DYNATECH CORP
8-K, 1997-01-14
INSTRUMENTS FOR MEAS & TESTING OF ELECTRICITY & ELEC SIGNALS
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<PAGE>   1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


               Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):

                                December 31, 1996
                                -----------------


                              DYNATECH CORPORATION
             ------------------------------------------------------   
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


  Massachusetts                 0-7438                      04-2258582
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other              (Commission                 (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of              File Number)                Identification No.)
incorporation)


     3 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA                  01803
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (617) 272-6100
                                                    --------------

                                 Not Applicable
          -------------------------------------------------------------
          (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)








                               Page 1 of 63 Pages
                           Exhibit Index is on Page 4


<PAGE>   2


ITEM 2.  ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS

         On December 31, 1996, Dynatech Corporation (the "Company" or the
"Registrant"), and its wholly-owned indirect subsidiary, IAQ Corporation
("IAQ"), acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain of the
liabilities of Itronix Corporation ("Itronix"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Telxon Corporation ("Telxon"), pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase
Agreement, dated as of December 28, 1996, among the Company, IAQ, Itronix and
Telxon (the "Asset Purchase Agreement"). The aggregate consideration paid by the
Company and IAQ for the acquired assets of Itronix was approximately $65.5
million in cash. The purchase price is subject to adjustment upon completion of
an audit of the Itronix balance sheet as at December 31, 1996, as set forth in
the Asset Purchase Agreement. Approximately $40 million of the purchase price
was borrowed from The First National Bank of Boston, ABN Amro Bank N.V., Boston
Branch, and Mellon Bank, N.A., pursuant to the terms of the Company's existing
revolving credit and term loan agreement with such banks.

         The acquisition of incomplete technology will result in a one-time,
pre-tax charge to be taken in the third quarter ended December 31, 1996. The
amount of the charge will be calculated based upon final determination of the
allocation of the purchase price.

         The terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement were determined on the basis
of arms-length negotiations. Prior to the execution of the Asset Purchase
Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its affiliates had any material
relationship with Itronix or its stockholder.

         Itronix, headquartered in Spokane, Washington, is a manufacturer of
mobile computing and communications devices which increase the efficiency of
large, mission-critical service groups. The Company currently intends to
continue to use the assets of Itronix constituting plant, equipment or other
physical property substantially in the same manner in which they were used by
Itronix immediately prior to the acquisition.

         This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect the Company's current
judgment on certain issues. Because such statements apply to future events, they
are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to
differ materially. Important factors which could cause actual results to differ
materially are described in the Company's reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                  Page 2 of 63


<PAGE>   3



ITEM 7.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

         (a) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BUSINESS ACQUIRED: Not filed herewith; to
be filed by amendment. Pursuant to Item 7(a)(4) of Form 8-K, the Registrant
hereby indicates that the filing of such financial information is impractical
and undertakes to file such information as soon as it is available on a Form
8-K/A Amendment to this report and in any event by March 17, 1997.

         (b) PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Not filed herewith; to be filed 
by amendment. Pursuant to Item 7(a)(4) of Form 8-K, the Registrant hereby
indicates that the filing of such financial information is impractical and
undertakes to file such information as soon as it is available on a Form 8-K/A
Amendment to this report and in any event by March 17, 1997.

         (c) Exhibits:
             --------

         2.  Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 28, 1996, among
             Dynatech Corporation, IAQ Corporation, Telxon Corporation and
             Itronix Corporation.


                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


Date:  January 14, 1997             DYNATECH CORPORATION



                                    By: /s/ Allan M. Kline
                                        --------------------------------------
                                        Allan M. Kline
                                        Vice President, Chief Financial
                                        Officer and Treasurer 
                                     


                                  Page 3 of 63


<PAGE>   4


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX



2.   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 28, 1996, among Dynatech
     Corporation, IAQ Corporation, Telxon Corporation and Itronix Corporation.






<PAGE>   1

 


                                                                     Exhibit 2
                                                                     ---------








                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT



                                      Among

                              Dynatech Corporation,


                                IAQ Corporation,


                               Telxon Corporation


                                       and


                               Itronix Corporation





                                December 28, 1996





<PAGE>   2
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


ARTICLE I - THE PURCHASE....................................................  1
     1.1      PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS...................................  1
     1.2      ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES.....................................  4
     1.3      STANDSTILL FEE; PURCHASE PRICE; ADJUSTMENT....................  7
     1.4      THE CLOSING...................................................  8
     1.5      ALLOCATION....................................................  9
     1.6      POST-CLOSING ADJUSTMENTS......................................  9
     1.7      FURTHER ASSURANCES............................................ 11

ARTICLE II - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
                THE SELLER AND THE PARENT................................... 12
     2.1      ORGANIZATION, QUALIFICATION AND CORPORATE POWER............... 12
     2.2      CAPITALIZATION................................................ 12
     2.3      AUTHORITY..................................................... 12
     2.4      NONCONTRAVENTION.............................................. 13
     2.5      SUBSIDIARIES.................................................. 13
     2.6      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.......................................... 14
     2.7      ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES.................................... 14
     2.9      TAX MATTERS................................................... 14
     2.10     OWNERSHIP AND CONDITION OF ASSETS............................. 15
     2.11     OWNED REAL PROPERTY........................................... 15
     2.12     INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY......................................... 15
     2.13     INVENTORY..................................................... 18
     2.14     REAL PROPERTY LEASES.......................................... 18
     2.15     CONTRACTS..................................................... 19
     2.16     ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE........................................... 20
     2.17     POWERS OF ATTORNEY............................................ 20
     2.18     INSURANCE..................................................... 20
     2.19     LITIGATION.................................................... 21
     2.20     PRODUCT WARRANTY.............................................. 21
     2.21     EMPLOYEES..................................................... 21
     2.22     EMPLOYEE BENEFITS............................................. 22
     2.23     ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS......................................... 24
     2.24     LEGAL COMPLIANCE.............................................. 25
     2.25     PERMITS....................................................... 25
     2.26     CERTAIN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS WITH AFFILIATES................ 26
     2.27     BROKERS' FEES................................................. 26
     2.28     BOOKS AND RECORDS............................................. 26
     2.29     CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS....................................... 26
     2.30     GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS.......................................... 26
     2.31     CONFIDENTIALITY............................................... 27
     2.32     DISCLOSURE.................................................... 27
     2.33     DEFINITION OF KNOWLEDGE....................................... 27

ARTICLE III - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER................... 28
     3.1      ORGANIZATION.................................................. 28
     3.2      AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSACTION.................................. 28
     3.3      NONCONTRAVENTION.............................................. 28
     3.4      BROKER'S FEES................................................. 29
                                        i

<PAGE>   3


     3.5      DUE DILIGENCE................................................. 29

ARTICLE IV - PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS.......................................... 29
     4.1      BEST EFFORTS.................................................. 29
     4.2      NOTICES AND CONSENTS.......................................... 29
     4.3      EMPLOYEES..................................................... 30
     4.4      HART-SCOTT-RODINO ACT......................................... 31
     4.5      OPERATION OF BUSINESS......................................... 31
     4.6      FULL ACCESS................................................... 34
     4.7      NOTICE OF BREACHES............................................ 34
     4.8      GUARANTEE..................................................... 35

ARTICLE V - CONDITIONS TO CLOSING........................................... 35
     5.1      CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE BUYER........................ 35
     5.2      CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLER....................... 37
  
ARTICLE VI - POST-CLOSING COVENANTS......................................... 37
     6.1      PROPRIETARY INFORMATION....................................... 37
     6.2      SOLICITATION AND HIRING....................................... 38
     6.3      NON-COMPETITION............................................... 39
     6.4      SHARING OF DATA............................................... 39
     6.5      USE OF NAME................................................... 40
     6.6      COOPERATION IN LITIGATION..................................... 40
     6.7      COLLECTION OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE............................. 41
     6.8      EMPLOYEES..................................................... 42
     6.9      TRANSFER AND SALES TAX........................................ 43
     6.10     PRODUCT WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS.................................. 43
     6.11     NOTICE OF POTENTIAL PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIM................... 43
     6.12     AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.................................. 43

ARTICLE VII - INDEMNIFICATION............................................... 44
     7.1      INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SELLER AND THE PARENT.................. 44
     7.2      INDEMNIFICATION BY THE BUYER AND PARENT....................... 44
     7.3      CLAIMS FOR INDEMNIFICATION.................................... 44
     7.4      DEFENSE BY THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY............................. 45
     7.5      TREATMENT OF INDEMNITY PAYMENTS............................... 46
     7.6      SURVIVAL...................................................... 46
     7.7      LIMITATIONS................................................... 47
     7.8      OFFSET........................................................ 48

ARTICLE VIII - TERMINATION.................................................. 48
     8.1      TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT...................................... 48
     8.2      EFFECT OF TERMINATION......................................... 49

ARTICLE IX - DEFINITIONS.................................................... 49

ARTICLE X - MISCELLANEOUS................................................... 50
     10.1     PRESS RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.............................. 50
     10.2     NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES.................................. 51
     10.3     ENTIRE AGREEMENT.............................................. 51
     10.4     SUCCESSION AND ASSIGNMENT..................................... 51
     10.5     COUNTERPARTS; USE OF FACSIMILES............................... 51


                                       ii

<PAGE>   4



     10.6     HEADINGS...................................................... 51
     10.7     NOTICES....................................................... 51
     10.8     GOVERNING LAW................................................. 52
     10.9     AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS........................................ 53
     10.10    SEVERABILITY.................................................. 53
     10.11    EXPENSES...................................................... 53
     10.12    SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.......................................... 53
     10.13    SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION.................................... 54
     10.14    CONSTRUCTION.................................................. 54
     10.15    INCORPORATION OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES....................... 54


Exhibit A - Bill of Sale
Exhibit B - Patent Assignment
Exhibit C - Trademark Assignment
Exhibit D - Instrument of Assumption
Exhibit E - Opinion of Counsel to the Seller and the Parent 
Exhibit F - Opinion of Intellectual Property Counsel to the Seller
Exhibit G - Opinion of Counsel to DParent and the Buyer 
Exhibit H - Opinion of Special Counsel to the Buyer 
Exhibit I - Press Release of the Parent 
Exhibit J - Press Release of DParent 
Exhibit K - Press Release of the Parent 
Exhibit L - Press Release of DParent


Schedule 1.1(b)      - Excluded Assets
Schedule 1.2         - Estimated Balance Sheet
Schedule 1.2(a)      - Assumed Liabilities
Schedule 1.4(b)(xi)  - Certain Employees of the Seller
Schedule 1.5         - Purchase Price Allocation
Schedule 1.6(a)      - Procedures for Allocation of Balance Sheet
Schedule 2.6         - Financial Statements
Schedule 6.8(a)      - Employees to be Hired by the Buyer
Schedule 7.8         - Certain Claims of the Seller


Disclosure Schedule



                                       iii


<PAGE>   5


                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


         This Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of
December 28, 1996 by and among Dynatech Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation
("DParent"), IAQ Corporation, a Washington corporation and indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of DParent (the "Buyer"), Telxon Corporation, a Delaware corporation
(the "Parent"), and Itronix Corporation, a Washington corporation and
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent (the "Seller"). The Buyer, DParent, the
Parent and the Seller are referred to collectively herein as the "Parties."

         This Agreement contemplates a transaction in which the Buyer will
purchase substantially all of the assets and assume certain of the liabilities
relating to the business of the Seller, which includes, without limitation, the
manufacture and sale of ruggedized computers and related products and services
(the "Business").

         Now, therefore, in consideration of the representations, warranties and
covenants herein contained, the Parties agree as follows.


                                    ARTICLE I

                                  THE PURCHASE

         1.1      PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS.

                  (a) Upon and subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, the Buyer shall purchase from the Seller, and the Seller shall sell,
transfer, convey, assign and deliver to the Buyer, at the Closing (as defined in
Section 1.4(a)), for the consideration specified below in this Article I, all
right, title and interest in and to all of the assets of the Seller now used or
presently planned to be used in connection with the Business and existing as of
the Closing (other than those assets specifically identified in this Section
1.1(a) or in Section 1.1(b) as being excluded), wherever located (collectively,
the "Acquired Assets"), including without limitation:

                           (i) all employee advances, trade and other accounts 
receivable and notes receivable that are payable to the Seller, excluding any
account receivable aged 180 days or longer after the date on which it first
became due and payable and any account receivable or note receivable payable by
any affiliate, as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (an "Affiliate"), of the Seller;

                          (ii) all inventories of raw materials, work in 
process, finished goods, supplies, packaging materials, spare parts and similar 
items;




<PAGE>   6


                         (iii) all machinery, equipment, computers, fittings, 
tools and tooling, furniture, fixtures, leasehold improvements and motor
vehicles;

                          (iv) all leaseholds and subleaseholds in real 
property (other than where the lessor or sublessor is an Affiliate of the
Seller), and easements, rights-of-way and other appurtenants thereto;

                           (v) all (A) patents, patent applications, patent
disclosures and all related continuation, continuation-in-part, divisional,
reissue, re-examination, utility, model, certificate of invention and design
patents, patent applications, registrations and applications for registrations,
(B) trademarks, service marks, trade drafts, logos, tradenames and corporate
names and registrations and applications for registration thereof, (C)
copyrights and registrations and applications for registration thereof, (D) mask
works and registrations and applications for registration thereof, (E) computer
software (including without limitation software in source code form), data and
documentation, data processing systems, networks and network systems, "website"
and other Internet and webcentric systems and properties, (F) trade secrets and
confidential business information, whether patentable or nonpatentable and
whether or not reduced to practice, know-how, manufacturing and product
processes and techniques, designs, research and development information,
copyrightable works, marketing and business data, pricing and cost information,
business and marketing plans and customer and supplier lists and information,
(G) other proprietary rights relating to any of the foregoing (including without
limitation remedies against infringements thereof and rights of protection of
interest therein under the laws of all jurisdictions) and (H) copies and
tangible embodiments thereof (collectively, "Intellectual Property");

                          (vi) all rights under contracts, agreements or
instruments to which the Seller is a party (including without limitation any
agreements or instruments securing any amounts owed to the Seller, any vendor
agreements, any sales orders, any purchase orders, any commitments or supply
agreements, any leases or subleases for real property, and any licenses or
sublicenses relating to Intellectual Property) (collectively, the "Assigned
Contracts");

                         (vii) all securities owned by the Seller;

                        (viii) all deposits, claims, prepayments, refunds,
causes of action, choses in action, rights of recovery, rights of setoff and
rights of recoupment and all rights under warranties, excluding any such item
relating to the payment of Taxes (as defined in Section 2.9);



                                        2


<PAGE>   7


                          (ix) all permits, licenses, registrations,
certificates, orders, approvals, franchises, variances and similar rights
("Permits") issued by or obtained from any governmental, regulatory or
administrative authority or agency, court or arbitrational tribunal (a
"Governmental Entity");

                           (x) all books, records, accounts, ledgers, files,
documents, correspondence, lists, architectural drawings or specifications,
employment records, manufacturing and procedural manuals, advertising and
promotional materials, studies, reports and other printed or written materials
and duplicate copies of all tax records retained by the Seller;

                          (xi) all customer goodwill and going concern value of 
the Seller; and

                         (xii) all rights to the name "Itronix" and all
derivatives thereof.

