CORNING INC /NY
S-4, 1999-12-27
GLASS & GLASSWARE, PRESSED OR BLOWN
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<PAGE>
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 27, 1999
                                                         REGISTRATION NO.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                           --------------------------

                                    FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                           --------------------------

                              CORNING INCORPORATED
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                                       <C>
                NEW YORK                                    3231                                   16-0393470
    (State of other jurisdiction of             (Primary Standard Industrial                    (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)             Classification Code Number)                  Identification Number)
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>
                                                                         WILLIAM D. EGGERS, ESQ.
                 ONE RIVERFRONT PLAZA                                     ONE RIVERFRONT PLAZA
                   CORNING, NY 14831                                        CORNING, NY 14831
                    (607) 974-9000                                           (607) 974-9000
   (Address, including zip code and telephone number        (Name, address, including zip code and telephone
including area code of Registrant's principal executive     number including area code of agent for service)
                        office)
</TABLE>

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

                                   COPIES TO:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>
                 JOHN J. MADDEN, ESQ.                                     DAVID C. CHAPIN, ESQ.
                  SHEARMAN & STERLING                                         ROPES & GRAY
                 599 LEXINGTON AVENUE                                    ONE INTERNATIONAL PLACE
                NEW YORK, NY 10022-4000                                     BOSTON, MA 02110
                    (212) 848-4000                                           (617) 951-7000
</TABLE>

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

    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and the
conditions to consummation of the offer described herein have been satisfied or
waived.

    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. / /
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>                  <C>                  <C>
                                                                          PROPOSED MAXIMUM     PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                                 AMOUNT TO BE      OFFERING PRICE PER   AGGREGATE OFFERING
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                           REGISTERED (1)            SHARE              PRICE(2)
Common Stock, par value $.50 per share............      19,623,090         Not Applicable      $2,150,737,847.72

<S>                                                 <C>

TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                                   AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                         REGISTRATION FEE(3)
Common Stock, par value $.50 per share............      $567,794.79
</TABLE>

(1) Based on the maximum number of shares of Corning Incorporated common stock
    that may be required to be issued in connection with the merger, calculated
    as the product of (a) 23,642,276, which is the sum of (i) the number of
    shares of common stock of Oak Industries Inc., par value $.01 per share
    outstanding on December 23, 1999, (ii) the number of shares of Oak
    Industries Inc. common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options
    through the date the merger is expected to be consummated, (iii) the number
    of shares of Oak Industries Inc. common stock issuable upon conversion at
    any time of outstanding convertible securities of Oak Industries Inc. and
    (iv) the number of shares of Oak Industries Inc. common stock otherwise
    expected to be issued prior to the date the Merger is expected to be
    consummated and (b) an exchange ratio of 0.83 of a share of Corning
    Incorporated common stock for each share of Oak Industries Inc. common
    stock.

(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
    required by Section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
    "Securities Act"), and computed pursuant to Rule 457(f)(1) and Rule 457(c)
    thereunder on the basis of the market value of the Oak Industries, Inc.
    common stock to be exchanged in the merger, as the product of (a) $90.97
    (the average of the high and low sales prices per share of Oak
    Industries Inc. common stock as reported on the New York Stock
    Exchange, Inc., on December 17, 1999) and (b) 23,642,276, the sum of
    (i) the number of shares of Oak Industries, Inc. common stock outstanding on
    December 23, 1999, (ii) the number of shares of Oak Industries Inc. common
    stock issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options through the date the
    merger is expected to be consummated, (iii) the number of shares of Oak
    Industries Inc. common stock issuable upon conversion at any time of
    outstanding convertible securities of Oak Industries Inc. and (iv) the
    number of shares of Oak Industries Inc. common stock, otherwise expected to
    be issued prior to the date the merger is expected to be consummated.

(3) Pursuant to Rule 457(b) under the Securities Act, the registration fee has
    been reduced by the $272,082.29 paid on December 1, 1999 in connection with
    the filing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
    "Exchange Act"), of preliminary copies of the proxy materials included
    herein. Therefore, the registration fee payable upon the filing of this
    Registration Statement is $295,712.50 .

    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                              OAK INDUSTRIES INC.
                               1000 WINTER STREET
                          WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 02451

                                                               December 27, 1999

Dear Stockholder of Oak Industries Inc.:

    The Board of Directors of Oak Industries Inc. has unanimously approved a
merger in which Corning Incorporated will acquire Oak Industries. In the merger,
each share of Oak Industries common stock will be converted into the right to
receive 0.83 of a share of Corning common stock, and Oak Industries will become
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corning. Corning common stock is listed on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GLW." As of December 23, Corning's closing
stock price was $123.06.

    The merger cannot be completed unless the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Oak Industries' common stock approve and adopt the merger
agreement. Oak Industries has scheduled a special meeting of its stockholders
for January 28, 2000 to vote on this matter. If you were a stockholder of record
on December 23, 1999, you may vote at the meeting. Your vote is very important.

    Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please take the time to vote
by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card to us. If you sign, date and
mail your proxy card without indicating how you want to vote, your proxy will be
counted as a vote in favor of the merger.

    This document provides you with detailed information about the proposed
merger. This document is also a prospectus of Corning for the Corning common
stock that will be issued to you in the merger. We encourage you to read this
entire document carefully. In addition, you may obtain information about Corning
and Oak Industries from documents filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                                          Sincerely,

                                          [LOGO]

                                          William S. Antle III
                                          Chairman of the Board,
                                          Chief Executive Officer
                                          and President

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
regulator has approved the Corning common stock to be issued under the
accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus or determined if the accompanying Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the contrary
is a criminal offense.

    The accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus is dated December 27, 1999 and
is first being mailed to stockholders on or about December 28, 1999.
<PAGE>
                              OAK INDUSTRIES INC.
                               1000 WINTER STREET
                          WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 02451
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                         TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 28, 2000

To the Stockholders of Oak Industries Inc.:

    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of stockholders of Oak
Industries Inc. has been called by the Board of Directors of Oak Industries and
will be held at the corporate offices of Oak Industries at 1000 Winter Street,
Waltham, Massachusetts at 9:30 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, on Friday, January
28, 2000 for the following purposes:

    1.  To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt an Agreement
       and Plan of Merger dated as of November 13, 1999 among Corning
       Incorporated, Riesling Acquisition Corporation and Oak Industries Inc.
       The merger agreement provides, among other things, for the merger of
       Riesling Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corning,
       with and into Oak Industries, with Oak Industries surviving the merger as
       a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corning.

    2.  To vote upon other matters as may properly come before the special
       meeting or any adjournment or postponement of such special meeting.

    Oak Industries has fixed the close of business on December 23, 1999 as the
record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to
vote at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of such meeting.
Only holders of record of Oak Industries common stock on the record date are
entitled to vote at the special meeting. A list of stockholders entitled to vote
will be available for inspection at the offices of Oak Industries Inc., located
at 1000 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts, for a period of ten days prior to
the special meeting.

    Your Board of Directors recommends that you vote to approve and adopt the
merger agreement, which is described in detail in the accompanying Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.

    You can ensure that your shares of Oak Industries common stock are voted at
the special meeting by signing and dating the enclosed proxy and returning it in
the postage pre-paid envelope provided. Sending in a signed proxy will not
affect your right to attend the special meeting and vote in person. You may
revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by (1) giving written notice to
the Secretary of Oak Industries at 1000 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
02451, (2) signing and returning a later dated proxy, or (3) voting in person at
the special meeting. All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the
special meeting in person.

    WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND, WE URGE YOU TO SIGN AND DATE THE
ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE POSTAGE PRE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED.

                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,

                                          [LOGO]

                                          Mela Lew
                                          Vice President,
                                          General Counsel
                                          and Secretary

Waltham, Massachusetts
December 27, 1999
<PAGE>
                     QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER

Q:  WHY ARE THE TWO COMPANIES PROPOSING TO MERGE?

A: The combination of the two companies and their complementary businesses will
    create a company we believe is uniquely qualified to capitalize on new
    opportunities domestically and around the world.

    To review the reasons for the merger in greater detail, see pages 1 through
    2 and 20 through 21.

Q:  WHAT WILL I RECEIVE IN THE MERGER?

A: You will be entitled to receive 0.83 of a share of Corning common stock in
    exchange for each share of Oak Industries common stock you own. Corning will
    not issue fractional shares. Instead, you will receive a cash payment equal
    to the sale proceeds or market value of the fractional share.

    For example:

    - If you currently own 1,000 shares of Oak Industries common stock, then
      after the merger you will be entitled to receive 830 shares of Corning
      common stock.

    - If you currently own 150 shares of Oak Industries common stock, then after
      the merger you will be entitled to receive 124 shares of Corning common
      stock and a check for the sale proceeds or market value of the .50
      fractional share of Corning common stock.

    - On December 23, 1999, the closing price per share on the NYSE of Corning
      common stock was $123.06 and of Oak Industries common stock was $100.88.

Q:  AS A SHAREHOLDER, HOW WILL THE MERGER AFFECT ME?

A: After the merger, you will own shares of a combined company that will own the
    assets of both Corning and Oak Industries. Holders of Oak Industries common
    stock will receive Corning common stock in exchange for their Oak Industries
    common stock.

Q:  WHAT AM I BEING ASKED TO VOTE UPON?

A: You are being asked to vote for the adoption of the merger agreement.

Q:  WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW?

A: After carefully reading and considering the information contained in this
    Proxy Statement/Prospectus, indicate on the enclosed proxy card how you want
    to vote, and sign and submit it in the enclosed return envelope as soon as
    possible so that your shares may be represented at the special meeting. All
    proxy cards received prior to the special meeting will be voted at the
    special meeting. If you sign and submit your proxy card but do not indicate
    how you want to vote, your shares will be voted in favor of the adoption of
    the merger agreement. If you do not vote or if you abstain, it will have the
    effect of a vote against the merger.

    THE OAK INDUSTRIES BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS VOTING IN FAVOR OF THE
    PROPOSED MERGER.

Q:  IF MY SHARES ARE HELD IN THE NAME OF MY BROKER, WILL MY BROKER VOTE MY
    SHARES FOR ME?

A: Your broker will vote your shares only if you provide instructions on how to
    vote. You should instruct your broker to vote your shares according to your
    directions. Without instructions, your shares will not be voted and will
    have the effect of a vote against the merger.

Q:  CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE AFTER I HAVE SUBMITTED MY SIGNED PROXY CARD?

A: You can change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the
    special meeting. You can do this in one of the following three ways:

    - First, you can send a written notice stating that you would like to revoke
      your

                                       i
<PAGE>
      proxy to Oak Industries at the address indicated below.

    - Second, you can complete and submit a new proxy card to Oak Industries at
      the address indicated below.

    - Third, you can attend the special meeting and vote in person. Simply
      attending the meeting, however, will not revoke your proxy; you must vote
      at the special meeting. If you have instructed a broker to vote your
      shares, you must follow directions received from your broker to change
      your vote.

Q:  SHOULD I SEND IN MY STOCK CERTIFICATES NOW?

A: No. Corning has appointed Harris Trust and Savings Bank as exchange agent to
    coordinate the exchange of your shares of Oak Industries common stock for
    shares of Corning common stock. After the merger is completed, the exchange
    agent will send you written instructions on how to exchange your stock
    certificates.

Q:  WHEN DO YOU EXPECT THE MERGER TO BE COMPLETED?

A: We are working to complete the merger as soon as possible. In addition to Oak
    Industries' shareholder approval, we must also obtain regulatory approvals
    and satisfy other conditions set forth in the merger agreement. We hope to
    complete the merger shortly after the special meeting.

Q:  WHAT ARE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO ME?

A: The exchange of Oak Industries common stock for Corning common stock will be
    tax-free for federal income tax purposes. However, you will have to pay
    taxes on any cash received for fractional shares. We recommend that you read
    the more detailed explanation of the U.S. federal income tax consequences on
    pages 32 through 33 carefully.

Q:  WHO CAN HELP ANSWER MY QUESTIONS?

A: If you have questions about the merger, you should contact:

                              Oak Industries Inc.
                             Attn: General Counsel
                               1000 Winter Street
                               Waltham, MA 02451
                                 (781) 890-0400

                                       ii
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
SUMMARY.................................      1
  Stock Options.........................     35
  Restricted Stock......................     35
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION..........      7
  Conditions to Closing.................     36
  Selected Historical Financial
    Information
  Representations and Warranties of
    Corning of Corning.......... and Oak      7
    Industries..........................     36
  Selected Historical Financial
    Information
  Conduct of Business Prior to the           37
    Closing...... of Oak Industries.....      9
  No Solicitation Provision.............     39
  Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
  Mutual Covenants of Corning and Oak
    Financial Information...............     11
    Industries..........................     40
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE
  Termination and Termination Fees......     41
  INFORMATION...........................     12
  Expenses..............................     42
MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED
  INFORMATION................. FINANCIAL     13
  INFORMATION...........................     43
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO THE
                                             50
THE COMPANIES.......... MERGER..........     14
  Corning...............................     50
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
  Oak Industries............. CONCERNING
  FORWARD-LOOKING                            52
DESCRIPTION OF CORNING CAPITAL               15
  STATEMENTS........... STOCK...........     55
THE SPECIAL MEETING.....................     16
  Authorized Capital Stock..............     55
  Date, Time and Place..................     16
  Common Stock..........................     55
  Purposes of the Special Meeting.......     16
  Preferred Stock.......................     55
  Record Date...........................     16
  Rights Agreement......................     55
  Required Votes........................     16
  Indemnification and Liability of
    Directors
  Proxies, Voting and Revocation.... and     17
    Officers............................     56
  Solicitation of Proxies...............     17
  Transfer Agent and Registrar..........     56

THE MERGER..............................     18

COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDER
                                             18
  Background of the Merger.... RIGHTS...     56
  Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation
  Number, Classification and Removal of
    of the Oak Industries Board.........     20
    Directors...........................     57
  Opinion of Donaldson, Lufkin &
    Jenrette
  Advance Notice of Stockholder
    Proposals................ Securities     57
    Corporation.........................     21
  Right to Call Special Meetings........     57
  Interests of Directors and Officers in
    the
  Shareholder Action by Written              58
    Consent........... Merger...........     30
  Transactions with Interested
    Shareholders........................     58
  Material Federal Income Tax
  Amendment of Charter and Bylaws.......     58
    Consequences........................     32
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS...................     59
  Accounting Treatment..................     33
LEGAL MATTERS...........................     59
  Regulatory Approvals..................     33
  Restrictions on Sales of Corning
    Common
                                             59
EXPERTS.............. Stock.............     34
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
  Stock Exchange Quotation..............     34
  INFORMATION...........................     59
  No Appraisal Rights...................     34
ANNEX A Merger Agreement
THE MERGER AGREEMENT....................     35
ANNEX B Opinion of Donaldson,
  Conversion of Securities..... Lufkin &
  Jenrette                                   35
  Exchange of Certificates..............     35
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
                                    SUMMARY

    THIS SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS SELECTED INFORMATION FROM THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, 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 CAREFULLY THIS
ENTIRE PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS AND THE DOCUMENTS TO WHICH WE HAVE REFERRED
YOU. SEE "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION" (PAGES 59 THROUGH 60). THE MERGER
AGREEMENT IS ATTACHED AS ANNEX A TO THIS DOCUMENT. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ THE
MERGER AGREEMENT, AS IT IS THE LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT GOVERNS THE MERGER.

THE COMPANIES (PAGES 50 THROUGH 54)

CORNING INCORPORATED
One Riverfront Plaza
Corning, NY 14831
(607) 974-9000

    Corning is a global, technology-based corporation that operates in three
broadly-based operating business segments:

    - TELECOMMUNICATIONS: this segment produces optical fiber and cable, optical
      hardware and equipment and photonic components for the worldwide
      telecommunications industry;

    - ADVANCED MATERIALS: this segment manufacturers specialized products with
      unique properties for customer applications utilizing glass ceramic and
      polymer technologies. Businesses within this segment include environment
      products, science products, semiconductor materials and optical and
      lighting products; and

    - INFORMATION DISPLAY: this segment manufacturers glass panels and funnels
      for television and computer displays, projection video lens assemblies and
      liquid-crystal display for flat panel displays.

RIESLING ACQUISITION CORPORATION
One Riverfront Plaza
Corning, NY 14831
(607) 974-9000

    Riesling Acquisition is a Delaware corporation formed by Corning on
November 12, 1999, for use in the merger. This is the only business of Riesling
Acquisition.

OAK INDUSTRIES INC.
1000 Winter Street
Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 890-0400

    Oak Industries is a leading manufacturer of highly engineered components
that it designs and sells to manufacturers and service providers in
communications and other selected industries. Oak Industries has four operating
segments that manufacture:

    - Fiber-optic components used primarily in wired telephony networks;

    - Coaxial connector products used primarily in broadband networks;

    - Quartz crystals and oscillators for wireless base stations and
      telecommunications applications; and

    - Components for gas ranges and switches and encoders used in a variety of
      applications.

REASONS FOR THE MERGER (PAGES 20
THROUGH 21)

    The Oak Industries Board believes that the merger is in the best interests
of Oak Industries and its stockholders. In reaching its decision to approve the
merger, the Oak Industries Board considered a number of factors, including the
following:

    - The effect of the merger on implementing and accelerating Oak Industries'
      basic long-term growth strategy in light of the current economic,
      financial and business environment;

                                       1
<PAGE>
    - Oak Industries' financial condition, results of operations, business and
      prospects, as compared to those of the combined companies;

    - The price and other terms of the merger agreement, as well as other
      information concerning the merger, including the terms and structure of
      the merger. Among other things, the Board considered the expectation that
      the merger will be treated as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal
      income tax purposes both to Oak Industries' stockholders and to Corning
      and will be accounted for as a pooling of interests transaction;

    - Corning's strong research and development capabilities, which would
      significantly strengthen Oak Industries' existing technological and
      product development;

    - The alternatives available to Oak Industries in lieu of the transaction,
      including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and the potential
      initial public offering and spinoff of its fiber-optic subsidiary
      Lasertron, Inc.;

    - The benefits of the merger, including the potential to capitalize on
      operational and competitive elements that may not otherwise be available
      to Oak Industries on a stand-alone basis;

    - The opportunity for Oak Industries' stockholders to hold Corning common
      stock;

    - Corning's reputation and progressive policies with respect to its
      employees, and the impact on the Oak Industries' employees of becoming
      employees of Corning;

    - Economies of scale, because the telecommunications industry is
      characterized by intense competition and consolidation; and

    - The effect on Oak Industries' stockholders of Oak Industries continuing as
      a stand-alone entity compared to the effect of Oak Industries combining
      with Corning, in light of the factors summarized above.

    To review the reasons for the merger in greater detail, see pages 20 through
21.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE OAK INDUSTRIES BOARD (PAGES 20 THROUGH 21)

    The Oak Industries Board has unanimously approved the merger agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, and unanimously
recommends that you vote in favor of the approval and adoption of the merger
agreement.

PURPOSES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING (PAGE 16)

    The purposes of the special meeting are to consider and vote upon:

    - A proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement; and

    - Such other business as may properly be brought before the special meeting.

DATE, TIME AND PLACE (PAGE 16)

    The special meeting of the Oak Industries stockholders will be held on
Friday, January 28, 2000 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time at the corporate
offices of Oak Industries at 1000 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts.

RECORD DATE; REQUIRED VOTES (PAGES 16 AND 17)

    The close of business on December 23, 1999 is the record date for the
special meeting. Only Oak Industries stockholders on the record date are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting. On the record date,
there were 17,776,979 shares of Oak Industries common stock outstanding. Each
share of Oak Industries common stock will be entitled to one vote on each matter
to be acted upon at the special meeting.

    A majority vote of the shares of Oak Industries common stock outstanding on
the record date is required to adopt the merger agreement.

                                       2
<PAGE>
INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE MERGER (PAGES 30 THROUGH 31)

    In determining how to vote at the special meeting, you should be aware that
certain officers and directors of Oak Industries may have interests in the
merger that are different from your and their interests as stockholders. These
include the following:

    - On May 1, 1998, Oak Industries entered into severance agreements with each
      of Mr. Antle (the Chief Executive Officer), Mr. Hicks (the Chief Financial
      Officer) and Ms. Lenehan (the Senior Vice President of Corporate
      Development), under which payments will be made in the event of the
      termination of employment of such person after a change in control event
      such as the merger;

    - All outstanding unvested Oak Industries stock options held by officers and
      directors will become fully vested and exercisable 45 days prior to the
      effective time of the merger. As of January 28, 2000, options to purchase
      607,500 shares of Oak Industries common stock held by executive officers
      of Oak Industries will have become fully vested and exercisable;

    - Each of the non-employee directors of Oak Industries holds shares of Oak
      Industries restricted stock. Messrs. Derbes, Hills, Matthews and
      Richardson will each retire from the Oak Industries Board upon the
      effective time of the merger. On January 28, 2000, each of
      Messrs. Derbes, Hills, Matthews and Richardson will own 2,500 shares of
      Oak Industries restricted stock. Upon their retirement, the restrictions
      applicable to their Oak Industries restricted stock will lapse. On
      January 28, 2000, each of Ms. Bronner and Mr. Russo will hold 2,500 and
      1,000 shares of Oak Industries restricted stock, respectively. Upon
      Ms. Bronner's and Mr. Russo's resignations from the Oak Industries Board
      at the effective time of the merger, the Oak Industries restricted stock
      held by each of them will be forfeited;

    - After the effective time of the merger, Corning intends to enter into
      consulting and non-competition agreements with Messrs. Antle and Hicks and
      Ms. Lenehan. The terms of such agreements will be mutually satisfactory to
      the parties; and

    - Corning will indemnify and maintain directors and officers liability
      insurance for Oak Industries' directors and officers for six years after
      the effective time of the merger.

OPINION OF DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION (PAGES 21
THROUGH 30)

    Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, as financial advisor to
Oak Industries, delivered its written opinion, dated November 13, 1999, to the
Oak Industries Board that, as of such date, the exchange ratio was fair to the
stockholders of Oak Industries from a financial point of view. Such opinion was
confirmed in writing as of the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus to the
Oak Industries Board to the same effect. The full text of the opinion of
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, dated the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus,
is attached as Annex B and should be read carefully in its entirety to
understand the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and
limitations on the review undertaken by Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette in
providing its opinion. The Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette opinion is directed to
the Oak Industries Board and does not constitute a recommendation to any Oak
Industries stockholder as to how such stockholder should vote on the proposed
merger.

                              THE MERGER AGREEMENT

CONVERSION OF SECURITIES (PAGE 35)

    In the merger, Riesling Acquisition will be merged with and into Oak
Industries. Oak Industries will be the surviving corporation and will continue
as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corning. As a result of the merger, you will be
entitled to receive 0.83 of a share of Corning common stock for each share of
Oak Industries

                                       3
<PAGE>
common stock that you own. You will not receive fractional shares of Corning
common stock. Instead, you will receive a cash payment for any fractional shares
you might otherwise have been entitled to receive, based on the sale proceeds or
market value of the Corning common stock.

    Each Oak Industries stock option will be assumed by Corning and will become
an option to purchase that number of shares of Corning common stock equal to the
product of:

    - The number of shares of Oak Industries common stock issuable upon exercise
      of such stock option; and

    - 0.83.

    The exercise price per share of each converted stock option will be equal to
the result of:

    - The exercise price per share of Oak Industries common stock under the
      original stock option; divided by

    - 0.83.

    In the case of any Oak Industries stock option to which Section 421 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applies, the exercise price and the
number of shares purchasable pursuant to such Oak Industries stock option will
be determined in order to comply with Section 424(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code.

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING (PAGE 36)

    Corning's and Oak Industries' obligations to complete the merger are subject
to the satisfaction or waiver of several conditions, including the following:

    - Oak Industries' stockholders must approve the adoption of the merger
      agreement;

    - The shares of Corning to be issued in the merger and reserved for issuance
      upon exercise of Oak Industries stock options must be authorized for
      listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of
      issuance;

    - No law or court order prohibits the merger or makes the merger illegal;

    - Corning and Oak Industries obtain all regulatory approvals necessary to
      complete the merger;

    - PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants for Corning and
      Oak Industries, must provide a letter to the effect that the merger will
      qualify for pooling of interests accounting treatment;

    - Each of Corning and Oak Industries has certified to the other that its
      representations and warranties are true and correct except as would not
      have a material adverse effect and that its material obligations under the
      merger agreement have been complied with in all material respects; and

    - Each of Corning and Oak Industries has obtained an opinion from its
      respective tax counsel that the merger will qualify as a tax-free
      reorganization.

NO SOLICITATION PROVISION (PAGE 39)

    Oak Industries has agreed that it will not solicit or encourage the
initiation of any proposals regarding alternative acquisition transactions with
third parties. If Oak Industries receives such a proposal, it must promptly
notify Corning. The Oak Industries Board may respond to certain unsolicited
written proposals regarding alternative acquisition transactions and may
recommend such transaction proposals to Oak Industries' stockholders only under
limited circumstances.

    Under limited circumstances, Oak Industries may be required to pay Corning a
termination fee described below. The no-solicitation and the termination fee
provisions of the merger agreement may have the effect of discouraging persons
who might be interested in entering into a business combination with Oak
Industries from proposing a business combination transaction. This may be so
even where the consideration payable to Oak Industries' stockholders in the
other transaction would exceed the consideration payable in the merger.

                                       4
<PAGE>
TERMINATION AND TERMINATION FEES (PAGES 41 THROUGH 42)

    Corning and Oak Industries can agree to terminate the merger agreement
without completing the merger and either company can terminate the merger
agreement if any of the following occurs:

    - The other party materially breaches the merger agreement and does not cure
      such breach in all material respects;

    - The merger is not completed by May 1, 2000;

    - A court order permanently prohibits the merger; or

    - Oak Industries' stockholders do not approve the merger, in which case,
      under certain conditions, Oak Industries must pay the termination fee
      described below.

    Oak Industries may terminate the merger agreement if the following occurs:

    - Oak Industries receives a merger offer, tender offer, exchange offer or
      proposal to purchase all or substantially all of its assets from a
      potential acquirer that the Oak Industries Board considers to be a more
      favorable competing offer, provides Corning with sufficient notice of its
      decision to terminate as required by the merger agreement and Corning does
      not make an offer the Oak Industries Board considers to be at least as
      favorable as the competing offer (in which case, Oak Industries must pay
      the termination fee described below).

    Corning may terminate the merger agreement if the following occurs:

    - The Oak Industries Board:

        -- Changes its approval of the merger;

        -- Recommends to its stockholders that they accept a superior competing
           offer;

        -- Resolves to enter into any agreement with respect to such a superior
           offer; or

    - A tender offer or exchange offer for 20% or more of Oak Industries' common
      stock is commenced and the Oak Industries Board does not recommend against
      acceptance of such offer.

    In such cases, Oak Industries must pay the termination fee described below
unless it has not solicited the competing offer or engaged in discussions with
or provided confidential information to any person in respect of any acquisition
proposal, and the Oak Industries Board determines in good faith that it is
obligated by its fiduciary duties to withhold or adversely change its
recommendation of Corning's offer.

    As noted above, under certain circumstances, if the merger agreement is
terminated, Oak Industries may be required to pay Corning a termination fee of
$50 million.

EXPENSES (PAGE 42)

    All costs and expenses will be paid by the party incurring them, except that
in the event of termination of the merger agreement by either Corning or Oak
Industries due to a material breach of the agreement by the other party, the
non-breaching party shall receive a payment of up to $5 million towards its
expenses. Such payment shall also be due from Corning to Oak Industries if the
merger is not consummated because Corning fails to receive an opinion from its
accountants that the merger will qualify for treatment as a pooling of
interests.

REGULATORY APPROVALS (PAGES 33 THROUGH 34)

    On December 9, 1999, the required waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act relating to the merger was terminated by the Federal
Trade Commission. The Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice and the
Federal Trade Commission continue to have the authority to challenge the merger
on antitrust grounds before and after the merger is completed.

    Oak Industries and Corning are required to make filings with or obtain
approvals from some other international regulatory authorities in connection
with the merger. Corning and Oak

                                       5
<PAGE>
Industries expect that none of them would prohibit consummation of the merger.
However, no assurance can be given that the required consents, approvals and
authorizations will be obtained.

NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS (PAGE 34)

    You have no right to an appraisal of the value of your shares in connection
with the merger.

MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES (PAGES 32 THROUGH 33)

    Corning tax counsel and Oak Industries tax counsel will each provide an
opinion that Oak Industries' stockholders will not be taxed as a result of the
exchange of Oak Industries common stock for Corning common stock in the merger,
unless and only to the extent they receive a payment for fractional shares.
Receipt of these opinions is a condition to the closing of the merger.

    Corning's shareholders will not be taxed as a result of the merger.

    THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO YOU WILL DEPEND ON THE FACTS OF YOUR
OWN SITUATION. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISORS FOR A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF
THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO YOU.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT (PAGE 33)

    We expect the merger to qualify as a pooling of interests for accounting and
financial reporting purposes, which means that Corning and Oak Industries will
be treated as if they had always been combined for accounting and financial
reporting purposes.

RISK FACTORS RELATING TO THE MERGER (PAGE 14)

    There are risk factors that should be considered by you in evaluating how to
vote at the special meeting. Such risk factors include the following:

    - Fixed exchange ratio, which will not be adjusted as a result of any
      increase or decrease in the price of either Corning or Oak Industries
      common stock; and

    - Potential difficulty of integrating Corning's and Oak Industries' business
      operations.

EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES (PAGE 35)

    After the merger, Corning will mail a letter to you with instructions for
exchanging your stock certificates for certificates representing shares of
Corning common stock and a cash payment in lieu of fractional shares, if any.
YOU SHOULD NOT SEND ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME.

RECENT DEVELOPMENT (PAGE 51)

    On December 8, 1999, Corning announced the agreement to acquire the
worldwide optical cable and hardware businesses of Siemens AG. The acquisition
will include the remaining 50% of Corning's two existing co-investments with
Siemens: Siecor Corporation and Siecor GmbH. The purchase price will be
$1.13 billion in cash, plus the assumption of approximately $120
million of debt and $145 million of contingent performance payments payable, if
earned, over a four-year period.

    Corning intends to fund the acquisition with proceeds from a common stock
offering and one or more debt issuances in early 2000. The timing and amount of
the common stock offering have not yet been determined but it is currently
anticipated that the offering would be the primary source of financing and could
possibly be completed prior to the special meeting of Oak Industries
stockholders.

                                       6
<PAGE>
                         SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF CORNING

    Corning is providing the following information to aid your analysis of the
financial aspects of the merger. Corning derived this information from audited
financial statements for the years 1994 through 1998 and unaudited financial
statements for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1999. In the opinion
of Corning management, this unaudited interim information reflects all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a
fair presentation of the results of operations and financial condition for the
nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1999. Results for interim periods
should not be considered indicative of results for any other periods or for the
year. This information is only a summary. You should read it along with
Corning's historical financial statements and related notes and the section
titled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations" contained in Corning's annual reports, quarterly reports and
other information on file with the SEC and incorporated by reference in this
Proxy Statement/ Prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information" on pages
59 through 60.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                     SEPTEMBER 30,                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                -----------------------       ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1999           1998           1998             1997       1996          1995          1994
                                --------       --------       --------         --------   --------      --------      --------
                                                             (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                             <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>
OPERATIONS:
Net sales.....................  $3,048.8       $2,557.2       $3,484.0         $3,516.8   $3,024.0      $2,644.7      $2,367.5
Non-operating gains...........      30.0(a)        20.5(d)        39.7(d)(g)         --         --            --            --
Gross margin..................   1,187.2          973.8        1,330.1          1,474.5    1,193.9       1,036.0         903.3
Research, development and
  engineering expenses........     260.9          213.8          293.9            250.3      189.2         172.2         169.7
Provision for impairment and
  restructuring...............      15.5(b)        84.6(e)        84.6(e)            --         --          26.5 (i)        --
Income from continuing
  operations before taxes on
  income......................     437.5          280.7          439.6            629.2      455.8         389.4         286.3
Minority interest in earnings
  of subsidiaries.............      46.1           38.6           60.9             76.3       52.5          64.3          48.7
Equity in earnings (losses) of
  associated companies:
    Other than Dow Corning
      Corporation.............      84.9           75.5           95.3             79.2       85.1          66.6          48.5
    Dow Corning Corporation...        --             --             --               --         --        (348.0)(i)      (2.8)(j)
Income (loss) from continuing
  operations..................     341.6(a)(b)    223.2(d)(e)    327.5(d)(e)(g)    408.9     323.3         (77.3)(i)     190.6 (j)
Income (loss) from
  discontinued operations, net
  of income taxes.............        --           66.5(f)        66.5(f)          30.9     (147.7)(h)      26.5          90.7
                                --------       --------       --------         --------   --------      --------      --------
Net income (loss).............  $  341.6       $  289.7       $  394.0         $  439.8   $  175.6      $  (50.8)     $  281.3
                                ========       ========       ========         ========   ========      ========      ========
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER
  SHARE
  Continuing operations.......  $   1.42       $   0.97       $   1.42         $   1.79   $   1.42      $  (0.35)     $   0.89
  Discontinued operations.....        --           0.29           0.29             0.13      (0.66)         0.12          0.43
                                --------       --------       --------         --------   --------      --------      --------
  Net income (loss)...........  $   1.42       $   1.26       $   1.71         $   1.92   $   0.76      $  (0.23)     $   1.32
                                ========       ========       ========         ========   ========      ========      ========
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
  Continuing operations.......  $   1.39       $   0.95       $   1.39         $   1.72   $   1.40      $  (0.35)     $   0.88
  Discontinued operations.....        --           0.28           0.28             0.13      (0.62)         0.12          0.42
                                --------       --------       --------         --------   --------      --------      --------
  Net income (loss)...........  $   1.39       $   1.23       $   1.67         $   1.85   $   0.78      $  (0.23)     $   1.30
                                ========       ========       ========         ========   ========      ========      ========
Book value per share..........  $   8.59       $   6.08       $   6.50         $   5.38   $   4.20      $   9.15      $   9.92
Dividends declared per
  share.......................  $   0.54       $   0.54       $   0.72         $   0.72   $   0.72      $   0.72      $   0.69
</TABLE>

                                       7
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                     SEPTEMBER 30,                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                -----------------------       ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1999           1998           1998             1997       1996          1995          1994
                                --------       --------       --------         --------   --------      --------      --------
                                                             (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                             <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>
FINANCIAL POSITION:
Cash and cash equivalents.....  $  101.5       $   93.0       $   45.4         $   97.0   $  215.1      $  176.7      $  131.2
Working capital...............     413.3          423.7          235.6            241.4      445.2         276.5         281.3
Total assets..................   5,673.8        4,760.3        4,981.9          4,691.9    4,183.4       5,334.5       5,365.5
Loans payable beyond one
  year........................  $1,287.6       $1,093.3       $  998.3         $1,125.8   $1,195.1      $1,326.0      $1,330.5
Minority interest in
  subsidiary companies........     361.4          362.1          346.1            349.3      309.9         269.2         244.5
Convertible preferred
  securities of subsidiary
  (c).........................        --          365.5          365.2            365.3      365.1         364.7         364.4
Convertible preferred stock...      15.2           18.4           17.9             19.8       22.2          23.9          24.9
Common shareholders' equity...   2,100.8        1,405.2        1,505.6          1,246.5      961.1       2,103.0       2,263.0
</TABLE>

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

(a) In the third quarter of 1999, Corning sold Republic Wire and Cable, a
    manufacturer of elevator cables and a subsidiary of Siecor Corporation, for
    approximately $52 million in cash and short-term notes. Corning recorded a
    non-operating gain of $30 million ($9.5 million after tax and minority
    interest), or $0.04 per share, as a result of this transaction.

(b) In the third quarter of 1999, Corning recognized an impairment loss of
    $15.5 million ($10.0 million after tax), or $0.04 per share, in connection
    with management's decision to sell or dispose of certain assets within the
    Advanced Materials segment.

(c) During the first quarter of 1999, Corning Delaware L.P., a special purpose
    limited partnership in which Corning is the sole general partner, redeemed
    all of the Convertible Monthly Income Preferred Securities (MIPS) for
    11.5 million shares of Corning common stock.

(d) In the second quarter of 1998, Molecular Simulations, Inc. (MSI) merged with
    Pharmacopeia, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: PCOP). Corning
    previously owned 35% of MSI and owns approximately 15% of the combined
    entity. Corning realized a gain of $20.5 million ($13.2 million after tax),
    or $0.06 per share, from this transaction.

(e) In the second quarter of 1998, Corning recorded a restructuring charge of
    $84.6 million ($49.2 million after tax and minority interest), or $0.21 per
    share. The charge is comprised of early retirement incentives and severance
    costs.

(f) On April 1, 1998, Corning completed the recapitalization and sale of a
    controlling interest in its consumer housewares business to an affiliate of
    Borden, Inc. Corning received cash proceeds of $593 million and will
    continue to retain an 8 percent interest in the Corning Consumer Products
    Company. Corning recorded an after-tax gain of $67.1 million, or $0.29 per
    share, in the second quarter of 1998. Corning used approximately
    $350 million of the proceeds to repay current borrowings and used the
    remaining proceeds to fund restructuring activities and invest in its future
    operations. The $66.5 million net income from discontinued operations
    includes a $0.6 million loss from operations of the discontinued business
    through March 31, 1998.

(g) In the fourth quarter of 1998, Corning recorded a non-operating gain of
    $19.2 million ($9.7 million after tax), or $0.04 per share, related to the
    divestiture of several small businesses within the science products
    division.

(h) On December 31, 1996, Corning distributed all of the shares of Quest
    Diagnostics Incorporated and Covance Inc., which collectively comprised
    Corning's Health Care Services segment, to its shareholders on a pro rata
    basis (the Distributions). Corning recorded a provision for loss on the
    Distributions of $176.5 million, or $0.78 per share.

(i) In 1995, Corning recognized a restructuring charge from continuing
    operations totaling $26.5 million ($16.1 million after tax), as a result of
    severance for workforce reductions in corporate staff groups and the
    write-off of production equipment caused by the decision to exit the
    manufacturing facility for glass-ceramic memory-disks.

   Corning also recorded an after-tax charge of $365.5 million to fully reserve
    its investment in Dow Corning Corporation (a 50%-owned equity company) as a
    result of Dow Corning Corporation filing for protection under Chapter 11 of
    the United States Bankruptcy Code in May 1995. Corning recognized equity
    earnings totaling $17.5 million from Dow Corning Corporation in the first
    quarter of 1995. Corning discontinued recognition of equity earnings from
    Dow Corning Corporation beginning in the second quarter of 1995.

(j) In 1994, Corning recognized a loss in equity earnings from Dow Corning
    Corporation totaling $2.8 million, which includes a $75.9 million reduction
    in equity earnings recorded by Corning as a result of a charge taken by Dow
    Corning Corporation related to breast-implant litigation.

                                       8
<PAGE>
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF OAK INDUSTRIES

    Oak Industries is providing the following information to aid your analysis
of the financial aspects of the merger. Oak Industries derived this information
from audited financial statements for the years 1994 through 1998 and unaudited
financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1999. In
the opinion of Oak Industries management, this unaudited interim information
reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments,
necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations and financial
condition for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1999. Results for
interim periods should not be considered indicative of results for any other
periods or for the year. This information is only a summary. You should read it
along with Oak Industries historical financial statements and related notes and
the section titled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" contained in Oak Industries annual reports, quarterly
reports and other information on file with the SEC and incorporated by reference
in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information" on
pages 59 through 60.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    NINE MONTHS
                                       ENDED
                                   SEPTEMBER 30,                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                -------------------      -------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1999       1998          1998          1997       1996          1995          1994
                                --------   --------      --------      --------   --------      --------      --------
                                                         (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                             <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>
OPERATIONS:
Net sales.....................   $323.2     $249.5        $347.9        $314.4     $303.5        $255.4        $230.9
Non-operating gains...........       --        0.7(a)        0.7(a)         --       21.5(b)         --            --
Gross margin..................    110.6       93.9         125.5         116.4      114.1         101.0          86.7
Research, development and
  engineering expenses........     11.2        9.8          13.5          12.6       10.9           5.1           3.1
Income (loss) from continuing
  operations before taxes on
  income......................     37.5       35.0          42.7          36.6       63.3         (32.5)         39.5
Minority interest in earnings
  of subsidiaries.............       --        0.6           0.7           1.1        7.3          10.9          11.7
Equity in earnings (losses) of
  associated companies........     (0.8)       1.1           2.0            --       (1.3)          1.6           2.3
Income (loss) from continuing
  operations..................     23.8       21.8(a)       27.3(a)       21.7       31.9(b)      (53.0)(e)      41.0
Income from discontinued
  operations, net of income
  taxes.......................       --         --            --            --       10.8(c)        2.5(c)        1.4(c)
Extraordinary charge, net of
  income taxes and minority
  interest....................       --         --            --            --       (0.9)(d)      (1.6)(d)        --
                                 ------     ------        ------        ------     ------        ------        ------
Net income (loss).............   $ 23.8     $ 21.8        $ 27.3        $ 21.7     $ 41.8        $(52.1)       $ 42.4
                                 ------     ------        ------        ------     ------        ------        ------
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER
  SHARE
    Continuing operations.....   $ 1.35     $ 1.22        $ 1.54        $ 1.22     $ 1.77        $(3.02)       $ 2.37
    Discontinued operations...       --         --            --            --       0.60          0.14          0.09
    Extraordinary charge......       --         --            --            --      (0.05)        (0.10)           --
                                 ------     ------        ------        ------     ------        ------        ------
    Net income (loss).........   $ 1.35     $ 1.22        $ 1.54        $ 1.22     $ 2.32        $(2.98)       $ 2.46
                                 ======     ======        ======        ======     ======        ======        ======
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER
  SHARE
    Continuing operations.....   $ 1.26     $ 1.15        $ 1.46        $ 1.20     $ 1.71        $(3.02)       $ 2.23
    Discontinued operations...       --         --            --            --       0.58          0.14          0.08
    Extraordinary charge......       --         --            --            --      (0.05)        (0.10)           --
                                 ------     ------        ------        ------     ------        ------        ------
    Net income (loss).........   $ 1.26     $ 1.15        $ 1.46        $ 1.20     $ 2.24        $(2.98)       $ 2.31
                                 ======     ======        ======        ======     ======        ======        ======
Book value....................   $11.90     $11.25        $11.42        $10.22     $ 9.32        $ 6.77        $ 9.59
Dividends declared............       --         --            --            --         --            --            --
</TABLE>

                                       9
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    NINE MONTHS
                                       ENDED
                                   SEPTEMBER 30,                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                -------------------      -------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1999       1998          1998          1997       1996          1995          1994
                                --------   --------      --------      --------   --------      --------      --------
                                                         (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                             <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>
FINANCIAL POSITION:
Cash and cash equivalents.....   $  8.2     $  9.4        $ 13.8        $  8.6     $  6.1        $ 16.8        $ 37.5
Working capital...............    112.4       92.6         112.1          84.8       79.0          73.2          67.5
Total assets..................    474.8      400.2         482.4         387.8      374.3         312.5         279.8
Loans payable beyond one
  year........................   $108.2     $ 46.3        $119.6        $151.5     $138.2        $ 91.6        $ 34.4
4 7/8% Convertible
  Subordinated Notes..........    100.0      100.0         100.0            --         --            --            --
Minority interest in
  subsidiary companies........       --        4.7            --           5.0       10.9          36.6          26.5
Common stockholders' equity...    204.5      198.2         201.0         182.2      171.7         119.2         167.2
</TABLE>

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

(a) Oak Industries recorded a gain of $0.7 million during the nine month period
    ended September 30, 1998 from the sale of its 50% interest in a joint
    venture that manufactured quartz crystal blanks in Venezuela.

(b) During 1996, Oak Industries sold its 49% interest in Video 44 (WSNS-TV
    Channel 44) and recorded a pre-tax gain of $20.5 million. Oak Industries
    also sold its 45% interest in O/E/N India Ltd. for a pre-tax gain of
    $1.0 million.

(c) During 1996, Oak Industries sold its Nordco Inc. subsidiary for a gain of
    $9.4 million. Included in income from discontinued operations is income
    related to Nordco of $1.4 million, $2.5 million and $1.4 million in 1996,
    1995 and 1994, respectively.

(d) Extraordinary charge for write-off of capitalized debt issuance costs
    related to early extinguishment of credit agreements of $200 million and
    $30 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively.

(e) Income from continuing operations for 1995 included a charge of
    $80.9 million for purchased in-process research and development related to
    the acquisition of Lasertron.

                                       10
<PAGE>
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    The following describes the pro forma effect of the merger on (1) the
unaudited statements of income information for the nine months ended
September 30, 1999 and 1998 and the statements of income information for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 and (2) the unaudited balance sheet
information as of September 30, 1999 of Corning. You should read this selected
information in conjunction with the "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial
Information" and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this document and
the historical financial information and related notes of Corning and Oak
Industries, incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement/ Prospectus. The
unaudited pro forma combined financial information is provided for informational
purposes only and does not purport to represent what the financial position and
results of operations of the combined company would actually have been had the
merger in fact occurred at the dates indicated. The unaudited pro forma combined
statements of income information and combined balance sheet information
illustrate the estimated effects of the merger as if that transaction had
occurred at the beginning of each of the periods presented for the statements of
income and at the end of the period for the balance sheet. The unaudited pro
forma combined statements do not include the impact of non-recurring charges
directly attributable to the transaction.

    Management of Corning and Oak Industries expect that this merger will
qualify as a pooling of interests business combination for accounting purposes.
Under that method of accounting, the recorded historical cost basis of the
assets and liabilities of Corning and Oak Industries will be carried forward to
the combined company. Results of operations of the combined company will include
income of Corning and Oak Industries for the entire fiscal period in which the
combination occurs, and the historical results of operations of the separate
companies for fiscal years before the merger will be combined and reported as
the results of operations of the combined company. Adjustments have been made to
reclassify the presentation of Oak Industries historical financial information
to be consistent with Corning's presentation. However, no adjustments have been
made in the unaudited pro forma combined financial information of Corning and
Oak Industries to conform the accounting policies of the combined company as the
nature and amounts of such adjustments are not expected to be significant. In
addition, no adjustments have been made in the unaudited pro forma combined
financial information for transactions between Corning and Oak Industries as
such transactions were determined to be immaterial. Some of the conditions to be
met to qualify for pooling of interests accounting cannot be fully assessed
until specified periods of time after the effective time of the merger have
passed, because certain of the conditions for pooling of interests accounting
address transactions occurring within those specified periods of time. Certain
events, including certain transactions in Corning common stock or Oak Industries
common stock by affiliates of Corning and Oak Industries, respectively, could
prevent the merger from qualifying as a pooling of interests for accounting
purposes.

