thereto and the grants pursuant
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>
 
to the Grizzly Option Plans shall continue in effect on the same terms and
conditions (subject to the adjustments required by this Section after giving
effect to the Merger). Subject to compliance with Canadian securities laws and
the rules of The Toronto Stock Exchange, Lynx shall comply with the terms of
the Grizzly Option Plans and ensure subject to the provisions of the Grizzly
Option Plans that Grizzly Stock Options which qualified as qualified stock
options prior to the Effective Time will continue to qualify as qualified stock
options after the Effective Time.
 
  (c) Lynx shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for issuance a
sufficient number of shares of Lynx Common Stock for delivery under the Grizzly
Option Plans as adjusted in accordance with this Section. As soon as
practicable after the Effective Time, Lynx shall file a registration statement
on Form S-8 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act (or any successor
or other appropriate form) with respect to the Lynx Common Stock subject to
such options and shall use its best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of
such registration statement or registration statements (and maintain the
current status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein) for so long
as such options remain outstanding. With respect to those individuals who
subsequent to the Merger will be subject to the reporting requirements under
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, where applicable, Lynx shall administer the
Grizzly Option Plans in a manner that complies with Rule 16b-3 promulgated
under the Exchange Act.
 
  6.10 Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance. (a) From and
after the Effective Time and until the sixth anniversary of the Effective Time
and for so long thereafter as any claim for indemnification asserted on or
prior to such date has not been fully adjudicated, Lynx and the Surviving
Corporation (each, an "Indemnifying Party") shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless each person who is now, or has been at any time prior to the date
hereof or who becomes prior to the Effective Time, a director or officer of
Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries (the "Indemnified Parties") against (i) all
losses, claims, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys'
fees), liabilities, judgments and settlement amounts that are paid or incurred
in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation
(whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether asserted
or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time) that is based in whole or
in part on, or arises in whole or in part out of, the fact that such
Indemnified Party is or was a director or officer of Grizzly or any of its
Subsidiaries and relates to or arises out of any action or omission occurring
at or prior to the Effective Time ("Indemnified Liabilities"), and (ii) all
Indemnified Liabilities based in whole or in part on, or arising in whole or in
part out of, or pertaining to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby, in each case to the full extent a corporation is permitted under
applicable law to indemnify its own directors or officers, as the case may be;
provided that no Indemnifying Party shall be liable for any settlement of any
claim effected without its written consent, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld; and provided, further, that no Indemnifying Party shall
be liable for any Indemnified Liabilities which occur as a result of the
willful misconduct of any Indemnified Party. Except as disclosed in Section
6.10 of the Grizzly Disclosure Letter, Grizzly is not aware of any Indemnified
Liabilities or of any basis for the assertion thereof. Without limiting the
foregoing, in the event that any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation is brought against any Indemnified Party (whether arising prior
to or after the Effective Time), (w) the Indemnifying Parties will pay expenses
in advance of the final disposition of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding
or investigation to each Indemnified Party to the full extent permitted by
applicable law; provided that the person to whom expenses are advanced provides
any undertaking required by applicable law to repay such advance if it is
ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification; (x)
the Indemnified Parties shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the
Indemnifying Parties; (y) the Indemnifying Parties shall pay all reasonable
fees and expenses of such counsel for the Indemnified Parties (subject to the
final sentence of this paragraph) promptly as statements therefor are received;
and (z) the Indemnifying Parties shall use all commercially reasonable efforts
to assist in the defense of any such matter. Any Indemnified Party wishing to
claim indemnification under this Section, upon learning of any such claim,
action, suit, proceeding or investigation, shall notify the Indemnifying
Parties, but the failure so to notify an Indemnifying Party shall not relieve
such Indemnifying Party from any liability which it may have under this
paragraph except to the extent such failure materially prejudices such
Indemnifying Party. The Indemnified Parties as a group may retain only one law
firm to represent them with respect to each such matter unless there
 
                                      A-29
<PAGE>
 
is, under applicable standards of professional conduct, a conflict on any
significant issue between the positions of any two or more Indemnified Parties,
in which case the Indemnified Parties may to the extent necessary to avoid such
conflict retain more than one or more additional law firm, in which event the
Indemnifying Parties shall be required to pay the reasonable fees and expenses
of only one law firm representing the Indemnified Parties.
 
  (b) Except to the extent required by law, until the sixth anniversary of the
Effective Time, Lynx will not take any action so as to amend, modify or repeal
the provisions for indemnification and limitation of liability of directors or
officers contained in the certificates or articles of incorporation or bylaws
(or other comparable charter documents) of the Surviving Corporation and its
Subsidiaries (which immediately before the Effective Time shall be no less
favorable to such individuals than those maintained by Grizzly and its
Subsidiaries on the date hereof) in such a manner as would adversely affect the
rights of any individual who shall have served as a director or officer of
Grizzly or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Time to be
indemnified by such corporations or limited in their liability in respect of
their serving in such capacities prior to the Effective Time.
 
  (c) The Surviving Corporation shall, until the sixth anniversary of the
Effective Time and for so long thereafter as any claim for insurance coverage
asserted on or prior to such date has not been fully adjudicated, cause to be
maintained in effect, to the extent available, the policies of directors' and
officers' liability insurance maintained by Grizzly and its Subsidiaries as of
the date hereof (or policies of at least the same coverage and amounts
containing terms that are no less advantageous to the insured parties) with
respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred on or prior to the
Effective Time; provided that in no event shall the Surviving Corporation be
obligated to expend in order to maintain or procure insurance coverage pursuant
to this paragraph any amount per annum in excess of 150% of the aggregate
premiums payable by Grizzly and its Subsidiaries in 1997 (on an annualized
basis) for such purpose.
 
  (d) The provisions of this Section are intended to be for the benefit of, and
shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party and each party entitled to
insurance coverage under paragraph (c) above, respectively, and his or her
heirs and legal representatives, and shall be in addition to any other rights
an Indemnified Party may have under the certificate or articles of
incorporation or bylaws of the Surviving Corporation or any of its
Subsidiaries, under the MBCL or otherwise.
   
  6.11 Lynx Governance. Lynx's Board of Directors shall take action to (i)
cause the full Board of Directors of Lynx at the Effective Time to include
persons who are directors of Grizzly ("Current Grizzly Directors"), and (if
necessary) shall obtain the resignations of persons who are directors of Lynx
("Lynx Directors"). At the Effective Time, the Board of Directors of Lynx shall
be comprised of eight directors, of whom an equal number will be Current
Grizzly Directors and Lynx Directors and (ii) cause the following persons, so
long as they are willing and able to serve, to be duly appointed to the
following offices: Bob Atkinson, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Charles
Winston, chief executive officer; Scott Nix, chief operating officer. Following
the Effective Time, Lynx's operational headquarters shall be in the United
States.     
 
  6.12 Continuation; Name Change. At or prior to the Effective Time, (a) Lynx
shall continue its existence as a corporation in the Province of New Brunswick,
with articles of incorporation and by laws substantially in the form set forth
in Exhibit B hereto and (b) Lynx shall change its corporate name to GSI
Lumonics Inc., provided, however, that the Lynx Shareholder Approval shall have
been obtained therefor.
 
  6.13 Stock Option Agreements. Grizzly, Lynx and Sub shall perform fully their
respective obligations under the Stock Option Agreements.
 
  6.14 Expenses. Except as set forth in Section 8.02, whether or not the Merger
is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party
incurring such cost or expense, except that the filing fee in connection with
the filings required under the HSR Act and the expenses incurred in connection
with printing and mailing the Registration Statement, as well as any filing
fees relating thereto, shall be shared equally by Lynx and Grizzly.
 
 
                                      A-30
<PAGE>
 
  6.15 Brokers or Finders.  Each of Lynx and Grizzly represents, as to itself
and its affiliates, that no agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor
or other firm or person is or will be entitled to any broker's or finder's fee
or any other commission or similar fee in connection with any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement except Needham & Company, Inc.,
whose fees and expenses will be paid by Grizzly in accordance with Grizzly's
agreement with such firm, and CIBC Wood Gundy Securities Inc. and Ernst & Young
Corporate Finance Inc., whose fees and expenses will be paid by Lynx in
accordance with Lynx's agreements with such firms, and each of Lynx and Grizzly
shall indemnify and hold the other harmless from and against any and all
claims, liabilities or obligations with respect to any other such fee or
commission or expenses related thereto asserted by any person on the basis of
any act or statement alleged to have been made by such party or its affiliate.
 
  6.16 Takeover Statutes.  If any "fair price", "moratorium", "control share
acquisition" or other form of antitakeover statute or regulation shall become
applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby, each Principal Party and
the members of the Board of Directors of such Principal Party shall grant such
approvals and take such actions as are reasonably necessary so that the
transactions contemplated hereby may be consummated as promptly as practicable
on the terms contemplated hereby and thereby and otherwise act to eliminate or
minimize the effects of such statute or regulation on the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby.
 
  6.17 Conveyance Taxes.  Grizzly and Lynx shall cooperate in the preparation,
execution and filing of all returns, questionnaires, applications or other
documents regarding any real property transfer or gains, sales, use, transfer,
value added, stock transfer and stamp taxes, any transfer, recording,
registration and other fees, and any similar taxes which become payable in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that are
required or permitted to be filed on or before the Effective Time.
                                   
                                ARTICLE VII     
 
                                   CONDITIONS
 
  7.01 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger.  The
respective obligation of each party to effect the Merger is subject to the
fulfillment, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:
 
    (a) Shareholder Approval. This Agreement shall have been adopted by the
  requisite vote of the shareholders of Grizzly under the MBCL and Grizzly's
  Articles of Incorporation. The shareholders of Lynx shall have approved the
  Lynx Shareholders' Proposals by the requisite majority under applicable law
  and governing documents.
 
    (b) Registration Statement; State Securities Laws. The Registration
  Statement shall have become effective in accordance with the provisions of
  the Securities Act, and no stop order suspending such effectiveness shall
  have been issued and remain in effect and no proceeding seeking such an
  order shall be pending or threatened. Lynx shall have received all state
  securities or "Blue Sky" permits and other authorizations, and all
  approvals, rulings and exceptions from applicable Canadian securities
  regulatory authorities, necessary to issue the Lynx Common Stock pursuant
  to this Agreement and under Grizzly Stock Plans after the Merger.
 
    (c) Exchange Listing. The shares of Lynx Common Stock issuable to
  Grizzly's Shareholders in the Merger and under Grizzly Stock Plans after
  the Merger in accordance with this Agreement shall have been authorized for
  listing on The Toronto Stock Exchange and Nasdaq subject to official notice
  of issuance.
 
    (d) HSR Act. Any waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to
  the consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act shall have expired or been
  terminated.
 
    (e) No Injunctions or Restraints. No court of competent jurisdiction or
  other competent Governmental or Regulatory Authority shall have enacted,
  issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any
 
                                      A-31
<PAGE>
 
  law or order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is then in
  effect and has the effect of making illegal or otherwise restricting,
  preventing or prohibiting consummation of the Merger or the other
  transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
    (f) Governmental and Regulatory and Other Consents and Approvals. Other
  than the filing provided for by Section 1.03, all consents, approvals and
  actions of, filings with and notices to any Governmental or Regulatory
  Authority or any other public or private third parties required of Lynx,
  Grizzly or any of their Subsidiaries to consummate the Merger and the other
  matters contemplated hereby, the failure of which to be obtained or taken
  could be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on Lynx and
  its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries, in each
  case taken as a whole, or on the ability of any of the parties hereto to
  consummate the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained,
  all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lynx and Grizzly.
 
    (g) Continuation; Name Change. At the Effective Time, Lynx shall have (a)
  continued its existence as a corporation in New Brunswick and (b) changed
  its corporate name to GSI Lumonics Inc.
 
    (h) Dissenting Shares.
 
  The sum (i) the product of the Conversion Number and the number of Dissenting
Shares plus (ii) shares of Lynx Common Stock the holders of which have not
voted in favor of the matters referred to in Section 7.01(g), have perfected
their rights to dissent with respect to their shares in accordance with
applicable law and have not effectively withdrawn or lost such right to dissent
("Lynx Dissenting Shares") shall not exceed 6% of the sum (iii) the number of
shares of Lynx Common Stock and (iv) the product of the Conversion Number and
the number of shares of Grizzly Common Stock, in each case outstanding on the
Closing Date.
 
  7.02 Conditions to Obligation of Lynx and Sub to Effect the Merger. The
obligation of Lynx and Sub to effect the Merger is further subject to the
fulfillment, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following additional
conditions (all or any of which may be waived in whole or in part by Lynx and
Sub in their sole discretion):
 
    (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
  made by Grizzly in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the
  Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date or, in the case
  of representations and warranties made as of a specified date earlier than
  the Closing Date, on and as of such earlier date, except as affected by the
  transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and Grizzly shall have
  delivered to Lynx a certificate, dated the Closing Date and executed in the
  name and on behalf of Grizzly by its Chairman of the Board, President or
  any Executive Vice President, to such effect.
 
    (b) Performance of Obligations. Grizzly shall have performed and complied
  with, in all material respects, each agreement, covenant and obligation
  required by this Agreement to be so performed or complied with by Grizzly
  at or prior to the Closing, and Grizzly shall have delivered to Lynx a
  certificate, dated the Closing Date and executed in the name and on behalf
  of Grizzly by its Chairman of the Board, President or any Executive Vice
  President, to such effect.
 
    (c) Grizzly Rights Agreement. On or prior to the Closing Date, Grizzly
  Rights shall not have become exercisable or transferable apart from the
  associated shares of Grizzly Common Stock, no "Shares Acquisition Date" or
  "Distribution Date" (each as defined in the Grizzly Rights Agreement) shall
  have occurred and the Grizzly Rights shall not have become nonredeemable,
  in each case other than as a result of actions by Lynx or any of its
  affiliates.
 
    (d) Absence of Certain Change or Events. Except as disclosed in Grizzly
  Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, (a) since June 30, 1998
  there shall not have been any change, event or development (excluding stock
  market fluctuations, changes in general economic conditions, or any change,
  event, or development having, or that could reasonably be expected to have,
  individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on companies in
  the industries in which Grizzly operates generally) having, or that could
  be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
  material adverse effect on Grizzly and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
                                      A-32
<PAGE>
 
    (e) Acceptance of Officer and Director Positions. The Grizzly officer
  listed in Section 6.11 shall have accepted his officer position set forth
  therein.
 
    (f) Proceedings. All proceedings to be taken on the part of Grizzly in
  connection the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all
  documents incident thereto shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and
  substance to Lynx, and Lynx shall have received copies of all such
  documents and other evidences as Lynx may reasonably request in order to
  establish the consummation of such transactions and the taking of all
  proceedings in connection therewith.
 
  7.03 Conditions to Obligation of Grizzly to Effect the Merger. The obligation
of Grizzly to effect the Merger is further subject to the fulfillment, at or
prior to the Closing, of each of the following additional conditions (all or
any of which may be waived in whole or in part by Grizzly in its sole
discretion):
 
    (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
  made by Lynx and Sub in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the
  Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date or, in the case
  of representations and warranties made as of a specified date earlier than
  the Closing Date, on and as of such earlier date, except as affected by the
  transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and Lynx and Sub shall each
  have delivered to Grizzly a certificate, dated the Closing Date and
  executed in the name and on behalf of Lynx by its Chairman of the Board,
  President or any Executive Vice President and in the name and on behalf of
  Sub by its Chairman of the Board, President or any Vice President, to such
  effect.
 
    (b) Performance of Obligations. Lynx and Sub shall have performed and
  complied with, in all material respects, each agreement, covenant and
  obligation required by this Agreement to be so performed or complied with
  by Lynx or Sub at or prior to the Closing, and Lynx and Sub shall each have
  delivered to Grizzly a certificate, dated the Closing Date and executed in
  the name and on behalf of Lynx by its Chairman of the Board, President, any
  Executive Vice President or its Chief Financial Officer and in the name and
  on behalf of Sub by its Chairman of the Board, President or any Vice
  President, to such effect.
     
    (c) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as disclosed in the Lynx
  Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, (a) since June 30, 1998
  there shall not have been any change, event or development (excluding stock
  market fluctuations, changes in general economic conditions, or any change,
  event or development having, or that could reasonably be expected to have,
  individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on companies in
  the industries in which Lynx operates generally) having, or that could be
  reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material
  adverse effect on Lynx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.     
 
    (d) Appointment of Directors and Officers. Lynx shall have duly appointed
  the Grizzly directors and officer listed in Section 6.11 to the positions
  set forth therein, subject to consummation of the Merger and acceptance of
  such appointment.
 
    (e) Proceedings. All proceedings to be taken on the part of Lynx and Sub
  in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all
  documents incident thereto shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and
  substance to Grizzly, and Grizzly shall have received copies of all such
  documents and other evidences as Grizzly may reasonably request in order to
  establish the consummation of such transactions and the taking of all
  proceedings in connection therewith.
                                  
                               ARTICLE VIII     
 
                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
 
  8.01 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated, and the transactions
contemplated hereby may be abandoned, at any time prior to the Effective Time,
whether prior to or after Grizzly Shareholders' Approval or the Lynx
Shareholders' Approval:
 
    (a) By mutual written agreement of the parties hereto duly authorized by
  action taken by or on behalf of their respective Boards of Directors;
 
                                      A-33
<PAGE>
 
    (b) By either Principal Party upon notification to the non-terminating
  Principal Party by the terminating Principal Party:
 
      (i) at any time after March 31, 1999 if the Merger shall not have
    been consummated on or prior to such date and such failure to
    consummate the Merger is not caused by a breach of this Agreement by
    the terminating Principal Party;
 
      (ii) if the Grizzly Shareholders' Approval or the Lynx Shareholders'
    Approval shall not be obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the
    requisite vote upon a vote held at a meeting of such shareholders, or
    any adjournment thereof, called therefor;
 
      (iii) if there has been a material breach of any representation,
    warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the non-terminating
    Principal Party set forth in this Agreement, which breach is not
    curable or, if curable, has not been cured within 30 days following
    receipt by the non-terminating Principal Party of notice of such breach
    from the terminating Principal Party; or
 
      (iv) if any court of competent jurisdiction or other competent
    Governmental or Regulatory Authority shall have issued an order making
    illegal or otherwise restricting, preventing or prohibiting the Merger
    and such order shall have become final and nonappealable; or
 
  (c) By either Principal Party if (i) the Board of Directors of such Principal
Party determines in good faith, based upon the written opinion of outside
counsel (a copy of which shall be provided promptly to the other Principal
Party), that termination of the Agreement is required for the Board of
Directors to comply with its fiduciary duties to shareholders imposed by law by
reason of an unsolicited bona fide Alternative Proposal meeting the
requirements of clauses (A) and (B) of Section 5.02 having been made; provided
that the terminating Principal Party shall have complied with the provisions of
clauses (C) and (D) of Section 5.02 and shall notify the other Principal Party
promptly of its intention to terminate this Agreement or enter into a
definitive agreement with respect to such Alternative Proposal, but in no event
shall such notice be given less than 48 hours prior to the public announcement
of the terminating Principal Party's termination of this Agreement; or (ii) the
Board of Directors of the other Principal Party shall have withdrawn or
modified in a manner materially adverse to the terminating Principal Party its
approval or recommendation of this Agreement or the Merger (it being understood
that an announcement by such other Principal Party that states that an
Alternative Proposal is under consideration by such Board of Directors shall be
deemed such a withdrawal or modification, unless the Board of Directors
publicly reaffirms its original recommendation within ten business days after
such announcement); and provided further that the terminating Principal Party's
ability to terminate this Agreement pursuant to clause (i) of this paragraph
(c) is conditioned upon the prior payment by the terminating Principal Party of
any amounts owed by it pursuant to Section 8.02(b).
 
  8.02 Effect of Termination. (a) If this Agreement is validly terminated by
either Grizzly or Lynx pursuant to Section 8.01, this Agreement will forthwith
become null and void and there will be no liability or obligation on the part
of either Grizzly or Lynx (or any of their respective Representatives or
affiliates), except (i) that the provisions of Sections 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15 and
this Section 8.02 will continue to apply following any such termination, (ii)
that nothing contained herein shall relieve any party hereto from liability for
willful breach of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
contained in this Agreement and (iii) as provided in paragraph (b) below.
 
  (b) In the event that any person or group shall have made an Alternative
Proposal with respect to a Principal Party and thereafter this Agreement is
terminated (x) by such Principal Party pursuant to Section 8.01(c)(i), then
such Principal Party shall pay the Specified Amounts (as defined below) to the
other Principal Party, or (y) by the other Principal Party pursuant to Section
8.01(b)(iii) as a result of a breach of covenant or agreement or pursuant to
Section 8.01(c)(ii), then the non-terminating Principal Party shall pay the
Specified Amounts to the terminating Principal Party. In addition, if any
person or group shall have made an Alternative Proposal with respect to a
Principal Party and thereafter this Agreement is terminated for any other
reason (other than by reason of the breach of this Agreement by the Non-
Executing Party (as defined below) or as a result of the Shareholders' Approval
of the Non-Executing Party not being obtained) and, in the case of this
sentence only, a definitive agreement with respect to an Alternative Proposal
is executed by such Principal
 
                                      A-34
<PAGE>
 
Party within one year after such termination, then the Principal Party
executing such agreement (the "Executing Party") shall pay the Specified
Amounts to the other Principal Party (the "Non-Executing Party"). The Specified
Amounts shall be paid by wire transfer of same day funds, either on the date
contemplated in Section 8.01(c) if applicable, or otherwise within two business
days after such amount becomes due. "Specified Amounts" means (x) a termination
fee of U.S. $4,000,000 and (y) an amount equal to all documented out-of-pocket
expenses and fees incurred by the Principal Party who is entitled to receive
such fee, or by any of its Subsidiaries, in connection with this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without limitation, fees and
expenses payable to all banks, investment banking firms and other financial
institutions and persons and their respective agents and counsel for acting as
such Principal Party's financial advisor with respect to, or arranging or
committing to provide or providing any financing for, the Merger), provided
that in no event shall the amount of such reimbursable fees and expenses exceed
U.S. $500,000 in the aggregate.
 
  (c) Each Principal Party acknowledges that the agreements contained in the
preceding paragraph are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement and that, without these agreements, the other Principal Party
would not enter into this Agreement; accordingly, if such Principal Party fails
promptly to pay the amount due pursuant to such paragraph, and in order to
obtain such payment, the other Principal Party commences a suit which results
in a judgment against such Principal Party for such amount, such Principal
Party shall pay to the other Principal Party, as the case may be, all costs and
expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred by such other
Principal Party or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with such suit,
together with interest on the amount of the fee at a rate equal to the prime
rate publicly announced from time to time by The Chase Manhattan Bank and in
effect on the date such payment was required to be made.
 
  8.03 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified by
action taken by or on behalf of the respective Boards of Directors of the
parties hereto at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether prior to or
after the Grizzly Shareholders' Approval or the Lynx Shareholders' Approval
shall have been obtained, but after such adoption and approval only to the
extent permitted by applicable law. No such amendment, supplement or
modification shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument duly
executed by or on behalf of each party hereto.
 
  8.04 Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time any party hereto, by
action taken by or on behalf of its Board of Directors, may to the extent
permitted by applicable law (i) extend the time for the performance of any of
the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto, (ii) waive any
inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other parties hereto
contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or (iii) waive
compliance with any of the covenants, agreements or conditions of the other
parties hereto contained herein. No such extension or waiver shall be effective
unless set forth in a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the
party extending the time of performance or waiving any such inaccuracy or non-
compliance. No waiver by any party of any term or condition of this Agreement,
in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a waiver of
the same or any other term or condition of this Agreement on any future
occasion.
 
                                      A-35
<PAGE>
 
                                   
                                ARTICLE IX     
 
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
  9.01 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and
Agreements. The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained
in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement
shall not survive the Merger but shall terminate at the Effective Time, except
for the agreements contained in Article I and Article II, in Sections 6.09,
6.10 and 6.11, this Article IX and the agreements of the "affiliates" of
Grizzly delivered pursuant to Section 6.04, which shall survive the Effective
Time.
 
  9.02 Notices. All notices, requests and other communications hereunder must
be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given only if delivered
personally or by facsimile transmission or mailed (first class postage prepaid)
to the parties at the following addresses or facsimile numbers:
 
                             If to Lynx or Sub, to:
                             Lumonics Inc.
                             Oxnard Operation
                             130 Lombard Street
                             Oxnard, CA 93030
                             Facsimile No.: 805/485-3335
                             Attn: W. Scott Nix
                             with copies to:
                             105 Schneider Road
                                
                             Kanata, Ontario K2K 1Y3     
                             Facsimile No.: 603/592-7549
                             Attn: Desmond J. Bradley
                                
                             LaBarge Weinstein     
                                
                             333 Preston Street, 11th Foor     
                                
                             Ontario, K1S 5N4     
                             Facsimile No.: 613/237-1920
                                
                             Attn: Charles Gardner, Q.C.     
 
                             If to Grizzly, to:
                             500 Arsenal Street
                             Watertown, MA 02171
                             Facsimile No.: 617/924-7327
                             Attn: Charles D. Winston
                             with a copy to:
                             Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP
                             Exchange Place
                             Boston, MA 02109
                             Facsimile No.: 617/523-1231
                             Attn: Stuart M. Cable, Esq.
 