                  (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1.1(a), the
Acquired Assets shall not include the following assets (together with those
assets specifically identified in Section 1.1(a) as being excluded from the
Acquired Assets, collectively, the "Excluded Assets"):

                           (i) any cash owned by the Seller reflected on the
Estimated Balance Sheet (as defined in Section 1.2(a)(i)) and allocated to the
Seller thereon, as adjusted in accordance with Section 1.6;

                          (ii) all accounts receivable aged 180 days or
longer after the date on which it first became due and payable reflected on the
Estimated Balance Sheet (as defined in Section 1.2(a)(i)) and allocated to the
Seller thereon, as adjusted in accordance with Section 1.6, and all accounts
receivable, notes receivable and other amounts that are payable to the Seller by
any Affiliate of the Seller reflected on the Estimated Balance Sheet (as defined
in Section 1.2(a)(i)) and allocated to the Seller thereon, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 1.6;

                         (iii) all unamortized goodwill and prepaid merger
expense of the Seller reflected on the Estimated Balance Sheet (as defined in
Section 1.2(a)(i)) and allocated to the Seller thereon, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 1.6;

                          (iv) all insurance policies of the Seller and all
rights of the Seller under insurance policies, as well as all proceeds which
may be payable thereunder;

                           (v) all rights of the Seller in and with respect to
the assets associated with its Employee Benefit Plans (as defined in Section
2.22(a));

                               


                                        3


<PAGE>   8


                            (vi) the corporate charter, qualifications to
conduct business as a foreign corporation, arrangements with registered agents
relating to foreign qualifications, tax records, taxpayer and other
identification numbers, seals, minute books, stock transfer books and other
documents relating to the organization and existence of the Seller as a
corporation;

                            (vii) all rights of the Seller under this Agreement
or the Ancillary Agreements (for purposes of this Agreement, "Ancillary
Agreements" shall mean the bill of sale, patent assignment, trademark assignment
and other instruments of conveyance referred to in Section 1.4(b)(iii), the
instrument of assumption and other instruments referred to in Section
1.4(b)(iv), the VAR Agreement (as defined in Section 1.4(b)(vii)) and the
license agreement referred to in Section 1.4(b)(viii)); and

                            (viii) those assets listed on SCHEDULE 1.1(b)
attached hereto.

         1.2      ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES.

                  (a) Upon and subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, the Buyer shall assume and become responsible for, from and after the
Closing, all of the following liabilities (collectively, the "Assumed
Liabilities"):

                            (i) all accounts payable of the Seller (other than
accounts payable to any Affiliate of the Seller) reflected on the estimated
balance sheet of the Seller as at December 31, 1996 attached hereto as SCHEDULE
1.2 (the "Estimated Balance Sheet"), and allocated to the Buyer thereon, as
adjusted in accordance with Section 1.6;

                            (ii) all liabilities of the Parent under the
guarantees and documentary letters of credit issued for the benefit of third
party trade creditors of the Seller specifically listed on SCHEDULE 1.2(a)
attached hereto;

                            (iii) accrued liabilities and expenses of the
Seller, including without limitation, sales taxes payable (but not including
unrecorded penalties and interest) with respect to product sales and the
provision of services, reflected on the Estimated Balance Sheet and allocated to
the Buyer thereon, as adjusted in accordance with Section 1.6;

                            (iv) all deferred revenue of the Seller reflected on
the Estimated Balance Sheet and allocated to the Buyer thereon, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 1.6;




                                        4


<PAGE>   9


                            (v) liabilities of the Seller for up to 80 hours of
vacation time accrued prior to the Closing for each employee of the Seller
listed on SCHEDULE 6.8(a) attached hereto;

                            (vi) all leases payable of the Seller reflected on
the Estimated Balance Sheet and allocated to the Buyer thereon, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 1.6, and the leases payable specifically listed on
SCHEDULE 1.2(a) attached hereto, to the extent they have not been paid or
discharged prior to the Closing; and

                            (vii) all obligations of the Seller to its customers
for the repair, replacement, rework or return of products manufactured or sold
in the Ordinary Course of Business (as defined in Section 2.4) prior to the
Closing, but only to the extent that (i) such obligations are not the subject of
claims or litigation required to be disclosed in Section 2.19 of the Disclosure
Schedule attached hereto and (ii) such obligations are not the result of product
liability claims.

                  (b) The Buyer shall not assume or become responsible for, and
the Seller shall remain liable for, any and all liabilities or obligations
(whether known or unknown, whether absolute or contingent, whether liquidated or
unliquidated, whether due or to become due, and whether claims with respect
thereto are asserted before or after the Closing) of the Seller which are not
Assumed Liabilities (collectively, the "Retained Liabilities"). The Retained
Liabilities shall include, without limitation, the following:

                            (i) all liabilities of the Seller for income and
other Taxes (excluding transfer, sales or use Taxes) arising in connection with
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including
without limitation any income Taxes arising as a result of (A) the transfer by
the Seller to the Buyer of the Acquired Assets or (B) the Seller having deferred
gain on any "deferred intercompany transaction" (within the meaning of Treasury
Regulation [section]1.1502-13);

                            (ii) all liabilities of the Seller for costs and
expenses incurred by the Seller in connection with this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

                            (iii) all liabilities and obligations of the Seller
under this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements;

                            (iv) all liabilities of the Seller for any Taxes,
including without limitation deferred taxes or taxes measured by income of the
Seller earned prior to the Closing, any liabilities for federal or state income
tax and FICA taxes of employees of the Seller which the Seller is legally
obligated to withhold



                                        5


<PAGE>   10


prior to the Closing, any liabilities for employer FICA and unemployment taxes
incurred prior to the Closing, and any liabilities for sales, use or excise
taxes or customs and duties incurred prior to the Closing, except to the extent
set forth in Section 1.2(a)(iii);

                            (v) all liabilities and obligations of the Seller
under any agreements, contracts, leases or licenses which are not Assigned
Contracts;

                            (vi) all obligations of the Seller arising prior to
the Closing under the Assigned Contracts, and all liabilities for any breach,
act or omission by the Seller prior to the Closing under any Assigned Contract,
except to the extent set forth in Section 1.2(a)(vii);

                            (vii) all liabilities and obligations of the Seller
for any product liability claim relating to products sold prior to the Closing;

                            (viii) all liabilities and obligations of the Seller
arising out of events, conduct or conditions existing or occurring prior to the
Closing that constitute a material violation of or non-compliance with any law,
rule or regulation (including without limitation Environmental Laws (as defined
in Section 2.23)), any judgment, decree or order of any Governmental Entity, or
any Permit;

                            (ix) except to the extent set forth in Sections
1.2(a)(v) and 6.8(b), all liabilities and obligations of the Seller as of the
Closing (A) in connection with or relating to any of the Seller's existing or
former employees, or (B) to pay severance benefits to any employee of the Seller
whose employment is terminated (or treated as terminated) in connection with the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all
liabilities resulting from the termination of employment of employees of the
Seller prior to the Closing that arose under any federal or state law or under
any Employee Benefit Plan established or maintained by the Seller;

                            (x) all liabilities and obligations of the Seller
for all compensation and benefits accrued by or otherwise payable to employees
of the Seller, including without limitation accrued vacation time and sick
leave, premiums or benefits under any Employee Benefit Plan established or
maintained by the Seller and severance pay, except to the extent set forth in
Sections 1.2(a)(v) and 6.8(b);

                            (xi) all liabilities and obligations of the Seller
with respect to any option, warrant, right, agreement or commitment providing
for the issuance, disposition or acquisition of any capital stock of the Seller;





                                        6


<PAGE>   11


                            (xii) all liabilities of the Seller for injury to or
death of persons or damage to or destruction of property occurring prior to the
Closing (including without limitation any workers compensation claim);

                            (xiii) all liabilities of the Seller as of the
Closing for medical, dental and disability (both long-term and short-term
benefits), whether insured or self-insured, owed to employees or former
employees of the Seller based upon (A) exposure to conditions in existence prior
to the Closing or (B) disabilities existing prior to the Closing;

                            (xiv) all liabilities and obligations of the Seller
with respect to any lines of credit with any bank or other financial
institution;

                            (xv) all liabilities of the Seller to any Affiliate
of the Seller, except to the extent set forth in Section 1.2(a)(vii) for
products purchased by the Parent and resold (other than to an Affiliate of the
Parent);

                            (xvi) all liabilities and obligations of the Seller
with respect to product sales or other arrangements to IBM Corporation which
provide for terms that are materially different from those in effect on November
30, 1996;

                            (xvii) all liabilities of the Parent arising prior
to the Closing under the guarantees and documentary letters of credit listed on
SCHEDULE 1.2(a) attached hereto;

                            (xviii) all liabilities of the Seller in connection
with or relating to all actions, suits, claims, proceedings, demands,
assessments and judgments, costs, losses, liabilities, damages, deficiencies and
expenses (whether or not arising out of third-party claims) other than with
respect to an Assumed Liability, including without limitation interest,
penalties, attorneys' fees, accountant fees' and all amounts paid in
investigation, defense or settlement of any of the foregoing; and


                            (xix) all unrecorded and undisclosed liabilities.

         1.3      STANDSTILL FEE; PURCHASE PRICE; ADJUSTMENT.

                  (a) On October 8, 1996, the Buyer transferred $1,000,000 (the
"Standstill Fee") to the Seller and the Parent pursuant to paragraph 17 of that
certain letter of intent among the Buyer, the Parent and the Seller dated
October 7, 1996, as amended (the "Letter of Intent"). The Seller and the Parent
shall refund to the Buyer, immediately upon delivery of written request therefor
by the Buyer, the Standstill Fee, together with interest thereon at the
BankBoston prime rate from October 8, 1996 to the date of the refund of the
Standstill Fee, by wire




                                        7


<PAGE>   12


transfer or other delivery of immediately available funds, if the Closing does
not occur prior to the Termination Time for any reason (other than on account of
a breach by the Buyer or DParent of any representation, warranty or covenant
contained in this Agreement).

                  (b) The purchase price to be paid by the Buyer for the
Acquired Assets shall be $65,523,513, as adjusted pursuant to Section 1.6 and
Section 6.7(a) (the "Purchase Price"). At the Closing, the Buyer shall pay an
amount equal to the Purchase Price, less the amount of the Standstill Fee, and
less the amount of interest on the Standstill Fee at the BankBoston prime rate,
from October 8, 1996 to the Closing Date (the "Closing Payment"), by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Seller.

         1.4      THE CLOSING.

                  (a) The closing of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of the Parent in
Akron, Ohio, commencing at 9:00 a.m. local time on December 31, 1996, or, if all
of the conditions set forth in Article V to the obligations of the Parties to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby have not been satisfied or
waived by such date, on such mutually agreeable later date as soon as
practicable after the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the
obligations of the Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby
(the "Closing Date").

                  (b) At the Closing:

                            (i) the Seller and the Parent shall deliver to the
Buyer the various certificates, instruments and documents referred to in Section
5.1;

                            (ii) the Buyer and DParent shall deliver to the
Seller the various certificates, instruments and documents referred to in
Section 5.2;

                            (iii) the Seller shall execute and deliver to the
Buyer a bill of sale in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT A, a patent
assignment in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT B, a trademark assignment in
the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT C and such other instruments of conveyance
as the Buyer and DParent may reasonably request and prepare, in order to effect
the sale, transfer, conveyance and assignment to the Buyer of valid ownership of
the Acquired Assets;

                            (iv) the Buyer shall execute and deliver to the
Seller an instrument of assumption in the form attached hereto as



                                        8


<PAGE>   13


EXHIBIT D and such other instruments as the Seller and the Parent may reasonably
request and prepare, in order to effect the assumption by the Buyer of the
Assumed Liabilities;

                            (v) the Buyer shall pay to the Seller the Closing
Payment;

                            (vi) the Seller shall deliver to the Buyer, or
otherwise put the Buyer in possession and control of, all of the Acquired Assets
of a tangible nature;

                            (vii) the Parent and the Buyer shall deliver to each
other an executed special value-added reseller purchase agreement, effective as
of the Closing (the "VAR Agreement");

                            (viii) the Parent and the Buyer shall deliver to
each other an executed license agreement, effective as of the Closing;

                            (ix) the Seller shall deliver to the Buyer an
executed assignment of the Product Resale and Licensing Agreement, made March 1,
1996, between the Seller and Motorola, Inc.;

                            (x) the Buyer and the Seller shall execute and
deliver to each other a cross-receipt evidencing the transactions referred to
above; and

                            (xi) each of the employees of the Seller listed on
SCHEDULE 1.4(b)(xi) attached hereto shall deliver to the Buyer executed an
employment agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Buyer.

       1.5 ALLOCATION. The Buyer, DParent, the Seller and the Parent agree to
allocate the Purchase Price (and all other capitalizable costs) among the
Acquired Assets for tax purposes in accordance with the allocation schedule
attached hereto as SCHEDULE 1.5.

       1.6 POST-CLOSING ADJUSTMENTS. The Purchase Price set forth in Section
1.3(b) shall be subject to further adjustment after the Closing Date as follows:

                  (a) Not later than 45 days after the Closing Date, the Seller
shall cause Coopers & Lybrand LLP, independent public accountants for the Seller
(the "Accountants"), to deliver to each Party an audited Buyer's balance sheet
as of the Closing Date allocated to the Buyer and the Seller in accordance with
SCHEDULE 1.6(a) attached hereto (the "Closing Balance Sheet"), provided,
however, that accounts receivable on the Closing Balance Sheet shall not be
audited by the Accountants. The Closing Balance Sheet shall be prepared in
accordance with United




                                        9


<PAGE>   14


States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") applied consistently
with the Seller's past practice and the Referenced Balance Sheet (as defined in
Section 2.6), without any adjustments applicable solely as a result of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and shall be certified without
qualification by the Accountants, provided, however, that inventory of DRAM
chips shall be valued at the lower of the Seller's purchase price or $17.00 per
unit and there shall be no reserve against accounts receivable.

                  (b) The Closing Balance Sheet delivered pursuant to Section
1.6(a) shall be accompanied by a statement prepared by the Accountants, setting
forth the amount, if any, by which the Net Book Value as shown on the Closing
Balance Sheet, is greater than, or less than, the Net Book Value as shown on the
Estimated Balance Sheet (the "Net Asset Adjustment"), together with the
calculations showing the basis for the determination of such amount. For
purposes of this Agreement, "Net Book Value" shall mean the net book value
allocated to the Buyer.

                  (c) In the event that the Buyer, DParent, the Seller or the
Parent dispute the Closing Balance Sheet or the calculation of Net Asset
Adjustment, and the amount in dispute exceeds $100,000 (no Party having any
right to dispute, under this Section 1.6(c) or otherwise, any amount, until the
amount in dispute exceeds $100,000), the disputing party shall notify the other
Parties in writing (the "Dispute Notice") of the amount, nature and basis of
such dispute, within 30 calendar days after delivery of the Closing Balance
Sheet. In the event of such a dispute, the Parties shall first use their best
efforts to resolve such dispute among themselves. If the Parties are unable to
resolve the dispute within 15 calendar days after delivery of the Closing
Balance Sheet, the dispute shall be submitted to Ernst & Young LLP for
resolution. Ernst & Young LLP shall be required to resolve the dispute within 30
days after submission. The determination of Ernst & Young LLP as to the
resolution of any dispute shall be binding and conclusive upon all Parties. All
determinations pursuant to this Section 1.6(c) shall be in writing and shall be
delivered to the Parties. Any award made pursuant to this Section 1.6 may be
entered in and enforced by any court having jurisdiction thereover, and the
Parties hereby consent and commit themselves to the jurisdiction of the courts
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the State of Ohio for purposes of the
enforcement of any such award.