         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED              YEAR ENDED
                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,               DECEMBER 31,
                                               -------------------   ------------------------------
                                                 1999       1998       1998       1997       1996
                                               --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                       (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net sales....................................  $3,372.0   $2,806.7   $3,831.9   $3,831.2   $3,327.5
Income from continuing operations............     365.4      245.0      354.8      430.6      355.2
Basic earnings per share from continuing
  operations.................................      1.43       1.00       1.45       1.77       1.46
Diluted earning per share from continuing
  operations.................................      1.40       0.98       1.42       1.71       1.44
Book value per share.........................      8.73                  6.75
</TABLE>

             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
                                                              ---------------------
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                           <C>
Working capital.............................................        $  480.7
Total assets................................................         6,148.6
Loans payable beyond one year...............................         1,395.8
4 7/8% Convertible Subordinated Notes.......................           100.0
Convertible preferred stock.................................            15.2
</TABLE>

                                       11
<PAGE>
                       COMPARATIVE PER SHARE INFORMATION

    The following table summarizes on a per share basis certain (1) historical
financial information and (2) unaudited pro forma and equivalent pro forma
financial information.

    The unaudited pro forma financial information illustrates the estimated
effects of the merger as if that transaction had occurred at the beginning of
each of the periods presented for the statements of income and at the end of the
period for the balance sheet. The unaudited pro forma financial information does
not include the impact of non-recurring charges directly attributable to the
transaction. The basic unaudited pro forma per share information for Corning is
based on the weighted average number of outstanding shares of Corning common
stock adjusted to include the number of shares of Corning common stock that
would be issued in the merger in exchange for the outstanding Oak Industries
common stock, based on the number of shares of Oak Industries common stock
outstanding for the periods reported. The diluted unaudited pro forma per share
information for Corning is based on the weighted average number of outstanding
shares of Corning common stock adjusted to include (1) the dilutive effect of
Corning employee stock options and Corning monthly income preferred securities
and Corning convertible preferred stock, in certain periods, and (2) the number
of shares of Corning common stock that would be issued in the merger and
(3) the dilutive effect of Oak Industries employee stock options, restricted
stock and 4 7/8% Convertible Subordinated Notes. Certain adjustments to net
income available to common stockholders are considered in the computation of
basic and diluted earnings per share, as described in Corning's historical
financial statements and in Oak Industries' historical financial statements.

    The unaudited equivalent pro forma per share information for Oak Industries
is based on the unaudited pro forma amounts per share for Corning multiplied by
the exchange ratio of 0.83. The information set forth below is qualified in its
entirety by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, the historical
consolidated financial information of Corning and Oak Industries incorporated by
reference in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the "Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined Financial Information" included elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NINE MONTHS
                                                                     ENDED                    YEAR ENDED
                                                                 SEPTEMBER 30,               DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -------------------   ------------------------------
                                                                1999       1998       1998       1997       1996
                                                              --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Corning:
Income per share from continuing operations:
Basic:
  Historical................................................   $1.42      $0.97      $1.42      $1.79      $1.42
  Pro forma.................................................    1.43       1.00       1.45       1.77       1.46
Diluted:
  Historical................................................    1.39       0.95       1.39       1.72       1.40
  Pro forma.................................................    1.40       0.98       1.42       1.71       1.44
Book value per share:
  Historical................................................    8.59                  6.50
  Pro forma.................................................    8.73                  6.75
Cash dividends declared per share:
  Historical................................................    0.54       0.54       0.72       0.72       0.72
  Pro forma.................................................    0.54       0.54       0.72       0.72       0.72

Oak Industries:
Income per share from continuing operations:
Basic:
  Historical................................................    1.35       1.22       1.54       1.22       1.77
  Equivalent Pro forma......................................    1.19       0.83       1.20       1.47       1.21
Diluted:
  Historical................................................    1.26       1.15       1.46       1.20       1.71
  Equivalent Pro forma......................................    1.16       0.81       1.18       1.42       1.20
Book value per share:
  Historical................................................   11.90                 11.42
  Equivalent Pro forma......................................    7.25                  5.60
Cash dividends declared per share:
  Historical................................................      --         --         --         --         --
  Equivalent Pro forma......................................    0.45       0.45       0.60       0.60       0.60
</TABLE>

                                       12
<PAGE>
                     MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

    Corning common stock and Oak Industries common stock are each listed on the
New York Stock Exchange. Corning's ticker symbol on the NYSE is "GLW" and Oak
Industries' ticker symbol on the NYSE is "OAK." The following table shows, for
the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices and dividends per share of
Corning common stock and Oak Industries common stock, as reported on the NYSE
Consolidated Tape for the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       CORNING                       OAK INDUSTRIES
                           -------------------------------   -------------------------------
                             HIGH       LOW      DIVIDENDS     HIGH       LOW      DIVIDENDS
                           --------   --------   ---------   --------   --------   ---------
<S>                        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
1997
  First Quarter..........   $46.38     $33.75      $0.18      $22.88     $16.25     $   --
  Second Quarter.........    56.50      43.00       0.18       29.00      18.13         --
  Third Quarter..........    65.13      39.75       0.18       32.25      25.75         --
  Fourth Quarter.........    49.56      35.38       0.18       29.75      24.25         --
1998
  First Quarter..........    43.94      32.00       0.18       35.00      27.00         --
  Second Quarter.........    44.38      33.94       0.18       37.44      29.69         --
  Third Quarter..........    36.00      22.88       0.18       41.25      26.00         --
  Fourth Quarter.........    45.69      26.94       0.18       35.00      21.81         --
1999
  First Quarter..........    61.75      44.75       0.18       38.44      28.75         --
  Second Quarter.........    70.75      47.69       0.18       51.50      31.13         --
  Third Quarter..........    75.00      60.31       0.18       53.25      26.00         --
  Fourth Quarter (through
    December 23).........   127.00      60.31       0.18      103.88      28.00         --
</TABLE>

    On November 12, 1999, the last full trading day before public announcement
of the signing of the merger agreement, the per share closing price was $90.375
for Corning common stock and $49.75 for Oak Industries common stock. On
December 23, 1999, the per share closing price was $123.06 for Corning common
stock and $100.88 for Oak Industries common stock.

    Because the market price of Corning common stock is subject to fluctuation,
the market value of the shares of Corning common stock that holders of Oak
Industries common stock will receive in the merger, and the market value of the
Oak Industries common stock surrendered in the merger, may increase or decrease
prior to (or after) the merger. See "Risk Factors Relating to the Merger--Fixed
Exchange Ratio May Result in Lower Value of Merger Consideration" on page 14.

    OAK INDUSTRIES STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS
FOR THE CORNING COMMON STOCK AND THE OAK INDUSTRIES COMMON STOCK.

                                       13
<PAGE>
                      RISK FACTORS RELATING TO THE MERGER

    You should consider the following risks in deciding whether to adopt the
merger agreement. These matters should be considered along with the other
information included or incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.

    FIXED EXCHANGE RATIO MAY RESULT IN LOWER VALUE OF MERGER
CONSIDERATION.  Upon completion of the merger, each share of Oak Industries
common stock will be converted into the right to receive 0.83 of a share of
Corning common stock.

    The exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted as a result of any
increase or decrease in the price of either Corning or Oak Industries common
stock. Any change in the price of Corning common stock will affect the value the
Oak Industries stockholders receive in the merger. In addition, because the
merger will be completed only after all the conditions to the merger are
satisfied or waived, including the receipt of regulatory approvals, there is no
way to be sure that the price of Corning common stock or Oak Industries common
stock at the time the merger is completed will be the same as their prices on
the date of the special meeting. Changes in the business, operations or
prospects of Corning or Oak Industries, regulatory considerations, general
market and economic conditions and other factors may affect the prices of
Corning common stock, Oak Industries common stock or both. Many of those factors
are beyond our control. You are encouraged to obtain current market quotations
for both Corning common stock and Oak Industries common stock.

    INTEGRATING BUSINESS OPERATIONS MAY BE DIFFICULT AND MAY HAVE A NEGATIVE
IMPACT ON CORNING'S BUSINESS.  The combination of Corning and Oak Industries
involves the integration of separate companies that have previously operated
independently and have different corporate cultures. The process of combining
the companies may be disruptive to their businesses and may cause an
interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, such businesses as a result of the
following difficulties, among others:

    - Loss of key employees or customers;

    - Possible inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies
      among the companies being combined and the need to implement and harmonize
      company-wide financial, accounting, information and other systems;

    - Failure to maintain the quality of services that such companies have
      historically provided; and

    - The diversion of management's attention from the day-to-day businesses of
      Corning and Oak Industries as a result of the need to deal with the above
      disruptions and difficulties and/or the possible need to add management
      resources to do so.

    Such disruptions and difficulties, if they occur, may cause Corning to fail
to realize the benefits that it currently expects to result from such
integration.

                                       14
<PAGE>
           CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This document, and the documents incorporated by reference into this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus contain both historical and forward-looking statements
within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are not
based on historical facts, but rather reflect Corning's and Oak Industries'
current expectations concerning future results and events. These forward-looking
statements generally can be identified by use of statements that includes
phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee,"
"likely," "will" or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that
describe our objectives, plans or goals are or may be forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance
or achievements of Corning or Oak Industries to be different from any future
results, performance and achievements expressed or implied by these statements.
You should review carefully all information, including the financial statements
and the notes to the financial statements, included or incorporated by reference
into this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

    The following important factors could affect future results, causing these
results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking
statements:

    - Product demand and industry capacity, competitive products and pricing,
      manufacturing efficiencies, cost reductions, availability and costs of
      critical materials, new product development and commercialization,
      manufacturing capacity, facility expansions and new plant start-up costs;

    - Changes in economic conditions such as inflation, interest rates and
      foreign currency exchange rates;

    - Acquisition and divestiture activity, capital resource and cash flow
      activities and capital spending;

    - Changes in tax requirements, including tax rate changes, new tax law and
      revised tax law interpretations; and

    - The effect of regulatory and legal developments, the rate of technology
      change and the ability to enforce patents.

                                       15
<PAGE>
                              THE SPECIAL MEETING

DATE, TIME AND PLACE

    We are sending this Proxy Statement/Prospectus to you as part of the
solicitation of proxies by the Oak Industries Board for use at the special
meeting to be held on Friday, January 28, 2000 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Standard
Time at the corporate offices of Oak Industries at 1000 Winter Street, Waltham,
Massachusetts. We are first mailing this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the
attached notice of special meeting of stockholders and the enclosed proxy card
to you on or about December 28, 1999.

PURPOSES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING

    At the special meeting, Oak Industries' stockholders will consider and vote
upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of merger dated as
of November 13, 1999 among Corning, Riesling Acquisition Corporation and Oak
Industries. The merger agreement provides, among other things, that Oak
Industries will be merged with and into Riesling Acquisition Corporation, and
each outstanding share of Oak Industries common stock will be converted into the
right to receive 0.83 of a share of Corning common stock. Riesling Acquisition
Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corning.

    Oak Industries is not proposing any matters other than the approval and
adoption of the merger agreement to come before the Oak Industries special
meeting. If any matter incident to the conduct of the special meeting should be
brought before the meeting, the persons named in the proxy card will vote in
their discretion.

    THE BOARD OF OAK INDUSTRIES HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT
AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT.

RECORD DATE

    The Oak Industries Board has fixed the close of business on December 23,
1999 as the record date for the special meeting. Only holders of Oak Industries
common stock on the record date will be entitled to vote at the special meeting
and any adjournments or postponements thereof. At the record date, 17,776,979
shares of Oak Industries common stock were outstanding and entitled to vote held
by approximately 4,100 holders of record. The presence, in person or by proxy,
of a majority of these shares of Oak Industries common stock is necessary to
constitute a quorum at the special meeting. Abstentions will be included in the
determination of shares present and entitled to vote at the special meeting for
purposes of determining a quorum. If a broker indicates on the proxy that it
does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a
particular matter, then those shares will not be considered as present and
entitled to vote with respect to that matter.

REQUIRED VOTES

    All properly executed proxies delivered and not properly revoked will be
voted at the special meeting as specified in such proxies. If you do not specify
a choice, your shares represented by a signed voting form will be voted for the
approval of the merger agreement.

    Each share of Oak Industries common stock will be entited to one vote on
each matter to be acted upon at the special meeting. The affirmative vote of the
holders of record of a majority of the shares of Oak Industries common stock
outstanding and entitled to vote on the record date is required to approve the
merger agreement. Non-voting shares, including abstentions, will have the effect
of a vote against the merger agreement. On the record date, Oak Industries'
executive officers and directors collectively beneficially owned an aggregate of
1,878,630 shares of Oak Industries common stock or approximately 9.8% of the
outstanding common stock.

                                       16
<PAGE>
    If sufficient votes in favor of the merger proposal are not received by the
time scheduled for the special meeting, the persons named as proxies may propose
one or more adjournments of the special meeting to permit further solicitation
of proxies. The persons named as proxies will vote in favor of such adjournment
those proxies which authorize them to vote in favor of the merger. They will
vote against any such adjournment those proxies which direct them to vote
against the merger. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a
majority of the votes cast (or if a quorum is not present, a majority of the
votes represented in person or by proxy) at the session of the special meeting
to be adjourned. The costs of any such additional solicitation and of any
adjourned session will be borne by Oak Industries.

PROXIES, VOTING AND REVOCATION

    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to Oak Industries'
stockholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies by, and on behalf
of, the Oak Industries Board for use at the special meeting, and is accompanied
by a form of proxy.

    Each share of Oak Industries common stock is entitled to one vote. Votes
will be tabulated at the special meeting by inspectors of election appointed by
Oak Industries.

    You may revoke or change your proxy at any time prior to its being voted by
filing a written instrument of revocation or change with the Secretary of Oak
Industries (Oak Industries Inc., 1000 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
02451). You may also revoke your proxy by filing a duly executed proxy bearing a
later date or by appearing at the special meeting in person, notifying the
Secretary and voting by ballot at the special meeting. If you attend the
meeting, you may vote in person whether or not you have previously given a
proxy, but your presence, without notifying the Secretary of Oak Industries, at
the meeting will not revoke a previously given proxy. In addition, if you
beneficially hold shares of Oak Industries common stock that are not registered
in your own name, you will need additional documentation from the record holder
of such shares to attend and vote the shares personally at the meeting.

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

    Oak Industries will pay for the expense of printing and mailing this
document and the material used in this solicitation of proxies. Proxies will be
solicited through the mail and directly by officers, directors and regular
employees of Oak Industries not specifically employed for such purpose, without
additional compensation. Oak Industries will reimburse banks, brokerage houses
and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses in
forwarding these proxy materials to the principals. Oak Industries has engaged
Morrow & Co. to represent it in connection with the solicitations of proxies at
a cost of approximately $10,000, plus expenses.

    Under Delaware law, you will not have appraisal or dissenters' rights in
connection with the merger both because Oak Industries' common stock was listed
on the New York Stock Exchange on the record date for the special meeting and
because it was held by more than 2,000 stockholders of record.

    THE MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING ARE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE
TO YOU. 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 CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PRE-PAID ENVELOPE.

                                       17
<PAGE>
                                   THE MERGER

BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER

    Lasertron has been a supplier to Corning's Photonics Division for some time
and, during 1998, there were a number of conversations between Corning and
Lasertron regarding a possible supply agreement involving fiber-optic lasers.
During one of these conversations, Corning indicated an interest in, among other
things, acquiring Lasertron from Oak Industries. Oak Industries responded that
it was not interested in selling Lasertron.

    On February 11, 1999, Oak Industries announced its year-end earnings which
included record results for Lasertron. Oak Industries was pursuing discussions
with several investment banking firms, including Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette,
which has advised Oak Industries on strategic transactions from time to time,
regarding strategic options involving Lasertron in order to attract and retain
key people and to maximize Lasertron's potential.

    During the period spanning from March through August, 1999, Oak Industries
signed confidentiality agreements with several companies that had indicated an
interest in pursuing transactions involving Lasertron.

    In March 1999, the General Manager of Corning's Photonics Division and
others from Corning visited Oak Industries' headquarters in Waltham,
Massachusetts to discuss Corning's interest in Lasertron. Discussions did not
continue between the parties after the meeting, and Oak Industries continued to
meet with other companies to explore strategic alternatives for Lasertron.

    On April 21, 1999, Oak Industries announced its first-quarter results, which
included record results for Lasertron and news that Oak Industries would pursue
a tax ruling that would allow favorable tax treatment of a spinoff of Lasertron
shares to Oak Industries shareholders after an initial public offering by
Lasertron. Oak Industries filed the ruling request with the Internal Revenue
Service in May of 1999.

    On July 23, 1999, at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Oak Industries
Board, management provided the Board with an update of strategic alternatives
involving Lasertron, in particular, the plan for an initial public offering and
spinoff of Laserstron shares.

    On August 11, 1999, Oak Industries issued a press release indicating that,
because one of Lasertron's largest customers had stopped taking pumps from
consignment inventory for one of that customer's major programs, Oak Industries
anticipated that its earnings for the third quarter of 1999 would fall below
analysts' estimates. At this point, several of the companies with which Oak
Industries had been discussing strategic alternatives involving Lasertron became
increasingly interested in pursuing a transaction.

    On September 8, 1999, the General Manager of Corning's Photonics Division
called the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Oak Industries to
arrange discussions in New York City in conjunction with an industry conference
that both parties would be attending. At the meeting in New York City, the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Vice
President of Technology of Oak Industries and the Executive Vice President of
Telecommunications of Corning agreed to convene again for the purpose of
updating Corning on Lasertron's performance.

    On October 6, 1999, at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Corning Board,
the Board discussed strategic opportunities, including a potential transaction
with Lasertron.

    On October 7, 1999, representatives of Corning met with representatives of
Oak Industries at Oak Industries' corporate headquarters in Waltham to discuss
Lasertron. The people in attendance from Oak Industries were the Senior Vice
President of Corporate Development, the Vice President of Technology and the
Vice President and Controller. Attendees on behalf of Corning included, among
others, the Executive Vice President of Telecommunications, the Chief Financial
Officer, and the

                                       18
<PAGE>
General Manager of the Photonics Division. Oak Industries made a presentation
focused on Lasertron. At the end of the meeting, there was a smaller meeting
that included Corning's Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President,
Telecommunications and Oak Industries' Senior Vice President of Corporate
Development. Corning's Chief Financial Officer indicated for the first time that
Corning might be interested in pursuing discussions regarding a transaction
involving all of Oak Industries, and requested that Oak Industries provide
Corning with certain financial information on all of Oak Industries' operating
divisions. Oak Industries proceeded to do so.

    In October 1999, Oak Industries received notice from the Internal Revenue
Service that it had approved the tax-free spinoff of Lasertron. Oak Industries
disclosed this event on October 25, 1999 in connection with its third-quarter
earnings. On October 18, 1999, Oak Industries received a proposal letter from a
third party unrelated to Corning for an all-stock purchase of Lasertron.

    On October 25, 1999, there was another meeting with Corning at Oak
Industries headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts. Present from Corning were the
Chief Executive Officer, the Co-Chief Operating Officers, the Executive Vice
President of the Telecommunications Group, the Chief Financial Officer, the
Chief Technical Officer and the General Counsel. Present from Oak Industries
were the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, and
the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, among others. Goldman,
Sachs & Co., which has advised Corning on strategic transactions from time to
time, attended on behalf of Corning and DLJ attended on behalf of Oak
Industries. After a presentation by Oak Industries and a private meeting with
Goldman Sachs, the Corning executives requested that Oak Industries provide
Corning with an opportunity to conduct further due diligence in order that
Corning be in a position to formulate and to make a proposal to Oak Industries.

    The Oak Industries Board held a regularly scheduled meeting on October 27,
1999 during which DLJ discussed several alternatives for Oak Industries and
Lasertron as well as the initial public offering/spinoff opportunity. After a
long discussion of the various alternatives, the Board instructed the management
of Oak Industries to proceed with the due diligence process proposed by Corning.

    Corning personnel spent the week of November 1, 1999 conducting due
diligence at Oak Industries' Waltham headquarters.

    On November 5, 1999, at a meeting of the Corning Board, management gave the
Board reports of the strategic benefits which Corning expected to receive from a
merger with Oak Industries, the results of Corning's due diligence inquiries,
and the proposed terms and financial alternatives of a potential merger. The
Corning Board authorized its executive officers to proceed with merger
negotiations subject to further review of the final terms of the merger by the
Finance Committee of the Corning Board and approval of the definitive merger
agreement by the Executive Committee of the Board.

    On November 8, 1999, Oak Industries received a written proposal from Corning
that contemplated a stock for stock, tax-free merger that would be accounted for
as a pooling of interests, along with a draft merger document incorporating such
terms. Oak Industries and Corning spent the week of November 8, 1999 negotiating
the price and terms of the transaction and agreed on the final terms subject to
consideration and approval by Oak Industries' Board and stockholders.

    On November 9, 1999, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President,
the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and the Senior Vice
President of Corporate Development visited Corning's corporate headquarters to
continue discussions and to conduct due diligence on Corning.

    A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Corning Board was held on
November 12, 1999 at which the merger agreement was considered and unanimously
approved by the attending members of the Committee.

                                       19
<PAGE>
    A meeting of the Oak Industries Board was held on November 13, 1999 to
consider the transaction. After a presentation by Oak Industries' management,
the Board considered and discussed the price and terms of the transaction and
the results of Oak Industries' due diligence. Also at the meeting, DLJ presented
to the Board the financial terms of the proposed transaction and delivered its
opinion that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the procedures
followed, assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the review
undertaken, the exchange ratio was fair from a financial point of view, to the
holders of Oak Industries common stock. Additionally, Oak Industries' legal
counsel, Ropes & Gray, outlined specific terms of the proposed transaction. At
the conclusion of the meeting, the Oak Industries Board unanimously approved and
adopted the merger agreement and recommended that the merger agreement be
presented to and approved and adopted by the holders of Oak Industries common
stock. The final agreement was signed after the Board meeting and a press
release announcing the proposed merger was issued on November 14, 1999.

REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF THE OAK INDUSTRIES BOARD

    In reaching its conclusion to approve the merger agreement, the Oak
Industries Board consulted with management of Oak Industries, as well as its
financial and legal advisors and considered a number of factors, as described
below:

    - The Oak Industries Board considered the effect of the merger on
      implementing and accelerating Oak Industries' basic long-term growth
      strategy in light of the current economic, financial and business
      environment;

    - The Oak Industries Board analyzed Oak Industries' financial condition,
      results of operations, business and prospects, and compared them to those
      of the combined companies. In considering this financial information, the
      Oak Industries Board took into account Oak Industries' and Corning's
      recent and historic stock prices and earnings performances, as well as its
      own analysis of the business opportunities presented by the merger and
      current market trends relating to its products and Corning's products. The
      Oak Industries Board considered detailed financial analyses and pro forma
      and other financial data presented by Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette,
      analyses performed by Oak Industries management, as well as the Oak
      Industries Board's own knowledge of the industry and of Oak Industries and
      Corning and their respective businesses;

    - The Oak Industries Board considered the price and other terms of the
      merger agreement, as well as other information concerning the merger,
      including the terms and structure of the merger. Among other things, the
      Board considered the expectation that the merger will be treated as a
      tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes both to Oak
      Industries stockholders and to Corning and will be accounted for as a
      pooling of interests transaction. See "The Merger--Material Federal Income
      Tax Consequences" on pages 32 to 33 and "The Merger--Accounting Treatment"
      on page 33;

    - The Oak Industries Board considered Corning's strong research and
      development capabilities, which would significantly strengthen Oak
      Industries' existing technological and product development, its financial
      resources, customer relationships and its commitment to drive Oak
      Industries' business forward;

    - The Oak Industries Board considered the alternatives available to Oak
      Industries in lieu of the transaction, including acquisitions,
      divestitures, joint ventures and the potential initial public offering and
      spinoff of its fiber-optic subsidiary, Lasertron;

    - The Oak Industries Board considered the benefits of the merger, including
      its view that the combined company might be able to capitalize on
      operational and competitive elements that may not be available otherwise
      to Oak Industries on a stand-alone basis;

                                       20
<PAGE>
    - The Oak Industries Board considered the opportunity for you to become
      holders of Corning common stock, which the Oak Industries Board believed
      would perform at least as well as Oak Industries common stock over the
      long term and would have greater liquidity and lower volatility than Oak
      Industries common stock;

    - The Oak Industries Board considered Corning's reputation and progressive
      policies with respect to its employees, and the impact on the Oak
      Industries' employees of becoming employees of Corning;

    - The Oak Industries Board considered economies of scale, because the
      telecommunications industry is characterized by intense competition and
      consolidation; and

    - The Oak Industries Board considered the effect on Oak Industries
      stockholders of Oak Industries continuing as a stand-alone entity compared
      to the effect of Oak Industries combining with Corning, in light of the
      factors summarized above.

    The Oak Industries Board also considered a number of potential risks
relating to the merger, including risks relating to a fixed exchange ratio
despite potential changes in relative stock prices, the difficulty and
management distraction inherent in integrating two businesses, and the risk that
the merger would not be consummated. See "Risk Factors Relating to the Merger"
on page 14. The Oak Industries Board believed that these risks were outweighed
by the potential benefits to be realized from the merger.

    The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
Oak Industries Board is not intended to be exhaustive, but is believed to
include all material factors considered by the Oak Industries Board in approving
the merger. In view of the wide variety of information and factors considered,
the Oak Industries Board did not find it practical to, and did not, assign any
relative or specific weights to the foregoing factors and individual directors
may have given differing weights to different factors. For a discussion of the
interests of members of Oak Industries' management and Board in the merger, see
"Interests of Directors and Officers in the Merger" below. The Oak Industries
Board recognized such interests and determined that such interests neither
supported nor detracted from the fairness of the merger to Oak Industries'
stockholders.

    THE OAK INDUSTRIES BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR"
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

OPINION OF DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION

    Oak Industries asked Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, in
its role as financial advisor to Oak Industries, to render an opinion to the Oak
Industries Board as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the
holders of Oak Industries common stock of the exchange ratio in the merger. On
November 13, 1999, DLJ delivered its written opinion, dated that date, to the
Oak Industries Board to the effect that, as of such date, based on and subject
to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications set forth in its written
opinion, the exchange ratio was fair to the holders of Oak Industries common
stock from a financial point of view. DLJ has confirmed its November 13, 1999
opinion by delivering its written opinion dated the date of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus to the Oak Industries Board to the same effect.

    THE FULL TEXT OF THE DLJ OPINION, DATED THE DATE OF THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, IS ATTACHED AS ANNEX B TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
THE SUMMARY OF THE DLJ OPINION SET FORTH IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF THE DLJ OPINION.
HOLDERS OF OAK INDUSTRIES COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO READ THE DLJ OPINION
CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY FOR THE PROCEDURES FOLLOWED, ASSUMPTIONS MADE,
OTHER MATTERS CONSIDERED AND LIMITS OF THE REVIEW BY DLJ IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH
OPINION.

                                       21
<PAGE>
    The DLJ opinion was prepared for the Oak Industries Board and was directed
only to the fairness to the holders of Oak Industries common stock from a
financial point of view, as of the date thereof, of the exchange ratio. DLJ
expressed no opinion as to the prices at which the Corning common stock or the
Oak Industries common stock would actually trade at any time. The DLJ opinion
does not address the relative merits of the merger and the other business
strategies considered by the Oak Industries Board nor does it address the Oak
Industries Board's decision to proceed with the merger. The DLJ opinion does not
constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as to how such stockholder should
vote on the proposed merger.

    DLJ is an internationally recognized investment banking firm that has
substantial experience in the communications industry and in providing strategic
advisory services. DLJ was not retained as an advisor or agent to the
stockholders of Oak Industries or any other person. As part of its investment
banking services, DLJ is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and
securities in connection with mergers, acquisitions, underwritings, sales and
distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and
valuations for corporate and other purposes. Except as set forth in the
following paragraph, Oak Industries did not impose any restrictions or
limitations upon DLJ with respect to the investigations made or the procedures
followed by DLJ in rendering its opinion.

    In arriving at its opinion, DLJ reviewed the merger agreement and the
financial and other information that was publicly available or furnished to DLJ
by Oak Industries and Corning, including information provided during discussions
with their respective managements. Included in the information provided during
discussions with the respective managements were certain financial projections
of Oak Industries for the period beginning January 1, 1999 and ending
December 31, 2003 prepared by Oak Industries' management and certain publicly
available financial projections of Corning for the period beginning January 1,
1999 and ending December 31, 2000. In addition, DLJ compared certain financial
and securities data of Oak Industries and Corning with various other companies
whose securities are traded in public markets, reviewed the historical stock
prices and trading volumes of the Oak Industries common stock and the Corning
common stock, reviewed prices and premiums paid in certain other business
combinations and conducted such other financial studies, analyses and
investigations as DLJ deemed appropriate for purposes of rendering its opinion.
DLJ was not requested to, nor did it, solicit the interest of any other party in
acquiring Oak Industries.

    In rendering its opinion, DLJ relied upon, and assumed the accuracy and
completeness of, all the financial and other information that was available to
it from public sources, that was provided to it by Oak Industries and Corning or
their respective management, or that was otherwise reviewed by DLJ. DLJ also
assumed that Oak Industries was not aware of any information prepared by Oak
Industries or its advisors that might be material to the DLJ opinion that had
not been made available to DLJ. With respect to the financial projections and
assumptions relating to Oak Industries relied upon by DLJ, DLJ assumed that they
were reasonably prepared on the basis reflecting the best currently available
estimates and judgments of the management of Oak Industries as to the future
operating and financial performance of Oak Industries. With respect to the
publicly available financial projections and assumptions relating to Corning
relied upon by DLJ, DLJ assumed that they have been reasonably prepared on a
basis not materially different from the best currently available estimates and
judgments of the management of Corning as to the future operating and financial
performance of Corning. DLJ expressed no opinion with respect to such
projections, forecasts and analyses or the assumptions upon which they were
based. DLJ did not assume any responsibility for making an independent
evaluation of any assets or liabilities or for making any independent
verification of any information DLJ reviewed. DLJ relied as to certain legal
matters on the advice of Oak Industries' counsel.

    The DLJ opinion was necessarily based on economic, market, financial and
other conditions as they existed on, and on the information made available to
DLJ as of the date of its opinion. DLJ states in its opinion that, although
subsequent developments may affect its opinion, DLJ does not have any obligation
to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion after the mailing of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.

                                       22
<PAGE>
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL ANALYSES PERFORMED BY DLJ

    The following is a summary of the financial analyses presented by DLJ to the
Oak Industries Board on November 13, 1999 in connection with the preparation of
the DLJ opinion. Unless otherwise indicated, all financial projections of Oak
Industries segments provided by Oak Industries' management have been adjusted to
include corporate overhead allocations.

OAK INDUSTRIES

    STOCK PRICE AND TRADING HISTORY.  DLJ reviewed the daily trading activity,
including price and volume, of the Oak Industries common stock from
November 12, 1997 to November 12, 1999. During this time period, Oak Industries
common stock reached a high of $52.13 per share and a low of $22.00 per share.

    IMPLIED EXCHANGE RATIO ANALYSIS.  DLJ calculated the implied enterprise
value of Oak Industries by performing a comparable public companies analysis, a
precedent merger and acquisition transactions analysis and a discounted cash
flow analysis for each of Oak Industries' four principal business segments. DLJ
then calculated implied theoretical equity valuation ranges for Oak Industries
and implied exchange ratio ranges. Enterprise value is defined as the equity
value plus the book value of debt less cash. Equity value is defined as the
market value of the common equity securities on a fully diluted basis.

    COMPARABLE PUBLIC COMPANIES ANALYSIS.

    LASERTRON.  DLJ analyzed the enterprise value of the Lasertron business
segment (the Oak Industries operating segment that manufactures fiber-optic
components) based on the market values and trading multiples of five publicly
traded companies which DLJ deemed comparable to the Lasertron business segment,
divided into two categories. The first group, categorized as photonics/
optoelectronics component manufacturers, included E-TEK Dynamics, JDS Uniphase
and SDL Inc. The second group, categorized as dense wavelength division
multiplexing equipment manufacturers, included Ciena Corp. and Corning.

    For each comparable public company listed above, DLJ analyzed the equity and
the enterprise values as of November 12, 1999; the enterprise value as a
multiple of its estimated revenue for calendar years 1999 and 2000, the
enterprise value as a multiple of its estimated earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for 1999, and the equity value as a
multiple of its estimated earnings per share for calendar year 1999 and 2000.
The revenue estimates for calendar years 1999 and 2000 were based on publicly
available estimates from equity research analysts. The earnings per share
estimates for calendar years 1999 and 2000 were based on publicly available
consensus estimates as reported by First Call Corporation. First Call is a data
service that monitors and publishes compilations of earnings estimates by
selected research analysts.

    From this analysis, DLJ developed enterprise valuation multiples ranging
from 15.0 to 20.0 times revenue and 50.0 to 60.0 times EBITDA and equity value
multiples of 90.0 to 120.0 times net income for calendar year 1999. DLJ also
derived enterprise valuation multiples ranging from 10.0 to 15.0 times revenue
and equity value multiples of 50.0 to 70.0 times net income for calendar year
2000. DLJ then applied these valuation multiples to 1999 and 2000 projected
operating data for the Lasertron business segment as prepared by Oak Industries
management.

    GILBERT ENGINEERING.  DLJ analyzed the enterprise value of the Gilbert
Engineering business segment (the Oak Industries operating segment that
manufactures coaxial connector products used primarily in broadband networks)
based on the market values and trading multiples of six publicly traded
companies which DLJ deemed comparable to the Gilbert Engineering business
segment: Antec

                                       23
<PAGE>
Corp., Amphenol Corp., C-Cor.net Corp., CommScope Inc., Scientific-Atlanta Inc.
and Thomas & Betts Corp.

    For each comparable public company listed above, DLJ analyzed the enterprise
value as of November 12, 1999; the enterprise value as a multiple of its
estimated revenue, estimated EBITDA, and estimated earnings before interest and
taxes ("EBIT") for calendar year 1999. The revenue, EBITDA and EBIT estimates
for calendar year 1999 were based on publicly available estimates from equity
research analysts. From this analysis, DLJ developed enterprise valuation
multiples ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 times revenues, 10.0 to 12.0 times EBITDA and
12.5 to 14.5 times EBIT. DLJ then applied these valuation multiples to 1999
projected operating data for the Gilbert Engineering business segment as
prepared by Oak Industries management.

    OAK FREQUENCY CONTROL GROUP.  DLJ analyzed the enterprise value of the Oak
Frequency Control Group business segment (the Oak Industries operating segment
that manufactures quartz crystals and oscillators) based on the market values
and trading multiples of five publicly traded companies which DLJ deemed
comparable to the Oak Frequency Control Group business segment: Allen
Telecom Inc., Andrew Corp., CTS Corp., Sawtek Inc. and Datum Inc.

    For each comparable publicly traded company listed above, DLJ analyzed the
enterprise value as of November 12, 1999; the enterprise value as a multiple of
its estimated revenue, estimated EBITDA, and estimated EBIT for calendar year
1999. The revenue, EBITDA and EBIT estimates for calendar year 1999 were based
on publicly available estimates from equity research analysts. From this
analysis, DLJ derived enterprise valuation multiples ranging from 1.0 to 1.5
times revenues, 10.0 to 15.0 times EBITDA and 20.0 to 35.0 times EBIT. DLJ then
applied these valuation multiples to 1999 projected operating data for the Oak
Frequency Control Group business segment as prepared by Oak Industries
management.

    OAK CONTROLS GROUP.  DLJ analyzed the enterprise value of the Oak Controls
Group business segment (the Oak Industries operating segment that manufactures
components for gas ranges, switches and encoders) based on the market values and
trading multiples of nine publicly traded companies which DLJ deemed comparable
to the Oak Controls Group business segment, divided into two categories. The
first group, categorized as electrical appliance manufacturers, included Emerson
Electric Co., Eaton Corp., Whirlpool Corp., and Maytag Corp. The second group,
categorized as electrical components manufacturers, included Crane Co.,
Graco Inc., Park Ohio Holdings Corp., United Dominion Industries and Watts
Industries.

    For each comparable public company listed above, DLJ analyzed the equity and
the enterprise values as of November 12, 1999; the enterprise value as a
multiple of its estimated revenue, estimated EBITDA, estimated EBIT for calendar
year 1999, and the equity value as a multiple of its estimated earnings per
share for calendar year 1999 and 2000. The revenue, EBITDA and EBIT estimates
for calendar year 1999 were based on publicly available estimates from equity
research analysts. The earnings per share estimates for calendar years 1999 and
2000 were based on publicly available consensus estimates as reported by First
Call. From this analysis, DLJ developed enterprise valuation multiples ranging
from 0.9 to 1.3 times revenues, 6.0 to 8.0 times EBITDA and 8.0 to 10.0 times
EBIT. DLJ also developed, from the same analysis, enterprise valuation multiples
ranging from 12.0 to 14.0 times net income for calendar year 1999 and 10.0 to
12.0 times net income for calendar year 2000. DLJ then applied these valuation
multiples to 1999 and 2000 projected operating data for the Controls Group
business segment as prepared by Oak Industries management.

    Based on the foregoing, DLJ calculated the estimated equity value of Oak
Industries by combining the implied enterprise values of Oak Industries' four
principal business segments, subtracting total debt as of October 21, 1999 and
adding cash and the value of investments and certain other assets as of
September 30, 1999. Data on debt, cash and investments were provided by Oak
Industries management. The analyses resulted in an implied theoretical equity
valuation range for Oak Industries of

                                       24
<PAGE>
approximately $1.2 billion to $1.6 billion in the aggregate, or approximately
$52.25 to $68.50 per share of Oak Industries common stock. Using such per share
equity valuation range and the $90.38 per share price of Corning common stock on
November 12, 1999, DLJ calculated an implied exchange ratio ranging from 0.58 to
0.76.

    PRECEDENT MERGER AND ACQUISITION TRANSACTIONS ANALYSIS.

    In examining the selected merger and acquisition transactions listed below,
DLJ calculated the total enterprise value of the acquired company implied by
each of these transactions as a multiple of revenues, EBITDA and EBIT for the
twelve months prior to announcement of a transaction, and the total equity value
of the acquired company implied by each of these transactions as a multiple of
net income for the twelve months prior to announcement of a transaction.

    LASERTRON.  DLJ reviewed the following selected acquisition transactions
which it deemed comparable to an acquisition of the Lasertron business segment:
(i) JDS Uniphase's pending acquisition of Optical Coating Laboratory; (ii) JDS
Uniphase's pending acquisition of Epitaxx; (iii) SDL's acquisition of IOC;
(iv) Ciena's acquisition of Lightera Networks; (v) Uniphase's acquisition of JDS
Fitel; and (vi) Uniphase's acquisition of Broadband Communications Products.

    From this analysis, DLJ derived valuation multiples ranging from 7.0 to 10.0
times revenues, 30.0 to 40.0 times EBITDA and 35.0 to 45.0 times EBIT, in each
case, for the twelve months prior to announcement of a transaction. DLJ then
applied these valuation multiples to projected 1999 operating data for the
Lasertron business segment provided by management.

    GILBERT ENGINEERING.  DLJ reviewed the following selected acquisition
transactions which it deemed comparable to an acquisition of the Gilbert
Engineering business segment: (i) Tyco's acquisition of Raychem; (ii) Tyco's
acquisition of AMP; (iii) Framatome Connector's acquisition of Berg Electronics;
(iv) KKR's acquisition of Amphenol; and (v) Thomas & Betts' acquisition of
Augat.

    From this analysis, DLJ derived valuation multiples ranging from 1.8 to 2.5
times revenues, 9.0 to 12.0 times EBITDA and 14.0 to 19.0 times EBIT, in each
case, for the twelve months prior to announcement of a transaction. DLJ then
applied these valuation multiples to projected 1999 operating data for the
Gilbert Engineering business segment prepared by Oak Industries management.

    OAK FREQUENCY CONTROL GROUP.  DLJ reviewed the following selected
acquisition transactions which it deemed comparable to an acquisition of the Oak
Frequency Control Group business segment: (i) CTS's acquisition of Motorola CPD;
(ii) Oak Industries' acquisition of Tele Quarz GmbH; and (iii) Oak Industries'
acquisition of Piezo Crystal Company.

    From this analysis, DLJ derived valuation multiples ranging from 0.8 to 1.3
times revenues and 7.0 to 10.0 times EBITDA, in each case, for the twelve months
prior to announcement of a transaction. DLJ then applied these valuation
multiples to projected 1999 operating data for the Oak Frequency Control Group
business segment prepared by Oak Industries management.

    OAK CONTROLS GROUP.  DLJ reviewed the following selected acquisition
transactions which it deemed comparable to an acquisition of the Oak Controls
Group business segment: (i) Goodman Holding's acquisition of Raytheon Home
Appliances; (ii) Tyco's acquisition of Keystone International;
(iii) Constellation Capital's acquisition of Imo Industries; (iv) Durco
International's acquisition of BW/ IP; (v) Cypress Group LLC's acquisition of
Amtrol; (vi) FMC's acquisition of Moorco International; (vii) United Dominion
Industries' acquisition of Flair Corp.; (viii) Dresser Industries' acquisition
of Wheatley TXT; and (ix) Crane's acquisition of Mark Controls.

    From this analysis, DLJ derived valuation multiples ranging from 1.0 to 1.5
times revenues, 8.0 to 11.0 times EBITDA, 13.0 to 16.0 times EBIT and 16.5 to
20.0 times net income, in each case, for the twelve months prior to announcement
of a transaction. DLJ then applied these valuation multiples to

                                       25
<PAGE>
projected 1999 operating data for the Oak Controls Group business segment
prepared by Oak Industries management.

    Based on the foregoing, DLJ calculated the estimated equity value of Oak
Industries by combining the implied enterprise values of Oak Industries' four
principal business segments, subtracting total debt as of October 21, 1999 and
adding cash and the value of investments and certain other assets as of
September 30, 1999. Data on debt, cash and investments were provided by Oak
Industries management. The analyses resulted in an implied theoretical equity
valuation range for Oak Industries of approximately $1.1 billion to
$1.6 billion in the aggregate, or approximately $47.50 to $69.00 per share of
Oak Industries common stock. Using such per share equity valuation range and the
$90.38 per share price of Corning common stock on November 12, 1999, DLJ
calculated an implied exchange ratio ranging from 0.53 to 0.76.

    DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS.

    DLJ performed a discounted cash flow analysis on each of Oak Industries'
four principal business segments based on estimates of the projected financial
performance for such segment prepared by Oak Industries management for the
fiscal years 2000 to 2002.

    LASERTRON.  Utilizing the projections provided by Oak Industries management,
DLJ calculated a range of present values for the Lasertron business segment
based on the discounted net present value of the sum of (a) the projected stream
of after-tax unlevered free cash flows, which is operating cash flow available
after interest, working capital, capital spending and tax requirements, for the
fiscal years 2000 to 2002; and (b) the projected terminal value of the segment
in 2001 based upon a range of forward-looking multiples of the segment's
projected net income in 2002. DLJ estimated the enterprise value of the segment
by applying discount rates ranging from 20.0% to 22.0% and multiples of terminal
net income ranging from 30.0 to 40.0 times.

    GILBERT ENGINEERING.  Utilizing the projections provided by Oak Industries
management, DLJ calculated a range of present values for the Gilbert Engineering
business segment based on the discounted net present value of the sum of
(a) the projected stream of after-tax unlevered free cash flows of the segment,
which is operating cash flow available after working capital, capital spending
and tax requirements, for the fiscal years 2000 to 2002; and (b) the projected
terminal value of the segment at 2002 based upon a range of multiples of the
segment's projected EBITDA in such year. DLJ estimated the enterprise value of
the segment by applying discount rates ranging from 12.0% to 14.0% and multiples
of terminal EBITDA ranging from 10.0 to 12.0 times.

    OAK FREQUENCY CONTROL GROUP.  Utilizing the projections provided by Oak
Industries management, DLJ calculated a range of present values for the Oak
Frequency Control Group business segment based on the discounted net present
value of the sum of (a) the projected stream of after-tax unlevered free cash
flows of the segment, which is operating cash flow available after working
capital, capital spending and tax requirements, for the fiscal years 2000 to
2002; and (b) the projected terminal value of the segment at 2002 based upon a
range of multiples of the segment's projected EBITDA in such year. DLJ estimated
the enterprise value of the segment by applying discount rates ranging from
17.0% to 19.0% and multiples of terminal EBITDA ranging from 7.0 to 9.0 times.

    OAK CONTROLS GROUP.  Utilizing the projections provided by Oak Industries
management, DLJ calculated a range of present values for the Oak Controls Group
business segment based upon the discounted net present value of the sum of
(a) the projected stream of after-tax unlevered free cash flows of the segment,
which is operating cash flow available after, working capital, capital spending
and tax requirements, for the fiscal years 2000 to 2002; and (b) the projected
terminal value of the segment at 2002 based upon a range of multiples of the
segment's projected EBITDA in such year. DLJ

                                       26
<PAGE>
estimated the enterprise value of the segment by applying discount rates ranging
from 14.5% to 16.5% and multiples of terminal EBITDA ranging from 6.0 to 8.0
times.

    Based on the foregoing, DLJ calculated the estimated equity value of Oak
Industries by combining the enterprise values of Oak Industries' four principal
business segments, subtracting total debt as of October 21, 1999 and adding cash
and the value of investments and certain other assets as of September 30, 1999.
Data on debt, cash and investments were provided by Oak Industries management.
The analyses resulted in an implied theoretical equity valuation range for Oak
Industries of approximately $1.5 billion to $1.9 billion in the aggregate, or
approximately $63.25 to $78.50 per share of Oak Industries common stock. Using
such per share equity valuation range and the $90.38 per share price of Corning
common stock on November 12, 1999, DLJ calculated an implied exchange ratio
ranging from 0.70 to 0.87.

    PREMIUMS PAID ANALYSIS.  DLJ analyzed the implied price per share of Oak
Industries common stock based on a review of premiums paid in all stock
transactions valued between $1 billion to $2 billion in enterprise value
announced between November 1997 and November 1999. Premiums for these
transactions were obtained from Securities Data Corporation. For each such
transaction, DLJ analyzed the premium over the common stock trading price per
share one day, one week and one month prior to announcement. The average and
median premiums for the selected transactions over the common stock trading
prices are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               PERIOD PRIOR TO
                                                                 ANNOUNCEMENT
                                                        ------------------------------
                                                         1-DAY      1-WEEK    1-MONTH
                                                        --------   --------   --------
<S>                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
Median................................................    23.5%      25.4%      30.7%
Average...............................................    22.3%      26.7%      32.7%
</TABLE>

    Applying the above premiums to the share price of the Oak Industries common
stock on November 12, 1999, DLJ estimated an implied reference range purchase
price per share of Oak Industries of $62.00 to $66.00 and, based on the share
price of the Corning common stock on November 12, 1999, DLJ calculated an
implied exchange ratio ranging from 0.69 to 0.73.

