HALLIBURTON CO
424B3, 1998-05-28
HEAVY CONSTRUCTION OTHER THAN BLDG CONST - CONTRACTORS
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<PAGE>
 
                                               Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
                                                         SEC File No. 333-52903
                              HALLIBURTON COMPANY
                              3600 LINCOLN PLAZA
                            500 NORTH AKARD STREET
                           DALLAS, TEXAS 75201-3391
                                (214) 978-2600
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
                          TO BE HELD ON JUNE 25, 1998
 
  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Stockholders of Halliburton
Company, a Delaware corporation ("Halliburton"), will be held in lieu of its
Annual Meeting at The Plaza Ballroom, Le Meridien Dallas Hotel, 650 North
Pearl Street, Dallas, Texas on Thursday, June 25, 1998 at 9:00 a.m., local
time, for the following purposes:
 
    1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an amendment to
  Halliburton's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Charter
  Amendment") to increase the authorized number of shares of Halliburton
  common stock, par value $2.50 per share ("Halliburton Common Stock"), from
  400,000,000 shares to 600,000,000 shares;
 
    2. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve, subject to approval
  of the Charter Amendment, the issuance of Halliburton Common Stock pursuant
  to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 25, 1998 (the
  "Merger Agreement"), among Halliburton, Halliburton N.C., Inc., a Delaware
  corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Halliburton ("Merger Sub"),
  and Dresser Industries, Inc. ("Dresser"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
  Merger Sub would be merged with and into Dresser (the "Merger"), Dresser
  would become a wholly owned subsidiary of Halliburton and, among other
  things, each share of common stock, par value $.25 per share of Dresser
  ("Dresser Common Stock"), outstanding at the effective time of the Merger
  would be converted into one share of Halliburton Common Stock, all as more
  fully described in the materials that follow this notice;
 
    3. To elect ten directors to serve until their successors shall be
  elected and qualified;
 
    4. To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of
  Arthur Andersen LLP as independent accountants to examine the financial
  statements and books and records of Halliburton for 1998; and
 
    5. To transact such other business incident to the conduct of the meeting
  as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournment or
  postponement thereof.
 
  The Board of Directors of Halliburton has fixed the close of business on May
15, 1998 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting and any adjournment thereof.
Only holders of record of shares of Halliburton Common Stock at the close of
business on the record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
Special Meeting. A complete list of such stockholders will be available for
examination at the offices of Halliburton in Dallas, Texas during normal
business hours by any Halliburton stockholder, for any purpose germane to the
Special Meeting, for a period of 10 days prior to the meeting. Stockholders of
Halliburton are not entitled to any appraisal or dissenter's rights under the
Delaware General Corporation Law in respect of the Merger.
 
  YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. EVEN IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING IN
PERSON, WE REQUEST THAT YOU SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY OR VOTING
INSTRUCTION CARD AND THUS ENSURE THAT YOUR SHARES WILL BE REPRESENTED AT THE
SPECIAL MEETING IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND. IF YOU DO ATTEND THE SPECIAL
MEETING AND WISH TO VOTE IN PERSON, YOU MAY WITHDRAW YOUR PROXY AND VOTE IN
PERSON.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,
                                          LOGO
                                          /s/ SUSAN S. KEITH
Dallas, Texas                             Susan S. Keith
May 18, 1998                              Vice President and Secretary
<PAGE>
 
                           DRESSER INDUSTRIES, INC.
                               2001 ROSS AVENUE
                              DALLAS, TEXAS 75201
                                (214) 740-6000
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
                          TO BE HELD ON JUNE 25, 1998
 
  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Stockholders of Dresser
Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Dresser"), will be held in The
Horchow Auditorium of the Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 North Harwood Street,
Dallas, Texas 75201 on Thursday, June 25, 1998 at 9:00 a.m., local time, for
the following purposes:
 
    1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to adopt the Agreement and Plan
  of Merger, dated as of February 25, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"), among
  Halliburton Company, a Delaware corporation ("Halliburton"), Halliburton
  N.C., Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of
  Halliburton ("Merger Sub"), and Dresser. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
  Merger Sub would be merged with and into Dresser (the "Merger"), Dresser
  would become a wholly owned subsidiary of Halliburton and, among other
  things, each share of common stock, par value $.25 per share of Dresser
  ("Dresser Common Stock"), outstanding at the effective time of the Merger
  would be converted into one share of common stock, par value $2.50 per
  share, of Halliburton, all as more fully described in the materials that
  follow this notice; and
 
    2. To transact such other business incident to the conduct of the meeting
  as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournments or
  postponements thereof, including adjournments or postponements of the
  Special Meeting for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies to approve
  and adopt the Merger Agreement.
 