  All such notices, requests and other communications will (i) if delivered
personally to the address as provided in this Section, be deemed given upon
delivery, (ii) if delivered by facsimile transmission to the facsimile number
as provided in this Section, be deemed given upon receipt, and (iii) if
delivered by mail in the manner described above to the address as provided in
this Section, be deemed given upon receipt (in each case regardless of whether
such notice, request or other communication is received by any other person to
whom a copy of such notice, request or other communication is to be delivered
pursuant to this Section). Any party from time to time may change its address,
facsimile number or other information for the purpose of notices to that party
by giving notice specifying such change to the other parties hereto.
 
                                      A-36
<PAGE>
 
  9.03 Entire Agreement; Incorporation of Exhibits. (a) This Agreement
supersedes all prior discussions and agreements among the parties hereto with
respect to the subject matter hereof, other than the Confidentiality Agreement,
which shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement in accordance
with its terms, and contains, together with the Confidentiality Agreement and
the Stock Option Agreements, the sole and entire agreement among the parties
hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
 
  (b) The Grizzly Disclosure Letter, the Lynx Disclosure Letter and any
Schedule or Exhibit attached to this Agreement and referred to herein are
hereby incorporated herein and made a part hereof for all purposes as if fully
set forth herein.
 
  9.04 Public Announcements. Except as otherwise required by law or the rules
of any applicable securities exchange or national market system, so long as
this Agreement is in effect, Lynx and Grizzly will not, and will not permit any
of their respective Subsidiaries or Representatives to, issue or cause the
publication of any press release or make any other public announcement with
respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the consent
of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Lynx and
Grizzly will cooperate with each other in the development and distribution of
all press releases and other public announcements with respect to this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and will furnish the other
with drafts of any such releases and announcements as far in advance as
practicable.
 
  9.05 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as provided in Section 6.09 and
Section 6.10, the terms and provisions of this Agreement are intended solely
for the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors or
permitted assigns, and except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, it is
not the intention of the parties to confer third-party beneficiary rights upon
any other person.
 
  9.06 No Assignment; Binding Effect. Neither this Agreement nor any right,
interest or obligation hereunder may be assigned by any party hereto without
the prior written consent of the other parties hereto and any attempt to do so
will be void, except that Sub may assign any or all of its rights, interests
and obligations hereunder to another direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary
of Lynx, provided that any such Subsidiary agrees in writing to be bound by all
of the terms, conditions and provisions contained herein that would otherwise
be applicable to Sub. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement is
binding upon, inures to the benefit of and is enforceable by the parties hereto
and their respective successors and assigns.
 
  9.07 Headings. The headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for
convenience of reference only and do not define, modify or limit the provisions
hereof.
 
  9.08 Invalid Provisions. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be
illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future law or order, and
if the rights or obligations of any party hereto under this Agreement will not
be materially and adversely affected thereby, (i) such provision will be fully
severable, (ii) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such
illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof,
and (iii) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force
and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable
provision or by its severance herefrom.
 
  9.09 Governing Law. Except to the extent that the MBCL is mandatorily
applicable to the Merger and the rights of the shareholders of the Constituent
Corporations, this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York applicable to a contract executed and
performed in such State, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws
principles thereof.
 
  9.10 Enforcement of Agreement. The parties hereto agree that irreparable
damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement
was not performed in accordance with its specified terms or was otherwise
breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an
injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce
specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court of competent
jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are
entitled at law or in equity.
 
                                      A-37
<PAGE>
 
  9.11 Certain Definitions. As used in this Agreement:
 
    (a) except as provided in Section 6.04, the term "affiliate," as applied
  to any person, shall mean any other person directly or indirectly
  controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, that person; for
  purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative
  meanings, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common
  control with"), as applied to any person, means the possession, directly or
  indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
  and policies of that person, whether through the ownership of voting
  securities, by contract or otherwise;
 
    (b) a person will be deemed to "beneficially" own securities if such
  person would be the beneficial owner of such securities under Rule 13d-3
  under the Exchange Act, including securities which such person has the
  right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only
  after the passage of time);
 
    (c) the term "business day" means a day other than Saturday, Sunday or
  any day on which banks located in the Province of Ontario or the
  Commonwealth of Massachusetts are authorized or obligated to close;
 
    (d) the term "knowledge" or any similar formulation of "knowledge" shall
  mean, with respect to Grizzly, the knowledge of Grizzly's executive
  officers, and with respect to Lynx, the knowledge of Lynx's executive
  officers;
 
    (e) any reference to any event, change or effect being "material" or
  "materially adverse" or having a "material adverse effect" on or with
  respect to an entity (or group of entities taken as a whole) means such
  event, change or effect is material or materially adverse, as the case may
  be, to the business, financial condition or results of operations of such
  entity (or of such group of entities taken as a whole);
 
    (f) the term "person" shall include individuals, corporations,
  partnerships, trusts, other entities and groups (which term shall include a
  "group" as such term is defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act);
 
    (g) the "Representatives" of any entity means such entity's directors,
  officers, employees, legal, investment banking and financial advisors,
  accountants and any other agents and representatives;
 
    (h) the term "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any party, any
  corporation or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated,
  of which more than 50% of either the equity interests in, or the voting
  control of, such corporation or other organization is, directly or
  indirectly through Subsidiaries or otherwise, beneficially owned by such
  party.
 
  9.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.
 
                                      A-38
<PAGE>
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party hereto has caused this Agreement to be signed
by its officers thereunto duly authorized and its corporate seal to be affixed
as of the date first above written.
 
Attest:                                   Lumonics Inc.
 
 
                                                   /s/ Robert J. Atkinson
                    
_____________________________________     By: _________________________________
                                            Name: Robert J. Atkinson
                                            Title:Chairman
 
                                                      /s/ W. Scott Nix
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name: W. Scott Nix
                                            Title:President and Chief
                                            Executive Officer
 
Attest:                                   Grizzly Acquisition Corp.
 
 
                                                   /s/ Robert J. Atkinson
                    
_____________________________________     By: _________________________________
                                            Name: Robert J. Atkinson
                                            Title:President
 
                                                   /s/ Desmond J. Bradley
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name: Desmond J. Bradley
                                            Title:Treasurer
                                          
Attest:                                     New Grizzly Acquisition Corp.     
                                               
                                                /s/ Robert J. Atkinson     
                                          
_________________________________         By: ____________________________     
                                               
                                            Name: Robert J. Atkinson     
                                               
                                            Title:President     
                                                  
                                                /s/ Desmond J. Bradley     
                                             
                                          By: ____________________________     
                                               
                                            Name: Desmond J. Bradley     
                                               
                                            Title:Treasurer     
 
Attest:                                   General Scanning Inc.
 
 
                                                   /s/ Charles D. Winston
                    
_____________________________________     By: _________________________________
                                            Name: Charles D. Winston
                                            Title:President and Chief
                                            Executive Officer
 
                                                   /s/ Victor H. Woolley
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name: Victor H. Woolley
                                            Title:Treasurer
 
                                      A-39
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT A
 
                        [FORM OF AFFILIATE'S AGREEMENT]
                                     [DATE]
 
Lumonics Inc.
105 Schneider Road
Kanata, Ontario K2K 1Y3
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
  I have been advised that as of the date hereof I may be deemed to be an
"affiliate" of General Scanning Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("Grizzly"),
as that term is defined for purposes of paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 145 of
the rules and regulations (the "Rules and Regulations") of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Act"). Neither my entering into this agreement, nor anything
contained herein, shall be deemed an admission on my part that I am such an
"affiliate".
 
  Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of October
27, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"), among Lumonics Inc., an Ontario corporation
("Lynx"), Grizzly Acquisition Corp., a Massachusetts corporation wholly owned
by Lynx ("Sub"), and Grizzly providing for the merger of Sub with and into
Grizzly (the "Merger"), and as a result of the Merger, I may receive shares of
Lynx's common stock (the "Lynx Securities"), in exchange for the shares of
common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Grizzly owned by me at the Effective
Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement) of the Merger.
 
  I represent, warrant and covenant to Lynx that in such event:
 
    A. I shall not make any sale, transfer or other disposition of the Lynx
  Securities in violation of the Act or the Rules and Regulations.
 
    B. I have carefully read this letter and the Merger Agreement and
  discussed its requirements and other applicable limitations upon my ability
  to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of Lynx Securities, to the extent I
  felt necessary, with my counsel or counsel for Grizzly.
 
    C. I have been advised that the issuance of Lynx Securities to me
  pursuant to the Merger has been registered with the Commission under the
  Act on a Registration Statement on Form S-4. However, I have also been
  advised that, since at the time the Merger was submitted for a vote of the
  Shareholders of Grizzly I may have been deemed to have been an affiliate of
  Grizzly and a distribution by me of Lynx Securities has not been registered
  under the Act, the Lynx Securities must be held by me indefinitely unless
  (i) a distribution of Lynx Securities by me has been registered under the
  Act, (ii) a sale of Lynx Securities by me is made in conformity with the
  volume and other limitations of Rule 145 promulgated by the Commission
  under the Act or (iii) in the opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to
  Lynx, some other exemption from registration is available with respect to a
  proposed sale, transfer or other disposition of the Lynx Securities by me.
 
    D. I understand that Lynx is under no obligation to register the sale,
  transfer or other disposition of Lynx Securities by me or on my behalf or
  to take any other action necessary in order to make compliance with an
  exemption from registration available.
 
    E. I also understand that stop transfer instructions will be given to
  Lynx's transfer agents with respect to the Lynx Securities and that there
  will be placed on the certificates for the Lynx Securities, or any
  substitutions therefor, a legend stating in substance:
 
                                      A-40
<PAGE>
 
    "The shares represented by this certificate were issued in a
  transaction to which Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act of
  1933, as amended, applies. The shares represented by this certificate
  may only be transferred in accordance with the terms of an agreement
  dated     ,  , between the registered holder hereof and Lumonics Inc.
  (the "Corporation"), a copy of which agreement is on file at the
  principal offices of the Corporation."
 
    F. I also understand that unless the transfer by me of my Lynx Securities
  has been registered under the Act or is a sale made in conformity with the
  provisions of Rule 145, Lynx reserves the right to put the following legend
  on the certificates issued to my transferee:
 
    "The shares represented by this certificate have not been registered
  under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and were acquired from a
  person who received such shares in a transaction to which Rule 145
  promulgated under such Act applies. The shares have been acquired by
  the holder not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any
  distribution thereof within the meaning of such Act and may not be
  sold, pledged or otherwise transferred except in accordance with an
  exemption from the registration requirements of such Act."
 
  It is understood and agreed that the legends set forth in paragraph E and F
above shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificates without such
legend if the undersigned shall have delivered to Lynx a copy of a letter from
the staff of the Commission, or an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to
Lynx to the effect that such legend is not required for purposes of the Act.
 
  By its acceptance hereof, Lynx agrees, for a period of two years after the
Effective Time, that it will file on a timely basis all reports required to be
filed by it pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, so that the public information provisions of Rule 144(c) under the Act
are satisfied and the resale provisions of Rules 145(d)(1) and (2) under the
Act are therefore available to me in the event I desire to transfer any Lynx
Securities issued to me in the Merger.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                            ___________________________________
                                            Name:
Accepted this    day of
    ,   , by:
LUMONICS INC.
 
 
By __________________________________
  Name:
  Title
 
                                      A-41
<PAGE>
 
                                                                         ANNEX B
 
                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 
  STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, dated October 27, 1998, by and among GENERAL SCANNING
INC., a Massachusetts corporation ("Grizzly") and LUMONICS INC., an Ontario
corporation ("Lynx").
 
  WHEREAS, Lynx, Grizzly and a subsidiary of Lynx are entering into an
Agreement for Merger and Reorganization of even date herewith (the "Merger
Agreement," terms defined therein and not otherwise defined herein having the
same meanings when used herein), which provides, among other things, for the
merger of such subsidiary with and into Grizzly; and
 
  WHEREAS, Lynx has agreed, to induce Grizzly to enter into the Merger
Agreement, to grant the Option (as hereinafter defined);
 
  NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set
forth herein and in the Merger Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
  1. Grant of Option. Lynx hereby grants Grizzly an irrevocable option (the
"Option") to purchase up to 3,391,656 shares (the "Lynx Shares") of common
stock of Lynx (the "Lynx Common Stock") in the manner set forth below at a
price of Can. $8.09 per share (the "Exercise Price").
 
  2. Exercise of Option. The Option may be exercised by Grizzly, in whole or in
part, at any time or from time to time after the Merger Agreement becomes
terminable by Grizzly under circumstances which could entitle Grizzly to
payment of Specified Amounts under Article VIII of the Merger Agreement. In the
event Grizzly wishes to exercise the Option, Grizzly shall deliver to Lynx a
written notice (an "Exercise Notice") specifying the total number of the Lynx
Shares it wishes to purchase. Each closing of a purchase of the Lynx Shares (a
"Closing") shall occur at a place, on a date and at a time designated by
Grizzly and reasonably acceptable to Lynx in an Exercise Notice delivered at
least three business days prior to the date of the Closing. The Option shall
terminate upon the earlier of: (i) the Effective Time; (ii) the termination of
the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01 thereof (other than a termination
in connection with which Grizzly is or may be entitled to the payment specified
in Section 8.02 thereof); and (iii) one year following any termination of the
Merger Agreement in connection with which Grizzly is or may be entitled to the
payment specified in Section 8.02 thereof (or if, at the expiration of such one
year period, the Option cannot be exercised by reason of any applicable
judgment, decree, order, law or regulation, ten business days after such
impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall have become final and
not subject to appeal, but in no event under this clause (iii) later than the
second anniversary of the date hereof). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Option may not be exercised if Grizzly is in willful breach of any of its
representations or warranties, or in material breach of any of its covenants,
contained in this Agreement or in the Merger Agreement.
 
  3. Conditions to Closing. The obligation of Lynx to issue the Lynx Shares to
Grizzly hereunder is subject to the conditions that (i) all waiting periods, if
any, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder ("HSR Act"),
applicable to the issuance of the Lynx Shares hereunder shall have expired or
have been terminated; (ii) all consents, approvals, orders or authorizations
of, or registrations, declarations or filings with, any Federal, provincial,
state or local administrative agency or commission or other Federal,
provincial, state or local governmental authority or instrumentality or
securities exchange, if any, required in connection with the issuance of the
Lynx Shares hereunder shall have been obtained or made, as the case may be;
(iii) no preliminary or permanent injunction or other order by any court of
competent jurisdiction prohibiting or otherwise restraining such issuance shall
be in effect; and (iv) Grizzly shall not be in material breach of any of its
covenants under the Merger Agreement.
 
  4. Closing. At any Closing, (a) Lynx will deliver to Grizzly a single
certificate in definitive form representing the number of the Lynx Shares
designated by Grizzly in its Exercise Notice, such certificate to be registered
in the name of Grizzly and to bear the legend set forth in Section 11 of this
Agreement, and (b) Grizzly will deliver to Lynx the aggregate price for the
Lynx Shares so designated and being purchased by wire
 
                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
transfer of immediately available funds or certified check or bank check or by
delivery of shares of Grizzly Common Stock (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
valued for this purpose at the average closing sales price on their principal
market over the ten trading days preceding such Closing. Upon delivery of an
Exercise Notice, satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 3 of this
Agreement and tender of the aggregate price, Grizzly shall be deemed to be a
holder of record of the Lynx Shares so deliverable. At any Closing at which
Grizzly is exercising the Option in part, Grizzly shall present and surrender
this Agreement to Lynx, and Lynx shall deliver to Grizzly an executed new
agreement with the same terms as this Agreement evidencing the right to
purchase the balance of the shares of the Lynx Common Stock purchasable
hereunder.
 
  5. Representations and Warranties of Lynx. Lynx represents and warrants to
Grizzly that (a) Lynx is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the Province of Ontario and has the
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out its
obligations hereunder, (b) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Lynx
and the consummation by Lynx of the transactions contemplated hereby have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Lynx and no
other corporate proceedings on the part of Lynx are necessary to authorize this
Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, (c) this Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by Lynx and constitutes a valid and
binding obligation of Lynx, and, assuming this Agreement constitutes a valid
and binding obligation of Grizzly, is enforceable against Lynx in accordance
with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency
or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally
and subject to usual equity principles, (d) Lynx has taken all necessary
corporate action to authorize and reserve for issuance and to permit it to
issue, upon exercise of the Option, and at all times from the date hereof
through the expiration of the Option will have reserved, 3,391,656 unissued
Lynx Shares and such other shares of the Lynx Common Stock or other securities
which may be issued pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement, all of which,
upon their issuance, payment and delivery in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and free and
clear of all claims, liens, charges, encumbrances and security interests of any
nature whatsoever (other than those created by or through Grizzly), (e) the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Lynx does not, and the performance
of this Agreement by Lynx will not materially conflict with, or result in any
material violation of, or material default (with or without notice or lapse of
time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or
acceleration of any obligation or the loss of a material benefit under, or the
creation of a lien, pledge, security interest or other encumbrance on assets
pursuant to (any such conflict, violation, default, right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration, loss or creation, a "Violation"), (A) any
provision of the Articles of Organization or By-laws of Lynx or (B) any
provisions of any loan or credit agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease,
benefit plan or other agreement, obligation, instrument, permit, concession,
franchise, license of or applicable to Lynx, or (C) any judgment, order,
decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Lynx or its
properties or assets, which Violation, in the case of each of clauses (B) and
(C), individually or in the aggregate would prevent or materially delay the
exercise by Grizzly of the Option or any other right of Grizzly under this
Agreement, or be subject to any statute or regulation of the type referred to
in Section 6.16 of the Merger Agreement or result in a "Distribution Date" or
"Triggering Event" under any Lynx shareholder rights plan, (f) except as
described in Section 4.04 of the Merger Agreement, the execution and delivery
of this Agreement by Lynx does not, and the performance of this Agreement by
Lynx will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or
filing with or notification to, any governmental or regulatory authority, and
(g) any shares of Grizzly Common Stock acquired by Lynx in connection with
Grizzly's exercise of the Option will not be acquired by Lynx with a view to
public distribution or resale in any manner which would be in violation of
federal or state securities laws.
 
  6. Representations and Warranties of Grizzly. Grizzly represents and warrants
to Lynx that (a) each of Grizzly is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, and has the corporate power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder, (b) the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Grizzly and the consummation by Grizzly of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Grizzly and no other corporate proceedings on
the part of Grizzly are necessary
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
 
to authorize this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, (c)
this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Grizzly and constitutes
a valid and binding obligation of Grizzly, and, assuming this Agreement
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Lynx, is enforceable against
Grizzly in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and subject to usual equity principles, (d) the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Grizzly does not, and the
performance of this Agreement by Grizzly will not, result in any Violation
pursuant to, (A) any provision of the charter documents of Grizzly, (B) any
provisions of any loan or credit agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease,
or other agreement, obligation, instrument, permit, concession, franchise,
license of or applicable to it or (C) any judgment, order, decree, statute,
law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Grizzly or its properties or
assets, which Violation, in the case of each of clauses (B) and (C), would,
individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on Grizzly's
ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (e)
except as described in Section 3.04 of the Merger Agreement, the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Grizzly does not, and the performance of this
Agreement by Grizzly will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or
permit of, or filing with or notification to, any governmental or regulatory
authority and (f) any Lynx Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option will not
be, and the Option is not being, acquired by Grizzly with a view to public
distribution or resale in any manner which would be in violation of federal,
provincial or state securities laws.
 
  7. Put Right.
 
  (a) Exercise of Put. At any time during which the Option is exercisable
pursuant to Section 2 or would be exercisable but for the circumstances
referred to in the parenthetical in Section 2(iii) of this Agreement (the
"Repurchase Period"), upon demand by Grizzly, Grizzly shall have the right to
sell to Lynx (or any successor entity thereof) and Lynx (or such successor
entity) shall be obligated to repurchase from Grizzly (the "Put"), all or any
portion of the Option, at the price set forth in subparagraph (i) below, or all
or any portion of the Lynx Shares purchased by Grizzly pursuant hereto, at a
price set forth in subparagraph (ii) below:
 
    (i) the difference between the "Market/Tender Offer Price" for shares of
  the Lynx Common Stock as of the date (the "Notice Date") notice of exercise
  of the Put is given to Lynx (defined as the higher of (A) the price per
  share offered as of the Notice Date pursuant to any tender or exchange
  offer or other Alternative Proposal which was made prior to the Notice Date
  and not terminated or withdrawn as of the Notice Date (the "Tender Price")
  and (B) the average of the closing prices of shares of the Lynx Common
  Stock on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSE") or the Nasdaq Stock Market for
  the five trading days immediately preceding the Notice Date (the "Market
  Price")), and the Exercise Price, multiplied by the number of Lynx Shares
  purchasable pursuant to the Option (or portion thereof with respect to
  which Grizzly is exercising its rights under this Section 7);
 
    (ii) the Exercise Price paid by Grizzly for the Lynx Shares acquired
  pursuant to the Option plus the difference between the Market/Tender Offer
  Price and the Exercise Price, multiplied by the number of Lynx Shares so
  purchased. For purposes of this clause (ii), the Tender Price shall be the
  highest price per share offered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer or
  other Alternative Proposal during the Repurchase Period.
 
In determining the Market-Tender Offer Price, the value of consideration other
than cash or stock as provided above shall be determined by a nationally
recognized investment banking firm selected by Grizzly and reasonably
acceptable to Lynx.
 
  (b) Payment and Redelivery of Option or Shares. In the event Grizzly
exercises its rights under this Section 7, Lynx shall, within ten business days
of the Notice Date, pay the required amount to Grizzly in immediately available
funds and Grizzly shall surrender to Lynx the Option or the certificates
evidencing the Lynx Shares purchased by Grizzly pursuant hereto, and Grizzly
shall warrant that it owns such shares and that such shares are then free and
clear of all liens, claims, charges and encumbrances of any kind or nature
whatsoever.
 
 
                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
  8. Restrictions on Certain Actions. Lynx shall not adopt any Rights Agreement
or shareholder rights plan in any manner which would cause Grizzly, if Grizzly
has complied with its obligations under this Agreement, to become an "Acquiring
Person" under such Rights Agreement or shareholder rights plan solely by reason
of the beneficial ownership of the shares purchasable hereunder.
 
  9. Registration Rights.
 
  (a) Lynx will, if requested by Grizzly at any time and from time to time
within two years of the exercise of the Option, as expeditiously as possible
prepare and file up to two registration statements under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") (provided it has shares registered
under the Exchange Act) or prospectuses under the Securities Act (Ontario) (the
"Ontario Act") if such registration or the obtaining of a receipt for a
prospectus is necessary in order to permit the sale or other disposition of any
or all shares or other securities that have been acquired by or are issuable to
Grizzly upon exercise of the Option in accordance with the intended method of
sale or other disposition stated by Grizzly, including without limitation a
"shelf" registration statement under Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any
successor provision, or similar provision under the Ontario Act and related
rules, regulations, rulings or policy statements, and Lynx will use its best
efforts to qualify such shares or other securities under any applicable state
or other provincial securities laws. Lynx will use reasonable efforts to cause
each such registration statement to become effective and to obtain a (final)
receipt for each such prospectus, to obtain all consents or waivers of other
parties which are required therefor, and to keep such registration statement or
prospectus effective for such period not in excess of 180 calendar days from
the day such registration statement first becomes effective or the date of the
(final) receipt for such prospectus as may be reasonably necessary to effect
such sale or other disposition. The obligations of Lynx hereunder to file a
registration statement or prospectus and to maintain its effectiveness may be
suspended for up to 90 calendar days in the aggregate if the Board of Directors
of Lynx shall have determined that the filing of such registration statement or
prospectus or the maintenance of its effectiveness would require premature
disclosure of material nonpublic information that would materially and
adversely affect Lynx or otherwise interfere with or adversely affect any
pending or proposed offering of securities of Lynx or any other material
transaction involving Lynx. Subject to applicable law, any registration
statement or prospectus prepared and filed under this Section 9, and any sale
covered thereby, will be at Lynx's expense except for underwriting discounts or
commissions, brokers' fees and the fees and disbursements of Grizzly's counsel
related thereto. Grizzly will provide and be responsible for, in connection
with indemnification provisions, all information reasonably requested by Lynx
for inclusion in any registration statement or prospectus to be filed
hereunder. If, during the time periods referred to in the first sentence of
this Section 9, Lynx effects a registration under the Securities Act of , or
qualifies a prospectus under the Ontario Act in respect of, the Lynx Common
Stock for its own account or for any other stockholders of Lynx (other than on
Form S-4 or Form S-8, or any successor form), it will allow Grizzly the right
to participate in such registration or qualification, and such participation
will not affect the obligation of Lynx to effect demand registration statements
or prospectus for Grizzly under this Section 9; provided that, if the managing
underwriters of such offering advise Lynx in writing that in their opinion the
number of shares of the Lynx Common Stock requested to be included in such
registration or qualification exceeds the number which can be sold in such
offering, Lynx will include the shares requested to be included therein by
Grizzly after the shares intended to be included therein by Lynx have been
included and prior to any shares requested to be included by any third parties
are included. In connection with any registration or qualification pursuant to
this Section 9, Lynx and Grizzly will provide each other and any underwriter of
the offering with customary representations, warranties, covenants,
indemnification, and contribution in connection with such registration or
qualification. Lynx shall provide to any underwriters such documentation
(including certificates, opinions of counsel and "comfort" letters from
auditors) as are customary in connection with underwritten public offerings as
such underwriters may reasonably require.
 
  (b) If Lynx's securities of the same type as the Lynx Common Stock
beneficially owned by Grizzly are then authorized for quotation or trading or
listing on the TSE, Nasdaq National Market System, or any other securities
exchange or automated quotations system, Lynx, upon the request of Grizzly,
shall promptly file an application, if required, to authorize for quotation,
trading or listing such shares of the Lynx Common Stock on
 
                                      B-4
<PAGE>
 
such exchange or system and will use its reasonable efforts to obtain approval,
if required, of such quotation, trading or listing as soon as practicable.
 