CORNING

    STOCK PRICE AND TRADING HISTORY.  DLJ reviewed the daily trading activity,
including price and volume, of the Corning common stock from November 12, 1997
to November 12, 1999. During this time period, Corning common stock reached a
high of $90.38 per share and a low of $23.50 per share.

    COMPARABLE PUBLIC COMPANIES ANALYSIS.  DLJ compared Corning to six
comparable companies: ADC Telecom, Alcatel, Ciena, Lucent, Nortel and Tellabs.
For each comparable public company, DLJ analyzed the equity value and the
enterprise value as of November 12, 1999, the enterprise value as a multiple of
its revenue, EBITDA, and EBIT for the latest twelve-month period, and the equity
value as a multiple of its estimated earnings per share for calendar year 1999
and 2000.

    The revenue, EBITDA and EBIT data for the latest twelve months were based on
publicly available information. The earnings per share estimates for calendar
years 1999 and 2000 were based on publicly available consensus estimates as
reported by First Call. From this analysis, DLJ derived implied enterprise
valuation multiples ranging from 5.0 to 7.0 times revenues 20.0 to 30.0 times
EBITDA and 30.0 to 40.0 times EBIT. DLJ also derived, from the same analysis,
implied equity valuation multiples ranging from 45.0 to 55.0 times earnings per
share for calendar year 1999 and 35.0 to 45.0 times earnings per share for
calendar year 2000. DLJ then applied these implied valuation multiples to the
latest twelve months of operating data for Corning and calendar years 1999 and
2000 earnings per share consensus estimates as reported by First Call. The
analysis resulted in an implied per share equity valuation reference range for
Corning of approximately $80.00 to $100.00 per share.

                                       27
<PAGE>
    WALL STREET RESEARCH ANALYSTS RECOMMENDED PRICE TARGETS.  DLJ also reviewed
the price targets of five Wall Street equity research analysts contained in
recently published reports on Corning. The range of these per share price
targets of Corning common stock, based on the reports dated from October 7, 1999
to November 9, 1999, was $80.00 to $105.00.

    PRO FORMA ACCRETION/DILUTION ANALYSIS.  DLJ compared the projected earnings
per share of Corning for the fiscal years ending December 31, 1999 and 2000 on a
stand-alone basis to the projected pro forma earnings per share for the same
period of the combined company after the merger. Corning's stand-alone earnings
per share projections for 1999 and 2000 were based on First Call consensus
estimates. Oak Industries' stand-alone earnings per share projections for 1999
and 2000 were provided by Oak Industries management. No cost savings from
synergies were assumed in this analysis. As set forth in the table below,
assuming a pooling transaction, this analysis indicated that the transaction was
expected to have an accretive effect on the projected earnings per share for
Corning for the periods indicated below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  FISCAL YEAR
                                                                    ENDING
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -------------------
                                                               1999E      2000E
                                                              --------   --------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Projected Earnings per Share................................   $1.86      $2.32
Pro Forma Earnings per Share................................   $1.87      $2.37
Accretion/(Dilution) ($ per Share)..........................   $0.01      $0.05
Accretion/(Dilution) (%)....................................     0.6%       2.2%
</TABLE>

    CONTRIBUTION ANALYSIS.  DLJ analyzed the relative contributions from Oak
Industries and Corning to the pro forma combined revenue, EBITDA, EBIT and net
income for the latest twelve-month period and for calendar years 1999 and 2000.
Oak Industries and Corning revenue, EBITDA, EBIT and net income for the latest
twelve months were based on publicly available information. Oak Industries
revenue, EBITDA, EBIT and net income estimates for calendar years 1999 and 2000
were based on financial projections prepared by Oak Industries management.
Corning revenue, EBITDA, EBIT and net income estimates for calendar years 1999
and 2000 were based on publicly available estimates from equity research
analysts.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       LATEST TWELVE MONTHS
                                              ENDED
                                        SEPTEMBER 30, 1999                FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
                                     ------------------------   ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                         1999E                      2000E
                                                                ------------------------   ------------------------
                                         OAK                        OAK                        OAK
                                     INDUSTRIES %   CORNING %   INDUSTRIES %   CORNING %   INDUSTRIES %   CORNING %
                                     ------------   ---------   ------------   ---------   ------------   ---------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>
Sales..............................      8.4%         91.6%          9.9%        90.1%         10.3%        89.7%
EBITDA.............................      7.2%         79.8%          8.1%        91.9%          9.5%        90.5%
EBIT...............................      7.4%         92.6%         11.7%        88.3%         11.8%        88.2%
Net Income.........................      7.4%         92.6%          6.8%        93.2%          8.4%        91.6%
Pro Forma Ownership................      6.8%         93.2%          6.8%        93.2%          6.8%        93.2%
</TABLE>

    No company or transaction used in the above analyses is directly comparable
to Oak Industries or Corning or the contemplated merger. In addition,
mathematical analysis such as determining the mean or median is not in itself a
meaningful method of using selected company or transaction data. The analyses
performed by DLJ are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future
results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by
such analyses.

                                       28
<PAGE>
    The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete description of
the analyses performed by DLJ. Instead, it describes in summary form the
material elements of the presentation DLJ made to the Oak Industries Board on
November 13, 1999 in connection with the preparation of the DLJ opinion. The
preparation of a fairness opinion involves various determinations as to the most
appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of
these methods to the particular circumstances. Therefore, such an opinion is not
readily susceptible to summary description. Each of DLJ's analyses was carried
out to provide a different perspective on the transaction and to add to the
total mix of information available. DLJ did not form a conclusion as to whether
any individual analysis, considered by itself, supported or failed to support an
opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of view. Rather, in reaching
its conclusion, DLJ considered the results of the analyses in light of each
other and ultimately rendered its opinion based on the results of all these
analyses taken as a whole. DLJ did not place particular reliance or weight on
any individual analysis, but instead concluded that its analyses, taken as a
whole, supported its determination. Accordingly, notwithstanding the separate
factors summarized above, DLJ has indicated to Oak Industries that it believes
that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of
its analyses and of the factors considered by it, without considering all such
analyses and factors, could create an incomplete or misleading view of the
process underlying its opinion. The analyses performed by DLJ are not
necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, which may be
significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such analyses.

ENGAGEMENT LETTER

    Pursuant to the terms of an engagement letter dated as of November 2, 1999,
Oak Industries engaged DLJ to act as its exclusive financial advisor in
connection with the sale, merger or other business combination of Oak Industries
or Lasertron and certain other transactions, and agreed to pay DLJ (i) a fee of
$1,000,000 payable upon the delivery by DLJ of the DLJ opinion, and
(ii) additional cash compensation in an amount equal to 0.55% of the aggregate
value of the outstanding common stock of Oak Industries (treating, as
applicable, any shares issuable upon exercise of options, warrants or other
rights of conversion as outstanding), plus the amount of any debt assumed,
acquired, remaining outstanding, retired or defeased or preferred stock redeemed
or remaining outstanding in connection with the merger, payable upon the
consummation of the merger. Any amounts paid by Oak Industries pursuant to
clause (i) above shall be deducted from the additional cash compensation paid by
Oak Industries pursuant to clause (ii) above. The aggregate value of outstanding
Oak Industries common stock will be determined, in the case of the merger, based
on the fair market value of Corning common stock to be received by the holders
of the Oak Industries common stock in the merger. For that purpose, the fair
market value of Corning common stock to be received in the merger will be
determined based on the last trading day thereof prior to completion of the
merger.

    Oak Industries also agreed to reimburse DLJ, upon request by DLJ from time
to time, for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including the reasonable
fees and expense of counsel) incurred by DLJ in connection with its engagement,
whether or not the merger is consummated. In addition, Oak Industries agreed to
indemnify DLJ and certain related persons against certain liabilities in
connection with its engagement, including liabilities under the federal
securities laws.

OTHER RELATIONSHIPS

    In the ordinary course of business, DLJ and its affiliates may own or
actively trade the securities of Oak Industries and Corning for their own
accounts and for the accounts of their customers and, accordingly, may at any
time hold a long or short position in Oak Industries or Corning securities. DLJ
has had a long-standing banking relationship with Oak Industries, having acted
as co-manager in a public offering of the Oak Industries common stock in 1993,
having acted as lead manager on its $100 million convertible subordinated notes
offering in February 1998, and having acted as financial

                                       29
<PAGE>
advisor in the sale of its Nordco business in October 1996. In addition, DLJ had
been advising Oak Industries on strategic alternatives regarding certain of its
business segments. DLJ has received customary compensation for such services.

INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE MERGER

    Certain members of Oak Industries' management and the Oak Industries Board
may be deemed to have certain interests in the merger that are in addition to
their interests as stockholders of Oak Industries generally. The Oak Industries
Board was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in
approving and adopting the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby.

CERTAIN COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS

    SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS

    On May 1, 1998, Oak Industries entered into severance agreements with each
of Messrs. Antle and Hicks and Ms. Lenehan. Each severance agreement is in
effect for a period of three years, and is automatically extended for additional
three-year periods unless either party notifies the other in writing to the
contrary. In any event, each severance agreement will remain in effect until all
of its obligations have been discharged. The merger constitutes a change in
control as defined by the severance agreements, triggering the terms set forth
below.

    If Messrs. Antle's or Hicks' or Ms. Lenehan's employment is terminated
within three years following a change in control as defined in his or her
severance agreement (i) by Oak Industries other than for "cause" (as defined in
his or her severance agreement), (ii) by such executive officer for "good
reason" (as defined in his or her severance agreement), or (iii) other than by
reason of death or disability, such executive officer would be entitled to
receive:

    - a lump-sum severance payment equal to three times the sum of his or her
      base salary PLUS the average of his or her bonuses for the two-year period
      completed immediately prior to the termination or immediately prior to the
      merger, whichever is higher;

    - a pro rata portion of his or her target bonus for the year of termination;
      and

    - for the three-year period following termination, either the continuation
      of, or financial support for, the continuation of certain fringe benefits
      and an automobile allowance.

    In addition, following a termination of his or her employment
Messrs. Antle's or Hicks' or Ms. Lenehan's stock options will continue to be
exercisable for the term of the options.

    If Messrs. Antle's or Hicks' or Ms. Lenehan's employment is terminated
following a change in control under circumstances entitling him or her to
severance payments and benefits under the applicable severance agreement, the
amount of the cash severance payment would be approximately $4.1 million for
Mr. Antle and approximately $2.0 million each for Mr. Hicks and Ms. Lenehan (not
including the value of pro-rated bonuses).

    CONSULTING AND/OR NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENTS

    After the effective time of the merger, Corning intends to enter into
consulting and non-competition agreements with Messrs. Antle and Hicks and
Ms. Lenehan. The terms of such agreements will be mutually satisfactory to the
parties.

                                       30
<PAGE>
EQUITY BASED AWARDS

    OPTIONS

    All outstanding and unvested options granted to directors and executive
officers of Oak Industries under Oak Industries' 1995 Restricted Stock and
Option Plan and the 1992 Restricted Stock and Option Plan will become fully
vested and exercisable 45 days prior to the effective time of the merger.
Certain of the directors of Oak Industries hold options granted under the Oak
Industries' 1988 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, all of which are (or
will be, by the effective time of the merger) fully vested and exercisable.

    As of January 28, 2000, options to purchase 607,500 shares of Oak Industries
common stock held by executive officers of Oak Industries will have become fully
vested and exercisable as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER                            NUMBER OF OPTIONS THAT ACCELERATE
- -----------------------                            ---------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>
William S. Antle III.............................               308,000
Coleman S. Hicks.................................               149,750
Pamela F. Lenehan................................               149,750
</TABLE>

    RESTRICTED STOCK

    None of the executive officers holds shares of Oak Industries restricted
stock. However, each of the non-employee directors of Oak Industries holds
shares of Oak Industries restricted stock which was granted as part of the
annual compensation paid by Oak Industries to its directors. On January 28, 2000
each of Messrs. Derbes, Hills, Matthews and Richardson will own 2,500 shares of
Oak Industries restricted stock. Each of Messrs. Derbes, Hills, Matthews and
Richardson will retire from the Oak Industries Board upon the effective time of
the merger. Upon their retirement, the restrictions applicable to their Oak
Industries restricted stock will lapse. On January 28, 2000 each of Ms. Bronner
and Mr. Russo will hold 2,500 and 1,000 shares of Oak Industries restricted
stock, respectively. Upon the resignation of Ms. Bronner or Mr. Russo from the
Oak Industries Board at the effective time of the merger, each of their Oak
Industries restricted stock will be forfeited.

DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' INSURANCE; INDEMNIFICATION OF OAK INDUSTRIES DIRECTORS
  AND OFFICERS

    The merger agreement provides that for six years after the merger, Corning
will indemnify and hold harmless the present and former officers and directors
of Oak Industries against all costs and expenses in connection with any claim or
investigation arising out of or pertaining to acts or omissions in their
capacities as officers and directors occurring at or prior to the merger, to the
fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, any other applicable laws or to the
fullest extent provided under Oak Industries' charter and bylaws or any
applicable contract or agreement as in effect on November 13, 1999.

    The merger agreement also provides that, for a period of six years after the
merger, Corning will provide, or will cause Oak Industries to provide, officers'
and directors' liability insurance in respect of acts or omissions occurring
prior to the merger covering each present and former officer and director of Oak
Industries currently covered by Oak Industries' officers' and directors'
liability insurance policy. The terms and amount of such coverage will be no
less favorable than those of the policy in effect on November 13, 1999. Corning,
however, will not be obligated to pay annual premiums in excess of 200% of the
amount that Oak Industries paid for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1998. If
the premium for the above coverage would exceed this amount, then Corning or Oak
Industries would be obligated only to purchase a policy with the greatest
coverage available for that amount.

                                       31
<PAGE>
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

    The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences
of the merger to holders or other beneficial owners of Oak Industries common
stock that are U.S. persons and that hold such stock as a capital asset as
defined in Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(generally, property held for investment is a capital asset). For these
purposes, you are a U.S. person if you are either (1) a citizen or resident of
the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (2) a corporation or
partnership created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or
any political subdivision thereof, (3) an estate, the income of which is subject
to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source or (4) a trust with respect
to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary
supervision over your administration and one or more U.S. persons have the
authority to control all your substantial decisions. This summary is based on
the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and
court decisions, all as in effect as of the date hereof and all of which are
subject to change at any time (possibly with retroactive effect). This summary
is not a complete description of all tax consequences of the merger and, in
particular, may not address U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to
stockholders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law
(including, for example, stockholders who are not U.S. persons, financial
institutions, dealers in securities, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities,
holders who acquired Oak Industries common stock pursuant to the exercise of an
employee stock option or right or otherwise as compensation, and holders who
hold Oak Industries common stock as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion
transaction). In addition, no information is provided herein with respect to the
tax consequences of the merger under applicable foreign, state or local laws.

    The material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger are as
follows:

    - The merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of
      Section 368 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code;

    - No gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of Oak Industries common
      stock who exchange their Oak Industries common stock for Corning common
      stock pursuant to the merger, except with respect to any cash received in
      lieu of a fractional share of Corning common stock;

    - The aggregate tax basis of the Corning common stock received in the merger
      by each holder of Oak Industries common stock will be the same as the
      aggregate tax basis of the Oak Industries common stock surrendered in
      exchange therefor, reduced by any amount of tax basis allocable to a
      fractional share interest in Corning common stock for which cash is
      received;

    - The holding period of a holder of Oak Industries common stock for Corning
      common stock received in the merger will include the holding period for
      the Oak Industries common stock surrendered in exchange therefor;

    - An Oak Industries stockholder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional
      share interest in Corning common stock pursuant to the merger will be
      treated as having received such cash in exchange for such fractional share
      interest and generally will recognize capital gain or loss on such deemed
      exchange in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash
      received and the tax basis of the Oak Industries common stock allocable to
      such fractional share interest; and

    - No gain or loss will be recognized by Corning, Corning shareholders,
      Reisling Acquisition Corporation or Oak Industries as a result of the
      merger.

    Shearman & Sterling and Ropes & Gray have provided opinions, filed as
exhibits to the registration statement related to this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, to Corning and Oak Industries, respectively, to the effect
that, subject to limitations set forth herein, this summary describes the
material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to holders of Oak
Industries common

                                       32
<PAGE>
stock. In addition, the obligations of the parties to consummate the merger are
conditioned upon the receipt by Corning of a further opinion from Shearman &
Sterling, and the receipt by Oak Industries of a further opinion from Ropes &
Gray, in each case subject to the qualifications discussed herein, confirming
the characterization of the merger as a "reorganization" within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Stockholders should be aware that
an opinion of counsel is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or the
courts. Stockholders should also be aware that the opinions of Shearman &
Sterling and Ropes & Gray, filed as exhibits to the registration statement and
delivered at the time of the merger, are and will be based on current law and on
representations and assumptions regarding current and future factual matters and
covenants as to future actions made by Corning and Oak Industries. If any of the
representations or assumptions is inaccurate or incorrect or any of the
covenants is not complied with, the conclusions stated in these opinions could
be affected.

    Under the U.S. backup withholding rules, you as a holder of Oak Industries
common stock may be subject to backup withholding at the rate of 31% on any cash
received in lieu of fractional shares of Corning common stock, unless you
(1) are a corporation or come within other exempt categories and, when required,
demonstrate this fact or (2) provide a correct taxpayer identification number,
certify that you are not subject to backup withholding and otherwise comply with
applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amount withheld
under these rules will be credited against your federal income tax liability
provided you furnish the required information to the IRS. If you do not comply
with the backup withholding rules, you may be subject to penalties imposed by
the IRS.

    Since, as discussed above, the preceding summary does not purport to be a
complete analysis or discussion of a potential tax effect relevant to the
merger, you are urged to consult with your own tax advisors regarding the U.S.
federal income and other tax consequences of the merger to you, under state,
local and foreign tax laws.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

    The merger is intended to qualify as a pooling of interests for accounting
and financial reporting purposes. The pooling of interests method of accounting
assumes that the combining companies have been merged from inception, and the
historical financial statements for periods prior to consummation of the merger
are restated as though the companies had been combined from inception as
required under United States generally accepted accounting principles.

    It is a condition to the merger that Corning shall have received a letter
from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants to Corning and
Oak Industries, dated as of the date on which the transactions contemplated by
the merger agreement are consummated, to the effect that the merger will qualify
for pooling of interests accounting treatment under Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 16 if closed and consummated in accordance with the merger
agreement.

REGULATORY APPROVALS

    HART-SCOTT-RODINO.  The Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division
of the Department of Justice frequently scrutinize the legality under the
antitrust laws of transactions such as the merger. At any time before or after
the merger, the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission could take
such 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 Corning or Oak Industries or their subsidiaries.
Private parties and state attorneys general may also bring an action under the
antitrust laws under certain circumstances. There can be no assurance that a
challenge to the merger on antitrust grounds will not be made or, if such a
challenge is made, of the result.

    On November 23, 1999, Corning and Oak Industries filed Pre-Merger
Notification and Report Forms with the Federal Trade Commission and the
Department of Justice under the Hart-Scott-Rodino

                                       33
<PAGE>
Act and requested early termination of the applicable waiting period. On
December 9, 1999, the waiting period was terminated by the Federal Trade
Commission.

    OTHER.  Consummation of the merger is conditioned upon all material
governmental consents, approvals and authorizations legally required for the
consummation of the merger and the transactions contemplated thereby having been
obtained and being in effect. In addition, certain foreign governmental filings
are required to be made in connection with the merger. Corning and Oak
Industries expect that none of them would prohibit consummation of the merger.
However, no assurance can be given that the required consents, approvals or
authorizations will be obtained.

RESTRICTIONS ON SALES OF CORNING COMMON STOCK

    All shares of Corning common stock received by Oak Industries stockholders
in the merger will be freely transferable, except that shares of Corning common
stock received by persons who are deemed to be affiliates of Oak Industries
prior to the merger may be resold by them only in transactions permitted by the
resale provisions of Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act or Rule 144
promulgated under the Securities Act in the case of such persons who become
affiliates of Corning, or as otherwise permitted under the Securities Act.
Persons deemed to be affiliates of Oak Industries are those individuals or
entities that control, are controlled by, or are under common control with Oak
Industries. Affiliates generally include executive officers and directors of Oak
Industries as well as certain principal stockholders of Oak Industries. This
Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not cover any resales of Corning common stock
received by affiliates of Oak Industries in the merger.

    SEC guidelines regarding qualifying for the method of pooling of interests
accounting also limit sales of shares of the acquiring and acquired company by
affiliates of either company in a business combination. SEC guidelines also
indicate that the pooling of interests method of accounting generally will not
be challenged on the basis of sales by affiliates of the acquiring or acquired
company if such affiliates do not dispose of more than a DE MINIMIS amount of
any of the shares of the corporation they own, or shares of a corporation they
receive in connection with a merger, during the period beginning 30 days before
the merger is consummated and ending when financial results covering at least
30 days of post-merger operations of Corning have been published.

    Each of Corning and Oak Industries has agreed in the merger agreement to
cause each person who may be deemed an affiliate (for purposes of Rule 145 under
the Securities Act and for purposes of qualifying the merger for pooling of
interests accounting treatment) of such party to deliver Corning a written
agreement intended to ensure compliance with the Securities Act and to preserve
the ability of the merger to be accounted for as a pooling of interests.

STOCK EXCHANGE QUOTATION

    It is a condition to the merger that the shares of Corning common stock to
be issued pursuant to the merger agreement be authorized for listing on the New
York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance. An application will
be filed for listing the shares of Corning common stock to be issued in the
merger on the New York Stock Exchange. Following the merger, Oak Industries
common stock will no longer be registered under the Securities Exchange Act or
traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS

    Holders of Oak Industries common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights
under Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law in connection with the
merger.

                                       34
<PAGE>
                              THE MERGER AGREEMENT

CONVERSION OF SECURITIES

    At the effective time of the merger, each share of Oak Industries common
stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the
merger will be canceled and automatically converted into the right to receive
0.83 of a share of Corning common stock. At the effective time of the merger,
each share held in treasury of the Oak Industries or any Oak Industries
subsidiary or owned by Corning or its subsidiaries immediately prior to the
effective time of the merger will be canceled and extinguished and no payment
will be made for those shares. After the effective time of the merger, each
certificate that previously represented shares of Oak Industries common stock
will represent only the right to receive Corning common stock into which the
shares of Oak Industries common stock are converted in the merger and a payment
instead of fractional shares of Corning. Such payment shall be equal to the
proceeds of sale of the aggregate fractional shares at prevailing rates on the
New York Stock Exchange as promptly as is practicable following the effective
time of the merger, multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the
amount of fractional share interest held by each Oak Industries common
stockholder and the denominator which is the aggregate amount of fractional
share interests sold. However, Corning may alternatively elect to pay to each
Oak Industries common stockholder an amount in cash equal to the product of the
fractional share interest held by such stockholder multiplied by the closing
price for a Corning common share on the New York Stock Exchange on the first
trading day immediately following the effective date of the merger.

EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES

    As soon as practicable after the effective time of the merger (but in any
event within five business days), Harris Trust and Savings Bank or another bank
or trust company designated by Corning and acceptable to Oak Industries, in its
capacity as exchange agent, will send a transmittal letter to each former Oak
Industries shareholder. The transmittal letter will contain instructions on how
to obtain shares of Corning common stock in exchange for shares of Oak
Industries common stock. Oak Industries stockholders should not send in their
stock certificates until they receive the transmittal materials from the
exchange agent.

STOCK OPTIONS

    All Oak Industries and Oak Industries' subsidiaries stock options will
remain outstanding and will be assumed by Corning following the effective time.
Each option assumed by Corning will be exercisable upon the same terms and
conditions as under the Oak Industries plans except that each option will
represent the right to acquire the number of Corning shares obtained by
multiplying 0.83 by the number of underlying Oak Industries common shares
subject to the Oak Industries options. In addition, the option exercise price
per share of Corning common stock will be equal to the option exercise price per
share of Oak Industries common stock immediately prior to the merger divided by
0.83.

    Corning will issue to each Oak Industries option holder a document
evidencing its assumption of the options. Corning has agreed to file with the
SEC a Form S-8 or other appropriate registration statement covering the shares
of Corning common stock underlying the assumed options no later than five
business days after the effective time of the merger and to keep the
registration statement current.

RESTRICTED STOCK

    At the effective time, unvested shares of restricted stock of Oak Industries
will be converted into restricted stock of Corning and will remain subject to
the same restrictions and terms and conditions as existing prior to the merger.

                                       35
<PAGE>
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

    The obligations of Corning and Oak Industries to consummate the merger are
subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions:

    - Oak Industries shareholders approve the adoption of the merger agreement;

    - No governmental authority or court having entered an order making the
      merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting its consummation, or taken any
      legal actions which seek to prevent or delay consummation of the merger or
      which would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to
      have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, condition,
      assets or results of operations of Oak Industries;

    - The SEC having declared the Corning registration statement, of which this
      Proxy Statement/ Prospectus forms a part, effective and there existing no
      stop order or other action to suspend the effectiveness of the
      registration statement;

    - The receipt of all material governmental consents, approvals or other
      authorizations legally required to consummate the merger from all
      governmental authorities and receipt by Oak Industries of all required
      third party consents in respect of material contracts;

    - Authorization for listing on the New York Stock Exchange of the shares of
      Corning common stock to be issued to Oak Industries shareholders, subject
      to official notice of issuance;

    - The continued truthfulness and accuracy in all material respects of the
      representations and warranties made by each company, and the performance
      or compliance in all material respects with all material agreements and
      covenants required by the merger agreement, and receipt from the other
      party of a certificate of an officer certifying to the foregoing;

    - Each company having received an opinion from its tax counsel that the
      merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368 of the
      Internal Revenue Code;

    - Retirement of all members of the Oak Industries Board;

    - No event or circumstances shall have occurred since November 13, 1999
      which would have a material adverse effect on the business, operations,
      conditions, assets or results of operations of Oak Industries; and

    - The receipt by Corning of an opinion from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
      stating that the merger will be treated as a pooling of interests under
      applicable accounting standards.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CORNING AND OAK INDUSTRIES

    Corning and Oak Industries made mutual customary representations and
warranties in the merger agreement regarding the following:

    - Corporate organization and qualification to do business of each of the
      companies and their subsidiaries;

    - Validity and effectiveness of charters and bylaws;

    - Capitalization of the companies;

    - Authority to enter into the merger agreement;

    - Absence of conflicts between the merger agreement and the merger, on the
      one hand, and other contractual and legal obligations of the companies, on
      the other hand;

    - Requirement of consents, approvals, filings or other authorizations to
      enter into the merger agreement and consummate the merger;

                                       36
<PAGE>
    - Compliance with all applicable SEC filing requirements and accuracy and
      completeness of SEC filings;

    - Financial statements contained in SEC filings;

    - Absence of certain changes or events since December 31, 1998;

    - Absence of material litigation; and

    - Absence of actions that would prevent the merger from being accounted for
      under the pooling of interests accounting method or qualifying as a
      tax-free reorganization.

    In addition to the mutual representations, Oak Industries also made
representations and warranties in the merger agreement regarding the following:

    - Possession and effectiveness of permits and licenses and contracts
      necessary to carry on business as currently conducted;

    - Operation of business in material compliance with permits, licenses and
      applicable laws;

    - Employee benefit plans;

    - Labor matters;

    - Insurance matters;

    - Environmental matters;

    - Material contracts and commitments;

    - Intellectual property;

    - Tax matters;

    - Title to properties and absence of encumbrances;

    - Opinion of financial advisor;

    - Board approval of the merger and the stockholder vote required to adopt
      the merger agreement;

    - Use of brokers;

    - Undisclosed liabilities;

    - Inapplicability of Delaware anti-takeover laws; and

    - No issuance of rights under its shareholders' rights plan as a result of
      the merger agreement or the merger.

    None of the representations and warranties made in the merger agreement
survive the closing of the merger.

CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO THE CLOSING

    Oak Industries has agreed that, subject to exceptions, between the execution
of the merger agreement and the effective time of the merger, Oak Industries and
its subsidiaries will:

    - Conduct its businesses in the ordinary course of business and in a manner
      consistent with past practice; and

    - Use its reasonable best efforts to preserve substantially intact its
      business organizations and to keep available the services of its current
      officers, employees and consultants and to preserve its

                                       37
<PAGE>
      current relationships with customers, suppliers, licensors, licensees and
      other persons that have significant business relations with Oak
      Industries.

    Oak Industries has also agreed that, subject to exceptions, prior to the
effective time of the merger, without the prior written agreement of Corning,
Oak Industries and its subsidiaries will not:

    - Amend or otherwise change its charter or bylaws;

    - Transfer, issue, sell or otherwise dispose of equity securities, except
      for:

     - the issuance of common stock upon the exercise of outstanding options;

     - the issuance from treasury of common stock in connection with Oak
       Industries' supplemental retirement income plan; or

     - the grant of options to newly-hired employees up to 2,000 shares per
       employee;

    - Transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of any material assets other than
      sales of inventory and obsolete equipment in the ordinary course of
      business;

    - Reclassify, combine, split, subdivide or redeem, purchase or otherwise
      acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its or its subsidiaries' stock;

    - Except in connection with acquisitions of assets in the ordinary course of
      business and which are not acquisitions of substantially all of a
      business, acquire any interest in or assets of any corporation,
      partnership or other business;

    - Incur any indebtedness except with a maturity of not more than one year
      and not in excess of $2.5 million or under Oak Industries' existing credit
      facility in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
      practice;

    - Make or authorize any capital expenditures which are in excess of the
      amounts currently budgeted for fiscal year 1999 and fiscal year 2000;

    - Increase compensation to officers or employees, except for increases in
      the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and
      consistent with current budgets;

    - Grant any rights to severance or termination pay to, or enter into any
      employment or severance agreement with, any director, officer or other
      employee (except in the ordinary course of business in accordance with
      past practices in the case of any employee other than a director or
      officer) or establish, adopt, enter into or amend any collective
      bargaining, bonus, option, retirement, employment, termination, severance
      or other plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or arrangement for the
      benefit of any director, officer or employee;

    - Grant any license for its intellectual property, develop any intellectual
      property jointly with any third party or disclose any confidential
      intellectual property unless the intellectual property is subject to a
      confidentiality agreement;

    - Authorize, declare or set aside any dividend payment or distribution in
      respect of any stock;

    - Enter into or modify any contracts or agreement requiring payment or
      receipt of payment in excess of $1 million;

    - Waive any stock repurchase or acceleration rights, otherwise amend or
      change the terms of any options or restricted stock or authorize cash
      payments in exchange for any options;

    - Settle any material action for the payment of damages in a material amount
      or that involves injunctive or equitable relief;

    - Change its accounting practices; or

                                       38
<PAGE>
    - Make any tax election that is inconsistent with past practices.

    Corning has agreed that, subject to exceptions, between the execution of the
merger agreement and the effective time of the merger, without the prior written
consent of Oak Industries, Corning will not:

    - Authorize, declare or set aside any dividend payments or other
      distribution other than dividends declared and paid in accordance with
      past practices;

    - Reclassify, combine, split or subdivide any or its stock; or

    - Change its accounting practices.

NO SOLICITATION PROVISION

    Oak Industries has agreed not to, or permit any of it subsidiaries to,
through any officer, director, agent or otherwise, initiate, solicit, negotiate,
encourage or provide confidential information to facilitate any proposal that
constitutes any acquisition transaction, which is defined in the merger
agreement as any proposal or offer to acquire all or any substantial part of the
business or properties of Oak Industries or any capital stock of Oak Industries.
Oak Industries has also agreed to cease and cause to be terminated all
discussions or negotiations with respect to any offer or proposal with respect
to an acquisition transaction. Oak Industries has agreed to notify Corning
promptly, but in any event within 48 hours, of all inquiries and proposals that
Oak Industries may receive relating to any of the foregoing matters, such notice
to set out the terms and conditions of such inquiry or proposal and the identity
of the person making it.

    Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the adoption of the merger agreement
by the shareholders of Oak Industries, the Oak Industries Board is not
prohibited from:

    - Furnishing information to, or entering into and engaging in discussions or
      negotiations with, any person in response to an unsolicited written
      proposal or offer regarding an acquisition transaction; or

    - Recommending an acquisition proposal to the stockholders if the Oak
      Industries Board determines in good faith:

     - after consultation with Oak Industries' independent financial advisor,
       that the acquisition proposal would constitute a "superior proposal,"
       which is defined in the merger agreement as a bona fide acquisition
       proposal for all of Oak Industries' outstanding common stock, not subject
       to significant regulatory or financing approvals which the Oak Industries
       Board believes to be significantly more favorable from a financial point
       of view than the merger with Corning; and

     - after consultation with its legal counsel, that the failure to recommend
       such acquisition proposal would constitute a breach of the Oak Industries
       Board's fiduciary duties;

    provided that Oak Industries must notify Corning of its intention to provide
    information to, or enter into negotiations with, a third party concerning a
    superior proposal, such notice identifying the material terms of the
    proposal, and enter into a confidentiality agreement with the third party on
    customary terms; or

    - Withholding, withdrawing or modifying its approval of the merger if it
      determines in good faith, after consultation with its legal counsel, that
      the failure to take such action would constitute a breach of the Oak
      Industries Board's fiduciary duties.

                                       39
<PAGE>
MUTUAL COVENANTS OF CORNING AND OAK INDUSTRIES

    Corning and Oak have agreed as follows:

    - Each company will cooperate to file the SEC documents necessary to
      complete the merger;

    - Each company will use its reasonable best efforts to make all governmental
      filings necessary to consummate the merger, and to obtain all required
      consents, licenses, permits, waivers, approvals, authorizations or orders;

    - The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the surviving corporation
      following the merger will contain the indemnification provisions in favor
      of officers and directors that are contained in Oak Industries' current
      certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and such provisions will not be
      repealed or amended for six years following the merger;

    - Subject to dollar limitations, for six years following the merger Corning
      will maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance covering those
      persons who are currently covered by Oak Industries' directors' and
      officers' liability insurance policy on terms comparable to Oak
      Industries' existing coverage;

    - Neither company will take any action that would undermine the
      qualification of the merger as a tax-free reorganization under
      Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code;

    - Neither company nor their respective subsidiaries or affiliates will take
      any action or fail to take any action that is reasonably likely to
      jeopardize the treatment of the merger as a pooling of interests for
      accounting purposes;

    - Oak Industries will call a stockholders' meeting as promptly as
      practicable for the purpose of voting on the merger and use its reasonable
      best efforts to solicit votes in favor of the merger;

    - Corning will promptly prepare and submit an application to the New York
      Stock Exchange for the listing of the new shares of Corning common stock;

    - Each company will consult with the other regarding any public
      announcements it makes concerning the merger;

    - Oak Industries will notify Corning of all persons that may be deemed
      affiliates of Oak Industries under Rule 145 of the Securities Act, and Oak
      Industries will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain from each
      affiliate a letter in which the affiliate agrees to comply with the resale
      restrictions of Rules 144 and 145 under the Securities Act following the
      merger;

    - Each company will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain customary
      "comfort" letters from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in connection with the
      merger;

    - For a period of two years after the effective time, Corning will provide
      comparable benefits to Oak Industries employees who become Corning
      employees;

    - Oak Industries will, prior to the merger, enter into a supplemental
      indenture in respect of an indenture dated February 25, 1998 relating to
      outstanding convertible notes of Oak Industries, to the effect that the
      merger does not constitute a change of control as defined in the original
      indenture and the notes shall be convertible into Corning common stock at
      the effective time of the merger; and

    - Each company will use reasonable best efforts to cause the conditions to
      the merger to be fulfilled.

                                       40
<PAGE>
TERMINATION AND TERMINATION FEES

    The merger agreement may be terminated and the merger abandoned at any time
prior to the effective time:

    - By mutual consent of Corning and Oak Industries;

    - By either company if the transaction is not completed on or prior to
      May 1, 2000;

    - By Oak Industries upon written notice to Corning of the existence of a
      superior proposal in respect of which Oak Industries Board has authorized
      Oak Industries to enter a definitive agreement, provided, however, that
      termination pursuant to this provision will not be effective until Corning
      has had five days within which to make an offer which the Oak Industries
      Board determines in good faith after consultation with its financial
      advisor matches the competing proposal and until Oak Industries pays the
      termination fee described below;

    - By Corning if:

     - the Oak Industries Board withholds, withdraws, modifies or changes its
       approval of the merger in a manner adverse to Corning;

     - the Oak Industries Board recommends to the shareholders of Oak Industries
       a superior proposal;

     - Oak Industries fails to include its Board approval in this Proxy
       Statement/Prospectus;

     - the Oak Industries Board does not reaffirm its recommendation within five
       days of Corning's request for reaffirmation;

     - Oak Industries breaches the no solicitation of transactions provision in
       the merger agreement; or

     - the Oak Industries Board does not recommend against acceptance of a
       tender or exchange offer for 20% or more of the outstanding shares of
       stock of Oak Industries;

    - By either company if Oak Industries does not receive the required
      shareholder approval;

    - By either company upon the other company's breach, subject to any
      materiality thresholds, of a representation, warranty, covenant or
      agreement, or if any representation or warranty becomes untrue; or

    - By either company if a governmental authority has taken any final and
      non-appealable action prohibiting the consummation of the merger.

    If Corning terminates the merger agreement in accordance with the provision
set forth above providing for termination solely at its election, Oak Industries
is required to pay Corning a termination fee of $50 million, unless Oak
Industries has not engaged in discussions or negotiations with, or provided
confidential information to, any person in respect of an acquisition proposal
and the Oak Industries Board adversely changes or withholds its recommendation
of the merger solely because it is required to do so by its fiduciary duties
based on matters not related to a competing transaction. If Oak Industries
terminates the merger agreement in accordance with the provision set forth in
the third bullet point above providing for termination solely at its election,
Oak Industries is required to pay a termination fee of $50 million. Oak
Industries is also required to pay Corning $50 million in the following
circumstances:

    - Either company terminates the merger agreement as a result of the Oak
      Industries stockholders failing to adopt the merger agreement;

                                       41
<PAGE>
    - A competing proposal for the acquisition of any of the outstanding shares
      of Oak Industries or a substantial part of its business or properties had
      been made public or known to Oak Industries stockholders generally at or
      prior to the time of the failure to adopt the merger agreement; and

    - Within 12 months after termination, Oak Industries consummates, or enters
      into, or announces its intention to enter into, or resolves to enter into
      an agreement with respect to:

     - a business combination following which Oak Industries stockholders do not
       hold at least 80% of the stock of the surviving entity;

     - a disposition of a material portion of the assets of Lasertron or more
       than 20% of the aggregate assets of Oak Industries and its subsidiaries;
       or

     - the acquisition by a third party of any of the capital stock of Lasertron
       or more than 20% of Oak Industries common stock.

EXPENSES

    In the event of termination of the merger agreement by either Corning or Oak
Industries due to a breach by the other party of its representations, warranties
or covenants in the merger agreement, the terminating party is entitled to a
payment of up to $5 million for its reasonable expenses in connection with the
transaction. Oak Industries is also entitled to such payment if the merger
agreement terminates due to the failure of the condition that Corning receives
an opinion from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the effect that the merger will
qualify for treatment as a pooling of interests under applicable accounting
standards.

                                       42
<PAGE>
               UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    The following describes the pro forma effect of the merger on (1) the
unaudited historical balance sheet as of September 30, 1999, (2) the unaudited
historical statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and
1998, and (3) the statements of income for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996 of Corning under the assumptions and adjustments described below.
The pro forma adjustments reflect the application of pooling of interests
accounting discussed in "The Merger--Accounting Treatment." The following
unaudited pro forma combined financial information and the accompanying notes
should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and
related notes of Corning and Oak Industries, incorporated by reference in this
Proxy Statement/ Prospectus.

    The unaudited pro forma combined financial information is provided for
informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what the combined
financial position and results of operations would actually have been had the
merger in fact occurred at the dates indicated. The following unaudited pro
forma combined statements of income and unaudited pro forma combined balance
sheet illustrate the estimated effects of the merger as if that transaction had
occurred at the beginning of each period presented for the statements of income
and at the end of the period for the balance sheet, and gives effect to the
merger as a pooling of interests for accounting purposes. The unaudited pro
forma combined statements of income do not include the impact of nonrecurring
charges directly attributable to the transaction.

    For financial accounting purposes, it is expected that the merger will be
accounted for using the pooling of interests method of accounting. Accordingly,
it is expected that (1) the recorded historical cost basis of the assets and
liabilities of Corning and Oak Industries will be carried forward to the
combined company, (2) results of operations of the combined company will include
income of Corning and Oak Industries for the entire fiscal period in which the
combination occurs and (3) the historical results of operations of the separate
companies for fiscal years before the merger will be combined and reported as
the results of operations of the combined company. Adjustments have been made to
reclassify the presentation of Oak Industries historical financial information
to be consistent with Corning's presentation. However, no adjustments have been
made to the historical financial statements of Corning and Oak Industries to
conform the accounting policies of the combining companies as the nature and
amounts of such adjustments are not expected to be significant. In addition, no
adjustments have been made in the unaudited pro forma combined financial
information for transactions between Corning and Oak Industries as such
transactions were determined to be immaterial.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    (a) Corning and Oak Industries estimate that they will incur direct
       transaction costs of approximately $45 million (pre-tax) associated with
       the merger. These costs consist primarily of investment banking, legal
       and accounting fees, as well as certain payments to senior Oak executives
       described further in "Certain Compensation Arrangements". The unaudited
       pro forma combined balance sheet reflects such expenses as if they had
       been paid as of the end of the third quarter of 1999.

    (b) Adjustments reflect the issuance of 14.4 million shares of Corning
       common stock to effect the exchange of Oak Industries common stock at the
       exchange ratio of 0.83 of a share of Corning common stock for each share
       of Oak Industries common stock. Adjustments also reflect the cancellation
       and extinguishment of all Oak Industries' common stock held in treasury
       at the effective time of the merger.

    (c) Adjustments reflect a reclassification of Oak Industries' reported
       amounts of research and development expense, amortization of intangibles,
       restructuring and impairment charges, and royalty income to conform to
       Corning's presentation.

    (d) The pro forma combined per share amounts and weighted average common
       shares outstanding reflect the combined weighted average of Corning and
       Oak Industries common shares outstanding for all periods presented, after
       adjusting the number of Oak Industries common shares to reflect the
       exchange ratio of 0.83 of a share of Corning common stock for each share
       of Oak Industries common stock. The diluted unaudited pro forma per share
       information for Corning is based on the weighted average number of
       outstanding shares of Corning common stock adjusted to include (1) the
       dilutive effect of Corning employee stock options and Corning monthly
       income preferred securities and Corning convertible preferred stock, in
       certain periods, and (2) the number of shares of Corning common stock
       that would be issued in the merger and (3) the dilutive effect of Oak
       Industries employee stock options, restricted stock and 4 7/8%
       Convertible Subordinated Notes.