                  (d) The fees and expenses of the Accountants in connection
with the preparation of the Closing Balance Sheet shall be borne by the Seller.
The fees and expenses of Ernst & Young LLP in connection with the resolution of
disputes pursuant to Section 1.6(c) shall be shared equally by the Seller and
the Buyer.




                                       10


<PAGE>   15


                  (e) Immediately upon the expiration of the thirty-day period
for giving the Dispute Notice, if no Dispute Notice is given, or immediately
upon the resolution of disputes, if any, pursuant to Section 1.6(c), the amount
of the Net Asset Adjustment, if positive, shall be added to, and if negative,
shall be deducted from, the Purchase Price (as so adjusted, the "Adjusted
Purchase Price").

                  (f) Within three business days after the date of determination
of the Adjusted Purchase Price pursuant to Section 1.6(e):

                     (i) if the Adjusted Purchase Price is less than the
original Purchase Price, the Seller shall pay such deficiency, by wire transfer
of immediately available funds, to the Buyer;

                     (ii) if the Adjusted Purchase Price is greater than the
original Purchase Price, the Buyer shall pay such excess, by wire transfer of
immediately available funds, to the Seller.

                  (g) If the Purchase Price is adjusted pursuant to this Section
1.6, the allocation of the Purchase Price among the Acquired Assets as set forth
in SCHEDULE 1.5 attached hereto shall be appropriately modified to reflect
increases or decreases in the various asset categories which give rise to such
adjustments.

       1.7 FURTHER ASSURANCES. At any time and from time to time after the
Closing, (a) at the request of the Buyer and without further consideration, the
Seller and the Parent shall execute and deliver such other instruments of sale,
transfer, conveyance and assignment prepared by the Buyer, and take such action,
including without limitation obtaining the consent of third parties, as the
Buyer may reasonably determine is necessary to transfer, convey and assign to
the Buyer, and to confirm Buyer's rights to, title in and ownership of, the
Acquired Assets and to place the Buyer in actual possession and operating
control thereof and (b) at the request of the Seller and without further
consideration, the Buyer and DParent shall execute and deliver such other
instruments prepared by the Seller, and take such action as the Seller may
reasonably determine is necessary to effect the assumption by the Buyer of the
Assumed Liabilities. Each of the Parties will cooperate with the other and take
such other actions as may be reasonably requested from time to time by any other
Party as necessary to carry out, evidence and confirm the intended purposes of
this Agreement.





                                       11


<PAGE>   16


                                   ARTICLE II

           REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER AND THE PARENT

         The Seller and the Parent, jointly and severally, represent and warrant
to the Buyer and DParent that the statements contained in this Article II are
true and correct, except as set forth in the disclosure schedule attached hereto
(the "Disclosure Schedule"). The Disclosure Schedule shall be initialed by the
Parties and shall be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the numbered and
lettered paragraphs contained in this Article II, and the disclosures in any
paragraph of the Disclosure Schedule shall qualify only the corresponding
paragraph in this Article II.

       2.1 ORGANIZATION, QUALIFICATION AND CORPORATE POWER. Each of the Seller
and the Parent is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
corporate and tax good standing under the laws of the state of its
incorporation. The Seller is duly qualified to conduct business and is in
corporate and tax good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction in which the
nature of its businesses or the ownership or leasing of its properties requires
such qualification, except for those jurisdictions where the failure to be so
qualified would not have a material adverse effect on the Seller. The Seller has
all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on the businesses in which
it is engaged and to own and use the properties owned and used by it. The Seller
has furnished to the Buyer true and complete copies of its Certificate of
Incorporation and By-laws, each as amended and as in effect on the date hereof.
The Seller is not in default under or in violation of any provision of its
Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws.

       2.2 CAPITALIZATION. The Parent owns, and has all requisite power and
authority to own and to vote, all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of
the Seller. There are no voting trusts, proxies, or other agreements or
understandings with respect to the voting of any capital stock of the Seller.

       2.3 AUTHORITY. Each of the Seller and the Parent has all requisite power
and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements
and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution,
delivery and performance by the Seller and the Parent of this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements and the consummation by the Seller and the Parent of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly
authorized by all necessary corporate and shareholder action. This Agreement has
been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of the Seller and the
Parent and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of each of the Seller and
the Parent, enforceable against the each of the Seller and the Parent in
accordance with its terms, subject to applicable



                                       12


<PAGE>   17


bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of
creditors generally.

       2.4 NONCONTRAVENTION. Except for applicable requirements of the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the
"Hart-Scott-Rodino Act"), neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement
or the Ancillary Agreements by the Seller and the Parent, nor the consummation
by the Seller and the Parent of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby,
will (a) conflict with or violate any provision of the charter or By-laws of the
Seller or the Parent, (b) require on the part of the Seller or the Parent any
filing with, or any permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any
Governmental Entity, (c) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute (with
or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, result in the
acceleration of, create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify
or cancel, or require any notice, consent or waiver under, any contract, lease,
sublease, license, sublicense, franchise, permit, indenture, agreement or
mortgage for borrowed money, instrument of indebtedness, Security Interest (as
defined below) or other arrangement to which the Seller or the Parent is a party
or by which the Seller or the Parent is bound or to which any of their assets is
subject, (d) result in the imposition of any Security Interest upon any of the
Acquired Assets or (e) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute,
rule or regulation applicable to the Seller the Parent, or any of the Acquired
Assets. For purposes of this Agreement, "Security Interest" means any mortgage,
pledge, security interest, encumbrance, charge, or other lien (whether arising
by contract or by operation of law), other than (i) mechanic's, materialmen's,
and similar liens, (ii) liens for taxes not yet due and payable or for taxes
that the taxpayer is contesting in good faith through appropriate proceedings,
(iii) liens arising under worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, social
security, retirement, and similar legislation, (iv) liens on goods in transit
incurred pursuant to documentary letters of credit, (v) purchase money liens and
liens securing rental payments under capital lease arrangements, (vi) liens in
favor of lessors arising in connection with real property leased to the Seller,
and (vii) other liens arising in the Ordinary Course of Business and not
incurred in connection with the borrowing of money. For purposes of this
Agreement, "Ordinary Course of Business" shall mean the ordinary course of
business of the Seller, consistent with past custom and practice (including with
respect to frequency and amount).

       2.5 SUBSIDIARIES. The Seller does not control directly or indirectly or
have any direct or indirect equity participation in any corporation,
partnership, trust, or other business association.




                                       13


<PAGE>   18


       2.6 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The Seller has provided to the Buyer (a) the
balance sheets and statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and
cash flows for the Seller for each of its fiscal years since the acquisition of
the Seller by the Parent; (b) the Estimated Balance Sheet; and (c) the unaudited
balance sheet as at June 30, 1996 for the Seller (the "Referenced Balance
Sheet") and the unaudited balance sheet as at September 30, 1996 for the Seller
attached hereto as SCHEDULE 2.6. Such financial statements (collectively, the
"Financial Statements") have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a
consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby, fairly present the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Seller as of
the respective dates thereof and for the periods referred to therein and are
consistent with the books and records of the Seller; provided, however, that the
Financial Statements referred to in clauses (b) and (c) above are subject to
normal recurring year-end adjustments (which will not be material) and do not
include footnotes, provided, however, that the adjustments required by the
Letter of Intent shall not serve as a basis for alleging that the Financial
Statements are not in accordance with GAAP. With respect to the contracts and
commitments for the sale of goods or the provision of services by the Seller,
the Financial Statements and the Estimated Balance Sheet contain and reflect
reserves (other than the reserve against accounts receivable in the Closing
Balance Sheet), which are consistent with previous reserves taken, for all
reasonably anticipated material losses and expenses.

       2.7 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES. Since September 30, 1996, (a) there has
not been any material adverse change in the assets, business, financial
condition or results of operations of the Seller, nor has there occurred any
event or development which could reasonably be foreseen to result in such a
material adverse change in the future, (b) the Seller has not taken any of the
actions set forth in paragraphs (a) through (p) of Section 4.5, and (c) the
Parent has not taken any of the actions set forth in paragraphs (d), (n) and (q)
of Section 4.5.

       2.8 INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.

       2.9 TAX MATTERS. The Seller has filed all Tax Returns required to be
filed by the Seller prior to the Closing Date with respect to the Acquired
Assets and the Business, including without limitation, personal property, sales
and use Taxes, and has paid all Taxes. For purposes of this Agreement, "Taxes"
means all taxes, charges, fees, levies or other similar assessments or
liabilities, including without limitation income, gross receipts, ad valorem,
premium, value-added, excise, real property, personal property, sales, use,
transfer, withholding, employment, payroll and franchise taxes imposed by the
United States of America or any state, local or foreign government, or any
agency thereof, or other political subdivision of the United




                                       14


<PAGE>   19


States or any such government, and any interest, fines, penalties, assessments
or additions to tax resulting from, attributable to or incurred in connection
with any tax or any contest or dispute thereof. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Tax Returns" means all reports, returns, declarations, statements or other
information required to be supplied to a taxing authority in connection with
Taxes.

       2.10 OWNERSHIP AND CONDITION OF ASSETS.

              (a) The Seller is the true and lawful owner and has good title to
all of the Acquired Assets, free and clear of all Security Interests, except as
set forth in Section 2.10 of the Disclosure Schedule. Upon execution and
delivery by the Seller to the Buyer of the instruments of conveyance referred to
in Section 1.4(b)(iii), the Buyer will become the true and lawful owner of, and
will receive good title to, the Acquired Assets, free and clear of all Security
Interests other than those set forth in Section 2.10 of the Disclosure Schedule.

              (b) The Acquired Assets are adequate for the conduct of the
Seller's businesses as presently conducted. Each tangible Acquired Asset is free
from material defects, has been maintained in accordance with normal industry
practice, is in good operating condition and repair (subject to normal wear and
tear) and is suitable for the purposes for which it presently is used.

              (c) Section 2.10 of the Disclosure Schedule lists (i) all Acquired
Assets which are fixed assets (within the meaning of GAAP), indicating the
location, cost, accumulated book depreciation (if any) and the net book value of
each such fixed asset as of November 30, 1996, and (ii) all other Acquired
Assets of a tangible nature (other than inventories) whose book value exceeds
$250,000.

       2.11 OWNED REAL PROPERTY. The Seller does not own any real property.

       2.12 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

              (a) The Seller owns or has the right to use (i) all Intellectual
Property used in the operation of the Business, (ii) all Intellectual Property
necessary for the operation of the Business as presently conducted and, (iii) to
the knowledge of the Seller, all Intellectual Property necessary for the
operation of the Business as presently proposed to be conducted other than
technology and/or software which is generally available for license at an
expense which would not have a material adverse effect on the marketability of a
product for which such technology and/or software is licensed. Upon execution
and delivery by the Seller to the Buyer of the instruments of conveyance
referred to in Section 1.4(b)(iii), each item of





                                       15


<PAGE>   20


Intellectual Property (i) owned by the Seller, (ii) used in the operation of the
Business at any time during the period covered by the Financial Statements, or
(iii) to the knowledge of the Seller, presently proposed to be used in the
operation of the Business, will be owned or available for use by the Buyer on
similar terms and conditions immediately following the Closing. The Seller has
taken all reasonable measures to protect the proprietary nature of each item of
Intellectual Property, and to maintain in confidence all trade secrets and
confidential information, that it owns or uses. To the knowledge of the Seller,
no other person or entity has any rights to any of the Intellectual Property
owned by the Seller, used in the operation of the Business at any time during
the period covered by the Financial Statements, or presently proposed to be used
in the operation of the Business (except pursuant to agreements or licenses
specified in Section 2.12(c) or 2.12(d) of the Disclosure Schedule), and no
other person or entity is infringing, violating or misappropriating any of the
Intellectual Property that is owned by the Seller, is used in the operation of
the Business at any time during the period covered by the Financial Statements,
or is presently proposed to be used in the operation of the Business.

              (b) To the knowledge of the Seller, none of the activities or
business presently conducted or products currently shipped by the Seller, or
conducted by or shipped by the Seller at any time after April 13, 1993,
infringes or violates, or constitutes a misappropriation of, any Intellectual
Property rights of any other person or entity. The Seller has not received any
complaint, claim or notice alleging any such infringement, violation or
misappropriation.

              (c) Section 2.12(c) of the Disclosure Schedule identifies each
patent or registration which has been issued to the Seller with respect to any
of the Intellectual Property used in the operation of the Business or, to the
knowledge of the Seller, necessary for the operation of the Business as
presently proposed to be conducted, identifies each trademark, service mark,
trade draft, logo, tradename and corporate name used in the operation of the
Business or, to the knowledge of the Seller, necessary for the operation of the
Business as presently proposed to be conducted, identifies each pending patent
application or application for registration which the Seller has made with
respect to any of such Intellectual Property, and identifies each license or
other agreement pursuant to which the Seller has granted any rights to any party
with respect to any of such Intellectual Property. The Seller has delivered to
the Buyer correct and complete copies of all such patents, registrations,
applications, licenses and agreements (as amended to date) and has made
available to the Buyer correct and complete copies of all other written
documentation evidencing ownership of, and any




                                       16


<PAGE>   21


claims or disputes relating to, each such item. With respect to each item of
Intellectual Property that the Seller owns:

                     (i) the Seller possesses all right, title and interest in
and to such item;

                     (ii) such item is not subject to any outstanding judgment,
order, decree, stipulation or injunction; and

                     (iii) except in the Ordinary Course of Business in
conjunction with product sales, the Seller has not agreed to indemnify any
person or entity for or against any infringement, misappropriation or other
conflict with respect to such item.

              (d) Section 2.12(d) of the Disclosure Schedule identifies each
item of Intellectual Property of a type described in Sections 1.1(a)(v)(A),
1.1(a)(v)(B) or 1.1(a)(v)(D) and used in the operation of the Business at any
time during the period covered by the Financial Statements, or, to the knowledge
of the Seller, that the Seller plans to use in the future, that is owned by a
party other than the Seller. The Seller has supplied the Buyer with correct and
complete copies of all licenses, sublicenses or other agreements (as amended to
date) pursuant to which the Seller uses such Intellectual Property, all of which
are listed on Section 2.12(d) of the Disclosure Schedule. With respect to each
such item of Intellectual Property:

                     (i) the license, sublicense or other agreement, covering
such item is legal, valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect;

                     (ii) such license, sublicense or other agreement is
assignable by the Seller to the Buyer without the consent or approval of any
party and such license, sublicense or other agreement will continue to be legal,
valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect immediately following
the Closing in accordance with the terms thereof as in effect prior to the
Closing;

                     (iii) no party to such license, sublicense or other
agreement is in breach or default, and no event has occurred which with notice
or lapse of time would constitute a breach or default or permit termination,
modification or acceleration thereunder;

                     (iv) the underlying item of Intellectual Property is not
subject to any outstanding judgment, order, decree, stipulation or injunction;
and

                     (v) except in the Ordinary Course of Business in
conjunction with product sales, the Seller has not agreed to indemnify any
person or entity for or against any interference,




                                       17


<PAGE>   22

infringement, misappropriation or other conflict with respect to such item.