  The Board of Directors of Dresser has fixed the close of business on May 15,
1998 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting and any adjournment thereof.
Only holders of record of shares of Dresser Common Stock at the close of
business on the record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
Special Meeting. A complete list of such stockholders will be available for
examination at the offices of Dresser in Dallas, Texas during normal business
hours by any Dresser stockholder, for any purpose germane to the Special
Meeting, for a period of 10 days prior to the meeting. Because the Dresser
Common Stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, holders of
Dresser Common Stock are not entitled to any appraisal or dissenter's rights
under the Delaware General Corporation Law in respect of the Merger.
 
  YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF
THE SHARES OF DRESSER COMMON STOCK ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING IS
REQUIRED FOR ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT. EVEN IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE
SPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON, WE REQUEST THAT YOU SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED
PROXY OR VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD AND THUS ENSURE THAT YOUR SHARES WILL BE
REPRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND. IF YOU DO
ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING AND WISH TO VOTE IN PERSON, YOU MAY WITHDRAW YOUR
PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,
                                          LOGO
                                          /s/ REBECCA R. MORRIS
                                          Rebecca R. Morris
                                          Vice President--Corporate Counsel
                                           and Secretary
 
Dallas, Texas
May 18, 1998
<PAGE>
 
         HALLIBURTON COMPANY                    DRESSER INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                 MERGER PROPOSED--YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

  The Boards of Directors of Halliburton Company and Dresser Industries, Inc.
have agreed on a merger of equals designed to create one of the premier energy
services companies in the world. The combined company will continue under the
name "Halliburton Company" and will be headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
 
  If the merger is completed, Dresser stockholders will receive one share of
Halliburton common stock for each share of Dresser common stock that they own.
Halliburton stockholders will continue to own their existing shares after the
merger. All outstanding options to purchase shares of Dresser common stock
will be assumed by Halliburton and converted into options to purchase
Halliburton common stock. Up to 177,752,928 shares of Halliburton stock will
be issued to Dresser stockholders in the merger, which will represent
approximately 40.33% of the outstanding stock of Halliburton after the merger.
 
  The merger cannot be completed unless the Dresser stockholders approve it
and the Halliburton stockholders approve both the amendment to the Halliburton
charter increasing the number of authorized shares of Halliburton common stock
and the issuance of the Halliburton shares to the Dresser stockholders in the
merger. We have scheduled special meetings for our stockholders to vote on the
merger. YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT.
 
  Each of our Boards of Directors has determined that the terms of the merger
agreement and the merger are fair to and in the best interests of our
respective stockholders and has unanimously approved and adopted the merger
agreement. THEREFORE, THE HALLIBURTON BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS THAT HALLIBURTON STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE CHARTER
AMENDMENT AND THE SHARE ISSUANCE AND THE DRESSER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT DRESSER STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR ADOPTION OF THE
MERGER AGREEMENT. In addition, the Halliburton Board of Directors unanimously
recommends that Halliburton stockholders vote FOR the ten nominees for director
and FOR the ratification of the Board's selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as
Halliburton's independent accountants for 1998.
 
  Whether or not you plan to attend a meeting, please take the time to vote by
completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card to us. If you sign, date and
mail your proxy card without indicating how you want to vote, your proxy will
be counted as a vote in favor of the merger, in the case of the Dresser
meeting, or in favor of the charter amendment, the share issuance, the
election of directors and the ratification of independent accountants, in the
case of the Halliburton meeting. If you fail to return your card, the effect
in most cases will be a vote against such matters.
 
  The dates, times and places of the meetings are as follows:
 
FOR DRESSER STOCKHOLDERS:
JUNE 25, 1998; 9:00 A.M.
THE HORCHOW AUDITORIUM OF
THE DALLAS MUSEUM OF
ART1717 NORTH HARWOOD
STREET
DALLAS, TEXAS 75201
 
FOR HALLIBURTON STOCKHOLDERS:
JUNE 25, 1998; 9:00 A.M.
THE PLAZA BALLROOM LE
MERIDIEN DALLAS HOTEL
650 NORTH PEARL STREET
DALLAS, TEXAS 75201
 
  This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus constitutes a prospectus of
Halliburton relating to the issuance of Halliburton common stock in connection
with the merger and a joint proxy statement for both Halliburton and Dresser
in connection with the solicitation of proxies by their respective boards of
directors for use at their respective meetings of stockholders. This Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus provides you with detailed information about the
proposed merger. In addition, you may obtain information about our companies
from documents that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
We encourage you to read this entire document carefully.


/s/ DICK CHENEY                 
Dick Cheney
Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer
Halliburton Company 

/s/ WILLIAM E. BRADFORD                           
William E. Bradford                               
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer 
Dresser Industries, Inc.                           


    NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE
    SECURITIES REGULATORS HAVE APPROVED THE HALLIBURTON COMMON STOCK
    TO BE ISSUED IN THE MERGER OR DETERMINED IF THIS JOINT PROXY
    STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR ADEQUATE. ANY REPRESENTATION
    TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is dated May 18, 1998 and is being first
mailed to stockholders on May 26, 1998.
<PAGE>
 
                        JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE HALLIBURTON/DRESSER MERGER.................   3
SUMMARY....................................................................   6
  The Companies............................................................   6
  Our Reasons for the Merger...............................................   6
  The Stockholder Meetings.................................................   6
  Our Recommendations to Stockholders......................................   7
  Record Date and Voting Power.............................................   7
  Votes Required...........................................................   7
  Share Ownership of Management............................................   7
  Opinions of Financial Advisors...........................................   7
  What You Will Receive in the Merger......................................   8
  Ownership of Halliburton Following the Merger............................   8
  Board of Directors and Management of Halliburton Following the Merger....   8
  Other Interests of Officers and Directors in the Merger..................   8
  Conditions to the Merger.................................................   9
  Governmental Approvals...................................................   9
  No Solicitation..........................................................   9
  Termination of the Merger Agreement......................................   9
  Termination Fees.........................................................  10
  Stock Option Agreements..................................................  10
  Material Federal Income Tax Consequences.................................  10
  Anticipated Accounting Treatment.........................................  10
  No Appraisal Rights......................................................  10
  Comparative Rights of Dresser and Halliburton Stockholders...............  10
  Market Price and Dividend Data...........................................  11
  Halliburton Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Information.......  12
  Dresser Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Information...........  13
  Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information..............  14
  Comparative Per Share Data...............................................  15
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION.................  16
THE COMPANIES..............................................................  17
  Halliburton..............................................................  17
  Merger Sub...............................................................  18
  Dresser..................................................................  18
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS.......................................................  19
  Date, Time and Place of the Meetings; Purposes of the Meetings...........  19
  Record Date and Outstanding Shares.......................................  20
  Voting and Revocation of Proxies.........................................  20
  Votes Required...........................................................  21
  Solicitation of Proxies..................................................  22
  Other Matters............................................................  22
THE MERGER.................................................................  23
  General Description of the Merger........................................  23
  Background of the Merger ................................................  23
  Certain Information Provided ............................................  27
  Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations of the Boards of Directors.......  27
  Opinions of Financial Advisors to Halliburton: SBC Warburg Dillon Read
   and Goldman Sachs.......................................................  31
  Opinion of Financial Advisor to Dresser: Salomon Smith Barney............  36
  Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger...............................  41
  Material Federal Income Tax Consequences.................................  43
  Accounting Treatment.....................................................  44
  Governmental and Regulatory Approvals....................................  44
  Restrictions on Resales by Affiliates....................................  45
  Rights of Dissenting Stockholders........................................  45
CERTAIN TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT......................................  46
  Effective Time of the Merger.............................................  46
  Manner and Basis of Converting Shares....................................  46
  Dresser Options..........................................................  47
  Conditions to the Merger.................................................  47
  Representations and Warranties...........................................  48
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                          <C>
  Certain Covenants; Conduct of Business Prior to the Merger...............   49
  No Solicitation..........................................................   49
  Certain Post-Merger Matters..............................................   50
  Termination or Amendment of the Merger Agreement.........................   50
  Expenses and Termination Fee.............................................   51
  Halliburton's Board of Directors; Employment Agreements; Transition
   Management..............................................................   52
  Employment Agreements....................................................   53
  Indemnification..........................................................   54
CERTAIN TERMS OF THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS...............................   55
  Terms of the Options.....................................................   55
  Exercise Events..........................................................   55
  Repurchase at the Option of the Grantee..................................   55
  Repurchase at the Option of the Grantor..................................   56
  Profit Limitation........................................................   56
  Other....................................................................   57
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................   58
DESCRIPTION OF HALLIBURTON CAPITAL STOCK...................................   64
  General..................................................................   64
  Halliburton Common Stock.................................................   64
  Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock.......................................   64
  Halliburton Preferred Stock..............................................   66
  Certain Provisions of Halliburton Charter and Bylaws.....................   66
  Transfer Agent and Registrar.............................................   67
COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF HALLIBURTON AND DRESSER STOCKHOLDERS.................   68
  Number of Directors......................................................   68
  Voting Rights............................................................   68
  Power to Call Special Meetings...........................................   68
  Stockholder Vote Required for Certain Transactions.......................   68
  Action by Written Consent................................................   69
  Amendments of Bylaws.....................................................   69
THE HALLIBURTON SPECIAL MEETING--ADDITIONAL MATTERS........................   70
  Election of Halliburton Directors........................................   70
  Proposal for Ratification of the Selection of Accountants................   79
  Halliburton Executive Compensation.......................................   79
  Security Ownership by Certain Beneficial Owners and Management of
   Halliburton.............................................................   88
SECURITY OWNERSHIP BY CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT OF DRESSER..   90
LEGAL MATTERS..............................................................   92
EXPERTS....................................................................   92
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS......................................................   92
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION........................................   93
</TABLE>
 