                                       43
<PAGE>
                   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
                                 (IN MILLIONS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   OAK        PRO FORMA      COMBINED
                                                     CORNING    INDUSTRIES   ADJUSTMENTS     PRO FORMA
                                                     --------   ----------   -----------     ---------
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>          <C>             <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash.............................................  $   70.0     $  8.2        $   --       $   78.2
  Short-term investments, at cost which
    approximates market value......................      31.5         --            --           31.5
  Accounts receivable, net of doubtful accounts and
    allowances.....................................     768.4       68.3            --          836.7
  Inventories......................................     550.6       73.2                        623.8
  Deferred taxes on income and other current
    assets.........................................     211.5       14.1            --          225.6
                                                     --------     ------        ------       --------
  Total current assets.............................   1,632.0      163.8            --        1,795.8
                                                     --------     ------        ------       --------
Investments
  Associated companies, at equity..................     393.0       10.0            --          403.0
  Others, at cost..................................      58.8        0.2            --           59.0
                                                     --------     ------        ------       --------
                                                        451.8       10.2            --          462.0
                                                     --------     ------        ------       --------
Plant and equipment net of accumulated
  depreciation.....................................   2,909.9       96.1            --        3,006.0
Goodwill and intangible assets net of accumulated
  amortization.....................................     344.5      189.8            --          534.3
Other assets.......................................     335.6       14.9            --          350.5
                                                     --------     ------        ------       --------
                                                     $5,673.8     $474.8        $   --       $6,148.6
                                                     ========     ======        ======       ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Loans payable....................................  $  297.8     $  1.9        $ 45.0 (a)   $  344.7
  Accounts payable.................................     283.8       23.8            --          307.6
  Other accrued liabilities........................     637.1       25.7            --          662.8
                                                     --------     ------        ------       --------
    Total current liabilities......................   1,218.7       51.4          45.0        1,315.1
                                                     --------     ------        ------       --------
Other liabilities..................................     690.1       10.7            --          700.8
Loans payable beyond one year......................   1,287.6      108.2            --        1,395.8
4 7/8% Convertible Subordinated Notes..............        --      100.0            --          100.0
Minority interest in subsidiary companies..........     361.4         --            --          361.4
Convertible preferred stock........................      15.2         --            --           15.2
Common shareholders' equity
  Common stock, including excess over par value and
    other capital..................................   1,032.5      328.7         (65.7)(b)    1,295.5
  Retained earnings................................   1,730.8      (46.8)        (45.0)(a)    1,639.0
  Less cost of common stock in treasury............    (642.9)     (65.7)         65.7 (b)     (642.9)
  Accumulated other comprehensive income...........     (19.6)     (11.7)           --          (31.3)
                                                     --------     ------        ------       --------
Common shareholders' equity........................   2,100.8      204.5         (45.0)       2,260.3
                                                     --------     ------        ------       --------
                                                     $5,673.8     $474.8        $   --       $6,148.6
                                                     ========     ======        ======       ========
</TABLE>

                                       44
<PAGE>
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                      NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
                      (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 OAK        PRO FORMA      COMBINED
                                                   CORNING    INDUSTRIES   ADJUSTMENTS     PRO FORMA
                                                   --------   ----------   -----------     ---------
<S>                                                <C>        <C>          <C>             <C>
REVENUES
  Net sales......................................  $3,048.8     $323.2        $  --        $3,372.0
  Royalty, interest and dividend income..........      29.6        0.4           --            30.0
  Non-operating gain.............................      30.0        0.0           --            30.0
                                                   --------     ------        -----        --------
                                                    3,108.4      323.6           --         3,432.0
DEDUCTIONS
  Cost of sales..................................   1,861.6      212.6           --         2,074.2
  Selling, general and administrative expenses...     428.4       63.5        (16.5)(c)       475.4
  Research, development and engineering
    expenses.....................................     260.9         --         11.2 (c)       272.1
  Provision for restructuring and impairment.....      15.5         --                         15.5
  Amortization of purchased intangibles..........      15.9         --          5.3 (c)        21.2
  Interest expense...............................      56.1       10.0           --            66.1
  Other, net.....................................      32.5         --           --            32.5
                                                   --------     ------        -----        --------
  Income from continuing operations before taxes
    on income....................................     437.5       37.5           --           475.0
  Taxes on income from continuing operations.....     132.4       12.9           --           145.3
                                                   --------     ------        -----        --------
  Income before minority interest and equity
    earnings.....................................     305.1       24.6           --           329.7
  Minority interest in earnings of
    subsidiaries.................................     (46.1)        --           --           (46.1)
  Dividends on convertible preferred securities
    of subsidiary................................      (2.3)        --           --            (2.3)
  Equity in earnings of associated companies.....      84.9       (0.8)          --            84.1
                                                   --------     ------        -----        --------
Income from continuing operations................  $  341.6     $ 23.8        $  --        $  365.4
                                                   ========     ======        =====        ========
Basic earnings per share from continuing
  operations.....................................  $   1.42     $ 1.35           --        $   1.43 (d)
Diluted earnings per share from continuing
  operations.....................................  $   1.39     $ 1.26           --        $   1.40 (d)
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic........     239.7       17.7           --           254.4 (d)
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted......     247.2       20.9           --           264.7 (d)
</TABLE>

                                       45
<PAGE>
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                      NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
                      (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 OAK        PRO FORMA      COMBINED
                                                   CORNING    INDUSTRIES   ADJUSTMENTS     PRO FORMA
                                                   --------   ----------   -----------     ---------
<S>                                                <C>        <C>          <C>             <C>
REVENUES
  Net sales......................................  $2,557.2     $249.5        $  --        $2,806.7
  Royalty, interest and dividend income..........      32.9        0.8          0.5 (c)        34.2
  Non-operating gain.............................      20.5        0.7                         21.2
                                                   --------     ------        -----        --------
                                                    2,610.6      251.0          0.5         2,862.1
DEDUCTIONS
  Cost of sales..................................   1,583.4      155.6           --         1,739.0
  Selling, general and administrative expenses...     352.1       53.3        (13.9)(c)       391.5
  Research, development and engineering
    expenses.....................................     213.8         --          9.8 (c)       223.6
  Provision for restructuring and impairment.....      84.6         --           --            84.6
  Amortization of purchased intangibles..........      11.8         --          4.6 (c)        16.4
  Interest expense...............................      43.8        7.1           --            50.9
  Other, net.....................................      40.4         --           --            40.4
                                                   --------     ------        -----        --------
  Income from continuing operations before taxes
    on income....................................     280.7       35.0           --           315.7
  Taxes on income from continuing operations.....      84.1       13.7           --            97.8
                                                   --------     ------        -----        --------
  Income before minority interest and equity
    earnings.....................................     196.6       21.3           --           217.9
  Minority interest in earnings of
    subsidiaries.................................     (38.6)      (0.6)          --           (39.2)
  Dividends on convertible preferred securities
    of subsidiary................................     (10.3)        --           --           (10.3)
  Equity in earnings of associated companies.....      75.5        1.1           --            76.6
                                                   --------     ------        -----        --------
Income from continuing operations................  $  223.2     $ 21.8        $  --        $  245.0
                                                   ========     ======        =====        ========
Basic earnings per share from continuing
  operations.....................................  $   0.97     $ 1.22           --        $   1.00 (d)
Diluted earnings per share from continuing
  operations.....................................  $   0.95     $ 1.15           --        $   0.98 (d)
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic........     229.7       17.9           --           244.6 (d)
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted......     243.9       20.6           --           259.4 (d)
</TABLE>

                                       46
<PAGE>
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
                      (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    OAK        PRO FORMA    COMBINED
                                                      CORNING    INDUSTRIES   ADJUSTMENTS   PRO FORMA
                                                      --------   ----------   -----------   ---------
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>          <C>           <C>
REVENUES
  Net sales.........................................  $3,484.0     $347.9       $    --     $3,831.9
  Royalty, interest and dividend income.............      48.4        1.0           0.6(c)      50.0
  Non-operating gain................................      39.7        0.7                       40.4
                                                      --------     ------       -------     --------
                                                       3,572.1      349.6           0.6      3,922.3
DEDUCTIONS
  Cost of sales.....................................   2,138.1      222.4          (0.9)(c)  2,359.6
  Selling, general and administrative expenses......     487.7       74.4         (20.0)(c)    542.1
  Research, development and engineering expenses....     293.9         --          13.5(c)     307.4
  Provision for restructuring and impairment........      84.6         --           1.6(c)      86.2
  Amortization of purchased intangibles.............      15.8         --           6.4(c)      22.2
  Interest expense..................................      56.7       10.1            --         66.8
  Other, net........................................      55.7         --            --         55.7
                                                      --------     ------       -------     --------
  Income from continuing operations before taxes on
    income..........................................     439.6       42.7            --        482.3
  Taxes on income from continuing operations........     132.8       16.7            --        149.5
                                                      --------     ------       -------     --------
  Income before minority interest and equity
    earnings........................................     306.8       26.0            --        332.8
  Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries.....     (60.9)      (0.7)           --        (61.6)
  Dividends on convertible preferred securities of
    subsidiary......................................     (13.7)                      --        (13.7)
  Equity in earnings of associated companies........      95.3        2.0            --         97.3
                                                      --------     ------       -------     --------
Income from continuing operations...................  $  327.5     $ 27.3       $    --     $  354.8
                                                      ========     ======       =======     ========
Basic earnings per share from continuing
  operations........................................  $   1.42     $ 1.54            --     $   1.45 (d)
Diluted earnings per share from continuing
  operations........................................  $   1.39     $ 1.46            --     $   1.42 (d)
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic...........     229.6       17.8            --        244.4 (d)
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted.........     243.9       20.6            --        259.2 (d)
</TABLE>

                                       47
<PAGE>
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
                      (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 OAK        PRO FORMA       COMBINED
                                                   CORNING    INDUSTRIES   ADJUSTMENTS      PRO FORMA
                                                   --------   ----------   -----------      ---------
<S>                                                <C>        <C>          <C>              <C>
REVENUES
  Net sales......................................  $3,516.8     $314.4        $   --        $3,831.2
  Royalty, interest and dividend income..........      37.5        0.4           1.0 (c)        38.9
                                                   --------     ------        ------        --------
                                                    3,554.3      314.8           1.0         3,870.1

DEDUCTIONS
  Cost of sales..................................   2,026.3      198.0                       2,224.3
  Selling, general and administrative expenses...     541.6       69.2         (17.4)(c)       593.4
  Research, development and engineering
    expenses.....................................     250.3         --          12.6 (c)       262.9
  Amortization of purchased intangibles..........      16.0         --           5.8 (c)        21.8
  Interest expense...............................      72.0       11.0            --            83.0
  Other, net.....................................      18.9         --            --            18.9
                                                   --------     ------        ------        --------
  Income from continuing operations before taxes
    on income....................................     629.2       36.6            --           665.8
  Taxes on income from continuing operations.....     209.5       13.8            --           223.3
                                                   --------     ------        ------        --------
  Income before minority interest and equity
    earnings.....................................     419.7       22.8            --           442.5
  Minority interest in earnings of
    subsidiaries.................................     (76.3)      (1.1)           --           (77.4)
  Dividends on convertible preferred securities
    of subsidiary................................     (13.7)        --            --           (13.7)
  Equity in earnings of associated companies.....      79.2         --            --            79.2
                                                   --------     ------        ------        --------
Income from continuing operations................  $  408.9     $ 21.7        $   --        $  430.6
                                                   ========     ======        ======        ========
Basic earnings per share form continuing
  operations.....................................  $   1.79     $ 1.22            --        $   1.77 (d)
Diluted earnings per share from continuing
  operations.....................................  $   1.72     $ 1.20            --            1.71 (d)
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic........     228.1       17.8            --           242.9 (d)
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted......     245.4       18.1            --           260.4 (d)
</TABLE>

                                       48
<PAGE>
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                      (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                OAK           PRO FORMA       COMBINED
                                                  CORNING    INDUSTRIES      ADJUSTMENTS      PRO FORMA
                                                  --------   ----------      -----------      ---------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>             <C>              <C>
REVENUES
  Net sales.....................................  $3,024.0     $303.5           $   --        $3,327.5
  Royalty, interest and dividend income.........      29.7        0.5               --            30.2
  Non-operating gain............................        --       21.5               --            21.5
                                                  --------     ------           ------        --------
                                                   3,053.7      325.5               --         3,379.2
DEDUCTIONS
  Cost of sales.................................   1,817.4      189.4             (0.8)(c)     2,006.0
  Selling, general and administrative
    expenses....................................     499.4       67.1            (18.4)(c)       548.1
  Research, development and engineering
    expenses....................................     189.2         --             10.9(c)        200.1
  Provision for restructuring and impairment....        --         --              5.9(c)          5.9
  Amortization of purchased intangibles.........      12.7                         3.6(c)         16.3
  Interest expense..............................      57.2        5.7               --            62.9
  Other, net....................................      22.0         --               --            22.0
                                                  --------     ------           ------        --------
  Income from continuing operations before taxes
    on income...................................     455.8       63.3             (1.2)          517.9
  Taxes on income from continuing operations....     151.4       22.8               --           174.2
                                                  --------     ------           ------        --------
  Income before minority interest and equity
    earnings....................................     304.4       40.5             (1.2)          343.7
  Minority interest in earnings of
    subsidiaries................................     (52.5)      (7.3)              --           (59.8)
  Dividends on convertible preferred securities
    of subsidiary...............................     (13.7)        --               --           (13.7)
  Equity in earnings of associated companies....      85.1       (1.3)             1.2(c)         85.0
                                                  --------     ------           ------        --------
Income from continuing operations...............  $  323.3     $ 31.9           $   --        $  355.2
                                                  ========     ======           ======        ========
Basic earnings per share from continuing
  operations....................................  $   1.42     $ 1.77               --        $   1.46(d)
Diluted earnings per share from continuing
  operations....................................  $   1.40     $ 1.71               --        $   1.44(d)
Weighted average shares outstanding--basic......     227.1       18.0               --           242.0(d)
Weighted average shares outstanding--diluted....     239.5       18.7               --           255.0(d)
</TABLE>

                                       49
<PAGE>
                                 THE COMPANIES

CORNING

BUSINESS

    Corning traces its origins to a glass business established in 1851. Corning
was incorporated in the State of New York in December 1936, and its name was
changed from Corning Glass Works to Corning Incorporated on April 28, 1989.
Today, Corning is an international corporation competing in three broadly
defined business operating segments: Telecommunications, Advanced Materials and
Information Display. Corning's business strategy is to focus on attractive
global markets where its leadership in materials and process technology will
allow it to achieve and sustain competitive advantage and superior growth over
time. Corning's principal executive offices are located at One Riverfront Plaza,
Corning, NY 14831 and its telephone number is (607) 974-9000.

    TELECOMMUNICATIONS.  Corning's Telecommunications segment produces optical
fiber and cable, optical hardware and equipment and photonics components for the
worldwide telecommunications industry. Corning offers a wide selection of fibers
for use in long-haul, utility, submarine, local exchange, cable TV and premises
applications. Corning provides a substantial portion of the world's optical
fiber, including LEAF-Registered Trademark- optical fiber, a technologically
advanced high speed, high-data-rate fiber.

    Siecor Corporation, Corning's equity venture with Siemens, and Corning
Cables, Corning's European optical fiber cabling division, manufactures
fiber-optic cable and network hardware that is deployed throughout the world.
Details of recent developments in respect of this division are set out in the
Recent Development section on page 51.

    Corning's Photonics Technologies Division provides products that maximize
the capacity, flexibility, performance and reliability of communications
networks worldwide. Corning's photonics products boost, combine, separate and
connect optical signals transmitted over fiber-optic telecommunications
networks. Corning is a leading supplier of optical amplifiers and was among the
first to offer an innovative multiplexer module that allows optical signals to
be added or dropped as they travel through a communications network.

    Photonics products, primarily intended to enable the use of dense wavelength
division multiplexing technology, include cutting-edge PureGain-TM- EDGA
modules, PureGain DCM-Registered Trademark- modules and PurePass-TM- optical
routing modules. Corning also offers MultiClad-Registered Trademark- couplers,
variable optical attenuators, micro-optic filters and PureMode-TM- engineered
fibers. Corning's optical networking products operate in terrestrial and
submarine networks worldwide, and are designed to withstand a wide array of
mechanical and environmental conditions. Corning is recognized as an industry
leader, providing low-cost, innovative fiber and photonic network solutions.
Corning's test facilities assure the performance and reliability of its
photonics products at both the component and system levels.

    ADVANCED MATERIALS.  Corning's Advanced Materials segment, which
manufactures environmental products, science products, semiconductor materials,
optical and lighting products and glass ceramic cooktops, has been a mainstay of
Corning's growth for decades.

    Corning's cellular ceramic products are component parts of catalytic
converters on cars, trucks and buses worldwide. Virtually every vehicle
manufacturer around the world demands new products that reduce emissions as
mandated by global, clean-air legislation. Recently introduced advanced cellular
ceramic products are expected to enable vehicle manufacturers to achieve
substantially reduced emissions over the next decade. Similar technologies are
used to reduce emissions from stationary power plants.

    New products from Corning's Science Products Division, which include polymer
microplates and which stem from its expertise in complex polymers, surface
chemistry and molecular biology, are useful

                                       50
<PAGE>
in pharmaceutical and genomic research. Corning's advanced microplates allow for
more efficient drug testing.

    Corning's fused silica products enable semiconductor manufacturers to use
microlithography techniques to achieve miniaturization required for the
manufacture and processing of chips for computer applications.

    INFORMATION DISPLAY.  The Information Display segment manufactures glass
panels and funnels for televisions and cathode-ray tubes; projection video
lenses assemblies; and liquid crystal display glass for flat panel displays.
Corning is a leading supplier of flat glass used in active matrix liquid crystal
displays for notebook computer screens, desktop monitors, digital cameras,
personal digital assistants and automotive displays. Ultra-thin,
precision-surface glass enables customers to create faster, larger and less
expensive liquid crystal displays that have higher resolution.

    Corning's lenses, which are used widely in projection television systems,
are being adapted to meet emerging requirements in digital and high-definition
systems for entertainment as well as commercial applications. Corning's
traditional, more mature television glass business concentrates on glass face
plates, panels, and funnels used to make color picture tubes.

RECENT DEVELOPMENT

    On December 8, 1999, Corning announced the agreement to acquire the
worldwide optical cable and hardware businesses of Siemens AG. The acquisition
will include the remaining 50% of Corning's two existing co-investments with
Siemens: Siecor Corporation and Siecor GmbH. The purchase price will be $1.13
billion in cash, plus the assumption of approximately $120 million of debt and
$145 million of contingent performance payments payable, if earned, over a
four-year period.

    Corning intends to fund the acquisition with proceeds from a common stock
offering and one or more debt issuances in early 2000. The timing and amount of
the common stock offering have not yet been determined but it is currently
anticipated that the offering would be the primary source of financing and could
possibly be completed prior to the special meeting of Oak Industries
stockholders. Corning expects to initially obtain the required debt through
short-term financing. After the closing of the acquisition, it expects to
refinance this short-term debt with a portion of the proceeds from the issuance
of long-term euro-denominated debt.

    Corning expects that the acquisition will close in early 2000. Consummation
of the acquisition is subject to a number of customary conditions, including the
receipt of appropriate antitrust clearance in Europe. Corning expects that,
during the first year after the closing, the acquisition will dilute its
earnings per share by less than 5%.

    Siecor Corporation has historically been accounted for as Corning's
consolidated subsidiary and its results have been recorded within Corning's
Telecommunications segment. Siecor Corporation, which is headquartered in
Hickory, North Carolina, manufactures and distributes fiber-optic cable and
network hardware. Siecor GmbH has historically been accounted for as an equity
affiliate shown as an investment on Corning's balance sheet and its results have
also been accounted for within Corning's Telecommunications segment. Siecor
GmbH, which is headquartered in Neustadt, Germany, manufactures and
distributions optical fiber.

    Additional information concerning Corning is included in Corning's reports
filed under the Securities Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in
this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information" on
pages 59 through 60.

                                       51
<PAGE>
OAK INDUSTRIES

BUSINESS

    Oak Industries is a leading manufacturer of highly engineered components
that it designs and sells to manufacturers and service providers in
communications and other selected industries. Oak Industries' communications
products consist primarily of dense wavelength division multiplexing ("DWDM")
fiber-optic components for the wired telephony infrastructure, connectors for
broadband networks, and frequency control devices used in wireless base stations
and telecommunications applications. Oak Industries' controls products include
components for gas ranges, and switches and encoders, which are used in a wide
range of applications. Oak Industries' principal executive offices are located
at 1000 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451 and its telephone number is
(781) 890-0400.

    FIBER-OPTIC PRODUCTS.  The Fiber-Optic Products segment designs,
manufactures and sells active DWDM fiber-optic components used in long distance
and metropolitan wired telephony networks. Oak Industries supplies its
fiber-optic components to the major telecommunications equipment manufacturers
and systems integrators.

    Oak Industries' fiber-optic products include pump lasers that are critical
components of optical amplifiers and increase the power of light signals.
Optical amplifiers are placed at intervals in the network or at the source of
the light signal. Oak Industries' pump lasers are deployed in the major domestic
long distance networks and in rings connecting headends in broadband networks.
Oak Industries also designs and manufactures transmission components that are
used to generate or detect optical signals carried on fiber-optic links. Oak
Industries has developed a line of advanced transmission products, known as
distributed feedback lasers or DFBs, focused on metropolitan wavelength division
multiplexing transmission systems. Oak Industries also manufactures standard
transmission products, such as laser sources and detectors.

    The Fiber-Optic Products segment's manufacturing facilities are located in
Bedford, Massachusetts.

    CABLE BROADBAND PRODUCTS.  The Cable Broadband Products segment is a leading
worldwide manufacturer of coaxial connectors for broadband networks that
transmit video, data and voice signals. Oak Industries manufactures connectors
for the trunk and feeder portion of the broadband distribution network. Oak
Industries also manufactures drop connectors that connect the subscriber's
television or cable modem to the network. Oak Industries supplies its connectors
to the major broadband network operators.

    Oak Industries also manufactures connectors for use on coaxial cables that
connect tower-mounted antennas to electronic equipment on the ground at wireless
base stations. In addition, Oak Industries manufactures subminiature microwave
connectors used in telecommunications systems, satellites and other high
reliability applications.

    The Cable Broadband Products segment manufactures products in Glendale and
Phoenix, Arizona; Vordingborg, Denmark; and Amboise, France.

    FREQUENCY CONTROL PRODUCTS.  The Frequency Control Products segment is a
leading supplier of quartz crystals and oscillators for use in wireless, wired
telephony, military, satellite and other communications applications as well as
for automotive applications. Crystals and oscillators provide critical timing or
frequency references for communications networks and other electronic
applications requiring a high degree of signal precision.

    The Frequency Control Products segment supplies its oscillators and crystals
to leading manufacturers of wireless base stations and telecommunications
equipment, as well as manufacturers of test, instrumentation and other equipment
and automotive systems.

                                       52
<PAGE>
    The Frequency Control Products segment's manufacturing facilities are
located in Mt. Holly Springs, Carlisle, and Mercersburg, Pennsylvania; Kansas
City, Kansas; Whitby, Ontario, Canada; Shanghai, China; and Neckarbischofsheim,
Germany.

    CONTROLS PRODUCTS.  The Controls Products segment is a leading supplier of
components for gas range appliances and outdoor gas grills. These components
control the flow of gas to, and the ignition and temperature of, burners and
ovens. The Controls Products segment supplies its components to the major
domestic gas range and gas grill manufacturers, as well as gas range
manufacturers in Canada, Mexico and Latin America. The Controls Products segment
also supplies service parts for gas ranges and sells gas grills for outdoor
cooking.

    The Controls Products segment also manufactures optical, rotary and
appliance switches and encoders for applications in the appliance, test and
measurement, communications, medical, military and other markets.

    The Controls Products segment has manufacturing facilities in Princeton,
Illinois; Ooltewah, Tennessee; and Juarez, Mexico.

    Additional information concerning Oak Industries is included in Oak
Industries' reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act that are
incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement/ Prospectus. See "Where You
Can Find More Information" on pages 59 through 60.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

    The following table sets forth, as of December 23, 1999 the name of each
person who, to the knowledge of Oak Industries, may be deemed to own
beneficially more than 5% of the shares of Oak Industries common stock
outstanding at such date, the number of shares owned by each such person and the
percentage of the outstanding shares of Oak Industries common stock represented
thereby.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      PERCENT OF
                                                             AMOUNT AND NATURE OF   OAK INDUSTRIES
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                         BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP    COMMON STOCK
- ------------------------------------                         --------------------   --------------
<S>                                                          <C>                    <C>
John Hancock Advisors, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02199...........................................       1,901,625(1)           11.0(1)
Lazard Freres & Co. LLC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020.........................................       1,240,393(2)            7.0(2)
Hartford Capital Appreciation HLS Fund, Inc.
200 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT 06070.........................................       1,053,200(3)            5.9(3)
FMR Corp.
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109...........................................         999,790(4)            5.6(4)
</TABLE>

- ------------------------------
(1) Based on Schedule 13G dated November 30, 1999 indicating that John Hancock
    Advisors, Inc. has the sole power to vote or to direct the vote of and to
    dispose or direct the disposition of, the 1,901,625 shares of common stock
    as a result of John Hancock Advisors, Inc. acting as investment advisor
    under various advisory agreements. John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
    Company and John Hancock Subsidiaries, Inc., each located at John Hancock
    Place, P.O. Box 111, Boston, MA 02117 and the Berkeley Financial Group,
    Inc., located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02199, each have indirect
    ownership of these shares through their parent-subsidiary relationship to
    John Hancock Advisory, Inc.

(2) Based on Schedule 13G dated February 16, 1999 indicating sole voting power
    with respect to 998,520 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to
    1,240,393 shares.

(3) Based on Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 13G dated February 9, 1999 indicating
    shared voting and dispositive power with respect to such shares.

(4) Based on Amendment No. 5 to Schedule 13G dated February 1, 1999 indicating
    that: (i) Fidelity Management & Research Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary
    of FMR Corp., is the beneficial owner of 909,390 of these shares as a result
    of Fidelity's acting as investment advisor to various investment companies,
    that Edward C. Johnson 3d, FMR Corp., through its control of Fidelity, and
    the various investment companies each has sole dispositive power of the
    909,390 shares, and that such shares include an aggregate of 258,689 shares
    resulting from the assumed conversion of 4 7/8% Convertible Subordinated
    Notes due March 1, 2008 of Oak Industries held by such investment companies;
    (ii) Fidelity Management Trust Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR
    Corp., is the beneficial owner of 90,400 shares as a result of FMTC's acting
    as investment manager of certain institutional accounts, and Edward C.
    Johnson 3d and FMR Corp., through its control of FMTC, each has sole voting
    and dispositive power over such shares; and (iii) members of the Edward C.
    Johnson 3d family may be deemed, under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
    to form a controlling group with respect to FMR Corp.

                                       53
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

    The following table sets forth, as of December 23, 1999, certain information
with respect to the number of shares of Oak Industries common stock beneficially
owned by its directors and executive officers and the percentage of the
outstanding shares of Oak Industries common stock represented thereby.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NUMBER OF              PERCENT OF
                                                              OAK INDUSTRIES         OAK INDUSTRIES
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                                        SHARES(1)             COMMON STOCK
- ------------------------                                      --------------         --------------
<S>                                                           <C>                    <C>
William S. Antle III........................................      861,751(2)(3)(4)   4.5
Beth L. Bronner.............................................       44,000(2)(5)      *
Daniel W. Derbes............................................       82,000(2)(5)(7)   *
Coleman S. Hicks............................................      314,745(4)(8)      1.7
Roderick M. Hills...........................................      138,126(2)(5)(9)   *
Pamela F. Lenehan...........................................      322,508(4)(8)      1.8
Gilbert E. Matthews.........................................       46,000(2)(5)      *
Elliot L. Richardson........................................       56,000(2)(5)      *
Frank J. Russo..............................................       13,500(2)(6)      *
All current executive officers and directors as a group
  (9 persons)...............................................    1,878,630(10)        9.8
</TABLE>

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

*   Constitutes less than 1% of the total shares outstanding.

(1) Nature of beneficial ownership is direct and arises from sole voting and
    investment power, unless otherwise indicated by footnote.

(2) Includes the following shares subject to stock options presently exercisable
    or becoming exercisable within sixty days of December 23, 1999, assuming the
    merger occurs within such sixty-day period or within 45 days after such
    sixty-day period, by the following directors: Mr. Antle, 644,453 shares;
    Ms. Bronner, 41,500 shares; Mr. Derbes or the Derbes Family Trust, 25,000
    shares; Mr. Hills or the Hills Family Limited Partnerships, of which
    Mr. Hills is a general partner, 37,500 shares; Mr. Matthews, 37,500 shares;
    Mr. Richardson, 37,500 shares; and Mr. Russo, 12,500 shares.

(3) Includes 13,000 shares held by his spouse as to which Mr. Antle disclaims
    beneficial ownership and 2,100 shares held indirectly in trust. Also
    includes 40,000 shares subject to restrictions on disposition that lapse on
    January 1, 2000.

(4) Includes Oak Industries' common stock equivalents attributable to the
    following executive officers in the Oak Industries Supplemental Retirement
    Income Plan: Mr. Antle, 17,995 shares; Mr. Hicks, 5,037 shares; and
    Ms. Lenehan, 5,508 shares.

(5) Includes 2,000 shares of restricted stock that have been awarded as part of
    such director's annual compensation package and 500 shares of restricted
    stock that will be awarded as part of such director's annual compensation
    package on January 1, 2000; such shares are subject to restrictions on
    disposition for a period of five years from their grant dates. Such shares
    of restricted stock held by Ms. Bronner will be forfeited upon the closing
    of the merger.

(6) Includes 500 shares of restricted stock that have been awarded as part of
    Mr. Russo's annual compensation package and 500 shares of restricted stock
    that will be awarded as part of Mr. Russo's annual compensation package on
    January 1, 2000; such shares are subject to restrictions on disposition for
    a period of five years from their grant date. Such shares of restricted
    stock held by Mr. Russo will be forfeited upon the closing of the merger.

(7) Includes 54,500 shares held indirectly in trust.

(8) Includes the following shares subject to stock options presently exercisable
    or becoming exercisable within sixty days of December 23, 1999, assuming the
    merger occurs within such sixty-day period or within 45 days after such
    sixty-day period, by the following executive officers: Mr. Hicks, 245,364
    shares and Ms. Lenehan, 252,000 shares. Also includes 25,000 shares for each
    of Mr. Hicks and Ms. Lenehan subject to restrictions on disposition that
    lapse on January 1, 2000.

(9) Includes (i) 68,349 shares held indirectly by the Hills Family Limited
    Partnerships, of which Mr. Hills is a general partner; Mr. Hills disclaims
    beneficial ownership of these shares except to the extent of his pecuniary
    interest therein, and (ii) 8,174 shares held indirectly by his spouse as
    trustee as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership.

(10) Includes 1,333,317 shares subject to stock options presently exercisable or
    becoming exercisable within sixty days of December 23, 1999, assuming the
    merger occurs within such sixty-day period or within 45 days after such
    sixty-day period, by directors and executive officers of Oak Industries.

                                       54
<PAGE>
                      DESCRIPTION OF CORNING CAPITAL STOCK

AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK

    Corning authorized capital stock consists of 500,000,000 shares of common
stock, $.50 par value, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $100 par value.

COMMON STOCK

    As of December 15, 1999, there were 245,401,008 outstanding shares of
Corning common stock held by approximately 16,000 holders of record. The holders
of Corning common stock are entitled to one vote for each share on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have cumulative voting rights.
The Corning Board is classified into three classes of approximately equal size,
one of which is elected each year. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the
Corning common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors may elect all
of the directors standing for election. The holders of Corning common stock are
entitled to share ratably in all assets of Corning which are legally available
for distribution, after payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject
to the prior rights of any holders of Corning preferred stock then outstanding.
The current quarterly cash dividend of Corning common stock is $0.18 per share
of common stock. The continued declaration of dividends by the Corning Board is
subject to the current and prospective earnings, financial condition and capital
requirements of Corning and any other factors that the Corning Board deems
relevant. The holders of Corning common stock have no preemptive, subscription,
redemption or conversion rights. The outstanding shares of Corning common stock
are fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of
holders of Corning common stock are subject to the rights of the holders of
shares of any series of Corning preferred stock which Corning may issue in the
future.

PREFERRED STOCK

    Corning has designated 2,400,000 shares of its preferred stock as Series A
junior participated preferred stock, 316,822 shares as Series B convertible
preferred stock and 4,683,710 shares as Series C 6% cumulative convertible
preferred stock. As of December 15, 1999, there were 125,101 outstanding shares
of Series B preferred stock, held exclusively by the trustee of Corning's
existing employee investment plans. No other Corning preferred stock is
outstanding. Series A preferred stock is reserved for issuance upon exercise of
the rights distributed to the holders of Corning common stock pursuant to the
Corning rights agreement referred to below.

    The Corning Board has the authority, without further shareholder approval,
to create other series of preferred stock, to issue shares of preferred stock in
such series up to the maximum number of shares of the relevant class of
preferred stock authorized, and to fix the dividend rights and terms, conversion
rights and terms, voting rights, redemption rights and terms, liquidation
preferences, sinking funds and any other rights, preferences and limitations
applicable to each such series of Corning preferred stock. The purpose of
authorizing the Corning Board to determine such rights and preferences is to
eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The
issuance of Corning preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection
with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other
things, adversely affect the voting power of holders of Corning common stock
and, under certain circumstances, make it more difficult for a third party to
gain control of Corning.

RIGHTS AGREEMENT

    Corning has adopted a Rights Agreement, dated as of June 5, 1996, which
provides for the issuance of one right to the holder of each share of Corning
common stock. Ten days after any person or group acquires or announces its
intention to acquire 20% or more of the outstanding Corning stock, each Corning
right will entitle the holder, other than the acquiring person or group, to
purchase one

                                       55
<PAGE>
one-hundredth of a share of Series A preferred stock, at an exercise price of
$125 subject to certain antidilution adjustments.

    If a person or group announces its intention to acquire 20% or more of the
outstanding Corning stock or if Corning is acquired in a merger or other
business combination or sells 50% or more of its assets or earning power, each
Corning right, other than a Corning right beneficially owned by the acquiring
person or group, which will be void, will entitle the holder to purchase, at the
exercise price, common stock of the acquiring person or group having a current
market value of two times the exercise price of the right. Prior to a person or
group acquiring 50% or more of the outstanding Corning stock, the Corning Board
may also elect to issue a share of Corning stock in exchange for each Corning
right, other than Corning rights held by the acquiring person or group.

    The Corning rights expire on July 15, 2006, unless this expiration date is
extended or the Corning rights are exchanged or redeemed by Corning before such
date. Prior to an announcement by a person or group of its intent to acquire 20%
or more of the outstanding Corning stock, Corning may redeem the Corning rights
in whole, but not in part, for $0.01 per Corning right, or it may amend the
Corning rights agreement in any way without the consent of the holders of the
Corning rights.

INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

    Sections 722 and 723 of the Business Corporation Law of the State of New
York provide that a corporation may indemnify its current and former directors
and officers under certain circumstances. Corning's bylaws provide that it shall
indemnify each director and officer against all costs and expenses actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense of any action or
proceeding against him or related appeal by reason of his being or having been a
director or officer of Corning to the full extent permitted by the Business
Corporation Law.

    Section 402(b) of the Business Corporation Law provides that a corporation
may include a provision in its certificate of incorporation limiting the
liability of its directors to the corporation or its shareholders for damages
for the breach of any duty, except for a breach involving intentional
misconduct, bad faith, a knowing violation of law or receipt of an improper
personal benefit or for certain illegal dividends, loans or stock repurchases.
Corning's restated certificate of incorporation provides that its directors'
liability is limited to the extent permitted by the Business Corporation Law.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

    The transfer agent and registrar for the Corning common stock is Harris
Trust and Savings Bank in Chicago, Illinois.

                        COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS

    As a result of the merger, holders of Oak Industries common stock will
become holders of Corning common stock. The following is a summary of certain of
the material differences between the rights of holders of Oak Industries common
stock and the rights of holders of Corning common stock. Corning is organized
under the laws of the State of New York, and Oak Industries is organized under
the laws of the State of Delaware. These differences arise from differences
between the New York and Delaware state laws, as well as under the various
provisions of the Corning restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws and
the Oak Industries restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and
bylaws.

    The following summary does not purport to be a complete statement of the
rights of holders of Corning common stock and Oak Industries common stock under,
and is qualified by its entirety by reference to, New York law, Delaware law and
the charters and bylaws of Corning and Oak Industries. See "Description of
Corning Capital Stock" on pages 55 through 56 for a summary of certain other
rights relating to the Corning common stock.

                                       56
<PAGE>
NUMBER, CLASSIFICATION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

    The number of directors of Corning is fixed by the Corning Board and, unless
approved by at least two-thirds of the Corning Board, or 80% of the holders of
shares then entitled to vote in the election of directors, shall be not less
than nine nor more than twenty-four. The Corning Board is divided into three
classes serving staggered three-year terms and any one or more of the directors
of Corning may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause, and only
by the holders of at least a majority of the shares then entitled to vote in an
election of directors or a majority of the Corning Board.

    The number of directors of Oak Industries is fixed by the Oak Industries
Board and shall not be less than six nor more than nine. Directors serve until
the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are elected
and qualified. Delaware law provides that, except with respect to corporations
with classified boards or cumulative voting, a director may be removed, with or
without cause, by the holders of the majority in voting power of the shares
entitled to vote at an election of directors. Oak Industries' Board of Directors
is not classified and there is no cumulative voting.

ADVANCE NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

    The bylaws of Corning provide that a stockholder must give advance written
notice if the stockholder intends to make nominations for the Corning Board.
They do not provide for other stockholder proposals. For a director nomination
to be properly brought by a stockholder before an annual meeting, notice must be
delivered to or mailed by the stockholder and received at the principal
executive offices of Corning not less than 90 days, nor more than 120 days prior
to the anniversary of the prior year's annual meeting; provided, however, that
if the date of the annual meeting has been advanced by more than 30 days or
delayed by more than 60 days from such anniversary date, the stockholder's
notice must be received no earlier than 120 days prior to such meeting and at
least 90 days prior to the annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on
which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.

    To be timely with respect to a director nomination at a special meeting of
Corning's stockholders, a stockholder's notice must be delivered to or mailed by
the stockholder and received by Corning at least 90 days prior to the date of
the meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of
the date of such meeting is first made, and no earlier than 120 days prior to
the date of the meeting.

    Oak Industries' bylaws provide that a stockholder must give advance written
notice if the stockholder intends to bring any business before an annual meeting
of stockholders. Oak Industries' bylaws require that, for business to be
properly brought by a stockholder before an annual meeting, written notice must
be delivered to the Secretary of Oak Industries not less than 120 days in
advance of the anniversary of the date Oak Industries' proxy statement was
released to its stockholders in connection with the prior year's annual meeting.
If no annual meeting was held the previous year, or if the date of the annual
meeting has been changed by more than 30 days from the date contemplated at the
time of the previous year's proxy statement, the stockholder's notice must be
received on the later of 120 days prior to the annual meeting or 10 days
following the date on which public announcement of the date of the meeting is
first made.

    Business transacted at any special meeting of Oak Industries stockholders is
limited to the purposes stated in the notice.

RIGHT TO CALL SPECIAL MEETINGS

    The bylaws of Corning provide that special meetings of stockholders may be
called at any time by the Chairman, the Chairman of the Executive Committee, a
Vice-Chairman or the President.

    Special meetings of the stockholders of a Delaware corporation may be called
by the board of directors or by the persons authorized in the corporation's
certificate of incorporation or bylaws. Oak

                                       57
<PAGE>
Industries' bylaws provide that a special meeting of the stockholders may be
called at any time by the Chairman of the Board.

SHAREHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT

    Under New York law, any action which may be taken at a meeting of
shareholders of Corning may also be taken by the written consent of all the
holders entitled to vote thereon.

    Oak Industries' restated certificate of incorporation provides that no
action required to be taken or which may be taken at any annual or special
meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting, and the power of
stockholders to consent in writing to the taking of any such action is denied.

TRANSACTIONS WITH INTERESTED SHAREHOLDERS

    Corning is subject to Section 912 of the New York Business Corporation Law.
Under Section 912, an interested shareholder, defined generally as a person
owning 20% or more of a corporation's outstanding voting stock, is prevented
from engaging in a business combination with the corporation for five years
after becoming an interested shareholder unless:

    - The board approved the transaction in which the interested shareholder
      became an interested shareholder; or

    - The board approves the business combination before the shareholder becomes
      an interested shareholder.

    Oak Industries is subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law. Under Section 203, an interested stockholder, defined generally as a person
owning 15% or more of a corporation's outstanding voting stock, is prevented
from engaging in a business combination with the corporation for three years
after becoming an interested stockholder unless:

    - The board approved the transaction in which the interested stockholder
      became an interested stockholder;

    - The interested stockholder owns more than 85% of the stock after the
      consummation of the transaction in which the stockholder became
      interested; or

    - The board approves the business combination and 2/3 of the outstanding
      voting stock of the corporation not owned by the interested stockholder
      approves the business combination.

AMENDMENT OF CHARTER AND BYLAWS

    In general, the Corning certificate of incorporation may be amended by an
affirmative vote of the Corning Board and the holders of a majority of Corning's
shares. Any amendment to the article of the Corning certificate of incorporation
which relates to approval of a business combination, however, requires the
affirmative vote of 80% of the outstanding voting stock of Corning unless it has
been approved by a vote of 66 2/3% of the full Corning Board and an affirmative
vote of a majority of continuing members of the Corning Board. In addition, any
amendment to the article which relates to the Corning Board, requires the
affirmative vote of 80% of the outstanding voting stock of Corning unless it had
been approved by a vote of 66 2/3% of the full Corning Board. Under New York
law, a corporation's bylaws may be amended by a majority of the votes of shares
then entitled to vote in the election of directors or, when so provided in the
corporation's certificate of incorporation or bylaws, by the board of directors.
Under the Corning bylaws, a bylaw may be amended by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the full Corning Board or the holders of a majority of Corning's
voting stock, other than the article relating to the Corning Board which
requires the affirmative vote of 80% of the outstanding shares of Corning unless
they have been approved by a vote of 66 2/3% of the full Corning Board.

    A Delaware corporation's certificate of incorporation generally may be
amended by a majority in voting power of the outstanding stock entitled to vote,
unless the corporation's certificate of

                                       58
<PAGE>
incorporation provides for a greater vote. Oak Industries' certificate of
incorporation provides for a greater vote in order to amend Article Fourth
relating to mergers and certain other transactions not approved by the Oak
Industries Board, and Article Tenth relating to certain rights of stockholders,
of the certificate of incorporation. To amend the above-referenced Articles, the
holders of four-fifths of all classes of stock entitled to vote in elections of
directors must approve such amendment.

    Delaware vests the power to amend a company's bylaws in the stockholders
unless a company's charter of incorporation confers such power upon the
directors. Conferring such power on the directors, however, will not divest the
stockholders of such power. Oak Industries' charter confers the power to make,
alter or repeal the bylaws on the Oak Industries Board. The charter also
provides that the holders of four-fifths of all stock entitled to vote in
elections of directors may amend, alter or repeal the bylaws.

                             STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

    If the merger is not consummated, Oak Industries will hold a 2000 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders. The deadline for stockholders to submit proposals
pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act for inclusion in Oak Industries'
proxy statement and form of proxy for the Annual Meeting was November 24, 1999.
The date after which notice of a stockholder proposal submitted outside of the
processes of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act is considered untimely is
February 8, 2000. If notice of a stockholder proposal submitted outside of the
processes of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act is received by Oak Industries after
February 8, 2000, then Oak Industries' proxy for the Annual Meeting may confer
discretionary authority to vote on such matter without any discussion of such
matter in the proxy statement for the Annual Meeting.

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

    Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the securities offered
hereby and the federal income tax consequences of the merger will be passed upon
for Corning by William D. Eggers, its Senior Vice President and General Counsel.
Certain legal matters in connection with the federal income tax consequences of
the merger will be passed upon for Oak Industries by Ropes & Gray.

                                    EXPERTS

    The financial statements of Corning incorporated in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus by reference to Corning's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1998, have been so incorporated in reliance on the
report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the
authority of that firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

    The financial statements of Oak Industries incorporated in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus by reference to Oak Industries' Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1998, have been so incorporated in reliance on
the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the
authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

    Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP expect to be present at the
special meeting and, while such representatives have stated they do not plan to
make a statement at the meeting, they will be available to respond to
appropriate questions from stockholders in attendance.

                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    Corning and Oak Industries are each subject to the informational
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act and, in accordance therewith file
reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by Corning and Oak Industries with the
SEC can be viewed electronically through the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering,
Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) system. The SEC maintains a World Wide Web site
at http://www.sec.gov that

                                       59
<PAGE>
contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. Copies can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at
Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the SEC's
Regional Offices located at 7 World Trade Center, 13th floor, New York, New York
10048 and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies
of such materials also can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public
Reference Section of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, Washington, D.C. 20549.
Information regarding the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the
Commission at (800) 732-0330. Corning common stock and Oak Industries common
stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and reports and other
information concerning Corning can also be inspected at the offices of the New
York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

    Corning has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 under
the Securities Exchange Act with respect to the shares of Corning common stock
to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus
does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement,
selected portions which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the SEC. For further information with respect to Corning, Oak Industries and
the Corning common stock, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement
(including its exhibits and schedules).

    The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information into this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to
you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC.
Statements contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus or in any document
incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus as to the contents
of any contract or other document referred to herein or therein are not
necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such
contract or other document (if any) filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or such other document, each such statement being qualified in all
respects by such reference. The information incorporated by reference is deemed
to be part of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus
incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that Corning and Oak
Industries have previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain important
information about Corning and Oak Industries and their finances.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   CORNING SEC FILINGS (FILE NO.1/I-3247)                         PERIOD
- ---------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>
Annual Report on Form 10-K                     Year ended December 31, 1998
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q                 Quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999
                                               and September 30, 1999
Current Reports on Form 8-K                    Dated January 19, 1999; January 25, 1999;
                                               February 4, 1999; March 1, 1999; March 3,
                                               1999; April 14, 1999; July 8, 1999; July 19,
                                               1999; October 13, 1999; and November 18, 1999
Current Report on Form 8K/A                    January 26, 1999
Registration Statement on Form 8-A             July 11, 1996

    OAK INDUSTRIES SEC FILINGS (FILE NO.                          PERIOD
                  1/I-4474)                    ---------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------
Annual Report on Form 10-K                     Year ended December 31, 1998
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q                  Quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999
                                               and September 30, 1999
Current Reports on Form 8-K                    November 18, 1999; November 24, 1999; and
                                               December 3, 1999
Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A           November 24, 1999
</TABLE>

                                       60
<PAGE>
    All documents and reports subsequently filed by Corning or Oak Industries
pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
after the date of this Proxy Statement/ Prospectus and prior to the date of the
special meeting shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such
documents or reports. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus incorporates important business and
financial information about Corning and Oak Industries that is not included in
or delivered with this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Documents incorporated by
reference which are not presented herein or delivered herewith (other than
exhibits to such documents unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by
reference) are available to any person, including any beneficial owner, to whom
this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is delivered, on written or oral request,
without charge, in the case of documents relating to Corning directed to
Corning Inc., One Riverfront Plaza, Corning, New York 14831 (telephone number
(607) 974-9001), Attention: Secretary, or, in the case of documents relating to
Oak Industries, directed to Oak Industries Inc., 1000 Winter Street, Waltham,
Massachusetts 02451 (telephone number (781) 890-0400), Attention: Secretary. In
order to ensure timely delivery of any of such documents, any request should be
made by January 21, 2000.

    NO PERSONS HAVE BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE CORNING COMMON STOCK TO BE ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE
MERGER AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, ANY
SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH, OR ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT WOULD BE
UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES MADE HEREUNDER
SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO
CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF CORNING OR OAK INDUSTRIES SINCE THE DATE OF THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OR THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.

                                          By Order of the Board of Directors of
                                          Oak Industries Inc.

                                          [LOGO]

                                          Mela Lew
                                          VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND
                                          SECRETARY

                                       61
<PAGE>
                                                                         ANNEX A

                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                                     AMONG

                              CORNING INCORPORATED

                        RIESLING ACQUISITION CORPORATION

                                      AND

                              OAK INDUSTRIES INC.