  (c) If shares of Grizzly Common Stock are delivered to exercise the Option,
Grizzly will prepare appropriate registration statements and prospectuses, and
attempt to obtain approvals of quotation, trading or listing, on the same basis
as provided with respect to Lynx Common Stock in this Section.
 
  10. Adjustment Upon Changes in Capitalization.
 
  (a) In the event of any change in the Lynx Common Stock by reason of stock
dividends, split-ups, mergers, recapitalizations, combinations, exchange of
shares or the like, the type and number of shares or securities subject to the
Option, and the purchase price per share provided in Section 1 of this
Agreement, shall be adjusted appropriately, and proper provision shall be made
in the agreements governing such transaction so that Grizzly shall receive,
upon exercise of the Option, the number and class of shares or other securities
or property that Grizzly would have received in respect of the Lynx Common
Stock if the Option had been exercised immediately prior to such event or the
record date therefor, as applicable. In the event that any additional shares of
Lynx Common Stock otherwise become outstanding after the date of this Agreement
(other than pursuant hereto), the number of shares of Lynx Common Stock subject
to the Option shall be increased to equal 19.9% of the number of shares of Lynx
Common Stock then issued and outstanding.
 
  (b) In the event that Lynx shall enter in an agreement: (i) to consolidate
with or merge into any person, other than Grizzly or another direct or indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of Grizzly, and shall not be the continuing or
surviving corporation of such consolidation or merger; (ii) to permit any
person, other than Grizzly or another direct or indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of Grizzly, to merge into Lynx and Lynx shall be the continuing or
surviving corporation, but, in connection with such merger, the then-
outstanding shares of the Lynx Common Stock shall be changed into or exchanged
for stock or other securities of Lynx or any other person or cash or any other
property or the outstanding shares of the Lynx Common Stock immediately prior
to such merger shall after such merger represent less than 50% of the
outstanding shares and share equivalents of the merged company; or (iii) to
sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to any
person, other than Grizzly or another direct or indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of Grizzly, then, and in each such case, Lynx shall immediately so
notify Grizzly, and the agreement governing such transaction shall make proper
provisions so that upon the consummation of any such transaction and upon the
terms and conditions set forth herein, Grizzly shall, upon exercise of the
Option, receive for each Lynx Share with respect to which the Option has not
been exercised an amount of consideration in the form of and equal to the per
share amount of consideration that would be received by the holder of one share
of the Lynx Common Stock less the Exercise Price (and, in the event of an
election or similar arrangement with respect to the type of consideration to be
received by the holders of the Lynx Common Stock, subject to the foregoing,
proper provision shall be made so that the holder of the Option would have the
same election or similar rights as would the holder of the number of shares of
the Lynx Common Stock for which the Option is then exercisable.
 
  11. Restrictive Legends. Each certificate representing shares of the Lynx
Common Stock issued to Grizzly hereunder shall include a legend in
substantially the following form:
 
    THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
  UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY BE REOFFERED OR SOLD
  ONLY IF SO REGISTERED OR IF AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION IS
  AVAILABLE.
 
Certificates representing shares (i) as to which an opinion of counsel
reasonably satisfactory to Lynx to the effect that such legend is not required
under the Securities Act, or (ii) sold in a registered public offering pursuant
to Section 9 of this Agreement shall not be required to bear the legend set
forth in this Section 11.
 
  12. Binding Effect; No Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns. Except as expressly provided for in this
 
                                      B-5
<PAGE>
 
Agreement, neither this Agreement nor the rights or the obligations of either
party hereto are assignable, except by operation of law, or with the written
consent of the other party. Nothing contained in this Agreement, express or
implied, is intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto
and their respective permitted assigns any rights or remedies of any nature
whatsoever by reason of this Agreement.
 
  13. Specific Performance. The parties recognize and agree that if for any
reason any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance
with their specific terms or are otherwise breached, immediate and irreparable
harm or injury would be caused for which money damages would not be an adequate
remedy. Accordingly, each party agrees that, in addition to other remedies, the
other party shall be entitled to an injunction restraining any violation or
threatened violation of the provisions of this Agreement. In the event that any
action should be brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Agreement,
neither party will allege, and each party hereby waives the defense, that there
is adequate remedy at law.
 
  14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement (including the
Exhibits and Schedules thereto) constitute the entire agreement among the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all other prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties or any
of them with respect to the subject matter hereof.
 
  15. Further Assurances. Each party will execute and deliver all such further
documents and instruments and take all such further action including obtaining
necessary regulatory approvals and making necessary filings (including without
limitation under the HSR Act and filings with the Toronto Stock Exchange) as
may be necessary in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby
(including the issuance, registration and listing of the Lynx Shares).
 
  16. Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other
provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. In
the event any court or other competent authority holds any provision of this
Agreement to be null, void or unenforceable, the parties hereto shall negotiate
in good faith the execution and delivery of an amendment to this Agreement in
order, as nearly as possible, to effectuate, to the extent permitted by law,
the intent of the parties hereto with respect to such provision. Each party
agrees that, should any court or other competent authority hold any provision
of this Agreement or part hereof to be null, void or unenforceable, or order
any party to take any action inconsistent herewith, or not take any action
required herein, the other party shall not be entitled to specific performance
of such provision or part hereof or to any other remedy, including but not
limited to money damages, for breach hereof or of any other provision of this
Agreement or part hereof as the result of such holding or order.
 
  17. Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder
shall be in writing and either delivered personally, telegraphed or telecopied
or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, and shall be deemed
to be given, dated and received when so delivered personally, telegraphed or
telecopied or, if mailed, five business days after the date of mailing to the
address or telecopy number specified for the addressee in the Merger Agreement,
or to such other address or addresses as such person may subsequently designate
by notice given hereunder.
 
  18. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made
and to be performed entirely within such State without regard to any applicable
conflicts of law rules.
 
  19. Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings herein are inserted for
convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or to affect
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
 
  20. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
 
                                      B-6
<PAGE>
 
  21. Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in the Merger
Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such
expenses.
 
  22. Amendments; Waiver. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto
and the terms and conditions hereof may be waived only by an instrument in
writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto, or, in the case of a
waiver, by an instrument signed on behalf of the party waiving compliance.
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.
 
                                          GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
                                                 /s/ Charles D. Winston
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name: Charles D. Winston
                                            Title: President and Chief
                                             Executive Officer
 
                                          LUMONICS INC.
 
                                                 /s/ Robert J. Atkinson
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name: Robert J. Atkinson
                                            Title: Chairman
 
                                      B-7
<PAGE>
 
                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 
  STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, dated October 27, 1998, by and among GENERAL SCANNING
INC., a Massachusetts corporation ("Grizzly"), LUMONICS INC., an Ontario
corporation ("Lynx") and GRIZZLY ACQUISITION CORP., a Massachusetts corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lynx ("Merger Sub").
 
  WHEREAS, Grizzly, Lynx and Merger Sub are entering into an Agreement for
Merger and Reorganization of even date herewith (the "Merger Agreement", terms
defined therein and not otherwise defined herein having the same meanings when
used herein), which provides, among other things, for the merger of Merger Sub
with and into Grizzly; and
 
  WHEREAS, Grizzly has agreed, to induce Lynx and Merger Sub to enter into the
Merger Agreement, to grant the Option (as hereinafter defined);
 
  NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set
forth herein and in the Merger Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
  1. Grant of Option. Grizzly hereby grants Merger Sub an irrevocable option
(the "Option") to purchase up to 2,517,673 shares (the "Grizzly Shares") of
common stock of Grizzly (the "Grizzly Common Stock") and the associated Grizzly
Rights in the manner set forth below at a price of U.S. $4.57 per share (the
"Exercise Price").
 
  2. Exercise of Option. The Option may be exercised by Merger Sub, in whole or
in part, at any time or from time to time after the Merger Agreement becomes
terminable by Merger Sub under circumstances which could entitle Lynx or Merger
Sub to payment of Specified Amounts under Article VIII of the Merger Agreement.
In the event Merger Sub wishes to exercise the Option, Merger Sub shall deliver
to Grizzly a written notice (an "Exercise Notice") specifying the total number
of the Grizzly Shares it wishes to purchase. Each closing of a purchase of the
Grizzly Shares (a "Closing") shall occur at a place, on a date and at a time
designated by Merger Sub and reasonably acceptable to Grizzly in an Exercise
Notice delivered at least three business days prior to the date of the Closing.
The Option shall terminate upon the earlier of: (i) the Effective Time; (ii)
the termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01 thereof (other
than a termination in connection with which Merger Sub is or may be entitled to
the payment specified in Section 8.02 thereof); and (iii) one year following
any termination of the Merger Agreement in connection with which Merger Sub is
or may be entitled to the payment specified in Section 8.02 thereof (or if, at
the expiration of such one year period, the Option cannot be exercised by
reason of any applicable judgment, decree, order, law or regulation, ten
business days after such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or
shall have become final and not subject to appeal, but in no event under this
clause (iii) later than the second anniversary of the date hereof).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option may not be exercised if Merger Sub is
in willful breach of any of its representations or warranties, or in material
breach of any of its covenants, contained in this Agreement or in the Merger
Agreement.
 
  3. Conditions to Closing. The obligation of Grizzly to issue the Grizzly
Shares to Merger Sub hereunder is subject to the conditions that (i) all
waiting periods, if any, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder ("HSR
Act"), applicable to the issuance of the Grizzly Shares hereunder shall have
expired or have been terminated; (ii) all consents, approvals, orders or
authorizations of, or registrations, declarations or filings with, any Federal,
state or local administrative agency or commission or other Federal state or
local governmental authority or instrumentality, if any, required in connection
with the issuance of the Grizzly Shares hereunder shall have been obtained or
made, as the case may be; (iii) no preliminary or permanent injunction or other
order by any court of competent jurisdiction prohibiting or otherwise
restraining such issuance shall be in effect; (iv) Merger Sub shall not be in
material breach of any of its covenants under the Merger Agreement; and (v) the
Toronto Stock Exchange shall have conditionally approved the listing (subject
to its normal requirements) of the shares
 
                                      B-8
<PAGE>
 
of Lynx Common Stock issuable under the Stock Option Agreement referred to in
clause (ii) of the third paragraph of the Preamble to the Merger Agreement.
 
  4. Closing. At any Closing, (a) Grizzly will deliver to Merger Sub a single
certificate in definitive form representing the number of the Grizzly Shares
designated by Merger Sub in its Exercise Notice, such certificate to be
registered in the name of Merger Sub and to bear the legend set forth in
Section 11 of this Agreement, and (b) Merger Sub will deliver to Grizzly the
aggregate price for the Grizzly Shares so designated and being purchased by
wire transfer of immediately available funds or certified check or bank check
or by delivery of shares of Lynx Common Stock (as defined in the Merger
Agreement) valued for this purpose at the average closing sales price on their
principal market over the ten trading days preceding such Closing. Upon
delivery of an Exercise Notice, satisfaction of the conditions specified in
Section 3 of this Agreement and tender of the aggregate price, Merger Sub shall
be deemed to be a holder of record of the Grizzly Shares so deliverable. At any
Closing at which Merger Sub is exercising the Option in part, Merger Sub shall
present and surrender this Agreement to Grizzly, and Grizzly shall deliver to
Merger Sub an executed new agreement with the same terms as this Agreement
evidencing the right to purchase the balance of the shares of the Grizzly
Common Stock purchasable hereunder.
 
  5. Representations and Warranties of Grizzly. Grizzly represents and warrants
to Lynx and Merger Sub that (a) Grizzly is a corporation duly incorporated,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and has the corporate power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder, (b) the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Grizzly and the consummation by Grizzly of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Grizzly and no other corporate proceedings on
the part of Grizzly are necessary to authorize this Agreement or any of the
transactions contemplated hereby, (c) this Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by Grizzly and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Grizzly,
and, assuming this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Lynx
and Merger Sub, is enforceable against Grizzly in accordance with its terms,
except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar
laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and subject to
usual equity principles, (d) Grizzly has taken all necessary corporate action
to authorize and reserve for issuance and to permit it to issue, upon exercise
of the Option, and at all times from the date hereof through the expiration of
the Option will have reserved, 2,517,673 unissued Grizzly Shares and such other
shares of the Grizzly Common Stock or other securities which may be issued
pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement, all of which, upon their issuance,
payment and delivery in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and free and clear of all claims,
liens, charges, encumbrances and security interests of any nature whatsoever
(other than those created by or through Merger Sub), (e) the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Grizzly does not, and the performance of this
Agreement by Grizzly will not materially conflict with, or result in any
material violation of, or material default (with or without notice or lapse of
time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or
acceleration of any obligation or the loss of a material benefit under, or the
creation of a lien, pledge, security interest or other encumbrance on assets
pursuant to (any such conflict, violation, default, right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration, loss or creation, a "Violation"), (A) any
provision of the Articles of Organization or By-laws of Grizzly or (B) any
provisions of any loan or credit agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease,
benefit plan or other agreement, obligation, instrument, permit, concession,
franchise, license of or applicable to Grizzly, or (C) any judgment, order,
decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Grizzly or
its properties or assets, which Violation, in the case of each of clauses (B)
and (C), individually or in the aggregate would prevent or materially delay the
exercise by Merger Sub of the Option or any other right of Merger Sub under
this Agreement, or be subject to Section 110D of Mass. Ann. Laws or result in a
"Distribution Date" or "Triggering Event" under the Grizzly Rights Plan, (f)
except as described in Section 3.04 of the Merger Agreement, the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Grizzly does not, and the performance of this
Agreement by Grizzly will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or
permit of, or filing with or notification to, any governmental or regulatory
authority, and (g) any shares of Lynx Common Stock acquired by Grizzly in
connection with Lynx's exercise of the Option will not be acquired by Grizzly
with a view to public distribution or resale in any manner which would be in
violation of federal or state securities laws.
 
                                      B-9
<PAGE>
 
  6. Representations and Warranties of Lynx and Merger Sub. Lynx and Merger Sub
each represents and warrants to Grizzly that (a) each of Lynx and Merger Sub is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of Ontario and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, respectively, and has
the corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out
its obligations hereunder, (b) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Lynx and Merger Sub and the consummation by Lynx and Merger Sub of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Lynx and Merger Sub and no other corporate
proceedings on the part of Lynx and Merger Sub are necessary to authorize this
Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, (c) this Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by Lynx and Merger Sub and constitutes a
valid and binding obligation of Lynx and Merger Sub, and, assuming this
Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Grizzly, is enforceable
against Lynx and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally and subject to usual equity
principles, (d) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Lynx and Merger
Sub does not, and the performance of this Agreement by Lynx and Merger Sub will
not, result in any Violation pursuant to, (A) any provision of the charter
documents of Lynx or Merger Sub, (B) any provisions of any loan or credit
agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease, or other agreement, obligation,
instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license of or applicable to them or
(C) any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation
applicable to Lynx or Merger Sub or their properties or assets, which
Violation, in the case of each of clauses (B) and (C), would, individually or
in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on Lynx or Merger Sub's ability
to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (e) except as
described in Section 4.04 of the Merger Agreement, the execution and delivery
of this Agreement by Lynx and Merger Sub does not, and the performance of this
Agreement by Lynx and Merger Sub will not, require any consent, approval,
authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any governmental
or regulatory authority and (f) any Grizzly Shares acquired upon exercise of
the Option will not be, and the Option is not being, acquired by Merger Sub
with a view to public distribution or resale in any manner which would be in
violation of federal or state securities laws.
 
  7. Put Right.
 
    (a) Exercise of Put. At any time during which the Option is exercisable
  pursuant to Section 2 or would be exercisable but for the circumstances
  referred to in the parenthetical in Section 2(iii) of this Agreement or if
  the condition set forth in Section 3 (v) of this Agreement shall not have
  been satisfied (the "Repurchase Period"), upon demand by Merger Sub, Merger
  Sub shall have the right to sell to Grizzly (or any successor entity
  thereof) and Grizzly (or such successor entity) shall be obligated to
  repurchase from Merger Sub (the "Put"), all or any portion of the Option,
  at the price set forth in subparagraph (i) below, or all or any portion of
  the Grizzly Shares purchased by Merger Sub pursuant hereto, at a price set
  forth in subparagraph (ii) below:
 
      (i) the difference between the "Market/Tender Offer Price" for shares
    of the Grizzly Common Stock as of the date (the "Notice Date") notice
    of exercise of the Put is given to Grizzly (defined as the higher of
    (A) the price per share offered as of the Notice Date pursuant to any
    tender or exchange offer or other Alternative Proposal which was made
    prior to the Notice Date and not terminated or withdrawn as of the
    Notice Date (the "Tender Price") and (B) the average of the closing
    prices of shares of the Grizzly Common Stock on the New York Stock
    Exchange ("NYSE") or the Nasdaq Stock Market for the five trading days
    immediately preceding the Notice Date (the "Market Price")), and the
    Exercise Price, multiplied by the number of Grizzly Shares purchasable
    pursuant to the Option (or portion thereof with respect to which Merger
    Sub is exercising its rights under this Section 7);
 
      (ii) the Exercise Price paid by Merger Sub for the Grizzly Shares
    acquired pursuant to the Option plus the difference between the
    Market/Tender Offer Price and the Exercise Price, multiplied by the
    number of Grizzly Shares so purchased. For purposes of this clause
    (ii), the Tender Price shall be the highest price per share offered
    pursuant to a tender or exchange offer or other Alternative Proposal
    during the Repurchase Period.
 
 
                                      B-10
<PAGE>
 
  In determining the Market-Tender Offer Price, the value of consideration
other than cash shall be determined by a nationally recognized investment
banking firm selected by Lynx and reasonably acceptable to Grizzly.
 
    (b) Payment and Redelivery of Option or Shares. In the event Merger Sub
  exercises its rights under this Section 7, Grizzly shall, within ten
  business days of the Notice Date, pay the required amount to Merger Sub in
  immediately available funds and Merger Sub shall surrender to Grizzly the
  Option or the certificates evidencing the Grizzly Shares purchased by
  Merger Sub pursuant hereto, and Merger Sub shall warrant that it owns such
  shares and that such shares are then free and clear of all liens, claims,
  charges and encumbrances of any kind or nature whatsoever.
 
  8. Restrictions on Certain Actions. Grizzly shall not adopt any Rights
Agreement or shareholder rights plan in any manner which would cause Merger
Sub, if Merger Sub has complied with its obligations under this Agreement, to
become an "Acquiring Person" under such Rights Agreement or shareholder rights
plan solely by reason of the beneficial ownership of the shares purchasable
hereunder.
 
  9. Registration Rights.
 
  (a) Grizzly will, if requested by Merger Sub at any time and from time to
time within two years of the exercise of the Option, as expeditiously as
possible prepare and file up to two registration statements under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or prospectuses under
the Securities Act (Ontario) (the "Ontario Act") if such registration or the
obtaining of a receipt for a prospectus is necessary in order to permit the
sale or other disposition of any or all shares or other securities that have
been acquired by or are issuable to Merger Sub upon exercise of the Option in
accordance with the intended method of sale or other disposition stated by
Merger Sub, including without limitation a "shelf" registration statement under
Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor provision, or similar
provision under the Ontario Act and related rules, regulations, rulings or
policy statements, and Grizzly will use its best efforts to qualify such shares
or other securities under any applicable state or other provincial securities
laws. Grizzly will use reasonable efforts to cause each such registration
statement to become effective and to obtain a (final) receipt for each such
prospectus, to obtain all consents or waivers of other parties which are
required therefor, and to keep such registration statement or prospectus
effective for such period not in excess of 180 calendar days from the day such
registration statement first becomes effective or the date of the (final)
receipt for such prospectus as may be reasonably necessary to effect such sale
or other disposition. The obligations of Grizzly hereunder to file a
registration statement or prospectus and to maintain its effectiveness may be
suspended for up to 90 calendar days in the aggregate if the Board of Directors
of Grizzly shall have determined that the filing of such registration statement
or prospectus or the maintenance of its effectiveness would require premature
disclosure of material nonpublic information that would materially and
adversely affect Grizzly or otherwise interfere with or adversely affect any
pending or proposed offering of securities of Grizzly or any other material
transaction involving Grizzly. Subject to applicable law, any registration
statement or prospectus prepared and filed under this Section 9, and any sale
covered thereby, will be at Grizzly's expense except for underwriting discounts
or commissions, brokers' fees and the fees and disbursements of Merger Sub's
counsel related thereto. Merger Sub will provide and be responsible for, in
connection with indemnification provisions, all information reasonably
requested by Grizzly for inclusion in any registration statement or prospectus
to be filed hereunder. If, during the time periods referred to in the first
sentence of this Section 9, Grizzly effects a registration under the Securities
Act of , or qualifies a prospectus under the Ontario Act in respect of, the
Grizzly Common Stock for its own account or for any other stockholders of
Grizzly (other than on Form S-4 or Form S-8, or any successor form), it will
allow Merger Sub the right to participate in such registration or
qualification, and such participation will not affect the obligation of Grizzly
to effect demand registration statements or prospectus for Merger Sub under
this Section 9; provided that, if the managing underwriters of such offering
advise Grizzly in writing that in their opinion the number of shares of the
Grizzly Common Stock requested to be included in such registration or
qualification exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering, Grizzly
will include the shares requested to be included therein by Merger Sub after
the shares intended to be included therein by
 
                                      B-11
<PAGE>
 
Grizzly have been included and prior to any shares requested to be included by
any third parties are included. In connection with any registration or
qualification pursuant to this Section 9, Grizzly and Merger Sub will provide
each other and any underwriter of the offering with customary representations,
warranties, covenants, indemnification, and contribution in connection with
such registration or qualification. Grizzly shall provide to any underwriters
such documentation (including certificates, opinions of counsel and "comfort"
letters from auditors) as are customary in connection with underwritten public
offerings as such underwriters may reasonably require.
 
  (b) If Grizzly's securities of the same type as the Grizzly Common Stock
beneficially owned by Merger Sub are then authorized for quotation or trading
or listing on the NYSE, Nasdaq National Market System, or any other securities
exchange or automated quotations system, Grizzly, upon the request of Merger
Sub, shall promptly file an application, if required, to authorize for
quotation, trading or listing such shares of the Grizzly Common Stock on such
exchange or system and will use its reasonable efforts to obtain approval, if
required, of such quotation, trading or listing as soon as practicable.
 
  (c) If shares of Lynx Common Stock are delivered to exercise the Option, Lynx
will prepare appropriate registration statements and prospectuses, and attempt
to obtain approvals of quotation, trading or listing, on the same basis as
provided with respect to Grizzly Common Stock in this Section.
 
  10. Adjustment Upon Changes in Capitalization.
 
  (a) In the event of any change in the Grizzly Common Stock by reason of stock
dividends, split-ups, mergers, recapitalizations, combinations, exchange of
shares or the like, the type and number of shares or securities subject to the
Option, and the purchase price per share provided in Section 1 of this
Agreement, shall be adjusted appropriately, and proper provision shall be made
in the agreements governing such transaction so that Merger Sub shall receive,
upon exercise of the Option, the number and class of shares or other securities
or property that Merger Sub would have received in respect of the Grizzly
Common Stock if the Option had been exercised immediately prior to such event
or the record date therefor, as applicable. In the event that any additional
shares of Grizzly Common Stock otherwise become outstanding after the date of
this Agreement (other than pursuant hereto), the number of shares of Grizzly
Common Stock subject to the Option shall be increased to equal 19.9% of the
number of shares of Grizzly Common Stock then issued and outstanding.
 
  (b) In the event that Grizzly shall enter in an agreement: (i) to consolidate
with or merge into any person, other than Merger Sub or another direct or
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lynx, and shall not be the continuing or
surviving corporation of such consolidation or merger; (ii) to permit any
person, other than Merger Sub or another direct or indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of Lynx, to merge into Grizzly and Grizzly shall be the continuing
or surviving corporation, but, in connection with such merger, the then-
outstanding shares of the Grizzly Common Stock shall be changed into or
exchanged for stock or other securities of Grizzly or any other person or cash
or any other property or the outstanding shares of the Grizzly Common Stock
immediately prior to such merger shall after such merger represent less than
50% of the outstanding shares and share equivalents of the merged company; or
(iii) to sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to
any person, other than Merger Sub or another direct or indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of Lynx, then, and in each such case, Grizzly shall immediately so
notify Lynx, and the agreement governing such transaction shall make proper
provisions so that upon the consummation of any such transaction and upon the
terms and conditions set forth herein, Merger Sub shall, upon exercise of the
Option, receive for each Grizzly Share with respect to which the Option has not
been exercised an amount of consideration in the form of and equal to the per
share amount of consideration that would be received by the holder of one share
of the Grizzly Common Stock less the Exercise Price (and, in the event of an
election or similar arrangement with respect to the type of consideration to be
received by the holders of the Grizzly Common Stock, subject to the foregoing,
proper provision shall be made so that the holder of the Option would have the
same election or similar rights as would the holder of the number of shares of
the Grizzly Common Stock for which the Option is then exercisable.
 
 
                                      B-12
<PAGE>
 
  11. Restrictive Legends. Each certificate representing shares of the Grizzly
Common Stock issued to Merger Sub hereunder shall include a legend in
substantially the following form:
 
    THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
  UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY BE REOFFERED OR SOLD
  ONLY IF SO REGISTERED OR IF AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION IS
  AVAILABLE.
 