       2.13 INVENTORY.

              (a) All inventory of the Seller, whether or not reflected on the
Estimated Balance Sheet, consists of a quality and quantity usable and saleable
in the Ordinary Course of Business, except for obsolete items and items of
below-standard quality, all of which have been reserved for on the Estimated
Balance Sheet in a manner consistent with the Referenced Balance Sheet. All
inventories (other than those fully reserved for) have been priced at the lower
of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis.

              (b) Section 2.13 of the Disclosure Schedule lists all inventory of
the Seller, including the location of each item of inventory as of the Closing
Date.

       2.14 REAL PROPERTY LEASES. Section 2.14 of the Disclosure Schedule lists
all real property leased or subleased to the Seller. The Seller has delivered 
to the Buyer correct and complete copies of the leases and subleases (as 
amended to date) listed in Section 2.14 of the Disclosure Schedule where the 
lessor or sublessor is not an Affiliate of the Seller. With respect to each
lease and sublease listed in Section 2.14 of the Disclosure Schedule where the
lessor or sublessor is not an Affiliate of the Seller:

              (a) the lease or sublease is legal, valid, binding, enforceable
and in full force and effect;

              (b) the lease or sublease is assignable by the Seller to the Buyer
without the consent or approval of any party (except as set forth in Section
2.14 of the Disclosure Schedule) and the lease or sublease will continue to be
legal, valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect immediately
following the Closing in accordance with the terms thereof as in effect prior to
the Closing;

              (c) to the knowledge of the Seller, no party to the lease or
sublease is in breach or default, and no event has occurred which, with notice
or lapse of time, would constitute a breach or default or permit termination,
modification, or acceleration thereunder;

              (d) there are no disputes, oral agreements or forbearance programs
in effect as to the lease or sublease;

              (e) the Seller has not assigned, transferred, conveyed, mortgaged,
deeded in trust or encumbered any interest in the leasehold or subleasehold; and





                                       18


<PAGE>   23


              (f) all facilities leased or subleased thereunder are supplied
with utilities and other services necessary for the operation of said
facilities.

       2.15 CONTRACTS.

              (a) Section 2.15 of the Disclosure Schedule lists the following
written arrangements (including without limitation written agreements) to which
the Seller is a party:

                     (i) any written arrangement (or group of related written
arrangements) for the lease of personal property from or to third parties
involving more than $25,000 per year;

                     (ii) any written arrangement (or group of related written
arrangements) for the purchase or sale of raw materials, commodities, supplies,
products or other personal property (including without limitation any written
arrangement in which the Seller has granted manufacturing rights, "most favored
nation" pricing provisions or marketing or distribution rights relating to any
products or territory, has agreed to purchase a minimum quantity of goods or has
agreed to purchase goods exclusively from a certain party), involving more than
$100,000 during the most recent twelve months or involving an obligation in
excess of $100,000 to be performed after the Closing;

                     (iii) any written arrangement involving more than $100,000
(or group of related written arrangements) for the furnishing or receipt of
services (including without limitation any written arrangement in which the
Seller has agreed to purchase a minimum quantity of services or has agreed to
purchase services exclusively from a certain party);

                     (iv) any written arrangement establishing a partnership or
joint venture;

                     (v) any written arrangement (or group of related written
arrangements) under which it has created, incurred, assumed, or guaranteed (or
may create, incur, assume, or guarantee) indebtedness (including capitalized
lease obligations) involving more than $25,000 per year or under which it has
imposed (or may impose) a Security Interest on any of its assets, tangible or
intangible;

                     (vi) any written arrangement concerning confidentiality or
noncompetition;

                     (vii) any written arrangement under which the consequences
of a default or termination, any director, officer or member of management of
the Seller has reason to believe, could have a material adverse effect on the
assets, business,





                                       19


<PAGE>   24


financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of the Seller;
and

                     (viii) any written arrangement (or group of related written
arrangements) (A) not described (without regard to dollar amount) in paragraphs
(i) through (vii) above and (B) either involving more than $50,000 or not
entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business.

              (b) The Seller has delivered to the Buyer a correct and complete
copy of each written arrangement (as amended to date) listed in Section 2.15 of
the Disclosure Schedule. With respect to each written arrangement so listed: (i)
the written arrangement is legal, valid, binding and enforceable and in full
force and effect; (ii) the written arrangement is assignable by the Seller to
the Buyer without the consent or approval of any party (except as set forth in
Section 2.15 of the Disclosure Schedule) and will continue to be legal, valid,
binding and enforceable and in full force and effect immediately following the
Closing in accordance with the terms thereof as in effect prior to the Closing;
and (iii) to the knowledge of the Seller, no party is in breach or default, and
no event has occurred which with notice or lapse of time would constitute a
breach or default or permit termination, modification, or acceleration, under
the written arrangement. The Seller is not a party to any oral contract,
agreement or other arrangement which, if reduced to written form, would be
required to be listed in Section 2.15 of the Disclosure Schedule under the terms
of this Section 2.15.

       2.16 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. All accounts receivable of the Seller reflected
on the Estimated Balance Sheet are valid receivables, are not payable by any
Affiliate of the Seller and are not aged 180 days or more after the date on
which they first became due and payable. A complete list of all accounts
receivable of the Seller as of November 30, 1996, showing the aging thereof, is
included in Section 2.16 of the Disclosure Schedule.

       2.17 POWERS OF ATTORNEY. There are no outstanding powers of attorney
executed on behalf of the Seller.

       2.18 INSURANCE. Section 2.18 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list
of all claims exceeding $5,000 which have been made under any insurance policy
to which the Seller has been a party, a named insured, or otherwise the
beneficiary of coverage at any time since April 13, 1993. The Seller has not
incurred any loss, damage, expense or liability covered by any such insurance
policy and in excess of the applicable deductible, for which it has not properly
asserted a claim under such policy. The Seller is covered by insurance in scope
and amount customary and reasonable for the businesses in which it is engaged.




                                       20


<PAGE>   25


       2.19 LITIGATION. Section 2.19 of the Disclosure Schedule identifies, and
contains a brief description of, (a) any unsatisfied judgement, order, decree,
stipulation or injunction relating to or affecting the Acquired Assets, (b) any
claim, complaint, action, suit, proceeding, hearing or investigation of, in or
before any Governmental Entity or before any arbitrator relating to or affecting
the Acquired Assets (i) where the amount in dispute exceeds $100,000 or is
related to Intellectual Property and (ii) which is currently pending or, to the
knowledge of the Seller or the Parent, threatened, and (c) any such claim,
complaint, action, suit, proceeding, hearing or investigation brought against
the Seller, the Parent or relating to the Acquired Assets within the past three
years where the amount in dispute exceeded $100,000 or was related to
Intellectual Property. None of the complaints, actions, suits, proceedings,
hearings, and investigations set forth in Section 2.19 of the Disclosure
Schedule could result in the imposition of any liability on the Buyer or have a
material adverse effect on the assets, business, financial condition, results of
operations or future prospects of the Buyer.

       2.20 PRODUCT WARRANTY.

              (a) No product sold, leased or delivered by the Seller is subject
to any guaranty, warranty, right of return or other indemnity other than the
applicable standard terms and conditions of sale or lease, which are set forth
in Section 2.20 of the Disclosure Schedule.

              (b) There are no existing, or to the knowledge of the Parent and
the Seller, threatened product liability, warranty or other similar claims, or
any facts upon which a claim of such nature could reasonably be based, against
the Seller for products or services which are defective or fail to meet any
product or service warranties in excess of the warranties provided for in the
applicable Assigned Contracts. No claim has been asserted against the Seller in
any material amount for renegotiation or price redetermination of any business
transaction and is unresolved.

       2.21 EMPLOYEES. Section 2.21 of the Disclosure Schedule contains a list
of all employees of the Seller, along with the position, years of service,
accrued vacation time and annual rate of compensation of each such person. Each
such employee has entered into a confidentiality and assignment of inventions
agreement with the Seller, a copy of which has previously been delivered to the
Buyer. To the knowledge of the Parent and the Seller, no key employee or group
of employees has any plans to terminate employment with the Seller (other than
for the purpose of accepting employment with the Buyer following the Closing).
The Seller is not a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement,
nor has it experienced any strikes,



                                       21


<PAGE>   26


grievances, claims of unfair labor practices or other collective bargaining
disputes. The Seller has no knowledge of any organizational effort presently
being made or threatened by or on behalf of any labor union with respect to
employees of the Seller.

       2.22 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.

              (a) Section 2.22(a) of the Disclosure Schedule contains a complete
and accurate list of all Employee Benefit Plans (as defined below) maintained,
or contributed to, by the Seller or the Parent. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Employee Benefit Plan" means any "employee pension benefit plan" (as defined in
Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA")) maintained for the benefit of the employees of the Seller, any
"employee welfare benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) maintained
for the benefit of the employees of the Seller, and any other written or oral
plan, agreement or arrangement involving direct or indirect compensation,
including without limitation insurance coverage, severance benefits, disability
benefits, deferred compensation, bonuses, stock options, stock purchase, phantom
stock, stock appreciation or other forms of incentive compensation or
post-retirement compensation, maintained for the benefit of the employees of the
Seller. Complete and accurate copies of (i) all Employee Benefit Plans which
have been reduced to writing, (ii) written summaries of all unwritten Employee
Benefit Plans, (iii) all related trust agreements, insurance contracts and
summary plan descriptions, and (iv) all annual reports filed on IRS Form 5500,
5500C or 5500R for the last three plan years for any Employee Benefit Plan, have
been delivered to the Buyer. Each Employee Benefit Plan has been administered in
all material respects in accordance with its terms and each of the Parent, the
Seller and the ERISA Affiliates has in all material respects met its obligations
with respect to such Employee Benefit Plan and has made all required
contributions thereto. Each of the Parent and the Seller and all Employee
Benefit Plans are in compliance in all material respects with the currently
applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code and the regulations thereunder.

              (b) Except as set forth in Section 2.22(b) of the Disclosure
Schedule, to the knowledge of the Seller and the Parent, there are no
investigations by any Governmental Entity, termination proceedings or other
claims (except claims for benefits payable in the normal operation of the
Employee Benefit Plans and proceedings with respect to qualified domestic
relations orders or qualified medical child support orders), suits or
proceedings against or involving any Employee Benefit Plan or asserting any
rights or claims to benefits under any Employee Benefit Plan that could give
rise to any material liability.




                                       22


<PAGE>   27


              (c) Except as set forth in Section 2.22(c) of the Disclosure
Schedule, each Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under
Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
has received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service to the
effect that such Employee Benefit Plan is so qualified and that the trust
related thereto is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(a) of the
Code, no such determination letter has been revoked and revocation has not been
threatened, no such Employee Benefit Plan has been amended since the date of its
most recent determination letter or application therefor in any respect, and no
act or omission has occurred that would adversely affect the qualified status of
such Employee Benefit Plans.

              (d) Neither the Parent, the Seller nor any ERISA Affiliate has
ever maintained an Employee Benefit Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code or
Title IV of ERISA. For purposes of this subsection, "ERISA Affiliate" means any
entity which is a member of (i) a controlled group of corporations (as defined
in Section 414(b) of the Code), (ii) a group of trades or businesses under
common control (as defined in Section 414(c) of the Code), or (iii) an
affiliated service group (as defined under Section 414(m) of the Code or the
regulations under Section 414(o) of the Code), any of which includes the Seller.

              (e) At no time has the Parent, the Seller or any ERISA Affiliate
been obligated to contribute to any "multi-employer plan" (as defined in
Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA). For purposes of this subsection, "ERISA
Affiliate" means any entity which is a member of (i) a controlled group of
corporations (as defined in Section 414(b) of the Code), or (ii) a group of
trades or businesses under common control (as defined in Section 414(c) of the
Code), either of which includes the Seller.

              (f) Except as set forth in Section 2.22(f) of the Disclosure
Schedule, there are no unfunded obligations under any Employee Benefit Plan
providing benefits after termination of employment to any employee of the Seller
(or to any beneficiary of any such employee), including but not limited to
retiree health coverage and deferred compensation, but excluding any obligations
or liabilities related to benefits mandated by applicable law, including, but
not limited to, continuation coverage required to be provided under Section
4980B of the Code, Title I, Subtitle B, Part 6 of ERISA or state law and
insurance conversion privileges under state law.

              (g) Except as set forth in Section 2.22(g) of the Disclosure
Schedule, no act or omission has occurred and no condition exists with respect
to any Employee Benefit Plan maintained by the Parent, the Seller, any of their
respective Affiliates or any ERISA Affiliate (as defined in Section 2.22(d))
that would subject the Parent, the Seller or any ERISA Affiliate




                                       23


<PAGE>   28


(as defined in Section 2.22(d)) to any material fine, penalty, tax or liability
of any kind imposed under ERISA or the Code.

       2.23 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

              (a) Except as set forth in Section 2.23(a) of the Disclosure
Schedule, the Seller has complied with all applicable Environmental Laws (as
defined below). There is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Parent and the
Seller, threatened civil or criminal litigation, written notice of violation,
formal administrative proceeding, or investigation, inquiry or information
request by any Governmental Entity, relating to any Environmental Law involving
the Seller. For purposes of this Agreement, "Environmental Law" means any
federal, state or local law, statute, rule or regulation or the common law
relating to the environment or occupational health and safety, including without
limitation any statute, regulation or order pertaining to (i) treatment,
storage, disposal, generation and transportation of industrial, toxic or
hazardous substances or solid or hazardous waste; (ii) air, water and noise
pollution; (iii) groundwater and soil contamination; (iv) the release or
threatened release into the environment of industrial, toxic or hazardous
substances, or solid or hazardous waste, including without limitation emissions,
discharges, injections, spills, escapes or dumping of pollutants, contaminants
or chemicals; (v) the protection of wild life, marine sanctuaries and wetlands,
including without limitation all endangered and threatened species; (vi) storage
tanks, vessels and containers; (vii) underground and other storage tanks or
vessels, abandoned, disposed or discarded barrels, containers and other closed
receptacles; (viii) health and safety of employees and other persons; and (ix)
manufacture, processing, use, distribution, treatment, storage, disposal,
transportation or handling of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals or industrial,
toxic or hazardous substances or oil or petroleum products or solid or hazardous
waste. As used above, the terms "release" and "environment" shall have the
meaning set forth in the federal Comprehensive Environmental Compensation,
Liability and Response Act of 1980 ("CERCLA").