List of Defined Terms
 
Appendices:
A--Agreement and Plan of Merger
B--Dresser Stock Option Agreement
C--Halliburton Stock Option Agreement
D--Opinion of SBC Warburg Dillon Read Inc.
E--Opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
F--Opinion of Salomon Smith Barney
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                          QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT
                        THE HALLIBURTON/DRESSER MERGER
Q: WHY ARE THE TWO COMPANIES PROPOSING TO MERGE? HOW WILL I BENEFIT?
 
A: We believe that the merger of Halliburton and Dresser will create one of
   the premier energy services companies in the world. We also believe that
   the merger represents a significant step in achieving our objective to
   offer our customers a complete array of oilfield services and products and
   to provide complete integrated project management from the earliest phases
   of development through production and delivery of oil and gas to the
   market. We also believe that a combination of the engineering expertise of
   Dresser's operations with the engineering and construction strengths of
   Halliburton will enhance the competitive position of the combined company.
   We further believe that the merger will provide us with increased financial
   strength, which will allow us to provide services in nontraditional
   relationships with customers and to increase technology development. In
   addition, we expect the merger to present substantial opportunities for
   improving our cost structure. As a result, we believe that the combined
   company will be able to compete more effectively and that this will benefit
   our stockholders in the long term.
 
Q: WHAT WILL DRESSER STOCKHOLDERS RECEIVE FOR THEIR DRESSER SHARES?
 
A: Dresser stockholders will receive one share of Halliburton common stock in
   exchange for each of their shares of Dresser common stock. This exchange
   ratio will not change, even if the market price of Halliburton's common
   stock or Dresser's common stock increases or decreases between now and the
   date that the merger is completed.
 
Q: WHAT HAPPENS TO SHARES HELD IN THE DRESSER DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PROGRAM
   (DRIP)?
 
A: The Dresser shares held in its DRIP will be converted into Halliburton
   shares on the same basis as all other Dresser shares. Halliburton does not
   have a DRIP and, as a result, the Dresser DRIP will be terminated following
   the merger and the Halliburton shares held in the DRIP will be distributed
   to participants. Because, Halliburton does not issue fractional shares, if
   you participate in the Dresser DRIP, the total number of Halliburton shares
   that you will receive upon distribution of the shares in the Dresser DRIP
   will be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and you will receive a
   cash payment for the value of the remaining fraction of a share that you
   would otherwise receive. Following the merger, Dresser stockholders will no
   longer be able to participate in a DRIP.
 
Q: WILL HALLIBURTON STOCKHOLDERS RECEIVE ANY SHARES AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER?
 
A: No. The merger will not have any effect on the number of shares of
   Halliburton common stock that Halliburton stockholders own.
 
Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW?
 
A: Just mail your signed proxy card in the enclosed return envelope as soon as
   possible so that your shares can be voted at the June 25, 1998 Halliburton
   special meeting (if you are a Halliburton stockholder) or at the June 25,
   1998 Dresser special meeting (if you are a Dresser stockholder).
 
Q: IF MY SHARES ARE HELD IN "STREET NAME" BY MY BROKER, WILL MY BROKER VOTE MY
   SHARES FOR ME?
 
A: Except for voting for Halliburton director nominees and ratification of
   Halliburton's independent accountants, your broker will not be able to vote
   your shares without instructions from you. You should instruct your broker
   to vote your shares, following the procedure provided by your broker.
 
Q: CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE AFTER I HAVE MAILED MY SIGNED PROXY CARD?
 
A: Yes. You can change your vote at any time before your proxy card is voted
   at the applicable stockholder meeting. You can do this in one of three
   ways. First, you can send a written notice stating that you would like to
   revoke your proxy. Second, you can complete and submit a new proxy card.
   Third, you can attend the appropriate meeting and vote in person. Your
   attendance alone will not, however, revoke your proxy. If you have
   instructed a broker to vote your shares, you must follow the procedure
   provided by your broker to change those instructions.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
 
Q: SHOULD I SEND IN MY STOCK CERTIFICATES NOW?
 
A: No. If you are a Dresser stockholder, after the merger is completed you
   will receive written instructions for exchanging your shares of Dresser
   common stock for shares of Halliburton common stock. If you are a
   Halliburton stockholder, you will keep your certificates.
 
Q: WHAT HAPPENS TO MY FUTURE DIVIDENDS?
 