  Certificates representing shares (i) as to which an opinion of counsel
reasonably satisfactory to Grizzly to the effect that such legend is not
required under the Securities Act, or (ii) sold in a registered public offering
pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement shall not be required to bear the
legend set forth in this Section 11.
 
  12. Binding Effect; No Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns. Except as expressly provided for in this Agreement, neither
this Agreement nor the rights or the obligations of either party hereto are
assignable, except by operation of law, or with the written consent of the
other party. Nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, is
intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto and their
respective permitted assigns any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever by
reason of this Agreement.
 
  13. Specific Performance. The parties recognize and agree that if for any
reason any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance
with their specific terms or are otherwise breached, immediate and irreparable
harm or injury would be caused for which money damages would not be an adequate
remedy. Accordingly, each party agrees that, in addition to other remedies, the
other party shall be entitled to an injunction restraining any violation or
threatened violation of the provisions of this Agreement. In the event that any
action should be brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Agreement,
neither party will allege, and each party hereby waives the defense, that there
is adequate remedy at law.
 
  14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement (including the
Exhibits and Schedules thereto) constitute the entire agreement among the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all other prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties or any
of them with respect to the subject matter hereof.
 
  15. Further Assurances. Each party will execute and deliver all such further
documents and instruments and take all such further action including obtaining
necessary regulatory approvals and making necessary filings (including without
limitation under the HSR Act) as may be necessary in order to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby (including the issuance, registration and
listing of the Grizzly Shares).
 
  16. Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other
provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. In
the event any court or other competent authority holds any provision of this
Agreement to be null, void or unenforceable, the parties hereto shall negotiate
in good faith the execution and delivery of an amendment to this Agreement in
order, as nearly as possible, to effectuate, to the extent permitted by law,
the intent of the parties hereto with respect to such provision. Each party
agrees that, should any court or other competent authority hold any provision
of this Agreement or part hereof to be null, void or unenforceable, or order
any party to take any action inconsistent herewith, or not take any action
required herein, the other party shall not be entitled to specific performance
of such provision or part hereof or to any other remedy, including but not
limited to money damages, for breach hereof or of any other provision of this
Agreement or part hereof as the result of such holding or order.
 
  17. Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder
shall be in writing and either delivered personally, telegraphed or telecopied
or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, and shall be deemed
to be given, dated and received when so delivered personally, telegraphed or
telecopied or, if mailed, five business days after the date of mailing to the
address or telecopy number specified for the
 
                                      B-13
<PAGE>
 
addressee in the Merger Agreement, or to such other address or addresses as
such person may subsequently designate by notice given hereunder.
 
  18. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made
and to be performed entirely within such State without regard to any applicable
conflicts of law rules.
 
  19. Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings herein are inserted for
convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or to affect
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
 
  20. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
  21. Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in the Merger
Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such
expenses.
 
  22. Amendments; Waiver. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto
and the terms and conditions hereof may be waived only by an instrument in
writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto, or, in the case of a
waiver, by an instrument signed on behalf of the party waiving compliance.
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.
 
                                          GENERAL SCANNING INC.
 
                                              
                                          By: /s/ Charles D. Winston
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Name: Charles D. Winston
                                            Title:  President and Chief
                                            Executive Officer
 
                                          LUMONICS INC.
 
                                             
                                          By: /s/ Robert J. Atkinson
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Name: Robert J. Atkinson
                                            Title:   Chairman
 
                                          GRIZZLY ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                                              
                                          By: /s/ Robert J. Atkinson
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Name: Robert J. Atkinson
                                            Title:   President
 
                                      B-14
<PAGE>
 
                                                                         ANNEX C
 
                     LETTERHEAD OF NEEDHAM & COMPANY, INC.
 
                                OCTOBER 27, 1998
 
The Board of Directors
General Scanning Inc.
500 Arsenal Street
Watertown, Massachusetts 02172
 
Gentlemen:
 
  We understand that Lumonics Inc. ("Lumonics"), General Scanning Inc.
("General Scanning") and a wholly owned subsidiary of Lumonics ("Acquisition
Sub"), have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated October 27, 1998
(the "Merger Agreement") whereby Acquisition Sub will be merged with and into
General Scanning and General Scanning will become a wholly owned subsidiary of
Lumonics (the "Merger"). The terms of the Merger are set forth more fully in
the Merger Agreement.
 
  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we understand that at the Effective Time
(as defined in the Merger Agreement), each share of common stock, par value
$.01 per share, of General Scanning will be converted into the right to receive
1.347 fully paid and nonassessable shares (the "Conversion Number") of common
stock of Lumonics ("Lumonics Common Stock").
 
  You have asked us to advise you as to the fairness, from a financial point of
view, of the Conversion Number to the stockholders of General Scanning. Needham
& Company, Inc., as part of its investment banking business, is regularly
engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of
securities, private placements and other purposes. We have acted as financial
advisor to General Scanning in connection with the Merger and will receive a
fee for our services, a substantial portion of which is contingent on the
consummation of the Merger. In addition, General Scanning has agreed to
indemnify us for certain liabilities arising from our role as financial advisor
and out of the rendering of this opinion.
 
  For purposes of this opinion we have, among other things: (i) reviewed the
Merger Agreement; (ii) reviewed certain publicly available information
concerning General Scanning and Lumonics and certain other relevant financial
and operating data of General Scanning and Lumonics made available from the
internal records of General Scanning and Lumonics; (iii) reviewed the
historical stock prices and trading volumes of General Scanning's and Lumonics'
common stock; (iv) held discussions with members of senior management of
General Scanning and Lumonics concerning their current and future business
prospects; (v) reviewed certain financial forecasts and projections prepared by
the respective managements of General Scanning and Lumonics; (vi) compared
certain publicly available financial data of companies whose securities are
traded in the public markets and that we deemed relevant to similar data for
General Scanning and Lumonics; (vii) reviewed the financial terms of certain
other business combinations that we deemed generally relevant; and (viii)
performed and/or considered such other studies, analyses, inquiries and
investigations as we deemed appropriate.
 
  In connection with our review and in arriving at our opinion, we have assumed
and relied on the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other
information publicly available or furnished to or otherwise reviewed by or
discussed with us for purposes of rendering this opinion and have neither
attempted to verify independently nor assumed responsibility for verifying any
of such information. In addition, we have assumed, with your consent, that any
material liabilities (contingent or otherwise, known or unknown) of General
Scanning and Lumonics are as set forth in the consolidated financial statements
of General Scanning and Lumonics, respectively. With respect to General
Scanning's and Lumonics' financial forecasts provided to us by their respective
managements, we have assumed for purposes of our opinion that such forecasts
have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available
estimates and judgments of such
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
managements, at the time of preparation, of the future operating and financial
performance of General Scanning and Lumonics. We express no opinion with
respect to such forecasts or the assumptions on which they were based. We have
not assumed any responsibility for or made or obtained any independent
evaluation, appraisal or physical inspection of the assets or liabilities of
General Scanning and Lumonics. Further, our opinion is based on economic,
monetary and market conditions as they exist and can be evaluated as of the
date hereof. Our opinion as expressed herein is limited to the fairness, from a
financial point of view, to the stockholders of General Scanning of the
Conversion Number and does not address General Scanning's underlying business
decision to engage in the Merger. Our opinion does not constitute a
recommendation to any stockholder of General Scanning as to how such
stockholder should vote on the proposed Merger.
 
  We are not expressing any opinion as to what the value of Lumonics Common
Stock will be when issued to the stockholders of General Scanning pursuant to
the Merger or the prices at which Lumonics Common Stock will actually trade at
any time.
 
  In the ordinary course of our business, we may actively trade the equity
securities of General Scanning for our own account or for the accounts of
customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in
such securities.
 
  This letter and the opinion expressed herein are provided at the request and
for the information of the Board of Directors of General Scanning and may not
be quoted or referred to or used for any purpose without our prior written
consent, except that this letter may be disclosed in connection with any
registration statement or proxy statement used in connection with the Merger so
long as this letter is quoted in full in such registration statement or proxy
statement.
 
  Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that as of the
date hereof the Conversion Number is fair to the stockholders of General
Scanning from a financial point of view.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          Needham & Company, Inc.
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
 
                                                                         ANNEX D
 
                 LETTERHEAD OF CIBC WOOD GUNDY SECURITIES INC.
 
                                OCTOBER 27, 1998
 
The Board of Directors
Lumonics, Inc.
105 Schneider Road
Kanata, Ontario
K2K 1Y3
 
To The Board of Directors:
 
  CIBC Wood Gundy Securities Inc. ("CIBCWG") understands that Lumonics Inc.
("Lumonics" or the "Company") is contemplating entering into a merger agreement
(the "Merger Agreement") with General Scanning Inc. ("General Scanning") on the
27th day of October, 1998. The Merger Agreement, includes, among other things,
an agreement by Lumonics and General Scanning to combine their business
operations by consummating a transaction which would have a wholly-owned United
States subsidiary of Lumonics merge with and into General Scanning, thus making
General Scanning a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lumonics which in turn would be
owned equally by its existing shareholders and the shareholders who presently
own General Scanning. As part of this process, each issued and outstanding
share of General Scanning common stock would be converted into the right to
receive 1.347 shares of common stock of Lumonics (the foregoing is together
referred to as the "Transaction").
 
  The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") has retained CIBCWG to
review the Transaction and to provide to the Board financial advice and an
opinion (the "Fairness Opinion") that the Transaction is fair, from a financial
point of view, to the common shareholders of the Company.
 
CIBCWG'S ENGAGEMENT
 
  The Board initially contacted CIBCWG regarding potential transaction
opportunities in December of 1996, and CIBCWG was formally engaged by the
Company to provide strategic and financial advice under an agreement between
the Company and CIBCWG (the "Engagement Agreement") dated January 29, 1997. As
part of the Engagement Agreement, CIBCWG agreed to render a fairness opinion in
connection with a prospective transaction involving the Company, if so
requested.
 
  Fees payable to CIBCWG pursuant to the Engagement Agreement will cover
services related to the Fairness Opinion, and CIBCWG will be reimbursed for all
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith. In addition,
Lumonics has agreed to indemnify CIBCWG in respect of certain liabilities that
may arise out of its engagement. CIBCWG has consented to the inclusion of the
Fairness Opinion in its entirety, together with a summary thereof, in the proxy
circulars to be sent to the Company's and General Scanning's shareholders and
to the filing thereof, if necessary, by the Company with the securities
commissions or similar regulatory authorities in each province of Canada and
with the SEC.
 
CIBCWG'S CREDENTIALS
 
  CIBCWG is one of Canada's largest investment banking firms, with operations
in all facets of corporate and government finance, mergers and acquisitions,
equity and fixed income sales and trading and investment research. The Fairness
Opinion expressed herein is the opinion of CIBCWG, and the form and content
have been approved by a committee of its directors, each of whom is experienced
in merger, acquisition, divestiture and valuation matters.
 
  CIBCWG is not an insider, associate or affiliate of the Company or to any
other party to the Merger Agreement (each an "Interested Party"). CIBCWG has
provided investment banking services to the Company
 
                                      D-1
<PAGE>
 
in the past, including acting as lead manager in the underwriting of securities
of the Company during the past 24 months.
 
SCOPE OF REVIEW
 
  In connection with preparing and rendering the Fairness Opinion, CIBCWG has
reviewed, and where it considered appropriate, relied upon (without verifying
independently the completeness or accuracy of), or undertaken, among other
things:
 
    (i) the Merger Agreement;
 
    (ii) annual reports for each of Lumonics and General Scanning for the
  fiscal years ended December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the
  unaudited interim report for the six- month period ended June 30, 1998;
 
    (iii) the Annual Information Form dated April 29, 1998 for Lumonics;
 
    (iv) the Management Proxy Circular approved by the Directors of Lumonics
  on March 24, 1998;
 
    (v) the Form 10K of General Scanning for the year ended December 31,
  1997;
 
    (vi) the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
  General Scanning dated March 12, 1998;
 
    (vii) discussions with members of the management of Lumonics and General
  Scanning concerning their current business operations, financial condition
  and results and prospects;
 
    (viii) the 1996 Consolidated Budget, 1997 Rolling Forecast, and 1998
  Budget for Lumonics;
 
    (ix) the Strategic Business Plan, 1996-1999, for Lumonics;
 
    (x) Lumonics Audit Committee Minutes for meetings held on November 12,
  1996, November 4, 1997, February 24, 1998 and April 29, 1998;
 
    (xi) segmented board-approved budgets for General Scanning for 1996,
  1997, 1998 and 1999;
 
    (xii) internally segmented results for General Scanning for 1996, 1997
  and year-to-date 1998;
 
    (xiii) General Scanning's 1998 Strategic Plan;
 
    (xiv) memo prepared by Ernst & Young LLP on October 13, 1998 regarding
  income-tax matters pertaining to the combined entity resulting from the
  Transaction;
 
    (xv) conversations with Milbank Tweed regarding certain risks raised by
  the pending patent litigation in which General Scanning is a defendant;
 
    (xvi) conversations with other professional advisors assisting Lumonics
  during its due-diligence process;
 
    (xvii) other publicly available information regarding Lumonics' and
  General Scanning's operations;
 
    (xviii) certain financial and stock market data of Lumonics, General
  Scanning and other companies in the laser-based advanced manufacturing
  systems industry;
 
    (xix) certain recent public and non-public transactions in the laser
  systems industry;
 
    (xx) a certificate dated the date hereof from senior officers of Lumonics
  as to the accuracy and completeness of the information provided to us in
  connection with the Company; and
 
    (xxi) such other information, financial studies, analyses and
  investigations and financial, economic and market criteria that we have
  deemed relevant.
 
                                      D-2
<PAGE>
 
  CIBCWG has not, to the best of its knowledge, been denied access by the
Company to any information requested by CIBCWG.
 
ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
 
  With the Board's approval and as provided for in the Engagement Agreement,
CIBCWG has relied upon, and has assumed, the completeness, accuracy and fair
presentation of all the financial and other information, data, advice, opinions
and representations obtained by it from public sources, the Company, senior
management of the Company and General Scanning and agents and advisors to the
Company and General Scanning (collectively, the "Information"). Subject to the
exercise of professional judgement and except as expressly described herein, we
have not attempted to verify independently the completeness, accuracy or fair
presentation of any of the Information.
 
  Senior officers of the Company have represented to CIBCWG in a certificate
delivered as of the date hereof, among other things, that (i) the Information
provided by the Company, any of its subsidiaries or any of its representatives
or agents to CIBCWG relating to the Company, or any of its subsidiaries or the
Transaction was, at the date the Information was provided to CIBCWG, and is,
except as has been disclosed in writing to CIBCWG, complete, true and correct
in all material respects, and did not, and does not, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact in respect of the Company, any of its subsidiaries
or the Transaction, and did not, and does not, omit to state a material fact in
respect of the Company, any of its subsidiaries or the Transaction necessary to
make the Information not misleading in light of the circumstances under which
the Information was made or provided; and (ii) since the dates on which the
Information was provided to CIBCWG, except as disclosed in writing to CIBCWG,
or as publicly disclosed by the Company, there has been no material change,
financial or otherwise, in the financial condition, assets, liabilities
(contingent or otherwise), business, operations or prospects of the Company,
any of its subsidiaries and no material change has occurred in the Information
or any part thereof which would have, or which would reasonably be expected to
have, a material effect on the Fairness Opinion.
 
  In preparing the Fairness Opinion, CIBCWG has made several assumptions,
including that all of the conditions required to implement the Transaction will
be met and that the representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement with
respect to the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, the Transaction and
General Scanning are accurate in all material respects.
 
  In addition, based on its discussions with Lumonics' U.S. legal counsel,
CIBCWG has assumed that the potential damages arising from the pending patent
litigation in which General Scanning is a defendant are not material.
 
  The Fairness Opinion is rendered on the basis of securities markets and
economic, financial and general business conditions prevailing as at the date
hereof. In its analyses and in preparing the Fairness Opinion, CIBCWG made
numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business and
economic conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of
CIBCWG or any party involved in the Transaction.
 
  The Fairness Opinion has been provided for the use of the Board and may not
be used by any other person or relied upon by any other person other than the
Board without the express prior written consent of CIBCWG. The Fairness Opinion
is given as of the date hereof and CIBCWG disclaims any undertaking or
obligation to advise the Board of any change in any fact or matter affecting
the Fairness Opinion which may come or be brought to CIBCWG's attention after
the date hereof. Notwithstanding and without limiting the foregoing, in the
event that there is any material change in any fact or matter affecting the
Fairness Opinion after the date hereof, CIBCWG reserves the right to change,
modify or withdraw the Fairness Opinion.
 
  CIBCWG believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that
selecting portions of the analyses or the facts considered by it, without
considering all factors and analyses together, could create a
 
                                      D-3
<PAGE>
 
misleading view of the process underlying the Fairness Opinion. The preparation
of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible
to partial analysis or summary description. Any attempt to do so could lead to
undue emphasis on any particular factor or analysis. The Fairness Opinion is
not and should not be construed as a recommendation to any holder of the
Company's common shares as to whether to vote in favour of the Transaction.
 
  We understand that the Transaction is not subject to the formal valuation
requirements under Ontario Securities Commission Policy Statement No. 9.1 and
Quebec Securities Commission Policy StatementNo. Q-27. Accordingly, we were not
engaged to prepare and have not prepared a formal valuation or appraisal of the
common shares, assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of the Company
and the Fairness Opinion should not be construed as such.
CONCLUSION
 
  Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that the
Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of the common
shares of the Company.
 
                                          Yours very truly,
 
                                          CIBC WOOD GUNDY SECURITIES INC.
 
                                      D-4
<PAGE>
 
                                                                         ANNEX E
 
                          LUMONICS DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
  In addition to any other right a Lumonics shareholder may have, when the
continuance becomes effective, a registered Lumonics shareholder who complies
with the dissent procedure under section 185 of the OBCA is entitled to be paid
the fair value of the Lumonics Common Shares held by the shareholder in respect
of which the shareholder dissents, determined as at the close of business on
the day before the continuance resolution is adopted; provided that,
notwithstanding section 185(6) of the OBCA, the written objection to the
continuance resolution referred to in subsection 185(6) of the OBCA must be
received by Lumonics by 5:00 p.m. (Ottawa time) on the Business Day preceding
the Lumonics Special Meeting.
 
  The dissent procedures are summarized below. A shareholder may only exercise
the right to dissent in respect of shares which are registered in that
shareholder's name. Failure to comply strictly with the dissent procedures may
result in the loss or unavailability of the right to dissent. The execution or
exercise of a proxy does not constitute a written objection for the purposes of
section 185 of the OBCA.
 
  Section 185 provides that a shareholder may only make a claim under that
section with respect to all the shares of a class held by him on behalf of any
one beneficial owner and registered in the shareholder's name. One consequence
of this provision is that A SHAREHOLDER MAY ONLY EXERCISE THE RIGHT TO DISSENT
UNDER SECTION 185 IN RESPECT OF SHARES WHICH ARE REGISTERED IN THAT
SHAREHOLDER'S NAME. In many cases, shares beneficially owned by a non-
registered holder are registered either: (i) in the name of an intermediary
that the non-registered holder deals with in respect of the shares (such as
banks, trust companies, securities dealers and brokers, trustees or
administrators of self-administered RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs and similar plans, and
their nominees); or (ii) in the name of a clearing agency (such as CDS) of
which the intermediary is a participant. Accordingly, a non-registered holder
will not be entitled to exercise the right to dissent under section 185
directly. A non-registered holder who wishes to exercise the right to dissent
should immediately contact the intermediary who the non-registered holder deals
with in respect of the shares and either: (i) instruct the intermediary to
exercise the right to dissent on the non-registered holder's behalf (which, if
the shares are registered in the name of CDS or other clearing agency, would
require that the share first be re-registered in the name of the intermediary);
or (ii) instruct the intermediary to re-register the shares in the name of the
non-registered holder, in which case the non-registered holder would have to
exercise the right to dissent directly.
 
  A registered shareholder who wishes to invoke the provisions of section 185
of the OBCA must send to Lumonics a written objection to the continuance
resolution (the "Notice of Dissent") by 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the
Business Day prior to the meeting. The sending of a Notice of Dissent does not
deprive a registered shareholder of the right to vote on the continuance
resolution but a vote either in person or by proxy against the continuance
resolution does not constitute a Notice of Dissent. A vote in favor of the
continuance resolution will deprive the registered shareholder of further
rights under section 185 of the OBCA.
 
  Within ten days after the adoption of the continuance resolution by the
shareholders, Lumonics is required to notify in writing each shareholder who
has filed a Notice of Dissent (each, a "Dissenting Shareholder") and has not
voted for the continuance resolution or withdrawn his objection that the
continuance resolution has been adopted. A Dissenting Shareholder shall, within
20 days after he or she receives notice of adoption of the continuance
resolution or, if he or she does not receive such notice, within 20 days after
he or she learns that the continuance resolution has been adopted, send to
Lumonics a written notice (the "Demand for Payment") containing his or her name
and address, the number of Lumonics shares in respect of which he or she
dissents, and a demand for payment of the fair value of such shares. Within 30
days after sending his Demand for Payment, the Dissenting Shareholder shall
send the certificates representing the shares in respect of which he dissents
to Lumonics or its transfer agent. Lumonics or its transfer agent shall endorse
on the share certificates notice that the holder thereof is a Dissenting
Shareholder under section 185 of the OBCA and shall forthwith return the share
certificates to the Dissenting Shareholder. If a Dissenting Shareholder fails
to send his or her share certificates, he or she has no right to make a claim
under section 185 of the OBCA.
 
                                      E-1
<PAGE>
 
  After sending a Demand for Payment, a Dissenting Shareholder ceases to have
any rights as a holder of the shares in respect of which he has dissented other
than the right to be paid the fair value of such shares as determined under
section 185 of the OBCA, unless: (i) the Dissenting Shareholder withdraws his
or her Demand for Payment before Lumonics makes a written offer to pay (the
"Offer to Pay"); (ii) Lumonics fails to make a timely Offer to Pay to the
Dissenting Shareholder and the Dissenting Shareholder withdraws his Demand for
Payment; or (iii) the directors of Lumonics revoke the continuance resolution,
in all of which cases the Dissenting Shareholder's rights as a Shareholder are
reinstated and the Dissenting Shareholder is entitled to present the endorsed
share certificates to Lumonics or its transfer agent to be replaced with share
certificates for the same number of shares at no fee.
 
  Not later than seven days after the later of the date on which the
continuance is effective and the day Lumonics receives the Demand for Payment,
Lumonics shall send to each Dissenting Shareholder who has sent a Demand for
Payment, an Offer to Pay for the shares of the Dissenting Shareholder in
respect of which he or she has dissented in an amount considered by the
directors of Lumonics to be the fair value thereof, accompanied by a statement
showing how the fair value was determined. Every Offer to Pay made to
Dissenting Shareholders for shares of the same class shall be on the same
terms. The amount specified in an Offer to Pay which has been accepted by a
Dissenting Shareholder shall be paid by Lumonics, within ten days of the
acceptance by the Dissenting Shareholder of the Offer to Pay, but an Offer to
Pay lapses if Lumonics has not received an acceptance thereof within 30 days
after the Offer to Pay has been made.
 
  If an Offer to Pay is not made by Lumonics or if a Dissenting Shareholder
fails to accept an Offer to Pay, Lumonics may, within 50 days after the date on
which the continuance is effective or within such further period as a court may
allow, apply to the court to fix a fair value for the Lumonics shares of any
Dissenting Shareholder. If Lumonics fails to so apply to the court, a
Dissenting Shareholder may apply to the Ontario Court (General Division) for
the same purpose within a further period of 20 days or within such further
period as the court may allow. A Dissenting Shareholder is not required to give
security for costs in any application to the court.
 
  On making an application to the court, Lumonics shall give to each Dissenting
Shareholder who has sent to Lumonics a Demand for Payment and has not accepted
an Offer to Pay, notice of the date, place and consequences of the application
and of his right to appear and be heard in person or by counsel. All Dissenting
Shareholders whose Lumonics shares have not been purchased by Lumonics shall be
joined as parties to any such application to the court to fix a fair value and
shall be bound by the decision rendered by the court in the proceedings
commenced by such application. The court is authorized to determine whether any
other person is a Dissenting Shareholder who should be joined as a party to
such application.
 
  The court shall fix a fair value for the Lumonics shares of all Dissenting
Shareholders and may in its discretion allow a reasonable rate of interest on
the amount payable to each Dissenting Shareholder from the date upon which the
continuance is effective until the date of payment of the amount ordered by the
court. The final order of the court in the proceedings commenced by an
application by Lumonics or a Dissenting Shareholder shall be rendered against
Lumonics, payable by Lumonics and in favor of each Dissenting Shareholder. The
cost of any application to a court by Lumonics or a Dissenting Shareholder will
be in the discretion of the court.
 
  THE ABOVE IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE DISSENTING SHAREHOLDER PROVISIONS OF THE
OBCA, WHICH ARE TECHNICAL AND COMPLEX. THE TEXT OF SECTION 185 OF THE OBCA
APPEARS BELOW. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT A SHAREHOLDER OF LUMONICS WISHING TO
EXERCISE A RIGHT TO DISSENT SHOULD SEEK LEGAL ADVICE, AS FAILURE TO COMPLY
STRICTLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE OBCA MAY RESULT IN THE LOSS OR
UNAVAILABILITY OF THE RIGHT TO DISSENT.
 