              (b) Except as set forth in Section 2.23(b) of the Disclosure
Schedule, there have been no releases of any Materials of Environmental Concern
(as defined below) into the environment at any parcel of real property or any
facility formerly or currently owned, operated or controlled by the Seller. With
respect to any such releases of Materials of Environmental Concern, the Seller
has given all required notices to Governmental Entities (copies of which have
been provided to the Buyer). The Seller is not aware of any releases of
Materials of Environmental Concern at parcels of real property or facilities
other than those owned, operated or controlled by the Seller that could
reasonably be expected to have an impact on the real




                                       24


<PAGE>   29


property or facilities owned, operated or controlled by the Seller. For purposes
of this Agreement, "Materials of Environmental Concern" means any chemicals,
pollutants or contaminants, hazardous substances (as such term is defined under
CERCLA), solid wastes and hazardous wastes (as such terms are defined under the
federal Resources Conservation and Recovery Act), toxic materials, oil or
petroleum and petroleum products.

              (c) Set forth in Section 2.23(c) of the Disclosure Schedule is a
list of all environmental reports, investigations and audits (whether conducted
by or on behalf of the Parent, the Seller or a third party, and whether done at
the initiative of the Seller or directed by a Governmental Entity or other third
party) relating to premises currently or previously owned or operated by the
Seller. Complete and accurate copies of each such report, or the results of each
such investigation or audit, have been provided to the Buyer.

              (d) Set forth in Section 2.23(d) of the Disclosure Schedule is a
list of all of the solid and hazardous waste transporters and treatment, storage
and disposal facilities that have been utilized by the Seller since November 19,
1980. Neither the Parent nor the Seller is aware of any material environmental
liability of any such transporter or facility.

       2.24 LEGAL COMPLIANCE. The Seller, and the conduct and operation of the
Business, are in compliance with each law (including rules and regulations
thereunder) of any federal, state, local or foreign government, or any
Governmental Entity, which (a) affects or relates to this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby or (b) is applicable to the Seller or the
Business, except for any violation of or default under a law referred to in
clause (a) or (b) above which reasonably may be expected not to have a material
adverse effect on the assets, business, financial condition, results of
operations or future prospects of the Seller.

       2.25 PERMITS. Section 2.25 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list
of all Permits (including without limitation those issued or required under
Environmental Laws and those relating to the occupancy or use of owned or leased
real property) issued to or held by the Seller. Such listed Permits are the only
Permits that are required for the Seller to conduct its business as presently
conducted, except for those the absence of which would not have any material
adverse effect on the assets, business, financial condition, results of
operations or future prospects of the Seller. Each such Permit is in full force
and effect and, to the best of the knowledge of the Seller, no suspension or
cancellation of such Permit is threatened and there is no basis for believing
that such Permit will not be renewable upon expiration.




                                       25


<PAGE>   30


       2.26 CERTAIN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS WITH AFFILIATES. Except as set forth
in Section 2.26 of the Disclosure Schedule, (a) no Affiliate of the Seller (i)
owns any property or right, tangible or intangible, which is used in the
business of the Seller or that the Seller plans to use in the future, (ii) has
any claim or cause of action against the Seller, or (iii) owes any money to the
Seller and (b) the Seller does not (i) own any property or right, tangible or
intangible, which is used in the business of any Affiliate of the Seller, (ii)
have any claim or cause of action against an Affiliate of the Seller, or (iii)
owe any money to an Affiliate of the Seller.

       2.27 BROKERS' FEES. Neither the Parent nor the Seller has any liability
or obligation to pay any finder's fees or commissions to any broker, finder or
agent with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

       2.28 BOOKS AND RECORDS. The books, records, accounts, ledgers and files
of the Seller are accurate and complete in all material respects and have been
maintained in accordance with good business and bookkeeping practices.

       2.29 CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS. No unfilled customer order or commitment
obligating the Seller to process, manufacture or deliver products or perform
services is expected to result in a loss to the Seller upon completion of
performance. No purchase order or commitment of the Seller is in excess of
normal requirements, nor are prices provided therein in excess of market prices
at the time of the order for the products or services to be provided thereunder.
Since September 30, 1996, (a) no material supplier of the Seller has indicated
that it will stop, or decrease the rate of, supplying materials, products, or
services to them and (b) no material customer of the Seller has indicated that
it will stop, or decrease the rate of, buying materials, products or services
from it. Section 2.29 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of (a) each
customer that accounted for more than 5% of the revenues of the Seller during
the last full fiscal year or the interim period through the Closing Date and the
amount of revenues accounted for by such customer during each such period and
(b) each supplier that is the sole source supplier of any significant product or
component to the Seller.

       2.30 GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS. The Seller has not been suspended or debarred
from bidding on contracts or subcontracts with any Governmental Entity; to the
knowledge of the Seller, no such suspension or debarment has been threatened or
initiated; and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement will not result in any such suspension or debarment of the Seller or
the Buyer (assuming that no such suspension or debarment will result solely from
the identity of the Buyer). Neither the Parent nor the Seller has been or, to
the knowledge



                                       26


<PAGE>   31


of the Seller, is now being audited or investigated by the United States
Government Accounting Office, the United States Department of Defense or any of
its agencies, the Defense Contract Audit Agency, the United States Department of
Justice, the Inspector General of any United States Governmental Entity, or any
prime contractor with a Governmental Entity; nor, to the knowledge of the
Seller, has any such audit or investigation been threatened. To the knowledge of
the Seller, there is no valid basis for (a) the suspension or debarment of the
Seller from bidding on contracts or subcontracts with any Governmental Entity or
(b) any claim pursuant to an audit or investigation by any of the entities named
in the foregoing sentence. The Seller has no agreements, contracts or
commitments which require it to obtain or maintain a security clearance with any
Governmental Entity.

       2.31 CONFIDENTIALITY. Neither the Parent nor the Seller has disclosed or
made available any financial statements or other nonpublic information relating
to the Seller or the assets of the Seller to any person or entity other than (a)
the Buyer and DParent, (b) the officers, employees and representatives of the
Seller or the Parent in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and (c) in connection with requests for consents from third parties
that are required to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Each of the Parent and the Seller has advised each recipient of such information
(other than those permitted recipients described in paragraph (c)) of its
obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation the obligations
contained in paragraph 17 of the Letter of Intent, and has instructed each
recipient not to solicit any offer which would compete with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

       2.32 DISCLOSURE. No representation or warranty by the Parent or the
Seller contained in this Agreement, and no statement contained in the Disclosure
Schedule or any other document, certificate or other instrument delivered to or
to be delivered by or on behalf of the Parent or the Seller pursuant to this
Agreement, and no other statement made by the Parent, the Seller or any
representatives of the Seller or the Parent in connection with this Agreement,
contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit or will
omit to state any material fact necessary, in light of the circumstances under
which it was or will be made, in order to make the statements herein or therein
not misleading. The Parent and/or the Seller has disclosed to the Buyer all
material information relating to the business of the Seller or the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

       2.33 DEFINITION OF KNOWLEDGE. In each case where a representation or
warranty of the Seller or the Parent contained in this Article II is qualified
as being "to the knowledge of the Seller", such knowledge shall be deemed to
consist of the actual



                                       27


<PAGE>   32


knowledge of any director, officer or member of management of the Seller or the
Parent, in each case after actually conducting a reasonable investigation.


                                   ARTICLE III

             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER AND DPARENT

       The Buyer and DParent, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to
the Seller and the Parent as follows:

       3.1 ORGANIZATION. Each of the Buyer and DParent is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of
its incorporation.

       3.2 AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSACTION. Each of the Buyer and DParent has all
requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by the
Buyer and DParent and the performance of this Agreement and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by the Buyer and DParent have
been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate and shareholder
action. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each
of the Buyer and DParent and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of each
of the Buyer and DParent, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms,
subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws
affecting the rights of creditors generally.

       3.3 NONCONTRAVENTION. Except for applicable requirements of the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or
the Ancillary Agreements by the Buyer and DParent, nor the consummation by the
Buyer and DParent of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, will (a)
conflict or violate any provision of the charter or By-laws of the Buyer or
DParent, (b) require on the part of the Buyer or DParent any filing with, or
permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any Governmental Entity, (c)
conflict with, result in breach of, constitute (with or without due notice or
lapse of time or both) a default under, result in the acceleration of, create in
any party any right to accelerate, terminate, modify or cancel, or require any
notice, consent or waiver under, any contract, lease, sublease, license,
sublicense, franchise, permit, indenture, agreement or mortgage for borrowed
money, instrument of indebtedness, Security Interest or other arrangement to
which the Buyer or DParent is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of
its assets is subject, or (d) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree,
statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Buyer or any of its properties or
assets.



                                       28


<PAGE>   33


       3.4 BROKER'S FEES. Neither the Buyer nor DParent has any liability or
obligation to pay any finder's fees or commissions to any broker, finder or
agent with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

       3.5 DUE DILIGENCE. The Buyer and DParent acknowledge that they have
conducted, and continue to conduct, a due diligence review of the Seller and its
business.



                                   ARTICLE IV

                              PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS

       4.1 BEST EFFORTS. Each Party shall use its best efforts, to the extent
commercially reasonable, to take all actions, including without limitation
obtaining all consents of third parties required to transfer the Acquired Assets
to the Buyer, and to do all things necessary, proper or advisable, to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

       4.2 NOTICES AND CONSENTS.

              (a) Each of the Parent and the Seller shall use its best efforts
to obtain, at its expense, all such waivers, permits, consents, approvals or
other authorizations from third parties and Governmental Entities, and to effect
all such registrations, filings and notices with or to third parties and
Governmental Entities, as reasonably requested by the Buyer in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including without limitation
those listed in Sections 2.4, 2.12(d), 2.14, 2.15 and 2.25 of the Disclosure
Schedule).

              (b) If any of the Assigned Contracts or other assets or rights
constituting Acquired Assets may not be assigned and transferred by the Seller
to the Buyer (as a result of either the provisions thereof or applicable law)
without the consent or approval of a third party, then (i) such Assigned
Contracts and/or other assets or rights shall not be assigned and transferred by
the Seller to the Buyer at the Closing, (ii) the Seller shall hold such Acquired
Assets in trust for, and for the benefit of the Buyer, (ii) the Buyer shall act
as the Seller's agent for purposes of satisfying the Seller's obligations under
such Assigned Contracts, (iii) the Buyer shall receive the economic benefits of
such Assigned Contracts, (iv) the Buyer shall assume the Seller's liabilities or
obligations with respect thereto at the Closing, (v) each of the Parent and the
Seller shall, as reasonably requested by the Buyer, use its best efforts to
obtain the necessary consent or approval as soon as practicable after the
Closing, and (vi) as reasonably requested by the Seller or the Buyer, upon the
obtaining of such consent or approval, the Buyer and the Seller, as the case may
be, shall



                                       29


<PAGE>   34


execute such further instruments of conveyance (in the form executed at the
Closing) as may be necessary to assign and transfer such Assigned Contracts
and/or other assets or rights (and the associated liabilities and obligations of
the Seller) to the Buyer.

              (c) To the extent the Buyer acts as agent of the Seller within the
limited scope set forth in Section 4.2(b): (i) the Buyer agrees that it shall
have no authority to assume or to create any debt, obligation, or liability in
the name or on behalf of the Seller, nor shall the Buyer make any
representations of any kind or nature with respect to the Seller. In this
connection, the Buyer shall comply with all applicable laws, statutes,
regulations and treaties relating to the obligations of the Seller under the
Assumed Contracts and the performance of its duties thereunder; and (ii) the
Parties agree that the relationship of the Seller and the Buyer is that of
principal and independent contractor and that the Buyer shall be deemed at all
times during the term of this Agreement to be an independent contractor. Nothing
herein shall be deemed to create the relationship of partnership, association or
joint venture of any nature whatsoever. Except as expressly provided herein,
this Agreement shall not confer to the Buyer any right or authority to obligate
the Seller in any way or to cause the Seller to accept or deliver any order.
Nothing contained in this Section 4.2(c) shall in any way prevent the Buyer from
using the name "Itronix".

       4.3 EMPLOYEES.

              (a) Each of the Seller and the Parent agrees to use its best
efforts (i) to encourage the existing employees of the Seller to accept such
offers of employment as may be extended by the Buyer, and (ii) to discourage the
existing employees of the Seller from accepting offers of employment which may
be extended by any competitors of the Seller, the Parent, the Buyer, DParent or
any of their Affiliates. The Seller shall make all its existing employees
available for pre-employment interviews as requested by the Buyer.

              (b) On or prior to the Closing Date, the Seller shall pay its
employees (i) all profit sharing, bonuses and other compensation that the Seller
would have paid its employees under any Employee Benefit Plans during the
current year (pro-rated for the period from the beginning of the Seller's
current fiscal year through the Closing Date) had the transaction contemplated
by this Agreement not been consummated and (ii) for all accrued vacation time,
except to the extent set forth in Section 1.2(a)(v).

              (c) On or prior to the Closing Date, each of the Seller and the
Parent shall satisfy all of its obligations with



                                       30


<PAGE>   35


respect to options to purchase capital stock of the Seller or the Parent held by
employees of the Seller.

              (d) Without the prior written consent of the Buyer, neither the
Seller nor the Parent shall enter into any written arrangement (including
without limitation written agreements) with any employee of the Seller
concerning confidentiality or noncompetition.

              (e) On or prior to the Closing Date, each of the Seller and the
Parent shall satisfy substantially all of its obligations under the following
agreements: (i) agreement with any director, executive officer or other employee
of the Seller (A) the benefits of which are contingent, or the terms of which
are materially altered, upon the occurrence of a transaction involving the
Seller of the nature of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
(B) providing any term of employment or compensation guarantee to any employee
of the Seller or (C) providing severance benefits or other benefits after the
termination of employment of such director, executive officer or key employee of
the Seller; and (ii) agreement or plan binding the Seller, including without
limitation any stock option plan, stock appreciation right plan, restricted
stock plan, stock purchase plan, severance benefit plan, or any Employee Benefit
Plan, any of the benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting of the
benefits of which will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the value of any of the benefits
of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement. For purposes of this Section 4.3(e), "substantially all of
its obligations" shall be deemed to be at least 95% of the obligations,
calculated on an individual basis.

       4.4 HART-SCOTT-RODINO ACT. Each Party shall promptly file any material
that it may be required to file with the Federal Trade Commission and the
Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, shall use its best efforts to obtain an early termination
of the applicable waiting period, and shall make any further filings or
information submissions pursuant thereto that may be necessary, proper or
advisable.