A: Halliburton and Dresser each plan to continue to pay dividends on their
   common stock until the completion of the merger at approximately the same
   times and rates per share as were paid by each company during the last
   year, subject to continuing evaluation of the financial condition and
   earnings of each company by the Board of Directors of that company.
   Halliburton does not currently intend to change its dividend policy
   following the merger; however, the Halliburton Board of Directors will
   continue to evaluate the financial condition and earnings of Halliburton
   and the continuing appropriateness of its policy.
 
Q: WHAT ARE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO STOCKHOLDERS?
 
A: The exchange of shares of Dresser common stock for shares of Halliburton
   common stock in the merger will be tax-free to Dresser stockholders for
   federal income tax purposes. If you are a participant in the Dresser DRIP,
   you will, however, have to pay taxes with respect to any cash distributed
   to you from the Dresser DRIP upon its termination following the merger.
   Your tax basis in the shares of Halliburton common stock that you will
   receive in the merger will equal your current tax basis in your Dresser
   common stock.
 
  The merger will not have any effect on Halliburton stockholders for federal
  income tax purposes.
 
Q: ARE ANY REGULATORY APPROVALS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE MERGER?
 
A: Yes. The merger is conditioned upon, among other things, receipt of
   appropriate foreign, federal and state regulatory approvals. The principal
   approvals required relate to competition laws. Halliburton and Dresser
   filed premerger notifications with the United States antitrust authorities
   pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, and
   the Justice Department is investigating the transaction. Halliburton has
   offered to divest its 36% interest in M-I, L.L.C. to resolve one of the
   Justice Department's antitrust concerns; there are additional areas that
   are still under investigation. The waiting period under this act must
   expire or be terminated before the merger may be completed. Premerger
   notifications have also been filed under the European Commission's Merger
   Regulation and under the Canadian Competition Act, and the respective
   waiting periods under these laws must expire or be terminated before the
   merger may be completed. In addition, Halliburton will be required to file
   a premerger notice with the Foreign Investment Review Board under the
   Australian Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975, the law regulating
   foreign investment in Australia. Approval of the proposed merger by the
   Foreign Investment Review Board or expiration of the waiting period is
   required under that Act before the merger can be consummated. The parties
   may have to make additional filings with other countries prior to
   consummation of the merger, but no other approvals of governmental
   authorities and no other waiting periods must be observed to permit
   consummation of the merger.
 
Q: WHEN DO YOU EXPECT THE MERGER TO BE COMPLETED?
 
A: We hope to complete the merger in the second half of 1998. We are working
   toward completing the merger as quickly as possible. The timing and
   likelihood of obtaining the regulatory approvals described above are
   uncertain.
 
Q: WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES?
 
A: Both of our companies file periodic reports and other information with the
   Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy this information
   at the Commission's public reference facilities. Please call the Commission
   at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information about these facilities. This information
   is also available at the Internet site maintained by the Commission at
   http://www.sec.gov and at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange. For a
   more detailed description of the information available, please see pages 92
   and 93.
 
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Q: WHO CAN HELP ANSWER MY QUESTIONS?
 
A: If you are a Halliburton stockholder and you have more questions about the
   merger, you should contact:
 
                              HALLIBURTON COMPANY
                               Investor Relations
                               3600 Lincoln Plaza
                                500 North Akard
                            Dallas, Texas 75201-3391
                           Telephone: (214) 978-2600
 
                                       or
 
   Georgeson & Company Inc., Halliburton's proxy solicitor, who may be called
                          toll-free at 1-800-223-2064.
 
  If you are a Dresser stockholder and you have more questions about the
merger, you should contact:
 
                            DRESSER INDUSTRIES, INC.
                               Investor Relations
                                2001 Ross Avenue
                              Dallas, Texas 75201
                           Telephone: (214) 740-6759
 
                                       or
 
D.F. King & Co., Inc. Dresser's proxy solicitor, who may be called toll-free at
                                1-800-714-3305.
 
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
  This summary primarily highlights selected information from this document
and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To
understand the Merger fully and for a more complete description of the legal
terms of the Merger, you should read carefully this entire document and the
other available information referred to in "Where You Can Find More
Information" (page 92). The Merger Agreement is attached as Appendix A to this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. We encourage you to read the Merger
Agreement. It is the legal document that governs the Merger. We have included
page references parenthetically to direct you to a more complete description
of the topics presented in this summary.
 
                            THE COMPANIES (PAGE 17)
 
HALLIBURTON COMPANY (PAGE 17)
3600 Lincoln Plaza
500 North Akard Street
Dallas, Texas 75201-3391
 
  Halliburton is one of the world's largest diversified energy services and
engineering and construction services companies. Such services include those
related to the exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas,
in the case of energy services, and the design, procurement, construction,
project management and maintenance of industrial facilities, in the case of
engineering and construction services. Halliburton conducts business worldwide
in more than 100 countries. At March 31, 1998, Halliburton had consolidated
total assets of approximately $5.8 billion and consolidated stockholders'
equity of approximately $2.7 billion and employed approximately 73,200 persons
worldwide.
 