                                      E-2
<PAGE>
 
             SECTION 185 OF THE BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT (ONTARIO)
 
  185. (1) RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS. Subject to subsection (3) and to
sections 186 and 248, if a corporation resolves to,
 
     (a) amend its articles under section 168 to add, remove or change
         restrictions on the issue, transfer or ownership of shares of a
         class or series of the shares of the corporation;
 
     (b) amend its articles under section 168 to add, remove or change any
         restriction upon the business or businesses that the corporation
         may carry on or upon the powers that the corporation may exercise;
 
     (c) amalgamate with another corporation under sections 175 and 176;
 
     (d) be continued under the laws of another jurisdiction under section
         181; or
 
     (e) sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all of its property
         under subsection 184(3),
 
  a holder of shares of any class or series entitled to vote on the resolution
may dissent.
 
  (2) IDEM. If a corporation resolves to amend its articles in a manner
referred to in subsection 170(1), a holder of shares of any class or series
entitled to vote on the amendment under section 168 or 170 may dissent, except
in respect of an amendment referred to in,
 
     (a) clause 170(1)(a), (b) or (e) where the articles provide that the
         holders of shares of such class or series are not entitled to
         dissent; or
 
     (b) subsection 170(5) or (6).
 
  (3) EXCEPTION. A shareholder of a corporation incorporated before the 29th
day of July, 1983 is not entitled to dissent under this section in respect of
an amendment of the articles of the corporation to the extent that the
amendment,
 
     (a) amends the express terms of any provision of the articles of the
         corporation to conform to the terms of the provision as deemed to
         be amended by section 277; or
 
     (b) deletes from the articles of the corporation all of the objects of
         the corporation set out in its articles, provided that the
         deletion is made by the 29th day of July, 1986.
 
  (4) SHAREHOLDER'S RIGHT TO BE PAID FAIR VALUE. In addition to any other right
the shareholder may have, but subject to subsection (30), a shareholder who
complies with this section is entitled, when the action approved by the
resolution from which the shareholder dissents becomes effective, to be paid by
the corporation the fair value of the shares held by the shareholder in respect
of which the shareholder dissents, determined as of the close of business on
the day before the resolution was adopted.
 
  (5) NO PARTIAL DISSENT. A dissenting shareholder may only claim under this
section with respect to all the shares of a class held by the dissenting
shareholder on behalf of any one beneficial owner and registered in the name of
the dissenting shareholder.
 
  (6) OBJECTION. A dissenting shareholder shall send to the corporation, at or
before any meeting of shareholders at which a resolution referred to in
subsection (1) or (2) is to be voted on, a written objection to the resolution,
unless the corporation did not give notice to the shareholder of the purpose of
the meeting or of the shareholder's right to dissent.
 
                                      E-3
<PAGE>
 
  (7) IDEM. The execution or exercise of a proxy does not constitute a written
objection for purposes of subsection (6).
 
  (8) NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION. The corporation shall, within ten days
after the shareholders adopt the resolution, send to each shareholder who has
filed the objection referred to in subsection (6) notice that the resolution
has been adopted, but such notice is not required to be sent to any shareholder
who voted for the resolution or who has withdrawn the objection.
  (9) IDEM. A notice sent under subsection (8) shall set out the rights of the
dissenting shareholder and the procedures to be followed to exercise those
rights.
 
  (10) DEMAND FOR PAYMENT OF FAIR VALUE. A dissenting shareholder entitled to
receive notice under subsection (8) shall, within twenty days after receiving
such notice, or, if the shareholder does not receive such notice, within twenty
days after learning that the resolution has been adopted, send to the
corporation a written notice containing,
 
     (a) the shareholder's name and address;
 
     (b) the number and class of shares in respect of which the shareholder
         dissents; and
 
     (c) a demand for payment of the fair value of such shares.
 
  (11) CERTIFICATES TO BE SENT IN. Not later than the thirtieth day after the
sending of a notice under subsection (10), a dissenting shareholder shall send
the certificates representing the shares in respect of which the shareholder
dissents to the corporation or its transfer agent.
 
  (12) IDEM. A dissenting shareholder who fails to comply with subsections (6),
(10) and (11) has no right to make a claim under this section.
 
  (13) ENDORSEMENT ON CERTIFICATE. A corporation or its transfer agent shall
endorse on any share certificate received under subsection (11) a notice that
the holder is a dissenting shareholder under this section and shall return
forthwith the share certificates to the dissenting shareholder.
 
  (14) RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDER. On sending a notice under subsection
(10), a dissenting shareholder ceases to have any rights as a shareholder other
than the right to be paid the fair value of the shares as determined under this
section except where,
 
     (a) the dissenting shareholder withdraws notice before the corporation
         makes an offer under subsection (15);
 
     (b) the corporation fails to make an offer in accordance with
         subsection (15) and the dissenting shareholder withdraws notice;
         or
 
     (c) the directors revoke a resolution to amend the articles under
         subsection 168(3), terminate an amalgamation agreement under
         subsection 176(5) or an application for continuance under
         subsection 181(5), or abandon a sale, lease or exchange under
         subsection 184(8),
 
in which case the dissenting shareholder's rights are reinstated as of the date
the dissenting shareholder sent the notice referred to in subsection (10), and
the dissenting shareholder is entitled, upon presentation and surrender to the
corporation or its transfer agent of any certificate representing the shares
that has been endorsed in accordance with subsection (13), to be issued a new
certificate representing the same number of shares as the certificate so
presented, without payment of any fee.
 
  (15) OFFER TO PAY. A corporation shall, not later than seven days after the
later of the day on which the action approved by the resolution is effective or
the day the corporation received the notice referred to in subsection (10),
send to each dissenting shareholder who has sent such notice,
 
 
                                      E-4
<PAGE>
 
     (a) a written offer to pay for the dissenting shareholder's shares in
         an amount considered by the directors of the corporation to be the
         fair value thereof, accompanied by a statement showing how the
         fair value was determined; or
 
     (b) if subsection (30) applies, a notification that it is unable
         lawfully to pay dissenting shareholders for their shares.
 
  (16) IDEM. Every offer made under subsection (15) for shares of the same
class or series shall be on the same terms.
 
  (17) IDEM. Subject to subsection (30), a corporation shall pay for the shares
of a dissenting shareholder within ten days after an offer made under
subsection (15) has been accepted, but any such offer lapses if the corporation
does not receive an acceptance thereof within thirty days after the offer has
been made.
 
  (18) APPLICATION TO COURT TO FIX FAIR VALUE. Where a corporation fails to
make an offer under subsection (15) or if a dissenting shareholder fails to
accept an offer, the corporation may, within fifty days after the action
approved by the resolution is effective or within such further period as the
court may allow, apply to the court to fix a fair value for the shares of any
dissenting shareholder.
 
  (19) IDEM. If a corporation fails to apply to the court under subsection
(18), a dissenting shareholder may apply to the court for the same purpose
within a further period of twenty days or within such further period as the
court may allow.
 
  (20) IDEM. A dissenting shareholder is not required to give security for
costs in an application made under subsection (18) or (19).
 
  (21) COSTS. If a corporation fails to comply with subsection (15), then the
costs of a shareholder application under subsection (19) are to be borne by the
corporation unless the court otherwise orders.
 
  (22) NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS. Before making application to the court under
subsection (18) or not later than seven days after receiving notice of an
application to the court under subsection (19), as the case may be, a
corporation shall give notice to each dissenting shareholder who, at the date
upon which the notice is given,
 
     (a) has sent to the corporation the notice referred to in subsection
         (10); and
 
     (b) has not accepted an offer made by the corporation under subsection
         (15), if such an offer was made,
 
of the date, place and consequences of the application and of the dissenting
shareholder's right to appear and be heard in person or by counsel, and a
similar notice shall be given to each dissenting shareholder who, after the
date of such first mentioned notice and before termination of the proceedings
commenced by the application, satisfies the conditions set out in clauses (a)
and (b) within three days after the dissenting shareholder satisfies such
conditions.
 
  (23) PARTIES JOINED. All dissenting shareholders who satisfy the conditions
set out in clauses (22)(a) and (b) shall be deemed to be joined as parties to
an application under subsection (18) or (19) on the later of the date upon
which the application is brought and the date upon which they satisfy the
conditions, and shall be bound by the decision rendered by the court in the
proceedings commenced by the application.
 
  (24) IDEM. Upon an application to the court under subsection (18) or (19),
the court may determine whether any other person is a dissenting shareholder
who should be joined as a party, and the court shall fix a fair value for the
shares of all dissenting shareholders.
 
                                      E-5
<PAGE>
 
  (25) APPRAISERS. The court may in its discretion appoint one or more
appraisers to assist the court to fix a fair value for the shares of the
dissenting shareholders.
 
  (26) FINAL ORDER. The final order of the court in the proceedings commenced
by an application under subsection (18) or (19) shall be rendered against the
corporation and in favor of each dissenting shareholder who, whether before or
after the date of the order, complies with the conditions set out in clauses
(22)(a) and (b).
 
  (27) INTEREST. The court may in its discretion allow a reasonable rate of
interest on the amount payable to each dissenting shareholder from the date the
action approved by the resolution is effective until the date of payment.
 
  (28) WHERE CORPORATION UNABLE TO PAY. Where subsection (30) applies, the
corporation shall, within ten days after the pronouncement of an order under
subsection (26), notify each dissenting shareholder that is unable lawfully to
pay dissenting shareholders for their shares.
 
  (29) IDEM. Where subsection (30) applies, a dissenting shareholder, by
written notice sent to the corporation within thirty days after receiving a
notice under subsection (28), may,
 
     (a) withdraw a notice of dissent, in which case the corporation is
         deemed to consent to the withdrawal and the shareholder's full
         rights are reinstated; or
 
     (b) retain a status as a claimant against the corporation, to be paid
         as soon as the corporation is lawfully able to do so or, in a
         liquidation, to be ranked subordinate to the rights of creditors
         of the corporation but in priority to its shareholders.
 
  (30) IDEM. A corporation shall not make a payment to a dissenting shareholder
under this section if there are reasonable grounds for believing that,
 
     (a) the corporation is or, after the payment, would be unable to pay
         its liabilities as they become due; or
 
     (b) the realizable value of the corporation's assets would thereby be
         less than the aggregate of its liabilities.
 
  (31) COURT ORDER. Upon application by a corporation that proposes to take any
of the actions referred to in subsection (1) or (2), the court may, if
satisfied that the proposed action is not in all the circumstances one that
should give rise the rights arising under subsection (4), by order declare that
those rights will not arise upon the taking of the proposed action, and the
order may be subject to compliance upon such terms and conditions as the court
thinks fit and, if the corporation is an offering corporation, notice of any
such application and a copy of any order made by the court upon such
application shall be served upon the Commission.
 
  (32) COMMISSION MAY APPEAR. The Commission may appoint counsel to assist the
court upon the hearing of an application under subsection (31) if the
corporation is an offering corporation.
 
                                      E-6
<PAGE>
 
                                                                         ANNEX F
 
              MASSACHUSETTS BUSINESS CORPORATION LAW, CHAPTER 156B
 
  85. A stockholder in any corporation organized under the laws of
Massachusetts which shall have duly voted to consolidate or merge with another
corporation or corporations under the provisions of sections seventy-eight or
seventy-nine who objects to such consolidation or merger may demand payment for
his stock from the resulting or surviving corporation and an appraisal in
accordance with the provisions of sections eighty-six to ninety-eight,
inclusive, and such stockholder and the resulting or surviving corporation
shall have the rights and duties and follow the procedure set forth in those
sections. This section shall not apply to the holders of any shares of stock of
a constituent corporation surviving a merger if, as permitted by subsection (c)
of section seventy-eight, the merger did not require for its approval a vote of
the stockholders of the surviving corporation.
 
  86. If a corporation proposes to take a corporate action as to which any
section of this chapter provides that a stockholder who objects to such action
shall have the right to demand payment for his shares and an appraisal thereof,
sections eighty-seven to ninety-eight, inclusive, shall apply except as
otherwise specifically provided in any section of this chapter. Except as
provided in sections eighty-two and eighty-three, no stockholder shall have
such right unless (1) he files with the corporation before the taking of the
vote of the shareholders on such corporate action, written objection to the
proposed action stating that he intends to demand payment for his shares if the
action is taken and (2) his shares are not voted in favor of the proposed
action.
 
  87. The notice of the meeting of stockholders at which the approval of such
proposed action is to be considered shall contain a statement of the rights of
objecting stockholders. The giving of such notice shall not be deemed to create
any rights in any stockholder receiving the same to demand payment for his
stock, and the directors may authorize the inclusion in any such notice of a
statement of opinion by the management as to the existence or non-existence of
the right of the stockholders to demand payment for their stock on account of
the proposed corporate action. The notice may be in such form as the directors
or officers calling the meeting deem advisable, but the following form of
notice shall be sufficient to comply with this section:
 
    "If the action proposed is approved by the stockholders at the
    meeting and effected by the corporation, any stockholder (1) who
    files with the corporation before the taking of the vote on the
    approval of such action, written objection to the proposed action
    stating that he intends to demand payment for his shares if the
    action is taken and (2) whose shares are not voted in favor of
    such action has or may have the right to demand in writing from
    the corporation (or, in the case of a consolidation or merger, the
    name of the resulting or surviving corporation shall be inserted),
    within twenty days after the date of mailing to him of notice in
    writing that the corporate action has become effective, payment
    for his shares and an appraisal of the value thereof. Such
    corporation and any such stockholder shall in such cases have the
    rights and duties and shall follow the procedure set forth in
    sections 88 to 98, inclusive, of chapter 156B of the General Laws
    of Massachusetts."
 
  88. The corporation taking such action, or in the case of a merger or
consolidation the surviving or resulting corporation, shall, within ten days
after the date on which such corporate action became effective, notify each
stockholder who filed written objection meeting the requirements of section
eighty-six and whose shares were not voted in favor of the approval of such
action, that the action approved at the meeting of the corporation of which he
is a stockholder has become effective. The giving of such notice shall not be
deemed to create any rights in any stockholder receiving the same to demand
payment for his stock. The notice shall be sent by registered or certified
mail, addressed to the stockholder at his last known address in the records of
the corporation.
 
  89. If within twenty days after the date of the mailing of a notice under
subsection (e) of section eighty-two, subsection (f) of section eighty-three,
or section eighty-eight any stockholder to whom the corporation was
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
required to give such notice shall demand in writing from the corporation
taking such action, or in the case of a consolidation or merger from the
resulting or surviving corporation, payment for his stock, the corporation upon
which such demand is made shall pay to him the fair value of his stock within
thirty days after the expiration of the period during which such demand may be
made.
 
  90. If during the period of thirty days provided for in section eighty-nine
the corporation upon which such demand is made and any such objecting
stockholder fail to agree as to the value of such stock, such corporation or
nay such stockholder may within four months after the expiration of such
thirty-day period demand a determination of the value of the stock of all such
objecting stockholders by a bill in equity filed in the superior court in the
county where the corporation in which such objecting stockholder held stock had
or has its principal office in the commonwealth.
 
  91. If the bill is filed by the corporation, it shall name as parties
respondent all stockholders who have demanded payment for their shares and with
whom the corporation has not reached agreement as to the value thereof. If the
bill is filed by a stockholder, he shall bring the bill in his own behalf and
in behalf of all other stockholders who have demanded payment for their shares
and with whom the corporation has not reached agreement as to the value
thereof, and service of the bill shall be made upon the corporation by subpoena
with a copy of the bill annexed. The corporation shall file with its answer a
duly verified list of all such other stockholders, and such stockholders shall
thereupon be deemed to have been added as parties to the bill. The corporation
shall give notice in such form and returnable on such date as the court shall
order to each stockholder party to the bill by registered or certified mail,
addressed to that last known address of such stockholder as shown in the
records of the corporation, and the court may order such additional notice by
publication or otherwise as it deems advisable. Each stockholder who makes
demand as provided in section eighty-nine shall be deemed to have consented to
the provisions of this section relating to notice, and the giving of notice by
the corporation to any such stockholder in compliance with the order of the
court shall be a sufficient service of process on him. Failure to give notice
to any stockholder making demand shall not invalidate the proceedings as to
other stockholders to whom notice was properly given, and the court may at any
time before the entry of a final decree make supplementary orders of notice.
 
  92. After hearing the court shall enter a decree determining the fair value
of the stock of those stockholders who have become entitled to the valuation of
and payment for their shares, and shall order the corporation to make payment
of such value, together with interest, if any, as hereinafter provided, to the
stockholders entitled thereto upon the transfer by them to the corporation of
the certificates representing such stock if certificated or if uncertificated,
upon receipt of an instruction transferring such stock to the corporation. For
this purpose, the value of the shares shall be determined as of the day
preceding the date of the vote approving the proposed corporate action and
shall be exclusive of any element of value arising from the expectation or
accomplishment of the proposed corporate action.
 
  93. The court in its discretion may refer the bill or any question arising
thereunder to a special master to hear the parties, make findings and report
the same to the court, all in accordance with the usual practice in suits in
equity in the superior court.
 
  94. On motion the court may order stockholder parties to the bill to submit
their certificates or stock to the corporation for notation thereon of the
pendency of the bill, and may order the corporation to note such pendency in
its records with respect to any uncertificated shares held by such stockholder
parties, and may on motion dismiss the bill as to any stockholder who fails to
comply with such order.
 
  95. The costs of the bill, including the reasonable compensation and expenses
of any master appointed by the court, but exclusive of fees of counsel or of
experts retained by any party, shall be determined by the court and taxed upon
the parties to the bill, or any of them, in such manner as appears to be
equitable, except that all costs of giving notice to stockholders as provided
in this chapter shall be paid by the corporation. Interest shall be paid upon
any award from the date of the vote approving the proposed corporate action,
and the court may on application of any interested party determine the amount
of interest to be paid in the case of any stockholder.
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
  96. Any stockholder who has demanded payment for his stock as provided in
this chapter shall not thereafter be entitled to notice of any meeting of
stockholders or to vote such stock for any purpose and shall not be entitled to
the payment of dividends or other distribution on the stock (except dividends
or other distributions payable to stockholders of record at a date which is
prior to the date of the vote approving the proposed corporate action) unless:
 
  (1) A bill shall not be filed within the time provided in section ninety;
  (2) A bill, if filed, shall be dismissed as to such stockholder; or
  (3) Such stockholder shall with the written approval of the corporation, or
      in the case of a consolidation or merger, the resulting or surviving
      corporation, deliver to it a written withdrawal of his objections to
      and an acceptance of such corporate action.
 
  Notwithstanding the provisions of clauses (1) to (3), inclusive, said
stockholder shall have only the rights of a stockholder who did not so demand
payment for his stock as provided in this chapter.
 
  97. The shares of the corporation paid for by the corporation pursuant to the
provisions of this chapter shall have the status of treasury stock or in the
case of a consolidation or merger the shares or the securities of the resulting
or surviving corporation into which the shares of such objecting stockholder
would have been converted had he not objected to such consolidation or merger
shall have the status of treasury stock or securities.
 
  98. The enforcement by a stockholder of his right to receive payment for his
shares in the manner provided in this chapter shall be an exclusive remedy
except that this chapter shall not exclude the right of such stockholder to
bring or maintain an appropriate proceeding to obtain relief on the ground that
such corporate action will be or is illegal or fraudulent as to him.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                                                                         ANNEX G
 
                       LUMONICS SHAREHOLDERS' RESOLUTIONS
 
A. RESOLUTION
 
  Merger Agreement and Share Issuance Proposal
 
BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
 
1. The adoption by Lumonics Inc. ("Lumonics") of an agreement and plan of
   merger attached as Annex A to the Joint Proxy Statement accompanying notice
   of this meeting (the "Merger Agreement") under which Lumonics' wholly-owned
   subsidiary, Grizzly Acquisition Corp., will be merged with and into General
   Scanning Inc. ("GSI") and GSI would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of
   Lumonics (the "Merger"), on the basis, upon the terms and subject to the
   conditions set out in the Merger Agreement, is hereby approved, authorized
   and confirmed;
 
2. The issuance by Lumonics of its common shares ("Lumonics Shares") upon the
   conversion of the shares of common stock of GSI ("GSI Shares") pursuant to
   the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement and the
   assumption by Lumonics of the GSI stock options and warrants so that each
   such stock option and warrant shall become a right to purchase that number
   of Lumonics Shares on the basis, upon the terms and subject to the
   conditions set out in the Merger Agreement, be and the same is hereby
   authorized and approved;
 
B. SPECIAL RESOLUTION
 
  Continuance
 
BE IT RESOLVED AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION THAT:
   
1. Lumonics be and the same is hereby authorized to apply for a certificate of
   continuance continuing Lumonics as a body corporate under the laws of the
   Province of New Brunswick, and to give notice of such application to the
   Director under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario);     
 
C. RESOLUTION
 
  By-Law Confirmation
 
BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
   
1. Subject to the issuance of a certificate of continuance and without
   affecting the existence of Lumonics under its currently effective articles
   and by-laws and any act done thereunder, By-Law No. 1, a General By-Law
   conforming to the requirements of the Business Corporations Act (New
   Brunswick) adopted by the Board of Directors of Lumonics is hereby approved
   and confirmed;     
 
D. SPECIAL RESOLUTION
 
  Name Change
 
BE IT RESOLVED AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION THAT:
   
1. Subject to the issuance of a certificate of continuance and without
   affecting the existence of Lumonics under its currently effective articles
   and by-laws and any act done thereunder, Lumonics be and the same is hereby
   authorized to take all such action as is required in order to amend its
   articles to conform to the Business Corporations Act (New Brunswick), and to
   take such action as is required in order to change its corporate name to
   "GSI Lumonics Inc.," such change to become effective upon the issuance of a
   certificate of continuance.     
 
  Provided however that notwithstanding the authorization, approval and
adoption of the foregoing resolutions by the shareholders of Lumonics, the
Board of Directors of Lumonics, without further notice to or approval of the
shareholders, may decide not to proceed with any or all of the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement including the Continuance, the By-Law
Confirmation and Name Change or may revoke the foregoing resolutions at any
time prior to the such transactions becoming effective.
 
                                      G-1
<PAGE>
 
                                                                         ANNEX H
 
          NEW BRUNSWICK                           NOUVEAU BRUNSWICK
    BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT                 LOI SUR LES CORPORATIONS
 
                                                    COMMERCIALES
             FORM 7
 
 
                                                      FORMULE 7
     ARTICLES OF CONTINUANCE                   STATUTS DE PROROGATION
          (SECTION 126)                             (ARTICLE 126)
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-Name of Corporation                     Raison sociale de la corporation
 
  GSI Lumonics Inc.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-The classes and any maximum number      Les categories et le nombre maximal
of shares that the corporation is         d'actions que la corporation peut
authorized to issue and any maximum       emettre ainsi que le montant maximal
aggregate amount for which the share      global pour lequel les actions
may be offered including shares           peuvent etre emises, y compris les
without par value and/or with par         actions sans valeur au pair ou avec
value and the amount of par value.        valeur au pair ou les deux et le
                                          montant de la valeur au pair.
 
  THE CORPORATION IS AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES
                               WITHOUT PAR VALUE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-Restrictions, if any, on share transfersRestrictions, s'il y en a, au
                                          transfert d'actions
 
  None
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-Number (or minimum and maximum number) of directors
                                          Nombre (ou nombre minimum et
                                          maximum) des administrateurs
 
 MINIMUM OF FIVE (5) AND A MAXIMUM OF FIFTEEN (15) AS DETERMINED BY RESOLUTION
                           OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-Restrictions, if any, on businesses the corporation may carry on
         Restrictions, s'il y en a, a l'activite que peut exercer la corporation
 
  None
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6-(1)If change of name effected, previous name
                                          (1) En cas de changement de raison
                                              sociale; indiquer la derniere en
                                              date.
 
  Lumonics Inc.
 
 (2)Details of incorporation              (2)Details sur la constitution en
                                          corporation.
 
     CORPORATIONS ACT (ONTARIO), LETTERS PATENT DATED NOVEMBER 26, 1970,
     PRESENTLY GOVERNED BY THE BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT (ONTARIO)
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7-Other provisions, if any                Autres dispositions, le cas echeant
 
     SEE ATTACHED SCHEDULE "I"
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date                 Signature            Description of Office-Description du
                                          bureau
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     FOR DEPARTMENT USE ONLY               RESERVE A L'USAGE DU MINISTERE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporation No.--N(degrees). de corporation
                               Filed-Depose
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
                                      H-1
<PAGE>
 
                               GSI LUMONICS INC.
 
                 (hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation")
 
             THIS IS SCHEDULE "I" TO THE FOREGOING FORM 7 UNDER THE
                    NEW BRUNSWICK BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT
 
1. PLACE OF SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
 
  Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of Section 84 of the Business
Corporations Act, as from time to time in force, meetings of shareholders of
the Corporation may be held outside New Brunswick at any location throughout
the world, including without limitation, Ottawa, Boston, Toronto, New York,
Vancouver, or Los Angeles.
 
2. PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHTS
 
  (A) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of Section 27 of the Business Corporations
       Act, as from time to time in force, but subject however to any rights
       arising under any unanimous shareholders agreements, the holders of
       equity shares of any class, in the case of the proposed issuance by the
       Corporation of, or the proposed granting by the Corporation of rights or
       options to purchase, its equity shares of any class of any shares or
       other securities convertible into or carrying rights or options to
       purchase its equity shares of any class, shall not as such, even if the
       issuance of the equity shares proposed to be issued or issuable upon
       exercise of such rights or options or upon conversion of such other
       securities would adversely affect the unlimited dividend rights of such
       holders, have the pre-emptive right as provided by Section 27 of the
       Business Corporations Act to purchase such shares or other securities.
 