                         DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 13, 1999
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I
  THE MERGER

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
    SECTION 1.01. The Merger................................   A-1
    SECTION 1.02. Closing; Effective Time...................   A-1
    SECTION 1.03. Effect of the Merger......................   A-2
    SECTION 1.04. Certificate of Incorporation; By-Laws.....   A-2
    SECTION 1.05. Directors and Officers....................   A-2

ARTICLE II
    CONVERSION OF SECURITIES; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES

    SECTION 2.01. Conversion of Securities..................   A-2
    SECTION 2.02. Exchange of Certificates..................   A-3
    SECTION 2.03. Stock Transfer Books......................   A-5
    SECTION 2.04. Company Stock Options.....................   A-6
    SECTION 2.05. Restricted Stock..........................   A-7

ARTICLE III
    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

    SECTION 3.01. Organization and Qualification;
Subsidiaries................................................   A-7
    SECTION 3.02. Certificate of Incorporation and
By-Laws.....................................................   A-7
    SECTION 3.03. Capitalization............................   A-7
    SECTION 3.04. Authority Relative to This Agreement......   A-8
    SECTION 3.05. No Conflict; Required Filings and
Consents....................................................   A-9
    SECTION 3.06. Permits; Compliance.......................   A-9
    SECTION 3.07. SEC Filings; Financial Statements.........  A-10
    SECTION 3.08. Undisclosed Liabilities...................  A-10
    SECTION 3.09. Absence of Certain Changes or Events......  A-10
    SECTION 3.10. Absence of Litigation.....................  A-10
    SECTION 3.11. Employee Benefit Matters..................  A-11
    SECTION 3.12. Material Contracts........................  A-12
    SECTION 3.13. Environmental Matters.....................  A-13
    SECTION 3.14 Title to Properties; Absence of Liens and
Encumbrances................................................  A-13
    SECTION 3.15 Intellectual Property......................  A-13
    SECTION 3.16. [Intentionally Omitted]...................  A-14
    SECTION 3.17. Taxes.....................................  A-14
    SECTION 3.18. Accounting and Tax Matters................  A-15
    SECTION 3.19. Board Approval; Vote Required.............  A-15
    SECTION 3.20. Insurance.................................  A-15
    SECTION 3.21. State Takeover Statutes; Stockholder
Rights Plan.................................................  A-15
    SECTION 3.22. Labor Matters.............................  A-15
    SECTION 3.23. Opinion of Financial Advisor..............  A-15
    SECTION 3.24. Brokers...................................  A-15
</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
ARTICLE IV
    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB

    SECTION 4.01. Organization and Qualification;
Subsidiaries................................................  A-16
    SECTION 4.02. Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.....  A-16
    SECTION 4.03. Capitalization............................  A-16
    SECTION 4.04. Authority Relative to This Agreement......  A-17
    SECTION 4.05. No Conflict; Required Filings and
Consents....................................................  A-17
    SECTION 4.06. SEC Filings; Financial Statements.........  A-17
    SECTION 4.07. Absence of Certain Changes or Events......  A-18
    SECTION 4.08. Absence of Litigation.....................  A-18
    SECTION 4.09. Accounting and Tax Matters................  A-18
    SECTION 4.10. Operations of Merger Sub..................  A-18

ARTICLE V
    CONDUCT OF BUSINESSES PENDING THE MERGER

    SECTION 5.01. Conduct of Business by the Company Pending
the Merger..................................................  A-19
    SECTION 5.02. Conduct of Business by Parent Pending the
Merger......................................................  A-20
    SECTION 5.03. Notification of Certain Matters...........  A-21

ARTICLE VI
    ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

    SECTION 6.01. Registration Statement; Joint Proxy
Statement...................................................  A-21
    SECTION 6.02. Company Stockholders' Meeting.............  A-22
    SECTION 6.03. Access to Information; Confidentiality....  A-23
    SECTION 6.04. No Solicitation of Transactions...........  A-23
    SECTION 6.05. Directors' and Officers' Indemnification
and Insurance...............................................  A-24
    SECTION 6.06. Obligations of Merger Sub.................  A-25
    SECTION 6.07. Affiliates................................  A-25
    SECTION 6.08. Pooling...................................  A-25
    SECTION 6.09. Further Action; Consents; Filings.........  A-26
    SECTION 6.10. Plan of Reorganization....................  A-26
    SECTION 6.11. Public Announcements......................  A-27
    SECTION 6.12. Letters of Accountants....................  A-27
    SECTION 6.13. NYSE Listing..............................  A-27
    SECTION 6.14. Reasonable Best Efforts and Further
Assurances..................................................  A-28
    SECTION 6.15. Certain Employee Benefits Matters.........  A-28
    SECTION 6.16. Supplemental Indenture....................  A-28

ARTICLE VII
    CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER

    SECTION 7.01. Conditions to the Obligations of Each
Party.......................................................  A-28
    SECTION 7.02. Conditions to the Obligations of Parent
and Merger Sub..............................................  A-29
    SECTION 7.03. Conditions to the Obligations of the
Company.....................................................  A-30
</TABLE>

                                       ii
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
ARTICLE VIII
    TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

    SECTION 8.01. Termination...............................  A-30
    SECTION 8.02. Effect of Termination.....................  A-32
    SECTION 8.03. Amendment.................................  A-32
    SECTION 8.04. Waiver....................................  A-32
    SECTION 8.05. Expenses..................................  A-32

ARTICLE IX
    GENERAL PROVISIONS

    SECTION 9.01. Non Survival of Representations,
Warranties and Agreements...................................  A-34
    SECTION 9.02. Notices...................................  A-34
    SECTION 9.03. Certain Definitions.......................  A-35
    SECTION 9.04. Severability..............................  A-36
    SECTION 9.05. Assignment; Binding Effect; Benefit.......  A-36
    SECTION 9.06. Specific Performance......................  A-36
    SECTION 9.07. Governing Law; Forum......................  A-36
    SECTION 9.08. Headings..................................  A-36
    SECTION 9.09. Counterparts..............................  A-36
    SECTION 9.10. Entire Agreement..........................  A-36
</TABLE>

                                      iii
<PAGE>
EXHIBITS

Exhibit 6.07(a) Form of Affiliate Letter for Affiliates of the Company

Exhibit 6.07(b) Form of Affiliate Letter for Affiliates of Parent

GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   LOCATION OF
DEFINED TERM                                                       DEFINITION
- ------------                                                  ---------------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Acquisition Proposal........................................  Section 6.04(b)
Acquisition Transaction.....................................  Section 6.04(a)
Action......................................................  Section 3.10
affiliate...................................................  Section 9.03(a)
Affiliate...................................................  Section 6.07(a)
Agreement...................................................  Preamble
APB No. 16..................................................  Section 6.08(b)
Blue Sky Laws...............................................  Section 3.05(b)
Business Combination........................................  Section 8.05(b)
business day................................................  Section 9.03(b)
Certificate of Merger.......................................  Section 1.02(b)
Certificates................................................  Section 2.02(b)
Closing.....................................................  Section 1.02(a)
Closing Date................................................  Section 1.02(a)
Code........................................................  Recitals
Company.....................................................  Preamble
Company Balance Sheet.......................................  Section 3.07(b)
Company Benefit Plans.......................................  Section 3.11(a)
Company Board Approval......................................  Section 3.19(a)
Company Common Shares.......................................  Section 2.01(a)(i)
Company Common Stock........................................  Section 2.01(a)(i)
Company Disclosure Schedule.................................  Section 3.03
Company Material Contracts..................................  Section 3.12(a)
Company Permits.............................................  Section 3.06(a)
Company Preferred Stock.....................................  Section 3.03
Company Rights Agreement....................................  Section 3.03
Company SEC Reports.........................................  Section 3.07(a)
Company Significant Subsidiaries............................  Section 3.01(b)
Company Stock Option Plans..................................  Section 2.04(a)
Company Stock Options.......................................  Section 2.04(a)
Company Stockholders' Meeting...............................  Section 6.01(a)
Company Stockholders' Vote..................................  Section 3.04
Company Subsidiaries........................................  Section 3.01(a)
Company 10-K................................................  Section 3.01(b)
Confidentiality Agreement...................................  Section 6.03
control.....................................................  Section 9.03(c)
DGCL........................................................  Recitals
DLJ.........................................................  Section 3.23
Effective Time..............................................  Section 1.02(b)
Environmental Laws..........................................  Section 9.03(d)
Environmental Permits.......................................  Section 3.13
ERISA.......................................................  Section 3.11(a)
Excess Shares...............................................  Section 2.02(e)(ii)
Exchange Act................................................  Section 3.01(b)
Exchange Agent..............................................  Section 2.02(a)
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   LOCATION OF
DEFINED TERM                                                       DEFINITION
- ------------                                                  ---------------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Exchange Fund...............................................  Section 2.02(a)
Exchange Ratio..............................................  Section 2.01(a)(i)
Expenses....................................................  Section 8.05(f)
Governmental Entity.........................................  Section 3.05(b)
Hazardous Substances........................................  Section 9.03(e)
HSR Act.....................................................  Section 3.05(b)
Indemnified Parties.........................................  Section 6.05(b)
Indenture...................................................  Section 6.16
Intellectual Property.......................................  Section 9.03(f)
IRS.........................................................  Section 3.11(d)
ISOs........................................................  Section 2.04(a)
knowledge...................................................  Section 9.03(g)
Law.........................................................  Section 3.05(a)
Liens.......................................................  Section 3.14
L Options...................................................  Section 3.11(h)
Material Adverse Effect.....................................  Section 9.03(h)
Merger......................................................  Recitals
Merger Consideration........................................  Section 2.01(a)(i)
Merger Sub..................................................  Preamble
Multiemployer Plan..........................................  Section 3.11(b)
Multiple Employer Plan......................................  Section 3.11(b)
1999 L Plan.................................................  Section 3.11(h)
NYSE........................................................  Section 2.02(e)(ii)
Parent......................................................  Preamble
Parent Balance Sheet........................................  Section 4.06(b)
Parent Common Shares........................................  Section 2.01(a)(i)
Parent Common Stock.........................................  Section 2.01(a)(i)
Parent Preferred Shares.....................................  Section 4.03(a)
Parent SEC Reports..........................................  Section 4.06(a)
Parent Share Option Plans...................................  Section 4.03(a)
Parent Significant Subsidiaries.............................  Section 4.05(a)
Parent Subsidiaries.........................................  Section 4.01
PBGC........................................................  Section 3.11(e)
person......................................................  Section 9.03(i)
Proxy Statement.............................................  Section 6.01(a)
Registration Statement......................................  Section 6.01(a)
Representatives.............................................  Section 6.03
Required Consents...........................................  Section 3.05(b)
SEC.........................................................  Section 3.01(b)
Securities Act..............................................  Section 3.05(b)
Significant Subsidiary......................................  Section 3.01(b)
subsidiary..................................................  Section 9.03(j)
Substitute Option...........................................  Section 2.04(a)
Superior Proposal...........................................  Section 6.04(b)
Surviving Corporation.......................................  Section 1.01
Taxes.......................................................  Section 3.17
U.S. GAAP...................................................  Recitals
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
    AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER dated as of November 13, 1999 (this
"AGREEMENT") among CORNING INCORPORATED, a New York corporation ("PARENT"),
RIESLING ACQUISITION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent ("MERGER SUB"), and OAK INDUSTRIES INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "COMPANY").

                              W I T N E S S E T H

    WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Parent, Merger Sub and the
Company deem it advisable and in the best interests of each corporation and its
respective stockholders to combine their respective businesses;

    WHEREAS, in furtherance of such combination, the respective Boards of
Directors of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have each adopted resolutions
approving this Agreement and declaring its advisability and approving the merger
(the "MERGER") of Merger Sub with and into the Company in accordance with the
Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (the "DGCL"), upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth herein;

    WHEREAS, for United States federal income tax purposes, the Merger is
intended to qualify as a reorganization under the provisions of section 368(a)
of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "CODE"); and

    WHEREAS, for financial reporting purposes, the parties intend that the
Merger shall be accounted for as a "pooling-of-interests" under United States
generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP");

    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants
and agreements herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby,
Parent, Merger Sub and the Company hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I
                                   THE MERGER

    SECTION 1.01. THE MERGER. Upon the terms of this Agreement and subject to
the conditions set forth in Article VII, and in accordance with the DGCL, at the
Effective Time (as defined below), Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the
Company. As a result of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger
Sub shall cease and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation of
the Merger (the "SURVIVING CORPORATION").

    SECTION 1.02. CLOSING; EFFECTIVE TIME. (a) The closing of the Merger (the
"CLOSING") shall take place (i) at 10:00 a.m. (New York time) at the offices of
Shearman & Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York as soon as
practicable, but in any event within three business days after the day on which
the last to be fulfilled or waived of the conditions set forth in Article VII
(other than those conditions that by their nature are to be fulfilled at the
Closing, but subject to the fulfillment or waiver of such conditions) shall be
fulfilled or waived in accordance with this Agreement or (ii) at such other
place and time or on such other date as Parent and the Company may agree in
writing (the "CLOSING DATE").

    (b)  At the Closing, the Company and Merger Sub shall cause a certificate of
merger (the "CERTIFICATE OF MERGER") to be executed and filed with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware and make all other filings or recordings
required by applicable law in connection with the Merger. The Merger shall
become effective at such time as the Certificate of Merger is duly filed with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later time as is
specified in the Certificate of Merger in accordance with the DGCL (the
"EFFECTIVE TIME").

                                      A-1
<PAGE>
    SECTION 1.03. EFFECT OF THE MERGER. At the Effective Time, the effect of the
Merger shall be as provided in this Agreement, the Certificate of Merger and the
applicable provisions of the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time all the property, rights,
privileges, powers and franchises of the Company and Merger Sub shall vest in
the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of the Company
and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving
Corporation.

    SECTION 1.04. CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION; BY-LAWS. (a) At the Effective
Time, the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company shall be amended to be
identical to that of Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time, except that Article I shall state that the name of the Surviving
Corporation is "Oak Industries Inc." Such Certificate of Incorporation, as so
amended, shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation,
until thereafter amended subject to Section 6.05(e), in accordance with the
terms thereof and of the DGCL.

    (b)  At the Effective Time, the By-Laws of Merger Sub, as in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the By-Laws of the Surviving
Corporation until thereafter amended, subject to Section 6.05(a), in accordance
with the terms thereof, and of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation and of the DGCL.

    SECTION 1.05. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. The directors of Merger Sub
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be elected as the directors of the
Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation, and the officers of the
Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be elected as the officers
of the Surviving Corporation, in each case until their respective successors are
duly elected or appointed and qualified.

                                   ARTICLE II
               CONVERSION OF SECURITIES; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES

    SECTION 2.01. CONVERSION OF SECURITIES. (a) At the Effective Time, by virtue
of the Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Merger Sub, the
Company or the holders of any of the following securities:

        (i) each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("COMPANY
    COMMON STOCK"; shares of Company Common Stock being referred to herein
    collectively as the "COMPANY COMMON SHARES") issued and outstanding
    immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than any shares of Company
    Common Stock to be canceled pursuant to Section 2.01(ii)) shall be canceled
    and automatically converted, subject to Section 2.02(e), into the right to
    receive 0.83 (the "EXCHANGE RATIO") shares of common stock, $0.50 par value
    per share, of Parent ("PARENT COMMON STOCK"; shares of Parent Common Stock
    being referred to herein collectively as the "PARENT COMMON SHARES") (which,
    together with any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Company Common Stock
    as specified in Section 2.02(e), shall be referred to herein as the "MERGER
    CONSIDERATION");

        (ii) each Company Common Share owned by Parent or any direct or indirect
    wholly owned subsidiary of Parent or held in treasury by the Company or any
    Subsidiary of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
    canceled and extinguished without any conversion thereof and no payment or
    distribution shall be made with respect thereto; and

        (iii) each share of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of Merger
    Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
    converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and
    nonassessable share of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the
    Surviving Corporation.

    (b)  If at any time during the period between the date of this Agreement and
the Effective Time, the Company changes the number of Company Common Shares, or
Parent changes the number of

                                      A-2
<PAGE>
Parent Common Shares, issued and outstanding as a result of a stock split,
reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, redenomination of share
capital or other similar transactions, the Exchange Ratio and any other items
dependent thereon shall be appropriately adjusted.

    SECTION 2.02. EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES. (a) EXCHANGE AGENT. Parent shall
deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with Harris Trust and Savings Bank or
such other bank or trust company that may be designated by Parent and is
reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the "EXCHANGE AGENT"), for the benefit
of the holders of Company Common Shares, for exchange in accordance with this
Article II through the Exchange Agent, certificates representing Parent Common
Shares issuable pursuant to Section 2.01 as of the Effective Time, and cash,
from time to time as required to make payments in lieu of any fractional shares
pursuant to Section 2.02(e) (such cash and certificates for Parent Common
Shares, together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto, being
hereinafter referred to as the "EXCHANGE FUND"). The Exchange Agent shall,
pursuant to irrevocable instructions, deliver the Parent Common Shares
contemplated to be issued pursuant to Section 2.01, out of the Exchange Fund.
Except as contemplated by Section 2.02(f) hereof, the Exchange Fund shall not be
used for any other purpose.

    (b)  EXCHANGE PROCEDURES. As promptly as practicable after the Effective
Time (but in any event within five business days after the Effective Time),
Parent 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 Company Common Shares (the "CERTIFICATES") (i) a letter
of transmittal (which shall be in customary form and shall specify that delivery
shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass,
only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent) and
(ii) instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates in
exchange for certificates representing Parent Common Shares and cash in lieu of
any fractional shares. Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of a Certificate for
cancellation, together with such letter of transmittal, duly executed and
completed in accordance with the instructions thereto, and such other documents
as may be reasonably required pursuant to such instructions, the holder of such
Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a certificate
representing that number of whole Parent Common Shares which such holder has the
right to receive in respect of the Company Common Shares formerly represented by
such Certificate (after taking into account all Company Common Shares then held
by such holder), cash in lieu of any fractional Parent Common Shares to which
such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.02(e) and any dividends or other
distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.02(c), and
the Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. In the event of a
transfer of ownership of Company Common Shares which is not registered in the
transfer records of the Company, a certificate representing the proper number of
Parent Common Shares, cash in lieu of any fractional Parent Common Shares to
which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.02(e) and any dividends or
other distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to
Section 2.02(c), may be issued to a transferee if the Certificate representing
such Company Common Shares is presented to the Exchange Agent, accompanied by
all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and by evidence
satisfactory to the Surviving Corporation that any applicable share transfer
taxes have been paid. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 2.02,
each Certificate shall be deemed at all times after the Effective Time to
represent only the right to receive upon such surrender the certificate
representing Parent Common Shares, cash in lieu of any fractional Parent Common
Shares to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.02(e) and any
dividends or other distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to
Section 2.02(c).

    (c)  DISTRIBUTIONS WITH RESPECT TO UNEXCHANGED PARENT COMMON SHARES. No
dividends or other distributions declared or made after the Effective Time with
respect to the Parent Common Shares with a record date after the Effective Time
shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to the
Parent Common Shares represented thereby, and no cash payment in lieu of any
fractional shares shall be paid to any such holder pursuant to Section 2.02(e),
until the holder of such

                                      A-3
<PAGE>
Certificate shall surrender such Certificate as provided in Section 2.02(b).
Subject to the effect of escheat, tax or other applicable Laws (as defined
below), following surrender of any such Certificate, there shall be paid to the
holder of the certificates representing whole Parent Common Shares issued in
exchange therefor, without interest, (i) promptly (but in any event within five
business days after such surrender), the amount of any cash payable with respect
to a fractional Parent Common Share to which such holder is entitled pursuant to
Section 2.02(e) and the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record
date after the Effective Time and theretofore payable with respect to such whole
Parent Common Shares, and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of
dividends or other distributions, with a record date after the Effective Time
but prior to surrender and a payment date occurring after surrender, payable
with respect to such whole Parent Common Shares.

    (d)  NO FURTHER RIGHTS IN COMPANY COMMON STOCK. All Parent Common Shares
issued upon conversion of the Company Common Shares in accordance with the terms
hereof (including any cash paid pursuant to Section 2.02(c) or (e)) shall be
deemed to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such
Company Common Shares.

    (e)  NO FRACTIONAL SHARES. (i) No certificates or scrip representing
fractional Parent Common Shares shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange
of Certificates, no dividend or distribution with respect to Parent Common
Shares shall be payable on or with respect to any fractional share and such
fractional share interests will not entitle the owner thereof to any rights of a
stockholder of Parent.

    (ii)  As promptly as practicable following the Effective Time, the Exchange
Agent shall determine the excess of (x) the number of full Parent Common Shares
delivered to the Exchange Agent by Parent over (y) the aggregate number of full
Parent Common Shares to be distributed to holders of Company Common Stock (such
excess being herein called the "EXCESS SHARES"). As soon after the Effective
Time as practicable, the Exchange Agent, as agent for such holders of Parent
Common Stock, shall sell the Excess Shares at then prevailing prices on the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE"), all in the manner provided in
clause (iii) of this paragraph (e).

    (iii)  The sale of the Excess Shares by the Exchange Agent shall be executed
on the NYSE through one or more member firms of the NYSE and shall be executed
in round lots to the extent practicable. The Exchange Agent shall use all
reasonable efforts to complete the sale of the Excess Shares as promptly
following the Effective Time as, in the Exchange Agent's reasonable judgment, is
practicable consistent with obtaining the best execution of such sales in light
of prevailing market conditions. Until the net proceeds of any such sale or
sales have been distributed to such holders of Company Common Stock in lieu of
fractional shares, the Exchange Agent will hold such proceeds in trust for such
holders of Company Common Stock. Parent shall pay all commissions, transfer
taxes and other out-of-pocket transaction costs of the Exchange Agent incurred
in connection with such sale or sales of Excess Shares. In addition, Parent
shall pay the Exchange Agent's compensation and expenses in connection with such
sale or sales. The Exchange Agent shall determine the portion of such net
proceeds to which each holder of Company Common Stock shall be entitled, if any,
by multiplying the amount of the aggregate net proceeds by a fraction the
numerator of which is the amount of the fractional share interest to which such
holder of Company Common Stock is entitled (after taking into account all shares
of Company Common Stock then held by such holder) and the denominator of which
is the aggregate amount of fractional share interests to which all holders of
Certificates representing Company Common Stock are entitled.

    (iv)  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 2.02, Parent may elect,
at its option exercised prior to the Effective Time and in lieu of the issuance
and sale of Excess Shares and the making of the payments contemplated in such
subsections, to pay to the Exchange Agent an amount in cash sufficient for the
Exchange Agent to pay each holder of Company Common Stock an amount in cash
equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) the fractional share interest
to which such holder would otherwise be entitled (after taking into account all
shares of Company Common Stock held at the

                                      A-4
<PAGE>
Effective Time by such holder) by (y) the closing price for a Parent Common
Share on the NYSE on the first business day immediately following the Effective
Time and, in such case, all references herein to the cash proceeds of the sale
of the Excess Shares and similar references shall be deemed to mean and refer to
the payments calculated as set forth in this Section 2.02(e).

    (v)  As soon as practicable after the determination of the amount of cash,
if any, to be paid to holders of Company Common Stock with respect to any
fractional share interests, the Exchange Agent shall promptly pay such amounts
to such holders of Company Common Stock.

    (f)  TERMINATION OF EXCHANGE FUND. Any portion of the Exchange Fund which
remains undistributed to the holders of Company Common Shares for twelve months
after the Effective Time shall be delivered to Parent, upon demand, and any
holders of Company Common Shares who have not theretofore complied with this
Article II shall thereafter look only to Parent for the Parent Common Shares,
any cash in lieu of fractional Parent Common Shares to which they are entitled
pursuant to Section 2.02(e) and any dividends or other distributions with
respect to the Parent Common Shares to which they are entitled pursuant to
Section 2.02(c). Any portion of the Exchange Fund remaining unclaimed by holders
of Company Common Shares as of a date which is immediately prior to such time as
such amounts would otherwise escheat to or become property of any government
entity shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, become the property of
Parent free and clear of any claims or interest of any person previously
entitled thereto.

    (g)  NO LIABILITY. Neither Parent nor the Surviving Corporation shall be
liable to any holder of Company Common Shares for any such Company Common Shares
(or dividends or distributions with respect thereto) or cash delivered to a
public official pursuant to any abandoned property, escheat or similar Law.

    (h)  WITHHOLDING RIGHTS. Each of the Surviving Corporation, Parent and the
Exchange Agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration
otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of Company Common
Shares such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the
making of such payment under the Code, or any provision of state, local or
foreign tax Law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by the Surviving
Corporation, Parent or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be, such withheld
amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid
to the holder of the Company Common Shares in respect of which such deduction
and withholding was made by the Surviving Corporation, Parent or the Exchange
Agent, as the case may be.

    (i)  LOST CERTIFICATES. If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming
such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by the
Surviving Corporation, the posting by such person of a bond, in such reasonable
amount as the Surviving Corporation may direct, as indemnity against any claim
that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent
will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate, the
Parent Common Shares, any cash in lieu of fractional Parent Common Shares to
which the holders thereof are entitled pursuant to Section 2.02(e) and any
dividends or other distributions to which the holders thereof are entitled
pursuant to Section 2.02(c).

    SECTION 2.03. STOCK TRANSFER BOOKS. At the Effective Time, the stock
transfer books of the Company shall be closed and there shall be no further
registration of transfers of Company Common Shares thereafter on the records of
the Company. From and after the Effective Time, the holders of Certificates
representing Company Common Shares outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect to such Company
Common Shares, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or by Law. On or
after the Effective Time, any Certificates presented to the Exchange Agent or
Parent for any reason shall be converted into Parent Common Shares, any cash in
lieu of fractional Parent Common Shares to which the holders thereof are
entitled pursuant to

                                      A-5
<PAGE>
Section 2.02(e) and any dividends or other distributions to which the holders
thereof are entitled pursuant to Section 2.02(c).

    SECTION 2.04. COMPANY STOCK OPTIONS. (a) All options (the "COMPANY STOCK
OPTIONS") outstanding, whether or not exercisable and whether or not vested, at
the Effective Time under the Company's 1986 Stock Option and Restricted Stock
Plan for Executive and Key Employees of the Company, 1992 Stock Option and
Restricted Stock Plan, 1995 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan, 1988 Stock
Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, 1992
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, Lasertron, Inc. 1982 Incentive Stock Option
Plan, and Lasertron, Inc. 1992 Stock Option Plan (collectively, the "COMPANY
STOCK OPTION PLANS"), shall remain outstanding following the Effective Time. At
the Effective Time, the Company Stock Options shall, by virtue of the Merger and
without any further action on the part of the Company or the holder thereof, be
assumed by Parent in such manner that Parent (i) is a corporation "assuming a
stock option in a transaction to which section 424(a) applies" within the
meaning of section 424 of the Code and the regulations thereunder or (ii) to the
extent that section 424 of the Code does not apply to any such Company Stock
Options, would be such a corporation were section 424 of the Code applicable to
such Company Stock Options. From and after the Effective Time, all references to
the Company in the Company Stock Option Plans and the applicable stock option
agreements issued thereunder shall be deemed to refer to Parent, which shall
have assumed the Company Stock Option Plans as of the Effective Time by virtue
of this Agreement and without any further action. Each Company Stock Option
assumed by Parent (each, a "SUBSTITUTE OPTION") shall be exercisable upon the
same terms and conditions as under the Company Stock Option Plans, the
applicable option agreement issued thereunder and any applicable agreement it is
subject to, except that (A) each such Substitute Option shall be exercisable
for, and represent the right to acquire, that whole number of Parent Common
Shares (rounded to the nearest whole share or, in the case of Company Stock
Options intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the
Code ("ISOS"), rounding down to the nearest whole share) equal to the number of
Company Common Shares subject to such Company Stock Option multiplied by the
Exchange Ratio; and (B) the option price per Parent Common Share shall be an
amount equal to the option price per Company Common Shares subject to such
Company Stock Option in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time divided
by the Exchange Ratio (the option price per share, as so determined, being
rounded to the nearest full cent or, in the case of ISOs, rounded down to the
nearest full cent). Such Substitute Option shall otherwise be subject to the
same terms and conditions as such Company Stock Option as in effect as of the
Effective Time pursuant to the applicable Company Stock Option Plan.

    (b)  As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall deliver
to each holder of an outstanding Company Stock Option an appropriate notice
setting forth such holder's rights pursuant thereto, and such Company Stock
Option shall continue in effect on the same terms and conditions (including any
antidilution provisions, and subject to the adjustments required by this
Section 2.04 after giving effect to the Merger). Parent shall comply with the
terms of all such Company Stock Options and ensure, to the extent required by,
and subject to the provisions of, the Company Stock Option Plan, that Company
Stock Options which qualified as ISOs prior to the Effective Time continue to
qualify as ISOs after the Effective Time. Parent shall take all corporate action
necessary to reserve for issuance a sufficient number of Parent Common Shares
for delivery upon exercise of Substitute Options pursuant to the terms set forth
in this Section 2.04. As soon as practicable (but in any event, within five
business days) after the Effective Time, the Parent Common Shares subject to
Company Stock Options will be covered by an effective registration statement on
Form S-8 (or any successor form) or another appropriate form, and Parent shall
use its reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration
statement or registration statements for as long as Substitute Options remain
outstanding. In addition, Parent shall use all reasonable efforts to cause the
Parent Common Shares subject to Company Stock Options to be listed on the NYSE
and such other exchanges as Parent shall determine.

                                      A-6
<PAGE>
    SECTION 2.05. RESTRICTED STOCK. At the Effective Time, any unvested shares
of restricted stock, whether granted pursuant to the Company Stock Option Plans
or otherwise, shall be converted into restricted stock of Parent pursuant to
Section 2.01, and shall continue to be subject to the same restrictions and
terms and conditions as under the Company Stock Option Plans and the applicable
agreements issued thereunder and the Company Severance Plan or Severance
Agreement between any holder of restricted stock and the Company.

                                  ARTICLE III
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

    The Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub that:

    SECTION 3.01. ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION; SUBSIDIARIES. (a) Each of the
Company and each subsidiary of the Company (collectively, the "COMPANY
SUBSIDIARIES") is a corporation or other legal entity duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation or formation and has all requisite power and authority and all
necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to
carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to
be organized, existing, in good standing or to have such power, authority or
governmental approvals would not reasonably be likely, individually or in the
aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries is duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation or
organization to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where
the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of
its business makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except for such
failures to be so qualified or licensed and in good standing that would not
reasonably be likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

    (b)  Except as updated by Section 3.01(b) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, Exhibit 21 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998, as amended ("COMPANY 10-K"), is a list of all the
subsidiaries of the Company that as of the date of this Agreement are
"SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES" as such term is defined in Rule 102 of Regulation SX
promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (together with the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder, the "EXCHANGE ACT") (such Significant
Subsidiaries of the Company for the purpose of this Agreement to be the "COMPANY
SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES"). Except as set forth in such Exhibit 21, as updated
by Section 3.01(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor
any Company Significant Subsidiary directly or indirectly owns, or has
outstanding contractual obligations to acquire, any equity or similar interest
in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for, any
corporation, partnership, joint venture or other business association or entity.

    SECTION 3.02. CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS. The Company has
heretofore made available to Parent a complete and correct copy of the
Certificate of Incorporation and the By-Laws of the Company, each as amended to
date. Such Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws are in full force and
effect. The Company is not in violation of any of the provisions of its
Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws.

    SECTION 3.03. CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of the Company
consists of (a) 50,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock and (b) 500,000 shares
of junior preferred stock, no par value, of the Company (the "COMPANY PREFERRED
STOCK"). As of November 8, 1999, (a) 17,225,703 shares of Company Common Stock
and (b) no shares of Company Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding. All of
the issued and outstanding Company Common Shares are validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable. 2,568,953 Company Common Shares and no shares of Company
Preferred Stock are held in the treasury of the Company or by any Company
Subsidiary and 588,588 shares of Company Common Stock have been duly reserved
for future issuance pursuant to the Company Stock Options.

                                      A-7
<PAGE>
There are no issued or outstanding bonds, debentures, notes, convertible notes
(other than the notes referenced in Section 6.16 hereto) or other indebtedness
of the Company having the right to vote on any matters on which stockholders of
the Company may vote. Except for the Company Stock Options granted pursuant to
the Company Stock Option Plans or pursuant to agreements or arrangements
described in Section 3.03 of the Company Disclosure Schedule or
Section 3.11(i) hereof and except for the rights issued pursuant to the Rights
Agreement dated December 7, 1995 between the Company and Bank of Boston (the
"COMPANY RIGHTS AGREEMENT"), there are no options, warrants or other rights,
agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued
or unissued stock of the Company or any Significant Company Subsidiary or, to
the knowledge of the Company, any other Company Subsidiary, or conditionally or
absolutely obligating the Company or any Company Significant Subsidiary, or to
the knowledge of the Company, any other Company Subsidiary, to issue or sell any
shares of stock of, or other equity interests in, the Company or any Company
Subsidiary. Section 3.03 of the disclosure schedule delivered by the Company to
the Parent concurrently with the execution of the Agreement (the "COMPANY
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE") sets forth the total number of outstanding Company Stock
Options and the weighted average exercise price thereof. The Company has
provided (or within ten days after execution of this Agreement will provide)
Parent with a Schedule of all of the Company Stock Options, including the
relevant vesting times and exercise periods. All shares of Company Common Stock
subject to issuance as aforesaid, upon issuance on the terms and conditions
specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are issuable, will be duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. There are no
outstanding obligations (whether conditional or absolute) of the Company or any
Company Significant Subsidiary or, to the knowledge of the Company, any other
Company Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares or
other equity interests of Company Common Stock or any shares or other equity
interests of any Company Subsidiary. Each outstanding share of stock or other
equity interest of each Company Significant Subsidiary and, to the knowledge of
the Company, of each other Company Subsidiary is duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable and, except as described in Section 3.03 of
the Company Disclosure Schedule, each such share or other equity interest owned
by the Company or another Company Subsidiary is free and clear of all security
interests, liens, claims, pledges, options, rights of first refusal, agreements,
limitations on the Company's or such other Company Subsidiary's voting rights,
charges and other encumbrances of any nature whatsoever, except where failure to
own such shares free and clear would not reasonably be likely, individually or
in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

    SECTION 3.04. AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT. The Company has all
necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement,
and, subject to obtaining the necessary approvals of the Company's stockholders,
to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the Merger and
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, have been duly and
validly authorized by all necessary corporate action and no other corporate
proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize this Agreement
or to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (other than with respect to the Merger, the approval and adoption of
this Agreement and the Merger by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
voting power of the then outstanding Company Common Shares entitled to vote on
the matter (the "COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS' VOTE") and the filing of the Certificate
of Merger with the Secretary of State of Delaware as required by the DGCL). This
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and,
assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent and Merger Sub,
constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable
against the Company in accordance with its terms.

                                      A-8
<PAGE>
    SECTION 3.05. NO CONFLICT; REQUIRED FILINGS AND CONSENTS. (a) The execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company will not (i) conflict
with or violate the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of the Company or
any equivalent organizational documents of any Company Significant Subsidiary,
(ii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions
described in Section 3.05(b) have been obtained and all filings and obligations
described in Section 3.05(b) have been made, conflict with or violate any
federal, national, state, provincial, municipal or local law, statute,
ordinance, rule, regulation, order, injunction, judgment or decree, whether of
the U.S. or another jurisdiction ("LAW"), applicable to the Company or any
Company Subsidiary or by which any property or asset of the Company or any
Company Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (iii) except as set forth in
Section 3.05 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, result in any breach of or
constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both
would become a default) under, or give to others any right of termination,
amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a lien
or other encumbrance on any property or asset of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract,
agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation,
except, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii) for any such conflicts,
violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences that would not reasonably be
likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, or
otherwise prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

    (b)  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not
require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or
notification to, any federal, national, state, provincial, municipal or local
government, any instrumentality, subdivision, court, administrative agency or
commission or other authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental or private body
exercising any regulatory, taxing, importing or any other governmental or
quasi-governmental authority, whether of the U.S., or another jurisdiction (a
"GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY"), except (i) for the applicable requirements of (A) the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT")
and comparable filings, if any, in foreign jurisdictions, (B) state securities
or "blue sky" laws (the "BLUE SKY LAWS"), the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the "SECURITIES
ACT") or the Exchange Act, (C) the DGCL with respect to the filing of the
Delaware Certificate of Merger, and (D) the rules and regulations of the NYSE
(the foregoing clauses (i)(A) through (D) being referred to collectively as the
"REQUIRED CONSENTS") and (ii) where the failure to obtain such consents,
approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or notifications
would not reasonably be likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a
Material Adverse Effect, or otherwise prevent or materially delay the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

    SECTION 3.06. PERMITS; COMPLIANCE. (a) Except as disclosed in
Section 3.06(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, each of the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries is in possession of all franchises, grants, authorizations,
licenses, permits, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates,
approvals and orders of any Governmental Entity necessary for the Company or any
Company Subsidiary to own, lease and operate its properties or to carry on its
business as it is now being conducted (the "COMPANY PERMITS"), except where the
failure to have, or the suspension or cancellation of, any of the Company
Permits would not reasonably be likely, individually or in the aggregate, to
have a Material Adverse Effect, and no suspension or cancellation of any of the
Company Permits is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened,
except where the failure to have, or the suspension or cancellation of, any of
the Company Permits would not reasonably be likely, individually or in the
aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

    (b)  Except as disclosed in Section 3.06(b) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is in conflict with, or
in default or violation of, (i) any Law applicable to the Company or any Company
Subsidiary or by which any property or asset of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary is bound or affected, (ii) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture,

                                      A-9
<PAGE>
contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or
obligation to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or by which
the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any property or asset of the Company or
any Company Subsidiary is bound or affected or (iii) any Company Permits, except
in each case for any such conflicts, defaults or violations that would not
reasonably be likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

    SECTION 3.07. SEC FILINGS; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. (a) The Company has filed
all forms, reports and documents required to be filed by it with the SEC since
December 31, 1996 (collectively, the "COMPANY SEC REPORTS"). Except as described
in Section 3.07 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, as of the respective dates
they were filed, (i) the Company SEC Reports complied in all material respects
with the requirements of the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act, as the case
may be, and (ii) none of the Company SEC Reports contained any untrue statement
of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. No Company
Subsidiary is required to file any form, report or other document with the SEC.

    (b)  Except as described in Section 3.07 of the Company Disclosure Schedule,
each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case, any
notes thereto) contained in the Company SEC Reports was prepared in accordance
with U.S. GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated
(except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited
statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q under the Exchange Act) and each presented
or will present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and the
consolidated Company Subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof and for the
respective periods indicated therein, except as otherwise noted therein
(subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal and recurring year-end
adjustments which are not expected to be material, individually or in the
aggregate). The balance sheet of the Company contained in the Company SEC
Reports as of December 31, 1998 is hereinafter referred to as the "COMPANY
BALANCE SHEET".

    (c)  The Company has heretofore furnished to Parent a complete and correct
copy of any amendments or modifications (which have not yet been filed with the
SEC but which are required to be filed) to agreements, documents or other
instruments which previously had been filed by the Company with the SEC pursuant
to the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

    SECTION 3.08. UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except for those liabilities that are
fully reflected or reserved against on the Company Balance Sheet (or in the
notes thereto) or as set forth in Section 3.08 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has outstanding any
liability of any nature whatsoever (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or
otherwise and whether due or to become due), except for liabilities and
obligations, which have been incurred since the date of the Company Balance
Sheet in the ordinary course of business and which would not reasonably be
likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

    SECTION 3.09. ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. From the date of the
Company Balance Sheet through the date hereof, except as set forth in
Section 3.09 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (a) each of the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries has conducted its business only in the ordinary course and
in a manner consistent with past practice and (b) since such date, there has not
been any circumstance, event, occurrence, change or effect that would reasonably
be likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

    SECTION 3.10. ABSENCE OF LITIGATION. Except as specifically disclosed in the
Company SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or in
Section 3.10 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there is no material
litigation, suit, claim, action, proceeding or investigation (an "ACTION")
pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or
any Company

                                      A-10
<PAGE>
Subsidiary, or any property or asset of the Company or any Company Subsidiary,
before any court, arbitrator or Governmental Entity, domestic or foreign.

    SECTION 3.11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT MATTERS. (a) PLANS AND MATERIAL DOCUMENTS.
Section 3.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule lists (i) all employee
benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA")) and all bonus, stock option, stock
purchase, restricted stock, long term incentive, deferred compensation, retiree
medical or life insurance, supplemental retirement, severance or other benefit
plans, programs or arrangements, and all employment, change in control, and
severance agreements, to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party,
with respect to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary has any obligation
or which are maintained, contributed to or sponsored by the Company or any
Company Subsidiary for the benefit of any current or former employee, officer or
director of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (ii) each employee benefit
plan for which the Company or any Company Subsidiary could incur liability under
Section 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated,
(iii) any plan in respect of which the Company or any Company Subsidiary could
incur liability under Section 4212(c) of ERISA and (iv) any contracts,
arrangements or understandings between the Company or any Company Subsidiary or
any of their affiliates and any employee of the Company or Company Subsidiary
including, without limitation, any contracts, arrangements or understandings
relating to a sale of the Company or any Company Subsidiary (collectively, the
"COMPANY BENEFIT PLANS"), other than plans, programs, arrangements, agreements
or understandings that are not material. Copies or summaries of each material
Company Benefit Plan have been made available to Parent. Neither the Company nor
any Company Subsidiary has any express or implied commitment to create, adopt or
amend any material employee benefit plan, program, arrangement or agreement,
other than any immaterial modification or any modification or change required by
applicable law.

    (b)  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN TYPES OF PLANS. None of the Company Benefit Plans is
a multiemployer plan (within the meaning of Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of
ERISA) (a "MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN") or a single employer pension plan (within the
meaning of Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA) for which the Company or any Company
Subsidiary could incur liability under Section 4063 or 4064 of ERISA (a
"MULTIPLE EMPLOYER PLAN").

    (c)  COMPLIANCE. Each Company Benefit Plan is now and always has been
operated in all respects in accordance with its terms and the requirements of
all applicable laws and regulations, including, without limitation, ERISA and
the Code, except where any non-compliance would not reasonably be likely,
individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect. No material
action, claim or proceeding is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened with respect to any Company Benefit Plan (other than claims for
benefits in the ordinary course) and, to the knowledge of the Company, no fact
or event exists that could give rise to any such action, claim or proceeding.

    (d)  QUALIFICATION OF CERTAIN PLANS. Each Company Benefit Plan that is
intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code or Section 401(k) of
the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue
Service (the "IRS") that the Company Benefit Plan is so qualified and, to the
knowledge of the Company, no fact or event has occurred since the date of such
determination letter or letters from the IRS to adversely affect the qualified
status of any such Company Benefit Plan or the exempt status of any such trust.

    (e)  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN LIABILITIES. Neither the Company nor any Company
Subsidiary has incurred any material liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation (the "PBGC") under Title IV of ERISA (other than liability for
premiums to the PBGC arising in the ordinary course), and no fact or event
exists that could reasonably be expected to result in any material liability to
the PBGC under Title IV of ERISA.

                                      A-11
<PAGE>
    (f)  PLAN CONTRIBUTIONS AND FUNDING. All contributions, premiums or payments
required to be made with respect to any Company Benefit Plan have been made on
or before their due dates, and all contributions to the Company Benefit Plans
intended to be qualified pursuant to Section 401(a) of the Code have been or
will be fully deductible, except where failure to do so would not have a
Material Adverse Effect.

    (g)  SEVERANCE PAYMENTS. Except as disclosed in Section 3.11(g) of the
Company Disclosure Schedule, the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement will not, either alone or in combination with another event,
(i) entitle any current or former employee, officer or director of the Company
or any Company Subsidiary to severance or any other material payment from the
Company or any Company Subsidiary, except as expressly provided in this
Agreement, or (ii) materially increase the amount of base compensation due any
such employee, officer or director.

    (h)  LASERTRON, INC. STOCK OPTIONS. Lasertron Inc. has not granted any
options under its 1999 Restricted Stock and Option Plan (the "1999 L PLAN")
other than the options set forth on a schedule provided by the Company to the
Parent (or, within five days after execution of this Agreement which will be
provided to Parent) (the "L OPTIONS"), and no Company Subsidiary L stock options
granted under any other plan are outstanding. The L Options shall expire on
December 31, 2000 without having become exercisable if an "Acquisition" within
the meaning of the 1999 L Plan has not occurred or a registration statement on
Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to
Lasertron, Inc.'s common stock has not been declared effective by the SEC on or
before such date, except with respect to L Options which expire or have expired
prior to December 31, 2000 due to the termination of employment of the holder of
the L Option by Lasertron, Inc. or any Related Company (as such term is defined
in the holder's option agreement). Neither the execution of this Agreement nor
the transactions contemplated pursuant to this Agreement (or shareholder
approval of this Agreement or such transactions) shall constitute an
"Acquisition" for purposes of the 1999 L Plan.

    SECTION 3.12. MATERIAL CONTRACTS. (a) Subsections (i) through (iv) of
Section 3.12(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule contain a list of the
following types of written contracts and agreements (including all amendments
thereto) to which the Company or a Company Significant Subsidiary (which, for
the purposes of this Section 3.12 shall be deemed to refer only to
Lasertron, Inc. and Gilbert Engineering Co., Inc.) is a party, other than those
contracts and agreements listed as exhibits in the Company's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 (such contracts, agreements and arrangements
as are required to be set forth in Section 3.12(a) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, together with all contracts, agreements and arrangements of the
Company or any Company Subsidiary required to be set forth in Section 3.11 of
the Company Disclosure Schedule or listed or required to be listed as exhibits
in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, being
the "COMPANY MATERIAL CONTRACTS"):

        (i) each contract and agreement which (A) is likely to involve
    consideration of more than $1,000,000 in the aggregate, during the fiscal
    years ending December 31, 1999 or December 31, 2000 or (B) is likely to
    involve consideration of more than $1,000,000 in the aggregate, over the
    remaining term of such contract, and which, in either case, cannot be
    canceled by the Company or any Company Significant Subsidiary without
    penalty or further payment and without more than 60 days' notice;

        (ii) all (A) management contracts (excluding contracts for employment)
    and (B) contracts with consultants which involve consideration of more than
    $1,000,000;

        (iii) all contracts and agreements evidencing indebtedness of more than
    $1,000,000 to unaffiliated third parties; and

        (iv) all contracts and agreements that limit the ability of the Company
    or any Company Significant Subsidiary to compete in any line of business or
    with any person or entity or in any

                                      A-12
<PAGE>
    geographic area or during any period of time, in each case, (A) with respect
    to any business currently conducted by the Company or any Company
    Significant Subsidiary and (B) other than distributor agreements entered
    into in the ordinary course of business.

    (b)  Except as would not reasonably be likely, individually or in the
aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, each Company Material Contract is
a legal, valid and binding agreement in full force and effect in accordance with
its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally, and
general principals of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and in the case of any indemnity
provisions contained therein, is limited by public policy considerations) and
neither the Company nor any Company Significant Subsidiary is in default in any
material respect, or has received notice that is in default, under any Company
Material Contract and to the Company's knowledge no other party is in default in
any material respect under any Company Material Contract.