DRESSER INDUSTRIES, INC. (PAGE 18)
2001 Ross Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75201
 
  Dresser is a supplier of highly engineered products, technical services and
project management for hydrocarbon energy-related activities that are
primarily utilized in oil and gas drilling, production and transmission; gas
distribution; power generation; gas processing; petroleum refining and
marketing; and petrochemical production. At January 31, 1998, Dresser had
consolidated total assets of approximately $5.1 billion and consolidated
stockholders' equity of approximately $1.7 billion and employed approximately
31,300 persons worldwide.
 
                     OUR REASONS FOR THE MERGER (PAGE 27)
 
  We believe that the merger of Halliburton and Dresser will create one of the
premier energy services companies in the world. We also believe that the
merger represents a significant step in achieving our objective to offer our
customers a complete array of oilfield services and products and to provide
complete integrated project management from the earliest phases of development
through production and delivery of oil and gas to the market. We also believe
that a combination of the engineering expertise of Dresser's operations with
the engineering and construction strengths of Halliburton will enhance the
competitive position of the combined company. We further believe that the
merger will provide us with increased financial strength, which will allow us
to provide services in nontraditional relationships with customers and to
increase technology development. In addition, we expect the merger to present
substantial opportunities for improving our cost structure. As a result, we
believe that the combined company will be able to compete more effectively and
that this will benefit our stockholders in the long term.
 
                      THE STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS (PAGE 19)
 
  HALLIBURTON. A Special Meeting in lieu of the Annual Meeting of the
stockholders of Halliburton will be held on Thursday, June 25, 1998, at The
Plaza Ballroom, Le Meridien Dallas Hotel, 650 North Pearl Street, Dallas,
Texas at 9:00 a.m. local time. At the meeting, Halliburton stockholders will
be asked to:
 
 .  amend the Halliburton charter to increase the number of authorized shares
   of Halliburton common stock from 400,000,000 to 600,000,000;
 
 .  approve the issuance of shares of Halliburton common stock to Dresser
   stockholders in the merger,
 
 .  elect ten directors; and
 
 .  ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as Halliburton's independent
   accountants.
 
  DRESSER. A Special Meeting of the stockholders of Dresser will be held on
Thursday, June 25, 1998, in The Horchow Auditorium of the Dallas Museum of
Art, 1717 North Harwood Street, Dallas, Texas at 9:00 a.m. local time. At the
meeting, Dresser stockholders will be asked to adopt the merger agreement.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
                 OUR RECOMMENDATIONS TO STOCKHOLDERS (PAGE 27)
 
TO HALLIBURTON STOCKHOLDERS:
 
  The Halliburton Board believes that the merger is fair to you and in your
best interest and unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" the amendment to
the Halliburton charter and "FOR" the issuance of the Halliburton shares to
the Dresser stockholders in the merger. The Halliburton Board also unanimously
recommends that you vote "FOR" the election of the Board's nominees to the
Halliburton Board of Directors and "FOR" the ratification of the Board's
selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as Halliburton's independent accountants.
 
TO DRESSER STOCKHOLDERS:
 
  The Dresser Board believes that the merger is fair to you and in your best
interest and unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" adoption of the merger
agreement.
 
                    RECORD DATE AND VOTING POWER (PAGE 20)
 
  HALLIBURTON. You are entitled to vote at the Halliburton meeting if you
owned shares of Halliburton common stock on the close of business on May 15,
1998, the record date for the meeting. You will have one vote at the
Halliburton meeting for each share of Halliburton common stock you owned on
the record date on each of the matters to be considered at the meeting. There
are 263,003,842 shares of Halliburton common stock entitled to be voted at the
Halliburton meeting.
 
  DRESSER. You are entitled to vote at the Dresser meeting if you owned shares
of Dresser common stock on the close of business on May 15, 1998, the record
date for the meeting. You will have one vote at the Dresser meeting for each
share of Dresser common stock you owned on the record date for each of the
matters to be considered at the meeting. There are 175,749,713 shares of
Dresser common stock entitled to be voted at the Dresser meeting.
 
                           VOTES REQUIRED (PAGE 21)
 
  HALLIBURTON. The transaction of business at the Halliburton meeting requires
the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of the shares
of Halliburton common stock entitled to vote. If a quorum is present, (i)
approval of the charter amendment requires the affirmative vote of a majority
of the shares entitled to vote thereon; (ii) approval of the share issuance
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares cast on the proposal
(if the total number of votes cast on the proposal represents a majority of
the shares entitled to vote thereon); (iii) the election of each director
requires a plurality of the votes cast; and (iv) ratification of the selection
of independent accountants requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at the meeting and
entitled to vote thereon.
 