  (B) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of Section 27 of the Business Corporations
       Act, as from time to time in force, but subject however to any rights
       arising under any unanimous shareholders agreements, the holders of
       voting shares of any class, in case of the proposed issuance by the
       Corporation of, or the proposed granting by the Corporation of rights or
       options to purchase, its voting shares of any class or any shares or
       options to purchase its voting shares of any class, shall not as such,
       even if the issuance of the voting shares proposed to be issued or
       issuable upon exercise of such rights or options or upon conversion of
       such other securities would adversely affect the voting rights of such
       holders, have the pre-emptive right as provided by Section 27 of the
       Business Corporations Act to purchase such shares or other securities.
 
3. BORROWING AUTHORITY
 
  The directors of the Corporation may from time to time, in such amounts and
on such terms as deemed expedient:
 
    (a) borrow money upon the credit of the Corporation;
 
    (b) issue, reissue, sell or pledge debt obligations of the Corporation;
  and
 
    (c) mortgage, hypothecate, charge or pledge all or any of the currently
  owned or subsequently acquired real or personal, moveable or immoveable
  property of the Corporation, including book debts, rights, powers,
  franchises and undertakings of the Corporation, to secure any debt
  obligations or any money borrowed, or any other debt or liability of the
  Corporation.
 
  The foregoing powers may be delegated by the directors to such officers or
directors of the Corporation to such extent and in such manner as determined by
the directors from time to time.
 
  Nothing in this clause limits or restricts the borrowing of money by the
Corporation on bills of exchange or promissory notes made, drawn, accepted or
endorsed by or on behalf of the Corporation.
 
 
                                      H-2
<PAGE>
 
4. CUMULATIVE VOTING
 
  Subject to applicable law, there shall be no cumulative voting rights in
favour of shareholders of the Corporation.
 
5. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL
 
  Subject to Section 89(5) of the Act, a proposal by a shareholder under
Section 89 of the Act may include nominations for the election of directors if
the proposal is signed by one or more holders of shares representing in the
aggregate not less than 5% of the shares or 5% of the shares of a class of
shares of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting to which the proposal
is to be presented, in which case the Corporation shall set out the proposal in
the notice of meeting in the same manner as provided for under Section 89(2) of
the Act.
 
                                      H-3
<PAGE>
 
 
                               GSI LUMONICS INC.
 
                                BY-LAW NUMBER 1
 
  A by-law relating generally to the regulation of the affairs of GSI LUMONICS
INC.
 
  BE IT ENACTED AND IT IS HEREBY ENACTED as by-law Number 1 of GSI Lumonics
Inc. (hereinafter called the "Corporation") as follows:
 
                                  DEFINITIONS
 
  1. In this by-law and all other by-laws of the Corporation, unless the
context otherwise specifies or requires:
 
    (a) "Act" means the Business Corporations Act, Statutes of New Brunswick,
  1981, c. B-9.1, as from time to time amended, and every statute that may be
  substituted therefor and, in the case of such amendment or substitution,
  any reference in the by- laws of the Corporation shall be read as referring
  to the amended or substituted provisions therefor;
 
    (b) "articles" means the articles, as from time to time amended, of the
  Corporation;
 
    (c) "by-law" means any by-law of the Corporation from time to time in
  force and effect;
 
    (d) "director" means an individual occupying the position of director of
  the Corporation and "directors", "board of directors" and "board" includes
  a single director;
 
    (e) "unanimous shareholder agreement" means an agreement as described in
  subsection 99(2) of the Act or a declaration of a shareholder described in
  subsection 99(3) of the Act;
 
    (f) words importing the singular number only shall include the plural and
  vice versa; words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine
  and neuter genders and vice versa; words importing persons shall include
  bodies corporate, corporations, companies, partnerships, syndicates, trusts
  and any number or aggregate of individuals;
 
    (g) the headings used in any by-law are inserted for reference purposes
  only and are not to be considered or taken into account in construing the
  terms or provisions thereof or to be deemed in any way to clarify, modify
  or explain the effect of any such terms or provisions; and
 
    (h) any term contained in any by-law which is defined in the Act shall
  have the meaning given to such term in the Act.
 
                               REGISTERED OFFICE
 
  2. The Corporation may from time to time by resolution of the board of
directors change the location of the address of the registered office of the
Corporation to another place within New Brunswick.
 
                                 CORPORATE SEAL
 
  3. The Corporation may have one or more corporate seals which shall be such
as the board of directors may adopt by resolution from time to time.
 
                                   DIRECTORS
 
  4. Number and Powers. There shall be a board of directors consisting of such
fixed number, or minimum and maximum number, of directors as may be set out in
the articles or as may be determined as prescribed by the articles, or failing
that, as specified by by-law. Subject to any unanimous shareholder agreement,
the directors shall manage the business and affairs of the Corporation and may
exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or
done by the Corporation and are not by the Act, the articles, the by-laws, any
special resolution of the Corporation, any unanimous shareholder agreement or
by statute expressly directed or required to be done in some other manner.
 
                                      H-4
<PAGE>
 
  5. Vacancies. If the number of directors is increased, the resulting
vacancies shall be filled at a meeting of shareholders duly called for that
purpose. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 7 of this by-law and
subject to the provisions of the Act, if a vacancy should otherwise occur in
the board, the remaining directors, if constituting a quorum, may appoint a
qualified person to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. In the
absence of a quorum the remaining directors shall forthwith call a meeting of
shareholders to fill the vacancy pursuant to subsection 69(2) of the Act. Where
a vacancy or vacancies exist in the board, the remaining directors may exercise
all of the powers of the board so long as a quorum remains in office.
 
  6. Duties. Every director and officer of the Corporation in exercising his
powers and discharging his duties shall
 
    (a) act honestly and in good faith; and
 
    (b) exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent
  person would exercise in comparable circumstances,
 
in the best interests of the Corporation.
 
  7. Qualification. Every director shall be an individual nineteen (19) or more
years of age and no one who is of unsound mind and has been so found by a court
in Canada or elsewhere or who has the status of a bankrupt or who has been
convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code, chapter C-34 of the Revised
Statutes of Canada, 1970, as amended from time to time, or the criminal law of
any jurisdiction outside of Canada, in connection with the promotion, formation
or management of a corporation or involving fraud (unless three (3) years have
elapsed since the expiration of the period fixed for suspension of the passing
of sentence without sentencing or since a fine was imposed, or unless the term
of imprisonment and probation imposed, if any, was concluded, whichever is the
latest, but the disability imposed hereby ceases upon a pardon being granted)
shall be a director.
 
  8. Term of Office. A director's term of office shall be from the meeting at
which he is elected or appointed until the annual meeting next following or
until his successor is elected or appointed, or until, if earlier, he dies or
resigns, or is removed or disqualified pursuant to the provisions of the Act.
 
  9. Vacation of Office. The office of a director shall ipso facto be vacated
if
 
    (a) he dies;
 
    (b) by notice in writing to the Corporation he resigns his office and
  such resignation, if not effective immediately, becomes effective in
  accordance with its terms;
 
    (c) he is removed from office in accordance with section 67 of the Act;
  or
 
    (d) he ceases to be qualified to be a director.
 
  10. Election and Removal. (1) Directors shall be elected by the shareholders
by ordinary resolution in general meeting on a show of hands unless a poll is
demanded and if a poll is demanded such election shall be by ballot. All the
directors then in office shall cease to hold office at the close of the meeting
of shareholders at which directors are to be elected. A director if qualified,
is eligible for re-election.
 
  (2) Subject to sections 65 and 67 of the Act, the shareholders of the
Corporation may by ordinary resolution at an annual or a special meeting remove
any director before the expiration of his term of office and may, by a majority
of the votes cast at the meeting, elect any person in his stead for the
remainder of his term.
 
  (3) Each shareholder entitled to vote at an election of directors has the
right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached to the
shares held by him multiplied by the number of directors to be elected, and he
may cast all such votes in favour of one candidate or distribute them among the
candidates in any manner.
 
 
                                      H-5
<PAGE>
 
  (4) A separate vote of shareholders shall be taken with respect to each
candidate nominated for director unless a resolution is passed unanimously
permitting two (2) or more persons to be elected by a single resolution.
 
  (5) If a shareholder has voted for more than one candidate without specifying
the distribution of his votes among the candidates, he shall be deemed to have
distributed his votes equally among the candidates for whom he voted.
 
  (6) If the number of candidates nominated for director exceeds the number of
positions to be filled, the candidates who receive the least number of votes
shall be eliminated until the number of candidates remaining equals the number
of positions to be filled.
 
  (7) A retiring director shall retain office until the adjournment or
termination of the meeting at which his successor is elected unless such
meeting was called for the purpose of removing him from office as a director in
which case the director so removed shall vacate office forthwith upon the
passing of the resolution for his removal.
 
  11. Validity of Acts. An act by a director or officer is valid
notwithstanding an irregularity in his election or appointment or a defect in
his qualification.
 
                             MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS
 
  12. Place of Meeting. Subject to the articles, meetings of directors may be
held at any place within or outside New Brunswick as the directors may from
time to time determine or as the person convening the meeting may give notice.
A meeting of the directors may be convened by the chairman of the board (if
any), the president or any director at any time. The secretary shall upon
direction of any of the foregoing officers or director convene a meeting of the
directors.
 
 
  13. Notice. (1) Notice of the time and place of each meeting of the board
shall be given in the manner provided in Section 6.3 to each director:
 
    (a) not less than three (3) days before the time when the meeting is to
  be held, if the notice is mailed, or
 
    (b) not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the time when the meeting
  is to be held if the notice is given personally or is delivered or is sent
  by any means of transmitted or recorded communication, such as facsimile
  transmission, voice-mail or electronic-mail,
 
  provided that meetings of the directors may be held at any time without
notice if all the directors have waived notice.
 
  (2) For the first meeting of the board of directors to be held immediately
following the election of directors at an annual or special meeting of the
shareholders, no notice of such meeting need be given to the newly elected or
appointed director or directors in order for the meeting to be duly
constituted, provided a quorum of the directors is present.
 
  (3) A notice of a meeting of directors shall specify any matter referred to
in subsection 73(2) of the Act that is to be dealt with at the meeting but,
unless a by-law otherwise provides, need not otherwise specify the purpose of
or the business to be transacted at the meeting.
 
  14. Waiver of Notice. Notice of any meeting of the directors or any
irregularity in any meeting or in the notice thereof may be waived by any
director in writing or by telegram, cable, telex or facsimile transmission
addressed to the Corporation or in any other manner, and such waiver may be
validly given either before or after the meeting to which such waiver relates.
The attendance of a director at a meeting of directors is a waiver of notice of
the meeting except where a director attends a meeting for the express purpose
of objecting to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting
is not lawfully called.
 
                                      H-6
<PAGE>
 
  15. Telephone Participation. A director may participate in a meeting of
directors or of a committee of directors by means of such telephone or other
communication facilities that permit all persons participating in the meeting
to hear each other, and a director participating in such a meeting by such
means shall be deemed to be present at that meeting.
 
  16. Adjournment. Any meeting of the directors may be adjourned from time to
time by the chairman of the meeting, with the consent of the meeting, to a
fixed time and place and no notice of the time and place for the continuance of
the adjourned meeting need be given to any director if the time and place of
the adjourned meeting is announced at the original meeting. Any adjourned
meeting shall be duly constituted if held in accordance with the terms of the
adjournment and a quorum is present thereat. The directors who formed a quorum
at the original meeting are not required to form the quorum at the adjourned
meeting. If there is no quorum present at the adjourned meeting, the original
meeting shall be deemed to have terminated forthwith after its adjournment.
 
  17. Quorum and Voting. Subject to the articles, a majority of directors shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of
directors. No business shall be transacted by the directors except at a meeting
of directors at which a quorum of the board is present. Questions arising at
any meeting of the directors shall be decided by a majority of votes cast. In
case of an equality of votes, the chairman of the meeting shall not have a
second or casting vote. Where the Corporation has only one director, that
director may constitute a meeting.
 
  18. Resolution in lieu of meeting. A resolution in writing, signed by all the
directors or signed counterparts of such resolution by all the directors
entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of directors or a committee of
directors, is as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of directors or
committee of directors duly called, constituted and held. A copy of every such
resolution or counterpart thereof shall be kept with the minutes of the
proceedings of the directors or such committee of directors.
 
  19. Deemed Consent of Director Present at Meeting. A director who is present
at a meeting of directors or committee of directors is deemed to have consented
to any resolution passed or action taken thereat unless he:
 
    (a) requests that his dissent be or his dissent is entered in the minutes
  of the meeting;
 
    (b) sends his written dissent to the secretary of the meeting before the
  meeting is terminated; or
 
    (c) sends his dissent by registered mail or delivers to the registered
  office of the Corporation immediately after the meeting is terminated.
 
  20. Deemed Consent of Director Absent from Meeting. [Deleted]
 
                           REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS
 
  21. Subject to the articles or any unanimous shareholder agreement, the
remuneration to be paid to the directors shall be such as the board of
directors shall from time to time determine and such remuneration shall be in
addition to the salary paid to any officer of the Corporation who is also a
member of the board of directors. The directors may also by resolution award
special remuneration to any director undertaking any special services on the
Corporation's behalf other than the routine work ordinarily required of a
director by the Corporation. The confirmation of any such resolution or
resolutions by the shareholders shall not be required. The directors shall also
be entitled to be paid their travelling and other expenses properly incurred by
them in connection with the affairs of the Corporation.
 
                                      H-7
<PAGE>
 
                    SUBMISSION OF CONTRACTS OR TRANSACTIONS
                          TO SHAREHOLDERS FOR APPROVAL
 
  22. The directors in their discretion may submit any contract, act or
transaction for approval, ratification or confirmation at any annual meeting of
the shareholders or at any special meeting of the shareholders called for the
purpose of considering the same and any contract, act or transaction that shall
be approved, ratified or confirmed by resolution passed by a majority of the
votes cast at any such meeting (unless any different or additional requirement
is imposed by the Act or by the articles or any other by-law) shall be as valid
and as binding upon the Corporation and upon all the shareholders as though it
had been approved, ratified and/or confirmed by every shareholder of the
Corporation.
 
                  FOR THE PROTECTION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
  23. No director or officer for the time being of the Corporation shall be
liable for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of any other director or
officer or employee of the Corporation or for joining in any receipt or act for
conformity or for any loss, damage or expense happening to the Corporation
through the insufficiency or deficiency of title to any property acquired by
order of the board of directors for or on behalf of the Corporation or for the
insufficiency or deficiency of any security in or upon which any of the moneys
of or belonging to the Corporation shall be placed out or invested or for any
loss or damage arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency or tortious act of any
person, firm or corporation including any person, firm or corporation with whom
or which any moneys, securities or effects of the Corporation shall be lodged
or deposited or for any loss, conversion, misapplication or misappropriation of
or any damage resulting from any dealings with any moneys, securities or other
assets belonging to the Corporation or for any other loss, damage or misfortune
whatever which may happen to the Corporation in the execution of the duties of
his respective office of trust or in relation thereto, unless the same shall
happen by or through his failure to exercise the powers and to discharge the
duties of his office honestly, in good faith with a view to the best interests
of the Corporation, and in connection therewith to exercise the care, diligence
and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable
circumstances, provided that nothing herein contained shall relieve a director
or officer from the duty to act in accordance with the Act or regulations made
thereunder or relieve him from liability for a breach thereof. The directors
for the time being of the Corporation shall not be under any duty or
responsibility in respect of any contract, act or transaction whether or not
made, done or entered into in the name or on behalf of the Corporation, except
such as shall have been submitted to and authorized or approved by the board of
directors. If any director or officer of the Corporation shall be employed by
or shall perform services for the Corporation, the fact of his being a
shareholder, director or officer of the Corporation shall not disentitle such
director or officer or such firm or body corporate, as the case may be, from
receiving proper remuneration for such services.
 
                      INDEMNITIES TO DIRECTORS AND OTHERS
 
  24. Subject to section 81 of the Act, except in respect of an action by or on
behalf of the Corporation or Another Body Corporate (as hereinafter defined) to
procure a judgement in its favour, the Corporation shall indemnify each
director and officer of the Corporation and each former director and officer of
the Corporation and each person who acts or acted at the Corporation's request
as a director or officer of Another Body Corporate, and his heirs and legal
representatives, against all costs, charges and expenses, including any amount
paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by him in
respect of any civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which
he is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or officer of
the Corporation or Another Body Corporate, as the case may be, if
 
    (a) he acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests
  of the Corporation; and
 
    (b) in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that
  is enforced by a monetary penalty, he had reasonable grounds for believing
  that his conduct was lawful.
 
 
                                      H-8
<PAGE>
 
  "Another Body Corporate" as used herein means a body corporate of which the
Corporation is or was a shareholder or creditor.
 
  25. Insurance. Subject to the limitations contained in the Act, the
Corporation may purchase and maintain such insurance for the benefit of any
person referred to in Section 24 as the board may, from time to time,
determine.
 
                                    OFFICERS
 
  26. Appointment of Officers. Subject to the articles or any unanimous
shareholder agreement, the directors may appoint a chairman of the board, a
chief executive officer, president and a secretary and, if deemed advisable,
may also appoint one or more vice-presidents, a treasurer and one or more
assistant secretaries and/or one or more assistant treasurers. None of such
officers, except the chairman of the board, need be a director of the
Corporation. Any two or more of such offices may be held by the same person. In
case and whenever the same person holds the offices of secretary and treasurer
he may, but need not, be known as the secretary-treasurer. The directors may
from time to time designate such other offices and appoint such other officers,
employees and agents as it shall deem necessary who shall have such authority
and shall perform such functions and duties as may from time to time be
prescribed by resolution of the directors.
 
  27. Remuneration and Removal of Officers. Subject to the articles or any
unanimous shareholder agreement, the remuneration of all officers, employees
and agents appointed by the directors may be determined from time to time by
resolution of the directors. The fact that any officer, employee or agent is a
director or shareholder of the Corporation shall not disqualify him from
receiving such remuneration as may be so determined. The directors may by
resolution remove any officer, employee or agent at any time, with or without
cause.
 
  28. Duties of Officers may be Delegated. In case of the absence or inability
or refusal to act of any officer of the Corporation or for any other reason
that the directors may deem sufficient, the directors may delegate all or any
of the powers of such officer to any other officer or to any director for the
time being.
 
  29. Chairman of the Board. The chairman of the board (if any) shall, if
present, preside at all meetings of the directors. He shall sign such
contracts, documents or instruments in writing as require his signature and
shall have such other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to
him by resolution of the directors.
 
  30. Chief Executive Officer. The chief executive officer of the Corporation
shall exercise general supervision over the business and affairs of the
Corporation and such other duties as the board may specify from time to time.
During the absence or disability of the president, or if no president has been
appointed, the chief executive officer shall also have the powers and duties of
that office.
 
  31. President. The president of the Corporation shall be the chief operating
officer and shall, subject to the authority of the Chief Executive Officer,
exercise general supervision over the operations of the Corporation. During the
absence or disability of the chief executive officer, or if no chief executive
officer has been appointed, the president shall also have the powers and duties
of that office.
 
  32. Vice-President. The vice-president (if any) or, if more than one, the
vice-presidents in order of seniority, shall be vested with all the powers and
shall perform all the duties of the president in the absence or inability or
refusal to act of the president. The vice-president or, if more than one, the
vice-presidents in order of seniority, shall sign such contracts, documents or
instruments in writing as require his or their signatures and shall also have
such other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to him or
them by resolution of the directors.
 
  33. Secretary. The secretary shall give or cause to be given notices for all
meetings of the directors or committees thereof (if any) and of shareholders
when directed to do so, and shall have charge, subject to the provisions of
paragraphs 34 and 55 hereof, of the records referred to in section 18 of the
Act and of the
 
                                      H-9
<PAGE>
 
corporate seal or seals (if any). He shall sign such contracts, documents or
instruments in writing as require his signature and shall have such other
powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by resolution of
the directors or as are incident to his office.
 
  34. Treasurer. Subject to the provisions of any resolution of the directors,
the treasurer (if any) shall have the care and custody of all the funds and
securities of the Corporation and shall deposit the same in the name of the
Corporation in such bank or banks or with such other depositary or depositaries
as the directors may by resolution direct. He shall prepare, maintain and keep
or cause to be kept adequate books of accounts and accounting records. He shall
sign such contracts, documents or instruments in writing as require his
signature and shall have such other powers and duties as may from time to time
be assigned to him by resolution of the directors or as are incident to his
office. He may be required to give such bond for the faithful performance of
his duties as the directors in their uncontrolled discretion may require, but
no director shall be liable for failure to require any such bond or for the
insufficiency of any such bond or for any loss by reason of the failure of the
Corporation to receive any indemnity thereby provided.
 
  35. Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer. The assistant secretary or,
if more than one, the assistant secretaries in order of seniority, and the
assistant treasurer or, if more than one, the assistant treasurers in order of
seniority (if any), shall respectively perform all the duties of the secretary
and treasurer, respectively, in the absence or inability to act of the
secretary or treasurer as the case may be. The assistant secretary or assistant
secretaries, if more than one, and the assistant treasurer or assistant
treasurers, if more than one, shall sign such contracts, documents or
instruments in writing as require his or their signatures respectively and
shall have such other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to
them by resolution of the directors.
 
  36. Vacancies. If the office of chairman of the board, chief executive
officer, president, vice-president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer,
assistant treasurer, or any other office created by the directors pursuant to
paragraph 26 hereof, shall be or become vacant by reason of death, resignation,
removal or in any other manner whatsoever, the directors may, subject to
paragraph 26 hereof, appoint another person to fill such vacancy.
 
                            COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS
 
  37. The directors may from time to time appoint from their number one or more
committees of directors consisting of one or more individuals and delegate to
such committee or committees any of the powers of the directors except as
provided in subsection 73(2) of the Act. Unless otherwise ordered by the
directors, a committee of directors shall have power to fix its quorum, elect
its chairman and regulate its proceedings. All such committees shall report to
the directors as required by them.
 
 
                             SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING
 
  38. Annual Meeting. Subject to compliance with section 85 of the Act, the
annual meeting of the shareholders shall be convened on such day in each year
and at such time as the directors may by resolution determine.
 
  39. Special Meetings. (1) Special meetings of the shareholders may be
convened by order of the chairman of the board, the president or a vice-
president or by the directors, to be held at such time and place as may be
specified in such order.
 
  (2) In accordance with the articles, shareholders holding between them not
less than ten percent (10%) of the issued shares of the Corporation that carry
the right to vote at a meeting sought to be held may requisition the directors
to call a meeting of shareholders. Such requisition shall state the business to
be transacted at the meeting and shall be sent to each director and the
registered office of the Corporation.
 
                                      H-10
<PAGE>
 
  (3) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 96(3) of the Act, it shall be
the duty of the directors on receipt of such requisition, to cause such meeting
to be called by the secretary of the Corporation.
 
  (4) If the directors do not, within twenty-one (21) days after receiving such
requisition call such meeting, any shareholder who signed the requisition may
call the meeting.
 
  40. Place of Meetings. Meetings of shareholders of the Corporation shall be
held at the registered office of the Corporation or at such other place within
New Brunswick as the directors by resolution may determine. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, a meeting of shareholders of the Corporation may be held outside New
Brunswick if all the shareholders entitled to vote at that meeting so agree,
and a shareholder who attends a meeting of shareholders held outside New
Brunswick is deemed to have so agreed except when he attends the meeting for
the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the
grounds that the meeting is not lawfully held. Notwithstanding either of the
foregoing sentences, meetings of shareholders may be held outside New Brunswick
at one or more places specified in the articles.
 
  41. Notice. (1) Subject to the articles or a unanimous shareholder agreement,
a printed, written or typewritten notice stating the day, hour, place of
meeting, the general nature of the business to be transacted and, if special
business is to be transacted thereat, stating
 
    (a) the nature of that business in sufficient detail to permit the
  shareholder to form a reasoned judgment thereon; and
 
    (b) the text of any special resolution to be submitted to the meeting,
 
shall be sent to each person who is entitled to notice of such meeting and who
on the record date for notice appears on the records of the Corporation or its
transfer agent as a shareholder and to each director of the Corporation and the
auditor of the Corporation, if any, personally, by sending such notice by
prepaid mail or in such other manner as provided by by-law for the giving of
notice, not less than twenty-one (21) days nor more than fifty (50) days before
the meeting. If such notice is sent by mail it shall be addressed to the latest
address of each such person as shown in the records of the Corporation or its
transfer agent, or if no address is shown therein, then to the last address of
each such person known to the secretary.
 
  (2) The auditor of the Corporation, if any, is entitled to attend any meeting
of shareholders of the Corporation and to receive all notices and other
communications relating to any such meeting that a shareholder is entitled to
receive.
 
  42. Waiver of Notice. A meeting of shareholders may be held for any purpose
at any time and, subject to section 84 of the Act, at any place without notice
if all the shareholders entitled to notice of such meeting are present in
person or represented by proxy at the meeting (except where the shareholder
attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of
any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called) or if all
the shareholders entitled to notice of such meeting and not present in person
nor represented by proxy thereat waive notice of the meeting. Notice of any
meeting of shareholders or any irregularity in any such meeting or in the
notice thereof may be waived by any shareholder, the duly appointed proxy of
any shareholder, any directors or the auditor of the Corporation in writing, by
telegram, cable, telex or facsimile addressed to the Corporation or by any
other manner, and any such waiver may be validly given either before or after
the meeting to which such waiver relates.
 
  43. Omission of Notice. The accidental omission to give notice of any meeting
to or the non-receipt of any notice by any person shall not invalidate any
resolution passed or any proceeding taken at any meeting of shareholders.
 