    SECTION 3.13. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as described in Section 3.13 of
the Company Disclosure Schedule or as would not reasonably be likely,
individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect: (a) the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries are not in violation of any Environmental
Law applicable to them; (b) none of the properties currently or formerly owned,
leased or operated by the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (including,
without limitation, soils and surfaces and ground waters) are contaminated with
any Hazardous Substance; (c) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries are not
liable for any off-site contamination by Hazardous Substances; (d) the Company
and the Company Subsidiaries are not liable for any material violation under any
Environmental Law (including, without limitation, pending or threatened liens);
(e) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have all material permits, licenses
and other authorizations required under any Environmental Law ("ENVIRONMENTAL
PERMITS"); (f) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries are in compliance in all
material respects with their Environmental Permits; and (g) neither the
execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein will require any investigation, remediation or other action
with respect to Hazardous Substances, or any notice to or consent of
Governmental Entities or third parties, pursuant to any applicable Environmental
Law or Environmental Permit, including, without limitation, the Connecticut
Transfer Act or the New Jersey Industrial Site Recovery Act. None of the Company
or the Company Subsidiaries has received notice of a violation of any
Environmental Law (whether with respect to properties presently or previously
owned or used) except as would not reasonably be likely, individually or in the
aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

    SECTION 3.14 TITLE TO PROPERTIES; ABSENCE OF LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES. Except
as described in Section 3.14 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, each of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries has good and valid title to, or, in the
case of leased properties and assets, valid leasehold interests in, all of its
material tangible properties and assets, real, personal and mixed, used or held
for use in its business, free and clear of any liens, pledges, charges, claims,
security interests or other encumbrances of any sort ("LIENS") except (i) for
liens imposed by Law in respect of obligations not yet due which are owed in
respect of taxes or which otherwise are owed to materialmen, workmen, carriers,
warehousepersons or laborers not in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate,
(ii) as reflected in the financial statements contained in the Company SEC
Reports and (iii) for such Liens or other imperfections of title and
encumbrances, if any, which would not reasonably be likely, individually or in
the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

    SECTION 3.15 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. (a) Except with respect to the items set
forth in Section 3.15 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company and the
Company Significant Subsidiaries own or possess adequate licenses or other valid
rights to use all Intellectual Property used or held for use in connection with
the business of the Company and the Significant Subsidiaries as currently
conducted or as contemplated to be conducted, except where the failure to own or
possess such would not be reasonably likely to, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

                                      A-13
<PAGE>
    (b)  Except as set forth in Section 3.15 of the Company Disclosure Schedule
and except as would not reasonably be likely, individually or in the aggregate,
to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and the Company Significant
Subsidiaries have not received any written notice that, and to the Company's
knowledge no claim has been made or asserted that, any process currently used or
product currently sold, imported or offered for sale by the Company and the
Significant Subsidiaries infringes on or otherwise violates the rights of any
person, and such processes, uses, sales, importations and offers to sell are and
have been in accordance, in all material respects, with all applicable licenses.

    (c)  No Intellectual Property owned or licensed by the Company or the
Company Subsidiaries is being used or enforced in a manner that would result in
the abandonment, cancellation or unenforceability of such Intellectual Property
other than as would not reasonably be likely, individually or in the aggregate,
to have a Material Adverse Effect.

    (d)  The Company and the Significant Subsidiaries have taken reasonable
steps in accordance with normal industry practice to maintain the
confidentiality of their trade secrets and other confidential Intellectual
Property. To the knowledge of the Company (i) there has been no misappropriation
of any material trade secrets or other material confidential Intellectual
Property of the Company or any Company Subsidiary by any person, (ii) no
employee, independent contractor or agent of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary has misappropriated any material trade secrets of any other person in
the course of such performance as an employee, independent contractor or agent
and (iii) no employee, independent contractor or agent of Company or any Company
Subsidiary is in material default or breach of any term of any employment
agreement, non-disclosure agreement, assignment of invention agreement or
similar agreement or contract relating in any way to the protection, ownership,
development, use or transfer of material Intellectual Property, in each case,
other than as would not reasonably be likely, individually or in the aggregate,
to have a Material Adverse Effect.

    SECTION 3.16. [Intentionally Omitted]

    SECTION 3.17. TAXES. Except as set forth in Section 3.17 of the Company
Disclosure Schedule, (a) the Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries have
timely filed or will timely file all returns and reports required to be filed by
them with any taxing authority with respect to Taxes for any period ending on or
before the Effective Time, taking into account any extension of time to file
granted to or obtained on behalf of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries,
(b) all Taxes that are due prior to the Effective Time have been paid or will be
paid or have been shown as reserves on the Financial Statements in accordance
with U.S. GAAP, (c) no outstanding or pending deficiency for any material amount
of Tax has been asserted or assessed by a taxing authority against the Company
or any of the Company Subsidiaries, (d) the Company and each of the Company
Subsidiaries have provided adequate reserves in their financial statements in
accordance with U.S. GAAP for any Taxes that have not been paid, whether or not
shown as being due on any returns and (e) neither the Company nor any of the
Company Subsidiaries has a material amount of income reportable for a Taxable
period ending after the Effective Time that is attributable to an activity or a
transaction occurring in or a change in accounting method made for a period
ending on or prior to the Effective Time, including without limitation, any
adjustment pursuant to Section 481 of the Code. As used in this Agreement,
"TAXES" shall mean any and all taxes, fees, levies, duties, tariffs, imports and
other charges of any kind (together with any and all interest, penalties,
additions to tax and additional amounts imposed with respect thereto) imposed by
any government or taxing authority, including, without limitation: taxes or
other charges on or with respect to income, franchises, windfall or other
profits, gross receipts, property, sales, use, stock, payroll, employment,
social security, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation or net worth;
taxes or other charges in the nature of excise, withholding, ad valorem, stamp,
transfer, value added or gains taxes; license, registration and documentation
fees; and customers' duties, tariffs and similar charges.

                                      A-14
<PAGE>
    SECTION 3.18. ACCOUNTING AND TAX MATTERS. To the knowledge of the Company,
neither the Company nor any of its affiliates has taken or agreed to take any
action that would prevent the Merger from being accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests accounting method or would prevent the Merger from
constituting a reorganization qualifying under section 368(a) of the Code. The
Company is not aware of any agreement, plan or other circumstance that would
prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization under section 368(a) of
the Code.

    SECTION 3.19. BOARD APPROVAL; VOTE REQUIRED. (a) On or prior to the date of
this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Company, by resolutions duly
adopted by [unanimous] vote of those voting at a meeting duly called and held
and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way (the "COMPANY BOARD
APPROVAL"), has duly (i) determined that this Agreement and the Merger are fair
to and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, (ii) approved
this Agreement and the Merger, and determined that the execution, delivery and
performance of the Merger Agreement is advisable and (iii) recommended that the
stockholders of the Company approve the Merger and this Agreement and directed
that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby be submitted for
consideration by the Company's stockholders at the Company Stockholders'
Meeting.

    (b)  The only vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the
Company necessary to approve the Merger, this Agreement and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement is the Company Stockholders' Vote.

    SECTION 3.20. INSURANCE. The Company and the Company Significant
Subsidiaries maintain insurance coverage with reputable insurers in such amounts
and covering such risks as are in accordance with normal industry practice for
companies engaged in businesses similar to that of the Company and the Company
Significant Subsidiaries.

    SECTION 3.21. STATE TAKEOVER STATUTES; STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN. (a) Except
for Section 203 of the DGCL, no "fair price", "moratorium", "control share
acquisition" or other similar anti-takeover statute or regulation is applicable,
by reason of the Company's being a party to the Merger, this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby. Except for the Company Rights Agreement,
neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party to any
"stockholder rights" plan or any similar anti-takeover plan or device.

    (b)  Prior to the time this Agreement was executed, the Board of Directors
of the Company has taken all action necessary, if any, to exempt under or make
not subject to Section 203 of the DGCL and to ensure no stockholder of the
Company will have any rights under the Shareholders' Rights Agreement as a
result of, (i) the execution of this Agreement, (ii) the Merger and (iii) the
other transactions contemplated hereby.

    SECTION 3.22. LABOR MATTERS. The Company and each Company Subsidiary is in
compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing labor and
employment, except where the failure to be in such compliance would not
reasonably be likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material
Adverse Effect and, to the knowledge of the Company, no fact or event exists
that could give rise to any material liability under such laws and regulations.

    SECTION 3.23. OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR. The Company has received the
written opinion of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette ("DLJ") dated the date of this
Agreement to the effect that, as of the date of this Agreement, the Exchange
Ratio is fair to the Company's stockholders from a financial point of view, a
copy of which opinion will be delivered to Parent promptly after the date of
this Agreement.

    SECTION 3.24. BROKERS. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than
DLJ) is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in
connection with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company. The
Company has heretofore made available to Parent a complete (other than as to
certain

                                      A-15
<PAGE>
redacted confidential information) and correct copy of all agreements between
the Company and DLJ pursuant to which such firm would be entitled to any payment
relating to the Merger or any other transactions.

                                   ARTICLE IV
            REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB

    Parent and Merger Sub hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to
the Company that:

    SECTION 4.01. ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION; SUBSIDIARIES. Each of Parent
and each subsidiary of Parent (collectively, the "PARENT SUBSIDIARIES") is a
corporation or other legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation
and has all requisite power and authority and all necessary governmental
approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business
as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to obtain such
governmental approvals would not prevent or materially delay the consummation of
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each of Parent and the Parent
Subsidiaries is duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation or
organization to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where
the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of
its business makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except for such
failures to be so qualified or licensed and in good standing that would not
prevent or materially delay the consummation of transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.

    SECTION 4.02. ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS. Parent has heretofore
made available to the Company a complete and correct copy of the Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws, each as amended to date, of Parent and the
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of Merger Sub, each as amended to date.
Such respective organizational documents are in full force and effect and
neither Parent nor Merger Sub is in violation of any of the provisions of its
respective organizational documents.

    SECTION 4.03. CAPITALIZATION. (a) As of November 10, 1999, the authorized
capital stock of Parent consists of (i) 500,000,000 Parent Common Shares and
(ii) 10,000,000 preferred shares of Parent, $100 value per share, issuable in
series (the "PARENT PREFERRED SHARES"). As of November 11, 1999,
(i) 245,019,136 Parent Common Shares and (ii) 132,659 Parent Preferred shares
were issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Parent
Common Stock are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. 24,925,256 shares
of Parent Common Stock and no shares of Parent Preferred Stock are held in the
treasury of Parent or by any Parent Subsidiary and 14,185,756 Parent Common
Shares are either reserved for future issuance pursuant to share options or
restricted grants, or are subject to outstanding options (whether presently
exercisable or not). Except for share options or restricted stock granted
pursuant to employee or director equity plans of Parent (the "PARENT SHARE
OPTION PLANS") and pursuant to this Agreement there are no options, warrants or
other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character relating
to the issued or unissued capital stock of Parent, or conditionally or
absolutely obligating Parent to issue or sell any shares of capital stock of, or
other equity interests in, Parent. All Parent Common Shares subject to issuance
as aforesaid, upon issuance on the terms and conditions (whether conditional or
absolute) specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are issuable, will
be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Each
outstanding share of capital stock or other equity interest of each Parent
Subsidiary is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and
each such share or other equity interest owned by Parent or another Parent
Subsidiary is free and clear of all security interests, liens, claims, pledges,
options, rights of first refusal, agreements, limitations on Parent's or such
other Parent Subsidiary's voting rights, charges and other encumbrances of any
nature whatsoever, except where failure to own such shares free and clear would
not prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

                                      A-16
<PAGE>
    (b)  The authorized stock of Merger Sub consists of 1,000 shares of common
stock, no par value, all of which are duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable and free of any preemptive rights in respect thereof, and
all of which are owned by Parent. The Parent Common Shares to be issued pursuant
to the Merger in accordance with Section 2.01 (i) will be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to preemptive or
similar rights created by statute, the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of
Parent or any agreement to which the Parent is a party or is bound and
(ii) will, when issued, be registered under the Securities Act and the Exchange
Act and registered or exempt from registration under applicable Blue Sky Laws.

    SECTION 4.04. AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT. Each of Parent and
Merger Sub has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder and to
consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of Parent and Merger Sub
and the consummation by each of Parent and Merger Sub of the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly and validly
authorized by all necessary corporate action, and no other corporate proceedings
on the part of Parent or Merger Sub are necessary to authorize this Agreement or
to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (other than, with respect to the Merger, the filing of the Certificate
of Merger with the Secretary of State of Delaware as required by the DGCL). This
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of Parent and
Merger Sub and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the
Company, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Parent and
Merger Sub, enforceable against each of Parent and Merger Sub in accordance with
its terms.

    SECTION 4.05. NO CONFLICT; REQUIRED FILINGS AND CONSENTS. (a) The execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement by each of Parent and Merger Sub will
not (i) conflict with or violate the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of
Parent, the Certificate of Incorporation or ByLaws of Merger Sub or any
equivalent organizational documents of any other Significant Subsidiary (as such
term is defined in Rule 102 of Regulation SX promulgated by the SEC under the
Exchange Act) of the Parent (such Significant Subsidiaries of the Parent for the
purpose of this Agreement to be the "PARENT SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES"),
(ii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions
described in Section 4.05(b) have been obtained and all filings and obligations
described in Section 4.05(b) have been made, conflict with or violate any Law
applicable to Parent or any Parent Subsidiary or by which any property or asset
of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary is bound or affected or (iii) result in any
breach of or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of
time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any right of
termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the
creation of a lien or other encumbrance on any property or asset of Parent or
any Parent Subsidiary pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture,
contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or
obligation, except, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such
conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences that would not
prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.

    (b)  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by each of
Parent and Merger Sub will not require any consent, approval, authorization or
permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity, except
(i) for the Required Consents and (ii) where the failure to obtain such
consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or
notifications would not prevent or materially delay the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

    SECTION 4.06. SEC FILINGS; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. (a) Parent has filed all
reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed
by it with the SEC since December 31, 1996 (collectively, including all exhibits
thereto and any registration statement filed since such date, the "PARENT SEC
REPORTS"). As of the respective dates they were filed, (i) the Parent SEC
Reports complied

                                      A-17
<PAGE>
in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act or the
Exchange Act, as the case may be, and (ii) none of the Parent SEC Reports
contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. No Parent Subsidiary is required to file any form, report or other
document with the SEC.

    (b)  Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case,
any notes thereto) contained in the Parent SEC Reports was prepared in
accordance with U.S. GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods
indicated (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of
unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q under the Exchange Act) and each
presented or will present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Parent and the
consolidated Parent Subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof and for the
respective periods indicated therein, except as otherwise noted therein
(subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal and recurring year-end
adjustments which are not expected to be material, individually or in the
aggregate). The balance sheet of Parent contained in the Parent Disclosure
Documents as of December 31, 1998 is hereinafter referred to as the "PARENT
BALANCE SHEET".

    (c)  Parent has heretofore furnished to the Company a complete and correct
copy of any amendments or modifications (which have not yet been filed with the
SEC but which are required to be filed) to agreements, documents or other
instruments which previously had been filed by Parent with the SEC pursuant to
the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

    SECTION 4.07. ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Except as set forth in
SEC filings made by Parent subsequent to the Parent Balance Sheet date, from the
date of the Parent Balance Sheet through the date hereof, each of Parent and the
Parent Subsidiaries has conducted its businesses only in the ordinary course and
in a manner consistent with past practice and, since the date of the Parent
Balance Sheet, neither Parent or any Parent Subsidiary has taken or permitted
any action that if taken or permitted after the date hereof would be a violation
of clauses (a) through (d) of Section 5.02 hereof.

    SECTION 4.08. ABSENCE OF LITIGATION. Except as disclosed in the Parent SEC
Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, there is no Action pending
or, to the knowledge of Parent, threatened against Parent or any Parent
Subsidiary, or any property or asset of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary, before
any court, arbitrator or Governmental Entity, domestic or foreign, which seeks
to delay or prevent the consummation of the Merger or any other material
transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

    SECTION 4.09. ACCOUNTING AND TAX MATTERS. To the knowledge of Parent,
neither Parent nor any of its affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action
that would prevent the Merger from being accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests accounting method or would prevent the Merger from
constituting a transaction qualifying under section 368(a) of the Code. Parent
is not aware of any agreement, plan or other circumstance that would prevent the
Merger from qualifying under section 368(a) of the Code.

    SECTION 4.10. OPERATIONS OF MERGER SUB. Merger Sub is a direct, wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent, 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 by this
Agreement.

                                      A-18
<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE V
                    CONDUCT OF BUSINESSES PENDING THE MERGER

    SECTION 5.01. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY THE COMPANY PENDING THE MERGER. The
Company agrees that, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time,
except as set forth in Section 5.01 of the Company Disclosure Schedule or as
specifically contemplated by any other provision of this Agreement, unless
Parent shall otherwise consent in writing:

        (a)  the businesses of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall be
    conducted only in, and the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall not
    take any action except in, the ordinary course of business and in a manner
    consistent with past practice; and

        (b)  the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to preserve
    substantially intact its business organization, to keep available the
    services of the current officers, employees and consultants of the Company
    and the Company Subsidiaries and to preserve the current relationships of
    the Company and the Company Subsidiaries with customers, suppliers,
    licensors, licensees and other persons with which the Company or any Company
    Subsidiary has significant business relations.

    By way of amplification and not limitation, except (i) as contemplated by
this Agreement, (ii) for transfers of cash among the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries pursuant to the Company's cash management policies or
(iii) subject to Sections 6.08 and 6.10, as set forth in Section 5.01 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary
shall, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, directly or
indirectly, do, or propose to do, any of the following without the prior written
consent of Parent:

        (a)  amend or change its Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws or
    equivalent organizational documents;

        (b)  transfer, issue, sell, pledge, lease, license, dispose, grant,
    encumber, or authorize for transfer, issuance, sale, pledge, lease, license,
    disposition, grant or encumbrance (whether to a third party or any
    Affiliate) (i) any shares of its stock of any class, or any options,
    warrants, convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any
    shares of such stock, or any other ownership interest (including, without
    limitation, any phantom interest), of the Company or any Company Subsidiary
    (except (A) for the issuance of shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to
    the Company Stock Options outstanding on the date of this Agreement,
    (B) the issuance, from treasury, of shares of Company Common Stock to the
    grantor trust established in connection with the Company's Supplemental
    Retirement Income Plan in respect of matching contributions under such plan,
    or (C) the grant of Company Stock Options to newly-hired employees in the
    ordinary course of business consistent with past practices in amounts not to
    exceed 2,000 shares per employee) or (ii) other than sales of inventory and
    obsolete equipment in the ordinary course of business, any material assets
    of the Company or any Company Subsidiary;

        (c)  except with respect to trademarks in the ordinary course of
    business and consistent with past practice, (i) grant any license in respect
    of any Intellectual Property of the Company or any Company Subsidiary,
    (ii) develop any Intellectual Property jointly with any third party, or
    (iii) disclose any confidential Intellectual Property of the Company or any
    Company Subsidiary unless such Intellectual Property is subject to a
    confidentiality agreement protecting against any further disclosure;

        (d)  authorize, declare or set aside any dividend payment or other
    distribution, payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise, with respect to
    any of its stock;

        (e)  reclassify, combine, split, subdivide or redeem, purchase or
    otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its stock;

                                      A-19
<PAGE>
        (f)  acquire (including, without limitation, by merger, consolidation,
    or acquisition of stock or assets) any interest in any corporation,
    partnership, other business organization or any division thereof or any
    assets, other than acquisitions of assets in the ordinary course of business
    consistent with past practice and which are not in connection with the
    acquisition of all, or substantially all of a business;

        (g)  incur any additional indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any
    debt securities or assume, guarantee or endorse the obligations of any
    person, or make any loans or advances, except for indebtedness under the
    Company's existing Credit Agreement incurred in the ordinary course of
    business and consistent with past practice and for other indebtedness with a
    maturity of not more than one year in a principal amount not, in the
    aggregate, in excess of $2,500,000;

        (h)  enter into any contracts or agreements requiring the payment, or
    receipt of payment, of consideration in excess of $1,000,000, or modify,
    amend or terminate any existing Company Material Contract other than
    modifications, amendments or terminations in the ordinary course of business
    consistent with past practices;

        (i)  make or authorize any capital expenditures, other than (A) capital
    expenditures reflected in the capital expenditure budgets for the fiscal
    years ending December 31, 1999, and December 31, 2000 previously delivered
    by the Company to Parent and (B) as set forth in Section 5.01(i) of the
    Company Disclosure Schedule;

        (j)  waive any stock repurchase or acceleration rights, amend or change
    the terms of any options or restricted stock, or reprice options granted
    under any Company Stock Option Plan or authorize cash payments in exchange
    for any options granted under any such plans;

        (k)  increase the compensation payable or to become payable to its
    officers or employees, except for increases in accordance with past
    practices and consistent with current budgets, as disclosed in
    Section 5.01(k) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, in salaries or wages of
    officers and employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or grant
    any rights to severance or termination pay to, or enter into any employment
    or severance agreement with, any director, officer or other employee of the
    Company (except, in the case of employees who are not officers or directors,
    as consistent with existing policies of the Company or past practices) or
    any Company Subsidiary, or establish, adopt, enter into or amend any
    collective bargaining, bonus, profit sharing, thrift, compensation, stock
    option, restricted stock, pension, retirement, deferred compensation,
    employment, termination, severance or other plan, agreement, trust, fund,
    policy or arrangement for the benefit of any director, officer or employee;

        (l)  settle any material Action other than any settlement which involves
    only the payment of damages in an immaterial amount and does not involve
    injunctive or other equitable relief;

        (m)  make or revoke any material Tax elections, adopt or change any
    method of Tax accounting, settle any material Tax liabilities or take any
    action with respect to the computation of Taxes or the preparation of Tax
    returns that is inconsistent with past practice;

        (n)  take any action, other than as required by U.S. GAAP or by the SEC,
    with respect to accounting principles or procedures, including, without
    limitation, any revaluation of assets;

        (o)  agree in writing or otherwise to take any of the actions described
    in clauses (a) through (n) above; or

        (p)  take any action to cause the Company's representations and
    warranties set forth in Article III to be untrue in any material respect.

    SECTION 5.02. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY PARENT PENDING THE MERGER. Parent
agrees that, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, except
as contemplated by any other provision of this

                                      A-20
<PAGE>
Agreement, Parent shall not, between the date of this Agreement and the
Effective Time, directly or indirectly, do, or propose to do, any of the
following without the prior written consent of the Company:

        (a)  authorize, declare or set aside any dividend payments or other
    distribution, payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise, with respect to
    any of its capital stock, other than any regular quarterly dividends
    declared and paid in accordance with past practice;

        (b)  reclassify, combine, split, or subdivide any of its capital stock;

        (c)  take any action, other than as required by generally accepted
    accounting principles or by the SEC, with respect to accounting principles
    or procedures;

        (d)  agree in writing or otherwise to take any actions described in
    clauses (a) through (c) above; or

        (e)  take any action to cause Parent's representations and warranties
    set forth in Article IV to be untrue in any material respect.

    SECTION 5.03. NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN MATTERS. Parent shall give prompt
notice to the Company, and the Company shall give prompt notice to Parent, of
(i) the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any event the occurrence or nonoccurrence
of which would be likely to cause (A) any representation or warranty contained
in this Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate or (B) any covenant, condition or
agreement contained in this Agreement not to be complied with or satisfied and
(ii) any failure of Parent or the Company, as the case may be, to comply with or
satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by
it hereunder; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to
this Section 5.03 shall not limit or otherwise affect the remedies available
hereunder to the party receiving such notice.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

    SECTION 6.01. REGISTRATION STATEMENT; JOINT PROXY STATEMENT. (a) As promptly
as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, (i) Parent and the Company
shall prepare and file with the SEC a joint proxy statement (together with any
amendments thereof or supplements thereto, the "PROXY STATEMENT") relating to
the meetings of the Company's stockholders (the "COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS' MEETING")
to be held to consider approval of this Agreement and the Merger and
(ii) Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on
Form S-4 (together with all amendments thereto, the "REGISTRATION STATEMENT") in
which the Proxy Statement shall be included as a prospectus, in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of the Parent Common Shares to be
issued to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Merger. Each of Parent
and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration
Statement to become effective as promptly as practicable, and prior to the
effective date of the Registration Statement, Parent shall take all or any
action required under any applicable federal or state securities laws in
connection with the issuance of Parent Common Shares pursuant to the Merger. The
Company shall furnish all information concerning the Company as Parent may
reasonably request in connection with such actions and the preparation of the
Registration Statement and Proxy Statement. As promptly as practicable after the
Registration Statement shall have become effective, the Company shall mail the
Proxy Statement to its stockholders.

    (b)  Subject to paragraph (c) of this Section 6.01, the Proxy Statement
shall include the Company Board Approval.

    (c)  Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the Company's Board of
Directors from withholding, withdrawing, amending or modifying the Company Board
Approval if the Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith
(after consultation with legal counsel) that the failure to take such action
would constitute a breach by the Board of Directors of the Company of its
fiduciary duties to

                                      A-21
<PAGE>
the Company's shareholders under applicable law. Unless this Agreement shall
have been terminated in accordance with its terms, nothing contained in this
Section 6.01(c) shall limit the Company's obligation to convene and hold the
Company Stockholders' Meeting (regardless of whether the Company Board Approval
shall have been withheld, withdrawn, amended or modified).

    (d)  No amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement or the Registration
Statement will be made by Parent or the Company without the approval of the
other party (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Each of
Parent and the Company will advise the other, promptly after it receives notice
thereof, of the time at which the Registration Statement has become effective or
any supplement or amendment has been filed, of the issuance of any stop order,
of the suspension of the qualification of the Parent Common Shares issuable in
connection with the Merger for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of any
request by the SEC for amendment of the Proxy Statement or the Registration
Statement or comments thereon and responses thereto or requests by the SEC for
additional information.

    (e)  The information supplied by Parent for inclusion in the Registration
Statement and the Proxy Statement shall not, at (i) the time the Registration
Statement is declared effective, (ii) the time the Proxy Statement (or any
amendment thereof or supplement thereto) is first mailed to the stockholders of
the Company, (iii) the time of Company's Stockholders' Meetings and (iv) the
Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or fail 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 were
made, not misleading. If, at any time prior to the Effective Time, any event or
circumstance relating to Parent or any Parent Subsidiary, or their respective
officers or directors, that should be set forth in an amendment or a supplement
to the Registration Statement or Proxy Statement should be discovered by Parent,
Parent shall promptly inform the Company thereof. All documents that Parent is
responsible for filing with the SEC in connection with the Merger or the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will comply as to form and substance
in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act
and the rules and regulations thereunder and the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder.

    (f)  The information supplied by the Company for inclusion in the
Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement shall not, at (i) the time the
Registration Statement is declared effective, (ii) the time the Proxy Statement
(or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto) is first mailed to the
stockholders of the Company, (iii) the time of Company's Stockholders' Meetings
and (iv) the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
fail 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 were made, not misleading. If, at any time prior to the Effective Time, any
event or circumstance relating to the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or
their respective officers or directors, that should be set forth in an amendment
or a supplement to the Registration Statement or Proxy Statement should be
discovered by the Company, the Company shall promptly inform Parent. All
documents that the Company is responsible for filing with the SEC in connection
with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement will
comply as to form and substance in all material respects with the applicable
requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and
the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

    SECTION 6.02. COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS' MEETING. The Company shall call and hold
the Company Stockholders' Meeting as promptly as practicable for the purpose of
voting upon the approval of the Merger and this Agreement and the Company shall
use its reasonable best efforts to hold the Stockholders' Meetings as soon as
practicable after the date on which the Registration Statement becomes
effective. The Company shall (a) use its reasonable best efforts to solicit from
their shareholders proxies in favor of the approval of the Merger and this
Agreement and (b) shall take all other action necessary or advisable to secure
the vote or consent of shareholders required by the rules of the NYSE to obtain
such approvals.

                                      A-22
<PAGE>
    SECTION 6.03. ACCESS TO INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY. Except as required
pursuant to any confidentiality agreement or similar agreement or arrangement to
which the Company or any of their subsidiaries is a party or pursuant to
applicable Law, from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, the
Company shall (and shall cause its subsidiaries to): (i) provide to Parent (and
its officers, directors, employees, accountants, consultants, legal counsel,
agents and other representatives collectively, "REPRESENTATIVES") access at
reasonable times during normal business hours upon prior notice to the officers,
employees, agents, properties, offices and other facilities of the Company and
the Company Significant Subsidiaries and to the books and records thereof; and
(ii) furnish promptly such information concerning the business, properties,
contracts, assets, liabilities, personnel and other aspects of the other party
and its subsidiaries as the other party or its Representatives may reasonably
request; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the parties shall use reasonable best efforts
to limit such access as provided in clauses (i) and (ii) in such a way as to
minimize disruption to the operations of the business of the Company and its
subsidiaries. Parent shall, and Parent shall cause its Representatives to, keep
such information confidential in accordance with the terms of the
Confidentiality Agreement, as supplemented, between Parent and the Company (the
"CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT"). From and after the date of this Agreement in the
case of Lasertron, Inc. and after the printing and mailing of the Proxy
Statement in the case of the other Company Significant Subsidiaries, the Company
and Parent shall, and the Company shall cause the Company Significant
Subsidiaries to cooperate in order to provide for an orderly transition as of
the Effective Time.

    SECTION 6.04. NO SOLICITATION OF TRANSACTIONS. (a) After the date hereof and
prior to the Effective Time or earlier termination of this Agreement, except as
provided in clause (b) below, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of
the Company Subsidiaries to, initiate, solicit, negotiate, encourage or provide
confidential information to facilitate, and the Company shall, and shall use its
reasonable best efforts to cause any officer, director or employee of the
Company, or any attorney, accountant, investment banker, financial advisor or
other agent retained by it or any of the Company Subsidiaries, not to initiate,
solicit, negotiate, encourage or provide nonpublic or confidential information
to facilitate, any proposal or offer to acquire all or any substantial part of
the business or properties of the Company or any capital stock of the Company,
whether by merger, purchase of assets, tender offer or otherwise (other than a
transaction permitted pursuant to Section 5.01(b)) whether for cash, securities
or any other consideration or combination thereof (any such transaction being
referred to herein as an "ACQUISITION TRANSACTION"). The Company immediately
shall cease and cause to be terminated all discussions or negotiations with
respect to any Acquisition Proposal as defined below.

    (b)  Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (a) above, the Board of
Directors of the Company may (A) furnish information to or engage in discussions
or negotiations with any Person in response to an unsolicited written offer or
proposal with respect to an Acquisition Transaction (an "ACQUISITION PROPOSAL");
or (B) recommend such an Acquisition Proposal to the shareholders of the
Company, if and only to the extent that (I) the Board of Directors of the
Company determines, in good faith and after consultation with its independent
financial advisor, that such Acquisition Proposal would constitute a Superior
Proposal (as hereinafter defined); (II) the Board of Directors of the Company
determined in good faith (after consultation with legal counsel) that the
failure to take such action would constitute a breach by the Board of Directors
of the Company of its fiduciary duties to the Company's shareholders under
applicable law; (III) prior to furnishing such information to or entering into
discussions or negotiations with, such Person, the Company provides written
notice to Parent to the effect that it is furnishing such information to or
entering into discussions or negotiations with, such Person (which notice shall
identify the material terms of the proposal); and (IV) the Board of Directors
receives, prior to furnishing any such information or entering into any
discussions or negotiations with such Person, an executed confidentiality
agreement substantially similar to the Parent Confidentiality Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement, "SUPERIOR PROPOSAL" shall mean a bona fide
Acquisition Proposal (A) made by a third party that the Board of Directors of
the Company determines in its good faith judgment (after consultation with its
financial advisor) to be significantly more favorable to the

                                      A-23
<PAGE>
Company's shareholders from a financial point of view than the Merger, (B) that
involves all of the outstanding Company Common Shares, (C) that is not subject
to regulatory approvals that give rise to a significant risk that the
Acquisition Transaction will not be consummated and (D) for which financing, to
the extent required, is then committed or which, in good faith judgment of the
Board of Directors of the Company, is reasonably capable of being obtained by
such third party. The Company's Board of Directors may take and disclose to the
Company's stockholders a position contemplated by Rule 14e2 under the Exchange
Act. It is understood and agreed that negotiations and other activities
conducted in accordance with this paragraph (b) shall not constitute a violation
of paragraph (a) of this Section 6.04.

    (c)  The Company shall promptly (but in any event within 48 hours) notify
Parent after receipt of any Acquisition Proposal, indication of interest or
request for nonpublic information relating to the Company or a Company
Subsidiary in connection with an Acquisition Proposal or for access to the
properties, books or records of the Company or any Company Subsidiary by any
person or other entity or group that informs the Board of Directors of the
Company or such Company Subsidiary that it is considering making, or has made,
an Acquisition Proposal. Such notice to Parent shall be made orally and in
writing and shall indicate in reasonable detail the identity of the offeror and
the terms and conditions of such proposal, inquiry or contact.

    SECTION 6.05. DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE.
(a) The By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation shall contain the respective
provisions that are set forth, as of the date of this Agreement, in
Article VII, Section 11 of the By-Laws of the Company, which provisions shall
not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified for a period of six years from
the Effective Time in any manner that would affect adversely the rights
thereunder of individuals who at or at any time prior to the Effective Time were
directors, officers, employees, fiduciaries or agents of the Company.

    (b)  The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law
and regardless of whether the Merger becomes effective, indemnify and hold
harmless, and, after the Effective Time, Parent and the Surviving Corporation
shall, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, indemnify and hold
harmless, each present and former director or officer of the Company and each
Subsidiary of the Company and each such person who served at the request of the
Company or any Subsidiary of the Company as a director, officer, trustee,
partner, fiduciary, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, pension or other employee benefit plan or enterprise
(collectively, the "INDEMNIFIED PARTIES") against all costs and expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims,
damages, liabilities and settlement amounts paid in connection with any claim,
action, suit, proceeding or investigation (whether arising before or after the
Effective Time), whether civil, administrative, criminal or investigative,
arising out of or pertaining to any action or omission in their capacities as
officers or directors, in each case occurring before the Effective Time
(including the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in each case, to the
fullest extent permitted by Delaware Law or any other applicable laws or to the
fullest extent permitted under the Company's certificate of incorporation and
by-laws or any applicable contract or agreement as in effect on the date
hereof). Without limiting the foregoing, in the event of any such claim, action,
suit, proceeding or investigation, (i) the Company or Parent and the Surviving
Corporation, as the case may be, shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of
counsel selected by any Indemnified Party, which counsel shall be reasonably
satisfactory to the Company or to Parent and the Surviving Corporation, as the
case may be, promptly after statements therefor are received (unless the
Surviving Corporation shall elect to defend such action) and (ii) the Company
and Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall cooperate in the defense of any
such matter; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that neither the Company, Parent nor the
Surviving Corporation shall be liable for any settlement effected without its
written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
In the event that any claim or claims for indemnification are asserted or made
within such six-year period, all rights to indemnification in respect of any
such claim or claims shall continue until the disposition of any and all such
claims.

                                      A-24
<PAGE>
    (c)  For a period of six years after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause
to be maintained in effect the current directors' and officers' liability
insurance policies maintained by the Company (provided that Parent may
substitute therefor policies reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Parties
of at least the same coverage containing terms and conditions that are no less
advantageous) with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred
prior to the Effective Time; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in no event shall Parent be
required to expend pursuant to this Section 6.05(c) more than an amount per year
equal to 200% of current annual premiums paid by the Company for such insurance
(which premiums the Company represents and warrants to be approximately $200,000
per year in the aggregate); PROVIDED, FURTHER, HOWEVER, that if the premium for
such coverage exceeds such amount, Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall
purchase a policy with the greatest coverage available for such 200% of the
amount per annum spent by the Company for its fiscal year ending December 31,
1998.

    (d)  In the event the Company or the Surviving Corporation or any of their
respective successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other
person and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity in
such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers all or substantially all of its
properties and assets to any person, then, and in each case, proper provision
shall be made so that the successors and assigns of the Company or the Surviving
Corporation, as the case may be, honor the indemnification obligations set forth
in this Section 6.05.

    (e)  For a period of at least six years after the Effective Time, Parent
shall cause the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation to
continue to include a provision substantially similar to Article Twelfth of the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company for the benefit of all directors and
officers of the Company prior to the Effective Time.

    SECTION 6.06. OBLIGATIONS OF MERGER SUB. Parent shall take all action
necessary to cause Merger Sub to perform its obligations under this Agreement
and to consummate the Merger on the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Agreement.

    SECTION 6.07. AFFILIATES. (a) No later than 30 days after the date of this
Agreement, the Company shall deliver to Parent a list of names and addresses of
those persons who were, in the Company's reasonable judgment, on such date,
affiliates (within the meaning of Rule 145 of the rules and regulations
promulgated under the Securities Act or applicable SEC accounting releases with
respect to pooling-of-interests accounting treatment (each such person being an
"AFFILIATE")) of the Company. The Company shall provide Parent with such
information and documents as Parent shall reasonably request for purposes of
reviewing such list. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to
deliver or cause to be delivered to Parent, no later than at least 30 days prior
to the Effective Time, an affiliate letter in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit 6.07(a), executed by each of the Affiliates of the Company identified in
the foregoing list and any person who shall, to the knowledge of the Company,
have become an Affiliate of the Company subsequent to the delivery of such list.

    (b)  No later than 30 days after the date of this Agreement, Parent shall
deliver to the Company a list of names and addresses of those persons who were,
in Parent's reasonable judgment, on such date, Affiliates of Parent. Parent
shall provide the Company such information and documents as the Company shall
reasonably request for purposes of reviewing such list. Parent shall use its
reasonable best efforts to deliver or cause to be delivered to the Company, no
later than at least 30 days prior to the Effective Time, an affiliate letter in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit 6.07(b), executed by each of the Affiliates
of Parent identified in the foregoing list and by any person who shall have
become an Affiliate of Parent subsequent to the delivery of such list.

    SECTION 6.08. POOLING. (a) From and after the date of this Agreement and
until the Effective Time, neither Parent nor the Company, nor any of their
respective subsidiaries or other affiliates, shall knowingly take any action, or
knowingly fail to take any action, that is reasonably likely to jeopardize the
treatment of the Merger as a "pooling-of-interests" for accounting purposes
under U.S. GAAP.

                                      A-25
<PAGE>
Between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, Parent and the
Company each shall use its best efforts to cause the Merger to be characterized
as a pooling-of-interests for accounting purposes if such characterization were
jeopardized by action taken by Parent or the Company, respectively, prior to the
Effective Time.

    (b)  As of the date of this Agreement, the Company does not know of any
reason why it would not be able to obtain a letter, in form and substance
satisfactory to Parent, from PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, dated the date of the
Effective Time and, if requested by Parent, dated the date of the Registration
Statement, stating that PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP concurs with management's
conclusion that the Merger will qualify as a transaction to be accounted for by
Parent in accordance with the pooling-of-interests method of accounting under
the requirements of Opinion No. 16 "Business Combinations" of the Accounting
Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as
amended by applicable pronouncements by the Financial Accounting Standards
Board, and all related published rules, regulations and policies of the SEC
("APB NO. 16").

    (c)  As of the date of this Agreement, Parent does not know of any reason
why it would not be able to obtain a letter, in form and substance satisfactory
to the Company from PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, dated the date of the Effective
Time and, if requested by Parent, dated the date of the Registration Statement,
stating that PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP concurs with management's conclusion
that the Merger will qualify as a transaction to be accounted for by Parent in
accordance with the pooling-of-interests method of accounting under the
requirements of APB No. 16.

    SECTION 6.09. FURTHER ACTION; CONSENTS; FILINGS. (a) Upon the terms and
subject to the conditions hereof, each of the parties hereto shall use its
reasonable best efforts to (i) take, or cause to be taken, all appropriate
action and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable
under applicable Law or otherwise to consummate and make effective the Merger
and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) obtain from
Governmental Entities any consents, licenses, permits, waivers, approvals,
authorizations or orders required to be obtained or made by Parent or the
Company or any of their subsidiaries in connection with the authorization,
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger and
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (iii) make all
necessary filings, and thereafter make any other required submissions, with
respect to this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement that are required under (A) the Exchange Act and the Securities
Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and any other applicable federal or
state securities laws, (B) the HSR Act, and any other antitrust regulations and
(C) any other applicable Law. The parties hereto shall cooperate with each other
in connection with the making of all such filings, including by providing copies
of all such documents to the nonfiling party and its advisors prior to filing
and, if requested, by accepting all reasonable additions, deletions or changes
suggested in connection therewith.

    (b)  Parent and the Company shall file as soon as practicable after the date
of this Agreement notifications under the HSR Act and shall respond as promptly
as practicable to all inquiries or requests that may be made pursuant to the HSR
Act for additional information or documentation and shall respond as promptly as
practicable to all inquiries and requests received from any State Attorney
General or other Governmental Entity in connection with antitrust matters. The
parties shall cooperate with each other in connection with the making of all
such filings or responses, including providing copies of all such documents to
the other party and its advisors prior to filing or responding.

    (c)  The Company and Parent shall cooperate and use their reasonable best
efforts to resolve any Actions related to the Intellectual Property used by the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries.

    SECTION 6.10. PLAN OF REORGANIZATION. (a) This Agreement is intended to
constitute a "plan of reorganization" within the meaning of section 1.368-2(g)
of the income tax regulations promulgated under the Code. From and after the
date of this Agreement and until the Effective Time, each party hereto shall use
its reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify, and will not
knowingly take

                                      A-26
<PAGE>
any action, cause any action to be taken, fail to take any action or cause any
action to fail to be taken which action or failure to act could prevent the
Merger from qualifying as a reorganization under the provisions of
section 368(a) of the Code. Following the Effective Time, neither the Surviving
Corporation, Parent nor any of their affiliates shall knowingly take any action,
cause any action to be taken, fail to take any action or cause any action to
fail to be taken, which action or failure to act could cause the Merger to fail
to qualify as a reorganization under section 368(a) of the Code.

    (b)  As of the date of this Agreement, the Company does not know of any
reason (i) for which it would not be able to deliver to Shearman & Sterling and
Ropes & Gray, at the date of the legal opinions referred to below, certificates
substantially in compliance with IRS published advance ruling guidelines, with
customary exceptions and modifications thereto, to enable such firms to deliver
the legal opinions contemplated by Sections 7.02(f) and 7.03(c), and the Company
hereby agrees to deliver such certificates effective as of the date of such
opinions so long as the statements therein are true as of such time or (ii) for
which Shearman & Sterling and Ropes & Gray would not be able to deliver the
opinions required by Sections 7.02(f) and 7.03(c).

    (c)  As of the date of this Agreement, Parent does not know of any reason
(i) for which it would not be able to deliver to Ropes & Gray and Shearman &
Sterling, at the date of the legal opinions referred to below, certificates
substantially in compliance with published IRS advance ruling guidelines, with
customary exceptions and modifications thereto, to enable such firms to deliver
the legal opinions contemplated by Sections 7.02(f) and 7.03(c), and Parent
hereby agrees to deliver such certificates effective as of the date of such
opinions so long as the statements therein are true as of such time or (ii) for
which Shearman & Sterling and Ropes & Gray would not be able to deliver the
opinions required by Sections 7.02(f) and 7.03(c).

    SECTION 6.11. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. The initial press release relating to
this Agreement shall be a joint press release the text of which has been agreed
to by each of Parent and the Company. Thereafter, unless otherwise required by
applicable Law or the requirements of the Exchanges, each of Parent and the
Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to consult with the other before
issuing any press release or otherwise making any public statements with respect
to this Agreement, the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.

    SECTION 6.12. LETTERS OF ACCOUNTANTS. (a) Parent shall use its reasonable
best efforts to cause to be delivered to the Company "comfort" letters of
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, Parent's independent auditors, dated and delivered
the date on which the Registration Statement shall become effective and as of
the Effective Time, and addressed to the Company, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Company and reasonably customary in scope and
substance for letters delivered by independent public accountants in connection
with transactions such as those contemplated by this Agreement.

    (b)  The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause to be
delivered to Parent "comfort" letters of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, the
Company's independent accountants, dated and delivered the date on which the
Registration Statement shall become effective and as of the Effective Time, and
addressed to Parent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent and
reasonably customary in scope and substance for letters delivered by independent
public accountants in connection with transactions such as those contemplated by
this Agreement.

    SECTION 6.13. NYSE LISTING. Parent shall promptly prepare and submit to the
NYSE a listing application covering the Parent Common Shares to be issued in the
Merger and pursuant to Substitute Options, and shall use its reasonable efforts
to obtain, prior to the Effective Time, approval for the listing of such Parent
Common Shares, subject to official notice of issuance, and the Company shall
cooperate with Parent with respect to such listing, which cooperation shall
include, but not be limited to, taking all necessary actions to delist the
Company's Common Stock from the NYSE.

                                      A-27
<PAGE>
    SECTION 6.14. REASONABLE BEST EFFORTS AND FURTHER ASSURANCES. Subject to the
terms and conditions hereof, each of the parties to this Agreement shall use
reasonable best efforts to effect the transactions contemplated hereby and to
fulfill and cause to be fulfilled the conditions to the Merger under this
Agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each party hereto, at the
reasonable request of another party hereto, shall execute and deliver such other
instruments and do and perform such other acts and things as may be necessary or
desirable for effecting completely the consummation of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby.

    SECTION 6.15. CERTAIN EMPLOYEE BENEFITS MATTERS. For a period of two years
following the Effective Time and effective upon the Merger, Parent shall, or
shall cause the Surviving Company to, provide medical, 401(k), life and
disability benefits, cash compensation and other benefits to Surviving Company
employees that, in the aggregate, are comparable to the medical, 401(k), life
and disability benefits cash compensation and other benefits that were provided
to such Surviving Company employees under the employee benefit plans, programs,
contracts and arrangements of the Company and each of its subsidiaries as in
effect immediately prior to the Effective Time and that have been disclosed or
made available to Parent, other than employee benefit plans, programs, contracts
or arrangements providing for stock options, stock purchase rights, restricted
stock, phantom stock or other stock-based compensation. Parent covenants and
agrees that it shall cause the Surviving Corporation to satisfy all severance
obligations arising in connection with the transactions contemplated by the
Merger and this Agreement pursuant to any Company Benefit Plan.

    SECTION 6.16. SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE. Prior to the Effective Time, the
Company shall enter into, with the trustee under such indenture, a supplemental
indenture, in respect of that certain indenture (the "INDENTURE") dated
February 25, 1998 between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company,
governing $100,000,000 principal amount of 4 7/8% Convertible Notes due 2008
(the "NOTES"), such supplemental indenture to provide, among other things, that
(a) the Merger does not constitute a "change of control" as defined in the
Indenture; and (b) as of the Effective Time, the Notes shall be convertible only
into Parent Common Shares.

                                  ARTICLE VII
                            CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER

    SECTION 7.01. CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF EACH PARTY. The obligations
of the Company, Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger are subject to
the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) of the following conditions:

        (a)  REGISTRATION STATEMENT EFFECTIVE. The Registration Statement shall
    have been declared effective by the SEC under the Securities Act and no stop
    order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have
    been issued by the SEC and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been
    initiated by the SEC.

        (b)  COMPANY STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. The Company Stockholder Approval
    shall have been obtained.

        (c)  NO ORDER. No Governmental Entity or court of competent jurisdiction
    shall have enacted, threatened, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any
    law, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction, executive order or
    award (an "ORDER") that is then in effect, pending or threatened and has, or
    would have, the effect of making the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting
    consummation of the Merger.