  DRESSER. The transaction of business at the Dresser meeting requires the
presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of the shares of
Dresser common stock entitled to vote. If a quorum is present, adoption of the
merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
the shares entitled to vote thereon.
 
                SHARE OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT (PAGES 87 AND 89)
 
  HALLIBURTON. As of the record date for the Halliburton meeting, the
directors and executive officers of Halliburton owned less than 1% of the
shares entitled to vote at the Halliburton meeting. Each of them has advised
Halliburton that he or she plans to vote all such shares in favor of the
charter amendment, the share issuance, the election of the proposed nominees
for director and the ratification of Halliburton's independent accountants.
 
  DRESSER. As of the record date for the Dresser meeting, the directors and
executive officers of Dresser owned less than 1% of the shares entitled to
vote at the Dresser meeting. Each of them has advised Dresser that he or she
plans to vote all such shares in favor of adoption of the merger agreement.
 
               OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS (PAGES 31 AND 36)
 
  HALLIBURTON. In deciding to approve the merger, among the factors that
Halliburton's Board of Directors considered were the opinions of its financial
advisors, SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs, that, as of February 25,
1998, the consideration to be paid by Halliburton in the merger was fair to
Halliburton from a financial point of view. The full text of each of SBC
Warburg Dillon Read's and Goldman Sach's written opinions describes the basis
and assumptions on which each financial advisor rendered its opinion and are
attached as Appendix D and Appendix E, respectively, to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. HALLIBURTON URGES
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
ITS STOCKHOLDERS TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY EACH OF THESE
OPINIONS.
 
  DRESSER. Similarly, in deciding to approve the merger, one of the factors
that the Dresser Board of Directors considered was the opinion of its financial
advisor, Salomon Smith Barney, that, as of February 25, 1998, the exchange
ratio was fair to the holders of shares of Dresser common stock from a
financial point of view. The full text of the Salomon Smith Barney opinion
describes the basis on which it rendered its opinion and is attached as
Appendix F to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. DRESSER URGES ITS
STOCKHOLDERS TO READ THE ENTIRE OPINION CAREFULLY.
 
                 WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN THE MERGER (PAGE 23)
 
  HALLIBURTON STOCKHOLDERS. After the merger, each share of Halliburton common
stock will remain outstanding and will represent one share of the combined
company, which will continue under the name "Halliburton Company."
 
  DRESSER STOCKHOLDERS. In the merger, Dresser stockholders will receive one
share of Halliburton common stock in exchange for each share of Dresser common
stock they own. The Dresser shares held in its dividend reinvestment program
(DRIP) will be converted into Halliburton shares on the same basis as all other
Dresser shares. Halliburton does not have a DRIP and, as a result, the Dresser
DRIP will be terminated following the merger and the Halliburton shares held in
the DRIP will be distributed to participants. Because Halliburton does not
issue fractional shares, if you participate in the Dresser DRIP, the total
number of Halliburton shares that you will receive upon distribution of the
shares in the Dresser DRIP will be rounded down to the nearest whole number and
you will receive a cash payment for the value of the remaining fraction of a
share that you would otherwise receive. Following the merger, Dresser
stockholders will no longer be able to participate in a DRIP.
 
OWNERSHIP OF HALLIBURTON FOLLOWING THE MERGER
 
  We anticipate that Halliburton will issue approximately 175,749,713 million
shares of its common stock to Dresser stockholders in the merger and that such
shares will constitute approximately 40.06% of the outstanding shares of
Halliburton common stock after the merger.
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT OF HALLIBURTON FOLLOWING THE MERGER (PAGE 52)
 
  Pursuant to the merger agreement, Halliburton and Dresser have agreed that
the Board of Directors of Halliburton immediately following the merger will
consist of 14 members and will be reconstituted to include all then current
members of Halliburton's Board of Directors and, in addition, William E.
Bradford (the current Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Dresser) and four additional directors of Dresser: Lawrence S. Eagleburger, Ray
L. Hunt, J. Landis Martin and Jay A. Precourt. These additional directors will
also be accorded proportional membership on Halliburton Board committees. One
of Halliburton's directors has announced his intention to resign from the Board
of Directors at the time of the merger.
 
  In addition, pursuant to the merger agreement, Halliburton has entered into
employment contracts with Mr. Bradford and Donald C. Vaughn, the President and
Chief Operating Officer of Dresser, which will become effective at the
effective time of the merger. Mr. Bradford will become Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Halliburton and Mr. Vaughn will become Vice Chairman of
Halliburton. Each of Messrs. Bradford and Vaughn will also be appointed to
serve on Halliburton's Executive Committee along with Mr. Cheney and David J.
Lesar, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Halliburton.
 