  44. Record Date. (1) The directors may by resolution fix in advance a date as
the record date for the determination of shareholders
 
    (a) entitled to receive payment of a dividend;
 
    (b) entitled to participate in a liquidation distribution; or
 
    (c) for any other purpose except the right to receive notice of or to
  vote at a meeting of shareholders,
 
                                      H-11
<PAGE>
 
but such record date shall not precede by more than fifty (50) days the
particular action to be taken.
 
  (2) The directors may by resolution also fix in advance the date as the
record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of
a meeting of shareholders, but such record date shall not precede by more than
fifty (50) days or by less than twenty-one (21) days the date on which the
meeting is to be held.
 
  (3) If no record date is fixed,
 
    (a) the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to
  receive notice of a meeting of shareholders shall be
 
      (i) at the close of business on the day immediately preceding the day
    on which the notice is given; or
 
      (ii) if no notice is given, the day on which the meeting is held; and
 
    (b) the record date for the determination of shareholders for any
  purpose, other than that specified in subparagraph (a) above or to vote,
  shall be at the close of business on the day on which the directors pass
  the resolution relating thereto.
 
  45. Voting. (1) Votes at meetings of the shareholders may be given either
personally or by proxy. At every meeting at which he is entitled to vote, every
shareholder present in person and every proxyholder shall have one (1) vote on
a show of hands. Upon a poll at which he is entitled to vote, every shareholder
present in person or by proxy shall (subject to the provisions, if any, of the
articles) have one (1) vote for every share registered in his name.
 
  (2) Voting at a meeting of shareholders shall be by show of hands except
where a ballot is demanded by a shareholder or proxyholder entitled to vote at
the meeting. A shareholder or proxyholder may demand a ballot either before or
after any vote by show of hands. In case of an equality of votes the chairman
of the meeting shall not have a second or casting vote in addition to the vote
or votes to which he may be entitled as a shareholder or proxyholder.
 
  (3) At any meeting, unless a ballot is demanded, a declaration by the
chairman of the meeting that a resolution has been carried or carried
unanimously or by a particular majority or lost or not carried by a particular
majority shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number
or proportion of votes recorded in favour of or against the motion.
 
  (4) In the absence of the chairman of the board, the president and every
vice-president, the shareholders present entitled to vote shall choose another
director as chairman of the meeting and if no director is present or if all the
directors present decline to take the chair then the shareholders or
proxyholders present shall choose one of their number to be chairman.
 
  (5) If at any meeting a ballot is demanded on the election of a chairman or
on the question of adjournment or termination it shall be taken forthwith
without adjournment. If a ballot is demanded on any other question or as to the
election of directors it shall be taken in such manner and either at once or
later at the meeting or at an adjourned meeting as the chairman of the meeting
directs. The result of a ballot shall be deemed to be the resolution of the
meeting at which the ballot was demanded. A demand for a ballot may be
withdrawn.
 
  (6) Where a person holds shares as a personal representative, such person or
his proxy is the person entitled to vote at all meetings of shareholders in
respect of the shares so held by him.
 
  (7) Where a person mortgages or hypothecates his shares, such person or his
proxy is the person entitled to vote at all meetings of shareholders in respect
of such shares unless, in the instrument creating the mortgage or hypothec, he
has expressly empowered the person holding the mortgage or hypothec to vote in
respect of such shares, in which case, and subject to the articles, such holder
or his proxy is the person entitled to vote in respect of the shares.
 
                                      H-12
<PAGE>
 
  (8) Where two or more persons hold the same share or shares jointly, any one
of such persons present at a meeting of shareholders has the right, in the
absence of the other or others, to vote in respect of such share or shares, but
if more than one of such persons are present or represented by proxy and vote,
they shall vote together as one on the share or shares jointly held by them.
 
  46. Proxies. (1) A shareholder, including a shareholder that is a body
corporate, entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders may by means of a
proxy appoint a proxyholder or one or more alternate proxyholders, none of whom
are required to be a shareholder of the Corporation, which proxyholders shall
have all the rights of the shareholder to attend and act at the meeting in the
place and stead of the shareholder except to the extent limited by the proxy.
 
  (2) An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing and shall be
executed by the shareholder or by his attorney authorized in writing or, if the
shareholder is a body corporate, either under its seal or by an officer or
attorney thereof, duly authorized. A proxy is valid only at the meeting in
respect of which it is given or any adjournment thereof.
 
  (3) Unless the Act requires another form, an instrument appointing a
proxyholder shall be in the form determined by the directors from time to time.
 
  47. Time for Deposit of Proxies. The board may by resolution specify in a
notice calling a meeting of shareholders a time, preceding the time of such
meeting or an adjournment thereof by not more than 48 hours excluding Saturdays
and holidays before which time proxies to be used at such meeting must be
deposited. A proxy shall be acted upon only if, prior to the time so specified,
it shall have been deposited with the Corporation or an agent thereof specified
in such notice or, if no such time is specified in such notice, only if it has
been received by the secretary of the Corporation or by the chairman of the
meeting or any adjournment thereof prior to the time of voting.
 
  48. The directors may from time to time make regulations regarding the
depositing of proxies at some place or places other than the place at which a
meeting or adjourned meeting of shareholders is to be held and for particulars
of such proxies to be sent by means of wire or wireless or any other form of
transmitted or recorded communication or in writing before the meeting or
adjourned meeting to the Corporation or any agent of the Corporation for the
purpose of receiving such particulars and providing that proxies so deposited
may be voted upon as though the proxies themselves were deposited with the
Corporation at the meeting or adjourned meeting and votes given in accordance
with such regulations shall be valid and shall be counted. The chairman of any
meeting of shareholders may, subject to any regulations made as aforesaid, in
his discretion accept wire or wireless or any other form of transmitted or
recorded or written communication as to the authority of any person claiming to
vote on behalf of and to represent a shareholder notwithstanding that no proxy
conferring such authority has been deposited with the Corporation, and any
votes given in accordance with such communication accepted by the chairman of
the meeting shall be valid and shall be counted.
 
  49. Adjournment. (1) The chairman of the meeting may with the consent of the
meeting adjourn any meeting of shareholders from time to time to a fixed time
and place. If a meeting of shareholders is adjourned for less than sixty (60)
days, it is not necessary to give notice of the adjourned meeting other than by
announcement at the earlier meeting that is adjourned. If a meeting of
shareholders is adjourned by one or more adjournments for an aggregate of sixty
(60) days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as for an
original meeting.
 
  (2) Any adjourned meeting shall be duly constituted if held in accordance
with the terms of the adjournment and a quorum is present at the opening
thereat. The persons who formed a quorum at the original meeting are not
required to form the quorum at the adjourned meeting. If there is no quorum
present at the opening of the adjourned meeting, the original meeting shall be
deemed to have terminated forthwith after its adjournment. Any business may be
brought before or dealt with at any adjourned meeting which might have been
brought before or dealt with at the original meeting in accordance with the
notice calling the same.
 
 
                                      H-13
<PAGE>
 
  50. Quorum. All of the shareholders or holders of at least 20% of the shares
entitled to vote at the meeting, whichever number be the lesser, personally
present or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum of any meeting of
shareholders or of any class of shareholders. No business shall be transacted
at any meeting unless the requisite quorum be present at the time of the
transaction of such business. If a quorum is not present at the time appointed
for a meeting of shareholders or within such reasonable time thereafter as the
shareholders present may determine, the persons present and entitled to vote
may adjourn the meeting to a fixed time and place but may not transact any
other business and the provisions of paragraph 38 of this by-law with regard to
notice shall apply to such adjournment.
 
  51. Resolution in Lieu of meeting. A resolution in writing signed by all the
shareholders or signed counterparts of such resolution by all the shareholders
entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of shareholders is as valid as
if it had been passed at a meeting of the shareholders duly called, constituted
and held. A copy of every such resolution or counterpart thereof shall be kept
with the minutes of the meetings of shareholders.
 
  52. Telephone Participation. [deleted]
 
                              SHARES AND TRANSFERS
 
  53. Issuance.  Subject to the articles, any unanimous shareholder agreement
and to section 27 of the Act, shares in the Corporation may be issued at such
times and to such persons or classes of persons and, subject to sections 23 and
24 of the Act, for such consideration as the directors may determine.
 
  54. Certificates. Share certificates (and the form of stock transfer power on
the reverse side thereof) shall (subject to compliance with section 47 of the
Act) be in such form and be signed by such director(s) or officer(s) as the
directors may from time to time by resolution determine. Such certificates
shall be signed manually by at least one director or officer of the Corporation
or by or on behalf of a registrar, transfer agent or branch transfer agent of
the Corporation, and any additional signatures required on a share certificate
may be printed or otherwise mechanically reproduced thereon. If a share
certificate contains a printed or mechanically reproduced signature of a
person, the Corporation may issue the share certificate notwithstanding that
the person has ceased to be a director or an officer of the Corporation, and
the share certificate is as valid as if he were a director or an officer at the
date of its issue.
 
  55. Registrar and Transfer Agent. The directors may from time to time by
resolution appoint or remove one or more registrars and/or branch registrars
(which may but need not be the same person) to keep the share register and/or
one or more transfer agents and/or branch transfer agents (which may but need
not be the same person) to keep the register of transfers, and (subject to
section 48 of the Act) may provide for the registration of issues and the
registration of transfers of the shares of the Corporation in one or more
places and such registrars and/or branch registrars and/or transfer agents
and/or branch transfer agents shall keep all necessary books and registers of
the Corporation for the registration of the issuance and the registration of
transfers of the shares of the Corporation for which they are so appointed. All
certificates issued after any such appointment representing shares issued by
the Corporation shall be countersigned by or on behalf of one of the said
registrars and/or branch registrars and/or transfer agents and/or branch
transfer agents, as the case may be.
 
  56. Replacement of Share Certificates. The board or any officer or agent
designated by the board may in its or his discretion direct the issue of a new
share certificate in lieu of and upon cancellation of a share certificate that
has been mutilated or in substitution for a share certificate claimed to have
been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken on payment of such fee, not exceeding
$3.00, and on such terms as to indemnity, reimbursement of expenses and
evidence of loss and of title as the board may from time to time prescribe,
whether generally or in any particular case.
 
                                      H-14
<PAGE>
 
                                   DIVIDENDS
 
  57. The directors may from time to time by resolution declare and the
Corporation may pay dividends on the issued and outstanding shares in the
capital of the Corporation subject to the Act and to the provisions (if any) of
the articles of the Corporation.
 
  58. Dividend Cheques. A dividend payable in cash shall be paid by cheque
drawn on the Corporation's bankers or one of them to the order of each
registered holder of shares of the class or series in respect of which it has
been declared and mailed by prepaid ordinary mail to such registered holder at
his recorded address, unless such holder otherwise directs. In the case of
joint holders the cheque shall, unless such joint holders otherwise direct, be
made payable to the order of all of such joint holders and mailed to them at
their recorded address. The mailing of such cheque as aforesaid, unless the
same is not paid on due presentation, shall satisfy and discharge the liability
for the dividend to the extent of the sum represented thereby plus the amount
of any tax which the Corporation is required to and does withhold.
 
  59. Non-receipt of Cheques. In the event of non-receipt of any dividend
cheque by the person to whom it is sent as aforesaid, the Corporation shall
issue to such person a replacement cheque for a like amount on such terms as to
indemnity, reimbursement or expenses and evidence of non-receipt and of title
as the board may from time to time prescribe, whether generally or in any
particular case.
 
  60. Record Date for Dividends and Rights. The board may fix in advance a
date, preceding by not more than 50 days the date for the payment of any
dividend or the date for the issue of any warrant or other evidence of the
right to subscribe for securities of the Corporation, as a record date for the
determination of the persons entitled to receive payment of such dividend or to
exercise the right to subscribe for such securities. If no record date is so
fixed, the record date for the determination of the persons entitled to receive
payment of any dividend or to exercise the right to subscribe for securities of
the Corporation shall be at the close of business on the day on which the
resolution relating to such dividend or right to subscribe is passed by the
board.
 
  61. Unclaimed Dividends. Any dividend unclaimed after a period of six years
from the date on which the same has been declared to be payable shall be
forfeited and shall revert to the Corporation.
 
 
                  VOTING SECURITIES IN OTHER BODIES CORPORATE
 
  62. All securities of any other body corporate carrying voting rights held
from time to time by the Corporation may be voted at all meetings of
shareholders, bondholders, debenture holders or holders of such securities, as
the case may be, of such other body corporate in such manner and by such person
or persons as the directors of the Corporation shall from time to time
determine and authorize by resolution. The duly authorized signing officers of
the Corporation may also from time to time execute and deliver for and on
behalf of the Corporation proxies and/or arrange for the issuance of voting
certificates and/or other evidence of the right to vote in such names as they
may determine without the necessity of a resolution or other action by the
directors.
 
                                     NOTICE
 
  63. Method of giving notice. Any notice, communication or other document to
be given by the Corporation to a shareholder, director, officer, or auditor of
the Corporation under any provision of the Act, the Articles or by-laws shall
be sufficiently given if delivered personally to the person to whom it is to be
given or if delivered to his latest address as shown in the records of the
Corporation or if mailed by prepaid ordinary mail or air mail in a sealed
envelope addressed to him at his latest address as shown in the records of the
Corporation or if sent to such person, at the latest applicable number for such
person as shown in the records of the Corporation, by any means of wire or
wireless or any other form of transmitted or recorded communication. The
secretary may change the address on the records of the Corporation of any
shareholder in accordance with any information believed by him to be reliable.
A notice, communication or document so delivered shall be deemed to have been
given when it is delivered personally or at the address aforesaid. A notice,
communication
 
                                      H-15
<PAGE>
 
or document so mailed shall be deemed to have been given on the day it is
deposited in a post office or public letter box. A notice sent by any means of
wire or wireless or any other form of transmitted or recorded communication
shall be deemed to have been given on the day on which it is transmitted.
 
  64. Shares registered in more than one name. All notices or other documents
required to be sent to a shareholder by the Act, the regulations under the Act,
the articles or the by-laws of the Corporation shall, with respect to any
shares in the capital of the Corporation registered in more than one name, be
given to whichever of such persons is named first in the records of the
Corporation and any notice or other document so given shall be sufficient
notice or delivery of such document to all the holders of such shares.
 
  65. Persons becoming entitled by operation of law. Every person who by
operation of law, transfer or by any other means whatsoever shall become
entitled to any shares in the capital of the Corporation shall be bound by
every notice or other document in respect of such shares which prior to his
name and address being entered on the records of the Corporation shall have
been duly given to the person or persons from whom he derives his title to such
shares.
 
  66. Deceased Shareholder. Any notice or other document delivered or sent by
post or left at the address of any shareholder as the same appears in the
records of the Corporation shall, notwithstanding that such shareholder be then
deceased and whether or not the Corporation has notice of his decease, be
deemed to have been duly served in respect of the shares held by such
shareholder (whether held solely or with other persons) until some other person
be entered in his stead in the records of the Corporation as the holder or one
of the holders thereof and such service shall for all purposes be deemed a
sufficient service of such notice or other document on his heirs, executors or
administrators and all persons (if any) interested with him in such shares.
 
  67. Signatures to Notices. The signature of any director or officer of the
Corporation to any notice may be written, stamped, typewritten or printed or
partly written, stamped, typewritten or printed.
 
  68. Computation of Time. Where a given number of days' notice or notice
extending over any period is required to be given under any provisions of the
articles or by-laws of the Corporation, the day of service or posting of the
notice shall, unless it is otherwise provided, be counted in such number of
days or other period and such notice shall be deemed to have been given or sent
on the day of service or posting.
 
  69. Proof of Service. A certificate of any officer of the Corporation in
office at the time of the making of the certificate or of a transfer officer of
any transfer agent or branch transfer agent of shares of any class of the
Corporation as to facts in relation to the mailing or delivery or service of
any notice or other documents to any shareholder, director, officer or auditor
or publication of any notice or other document shall be conclusive evidence
thereof and shall be binding on every shareholder, director, officer or auditor
of the Corporation, as the case may be.
 
                          CHEQUES, DRAFTS, NOTES, ETC.
 
  70. All cheques, drafts or orders for the payment of money and all notes,
acceptances and bills of exchange shall be signed by such officer or officers
or other person or persons, whether or not officers of the Corporation, and in
such manner as the directors may from time to time designate by resolution.
 
                             CUSTODY OF SECURITIES
 
  71. (1) All securities (including warrants) owned by the Corporation shall be
lodged (in the name of the Corporation) with a chartered bank or a trust
company or in a safety deposit box or, if so authorized by resolution of the
directors, with such other depositaries or in such other manner as may be
determined from time to time by the directors.
 
 
                                      H-16
<PAGE>
 
  (2) All securities (including warrants) belonging to the Corporation may be
issued and held in the name of a nominee or nominees of the Corporation (and if
issued or held in the names of more than one nominee shall be held in the names
of the nominees jointly with right of survivorship) and shall be endorsed in
blank with endorsement guaranteed in order to enable transfer thereof to be
completed and registration thereof to be effected.
 
                          EXECUTION OF CONTRACTS, ETC.
 
  72. Contracts, documents or instruments in writing requiring the signature of
the Corporation may be signed by the chairman of the board, the chief executive
officer, the president or a vice-president and the secretary or the treasurer
and all contracts, documents and instruments in writing so signed shall be
binding upon the Corporation without any further authorization or formality.
The board of directors shall have power from time to time by resolution to
appoint any officer or officers, or any person or persons, on behalf of the
Corporation either to sign contracts, documents and instruments in writing
generally or to sign specific contracts, documents or instruments in writing.
 
  The corporate seal of the Corporation, if any, may be affixed to contracts,
documents and instruments in writing signed as aforesaid or by any officer or
officers, person or persons, appointed as aforesaid by resolution of the board
of directors but any such contract, document or instrument is not invalid
merely because the corporate seal, if any, is not affixed thereto.
 
  The term "contracts, documents or instruments in writing" as used in this by-
law shall include deeds, mortgages, hypothecs, charges, conveyances, transfers
and assignments of property real or personal, immovable or movable, agreements,
releases, receipts and discharges for the payment of money or other
obligations, conveyances, transfers and assignments of shares, share warrants,
stocks, bonds, debentures or other securities and all paper writings.
 
  In particular without limiting the generality of the foregoing the chairman
of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or a vice-president
and the secretary or the treasurer shall have authority to sell, assign,
transfer, exchange, convert or convey any and all shares, stocks, bonds,
debentures, rights, warrants or other securities owned by or registered in the
name of the Corporation and to sign and execute (under the seal of the
Corporation or otherwise) all assignments, transfers, conveyances, powers of
attorney and other instruments that may be necessary for the purpose of
selling, assigning, transferring, exchanging, converting or conveying any such
shares, stocks, bonds, debentures, rights, warrants or other securities.
 
  The signature or signatures of the chairman of the board, the chief executive
officer, the president, a vice-president, the secretary, the treasurer an
assistant secretary or an assistant treasurer or any director of the
Corporation and/or of any other officer or officers, person or persons,
appointed as aforesaid by resolution of the board of directors may, if
specifically authorized by resolution of the directors, be printed, engraved,
lithographed or otherwise mechanically reproduced upon any contracts, documents
or instruments in writing or bonds, debentures or other securities of the
Corporation executed or issued by or on behalf of the Corporation and all
contracts, documents or instruments in writing or bonds, debentures or other
securities of the Corporation on which the signature or signatures of any of
the foregoing officers or persons authorized as aforesaid shall be so
reproduced pursuant to special authorization by resolution of the directors
shall be deemed to have been manually signed by such officers or persons whose
signature or signatures is or are so reproduced and shall be as valid to all
intents and purposes as if they had been signed manually and notwithstanding
that the officers or persons whose signature or signatures is or are so
reproduced may have ceased to hold office at the date of the delivery or issue
of such contracts, documents or instruments in writing or bonds, debentures or
other securities of the Corporation.
 
                                      H-17
<PAGE>
 
                                    AUDITOR
 
  73. At each annual meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation an auditor
may be appointed for the purpose of auditing and verifying the accounts of the
Corporation for the then current year and his report shall be submitted at the
next annual meeting of the shareholders. The auditor shall not be a director or
an officer of the Corporation. Unless fixed by the meeting of shareholders at
which he is appointed, the remuneration of the auditor shall be determined from
time to time by the directors.
 
                                  FISCAL YEAR
 
  74. The fiscal period of the Corporation shall terminate on such day in each
year as the directors may from time to time by resolution determine.
 
                                   BORROWING
 
  75. General Borrowing. The directors may from time to time:
 
    (a) borrow money upon the credit of the Corporation;
 
    (b) issue, reissue, sell or pledge debt obligations of the Corporation;
 
    (c) give a guarantee on behalf of the Corporation to secure performance
  of an obligation of any person; and
 
    (d) mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security interest
  in all or any property of the Corporation, owned or subsequently acquired,
  to secure any obligation of the Corporation.
 
  The directors may from time to time authorize any director or directors, or
officer or officers, of the Corporation, to make arrangements with reference to
the money borrowed or to be borrowed as aforesaid, and as to the terms and
conditions of the loan thereof, and as to the securities to be given therefor,
with power to vary or modify such arrangements, terms and conditions and to
give such additional securities for any moneys borrowed or remaining due by the
Corporation as the directors of the Corporation may authorize, and generally to
manage, transact and settle the borrowing of money by the Corporation.
 
  76. Repeal of By-Laws. Upon this by-law coming into force, all prior by-laws
presently in force other than by-laws relating to the borrowing powers of the
Corporation are repealed provided that such repeal shall not affect the
previous operation of such by-laws so repealed or affect the validity of any
act done or right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired or incurred or
the validity of any contract or agreement made pursuant to any such by-laws
prior to their repeal. All officers and persons acting under such by-laws so
repealed shall continue to act as if appointed under the provisions of this by-
law and all resolutions of the shareholders or board passed under such repealed
by-laws shall continue to be good and valid except to the extent that they are
inconsistent with this by-law or until amended or repealed.
 
                    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
 
                                          WITNESS the corporate seal of the
                                           Corporation this   day of    ,
                                           199 .
 
                                          _____________________________________
                                                  CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
                                          _____________________________________
                                                         PRESIDENT
 
                                      H-18
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
  New Brunswick law generally permits a corporation to indemnify its directors
and officers for all costs, charges and expenses incurred by the person in
respect of any action or proceeding to which that person is made a party by
reason of being a director or officer if the person (1) acted in good faith
with a view to the best interests of the corporation and, (2) in the case of a
criminal or administrative proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty,
the person had reasonable grounds for believing his conduct was lawful. New
Brunswick law generally requires a corporation to indemnify its directors and
officers if the person is substantially successful on the merits of his defence
of the action, the person fulfills (1) and (2) above, and is otherwise fairly
and reasonably entitled to indemnity.
 
  The GSI Lumonics By-Law generally provides that the corporation is required
to indemnify a director or officer against liability incurred in such capacity
to the extent permitted or required by New Brunswick law.
 
  A policy of directors and officers' liability insurance is maintained by the
Registrant which insures directors and officers of the Registrant and its
subsidiaries for losses a result of claims based upon the acts or omissions as
directors and officers of the Registrant.
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been
informed that in the opinion of the Commission, such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore
unenforceable.
 