        (d)  ANTITRUST WAITING PERIODS. Any waiting period (and any extension
    thereof) applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act
    shall have expired or been terminated or obtained.

                                      A-28
<PAGE>
        (e)  NYSE LISTING. The Parent Common Shares to be issued in the Merger
    shall have been authorized for listing on the NYSE, subject to official
    notice of issuance.

    SECTION 7.02. CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB. The
obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger are subject to the
satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) of the following additional
conditions:

        (a)  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Each of the representations and
    warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement shall be true and
    correct in all material respects as of the Effective Time, as though made at
    and as of the Effective Time, except that those representations and
    warranties that address matters only as of a particular date shall remain
    true and correct in all material respects as of such date (PROVIDED that any
    representation or warranty that is qualified by materiality (including,
    without limitation, by reference to a Material Adverse Effect) shall be true
    in all respects as of the Effective Time, or as of such particular date, as
    the case may be), and Parent shall have received a certificate of the Chief
    Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Company to that effect.

        (b)  AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS. The Company shall have performed or
    complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required
    by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the
    Effective Time (PROVIDED that any agreement or covenant that is qualified by
    materiality (including without limitation, by reference to a Material
    Adverse Effect) shall have been performed or complied with in all respects
    on or prior to the Effective Time), and Parent shall have received a
    certificate of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the
    Company to that effect.

        (c)  CONSENTS. All material consents, approvals and authorizations
    (including, without limitation, the Required Consents) legally required to
    be obtained to consummate the Merger shall have been obtained from and made
    with all Governmental Entities and all consents from third parties under any
    Company Material Contract or other material agreement, contract, license,
    lease or other instrument to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is
    a party or by which it is bound required as a result of the transactions
    contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger shall have been obtained.

        (d)  MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT. There shall have been no circumstance,
    event, occurrence, change or effect that would reasonably be expected,
    individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect since
    the date of this Agreement.

        (e)  ACTIONS. No Action shall have been brought and remain pending by
    any Governmental Entity or other person, entity or group that (i) seeks to
    prevent or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
    Agreement or (ii) would reasonably be expected, individually or in the
    aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

        (f)  TAX OPINIONS. Parent shall have received the opinion of Shearman &
    Sterling, counsel to Parent, based upon representations of Parent, Merger
    Sub and the Company and customary assumptions as set forth or referred to in
    such opinion, to the effect that the Merger will be treated for federal
    income tax purposes as a reorganization qualifying under the provisions of
    section 368(a) of the Code and that each of Parent, Merger Sub and the
    Company will be a party to the reorganization within the meaning of
    section 368(b) of the Code, which opinion shall not have been withdrawn or
    modified in any material respect. The issuance of such opinion shall be
    conditioned on receipt by Shearman & Sterling of representation letters from
    each of Parent (on behalf of itself and Merger Sub) and Company as
    contemplated in Section 6.10 of this Agreement. Each such representation
    letter shall be dated on or before the date of such opinion and shall not
    have been withdrawn or modified in any material respect as of the Effective
    Time.

                                      A-29
<PAGE>
        (g)  RETIREMENT. All members of the Board of Directors of the Company
    shall have retired effective as of the Effective Time.

        (h)  POOLING OPINIONS. Parent shall have received from
    PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, independent auditors of Parent and of the
    Company, an opinion addressed to it and dated the date the Registration
    Statement shall have become effective and confirmed in writing as of the
    Effective Time to the effect that the Merger will be treated as a
    "pooling-of-interests" under applicable accounting standards.

    SECTION 7.03. CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY. The obligations
of the Company to consummate the Merger are subject to the satisfaction or
waiver (where permissible) of the following additional conditions:

        (a)  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Each of the representations and
    warranties of Parent and Merger Sub contained in this Agreement shall be
    true and correct in all material respects as of the Effective Time, as
    though made on and as of the Effective Time, except that those
    representations and warranties that address matters only as of a particular
    date shall remain true and correct in all material respects as of such date
    (PROVIDED that any representation or warranty that is qualified by
    materiality shall be true in all respects as of the Effective Time, or as of
    such particular date, as the case may be), and the Company shall have
    received a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial
    Officer of Parent to that effect.

        (b)  AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS. Parent and Merger Sub shall have
    performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and
    covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it
    on or prior to the Effective Time (PROVIDED that any agreement or covenant
    that is qualified by materiality shall have been performed or complied with
    in all respects on or prior to the Effective Time) and the Company shall
    have received a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief
    Financial Officer of Parent to that effect.

        (c)  TAX OPINION. The Company shall have received the opinion of
    Ropes & Gray, counsel to the Company, based upon representations of Parent,
    Merger Sub and the Company, and customary assumptions as set forth or
    referred to in such opinion, to the effect that the Merger will be treated
    for federal income tax purposes as a reorganization qualifying under the
    provisions of section 368(a) of the Code and that each of Parent, Merger Sub
    and the Company will be a party to the reorganization within the meaning of
    section 368(b) of the Code, which opinion shall not have been withdrawn or
    modified in any material respect. The issuance of such opinion shall be
    conditioned on receipt by Ropes & Gray of representation letters from each
    of Parent (on behalf of itself and Merger Sub) and Company as contemplated
    in Section 6.10 of this Agreement. Each such representation letter shall be
    dated on or before the date of such opinion and shall not have been
    withdrawn or modified in any material respect as of the Effective Time.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

    SECTION 8.01. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger
and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be abandoned at
any time prior to the Effective Time, notwithstanding any requisite approval and
adoption of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
as follows:

        (a)  by mutual written consent duly authorized by the Boards of
    Directors of each of Parent and the Company;

        (b)  by either Parent or the Company, if the Effective Time shall not
    have occurred on or before May 1, 2000; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the right to
    terminate this Agreement under this

                                      A-30
<PAGE>
    Section 8.01(b) shall not be available to any party whose improper action or
    failure to act has caused the failure of the Merger to occur on or before
    such date;

        (c)  by either Parent or the Company, if there shall be any Order of a
    Governmental Authority which is final and nonappealable preventing the
    consummation of the Merger; PROVIDED that the provisions of this
    Section 8.01(c) shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill
    its obligations hereunder shall have been the cause of, or shall have
    resulted in, such Order;

        (d)  by Parent if (i) the Board of Directors of the Company withholds,
    withdraws, modifies or changes the Company Board Approval in a manner
    adverse to Parent or shall have resolved to do so, (ii) the Board of
    Directors of the Company shall have recommended to the stockholders of the
    Company a Superior Proposal or shall have resolved to do so or shall have
    entered into any letter of intent or similar document or any agreement,
    contract or commitment accepting any Superior Proposal, (iii) the Company
    shall have failed to include in the Proxy Statement the Company Board
    Approval, (iv) the Company's Board of Directors fails to reaffirm its
    recommendation in favor of the approval of the Merger and this Agreement
    within five business days after Parent requests in writing that such
    recommendation be reaffirmed, (v) the Company shall have breached its
    obligations under Section 6.04 or (vi) a tender offer or exchange offer for
    20% or more of the outstanding shares of stock of the Company is commenced,
    and the Board of Directors of the Company fails to recommend against
    acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer by its stockholders
    (including by taking no position with respect to the acceptance of such
    tender offer or exchange offer by its stockholders);

        (e)  by either Parent or the Company if this Agreement shall fail to
    receive the requisite vote for approval at the Company Stockholders'
    Meeting;

        (f)  by Parent upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant
    or agreement (subject to the materiality threshold, if any, expressed in
    such representation, warranty, covenant or agreement) on the part of the
    Company set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of
    the Company shall have become untrue, in either case such that the
    conditions set forth either in Section 7.02(a) or (b) would not be
    satisfied; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if such breach is curable by the Company
    through the exercise of its best efforts and for as long as the Company
    continues to exercise such best efforts, Parent may not terminate this
    Agreement under this Section 8.01(f); or

        (g)  by the Company upon a breach of any representation, warranty,
    covenant or agreement (subject to the materiality threshold, if any,
    expressed in such representation, warranty, covenant or agreement) on the
    part of Parent and Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement, or if any
    representation or warranty of Parent and Merger Sub shall have become
    untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth either in
    Section 7.03(a) or (b) would not be satisfied; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if
    such breach is curable by Parent and Merger Sub through the exercise of
    their respective best efforts and for as long as Parent and Merger Sub
    continue to exercise such best efforts, the Company may not terminate this
    Agreement under this Section 8.01(g).

        (h)  (A) by the Company if the Board of Directors of the Company shall
    have authorized the Company, subject to complying with the terms of this
    Agreement, to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior
    Proposal and the Company shall have notified the Parent in writing that it
    intends to enter into such an agreement (which notification shall include a
    summary of the material terms of such Superior Proposal), and (B) Parent
    shall not have made, within five business days of receipt of the Company's
    written notification of its intention to enter into a definitive agreement
    with respect to a Superior Proposal, and offer that the Board of Directors
    of the Company determines, in good faith after consultation with its
    financial advisors, is at least as favorable, from a financial point of
    view, to the stockholders of the Company as the Superior Proposal; PROVIDED,
    HOWEVER, that such termination pursuant to this clause (h) shall not be
    effective

                                      A-31
<PAGE>
    unless and until the Company shall have paid to Parent the fee described in
    Section 8.05(b) hereof and shall have complied with Section 6.04 hereof.

    SECTION 8.02. EFFECT OF TERMINATION. Except as provided in Section 9.01, in
the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01, this
Agreement shall forthwith become void, there shall be no liability under this
Agreement on the part of Parent, Merger Sub or the Company or any of their
respective officers or directors, and all rights and obligations of each party
hereto shall cease, subject to the remedies of the parties set forth in
Section 8.05; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that nothing herein shall relieve any party
from liability for the willful breach of any of its representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement.

    SECTION 8.03. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto
by action taken by or on behalf of their respective Boards of Directors at any
time prior to the Effective Time; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, after the approval of
the Merger and this Agreement by the stockholders of the Company, no amendment
may be made that would reduce the amount or change the type of consideration
into which each Share shall be converted upon consummation of the Merger. This
Agreement may not be amended, except by an instrument in writing signed by the
parties hereto.

    SECTION 8.04. WAIVER. At any time prior to the Effective Time, any party
hereto may (a) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other
act of any other party hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracy in the representations
and warranties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto,
and (c) waive compliance with any agreement or condition contained herein. Any
such extension or waiver shall be valid if set forth in an instrument in writing
signed by the party or parties to be bound thereby.

    SECTION 8.05. EXPENSES. (a) Except as set forth in this Section 8.05, all
Expenses (as defined below) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring
such expenses, whether or not the Merger or any other transaction is
consummated. "EXPENSES" as used in this Agreement shall include all reasonable
out of pocket expenses (including, without limitation, all fees and expenses of
counsel, accountants, investment bankers, experts and consultants to a party
hereto and its affiliates) incurred by a party or on its behalf in connection
with or related to the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution and
performance of this Agreement, the preparation, printing, filing and mailing of
the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement, the solicitation of
shareholder approvals, the filing of any required notices under the HSR Act or
other similar regulations and all other matters related to the closing of the
Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

    (b)  The Company agrees to pay to Parent (such payment to be made prior to
the occurrence of any event described in subclause (x) or (y) of clause (ii)
below in the case of termination by the Company or Parent pursuant to such
clause (ii) or by the Company pursuant to clause (iii) below or within two
business days of a request from Parent in the case of termination by Parent
pursuant to clause (i) below) a fee equal to $50,000,000 if:

    (i) Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(d); PROVIDED,
        HOWEVER, that such fee shall not be payable pursuant to this clause (i)
        if all of the following clauses (A) through (C) are satisfied: (A) the
        Company has fully complied with Section 6.04, (B) the Company has not,
        directly or indirectly, engaged in discussions or negotiations with, or
        provided any confidential information to, any Person in respect of any
        Acquisition Proposal, and (C) the Board of Directors of the Company
        withholds, withdraws, modifies or changes the Company Board Approval in
        a manner adverse to Parent or shall have resolved to do so, solely
        because the failure to do so would constitute a breach of the Board's
        fiduciary duties to the Company's shareholders under applicable law
        based upon an event or circumstance not involving, directly or
        indirectly, in whole or in part, an Acquisition Proposal or a proposed
        Business Combination;

                                      A-32
<PAGE>
    (ii) (A) Parent or the Company terminates this Agreement pursuant to
         Section 8.01(e); (B) prior to the time of such termination an
         Acquisition Proposal had been made known to the Company's shareholders
         generally or any person shall have publicly announced its intention
         (whether or not conditional) to make an Acquisition Proposal; and
         (C) on or prior to the first anniversary of the termination of this
         Agreement, the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates
         (x) enters into an agreement or letter of intent (or if the Company's
         Board of Directors resolves or announces an intention to do so) with
         respect to any Business Combination with any person, entity or group or
         (y) consummates any Business Combination with any person, entity or
         group; or

   (iii) The Company terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(h);

    For purposes of this Section 8.05, "BUSINESS COMBINATION" means (i) a
merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination or similar
transaction involving the Company as a result of which the Company stockholders
prior to such transaction in the aggregate cease to own at least 80% of the
voting securities of the entity surviving or resulting from such transaction (or
the ultimate parent entity thereof), (ii) a sale, lease, exchange, transfer,
public offering in respect of, or other disposition of (A) a material portion of
the assets of Lasertron, Inc. or (B) more than 20% of the assets of the Company
and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in either case, in a single
transaction or a series of related transactions, or (iii) the acquisition, by a
person (other than Parent or any affiliate thereof), group or entity of
beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d3 under the Exchange Act) of
(A) any of the capital stock of Lasertron, Inc. or (B) more than 20% of the
Company Common Stock, in either case, whether by tender or exchange offer or
otherwise.

    (c)  In the event of the termination of this Agreement under
Section 8.01(f) then the Company shall pay to Parent or Parent's designee,
contemporaneously with the termination of this Agreement such amount, not to
exceed $5,000,000 as may be required to reimburse Parent and its affiliates for
all reasonable Expenses. The Company and Parent expressly agree that any such
payment is not intended as, and shall not be considered to be liquidated damages
and the payment of such expense reimbursement shall be in addition to any other
rights the party receiving such payment may have under this Agreement and
applicable law.

    (d)  In the event of the termination of this Agreement under
Section 8.01(g) then Parent shall pay to the Company or the Company's designee,
contemporaneously with the termination of this Agreement such amount, not to
exceed $5,000,000, as may be required to reimburse the Company and its
affiliates for all reasonable Expenses. The Company and Parent expressly agree
that any such payment is not intended as, and shall not be considered to be
liquidated damages and the payment of such expense reimbursement shall be in
addition to any other rights the party receiving such payment may have under
this Agreement and applicable law.

    (e)  In the event of the termination of this Agreement because of the
failure to satisfy the condition set forth in Section 7.02(h) other than because
of any action by or circumstance related to the Company, then Parent shall pay
to the Company or the Company's designee, contemporaneously with the termination
of this Agreement such amount, not to exceed $5,000,000, as may be required to
reimburse the Company and its affiliates for all reasonable Expenses. The
Company and Parent expressly agree that any such payment is not intended as, and
shall not be considered to be liquidated damages and the payment of such expense
reimbursement shall be in addition to any other rights the party receiving such
payment may have under this Agreement and applicable law.

    (f)  In the event that Parent or the Company shall fail to pay any Expenses
when due, the term "EXPENSES" shall be deemed to include the costs and expenses
actually incurred or accrued by Parent or the Company as the case may be
(including, without limitation, fees and expenses of counsel) in connection with
the collection under and enforcement of this Section 8.05, together with
interest on such unpaid Expenses, commencing on the date that such Expenses
became due, at a rate equal to the

                                      A-33
<PAGE>
rate of interest publicly announced by Citibank, N.A., from time to time, in The
City of New York, as such bank's Prime Rate plus 1.00%.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

    SECTION 9.01. NON SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS.
The representations, warranties and agreements in this Agreement and in any
certificate delivered pursuant hereto shall terminate at the Effective Time or
upon the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01, as the case may
be, except that the agreements set forth in Articles I and II and Sections 6.03
(with respect to confidentiality), 6.05, 6.08, 6.10 and this Article IX shall
survive the Effective Time and those set forth in Sections 6.03(b), 8.02 and
8.05 and this Article IX shall survive termination.

    SECTION 9.02. NOTICES. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by facsimile
or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested)
to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address
for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this
Section 9.02):

    if to Parent or Merger Sub:

             Corning Incorporated
             One Riverfront Plaza
             Corning, NY 14831
             Facsimile No.: 607-974-8656
             Attention: William D. Eggers, Esq.

    with a copy to:

             Shearman & Sterling
             599 Lexington Avenue
             New York, NY 10022
             Facsimile No.: (212) 848-7179
             Attention: John J. Madden, Esq.

    if to the Company:

             Oak Industries, Inc.
             1000 Winter Street
             Waltham, MA 02451
             Facsimile No.: 781-890-6116
             Attention: Pamela F. Lenehan

    with a copy to:

             Ropes & Gray
             One International Place
             Boston, MA 02110
             Facsimile No.: 615-951-7050
             Attention: David C. Chapin, Esq.

                                      A-34
<PAGE>
    SECTION 9.03. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Agreement, the term:

        (a)  "AFFILIATE" of a specified person means a person who directly or
    indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or
    is under common control with such specified person;

        (b)  "BUSINESS DAY" means any day on which both the principal offices of
    the SEC in Washington, D.C. are open to accept filings, or, in the case of
    determining a date when any payment is due, any day (other than a Saturday
    or a Sunday) on which banks are not required or authorized to close in The
    City of New York;

        (c)  "CONTROL" (including the terms "CONTROLLED BY" and "UNDER COMMON
    CONTROL WITH") means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee or
    executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
    and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting
    securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or credit arrangement or
    otherwise;

        (d)  "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" means any federal, state, local or foreign
    laws relating to (A) releases or threatened releases of Hazardous Substances
    or materials containing Hazardous Substances; (B) the manufacture, handling,
    transport, use, treatment, storage or disposal of Hazardous Substances or
    materials containing Hazardous Substances; or (C) otherwise relating to
    pollution or protection of the environment, health, safety or natural
    resources;

        (e)  "HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES" means (i) those substances defined in or
    regulated under the following federal statutes and their state counterparts
    and all regulations thereunder: the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act,
    the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental
    Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe
    Drinking Water Act, the Atomic Energy Act, the Federal Insecticide,
    Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Clean Air Act; (ii) petroleum and
    petroleum products, including crude oil and any fractions thereof;
    (iii) natural gas, synthetic gas, and any mixtures thereof;
    (iv) polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos and radon; (v) any other
    contaminant; and (vi) any substance, material or waste regulated by any
    federal, state, local or foreign Governmental Entity pursuant to any
    Environmental Law;

        (f)  "INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" means all trademarks, trademark rights,
    trade name, trade name rights, trade dress and other indications of origin,
    brand names, certification rights, service marks, applications for
    trademarks and for service marks, proprietary know-how and other proprietary
    rights and information; inventions and discoveries, whether patentable or
    not, in any jurisdiction; patents, patent rights and trade secrets; writings
    and other works, whether copyrightable or not, in any jurisdiction; and any
    similar intellectual property or proprietary rights;

        (g)  "KNOWLEDGE" means, with respect to the Company, the actual
    knowledge of any executive officer (determined in accordance with
    Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) of the Company and with respect to
    Parent or Merger Sub, the actual knowledge of any executive officer
    (determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) of
    Parent or Merger Sub, as the case may be;

        (h)  "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means any circumstance, event,
    occurrence, change or effect that materially and adversely affects the
    business, operations, condition (financial or otherwise), assets (tangible
    or intangible) or results of operations of the Company and the Company
    Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

        (i)  "PERSON" means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited
    partnership, syndicate, person (including, without limitation, a "PERSON" as
    defined in section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), trust, association or
    entity or government, political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of a
    government; and

                                      A-35
<PAGE>
        (j)  "SUBSIDIARY" or "SUBSIDIARIES" of any person means any corporation,
    partnership, joint venture or other legal entity of which such person
    (either alone or through or together with any other subsidiary) owns,
    directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the stock or other equity
    interests, the holders of which are generally entitled to vote for the
    election of the board of directors or other governing body of such
    corporation or other legal entity.

    SECTION 9.04. SEVERABILITY. If any term or other provision of this Agreement
is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public
policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless
remain in full force and effect as long as the economic or legal substance of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not affected in any manner
materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other
provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto
shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the
original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable
manner in order that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement be
consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.

    SECTION 9.05. ASSIGNMENT; BINDING EFFECT; BENEFIT. Neither this Agreement
nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by
any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the
prior written consent of the other parties. Subject to the preceding sentence,
this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Notwithstanding
anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement,
expressed or implied, is intended to confer on any person other than the parties
hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies,
obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

    SECTION 9.06. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties hereto agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement was
not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that the parties shall be
entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other
remedy at law or in equity.

    SECTION 9.07. GOVERNING LAW; FORUM. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to
contracts executed in and to be performed in that state and without regard to
any applicable conflicts of law principles.

    SECTION 9.08. HEADINGS. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement
are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

    SECTION 9.09. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed and delivered
(including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the
different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed
and delivered shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together
shall constitute one and the same agreement.

    SECTION 9.10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement (including the Exhibits, the
Company Disclosure Schedule and the Parent Disclosure Schedule) and the
Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement among the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and
understandings among the parties with respect thereto. No addition to or
modification of any provision of this Agreement shall be binding upon any party
hereto unless made in writing and signed by all parties hereto.

                                      A-36
<PAGE>
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have caused this
Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective
officers thereunto duly authorized.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>  <C>
                                                       CORNING INCORPORATED

                                                       By:  /s/ JAMES B. FLAWS
                                                            -----------------------------------------
                                                            Name: James B. Flaws
                                                            Title:  Senior Vice President, Chief
                                                                  Financial Officer and Treasurer

                                                       RIESLING ACQUISITION CORPORATION

                                                       By:  /s/ A. JOHN PECK, JR.
                                                            -----------------------------------------
                                                            Name: A. John Peck, Jr.
                                                            Title:  Vice President

                                                       OAK INDUSTRIES INC.

                                                       By:  /s/ COLEMAN S. HICKS
                                                            -----------------------------------------
                                                            Name: Coleman S. Hicks
                                                            Title:  Senior Vice President and
                                                                  Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>

                                      A-37
<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT 6.07(A)

                          FORM OF AFFILIATE LETTER FOR
                           AFFILIATES OF THE COMPANY

                                                       [      ] [  ], 1999

[PARENT]
[            ]
[            ]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    I have been advised that as of the date of this letter I may be deemed to be
an "affiliate" of [the Company], a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), as the
term "affiliate" is (i) 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"), and/or (ii) used in and for purposes of
Accounting Series Releases 130 and 135, as amended, of the Commission. Pursuant
to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November [  ], 1999
(the "MERGER AGREEMENT") among [Parent], a New York corporation ("PARENT"),
[Merger Sub], a Delaware corporation ("MERGER SUB"), and the Company, Merger Sub
will be merged with and into the Company (the "MERGER"). Capitalized terms used
in this letter agreement without definition shall have the meanings assigned to
them in the Merger Agreement.

    As a result of the Merger, I may receive common shares, par value $[0.01]
per share, of Parent (the "PARENT SHARES"). I would receive such Parent Shares
in exchange for shares owned by me of common stock, par value $0.01 per share,
of the Company (the "COMPANY SHARES").

        1.  I represent, warrant and covenant to Parent that in the event that I
    receive any Parent Shares as a result of the Merger:

        A.  I shall not make any sale, transfer or other disposition of the
    Parent Shares in violation of the Act or the Rules and Regulations.

        B.  I have carefully read this letter and the Merger Agreement and
    discussed, to the extent I felt necessary, with my counsel or counsel for
    the Company the requirements of such documents and other applicable
    limitations upon my ability to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the
    Parent Shares.

        C.  I have been advised that the issuance to me of the Parent Shares
    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, because at the time the Merger is submitted for a vote of the
    stockholders of the Company, (a) I may be deemed to be an affiliate of the
    Company and (b) the distribution by me of the Parent Shares has not been
    registered under the Act, I may not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of
    the Parent Shares issued to me in the Merger unless (i) such sale, transfer
    or other disposition is made in conformity with the volume and other
    limitations of Rule 145 promulgated by the Commission under the Act,
    (ii) such sale, transfer or other disposition has been registered under the
    Act or (iii) in the opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to Parent, such
    sale, transfer or other disposition is otherwise exempt from registration
    under the Act.

        D.  I understand that Parent is under no obligation to register the
    sale, transfer or other disposition of the Parent Shares by me or on my
    behalf under the Act or, except as provided in paragraph 2(A) below, to take
    any other action necessary in order to make compliance with an exemption
    from such registration available.
<PAGE>
        E.  I understand that there will be placed on the certificates for the
    Parent Shares issued to me, or any substitutions therefor, a legend stating
    in substance:

           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 [      ] [  ], 1999 BETWEEN THE REGISTERED HOLDER HEREOF AND
           BUYER, A COPY OF WHICH AGREEMENT IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICES
           OF BUYER.

        F.  I understand that unless a sale or transfer is made in conformity
    with the provisions of Rule 145, or pursuant to a registration statement,
    Parent 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 (THE "ACT"), AND WERE
           ACQUIRED FROM A PERSON WHO RECEIVED SUCH SHARES IN A TRANSACTION TO
           WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED UNDER THE 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 THE
           ACT AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN
           ACCORDANCE WITH AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF
           THE ACT.

        G.  I further represent to, and covenant with, Parent that I will not,
    during the 30 days prior to the Effective Time, sell, transfer or otherwise
    dispose of or reduce my risk (as contemplated by Accounting Series Release
    No. 135, as amended, of the Commission ("RULE NO. 135")) with respect to the
    Company Shares or shares of the capital stock of Parent that I may hold and,
    furthermore, that I will not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or
    reduce my risk (as contemplated by Release No. 135) with respect to the
    Parent Shares received by me in the Merger or any other shares of the
    capital stock of Parent until after such time as results covering at least
    30 days of combined operations of the Company and Parent have been published
    by Parent, in the form of a quarterly earnings report, an effective
    registration statement filed with the Commission, a report to the Commission
    on Form 10-K, 10-Q or 8K, or any other public filing or announcement that
    includes the combined results of operations (the "POOLING PERIOD"). Parent
    shall notify the "affiliates" of the publication of such results.
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, I understand that during the Pooling Period,
    subject to providing written notice to Parent, I will not be prohibited from
    selling up to 10% of the Parent Shares (the "10% SHARES") received by me or
    the Company Shares owned by me or making charitable contributions or bona
    fide gifts of the Parent Shares received by me or the Company Shares owned
    by me, subject to the same restrictions. The 10% Shares shall be calculated
    in accordance with Release No. 135, as amended by Staff Accounting Bulletin
    No. 76.

        H.  Execution of this letter should not be considered an admission on my
    part that I am an "affiliate" of the Company as described in the first
    paragraph of this letter, or as a waiver of any rights that I may have to
    object to any claim that I am such an affiliate on or after the date of this
    letter.

        2.  By Parent's acceptance of this letter, Parent hereby agrees with me
    as follows:

        A.  For so long as and to the extent necessary to permit me to sell the
    Parent Shares pursuant to Rule 145 and, to the extent applicable, Rule 144
    under the Act, Parent shall (a) use its

                                       2
<PAGE>
    reasonable efforts to (i) file, on a timely basis, all reports and data
    required to be filed with the Commission by it pursuant to Section 13 of the
    Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 ACT"), and
    (ii) furnish to me upon request a written statement as to whether or not
    Parent has complied with such reporting requirements during the 12 months
    preceding any proposed sale of the Parent Shares by me pursuant to
    Rule 145, and (b) otherwise use its reasonable efforts to permit such sales
    pursuant to Rule 145 and Rule 144. Parent hereby represents to me that it
    has filed all reports required to be filed with the Commission under
    Section 13 of the 1934 Act during the preceding 12 months.

        B.  It is understood and agreed that certificates with the legends set
    forth in paragraphs 1(E) and 1(F) above will be substituted by delivery of
    certificates without such legends if (i) one year shall have elapsed from
    the date the undersigned acquired the Parent Shares received in the Merger
    and the provisions of Rule 145(d)(2) are then available to the undersigned,
    (ii) two years shall have elapsed from the date the undersigned acquired the
    Parent Shares received in the Merger and the provisions of Rule 145(d)(3)
    are then applicable to the undersigned, or (iii) Parent has received either
    an opinion of counsel, which opinion and counsel shall be reasonably
    satisfactory to Parent, or a "no action" letter obtained by the undersigned
    from the staff of the Commission, to the effect that the restrictions
    imposed by Rule 145 under the Act no longer apply to the undersigned.

                                          Very truly yours,
                                          Name:

Agreed and accepted this [  ] day
of [      ] [  ], 1999, by

[Parent]

By:

    Name:

    Title:

                                       3
<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT 6.07(B)

                          FORM OF AFFILIATE LETTER FOR
                              AFFILIATES OF PARENT

                                                 [      ] [  ], 1999

[The Company]
[            ]
[            ]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    I have been advised that as of the date of this letter I may be deemed to be
an "affiliate" of [Parent], a New York corporation ("PARENT"), as the term
"affiliate" is defined for purposes of Accounting Series Releases 130 and 135,
as amended, of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "COMMISSION").
Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November
[  ], 1999 (the "MERGER AGREEMENT") among Parent, [Merger Sub], a Delaware
corporation ("MERGER SUB"), and [The Company], a Delaware corporation (the
"COMPANY"), Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Company (the "MERGER").
Capitalized terms used in this letter agreement without definition shall have
the meanings assigned to them in the Merger Agreement.

    I represent to, and covenant with, the Company that I will not, during the
period beginning 30 days prior to the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger
Agreement) until after such time as results covering at least 30 days of
combined operations of the Company and Parent have been published by Parent, in
the form of a quarterly earnings report, an effective registration statement
filed with the Commission, a report to the Commission on Form 10-K, 10-Q or 8-K,
or any other public filing or announcement which includes the combined results
of operations, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or reduce my risk with
respect to any shares of the capital stock of Parent ("PARENT SHARES") or the
Company that I may hold. I understand that Parent shall notify the "affiliates"
of the publication of such results. Notwithstanding the foregoing, I understand
that subject to providing written notice to the Company and subject to SEC
Accounting Series Release No. 135 as amended by Staff Accounting Bulletin
No. 76, during the aforementioned period I will not be prohibited from selling
up to 10% of the Parent Shares that I hold or from making charitable
contributions or bona fide gifts of the Parent Shares that I hold, subject to
the same restriction.

    Execution of this letter should not be considered an admission on my part
that I am an "affiliate" of Parent as described in the first paragraph of this
letter, or as a waiver of any rights that I may have to object to any claim that
I am such an affiliate on or after the date of this letter.

                                          Very truly yours,
                                          Name:

Agreed and accepted this [  ] day
of [      ] [  ], 1999, by
[The Company]
By:
    Name:
    Title:
<PAGE>
                                                                         ANNEX B

                                     [LOGO]

                               December 27, 1999

Board of Directors
Oak Industries Inc.
1000 Winter Street
Waltham, MA 02451

Dear Sirs:

    You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of
view to the holders of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "COMPANY
COMMON STOCK"), of Oak Industries Inc. (the "COMPANY") of the consideration to
be received by such holders pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of
Merger, dated November 13, 1999 (the "AGREEMENT"), by and among Corning
Incorporated ("CORNING"), Riesling Acquisition Corporation, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Corning ("MERGER SUB"), and the Company pursuant to which Merger
Sub will be merged (the "MERGER") with and into the Company.

    Pursuant to the Agreement, each share of Company Common Stock will be
converted, subject to certain exceptions, into the right to receive 0.83 shares
(the "EXCHANGE RATIO") of common stock, $0.50 par value per share, of Corning
(the "CORNING COMMON STOCK").

    In arriving at our opinion, we have reviewed the Agreement and reviewed
financial and other information that was publicly available or furnished to us
by the Company and Corning including information provided during discussions
with their respective managements. Included in the information provided during
discussions with the respective managements were certain financial projections
of the Company for the period beginning January 1, 1999 and ending December 31,
2003 prepared by the management of the Company and certain publicly available
financial projections of Corning for the period beginning January 1, 1999 and
ending December 31, 2000. In addition, we have compared certain financial and
securities data of the Company and Corning with various other companies whose
securities are traded in public markets, reviewed the historical stock prices
and trading volumes of the Company Common Stock and the Corning Common Stock,
reviewed prices and premiums paid in certain other business combinations and
conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations as we deemed
appropriate for purposes of this opinion. We were not requested to, nor did we,
solicit the interest of any other party in acquiring the Company.

    In rendering our opinion, we have relied upon and assumed the accuracy and
completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available to
us from public sources, that was provided to us by the Company and Corning or
their respective managements, and that was otherwise reviewed by us and have
assumed that the Company is not aware of any information prepared by it or its
advisors that might be material to our opinion that has not been made available
to us. We have assumed that the financial projections and assumptions relating
to the Company relied upon by us have

                                      B-1
<PAGE>
been reasonably prepared on the basis reflecting the best currently available
estimates and judgments of the management of the Company as to the future
operating and financial performance of the Company. With respect to the publicly
available financial projections and assumptions relating to Corning relied upon
by us, we have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared on a basis not
materially different from the best currently available estimates and judgments
of the management of Corning as to the future operating and financial
performance of Corning. We express no opinion with respect to such projections,
forecasts and analyses or the assumptions upon which they were based. We have
not assumed any responsibility for making an independent evaluation of any
assets or liabilities or for making any independent verification of any of the
information reviewed by us. We have relied as to certain legal matters on advice
of counsel to the Company.

    Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market, financial and other
conditions as they exist on, and on the information made available to us as of,
the date of this letter. It should be understood that, although subsequent
developments may affect this opinion, we do not have any obligation to update,
revise or reaffirm this opinion. We are expressing no opinion as to the prices
at which the Corning Common Stock or the Company Common Stock will actually
trade at any time. Our opinion does not address the relative merits of the
Merger and the other business strategies being considered by the Company's Board
of Directors, nor does it address the Board's decision to proceed with the
Merger. Our opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as
to how such stockholder should vote on the proposed transaction.

    Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation ("DLJ"), as part of its
investment banking services, is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses
and securities in connection with mergers, acquisitions, underwritings, sales
and distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and
valuations for corporate and other purposes. DLJ has performed investment
banking and other services for the Company in the past, including (i) acting as
co-manager in a public offering of the Company Common Stock completed in 1993;
(ii) acting as the Company's financial advisor in connection with the Company's
sale of Nordco completed in 1995; and (iii) acting as the lead manager in a
public offering of convertible subordinated notes of the Company completed in
1998, and has been compensated for such services. In addition, DLJ is working on
a matter with Corning unrelated to the proposed merger.

    Based upon the foregoing and such other factors as we deem relevant, we are
of the opinion that the Exchange Ratio is fair to the holders of the Company
Common Stock from a financial point of view.

                                          Very truly yours,
                                          DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                                          SECURITIES CORPORATION
                                          By: /s/ JILL GREENTHAL
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Jill Greenthal
                                             Managing Director

                                      B-2
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

    Sections 722 and 723 of the Business Corporation Law of the State of New
York provide that a corporation may indemnify its current and former directors
and officers under certain circumstances. Article VIII of the Company's By-Laws
provides that the Company shall indemnify each director and officer against all
costs and expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with
the defense of any claim, action, suit or proceeding against him by reason of
his being or having been a director or officer of the Company to the full extent
permitted by, and consistent with, the Business Corporation Law.

    Section 402(b) of the Business Corporation Law provides that a corporation
may include a provision in its certificate of incorporation limiting the
liability of its directors to the corporation or its shareholders for damages
for the breach of any duty, except for a breach involving intentional
misconduct, bad faith, a knowing violation of law or receipt of an improper
personal benefit or for certain illegal dividends, loans or stock repurchases.
Paragraph 7 of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation contains such
a provision.

ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

    (a) The following documents are exhibits to the Registration Statement.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       EXHIBIT
       NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
- ---------------------                     -----------------------
<C>                     <S>
         2.1            Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 13, 1999,
                        among Corning Incorporated, Riesling Acquisition Corporation
                        and Oak Industries Inc. (attached as Annex A to the Proxy
                        Statement/Prospectus)
         5.1            Opinion of William D. Eggers, Senior Vice President and
                        General Counsel of Corning Incorporated, as to the legality
                        of the securities being registered.
         8.1            Opinion of Shearman & Sterling as to the material United
                        States federal income tax consequences of the Merger.
         8.2            Opinion of Ropes & Gray as to the material United States
                        federal income tax consequences of the Merger.
        23.1            Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
        23.2            Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
        23.3            Consent of Shearman & Sterling (included in Exhibit 8.1 to
                        this Registration Statement).
        23.4            Consent of Ropes & Gray (included in Exhibit 8.2 to this
                        Registration Statement).
        23.5            Consent of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
                        Corporation.
        24.1            Powers of Attorney.
        99.1            Form of Proxy Card for the Special Meeting of Stockholders
                        of Oak Industries Inc.
        99.2            Form of Chairman Letter to the Stockholders of Oak
                        Industries Inc.
        99.3            Form of Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders of Oak
                        Industries Inc.
        99.4            Opinion of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
                        Corporation (attached as Annex B to the Proxy
                        Statement/Prospectus).
</TABLE>

ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS

    (a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's
annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities

                                      II-1
<PAGE>
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

    (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 the other items of the applicable form.

        (2) The Registrant undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is filed
    pursuant to the paragraph immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to
    meet the requirements of section 10(a)(3) of the Securities 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, 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 the initial bona fide offering thereof.

    (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the 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 Registrant in the
successful defense 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.

    (d) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form S-4,
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.

    (e) 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 the subject of and
included in the Registration Statement when it became effective.

                                      II-2
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant,
Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Corning, State of New York, on the 27th day of
December, 1999.

<TABLE>
<C>                                                    <S>   <C>
                                                       Corning Incorporated
                                                       (Registrant)

                                                       By:            /s/ WILLIAM D. EGGERS
                                                             ---------------------------------------
                                                             William D. Eggers, Senior Vice President
</TABLE>

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below on December 27, 1999 by the
following persons in the capacities indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   SIGNATURE                                           CAPACITY
                   ---------                                           --------
<C>  <S>                                              <C>
             /s/ ROGER G. ACKERMAN                    Chairman of the Board, Principal Executive
 ---------------------------------------------          Officer and Director
              (Roger G. Ackerman)

              /s/ JAMES B. FLAWS                      Senior Vice President and Principal
 ---------------------------------------------          Financial Officer
               (James B. Flaws)

            /s/ KATHERINE A. ASBECK                   Vice President, Controller and Principal
 ---------------------------------------------          Accounting Officer
             (Katherine A. Asbeck)

                       *
 ---------------------------------------------        Director
                (Robert Barker)

                       *
 ---------------------------------------------        Director
              (John Seely Brown)

                       *
 ---------------------------------------------        Director
               (John H. Foster)

                       *
 ---------------------------------------------        Director
              (Norman E. Garrity)

                       *
 ---------------------------------------------        Director
                 (Gordon Gund)

                       *
 ---------------------------------------------        Director
              (James R. Houghton)

                       *
 ---------------------------------------------        Director
              (James W. Kinnear)
</TABLE>

                                      II-3
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   SIGNATURE                                           CAPACITY
                   ---------                                           --------
<C>  <S>                                              <C>
                       *
 ---------------------------------------------        Director
                (John W. Loose)

                       *
 ---------------------------------------------        Director
              (James J. O'Connor)

                       *
 ---------------------------------------------        Director
              (Catherine A. Rein)

                       *
 ---------------------------------------------        Director
               (H. Onno Ruding)

*By: /s/ WILLIAM D. EGGERS
     -----------------------------------------        Director
     (William D. Eggers)
     Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>

                                      II-4
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       EXHIBIT
       NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
- ---------------------                     -----------------------
<S>                     <C>
 2.1                    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 13, 1999,
                        among Corning Incorporated, Riesling Acquisition Corporation
                        and Oak Industries Inc. (attached as Annex A to the Proxy
                        Statement/Prospectus)

 5.1                    Opinion of William D. Eggers, Senior Vice President and
                        General Counsel of Corning Incorporated, as to the legality
                        of the securities being registered.

 8.1                    Opinion of Shearman & Sterling as to the material United
                        States federal income tax consequences of the Merger.

 8.2                    Opinion of Ropes & Gray as to the material United States
                        federal income tax consequences of the Merger.

 23.1                   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 23.2                   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

 23.3                   Consent of Shearman & Sterling (included in Exhibit 8.1 to
                        this Registration Statement).

 23.4                   Consent of Ropes & Gray (included in Exhibit 8.2 to this
                        Registration Statement).

 23.5                   Consent of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
                        Corporation.

 24.1                   Powers of Attorney.

 99.1                   Form of Proxy Card for the Special Meeting of Stockholders
                        of Oak Industries Inc.

 99.2                   Form of Chairman Letter to the Stockholders of Oak
                        Industries Inc.

 99.3                   Form of Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders of Oak
                        Industries Inc.

 99.4                   Opinion of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
                        Corporation (attached as Annex B to the Proxy
                        Statement/Prospectus).
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

   OPINION OF WILLIAM D. EGGERS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL OF
                CORNING INCORPORATED, AS TO THE LEGALITY OF THE
                          SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED.

December 27, 1999

<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
Corning Incorporated
One Riverfront Plaza
Corning, New York 14831
</TABLE>

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    I refer to the registration statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration
Statement") being filed by Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation
("Corning"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), relating to the registration of
up to [19,366,702] shares of common stock, par value $0.50 per share, of Corning
(the "Shares"), to be issued in connection with the merger of Oak Industries
Inc., a Delaware corporation and Riesling Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware
corporation and a subsidiary of Corning (the "Merger Sub"), pursuant to the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 13, 1999 among Oak Industries
Inc., Corning and the Merger Sub (the "Merger Agreement").

    I am familiar with the terms of the Merger Agreement, and the proposed
issuance of the Shares thereunder, and have examined such records, documents and
questions of law, and satisfied myself as to such matters of fact, as I have
considered relevant and necessary as a basis for this opinion.

    Based on the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

    1.  Corning is duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the
       State of New York; and

    2.  The Shares will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable when
       (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended, shall have become
       effective under the Securities Act; and (ii) certificates representing
       the Shares have been duly executed, countersigned and registered and duly
       delivered in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement.

    I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to me under the heading "LEGAL
MATTERS" contained in the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus forming a part of the
Registration Statement.

                                          Very truly yours,
                                          /s/ William D. Eggers

                                          William D. Eggers
                                          Senior Vice President and
                                          General Counsel

<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT 8.1

        OPINION OF SHEARMAN & STERLING AS TO THE MATERIAL UNITED STATES
                 FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER.

                        [SHEARMAN & STERLING LETTERHEAD]

                                 December 27, 1999

Corning Incorporated
One Riverfront Plaza
Corning, NY 14831

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    We are acting as counsel to Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation
("Corning") in connection with the proposed merger (the "Merger") of Riesling
Acquisition Corporation ("Merger Sub"), a Delaware corporation and directly
wholly owned subsidiary of Corning, with and into Oak Industries Inc. ("Oak"), a
Delaware corporation, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, (the
"Agreement"), dated as of November 13, 1999, by and among Corning, Merger Sub,
and Oak. Corning is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended a registration
statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") with respect to the common
stock of Corning (the "Corning Common Stock") to be issued to holders of shares
of common stock of Oak (the "Oak Common Stock") in connection with the Merger.
At your request in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement, we
are rendering our opinion concerning certain federal income tax consequences of
the Merger.

    For purposes of the opinion set forth below, we have, with the consent of
Corning and the consent of Oak, relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the
statements and representations (which statements and representations we have
neither investigated nor verified) and relied upon convenants contained in the
certificates of Corning, Merger Sub and Oak (copies of which are attached hereto
and which are incorporated herein by reference), and have assumed that such
statements and representation in those certificates will be complete and
accurate as of the Effective Time and those covenants will be complied with in
all material respects. We have also relied upon the accuracy of the Registration
Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus (together, the "Proxy
Statement") filed with the Commission, as amended through the date hereof, in
connection with the Merger. Any capitalized term used and not defined herein has
the meaning given to it in the Proxy Statement or the Agreement, as the case may
be.

    We have also assumed that the transactions contemplated by the Agreement
will be consummated in accordance therewith and as described in the Proxy
Statement and that the Merger will qualify as a statutory merger under
applicable state laws.

    Based upon and subject to the following, we are of the opinion that, subject
to the limitations set forth therein, the discussion contained in the Proxy
Statement under the caption "The Merger--Material Federal Income Tax
Consequences" is an accurate summary of the material federal income tax
consequences of the Merger to holder of Oak Common Stock under currently
applicable law.

    We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the
caption "The Merger--Material Income Tax Consequences" and elsewhere in the
Proxy Statement. In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in
the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the
Commission promulgated thereunder.

                                          Very truly yours,

                                          /s/ SHEARMAN & STERLING
<PAGE>
                 CORNING INCORPORATED TAX REPRESENTATION LETTER

                                          December 27, 1999

Shearman & Sterling
599 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10022-4676

Ropes & Gray
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2624

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    On behalf of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation ("Parent") and
Riesling Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Parent ("Sub"), the undersigned, in connection with the
opinion to be delivered by you pursuant to Section 7.02(f) of the Agreement and
Plan of Merger (the "Agreement"; terms used but not defined herein have the
meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement) dated as of November 13, 1999 among
Parent, Sub and Oak Industries Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company")
hereby certifies, after due inquiry, that the following representations and
statements are accurate and complete now and will continue to be accurate and
complete as of the Effective Time:

     1. At the Effective Time, Sub will be merged with and into the Company and
the Merger will be effected pursuant to applicable Delaware law. If the Merger
is consummated pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, it is expected that at
the Effective Time, the fair market value of the Parent Common Stock and other
consideration received by each shareholder of the Company will be approximately
equal to the fair market value of the Company Common Stock exchanged in the
Merger.