       4.5 OPERATION OF BUSINESS. Except as contemplated by this Agreement,
during the period from the date of this Agreement to the Closing, the Parent and
the Seller shall conduct the Seller's operations in the Ordinary Course of
Business and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and, to the
extent consistent therewith, use all reasonable efforts to preserve intact the
Seller's current business organization, keep the Seller's physical assets in
good working condition, keep available the services of the Seller's current
officers and employees and preserve the Seller's relationships with customers,



                                       31


<PAGE>   36


suppliers and others having business dealings with it to the end that the
Seller's goodwill and ongoing business shall not be impaired in any material
respect. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, prior to the Closing,
without the written consent of the Buyer:

              (a) the Seller shall not acquire, sell, lease, encumber or dispose
of any assets or any shares or other equity interests in or securities of any
corporation, partnership, association or other business organization or division
thereof, other than purchases and sales or other acquisitions or dispositions of
assets in the Ordinary Course of Business;

              (b) other than in the Ordinary Course of Business, the Seller
shall not create, incur or assume any debt (including obligations in respect of
capital leases); assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become liable or
responsible (whether directly, contingently or otherwise) for the obligations of
any other person; or make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or
investments in, any other person;

              (c) the Seller shall not enter into, adopt or amend any Employee
Benefit Plan or any employment or severance agreement or arrangement of the type
described in Section 4.3(e) or (except for normal increases in the Ordinary
Course of Business) increase in any manner the compensation or fringe benefits
of, or modify any employment terms of, its directors, officers or employees,
generally or individually, pay any benefit not required by the terms in effect
on September 30, 1996 of any existing Employee Benefit Plan, or modify any
personnel policies or practices;

              (d) neither the Seller nor the Parent shall change in any material
respect its accounting methods, principles or practices, except insofar as may
be required by a generally applicable change in GAAP;

              (e) the Seller shall not discharge or satisfy any Security
Interest or pay any obligation or liability, other than in the Ordinary Course
of Business;

              (f) the Seller shall not mortgage or pledge any of the Acquired
Assets or subject any such assets to any Security Interest, other than in the
Ordinary Course of Business;

              (g) the Seller shall not sell, assign, transfer or license any
Intellectual Property, other than in the Ordinary Course of Business;

              (h) the Seller shall not (i) other than in the Ordinary Course of
Business, enter into, amend or terminate any material contract or agreement, or
(ii) take or omit to take any



                                       32


<PAGE>   37

action that would constitute a violation of or default under, or waive any
rights under, any material contract or agreement;

              (i) the Seller shall not make or commit to make any capital
expenditure, other than in the Ordinary Course of Business;

              (j) the Seller shall not issue any stock, bonds or other corporate
securities or grant any option or issue any warrant to purchase or subscribe to
any of such securities or issue any securities convertible into such securities;

              (k) the Seller shall not enter into any leases, contracts,
agreements or understandings (other than contracts with suppliers and customers
entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business) calling for payments which in
the aggregate exceed $100,000 per year for all such leases, contracts,
agreements and understandings;

              (l) the Seller shall not enter into any lease, contract, agreement
or understanding with respect to real property, other than in the Ordinary
Course of Business;

              (m) the Seller shall not make any change in its management or
personnel other than hiring, terminations, promotions and reassignments in the
Ordinary Course of Business;

              (n) neither the Seller nor the Parent shall take any action or
fail to take any action permitted by this Agreement with the knowledge that such
action or failure to take action would result in (i) any of the representations
and warranties of the Seller and the Parent set forth in this Agreement becoming
untrue or (ii) any of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Article V not
being satisfied;

              (o) the Seller shall not sell, lease or deliver any products of a
quality below the standard of quality of products sold in the Ordinary Course of
the Business prior to September 30, 1996, take any action which could reasonably
be expected to increase future warranty, repair or service liabilities in excess
of those incurred in the Ordinary Course of the Business prior to September 30,
1996 or take any action which would impair customer relations or the Seller's
goodwill in the marketplace;

              (p) the Seller shall not agree in writing or otherwise to take any
of the actions set forth in paragraphs (a) through (o) of this Section 4.5; or

              (q) the Parent shall not agree in writing or otherwise to take any
of the actions set forth in paragraphs (d) and (n) of this Section 4.5.




                                       33


<PAGE>   38


       4.6 FULL ACCESS.

              (a) The Parent and the Seller shall permit representatives of the
Buyer and DParent to have full access (at all reasonable times, and in a manner
so as not to interfere with the normal business operations of the Seller) to all
premises, assets, properties, financial and accounting records, contracts, other
records and documents, personnel, auditors, prospects and customers, of or
pertaining to the Seller, and the Buyer and DParent shall be permitted to make
abstracts from, or copies of, all such books and records. The Buyer and DParent
(a) shall treat and hold as confidential any Confidential Information (as
defined below), (b) shall not use any of the Confidential Information except in
connection with this Agreement, and (c) if this Agreement is terminated for any
reason whatsoever, shall return to the Seller all tangible embodiments (and all
copies) thereof which are in its possession. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Confidential Information" means any confidential or proprietary information of
the Seller or the Parent that is furnished in writing to the Buyer or DParent by
the Parent or the Seller in connection with this Agreement and is labelled
confidential or proprietary; provided, however, that it shall not include any
information (i) which, at the time of disclosure, is available publicly, (ii)
which, after disclosure, becomes available publicly through no fault of the
Buyer or DParent, or (iii) which the Buyer or DParent knew or to which the Buyer
or DParent had access prior to disclosure.

              (b) Without limiting the generality of Section 4.6(a), the Parent
and the Seller shall permit representatives of the Buyer and DParent to review
all options plans and other rights to purchase securities of the Seller and the
Buyer shall be permitted to make abstracts or copies thereof. The Seller shall
provide summary information with respect to (i) the number of options and other
rights to purchase securities outstanding and (ii) the payments required to
satisfy all obligations under such securities.

       4.7 NOTICE OF BREACHES.

              (a) The Seller and the Parent shall promptly deliver to the Buyer
written notice of any event or development that would (i) render any statement,
representation or warranty of the Seller or the Parent in this Agreement
(including exceptions set forth in the Disclosure Schedule) inaccurate or
incomplete in any material respect, or (ii) constitute or result in a breach by
the Seller or the Parent of, or a failure by the Seller or the Parent to comply
with, any agreement or covenant in this Agreement applicable to the Seller or
the Parent. No such disclosure shall be deemed to avoid or cure any such
misrepresentation or breach.




                                       34


<PAGE>   39


              (b) The Buyer and DParent shall promptly deliver to the Seller
written notice of any event or development that would (i) render any statement,
representation or warranty of the Buyer or DParent in this Agreement inaccurate
or incomplete in any material respect, or (ii) constitute or result in a breach
by the Buyer or DParent of, or a failure by the Buyer or DParent to comply with,
any agreement or covenant in this Agreement applicable to the Buyer. No such
disclosure shall be deemed to avoid or cure any such misrepresentation or
breach.

       4.8 GUARANTEE. Each of the Parent and DParent irrevocably and
unconditionally guaranties to, in the case of the Parent, the Buyer and the
DParent, and in the case of DParent, the Seller and the Parent, the due and
punctual performance of each obligation, and the full and punctual payment of
each amount owed, under this Agreement and any and all other agreements entered
into pursuant hereto by, in the case of the Parent, the Seller, and in the case
of DParent, the Buyer, without the Party entitled to such performance or payment
being obligated to first pursue any right or remedy against that of the Seller
or the Buyer who is the original obligor with respect thereto, provided that the
Parent and DParent, as guarantor hereunder, shall be entitled to any and all
defenses which the obligor may have against such performance or payment
obligation.


                                    ARTICLE V

                              CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

       5.1 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE BUYER. The obligation of each of the
Buyer and DParent to consummate the transactions to be performed by it in
connection with the Closing is subject to the satisfaction of the following
conditions:

              (a) the representations and warranties of the Seller and the
Parent set forth in Article II shall be true and correct when made on the date
hereof and shall be true and correct as of the Closing as if made as of the
Closing, except for representations and warranties made as of a specific date,
which shall be true and correct as of such date;

              (b) each of the Parent and the Seller shall have performed or
complied with its agreements and covenants required to be performed or complied
with under this Agreement as of or prior to the Closing;

              (c) there shall have been no material adverse change in the
financial condition, properties, assets, liabilities, earnings, business,
operations or prospects of the Seller since the date of this Agreement, as the
result of any act of God,



                                       35


<PAGE>   40


fire, flood or other catastrophic event beyond the control of the Buyer and
DParent;

              (d) no judgment, order, decree, stipulation or injunction shall be
in effect which (i) prevents consummation of any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) causes any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement to be rescinded following consummation or (iii) affects
adversely the right of the Buyer to own, operate or control any of the Acquired
Assets following the Closing;

              (e) the Parent and the Seller shall have delivered to the Buyer a
certificate (without qualification as to knowledge or materiality or otherwise)
to the effect that each of the conditions specified in clauses (a) through (d)
of this Section 5.1 is satisfied in all respects;

              (f) the Buyer shall have received from counsel to the Seller and
the Parent an opinion substantially in the form of EXHIBIT E attached hereto,
addressed to the Buyer and dated as of the Closing Date;

              (g) the Buyer shall have received from intellectual property
counsel to the Seller an opinion substantially in the form of EXHIBIT F attached
hereto, addressed to the Buyer and dated as of the Closing Date;

              (h) the Buyer shall have received all required consents for the
assignment to the Buyer of the real property leases set forth in Section 2.14 of
the Disclosure Schedule (other than leases where the lessor or sublessor is an
Affiliate of the Seller);

              (i) the Seller shall have delivered to the Buyer an update, as of
the date prior to the Closing Date, of each list contained in the Disclosure
Schedule that lists or describes Acquired Assets (including without limitation
the lists set forth in Sections 2.12, 2.14, 2.15 and 2.25 of the Disclosure
Schedule);

              (j) the Seller shall have delivered to the Buyer a tax status
letter from the State of Washington indicating that all taxes due have been
paid;

              (k) DParent and Microsoft Corporation shall have executed and
delivered a Microsoft OEM License Agreement for Desktop Operating Systems in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer; and

              (l) all actions to be taken by the Seller and the Parent in
connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and all
certificates, opinions, instruments



                                       36


<PAGE>   41


and other documents required to effect the transactions contemplated hereby
shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Buyer.

       5.2 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLER. The obligation of each of
the Seller and the Parent to consummate the transactions to be performed by it
in connection with the Closing is subject to the satisfaction of the following
conditions:

              (a) the representations and warranties of the Buyer and DParent
set forth in Article III shall be true and correct when made on the date hereof
and shall be true and correct as of the Closing as if made as of the Closing,
except for representations and warranties made as of a specific date, which
shall be true and correct as of such date;

              (b) each of the Buyer and DParent shall have performed or complied
with its agreements and covenants required to be performed or complied with
under this Agreement as of or prior to the Closing;

              (c) the Buyer and DParent shall have delivered to the Seller a
certificate (without qualification as to knowledge or materiality or otherwise)
to the effect that each of the conditions specified in clauses (a) and (b) of
this Section 5.2 is satisfied in all respects;

              (d) the Seller shall have received from counsel to DParent and the
Buyer an opinion substantially in the form of EXHIBIT G attached hereto,
addressed to the Seller and dated as of the Closing Date;

              (e) the Seller shall have received from special counsel to the
Buyer an opinion substantially in the form of EXHIBIT H attached hereto,
addressed to the Seller and dated as of the Closing Date; and

              (f) all actions to be taken by the Buyer and DParent in connection
with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and all
certificates, opinions, instruments and other documents required to effect the
transactions contemplated hereby shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and
substance to the Seller.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                             POST-CLOSING COVENANTS

       6.1 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. The Parent and the Buyer, by execution of
this Agreement, shall become parties to the Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement
between the Seller and the Parent, dated



                                       37


<PAGE>   42


September 5, 1996 (the "Nondisclosure Agreement"). The Seller and DParent
acknowledge and confirm their obligations under the Nondisclosure Agreement, and
the Parties agree that except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, such
Nondisclosure Agreement continues in full force and effect. In addition to the
limitations set forth in the Nondisclosure Agreement, from and after the
Closing, each of the Seller and the Parent shall hold in confidence, and shall
use its best efforts to have all of its Affiliates hold in confidence, all
knowledge, information and documents of a confidential nature or not generally
known to the public with respect to the Seller or the Buyer or their respective
businesses (including without limitation the financial information, technical
information or data relating to the Seller's products and names of customers of
the Seller) and shall not disclose or make use of the same without the written
consent of the Buyer, except (a) as provided in the VAR Agreement and (b) to the
extent that such knowledge, information or documents shall have become public
knowledge other than through a breach of this Agreement by the Seller or the
Parent or disclosure required by law.

       6.2 SOLICITATION AND HIRING.

              (a) For a period of one year after the Closing Date, without the
prior written consent of the Buyer, each of the Parent and the Seller shall not,
either directly or indirectly as a stockholder, investor, partner, director,
officer, employee or otherwise, (a) solicit or attempt to induce any Restricted
Buyer Employee (as defined below) to terminate his employment with the Buyer or
DParent or (b) hire or attempt to hire any Restricted Buyer Employee. For
purposes of this Agreement, a "Restricted Buyer Employee" shall mean any person
who either (i) was an employee of the Buyer or DParent on either the date of
this Agreement or the Closing Date or (ii) was an employee of the Seller on
either the date of this Agreement or the Closing Date and received an employment
offer from the Buyer within five business days following the Closing Date.

              (b) For a period of one year after the Closing Date, without the
prior written consent of the Parent, each of DParent and the Buyer shall not,
either directly or indirectly as a stockholder, investor, partner, director,
officer, employee or otherwise, (a) solicit or attempt to induce any Restricted
Seller Employee (as defined below) to terminate his employment with the Parent
or (b) hire or attempt to hire any Restricted Seller Employee. For purposes of
this Agreement, a "Restricted Seller Employee" shall mean any person who was an
employee of the Parent on either the date of this Agreement or the Closing Date.




                                       38


<PAGE>   43


       6.3 NON-COMPETITION.

              (a) For a period of five years after the Closing Date, neither the
Parent nor the Seller shall either directly or indirectly as a stockholder,
investor, partner, director, officer, employee, consultant or otherwise,
develop, manufacture, market, sell, resell, or service Ruggedized Notebook
Computers (as defined below), (other than OEM sales of products purchased
directly from the Buyer pursuant to the Ancillary Agreements), in the United
States or any other country in which the Seller, or the Parent acting on behalf
of the Seller, has sold or leased products of the Seller at any time during the
two years prior to the Closing Date. For the purpose of this Section 6.3,
Ruggedized Notebook Computers shall be defined as portable computers having (at
a minimum in order to function) a central processor unit, memory, keyboard or
other tactile input device, display (including or not including pen-based
technology) contained in two or more physical sections joined by a hinge
mechanism and incorporating special design and/or physical packaging (above and
beyond general computer industry practices) intended to make it more durable for
the end use and environment. In no event shall the term Ruggedized Notebook
Computer be construed to include any product now sold by the Parent or its
subsidiaries (other than the Seller) or Pen-based Computing Devices (as defined
below). Pen-based Computing Devices shall be defined as devices incorporating a
self-contained CPU and display, and for which the primary intended method of
input is through a touch or pen-based screen capability and the design is such
that the device will operate completely without a keyboard, notwithstanding the
fact that such units may have the option of being attached via external ports,
cradling or other coupling devices to a keyboard or other key based input
device.

              (b) Each of the Parent and the Seller agrees that the duration and
geographic scope of the non-competition provision set forth in this Section 6.3
are reasonable. In the event that any court determines that the duration or the
geographic scope, or both, are unreasonable and that such provision is to that
extent unenforceable, the Parties agree that the provision shall remain in full
force and effect for the greatest time period and in the greatest area that
would not render it unenforceable. The Parties intend that this non-competition
provision shall be deemed to be a series of separate covenants, one for each and
every county of each and every state of the United States of America and each
and every political subdivision of each and every country outside the United
States of America where this provision is intended to be effective.