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
   2.1   -- Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
            October 27, 1998, by and among the Registrant, Grizzly Acquisition
            Corp., New Grizzly Acquisition Corp. and General Scanning Inc.
            (attached as Annex A to the joint proxy statement/prospectus
            contained in this Registration Statement). Pursuant to Item
            601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the Schedules referred to in the
            Merger Agreement are omitted. The Registrant hereby undertakes to
            furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted Schedule to the
            Commission upon request.
   3.1   -- Letters Patent of Lumonics Research Limited dated November 26,
            1970, the Articles of Amendment of Lumonics Research Limited dated
            June 1, 1977, Articles of Amendment of Lumonics Research Limited
            dated June 11, 1980, Articles of Amendment of Lumonics Inc. dated
            July 10, 1980, Articles of Amendment of Lumonics Inc. dated January
            3, 1984, Articles of Amendment of Lumonics Inc. dated May 1, 1984
            and Articles of Amendment of Lumonics Inc. dated May 9, 1986. (5)
   3.2   -- Articles of Continuance of the Registrant which will become
            effective upon completion of the merger (attached as Annex H to the
            joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration
            Statement).
   3.3   -- By-Laws No. 13, 18 and 19 of the Registrant which will be replaced
            by By-Law No. 1 following the merger. (5)
   3.4   -- By-Law No.1 of the Registrant which will become effective upon
            completion of the merger (attached as Annex H to the joint proxy
            statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement).
   4.1   -- Specimen Certificate of common share of the Registrant. (5)
   5.1   -- Opinion of Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales as to legality of the
            Registrant's common shares. (6)
</TABLE>    
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
   8.1   -- Form of Opinion of Goodwin Procter & Hoar LLP as to certain tax
            matters. (6)
  10.1   -- Line of Credit Agreement between the Registrant and CIBC dated
            April 8, 1998 and accepted April 15, 1998. (5)
  10.2   -- Loan Agreement between Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the
            Registrant dated August 10, 1990. (5)
  10.3   -- Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement between General
            Scanning and The First National Bank of Boston dated as of December
            28, 1995. (3)+
  10.4   -- Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement
            between General Scanning and the First National Bank of Boston
            dated July 25, 1997. (4)+
  10.5   -- Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement
            between General Scanning and the First National Bank of Boston
            dated November 28, 1997. (4)+
  10.6   -- Lease Agreement between JRF II Associates Ltd. Partnership and
            Lumonics Corporation dated September 24, 1991. (5)
  10.7   -- Industrial Space Lease between Lumonics Corporation and The
            Travelers Insurance Company dated March 17, 1992. (5)
  10.8   -- Lease Agreement between Lumonics Corporation and Sisilli dated June
            1994. (5)
  10.9   -- Lease dated August 10, 1989, as amended to date, between General
            Scanning and Arlington Center Garage and Service Corp. (1)+
  10.10  -- Lease dated February 24, 1989, as amended to date, between Ames
            Realty Trust Associates and Teradyne Laser Systems Inc. and General
            Scanning Inc. (1)+
  10.11  -- Lease dated July 31, 1996, as amended to date, between View
            Engineering, Inc. and Donald J. Devine as Trustee under the Donald
            J. Devine Trust Agreement. (2)+
  10.12  -- Lease dated March 24, 1995, as amended to date, between View
            Engineering, Inc. and Marjorie Lynn Landon. (2)+
  10.13  -- Lease dated July 15, 1997, as amended to date, between General
            Scanning and The Wilmington Realty Trust. (4)+
  10.14  -- 1998 Management Incentive Plan of the Registrant. (5)
  10.15  -- 1998 Executive Management Incentive Plan of the Registrant. (5)
  10.16  -- Severance Agreement between the Registrant and Robert J. Atkinson
            dated April 13, 1998. (5)
  10.17  -- Severance Agreement between the Registrant and W. Scott Nix dated
            April 13, 1998. (5)
  10.18  -- Severance Agreement between the Registrant and Michael W. Lupiano
            dated April 13, 1998. (5)
  10.19  -- Severance Agreement between the Registrant and Patrick D. Austin
            dated April 13, 1998. (5)
  10.20  -- Severance Agreement between the Registrant and John W. George dated
            April 13, 1998. (5)
  10.21  -- Severance Agreement between the Registrant and Desmond J. Bradley
            dated April 13, 1998. (5)
  10.22  -- Split Dollar Compensation Agreement dated September 13, 1997
            between General Scanning and Charles D. Winston. (4)+
  10.23  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and
            Charles Winston dated May 1, 1998 and amended October, 1998. (5)+
  10.24  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and Linda
            Palmer dated May 1, 1997 and amended October 27, 1998. (5)+
  10.25  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and Kurt
            Pelsue dated May 1, 1997 and amended October 27, 1998. (5)+
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
  10.26  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and
            Michael R. Kampfe dated May 1, 1997 and amended October 27, 1998.
            (5)+
  10.27  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and
            Victor Sabella dated May 1, 1997 and amended October 27, 1998. (5)+
  10.28  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and
            Joseph Verderber dated May 1, 1997 and amended October 27, 1998.
            (5)+
  10.29  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and
            Gregory Baletsa dated May 1, 1998 and amended October 27, 1998.
            (5)+
  10.30  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and
            Victor H. Woolley, dated May 1, 1997. (5)+
  10.31  -- Settlement Agreement dated June 12, 1998 between General Scanning
            and Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (5)+
  21.1   -- Subsidiaries of the Registrant. (5)
  21.2   -- Subsidiaries of General Scanning (4)+
  23.1   -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent chartered accountants.
            (6)
  23.2   -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants. (6)
  23.3   -- Consent of Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales (included in the
            opinion attached as Exhibit 5.1).
  23.4   -- Consent of Goodwin Procter & Hoar LLP (included in the opinion
            attached as Exhibit 8.1).
  24.1   -- Powers of Attorney. (5)
  27     -- Financial Data Schedules (6)
  99.1   -- Amended and Restated Stock Option Agreement dated October 27, 1998
            by and among General Scanning Inc., Lumonics Inc. and Grizzly
            Acquisition Corp. (included as Annex B to the joint proxy
            statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement).
  99.2   -- Stock Option Agreement dated October 27, 1998 by and among General
            Scanning Inc. and Lumonics Inc. (included as Annex B to the joint
            proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration
            Statement).
  99.3   -- Form of Proxy for General Scanning common stock. (5)
  99.4   -- Opinion of Needham & Company, Inc. (included as Annex C to the
            joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration
            Statement).
  99.5   -- Opinion of CIBC Wood Gundy Securities, Inc. (included as Annex D to
            the joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration
            Statement).
  99.6   -- 1981 Stock Option Plan of General Scanning Inc. (1)+
  99.7   -- 1992 Stock Option Plan of General Scanning Inc. (1)+
  99.8   -- 1995 Directors' Warrant Plan of General Scanning Inc. (1)+
  99.9   -- 1994 Executive Management Stock Option Plan of the Registrant. (5)
  99.10  -- 1994 Key Employees and Directors Stock Option Plan of the
            Registrant. (5)
  99.11  -- 1995 Employees and Directors Stock Option Plan of the Registrant.
            (5)
  99.12  -- Consent of Needham & Company, Inc. (5)
  99.13  -- Consent of CIBC Wood Gundy Securities, Inc. (5)
  99.14  -- Consent of Charles D. Winston (5)
  99.15  -- Consent of Richard B. Black (5)
  99.16  -- Consent of Paul R. Ferrari (5)
  99.17  -- Consent of Woodie C. Flowers (5)
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) Incorporated by reference to General Scanning's registration statement on
    Form S-1, filed August 11, 1995 (33-95718)
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
(2) Incorporated by reference to General Scanning's Current Report on Form 10-K
    for the year ended December 31, 1996.
(3) Incorporated by reference to General Scanning's Current Report on Form 10-Q
    for the quarter ended June 30, 1996.
(4) Incorporated by reference to General Scanning's Current Report on Form 10-
    K, for the year ended December 31, 1997.
   
(5) Previously filed.     
   
(6) Filed herewith.     
 + Material contract or additional exhibit of General Scanning that will be
   material to GSI Lumonics Inc. following completion of the merger.
 
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
  (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
    (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
  post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
      (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
    Securities Act of 1933;
 
      (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
    the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
    post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
    aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
    in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
    increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
    dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
    registered) and any deviation from the low or high and of the estimated
    maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
    with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
    changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in
    the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
    Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and
 
      (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
    distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
    any material change to such information in the registration statement.
 
    (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
  Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
  to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
  therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
  to be in the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
  any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
  termination of the offering.
 
  (b) (1) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior
to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of
a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the
issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information
called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by
persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called
for by other items of the applicable form.
 
    (2) The registrant undertakes that every prospectus: (i) that is filed
  pursuant to paragraph (1) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to
  meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in
  connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be
  filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not
  be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of
  determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post
  effective amendment shall be deemed to be new registration statement
  relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
  securities at the time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
  thereof.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
  (c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through
the date of responding to the request.
 
  (d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not subject of and included
in the registration statement when it became effective.
 
  (e) 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 forgoing 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
Securities 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 registrants in successful defence of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or 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 question 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-5
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-4 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Ottawa, Province of Ontario, Canada on February 7,
1999.     
 
                                         Lumonics Inc.
                                            
                                         By:     /s/ Warren Scott Nix     
                                           ------------------------------------
                                                    
                                                 Warren Scott Nix     
                                                  
                                                  
                                               /s/ Warren Scott Nix     
                                           ------------------------------------
                                                    
                                                 Warren Scott Nix     
                                                
                                             Authorized U.S. Representative
                                                              
       
       
       
  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>
<S>  <C>
             Signature                       Title
                                                                   Date
 
                                      President, Chief       February 7, 1999
                                       Executive Officer
                                       and Director
                                       (Principal
                                       Executive Officer)
 
        /s/ Warren Scott Nix
- ------------------------------------
          Warren Scott Nix
 
                 *                    Vice President,        February 7, 1999
- ------------------------------------   Finance and
         Desmond J. Bradley            Administration,
                                       Chief Financial
                                       Officer (Principal
                                       Financial Officer)
 
                 *                    Chairman of the        February 7, 1999
- ------------------------------------   Board of Directors
         Robert J. Atkinson
 
 
                                      Director               February 7, 1999
                 *
- ------------------------------------
         Douglas C. Cameron
 
                 *                    Secretary and          February 7, 1999
- ------------------------------------   Director
      Charles J. Gardner, Q.C.
 
                                      Director
- ------------------------------------
           Atsushi Naitoh
 
                                      Director
- ------------------------------------
           Dr. Peter Rose
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>
              Signature                         Title
                                                                     Date
 
                                        Director
- -------------------------------------
         Yukihito Takahashi
 
                  *                     Director               February 7, 1999
- -------------------------------------
        Benjamin J. Virgilio
 
                                        Director
- -------------------------------------
          William B. Waite
</TABLE>
 
 
- -------------------------------------
   
* By Power of Attorney     
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
   2.1   -- Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
            October 27, 1998, by and among the Registrant, Grizzly Acquisition
            Corp., New Grizzly Acquisition Corp. and General Scanning Inc.
            (attached as Annex A to the joint proxy statement/prospectus
            contained in this Registration Statement). Pursuant to Item
            601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the Schedules referred to in the
            Merger Agreement are omitted. The Registrant hereby undertakes to
            furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted Schedule to the
            Commission upon request.
   3.1   -- Letters Patent of Lumonics Research Limited dated November 26,
            1970, the Articles of Amendment of Lumonics Research Limited dated
            June 1, 1977, Articles of Amendment of Lumonics Research Limited
            dated June 11, 1980, Articles of Amendment of Lumonics Inc. dated
            July 10, 1980, Articles of Amendment of Lumonics Inc. dated January
            3, 1984, Articles of Amendment of Lumonics Inc. dated May 1, 1984
            and Articles of Amendment of Lumonics Inc. dated May 9, 1986. (5)
   3.2   -- Articles of Continuance of the Registrant which will become
            effective upon completion of the merger (attached as Annex H to the
            joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration
            Statement).
   3.3   -- By-Laws No. 13, 18 and 19 of the Registrant which will be replaced
            by By-Law No. 1 following the merger. (5)
   3.4   -- By-Law No.1 of the Registrant which will become effective upon
            completion of the merger (attached as Annex H to the joint proxy
            statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement).
   4.1   -- Specimen Certificate of common share of the Registrant. (5)
   5.1   -- Opinion of Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales as to legality of the
            Registrant's common shares. (6)
   8.1   -- Form of Opinion of Goodwin Procter & Hoar LLP as to certain tax
            matters. (6)
  10.1   -- Line of Credit Agreement between the Registrant and CIBC dated
            April 8, 1998 and accepted April 15, 1998. (5)
  10.2   -- Loan Agreement between Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the
            Registrant dated August 10, 1990. (5)
  10.3   -- Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement between General
            Scanning and The First National Bank of Boston dated as of December
            28, 1995. (3)+
  10.4   -- Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement
            between General Scanning and the First National Bank of Boston
            dated July 25, 1997. (4)+
  10.5   -- Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement
            between General Scanning and the First National Bank of Boston
            dated November 28, 1997. (4)+
  10.6   -- Lease Agreement between JRF II Associates Ltd. Partnership and
            Lumonics Corporation dated September 24, 1991. (5)
  10.7   -- Industrial Space Lease between Lumonics Corporation and The
            Travelers Insurance Company dated March 17, 1992. (5)
  10.8   -- Lease Agreement between Lumonics Corporation and Sisilli dated June
            1994. (5)
  10.9   -- Lease dated August 10, 1989, as amended to date, between General
            Scanning and Arlington Center Garage and Service Corp. (1)+
  10.10  -- Lease dated February 24, 1989, as amended to date, between Ames
            Realty Trust Associates and Teradyne Laser Systems Inc. and General
            Scanning Inc. (1)+
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
  10.11  -- Lease dated July 31, 1996, as amended to date, between View
            Engineering, Inc. and Donald J. Devine as Trustee under the Donald
            J. Devine Trust Agreement. (2)+
  10.12  -- Lease dated March 24, 1995, as amended to date, between View
            Engineering, Inc. and Marjorie Lynn Landon. (2)+
  10.13  -- Lease dated July 15, 1997, as amended to date, between General
            Scanning and The Wilmington Realty Trust. (4)+
  10.14  -- 1998 Management Incentive Plan of the Registrant. (5)
  10.15  -- 1998 Executive Management Incentive Plan of the Registrant. (5)
  10.16  -- Severance Agreement between the Registrant and Robert J. Atkinson
            dated April 13, 1998. (5)
  10.17  -- Severance Agreement between the Registrant and W. Scott Nix dated
            April 13, 1998. (5)
  10.18  -- Severance Agreement between the Registrant and Michael W. Lupiano
            dated April 13, 1998. (5)
  10.19  -- Severance Agreement between the Registrant and Patrick D. Austin
            dated April 13, 1998. (5)
  10.20  -- Severance Agreement between the Registrant and John W. George dated
            April 13, 1998. (5)
  10.21  -- Severance Agreement between the Registrant and Desmond J. Bradley
            dated April 13, 1998. (5)
  10.22  -- Split Dollar Compensation Agreement dated September 13, 1997
            between General Scanning and Charles D. Winston. (4)+
  10.23  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and
            Charles Winston dated May 1, 1998 and amended October, 1998. (5)+
  10.24  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and Linda
            Palmer dated May 1, 1997 and amended October 27, 1998. (5)+
  10.25  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and Kurt
            Pelsue dated May 1, 1997 and amended October 27, 1998. (5)+
  10.26  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and
            Michael R. Kampfe dated May 1, 1997 and amended October 27, 1998.
            (5)+
  10.27  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and
            Victor Sabella dated May 1, 1997 and amended October 27, 1998. (5)+
  10.28  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and
            Joseph Verderber dated May 1, 1997 and amended October 27, 1998.
            (5)+
  10.29  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and
            Gregory Baletsa dated May 1, 1998 and amended October 27, 1998.
            (5)+
  10.30  -- Key Employee Retention Agreement between General Scanning and
            Victor H. Woolley, dated May 1, 1997. (5)+
  10.31  -- Settlement Agreement dated June 12, 1998 between General Scanning
            and Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (5)+
  21.1   -- Subsidiaries of the Registrant. (5)
  21.2   -- Subsidiaries of General Scanning (4)+
  23.1   -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent chartered accountants.
            (6)
  23.2   -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants. (6)
  23.3   -- Consent of Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales (included in the
            opinion attached as Exhibit 5.1).
  23.4   -- Consent of Goodwin Procter & Hoar LLP (included in the opinion
            attached as Exhibit 8.1).
  24.1   -- Powers of Attorney. (5)
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
  27     -- Financial Data Schedules (6)
  99.1   -- Amended and Restated Stock Option Agreement dated October 27, 1998
            by and among General Scanning Inc., Lumonics Inc. and Grizzly
            Acquisition Corp. (included as Annex B to the joint proxy
            statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement).
  99.2   -- Stock Option Agreement dated October 27, 1998 by and among General
            Scanning Inc. and Lumonics Inc. (included as Annex B to the joint
            proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration
            Statement).
  99.3   -- Form of Proxy for General Scanning common stock. (5)
  99.4   -- Opinion of Needham & Company, Inc. (included as Annex C to the
            joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration
            Statement).
  99.5   -- Opinion of CIBC Wood Gundy Securities, Inc. (included as Annex D to
            the joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration
            Statement).
  99.6   -- 1981 Stock Option Plan of General Scanning Inc. (1)+
  99.7   -- 1992 Stock Option Plan of General Scanning Inc. (1)+
  99.8   -- 1995 Directors' Warrant Plan of General Scanning Inc. (1)+
  99.9   -- 1994 Executive Management Stock Option Plan of the Registrant. (5)
  99.10  -- 1994 Key Employees and Directors Stock Option Plan of the
            Registrant. (5)
  99.11  -- 1995 Employees and Directors Stock Option Plan of the Registrant.
            (5)
  99.12  -- Consent of Needham & Company, Inc. (5)
  99.13  -- Consent of CIBC Wood Gundy Securities, Inc. (5)
  99.14  -- Consent of Charles D. Winston (5)
  99.15  -- Consent of Richard B. Black (5)
  99.16  -- Consent of Paul F. Ferrari (5)
  99.17  -- Consent of Woodie C. Flowers (5)
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) Incorporated by reference to General Scanning's registration statement on
    Form S-1, filed August 11, 1995 (33-95718)
(2) Incorporated by reference to General Scanning's Current Report on Form 10-K
    for the year ended December 31, 1996.
(3) Incorporated by reference to General Scanning's Current Report on Form 10-Q
    for the quarter ended June 30, 1996.
(4) Incorporated by reference to General Scanning's Current Report on Form 10-
    K, for the year ended December 31, 1997.
   
(5) Previously filed.     
   
(6) Filed herewith.     
 + Material contract or additional exhibit of General Scanning that will be
   material to GSI Lumonics Inc. following completion of the merger.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1


               [LETTERHEAD OF STEWART McKELVEY STIRLING SCALES]


                               February 8, 1999

Lumonics Inc.
105 Schneider Road
Kanata, Ontario
K2K 1Y3


Dear sirs:

     We have acted as New  Brunswick counsel to Lumonics Inc. in connection with
the continuation of Lumonics Inc. to New Brunswick as GSI Lumonics, Inc. (the 
"Corporation") and the registration of up to 17,827,894 common shares of the
Corporation under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a
registration statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement"), filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on February 8, 1999 to
be issued to the holders of common shares of General Scanning Inc. upon the
amalgamation (the "Amalgamation") of a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Corporation ("Subco") and General Scanning Inc. ("GSI") pursuant to an Amended
and Restated Merger Agreement dated as of October 27, 1998 (the "Amalgamation
Agreement") among the Corporation, Subco and GSI.

     For the purposes of this opinion, we have reviewed an executed copy of the 
Amalgamation Agreement. We have also:

     (a)  reviewed the proposed articles of continuance and by-laws of the 
          Corporation;

     (b)  reviewed and assumed the completeness of the corporate records and 
          minutes of corporate proceedings of the Corporation;

     (c)  assumed the genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all
          documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to authentic
          original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies, whether
          facsimile, photostatic, certified or otherwise and the authenticity of
          the originals of all such documents;

     (d)  examined such statues and have considered such questions of law and
          have made such other investigations as we have deemed necessary for
          the purpose of the opinions expressed below;

     (e)  assumed that the transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation 
          Agreement will be completed in a timely manner.

<PAGE>
 
                                       2

     Our opinion is subject to the following:

     (a)  that the approval of the shareholders of the Corporation for the
          continuation of the Corporation under the laws of New Brunswick and
          the adoption of the by-laws of the Corporation is obtained, that
          articles of continuance, continuing the Corporation under the laws of
          New Brunswick, are filed with the Director under the New Brunswick
          Business Corporations Act, all applicable filing fees are paid and a
          Certificate of Continuance for the Corporation is issued by the said
          Director; and

     (b)  that all approvals and filings necessary under the laws of the State
          of Massachusetts in connection with the Amalgamation and the
          transactions contemplated therein are obtained or made and all steps
          necessary to the completion and effectiveness of the Amalgamation are
          fulfilled.

     The opinions set forth herein are limited to the laws of the Province of 
New Brunswick and we express no opinion as to the laws of any other 
jurisdiction.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares, are duly 
authorized and upon issuance therefor in accordance with the Amalgamation 
Agreement, will be validly issued as fully paid and non-assessable.

     We consent to your filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to the reference to our name in the section of the Registration 
Statement entitled "Legal Matters".

     
                                         Yours truly,

                              STEWARD McKELVEY STIRLING SCALES


<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 8.1

                  [LETTERHEAD OF GOODWIN, PROCTER & HOAR LLP]
 
                               February __, 1999
 
General Scanning Inc.
500 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02172
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
  We have acted as counsel to General Scanning Inc. (the "Company"), a
Massachusetts corporation, in connection with the proposed merger (the
"Merger") of New Grizzly Acquisition Corp. ("Sub"), a Massachusetts corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lumonics Corporation ("Lumonics US"), a
Michigan corporation, with and into the Company pursuant to the Amended and
Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company, Sub, Grizzly
Acquisition Corp. ("Old Sub"), a Massachusetts corporation, and Lumonics Inc.
("Lumonics"), an Ontario corporation, dated as of October 27, 1998 (the "Merger
Agreement"). At your request, we are rendering our opinion concerning certain
federal income tax consequences of the Merger. Capitalized terms contained
herein and not otherwise defined herein have the same meanings given such terms
in the Merger Agreement.
 
  For purposes of the opinion set forth below, we have reviewed and relied upon
the Merger Agreement, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (the "Proxy
Statement/Prospectus") of the Company and Lumonics included in the Registration
Statement on Form S-4, file number 333-71449, as amended (the "Registration
Statement"), filed by Lumonics with the Securities and Exchange Commission in
connection with the issuance in the Merger of shares of Lumonics's common stock,
and such other documents, records and instruments as we have deemed necessary or
appropriate as a basis for our opinion. In addition, in rendering our opinion we
have relied upon certain statements, representations and warranties made by the
Company, Lumonics, Lumonics US, Old Sub, and Sub (including, without limitation,
those contained in certain certified representations and in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, the Registration Statement and those contained in or made
pursuant to the Merger Agreement), which we have neither investigated nor
verified. We have assumed that such statements, representations and warranties
are true, correct, complete and not breached and will continue to be so through
the date of the Merger (the "Closing Date"), and that no actions that are
inconsistent with such statements, representations and warranties will be taken.
We also have assumed that all representations made "to the best knowledge of"
any person(s) or party(ies) or with similar qualification are and will be true,
correct and complete as if made without such qualification.
 
  In addition, we have assumed that (i) the Merger will be consummated in
accordance with the Merger Agreement and as described in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and Registration Statement (including satisfaction of all
covenants and conditions to the obligations of the parties without amendment or
waiver thereof); and (ii) each of the Company, Lumonics, Lumonics US and Sub
will comply with all reporting obligations with respect to the Merger required
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the
Treasury regulations thereunder.
 
  Any inaccuracy in, or breach of, any of the aforementioned statements,
representations, warranties and assumptions or any change after the date hereof
in applicable law could adversely affect our opinion. No ruling has been (or
will be) sought from the Internal Revenue Service by the Company, Lumonics,
Lumonics US or Sub as to the federal income tax consequences addressed in this
opinion.
<PAGE>
 
General Scanning Inc.
February __, 1999
Page 2
                                    * * * *
 
  Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion, under currently
applicable United States federal income tax law, that: (1) the Merger will
constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;
and (2) the statements in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus set forth under the
caption "United States Federal Income Tax Consequences," to the extent such
information constitutes matters of law, summaries of legal matters, or legal
conclusions, have been reviewed by us and are accurate in all material
respects.
 
                                    * * * *
 
  No opinion is expressed as to any matter not specifically addressed above
including, without limitation, satisfaction of Section 367 of the Code and the
related Treasury regulations. We are unable to opine as to satisfaction of
Section 367 of the Code and the related Treasury regulations due to certain
factual and legal uncertainties. No opinion is expressed as to the tax
consequences of any of the transactions under any foreign, state, or local tax
law. Furthermore, our opinion is based on current federal income tax law and
administrative practice, and we do not undertake to advise you as to any
changes after the Closing Date in federal income tax law or administrative
practice that may affect our opinion unless we are specifically retained to do
so.
 
  We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our name in the section entitled
"United States Federal Income Tax Consequences" in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we
are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
 
                                                    Very truly yours,
 
                                                    Goodwin, Procter & Hoar
                                                    LLP
 

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBITS 23.1
 
                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Experts" and
"Business of Lumonics -- Selected Financial Data", and to the use of our report
dated February 9, 1998, in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form
S-4 No. 333-71449) and related Prospectus of Lumonics Inc. dated February 8,
1999.     
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                          Chartered Accountants
 
Ottawa, Canada
   
February 8, 1999     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  
                                                               EXHIBIT 23.2     
                    
                 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS     
   
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
dated February 2, 1998, and to all references to our Firm included in or made a
part of Amendment No. 1 to this registration statement.     
                                             
                                          /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP     
                                          
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP     
Boston, Massachusetts 
   
February 8, 1999     

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                          29,338                  56,828
<SECURITIES>                                    12,071                  12,325
<RECEIVABLES>                                   25,883                  45,287
<ALLOWANCES>                                     (221)                   (191)
<INVENTORY>                                     32,983                  35,369
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               108,873                 160,293
<PP&E>                                          37,984                  44,690
<DEPRECIATION>                                  18,229                  20,730
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 135,602                 189,180
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           36,892                  49,398
<BONDS>                                              0                       0
                                0                       0
                                          0                       0
<COMMON>                                       101,619                 139,178
<OTHER-SE>                                    (13,274)                 (5,555)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   135,602                 189,180
<SALES>                                        153,367                 177,328
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               153,367                 177,328
<CGS>                                           92,368                 111,406
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   92,368                 111,406
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                45,252                  49,984
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               (634)                 (1,048)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 16,381                  16,986
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,635                   5,074
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             11,746                  11,912
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                    11,746                  11,912
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.83                    0.75
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.78                    0.72
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0
<PP&E>                                               0
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                       0
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                           0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                         0
<SALES>                                        125,268
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               125,268
<CGS>                                           77,237
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   77,237
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                35,837
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 854
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 11,340
<INCOME-TAX>                                     3,304
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              8,036
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,036
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.70
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.65
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                          25,924
<SECURITIES>                                    12,585
<RECEIVABLES>                                   33,141
<ALLOWANCES>                                     (226)
<INVENTORY>                                     43,437
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               126,315
<PP&E>                                          55,773
<DEPRECIATION>                                  23,732
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 164,994
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           35,872
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       138,690
<OTHER-SE>                                    (14,007)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   164,994
<SALES>                                        110,210
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               110,210
<CGS>                                           78,348
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   78,348
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                40,408
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             (1,007)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (7,539)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (2,203)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (5,336)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (5,336)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.31)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.31)
        

</TABLE>


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