     2. At least 50 percent of the value of the Company shareholders'
proprietary interests in the Company will be preserved as a proprietary interest
in Parent received in exchange for Company Common Stock. For purposes of this
representation, proprietary interests will not be preserved to the extent that,
in connection with the Merger: (i) an extraordinary distribution (within the
meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.368-1T(e)(1)(ii)) is made with respect to the
stock of the Company; (ii) a redemption or acquisition of stock of the Company
is made by the Company or a person related to the Company for consideration
other than Parent Common Stock; (iii) Parent or a person related to Parent
acquires stock of the Company for consideration other than Parent Common Stock;
or (iv) a redemption or acquisition of Parent Common Stock issued in the Merger
is made by Parent or a person related to Parent for consideration other than
Parent Common Stock. Any reference to Parent or the Company includes a reference
to any successor or predecessor of such corporation, except that the Company is
not treated as a predecessor of Parent. A corporation will be treated as related
to another corporation if they are both members of the same affiliated group
within the meaning of Section 1504 of the Internal Revenue Code (without regard
to the exceptions in Section 1504(b)) or they are related as described in
Section 304(a)(2) of the Code (disregarding Treas. Reg. Section1.1502-80(b)), in
either case whether such relationship exists immediately before or immediately
after the acquisition. Each partner of a partnership will be treated as owning
or acquiring any stock owned or acquired, as the case may be, by the partnership
(and as having paid any consideration paid by the partnership to acquire such
stock) in accordance with that partner's interest in the partnership. As used in
this representation letter, the term "partnership" shall have the same meaning
given to it in Section 7701(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     3. Following the Merger, the Company will hold at least 90 percent of the
fair market value of its net assets and at least 70 percent of the fair market
value of its gross assets and at least 90 percent of the fair market value of
Sub's net assets and at least 70 percent of the fair market value of the Sub's
gross assets held immediately prior to the Merger. For purposes of this
representation, amounts paid by
<PAGE>
the Company or Sub to dissenters, amounts paid by the Company or Sub to
shareholders who receive cash or other property, amounts used by the Company or
Sub to pay reorganization expenses, and all redemptions and distributions
(except for regular, normal dividends) made by the Company will be included as
assets of the Company or Sub, respectively, immediately prior to the Merger.

     4. Prior to the Merger, Parent will be in control of Sub within the meaning
of Section 368(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     5. Parent has no plan or intention to cause the Company to issue additional
shares of its stock that, assuming the Merger is consummated, would result in
Parent losing control of the Company within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code.

     6. Parent has no plan or intention to reacquire any of its stock issued in
the Merger. Parent may continue to repurchase Parent Common Stock in open market
transactions pursuant to its existing stock repurchase program as permitted by
Revenue Ruling 99-58.

     7. Parent has no plan or intention to liquidate Company; to merge Company
with or into another corporation; to sell or otherwise dispose of the stock of
Company except for transfers of stock to corporations controlled by Parent; or
to cause Company to sell or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, except for
dispositions made in the ordinary course of business or transfers of assets to a
corporation controlled by Company.

     8. Sub will have no liabilities assumed by Company, and will not transfer
to Company any assets subject to liabilities, in the Merger. Sub is newly formed
corporation that is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent created for the
sole purpose of facilitating the acquisition of the Company by Parent pursuant
to the Merger. Sub has not conducted and will not conduct any business
activities except in connection with the Merger and as contemplated by the
Agreement.

     9. Each of the Parent, Sub, the Company and the shareholders of the Company
will pay their respective expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the
Merger.

    10. There is no intercorporate indebtedness existing between Parent and the
Company, or between Sub and the Company, that was issued, acquired or will be
settled at a discount.

    11. Following the Merger, Parent will cause the Company to continue the
historic business of the Company or use a significant portion of historic assets
of the Company in a business.

    12. Neither Parent nor Sub is an investment company as defined in
Section 368(a)(2)(F)(iii) and (iv) of the Internal Revenue Code.

    13. As of the Effective Time, the fair market value of the assets of the
Company will exceed its liabilities plus the amount of liabilities, if any, to
which the assets are subject.

    14. The Company is not under the jurisdiction of a court in a Title 11 or
similar case, within the meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue
Code.

    15. In the Merger, shares of Company stock representing control of the
Company, as defined in Section 368(c) of the Code, will be exchanged solely for
voting stock of Parent; for purposes of this representation, shares of Company
stock exchanged for cash or other property originating with Parent will be
treated as outstanding Company stock on the date of the Merger.

    16. None of the compensation received by any shareholder-employee of the
Company will be separate consideration for, or allocable to, any of the shares
of Company Common Stock held by such shareholder-employee. The compensation to
be paid to any such shareholder-employee will be for services actually rendered
and will be commensurate with amounts paid to third parties bargaining at arm's
length for similar services. None of the shares of Parent Common Stock received
by any such

                                       2
<PAGE>
shareholder-employee in the Merger will be separate consideration for, or
allocable to, any employment agreement.

    17. Parent does not own, nor has it owned during the past five years any
shares of Company Common Stock, except that prior to 1998, one or more Parent
employee benefit plans owned shares of Company stock with a total fair market
value of no more than $1 million.

    18. The payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock
will be solely for purposes of avoiding the expense and inconvenience to Parent
of issuing fractional shares and does not represent separately bargained for
consideration. To the best knowledge of the management of Parent, the total cash
consideration that will be paid in the Merger to Company stockholders in lieu of
fractional shares of Parent Common Stock will not exceed one percent of the
total consideration that will be issued in the Merger to Company stockholders in
exchange for their Company Common Stock.

    I, on behalf of Corning Incorporated and Riesling Acquisition Corporation,
understand that each of Shearman & Sterling, as counsel for Parent, and Ropes &
Gray, as counsel for Company, will rely on the statements and representations
set forth in this letter in rendering their opinions concerning certain of the
federal income tax consequences of the Merger, and I hereby commit to inform
them if, for any reason, any of the foregoing statements and representations
ceases to be accurate or complete at or prior to the Effective Time.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>  <C>
                                                       CORNING INCORPORATED

                                                       By:  /s/ RICHARD B. MALIA
                                                            -----------------------------------------
                                                            Name: Richard B. Malia
                                                            Title: Director of Taxes
</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>
                 OAK INDUSTRIES INC. TAX REPRESENTATION LETTER

                                          December 27, 1999

Shearman & Sterling
599 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10022-4676

Ropes & Gray
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2624

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    On behalf of Oak Industries Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
the undersigned, in connection with the opinion to be delivered by you pursuant
to Section 7.03(c) of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement"; terms
used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement)
dated as of November 13, 1999 among Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation
("Parent"), Riesling Acquisition Corporation ("Sub"), a Delaware corporation and
a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, and the Company, hereby certifies,
after due inquiry, that the following representations and statements are
accurate and complete now and will continue to be accurate and complete as of
the Effective Time:

     1. At the Effective Time, Sub will be merged with and into the Company, and
the Merger will be effected pursuant to applicable Delaware law. If the Merger
is consummated pursuant to the terms of the Agreement it is expected that at the
Effective Time, the fair market value of the Parent Common Stock and other
consideration received by each shareholder of the Company will be approximately
equal to the fair market value of the Company Common Stock exchanged in the
Merger.

     2. The Company will not make an extraordinary distribution (within the
meaning of Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.368-1T(e)(l)(ii)) with respect to the stock of the
Company in connection with the Merger and any other of the transactions
contemplated by the Agreement. Neither the Company nor any person related to the
Company will make a redemption or acquisition of stock of the Company for
consideration other than Parent Common Stock in connection with the Merger and
any other of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement or otherwise
knowingly take any action which would violate the continuity of interest
requirement set forth in Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.368-1(e) and 1.368-1T. Any reference
to Parent or the Company includes a reference to any successor or predecessor of
such corporation, except that the Company is not treated as a predecessor of
Parent. A corporation will be treated as related to another corporation if they
are both members of the same affiliated group within the meaning of
Section 1504 of the Code (without regard to the exceptions in Section 1504(b))
or they are related as described in Section 304(a)(2) of the Code (disregarding
Treas. Reg. Section1.1502-80(b)), in either case whether such relationship
exists immediately before or immediately after the acquisition. Each partner of
a partnership will be treated as owning or acquiring any stock owned or
acquired, as the case may be, by the partnership (and as having paid any
consideration paid by the partnership to acquire such stock) in accordance with
that partner's interest in the partnership. As used in this representation
letter, the term "partnership" shall have the same meaning given to it in
Section 7701(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     3. As of the Effective Time, the Company will hold at least 90 percent of
the fair market value of its net assets and at least 70 percent of the fair
market value of its gross assets held immediately prior to the Merger. For
purposes of this representation, amounts paid by the Company to dissenters,
amounts paid by the Company to shareholders who receive cash or other property,
amounts used by the Company or Sub to pay reorganization expenses, and all
redemptions and distributions (except for
<PAGE>
regular, normal dividends) made by the Company will be included as assets of the
Company, immediately prior to the Merger.

     4. The Company has no plan or intention to issue additional shares of its
stock that, assuming the Merger is consummated, would result in Parent losing
control of the Company within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code.

     5. Each of the Parent, Sub, the Company and the shareholders of the Company
will pay their respective expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the
Merger.

     6. There is no intercorporate indebtedness existing between Parent and the
Company, or between Sub and the Company, that was issued, acquired or will be
settled at a discount.

     7. As of the Effective Time, the Company intends to continue its historic
business or use a significant portion of its historic assets in a business.

     8. As of the Effective Time, the Company will not have outstanding and has
no plan or intention to issue any warrants, options, convertible securities, or
any other type of right pursuant to which any person could acquire stock in the
Company that, if exercised or converted, would affect Parent's acquisition or
retention of control of the Company, as defined in Section 368(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code.

     9. The Company is not an investment company as defined in
Section 368(a)(2)(F)(iii) and (iv) of the Internal Revenue Code.

    10. As of the Effective Time, the fair market value of the assets of the
Company will exceed its liabilities plus the amount of liabilities, if any, to
which the assets are subject.

    11. The Company is not under the jurisdiction of a court in a Title 11 or
similar case, within the meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue
Code.

    12. In the Merger, shares of Company stock representing control of the
Company, as defined in Section 368 (c) of the Code, will be exchanged solely for
voting stock of Parent; for purposes of this representation, shares of Company
stock exchanged for cash or other property originating with Parent will be
treated as outstanding Company stock on the date of the Merger.

    13. None of the compensation received by any shareholder-employee of the
Company will be separate consideration for, or allocable to, any of the shares
of Company Common Stock held by such shareholder-employee. The compensation to
be paid to any such shareholder-employee will be for services actually rendered
and will be commensurate with amounts paid to third parties bargaining at arm's
length for similar services. None of the shares of Parent Common Stock received
by any such shareholder-employee in the Merger will be separate consideration
for, or allocable to, any employment agreement.

    14. The payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock
will be solely for purposes of avoiding the expense and inconvenience to Parent
of issuing fractional shares and does not represent separately bargained for
consideration. To the best knowledge of the management of Company, the total
cash consideration that will be paid in the Merger to Company stockholders in
lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock will not exceed one percent of
the total consideration that will be issued in the Merger to Company
stockholders in exchange for their Company Common Stock.

                                       2
<PAGE>
    I, on behalf of Oak Industries Inc., understand that each of Shearman &
Sterling, as counsel for Parent, and Ropes & Gray, as counsel for Company, will
rely on the statements and representations set forth in this letter in rendering
their opinions concerning certain of the federal income tax consequences of the
Merger, and I hereby commit to inform them if, for any reason, any of the
foregoing representations and statements ceases to be accurate and complete at
or prior to the Effective Time.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>  <C>
                                                       OAK INDUSTRIES INC.

                                                       By:  /s/ COLEMAN S. HICKS
                                                            -----------------------------------------
                                                            Name: Coleman S. Hicks
                                                            Title:  Senior Vice President and
                                                                  Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>

                                       3

<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT 8.2

                   OPINION OF ROPES & GRAY AS TO THE MATERIAL
          UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER.

                           [ROPES & GRAY LETTERHEAD]

                                              December 27, 1999

Oak Industries Inc.
1000 Winter Street
Waltham, MA 02451

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    We have acted as counsel to Oak Industries Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware
corporation, in connection with the planned transaction (the "Merger")
contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), dated
as of November 13, 1999 by and among the Company, Corning Incorporated, a New
York corporation (the "Parent"), and Riesling Acquisition Corporation, a
Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent ("Sub"). All
capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them
in the Merger Agreement.

    For purposes of the opinion set forth below, we have examined (i) the Merger
Agreement, (ii) the Proxy Statement and Prospectus included in the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 filed by the Company and the Parent with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Proxy Statement/ Prospectus"), (iii) the tax
representation letters delivered to us (copies of which are attached hereto) by
the Company, the Parent and on behalf of the Sub and (iv) such other documents,
records and instruments as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis
for our opinion. For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed (i) the validity
and accuracy of the documents and corporate records that we have examined,
(ii) the representations and covenants made to us by the Company, the Parent and
on behalf of the Sub in their respective tax representation letters dated the
date hereof are true and accurate as of the date hereof and will remain true and
accurate as of the Effective Time, (iii) the parties to the Merger Agreement
will comply in all material respects with the filing and record requirements
under Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-3, and (iv) the Merger will be
consummated in the manner described in the Merger Agreement (including
satisfaction of all covenants and conditions to the obligations of the parties
without amendment or waiver thereof, to the extent that such satisfaction is
material to the U.S. income tax treatment of the Merger) and the Proxy
Statement/ Prospectus and will be effective as a merger under the applicable
laws of Delaware.

    Based upon and subject to the foregoing as well as to the qualifications and
limitations set forth below and in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, it is our
opinion that the material U.S. federal income tax consequences that will result
from the Merger to the Company and its stockholders who hold their shares as
capital assets at the Effective Time are described in the section of the Proxy
Statement/ Prospectus entitled "Material Federal Income Tax Consequences."

    Our opinion is based on current federal income tax law, which could change
at any time with retroactive effect. No ruling has been sought from the Internal
Revenue Service by the Company, the Parent or Sub as to the federal income tax
consequences of any aspect of the Merger, and neither the Internal Revenue
Service nor any court is bound by our opinion herein. No opinion is expressed as
to any matter not specifically addressed above, including the tax consequences
of any of the transactions under any foreign, state, or local tax law or the tax
consequences of any other transactions contemplated or entered into by the
Company, the Parent or Sub in connection with the transactions described above.
We do not undertake to advise you as to any changes in federal income tax law
after the date hereof that may affect our opinion.
<PAGE>
    We have not undertaken any independent investigation of any factual matter
set forth in any of the foregoing, and have assumed that all representations
qualified "to the best of knowledge" or similarly is correct without such
qualification. This opinion is expressed as of the date hereof, and we are under
no obligation to supplement or revise our opinion to reflect any changes
(including changes that have retroactive effect) in applicable law or any
information, document, corporate record, covenant, statement, representation or
assumption stated herein which becomes true or incorrect. Any inaccuracy in, or
breach of, any of the aforementioned factual statements, representations,
covenants, or assumptions or any change in applicable law after the date hereof
could affect our conclusions.

    This opinion is solely for the benefit of you and your shareholders, shall
not inure to the benefit of any other person, including without limitation any
successor or assign of the Company, whether by operation of law or otherwise,
and is not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise referred to for any
purpose other than in connection with the Merger and the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus without our express written permission. We hereby consent
to the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of this opinion as an
exhibit to 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 thereunder.

                                          Very truly yours,
                                          /s/ ROPES & GRAY

Attachments
<PAGE>
                 CORNING INCORPORATED TAX REPRESENTATION LETTER

                                          December 27, 1999

Shearman & Sterling
599 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10022-4676

Ropes & Gray
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2624

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    On behalf of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation ("Parent") and
Riesling Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Parent ("Sub"), the undersigned, in connection with the
opinion to be delivered by you pursuant to Section 7.02(f) of the Agreement and
Plan of Merger (the "Agreement"; terms used but not defined herein have the
meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement) dated as of November 13, 1999 among
Parent, Sub and Oak Industries Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company")
hereby certifies, after due inquiry, that the following representations and
statements are accurate and complete now and will continue to be accurate and
complete as of the Effective Time:

     1. At the Effective Time, Sub will be merged with and into the Company and
the Merger will be effected pursuant to applicable Delaware law. If the Merger
is consummated pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, it is expected that at
the Effective Time, the fair market value of the Parent Common Stock and other
consideration received by each shareholder of the Company will be approximately
equal to the fair market value of the Company Common Stock exchanged in the
Merger.

     2. At least 50 percent of the value of the Company shareholders'
proprietary interests in the Company will be preserved as a proprietary interest
in Parent received in exchange for Company Common Stock. For purposes of this
representation, proprietary interests will not be preserved to the extent that,
in connection with the Merger: (i) an extraordinary distribution (within the
meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.368-1T(e)(1)(ii)) is made with respect to the
stock of the Company; (ii) a redemption or acquisition of stock of the Company
is made by the Company or a person related to the Company for consideration
other than Parent Common Stock; (iii) Parent or a person related to Parent
acquires stock of the Company for consideration other than Parent Common Stock;
or (iv) a redemption or acquisition of Parent Common Stock issued in the Merger
is made by Parent or a person related to Parent for consideration other than
Parent Common Stock. Any reference to Parent or the Company includes a reference
to any successor or predecessor of such corporation, except that the Company is
not treated as a predecessor of Parent. A corporation will be treated as related
to another corporation if they are both members of the same affiliated group
within the meaning of Section 1504 of the Internal Revenue Code (without regard
to the exceptions in Section 1504(b)) or they are related as described in
Section 304(a)(2) of the Code (disregarding Treas. Reg. Section1.1502-80(b)), in
either case whether such relationship exists immediately before or immediately
after the acquisition. Each partner of a partnership will be treated as owning
or acquiring any stock owned or acquired, as the case may be, by the partnership
(and as having paid any consideration paid by the partnership to acquire such
stock) in accordance with that partner's interest in the partnership. As used in
this representation letter, the term "partnership" shall have the same meaning
given to it in Section 7701(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     3. Following the Merger, the Company will hold at least 90 percent of the
fair market value of its net assets and at least 70 percent of the fair market
value of its gross assets and at least 90 percent of the fair market value of
Sub's net assets and at least 70 percent of the fair market value of the Sub's
gross assets held immediately prior to the Merger. For purposes of this
representation, amounts paid by
<PAGE>
the Company or Sub to dissenters, amounts paid by the Company or Sub to
shareholders who receive cash or other property, amounts used by the Company or
Sub to pay reorganization expenses, and all redemptions and distributions
(except for regular, normal dividends) made by the Company will be included as
assets of the Company or Sub, respectively, immediately prior to the Merger.

     4. Prior to the Merger, Parent will be in control of Sub within the meaning
of Section 368(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     5. Parent has no plan or intention to cause the Company to issue additional
shares of its stock that, assuming the Merger is consummated, would result in
Parent losing control of the Company within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code.

     6. Parent has no plan or intention to reacquire any of its stock issued in
the Merger. Parent may continue to repurchase Parent Common Stock in open market
transactions pursuant to its existing stock repurchase program as permitted by
Revenue Ruling 99-58.

     7. Parent has no plan or intention to liquidate Company; to merge Company
with or into another corporation; to sell or otherwise dispose of the stock of
Company except for transfers of stock to corporations controlled by Parent; or
to cause Company to sell or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, except for
dispositions made in the ordinary course of business or transfers of assets to a
corporation controlled by Company.

     8. Sub will have no liabilities assumed by Company, and will not transfer
to Company any assets subject to liabilities, in the Merger. Sub is newly formed
corporation that is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent created for the
sole purpose of facilitating the acquisition of the Company by Parent pursuant
to the Merger. Sub has not conducted and will not conduct any business
activities except in connection with the Merger and as contemplated by the
Agreement.

     9. Each of the Parent, Sub, the Company and the shareholders of the Company
will pay their respective expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the
Merger.

    10. There is no intercorporate indebtedness existing between Parent and the
Company, or between Sub and the Company, that was issued, acquired or will be
settled at a discount.

    11. Following the Merger, Parent will cause the Company to continue the
historic business of the Company or use a significant portion of historic assets
of the Company in a business.

    12. Neither Parent nor Sub is an investment company as defined in
Section 368(a)(2)(F)(iii) and (iv) of the Internal Revenue Code.

    13. As of the Effective Time, the fair market value of the assets of the
Company will exceed its liabilities plus the amount of liabilities, if any, to
which the assets are subject.

    14. The Company is not under the jurisdiction of a court in a Title 11 or
similar case, within the meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue
Code.

    15. In the Merger, shares of Company stock representing control of the
Company, as defined in Section 368(c) of the Code, will be exchanged solely for
voting stock of Parent; for purposes of this representation, shares of Company
stock exchanged for cash or other property originating with Parent will be
treated as outstanding Company stock on the date of the Merger.

    16. None of the compensation received by any shareholder-employee of the
Company will be separate consideration for, or allocable to, any of the shares
of Company Common Stock held by such shareholder-employee. The compensation to
be paid to any such shareholder-employee will be for services actually rendered
and will be commensurate with amounts paid to third parties bargaining at arm's
length for similar services. None of the shares of Parent Common Stock received
by any such

                                       2
<PAGE>
shareholder-employee in the Merger will be separate consideration for, or
allocable to, any employment agreement.

    17. Parent does not own, nor has it owned during the past five years any
shares of Company Common Stock, except that prior to 1998, one or more Parent
employee benefit plans owned shares of Company stock with a total fair market
value of no more than $1 million.

    18. The payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock
will be solely for purposes of avoiding the expense and inconvenience to Parent
of issuing fractional shares and does not represent separately bargained for
consideration. To the best knowledge of the management of Parent, the total cash
consideration that will be paid in the Merger to Company stockholders in lieu of
fractional shares of Parent Common Stock will not exceed one percent of the
total consideration that will be issued in the Merger to Company stockholders in
exchange for their Company Common Stock.

    I, on behalf of Corning Incorporated and Riesling Acquisition Corporation,
understand that each of Shearman & Sterling, as counsel for Parent, and Ropes &
Gray, as counsel for Company, will rely on the statements and representations
set forth in this letter in rendering their opinions concerning certain of the
federal income tax consequences of the Merger, and I hereby commit to inform
them if, for any reason, any of the foregoing statements and representations
ceases to be accurate or complete at or prior to the Effective Time.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>  <C>
                                                       CORNING INCORPORATED

                                                       By:  /s/ RICHARD B. MALIA
                                                            -----------------------------------------
                                                            Name: Richard B. Malia
                                                            Title: Director of Taxes
</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>
                 OAK INDUSTRIES INC. TAX REPRESENTATION LETTER

                                          December 27, 1999

Shearman & Sterling
599 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10022-4676

Ropes & Gray
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2624

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    On behalf of Oak Industries Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
the undersigned, in connection with the opinion to be delivered by you pursuant
to Section 7.03(c) of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement"; terms
used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement)
dated as of November 13, 1999 among Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation
("Parent"), Riesling Acquisition Corporation ("Sub"), a Delaware corporation and
a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, and the Company, hereby certifies,
after due inquiry, that the following representations and statements are
accurate and complete now and will continue to be accurate and complete as of
the Effective Time:

     1. At the Effective Time, Sub will be merged with and into the Company, and
the Merger will be effected pursuant to applicable Delaware law. If the Merger
is consummated pursuant to the terms of the Agreement it is expected that at the
Effective Time, the fair market value of the Parent Common Stock and other
consideration received by each shareholder of the Company will be approximately
equal to the fair market value of the Company Common Stock exchanged in the
Merger.

     2. The Company will not make an extraordinary distribution (within the
meaning of Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.368-1T(e)(l)(ii)) with respect to the stock of the
Company in connection with the Merger and any other of the transactions
contemplated by the Agreement. Neither the Company nor any person related to the
Company will make a redemption or acquisition of stock of the Company for
consideration other than Parent Common Stock in connection with the Merger and
any other of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement or otherwise
knowingly take any action which would violate the continuity of interest
requirement set forth in Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.368-1(e) and 1.368-1T. Any reference
to Parent or the Company includes a reference to any successor or predecessor of
such corporation, except that the Company is not treated as a predecessor of
Parent. A corporation will be treated as related to another corporation if they
are both members of the same affiliated group within the meaning of
Section 1504 of the Code (without regard to the exceptions in Section 1504(b))
or they are related as described in Section 304(a)(2) of the Code (disregarding
Treas. Reg. Section1.1502-80(b)), in either case whether such relationship
exists immediately before or immediately after the acquisition. Each partner of
a partnership will be treated as owning or acquiring any stock owned or
acquired, as the case may be, by the partnership (and as having paid any
consideration paid by the partnership to acquire such stock) in accordance with
that partner's interest in the partnership. As used in this representation
letter, the term "partnership" shall have the same meaning given to it in
Section 7701(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     3. As of the Effective Time, the Company will hold at least 90 percent of
the fair market value of its net assets and at least 70 percent of the fair
market value of its gross assets held immediately prior to the Merger. For
purposes of this representation, amounts paid by the Company to dissenters,
amounts paid by the Company to shareholders who receive cash or other property,
amounts used by the Company or Sub to pay reorganization expenses, and all
redemptions and distributions (except for
<PAGE>
regular, normal dividends) made by the Company will be included as assets of the
Company, immediately prior to the Merger.

     4. The Company has no plan or intention to issue additional shares of its
stock that, assuming the Merger is consummated, would result in Parent losing
control of the Company within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code.

     5. Each of the Parent, Sub, the Company and the shareholders of the Company
will pay their respective expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the
Merger.

     6. There is no intercorporate indebtedness existing between Parent and the
Company, or between Sub and the Company, that was issued, acquired or will be
settled at a discount.

     7. As of the Effective Time, the Company intends to continue its historic
business or use a significant portion of its historic assets in a business.

     8. As of the Effective Time, the Company will not have outstanding and has
no plan or intention to issue any warrants, options, convertible securities, or
any other type of right pursuant to which any person could acquire stock in the
Company that, if exercised or converted, would affect Parent's acquisition or
retention of control of the Company, as defined in Section 368(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code.

     9. The Company is not an investment company as defined in
Section 368(a)(2)(F)(iii) and (iv) of the Internal Revenue Code.

    10. As of the Effective Time, the fair market value of the assets of the
Company will exceed its liabilities plus the amount of liabilities, if any, to
which the assets are subject.

    11. The Company is not under the jurisdiction of a court in a Title 11 or
similar case, within the meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue
Code.

    12. In the Merger, shares of Company stock representing control of the
Company, as defined in Section 368 (c) of the Code, will be exchanged solely for
voting stock of Parent; for purposes of this representation, shares of Company
stock exchanged for cash or other property originating with Parent will be
treated as outstanding Company stock on the date of the Merger.

    13. None of the compensation received by any shareholder-employee of the
Company will be separate consideration for, or allocable to, any of the shares
of Company Common Stock held by such shareholder-employee. The compensation to
be paid to any such shareholder-employee will be for services actually rendered
and will be commensurate with amounts paid to third parties bargaining at arm's
length for similar services. None of the shares of Parent Common Stock received
by any such shareholder-employee in the Merger will be separate consideration
for, or allocable to, any employment agreement.

    14. The payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock
will be solely for purposes of avoiding the expense and inconvenience to Parent
of issuing fractional shares and does not represent separately bargained for
consideration. To the best knowledge of the management of Company, the total
cash consideration that will be paid in the Merger to Company stockholders in
lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock will not exceed one percent of
the total consideration that will be issued in the Merger to Company
stockholders in exchange for their Company Common Stock.

                                       2
<PAGE>
    I, on behalf of Oak Industries Inc., understand that each of Shearman &
Sterling, as counsel for Parent, and Ropes & Gray, as counsel for Company, will
rely on the statements and representations set forth in this letter in rendering
their opinions concerning certain of the federal income tax consequences of the
Merger, and I hereby commit to inform them if, for any reason, any of the
foregoing representations and statements ceases to be accurate and complete at
or prior to the Effective Time.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>  <C>
                                                       OAK INDUSTRIES INC.

                                                       By:  /s/ COLEMAN S. HICKS
                                                            -----------------------------------------
                                                            Name: Coleman S. Hicks
                                                            Title:  Senior Vice President and
                                                                  Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>

                                       3

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                     CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

    We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of Corning Incorporated of our report dated February 9,
1999, relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule
appearing in Oak Industries Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1998. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in such Registration Statement.

                                          /s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
                                          --------------------------------------

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

One Post Office Square

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

December 27, 1999

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2

                     CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

    We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of Corning Incorporated of our report dated January 25,
1999, except for Note 4 and Note 11, as to which the date is February 16, 1999,
relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedules appearing
in Corning Incorporated's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1998. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in
such Registration Statement.

                                          /s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
1301 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019

DECEMBER 27, 1999

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.5

         CONSENT OF DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION

    We hereby consent to (i) the inclusion of our opinion letter, dated
December 27, 1999, to the board of directors of Oak Industries Inc. (the
"Company") as Annex B to the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus of the Company relating
to the merger of the Company and Corning Incorporated and (ii) all references to
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette in the sections captioned "Summary," "The
Merger--Background of the Merger," "The Merger--Reasons for the Merger;
Recommendation of the Oak Industries Board," and "The Merger--Opinion of
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation" of the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus of the Company which forms a part of this Registration
Statement on Form S-4. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we come
within the category of persons whose consent is required under, and we do not
admit that we are "experts" for purposes of, the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

                                          DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                                            SECURITIES CORPORATION

                                          By: /s/ JILL GREENTHAL
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Jill Greenthal
                                             Managing Director

New York, New York
December 27, 1999

<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 24.1

                              CORNING INCORPORATED

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

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

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

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Director and/or Officer
of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints
Katherine A. Asbeck, William D. Eggers and James B. Flaws, or any one of them,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all
instruments which the said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, may deem
necessary or advisable to enable Corning Incorporated to comply with the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements
of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of up to 24,000,000 shares of
its Common Stock offered, issued, exchanged or sold by Corning Incorporated in
connection with its acquisition of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and the exercise of options to purchase shares of the
Common Stock of Corning Incorporated (which options may be offered in
substitution for options held by certain employees of Oak Industries, Inc. to
purchase shares of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc.), including
specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power
and authority to sign the name of the undersigned in his capacity as Director
and/or Officer of Corning Incorporated to one or more Registration Statements
(on whatever form or forms may be determined to be appropriate) to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of said deferred compensation
obligations, to any and all amendments to the said Registration Statements,
including Post-Effective Amendments, and to any and all instruments and
documents thereto; HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING all that said attorneys and
agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this 3(rd)
day of December, 1999.

                                        /s/ ROBERT BARKER
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Robert Barker
<PAGE>
                              CORNING INCORPORATED

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

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

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

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Director and/or Officer
of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints
Katherine A. Asbeck, William D. Eggers and James B. Flaws, or any one of them,
his true and lawful attorney and agent, in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all
instruments which the said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, may deem
necessary or advisable to enable Corning Incorporated to comply with the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements
of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of up to 24,000,000 shares of
its Common Stock offered, issued, exchanged or sold by Corning Incorporated in
connection with its acquisition of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and the exercise of options to purchase shares of the
Common Stock of Corning Incorporated (which options may be offered in
substitution for options held by certain employees of Oak Industries, Inc. to
purchase shares of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc.), including
specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power
and authority to sign the name of the undersigned in his capacity as Director
and/or Officer of Corning Incorporated to one or more Registration Statements
(on whatever form or forms may be determined to be appropriate) to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of said deferred compensation
obligations, to any and all amendments to the said Registration Statements,
including Post-Effective Amendments, and to any and all instruments and
documents thereto; HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING all that said attorneys and
agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this 6(th)
day of December, 1999.

                                        /s/ JOHN SEELY BROWN
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        John Seely Brown
<PAGE>
                              CORNING INCORPORATED

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

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

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

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Director and/or Officer
of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints
Katherine A. Asbeck, William D. Eggers and James B. Flaws, or any one of them,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all
instruments which the said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, may deem
necessary or advisable to enable Corning Incorporated to comply with the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements
of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of up to 24,000,000 shares of
its Common Stock offered, issued, exchanged or sold by Corning Incorporated in
connection with its acquisition of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and the exercise of options to purchase shares of the
Common Stock of Corning Incorporated (which options may be offered in
substitution for options held by certain employees of Oak Industries, Inc. to
purchase shares of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc.), including
specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power
and authority to sign the name of the undersigned in his capacity as Director
and/or Officer of Corning Incorporated to one or more Registration Statements
(on whatever form or forms may be determined to be appropriate) to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of said deferred compensation
obligations, to any and all amendments to the said Registration Statements,
including Post-Effective Amendments, and to any and all instruments and
documents thereto; HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING all that said attorneys and
agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this 3(rd)
day of December, 1999.

                                        /s/ JOHN H. FOSTER
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        John H. Foster
<PAGE>
                              CORNING INCORPORATED

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

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

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

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Director and/or Officer
of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints
Katherine A. Asbeck, William D. Eggers and James B. Flaws, or any one of them,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all
instruments which the said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, may deem
necessary or advisable to enable Corning Incorporated to comply with the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements
of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of up to 24,000,000 shares of
its Common Stock offered, issued, exchanged or sold by Corning Incorporated in
connection with its acquisition of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and the exercise of options to purchase shares of the
Common Stock of Corning Incorporated (which options may be offered in
substitution for options held by certain employees of Oak Industries, Inc. to
purchase shares of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc.), including
specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power
and authority to sign the name of the undersigned in his capacity as Director
and/or Officer of Corning Incorporated to one or more Registration Statements
(on whatever form or forms may be determined to be appropriate) to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of said deferred compensation
obligations, to any and all amendments to the said Registration Statements,
including Post-Effective Amendments, and to any and all instruments and
documents thereto; HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING all that said attorneys and
agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this 6(th)
day of December, 1999.

                                        /s/ NORMAN E. GARRITY
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Norman E. Garrity
<PAGE>
                              CORNING INCORPORATED

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

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

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

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Director and/or Officer
of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints
Katherine A. Asbeck, William D. Eggers and James B. Flaws, or any one of them,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all
instruments which the said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, may deem
necessary or advisable to enable Corning Incorporated to comply with the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements
of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of up to 24,000,000 shares of
its Common Stock offered, issued, exchanged or sold by Corning Incorporated in
connection with its acquisition of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and the exercise of options to purchase shares of the
Common Stock of Corning Incorporated (which options may be offered in
substitution for options held by certain employees of Oak Industries, Inc. to
purchase shares of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc.), including
specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power
and authority to sign the name of the undersigned in his capacity as Director
and/or Officer of Corning Incorporated to one or more Registration Statements
(on whatever form or forms may be determined to be appropriate) to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of said deferred compensation
obligations, to any and all amendments to the said Registration Statements,
including Post-Effective Amendments, and to any and all instruments and
documents thereto; HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING all that said attorneys and
agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this 6(th)
day of December, 1999.

                                        /s/ GORDON GUND
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Gordon Gund
<PAGE>
                              CORNING INCORPORATED

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

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

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

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Director and/or Officer
of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints
Katherine A. Asbeck, William D. Eggers and James B. Flaws, or any one of them,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all
instruments which the said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, may deem
necessary or advisable to enable Corning Incorporated to comply with the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements
of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of up to 24,000,000 shares of
its Common Stock offered, issued, exchanged or sold by Corning Incorporated in
connection with its acquisition of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and the exercise of options to purchase shares of the
Common Stock of Corning Incorporated (which options may be offered in
substitution for options held by certain employees of Oak Industries, Inc. to
purchase shares of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc.), including
specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power
and authority to sign the name of the undersigned in his capacity as Director
and/or Officer of Corning Incorporated to one or more Registration Statements
(on whatever form or forms may be determined to be appropriate) to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of said deferred compensation
obligations, to any and all amendments to the said Registration Statements,
including Post-Effective Amendments, and to any and all instruments and
documents thereto; HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING all that said attorneys and
agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this 6(th)
day of December, 1999.

                                        /s/ JAMES R. HOUGHTON
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        James R. Houghton
<PAGE>
                              CORNING INCORPORATED

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

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

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

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Director and/or Officer
of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints
Katherine A. Asbeck, William D. Eggers and James B. Flaws, or any one of them,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all
instruments which the said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, may deem
necessary or advisable to enable Corning Incorporated to comply with the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements
of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of up to 24,000,000 shares of
its Common Stock offered, issued, exchanged or sold by Corning Incorporated in
connection with its acquisition of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and the exercise of options to purchase shares of the
Common Stock of Corning Incorporated (which options may be offered in
substitution for options held by certain employees of Oak Industries, Inc. to
purchase shares of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc.), including
specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power
and authority to sign the name of the undersigned in his capacity as Director
and/or Officer of Corning Incorporated to one or more Registration Statements
(on whatever form or forms may be determined to be appropriate) to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of said deferred compensation
obligations, to any and all amendments to the said Registration Statements,
including Post-Effective Amendments, and to any and all instruments and
documents thereto; HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING all that said attorneys and
agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this 8(th)
day of December, 1999.

                                        /s/ JAMES W. KINNEAR
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        James W. Kinnear
<PAGE>
                              CORNING INCORPORATED

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

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

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

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Director and/or Officer
of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints
Katherine A. Asbeck, William D. Eggers and James B. Flaws, or any one of them,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all
instruments which the said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, may deem
necessary or advisable to enable Corning Incorporated to comply with the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements
of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of up to 24,000,000 shares of
its Common Stock offered, issued, exchanged or sold by Corning Incorporated in
connection with its acquisition of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and the exercise of options to purchase shares of the
Common Stock of Corning Incorporated (which options may be offered in
substitution for options held by certain employees of Oak Industries, Inc. to
purchase shares of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc.), including
specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power
and authority to sign the name of the undersigned in his capacity as Director
and/or Officer of Corning Incorporated to one or more Registration Statements
(on whatever form or forms may be determined to be appropriate) to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of said deferred compensation
obligations, to any and all amendments to the said Registration Statements,
including Post-Effective Amendments, and to any and all instruments and
documents thereto; HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING all that said attorneys and
agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this 3(rd)
day of December, 1999.

                                        /s/ JOHN W. LOOSE
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        John W. Loose
<PAGE>
                              CORNING INCORPORATED

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

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

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

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Director and/or Officer
of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints
Katherine A. Asbeck, William D. Eggers and James B. Flaws, or any one of them,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all
instruments which the said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, may deem
necessary or advisable to enable Corning Incorporated to comply with the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements
of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of up to 24,000,000 shares of
its Common Stock offered, issued, exchanged or sold by Corning Incorporated in
connection with its acquisition of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and the exercise of options to purchase shares of the
Common Stock of Corning Incorporated (which options may be offered in
substitution for options held by certain employees of Oak Industries, Inc. to
purchase shares of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc.), including
specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power
and authority to sign the name of the undersigned in his capacity as Director
and/or Officer of Corning Incorporated to one or more Registration Statements
(on whatever form or forms may be determined to be appropriate) to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of said deferred compensation
obligations, to any and all amendments to the said Registration Statements,
including Post-Effective Amendments, and to any and all instruments and
documents thereto; HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING all that said attorneys and
agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this 4(th)
day of December, 1999.

                                        /s/ JAMES J. O'CONNOR
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        James J. O'Connor
<PAGE>
                              CORNING INCORPORATED

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

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

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

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Director and/or Officer
of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints
Katherine A. Asbeck, William D. Eggers and James B. Flaws, or any one of them,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all
instruments which the said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, may deem
necessary or advisable to enable Corning Incorporated to comply with the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements
of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of up to 24,000,000 shares of
its Common Stock offered, issued, exchanged or sold by Corning Incorporated in
connection with its acquisition of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and the exercise of options to purchase shares of the
Common Stock of Corning Incorporated (which options may be offered in
substitution for options held by certain employees of Oak Industries, Inc. to
purchase shares of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc.), including
specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power
and authority to sign the name of the undersigned in his capacity as Director
and/or Officer of Corning Incorporated to one or more Registration Statements
(on whatever form or forms may be determined to be appropriate) to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of said deferred compensation
obligations, to any and all amendments to the said Registration Statements,
including Post-Effective Amendments, and to any and all instruments and
documents thereto; HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING all that said attorneys and
agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this 3(rd)
day of December, 1999.

                                        /s/ CATHERINE A. REIN
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Catherine A. Rein
<PAGE>
                              CORNING INCORPORATED

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

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

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

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Director and/or Officer
of Corning Incorporated, a New York corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints
Katherine A. Asbeck, William D. Eggers and James B. Flaws, or any one of them,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all
instruments which the said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, may deem
necessary or advisable to enable Corning Incorporated to comply with the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements
of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of up to 24,000,000 shares of
its Common Stock offered, issued, exchanged or sold by Corning Incorporated in
connection with its acquisition of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and the exercise of options to purchase shares of the
Common Stock of Corning Incorporated (which options may be offered in
substitution for options held by certain employees of Oak Industries, Inc. to
purchase shares of the capital stock of Oak Industries, Inc.), including
specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power
and authority to sign the name of the undersigned in his capacity as Director
and/or Officer of Corning Incorporated to one or more Registration Statements
(on whatever form or forms may be determined to be appropriate) to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of said deferred compensation
obligations, to any and all amendments to the said Registration Statements,
including Post-Effective Amendments, and to any and all instruments and
documents thereto; HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING all that said attorneys and
agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has subscribed these presents this 3(rd)
day of December, 1999.

                                        /s/ H. ONNO RUDING
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        H. Onno Ruding

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1

                              OAK INDUSTRIES INC.
                               1000 WINTER STREET
                          WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 02451

              PROXY--Special Meeting of Stockholders--January 28, 2000
            THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     The undersigned hereby appoints Coleman S. Hicks, Pamela F. Lenehan and
 Mela Lew or any of them, proxies, with full power of substitution, to vote all
 shares of the common stock of Oak Industries Inc. (the "Company") held of
 record by the undersigned as of December 23, 1999, at the Special Meeting of
 Stockholders to be held on Friday, January 28, 2000 at 9:30 a.m., Eastern
 Standard Time, at the corporate offices of Oak Industries at 1000 Winter
 Street, Waltham, Massachusetts, or any adjournments thereof.

     IMPORTANT: To secure a quorum and to avoid the expense and delay of
 sending follow-up letters, please mail this proxy promptly in the envelope
 provided. Your vote is important whether your holdings are large or small.
 Execution of a proxy will not in any way affect a stockholder's right to
 attend the Special Meeting and vote in person. Any stockholder giving a proxy
 has the right to revoke it by written notice to the Secretary of the Company
 at any time before the original proxy is exercised.

     THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
 HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY
 WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE PROPOSAL AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROXIES'
 JUDGMENT UPON OTHER MATTERS PROPERLY COMING BEFORE THE MEETING AND ANY
 ADJOURNMENT OR POSTPONEMENT THEREOF.

                 (CONTINUED, AND TO BE SIGNED, ON REVERSE SIDE)
<PAGE>
 [X] Please mark your votes as in this example.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           FOR                      AGAINST                    ABSTAIN
<S>                                              <C>                        <C>                        <C>
1. Proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement
   and Plan of Merger dated as of November 13,
   1999 among the Company, Corning Incorporated
   and Riesling Acquisition Corporation                             [  ]                       [  ]                        [  ]
</TABLE>

 In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized, to the extent permitted by
 the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to vote upon such other
 business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or
 postponement thereof.

 PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
 ENVELOPE.

 SIGNATURE ______________________________________________  DATE _______________

 SIGNATURE ______________________________________________  DATE _______________

 NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears above. When shares are held by joint
       tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor,
       administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such. If
       a corporation, please sign with full corporation name by President or
       other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership
       name by authorized person.

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2

                         FORM OF CHAIRMAN LETTER TO THE
                      STOCKHOLDERS OF OAK INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                                               December 27, 1999

Dear Stockholder of Oak Industries Inc.:

    The Board of Directors of Oak Industries Inc. has unanimously approved a
merger in which Corning Incorporated will acquire Oak Industries. In the merger,
each share of Oak Industries common stock will be converted into the right to
receive 0.83 of a share of Corning common stock, and Oak Industries will become
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corning. Corning common stock is listed on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GLW." As of December 23, Corning's closing
stock price was $123.06.

    The merger cannot be completed unless the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Oak Industries' common stock approve and adopt the merger
agreement. Oak Industries has scheduled a special meeting of its stockholders
for January 28, 2000 to vote on this matter. If you were a stockholder of record
on December 23, 1999, you may vote at the meeting. Your vote is very important.

    Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please take the time to vote
by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card to us. If you sign, date and
mail your proxy card without indicating how you want to vote, your proxy will be
counted as a vote in favor of the merger.

    This document provides you with detailed information about the proposed
merger. This document is also a prospectus of Corning for the Corning common
stock that will be issued to you in the merger. We encourage you to read this
entire document carefully. In addition, you may obtain information about Corning
and Oak Industries from documents filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                                          Sincerely,

                                          William S. Antle III
                                          Chairman of the Board,
                                          Chief Executive Officer
                                          and President

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
regulator has approved the Corning common stock to be issued under the
accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus or determined if the accompanying Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the contrary
is a criminal offense.

    The accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus is dated December 27, 1999 and
is first being mailed to stockholders on or about December 28, 1999.

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.3

                              OAK INDUSTRIES INC.
                               1000 WINTER STREET
                          WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 02451
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                         TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 28, 2000

To the Stockholders of Oak Industries Inc.:

    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of stockholders of Oak
Industries Inc. has been called by the Board of Directors of Oak Industries and
will be held at the corporate offices of Oak Industries at 1000 Winter Street,
Waltham, Massachusetts at 9:30 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, on Friday, January
28, 2000 for the following purposes:

    1.  To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt an Agreement
       and Plan of Merger dated as of November 13, 1999 among Corning
       Incorporated, Riesling Acquisition Corporation and Oak Industries Inc.
       The merger agreement provides, among other things, for the merger of
       Riesling Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corning,
       with and into Oak Industries, with Oak Industries surviving the merger as
       a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corning.

    2.  To vote upon other matters as may properly come before the special
       meeting or any adjournment or postponement of such special meeting.

    Oak Industries has fixed the close of business on December 23, 1999 as the
record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to
vote at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of such meeting.
Only holders of record of Oak Industries common stock on the record date are
entitled to vote at the special meeting. A list of stockholders entitled to vote
will be available for inspection at the offices of Oak Industries Inc., located
at 1000 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts, for a period of ten days prior to
the special meeting.

    Your Board of Directors recommends that you vote to approve and adopt the
merger agreement, which is described in detail in the accompanying Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.

    You can ensure that your shares of Oak Industries common stock are voted at
the special meeting by signing and dating the enclosed proxy and returning it in
the postage pre-paid envelope provided. Sending in a signed proxy will not
affect your right to attend the special meeting and vote in person. You may
revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by (1) giving written notice to
the Secretary of Oak Industries at 1000 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
02451, (2) signing and returning a later dated proxy, or (3) voting in person at
the special meeting. All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the
special meeting in person.

    WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND, WE URGE YOU TO SIGN AND DATE THE
ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE POSTAGE PRE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED.

                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,
                                          Mela Lew
                                          Vice President,
                                          General Counsel
                                          and Secretary

Waltham, Massachusetts
December 27, 1999


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