       6.4 SHARING OF DATA.

              (a) The Parent and the Seller shall have the right for a period of
seven years following the Closing Date to have



                                       39


<PAGE>   44


reasonable access to, and the assistance of the Buyer's employees at a
reasonable cost in connection with, such books, records and accounts, including
financial and tax information, correspondence, production records, employment
records and other records that are transferred to the Buyer pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement for the limited purposes of concluding its involvement
in the business conducted by the Seller prior to the Closing Date and for
complying with its obligations under applicable securities, tax, environmental,
employment or other laws and regulations. The Buyer and DParent shall have the
right for a period of seven years following the Closing Date to have reasonable
access to, and the assistance of the Parent's employees at a reasonable cost in
connection with, those books, records and accounts, including financial and tax
information, and other records that are retained by the Seller or the Parent
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to the extent that any of the foregoing
is needed by the Buyer or DParent in order to comply with its obligations under
applicable securities, tax, environmental, employment or other laws and
regulations. Neither the Buyer, DParent, the Parent nor the Seller shall destroy
any such books, records or accounts retained by it without first providing the
other Parties with the opportunity to obtain or copy such books, records, or
accounts.

              (b) Promptly upon request by the Buyer made at any time during the
three-year period following the Closing Date, the Parent and the Seller shall
authorize the release to the Buyer of all files pertaining to the Seller, the
Acquired Assets or the business or operations of the Seller held by any federal,
state, county or local authorities, agencies or instrumentalities.

       6.5 USE OF NAME. Each of the Parent and the Seller agrees not to use the
name "Itronix" or any name reasonably similar thereto after the Closing Date in
connection with any business related to, competitive with, or an outgrowth of,
the business conducted by the Seller on the date of this Agreement, except as
provided in the VAR Agreement. Within two business days after Closing, the
Seller shall amend its Certificate of Incorporation and other corporate records,
if necessary, to comply with this provision. The Seller and the Parent shall
cooperate with the Buyer so that the Buyer, within two business days after the
Closing, may change its corporate name to include the name "Itronix".

       6.6 COOPERATION IN LITIGATION. From and after the Closing Date, each
Party shall, and shall cause its officers, directors, employees, agents and
legal, accounting and other professional advisors to, fully cooperate with the
others in the defense or prosecution of any litigation or proceeding already
instituted or which may be instituted hereafter against or by such other Party
relating to or arising out of the conduct of the business of the Seller or the
Buyer prior to or after the Closing Date (other



                                       40


<PAGE>   45


than litigation between the Parent and/or the Seller on the one hand, and the
Buyer and/or DParent on the other, arising out of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement). The Party requesting such cooperation shall pay the
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing such cooperation
(including legal and other professional advisory fees and disbursements) by the
Party providing such cooperation and by its officers, directors, employees and
agents, but shall not be responsible for reimbursing such Party or its officers,
directors, employees and agents, for their time spent in such cooperation.

       6.7 COLLECTION OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.

              (a) If and to the extent that after the Closing Date accounts
receivable set forth on the Closing Balance Sheet become aged 180 days or longer
after the date on which they first became due and payable, (i) the Buyer shall
from time to time give notice to the Seller designating those accounts
receivable which have become aged 180 days or longer, (ii) the Purchase Price
shall be decreased by the amount of all such uncollected accounts receivable,
(iii) the Buyer shall assign such uncollected accounts receivable to the Seller
and (iv) the Seller shall pay to the Buyer, by wire transfer of immediately
available funds, within thirty calendar days after the date on which the Buyer
gives notice to the Seller designating such accounts receivable as aged 180
days, an amount equal to the sum of all such uncollected net accounts
receivable. No amount paid by the Seller to the Buyer pursuant to this Section
6.7(a) shall be included in or counted toward the determination of any of the
amounts specified in Section 7.7.

              (b) Each of the Parent and the Seller agrees that it shall forward
promptly to the Buyer any monies, checks or instruments received by the Seller
after the Closing Date with respect to the accounts receivable purchased by the
Buyer from the Seller pursuant to this Agreement. Each of the Parent and the
Seller shall provide to the Buyer such reasonable assistance as the Buyer may
reasonably request with respect to the collection of any such accounts
receivable, provided the Buyer pays the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the
Seller and its officers, directors and employees incurred in providing such
assistance.

              (c) From and after the Closing Date and until such time as any
account receivable becomes aged 180 days or more after the date on which it
first became due and payable, the Buyer shall pursue the timely and maximum
collection thereof, and service and support the account debtor, consistent with
the Ordinary Course of Business and shall not, without the prior written consent
of the Seller, grant any extension of time for, or waive any right to payment
thereof or grant any other



                                       41


<PAGE>   46


concession to the account debtor with respect to such account receivable.

              (d) So long as any portion of any account receivable set forth on
the Closing Balance Sheet is owned by the Buyer and remains outstanding and
unpaid, the Buyer shall provide the Seller, within 15 days after the end of each
calendar month, beginning on February 15, 1997, a written aging of all such
accounts which remain outstanding and unpaid at the end of such month.

              (e) The Seller shall be entitled to take such customary and
reasonable actions as it deems necessary or desirable to collect the accounts
receivable retained or repurchased by the Seller pursuant to this Agreement,
provided that the Seller shall consult with the Buyer prior to taking any
collection action which might reasonably be expected to jeopardize the Buyer's
relationship with such customer.

              (f) Each of the Buyer and DParent agrees that it shall forward
promptly to the Seller any monies, checks or instruments received by the Buyer
after the Closing Date with respect to the accounts receivable retained or
repurchased by the Seller from the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement. Each of the
Buyer and DParent shall provide to the Seller such reasonable assistance as the
Seller may reasonably request with respect to the collection of any such
accounts receivable, provided the Seller pays the reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses of the Buyer, DParent and their respective officers, directors and
employees incurred in providing such assistance.

       6.8 EMPLOYEES.

              (a) Effective as of the Closing, the Seller shall terminate the
employment of each of its employees designated on Schedule 6.8(a) attached
hereto and the Buyer shall offer employment to each such employee, terminable at
the will of the Buyer, in a position substantially equivalent to the position of
such employee as of the date of this Agreement. Each such employee, as a
condition to his or her employment with the Buyer, shall be required to enter
into the standard non-competition and proprietary rights agreement of the Buyer.
Each of the Seller and the Parent hereby consents to the hiring of such
employees by the Buyer and waives, with respect to the employment by the Buyer
of such employees, any claims or rights the Seller or the Parent may have
against the Buyer or any such employee under any non-competition,
confidentiality or employment agreement.

              (b) The Buyer shall provide customary salary continuation benefits
for any employee listed in Section 2.21 of the Disclosure Schedule who is (i)
hired by the Buyer and whose employment is subsequently terminated by the Buyer,
other than



                                       42


<PAGE>   47


terminations as a result of the voluntary resignation of any such employee or a
termination for cause, or (ii) not offered employment by the Buyer, provided,
however, that the Buyer shall not be obligated provide such benefits if the
Buyer notified the Seller, at least 15 days prior to the Closing, that the
employee would not be offered employment.

              (c) On or prior to February 28, 1996, each of the Seller and the
Parent shall satisfy all of its obligations under the agreements described in
clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 4.3(e).

       6.9 TRANSFER AND SALES TAX. Notwithstanding any provisions of law
imposing the burden of such taxes on the Seller or the Buyer, as the case may
be, the Buyer shall be responsible for and shall pay all sales, use and transfer
Taxes, and all governmental charges, if any, upon the sale or transfer of any of
the Acquired Assets hereunder.

       6.10 PRODUCT WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS. From and after the Closing, the Buyer
shall perform, consistent with the Ordinary Course of Business, the warranty and
product rework obligations relating to products sold prior to the Closing Date,
which obligations shall include but not be limited to repair, replacement or
return of products, rework of products as a result of product recall for quality
or specification deficiencies, freight charges, travel expenses for warranty
service calls and customer service labor (the "Warranty Obligations"), assumed
by the Buyer in accordance with Section 1.2(a)(vii).

       6.11 NOTICE OF POTENTIAL PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIM. From and after the
Closing, in the event the Buyer becomes aware of any defect in or other
condition affecting any product sold by the Seller prior to the Closing which
could reasonably be expected to result in a product liability claim, the Buyer
shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable, inform the Seller thereof and take
steps, consistent with the Ordinary Course of Business, to minimize the effect
of such a claim.

       6.12 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The Buyer shall cause its independent
public accountants to prepare and deliver to the Buyer by March 1, 1997, at the
Buyer's expense, (a) audited balance sheets and statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the last three fiscal years for
the Seller or such fewer number of years as may be required to satisfy clause
(b) below (collectively, the "Audited Financial Statements") and (b) related
reports and consents required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission of the Audited Financial Statements or financial statements
of DParent that incorporate the Audited Financial Statements. Each of the Seller
and the Parent shall, and shall



                                       43


<PAGE>   48


cause its officers, directors, employees, agents and legal, accounting and other
professional advisors, to fully cooperate with the Buyer and its independent
public accountants in connection with the preparation of the Audited Financial
Statements and related reports.



                                   ARTICLE VII

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

       7.1 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SELLER AND THE PARENT. The Seller and the
Parent shall, jointly and severally, indemnify the Buyer and DParent in respect
of, and hold the Buyer and DParent harmless against, any and all debts,
obligations and other liabilities (whether absolute, accrued, contingent, fixed
or otherwise, or whether known or unknown, or due or to become due or
otherwise), monetary damages, fines, fees, penalties, interest obligations,
deficiencies, losses and expenses (including without limitation amounts paid in
settlement, interest, court costs, costs of investigators, fees and expenses of
attorneys, accountants, financial advisors and other experts, and other expenses
of litigation) ("Damages") incurred or suffered by the Buyer or any Affiliate
thereof resulting from, relating to or constituting:

              (a) any misrepresentation, breach of warranty or failure to
perform any covenant or agreement of the Seller and the Parent contained in this
Agreement; or

              (b) any Retained Liabilities.

       7.2 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE BUYER AND DPARENT. The Buyer and DParent
shall, jointly and severally, indemnify the Seller and the Parent in respect of,
and hold the Seller and the Parent harmless against, any and all Damages
incurred or suffered by the Seller or any Affiliate thereof resulting from,
relating to or constituting:

              (a) any misrepresentation, breach of warranty or failure to
perform any covenant or agreement of the Buyer or DParent contained in this
Agreement; or

              (b) any Assumed Liabilities.

       7.3 CLAIMS FOR INDEMNIFICATION. Except as provided in Section 7.4(d),
whenever any claim shall arise for indemnification hereunder, the Party seeking
indemnification (the "Indemnified Party") shall promptly notify the other party
from whom indemnification is sought (the "Indemnifying Party") of the claim, and
when known, the facts constituting the basis for such

                                                        


                                       44


<PAGE>   49


claim; provided, however, that no delay on the part of the Indemnified Party in
notifying the Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party from any
liability or obligation hereunder, so long as such delay is not prejudicial to
the Indemnifying Party. In the event of any such claim for indemnification
hereunder resulting from or in connection with any claim or legal proceedings by
a third party, the notice to the Indemnifying Party shall specify, if known, the
amount or an estimate of the amount of the liability therefrom. Except as
otherwise provided in Section 7.4(d), the Indemnified Party shall not settle or
compromise any claim by a third party for which it is seeking indemnification
hereunder without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, unless the Indemnifying Party shall
not have taken control of the defense of such claim as provided in Section 7.4,
after notification thereof pursuant to this Section 7.3, in which case the
Indemnified Party may settle or compromise such claim without the Indemnifying
Party's consent.

       7.4 DEFENSE BY THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY.

              (a) Except as provided in Section 7.4(d), in connection with any
claim for indemnification hereunder resulting from or arising out of any claim
or legal proceeding by a third party, the Indemnifying Party at its sole cost
and expense may, upon written notice to the Indemnified Party given within 20
days after the date of the notice of the claim from the Indemnified Party
pursuant to Section 7.3, assume the defense of such claim or legal proceeding
with counsel approved by the Indemnified Party, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld, if (i) the Indemnifying Party acknowledges to the
Indemnified Party in writing the Indemnifying Party's obligations to indemnify
the Indemnified Party with respect to all elements of such claim, (ii) the third
party seeks monetary damages only, and (iii) an adverse resolution of the third
party's claim would not have a material adverse effect on the goodwill or the
reputation of the Indemnified Party or, if the Buyer is the Indemnified Party,
the business or operations of the Buyer.

              (b) If the Indemnifying Party so assumes such defense, the
Indemnified Party shall be entitled to participate in, but not control, such
defense, with its counsel and at its own expense, except that the Indemnifying
Party shall be responsible for the reasonable fees and expenses of the separate
co-counsel to the extent the Indemnified Party reasonably concludes that the
counsel the Indemnifying Party has selected has a conflict of interest. In
addition, if the Indemnifying Party so assumes such defense, it shall take all
steps necessary in the defense or settlement thereof; provided, however, that
the Indemnifying Party shall not consent to any settlement or to the entry of
any judgment with respect to a claim or legal proceeding which does not include
a complete release of the Indemnified Party from all




                                       45


<PAGE>   50


liability with respect thereto or which imposes any liability on the Indemnified
Party without the written consent of the Indemnified Party.

              (c) Except as provided in Section 7.4(d), if the Indemnifying
Party does not, or is not permitted under the terms hereof to, assume the
defense of any such claim or legal proceeding, (i) the Indemnified Party may
defend against such claim or legal proceedings, with the Indemnifying Party
responsible for the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Indemnified
Party, in such manner as it may deem appropriate, including, but not limited to,
settling such claim or legal proceeding on such terms as the Indemnified Party
may deem appropriate, and (ii) the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to
participate in, but not control, the defense of such action, with its counsel
and at its own expense.

              (d) If a third party asserts that an Indemnified Party is liable
to such third party for a monetary or other obligation which may constitute or
result in Damages for which such Indemnified Party may be entitled to
indemnification pursuant to this Article VII, and such Indemnified Party
reasonably determines that it has a valid business reason to fulfill such
obligation, then (i) such Indemnified Party shall be entitled to satisfy such
obligation, without prior notice to or consent from the Indemnifying Party, (ii)
such Indemnified Party may make a claim for indemnification pursuant to this
Article VII in accordance with the provisions hereof, and (iii) such Indemnified
Party shall be reimbursed, in accordance with the provisions hereof, for any
such Damages for which it is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this
Article VII (subject to the right of the Indemnifying Party to dispute the
Indemnified Party's entitlement to indemnification under the terms of this
Article VII).

       7.5 TREATMENT OF INDEMNITY PAYMENTS. Any payment made to the Buyer or
DParent pursuant to this Article VII shall be treated as a reduction in the
Purchase Price. Any payment made to the Seller or Parent pursuant to this
Article VII shall be treated as an increase in the Purchase Price.

       7.6 SURVIVAL.

              (a) The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of
the Seller, of the Parent, of the Buyer and of DParent set forth in this
Agreement shall survive the Closing and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and continue until March 31, 1998 and shall not be affected
by any examination made for or on behalf of the Parties or the knowledge of any
of the officers, directors, stockholders, employees or agents of the Parties.
Notwithstanding the foregoing:




                                       46


<PAGE>   51


                     (i) the representations of the Seller contained in Section
2.9 relating to tax matters shall survive the Closing and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated thereby and continue until the expiration of the
applicable statute of limitations relating to such tax representations;

                     (ii) the representations of the Seller and the Parent
contained in Section 2.3 relating to the Seller's and the Parent's authority to
engage in the transactions contemplated hereby, Section 2.10(a) relating to the
Seller's ownership of the Acquired Assets and Section 2.23 relating to
environmental matters shall survive the Closing and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated thereby and continue without limit; and

                     (iii) the covenants and agreements of the Seller, of the
Parent, of the Buyer and of DParent contained in this Agreement shall survive
the Closing and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby and
continue without limit or for such period of time as specifically provided
herein, if any.

              (b) If a notice is given in accordance with Section 7.3 before the
expiration of the applicable survival period (if any) specified in Section
7.6(a), then (notwithstanding the expiration of such time period) the
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement applicable to such claim shall
survive until, but only for purposes of, the resolution of such claim.

       7.7 LIMITATIONS.

              (a) The aggregate liability of the Seller and the Parent for
Damages under this Article VII (other than Damages with respect to Retained
Liabilities, for which there shall be no limit) shall not exceed the Purchase
Price; the Seller and the Parent shall not be liable under Section 7.1(a) with
respect to any single claim involving less than $10,000; and the Parent and the
Seller shall not be liable under Section 7.1(a) with respect to any claim
involving more than $10,000 unless the aggregate amount of all single claims
involving more than $25,000 exceed $100,000, whereupon the Parent and the Seller
shall be liable for the full amount of all claims involving more than $10,000 in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Except with respect to claims based
on fraud, the rights of the Buyer and DParent under this Article VII shall be
the exclusive remedy of the Buyer and DParent with respect to claims resulting
from or relating to any misrepresentation, breach of warranty or failure to
perform any covenant or agreement of the Seller contained in this Agreement
(provided that nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit or restrict any
right or remedy the Buyer or DParent may have under any Environmental Law).




                                       47


<PAGE>   52


              (b) The aggregate liability of the Buyer and DParent for Damages
under this Article VII shall not exceed the Purchase Price.

       7.8 OFFSET. The Seller shall be entitled to offset the amount received by
the Buyer in excess of the Buyer's expenses under the claims of the Seller
described in SCHEDULE 7.8 attached hereto against the amount of any Damages for
which the Seller is obligated to indemnify pursuant to this Article VII.



                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                   TERMINATION

       8.1 TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.

              (a) This Agreement shall terminate automatically at 11:59 P.M.
Boston time on December 31, 1996 (the "Termination Time"), if the Closing shall
not have occurred prior thereto.

              (b) The Parties may terminate this Agreement prior to the Closing
with the prior authorization of their Boards of Directors, as provided below:

                     (i) the Buyer or DParent may terminate this Agreement by
giving written notice to the Seller in the event the Seller or the Parent (A) is
in breach of any material representation, warranty, or covenant contained in
this Agreement, the Buyer has promptly notified the Parent and the Seller of the
breach, and the breach has continued without cure for a period of 5 days after
the notice of breach or (B) fails to perform any condition precedent under
Section 5.1 hereof (unless the failure results primarily from a breach by the
Buyer or DParent of any representation, warranty or covenant contained in this
Agreement);

                     (ii) the Seller or the Parent may terminate this Agreement
by giving written notice to the Buyer in the event the Buyer or DParent (A) is
in breach of any material representation, warranty, or covenant contained in
this Agreement, the Parent has notified the Seller and DParent of the breach,
and the breach has continued without cure for a period of 5 days after the
notice of breach or (B) fails to perform any condition precedent under Section
5.2 hereof (unless the failure results primarily from a breach by the Seller or
the Parent of any representation, warranty or covenant contained in this
Agreement); and

                     (iii) the Buyer or DParent may terminate this Agreement by
giving written notice to the Seller in the event there has been a material
adverse change in the financial condition, properties, assets, liabilities,
earnings, business,



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<PAGE>   53


operations or prospects of the Seller since the date of this Agreement, as a
result of any act of God, fire, flood or other catastrophic event beyond the
control of the Buyer and DParent.

       8.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. If this Agreement automatically terminates
pursuant to Section 8.1(a) or if any Party terminates this Agreement pursuant to
Section 8.1(b), all obligations of the Parties hereunder shall terminate without
any liability of any Party to the other Parties (except for any liability of a
Party for breaches of this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Nondisclosure Agreement, the Letter of Intent and the confidentiality provisions
contained in Sections 4.6 and 6.1 hereof shall survive any termination of this
Agreement.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                                   DEFINITIONS

                  For purposes of this Agreement, each of the following defined
terms is defined in the Section of this Agreement indicated below.

         Defined Term                                         Section
         ------------                                         -------

         Accountants                                          1.6(a)
         Acquired Assets                                      1.1(a)
         Affiliate                                            1.1(a)(i)
         Adjusted Purchase Price                              1.6(e)
         Agreement                                            Introduction
         Ancillary Agreements                                 1.1(b)(vii)
         Assigned Contracts                                   1.1(a)(vi)
         Assumed Liabilities                                  1.2(a)
         Audited Financial Statements                         6.12
         Business                                             Introduction
         Buyer                                                Introduction
         CERCLA                                               2.23(a)
         Closing                                              1.4(a)
         Closing Balance Sheet                                1.6(a)
         Closing Date                                         1.4(a)
         Closing Payment                                      1.3(b)
         Code                                                 2.22(c)
         Confidential Information                             4.6(a)
         Damages                                              7.1
         Disclosure Schedule                                  Article II
         DParent                                              Introduction
         Dispute Notice                                       1.6(c)
         Employee Benefit Plan                                2.22(a)
         Environmental Law                                    2.23(a)
         ERISA                                                2.22(a)
         ERISA Affiliate                                      2.22(d), 2.22(e)
         Estimated Balance Sheet                              1.2(a)(i)



                                       49


<PAGE>   54


         Excluded Assets                                      1.1(b)
         Financial Statements                                 2.6
         GAAP                                                 1.6(a)
         Governmental Entity                                  1.1(a)(ix)
         Hart-Scott-Rodino Act                                2.4
         Indemnified Party                                    7.3
         Indemnifying Party                                   7.3
         Intellectual Property                                1.1(a)(v)
         Knowledge of the Seller                              2.33
         Letter of Intent                                     1.3(a)
         Materials of Environmental Concern                   2.23(b)
         Net Asset Adjustment                                 1.6(b)
         Net Book Value                                       1.6(b)
         Nondisclosure Agreement                              6.1
         Ordinary Course of Business                          2.4
         Parent                                               Introduction
         Party                                                Introduction
         Pen-based Computing Devices                          6.3(a)
         Permit                                               1.1(a)(ix)
         Purchase Price                                       1.3(b)
         Referenced Balance Sheet                             2.6
         Restricted Buyer Employee                            6.2(a)
         Restricted Seller Employee                           6.2(b)
         Retained Liabilities                                 1.2(b)
         Ruggedized Notebook Computers                        6.3(a)
         Security Interest                                    2.4
         Seller                                               Introduction
         Standstill Fee                                       1.3(a)
         Taxes                                                2.9
         Tax Returns                                          2.9
         Termination Time                                     8.1(a)
         VAR Agreement                                        1.4(b)(vii)
         Warranty Obligations                                 6.10



                                    ARTICLE X

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

       10.1 PRESS RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. None of the Parties shall issue
any press release or make any other public announcement or furnish any statement
or make any general announcement to its respective employees or customers
relating to the subject matter of this Agreement without the prior written
approval of the other Parties; provided, however, that a Party may make such
announcements and disclosures as may be required by applicable laws (in which
case the disclosing Party shall advise the other Parties and provide them with a
copy of the proposed disclosure prior to making the disclosure). Notwithstanding
the foregoing, (i) within one day after the date of execution of this Agreement
by all the Parties, the Parent shall issue a press release in the form of
EXHIBIT I attached hereto and DParent



                                       50


<PAGE>   55


shall issue a press release in the form of EXHIBIT J attached hereto and (ii)
within one day after the Closing Date, the Parent shall issue a press release in
the form of EXHIBIT K attached hereto and DParent shall issue a press release in
the form of EXHIBIT L attached hereto, provided, however, that in each case, the
Parties may elect to issue a joint press release.

       10.2 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement shall not confer any
rights or remedies upon any person other than the Parties and their respective
successors and permitted assigns.

       10.3 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. Each of the Seller and the Parent acknowledges and
confirms the rights of DParent under paragraphs 17(e) and 17(f) of the Letter of
Intent and agrees that the rights of DParent thereunder continue in full force
and effect. Each of the Parent and the Seller acknowledges and confirms that all
rights of the Parent and the Seller specified in the Letter of Intent are
superseded by this Agreement and have no force or effect. This Agreement
(including the documents referred to herein), the Nondisclosure Agreement, the
rights of DParent under paragraphs 17(e) and 17(f) of the Letter of Intent
constitute the entire agreement between the Parties and supersede any prior
understandings, agreements, or representations by or between the Parties,
written or oral, that may have related in any way to the subject matter thereof.

       10.4 SUCCESSION AND ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the Parties named herein and their respective successors
and permitted assigns. No Party may assign either this Agreement or any of its
rights, interests, or obligations hereunder prior to the Closing, without the
prior written approval of the other Parties. Any Party may assign this Agreement
or any of its rights or interests hereunder after the Closing, provided,
however, that no assignment shall in any way relieve the assigning Party of its
obligations hereunder.

       10.5 COUNTERPARTS; USE OF FACSIMILES. This Agreement may be executed in
one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The reproduction of
signatures by means of a telecopying device shall be treated as though such
reproductions are executed originals and each Party covenants and agrees to
provide the other Parties with a copy of this Agreement bearing original
signatures within two (2) days following transmittal by facsimile.

       10.6 HEADINGS. The section headings contained in this Agreement are
inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.

       10.7 NOTICES. All notices, requests, demands, claims, and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing. Any notice,



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<PAGE>   56


request, demand, claim, or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly
delivered two business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent
via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case to the
intended recipient as set forth below:

         If to the Seller:                    Copy to:
         -----------------                    --------

         Itronix Corporation                  Robert A. Goodman, Esq.
         c/o Telxon Corporation               Goodman Weiss Miller Goldfarb
         3330 West Market Street              100 Erieview Plaza, 27th Floor
         Akron, OH  44334                     Cleveland, OH  44114-1824
         ATTN: President

         If to the Parent:                    Copy to:
         -----------------                    --------

         Telxon Corporation                   Robert A. Goodman, Esq.
         3330 West Market Street              Goodman Weiss Miller Goldfarb
         Akron, OH  44334                     100 Erieview Plaza, 27th Floor
         ATTN: President                      Cleveland, OH  44114-1824

         If to the Buyer:                     Copy to:
         ----------------                     --------

         IAQ Corporation                      Peter B. Tarr, Esq.
         c/o Dynatech Corporation             Hale and Dorr
         3 New England Executive Park         60 State Street
         Burlington, MA  01803                Boston, MA  02109
         ATTN:  Roger C. Cady

         If to DParent:                       Copy to:
         --------------                       --------

         Dynatech Corporation                 Peter B. Tarr, Esq.
         3 New England Executive Park         Hale and Dorr
         Burlington, MA  01803                60 State Street
         ATTN:  Allan M. Kline                Boston, MA  02109


Any Party may give any notice, request, demand, claim, or other communication
hereunder using any other means (including personal delivery, expedited courier,
messenger service, telecopy, telex, ordinary mail, or electronic mail), but no
such notice, request, demand, claim, or other communication shall be deemed to
have been duly given unless and until it actually is received by the individual
for whom it is intended. Any Party may change the address to which notices,
requests, demands, claims, and other communications hereunder are to be
delivered by giving the other Parties notice in the manner herein set forth.

       10.8 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the internal laws (but not the law of conflicts) of the State of
Delaware, except that the



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<PAGE>   57


applicability of the bulk sales provisions of Article 6 of the Uniform
Commercial Code shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of
Washington.

       10.9 AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. The Parties may mutually amend any provision
of this Agreement at any time prior to the Closing with the prior authorization
of their respective Boards of Directors. No amendment of any provision of this
Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by each
of the Parties. No waiver by any Party of any default, misrepresentation, or
breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, shall be
deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, or
breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising
by virtue of any prior or subsequent such occurrence.

       10.10 SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is
invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect
the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or
the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other
situation or in any other jurisdiction. If the final judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction declares that any term or provision hereof is invalid or
unenforceable, the Parties agree that the court making the determination of
invalidity or unenforceability shall have the power to reduce the scope,
duration, or area of the term or provision, to delete specific words or phrases,
or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a term or
provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing
the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision, and this
Agreement shall be enforceable in such jurisdiction as so modified after the
expiration of the time within which the judgment may be appealed.

       10.11 EXPENSES. Except as set forth in the Article VII, each Party shall
bear its own costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

       10.12 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. Each Party acknowledges and agrees that the
other Party would be damaged irreparably in the event any of the provisions of
this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or
otherwise are breached. Accordingly, each Party agrees that the other Party
shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the
provisions of this Agreement and to enforce specifically this Agreement and the
terms and provisions hereof in any action instituted in any court of the United
States or any state thereof having jurisdiction over the Parties and the matter
(subject to the provisions of Section 10.13), in addition to any other remedy to
which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.



                                       53


<PAGE>   58


       10.13 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. Each Party (a) submits to the
jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts or the States of Ohio or Washington in any action or proceeding
arising out of or relating to this Agreement and (b) agrees that all claims in
respect of the action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such
court. Each Party hereby waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the
maintenance of any action or proceeding so brought and waives any bond, surety
or other security that might be required of the other Parties with respect
thereto. Any Party may make service on the other Parties by sending or
delivering a copy of the process to the Parties to be served at the address and
in the manner provided for the giving of notices in Section 10.7. Nothing in
this Section 10.13, however, shall affect the right of any Party to serve legal
process in any other manner permitted by law.

       10.14 CONSTRUCTION. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed
to be the language chosen by the Parties hereto to express their mutual intent,
and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against either Party. Any
reference to any federal, state, local, or foreign statute or law shall be
deemed also to refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless
the context requires otherwise.

       10.15 INCORPORATION OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES. The Exhibits (other than
Exhibits G, H, I and J) and Schedules identified in this Agreement are
incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.


                      [THE NEXT PAGE IS THE SIGNATURE PAGE]



                                       54


<PAGE>   59

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.


                                            DYNATECH CORPORATION



                                            By: /s/ Roger C. Cady
                                               --------------------------------
                                            Title:  Corporate Vice President
                                                      Business Development



                                            IAQ CORPORATION



                                            By: /s/ Roger C. Cady
                                               --------------------------------
                                            Title:  Vice President



                                            TELXON CORPORATION



                                            By: /s/ Frank E. Brick
                                               --------------------------------
                                            Title:  President and Chief
                                                      Operating Officer



                                            ITRONIX CORPORATION



                                            By: /s/ Steven L. Gevurtz
                                               --------------------------------
                                            Title:  President










                [Signature Page to the Asset Purchase Agreement]





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