       OTHER INTERESTS OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS IN THE MERGER (PAGE 41)
 
  In considering the Dresser Board's recommend-ation that Dresser stockholders
adopt the merger agreement, Dresser stockholders should be aware that a number
of Dresser's officers and directors have interests in the merger that are
different from other Dresser stockholders.
 
  Dresser has entered into change of control severance agreements with 35
executives and key employees. Pursuant to these severance agreements, each such
executive and key employee will be entitled to certain benefits if a change of
control (as defined in the agreements) occurs and, within the three year period
thereafter, either the employment of such executive or key employee is
terminated other than for cause or such executive or key employee resigns from
employment for good reason (as defined
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
in the agreements). Among the benefits provided is a payment equal to one to
three times (depending on the length of the period between the change in
control and termination of employment) the annual base salary plus the annual
bonus to be paid to such executive or key employee.
 
  Pursuant to the merger agreement, Halliburton has entered into employment
contracts, which will become effective at the effective time of the merger,
with Mr. Bradford, who will become Chairman of the Board of Halliburton, and
Mr. Vaughn, who will become Vice Chairman of Halliburton. Each of them will
also be appointed to Halliburton's Executive Committee.
 
  Under the terms of Dresser's restricted stock plans, all restrictions on
outstanding Dresser restricted stock issued pursuant to the plans will lapse
on consummation of the merger.
 
                      CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER (PAGE 47)
 
  Halliburton and Dresser will not complete the merger unless a number of
conditions are satisfied or, if permitted, waived by them. These include:
 
  .  the adoption of the merger agreement by the stockholders of Dresser;
 
  .  the approval of the charter amendment and the share issuance by the
     stockholders of Halliburton;
 
  .  the absence of any law, regulation or order making the merger illegal or
     prohibiting the merger;
 
  .  the receipt of necessary approvals from U.S. and foreign governmental
     authorities; and
 
  .  the receipt of opinions from the companies' independent accountants that
     the merger may be accounted for as a pooling of interests.
 
                       GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS (PAGE 45)
 
  On March 16, 1998, Halliburton and Dresser each filed under the Hart-Scott-
Rodino Antitrust Improve-ments Act of 1976 a premerger notification with the
Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission in respect of the
merger. The Department of Justice issued a Request for Additional Information
and Documents to the parties on April 15, 1998. Halliburton has offered to
divest its 36% interest in M-I, L.L.C. to resolve one of the Justice
Department's antitrust concerns; there are additional areas that are still
under investigation. The parties may not close the transaction until the
statutory waiting period expires or is terminated by the Department of
Justice. On April 23, 1998, the parties filed a premerger notification with
the European Commission under the European Commission's Merger Regulation. On
May 7, 1998, the parties filed a premerger notification with the Canadian
Director of Investigations and Research under Canada's Competition Act. The
waiting periods applicable to these laws must be observed before the Merger
may be completed. In addition, Halliburton will be required to file a
premerger notice with the Foreign Investment Review Board under the Australian
Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975, the law regulating foreign
investment in Australia. Approval of the proposed merger by the Foreign
Investment Review Board or expiration of the waiting period is required under
that Act before the merger can be consummated. The parties may have to make
additional filings with other countries prior to consummation of the merger,
but no other approvals of governmental authorities and no other waiting
periods must be observed to permit consummation of the merger.
 
                           NO SOLICITATION (PAGE 49)
 
  Halliburton and Dresser have each agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not
to initiate or engage in any discussions with another party regarding a
business combination with such other party while the merger is pending.
 
                 TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT (PAGE 50)
 
  Halliburton and Dresser mutually can agree to terminate the merger agreement
at any time, whether before or after the receipt of stockholder approval,
without completing the merger. In addition, either company can terminate the
merger agreement if:
 
  .  the merger is not completed before December 31, 1998, although this
     deadline may be extended to March 31, 1999 if the completion of the
     merger is delayed only because certain governmental approvals have not
     been received;
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
 
  .  a governmental authority prohibits the merger;
 
  .  the stockholders of Dresser do not adopt the merger agreement;
 
  .  the stockholders of Halliburton do not approve the charter amendment and
     the share issuance;
 
  .  if the other party materially breaches or fails to comply with any of
     its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in
     the merger agreement;
 
  .  if the Board of Directors of either party determines, under certain
     circumstances and before the special meeting of its stockholders, that
     the Board's fiduciary duties require termination in order to accept an
     offer from a third party to enter into a significant transaction; or
 
  .  if the Board of Directors of the other party withdraws or modifies its
     recommendation to its stockholders described above.
 
                          TERMINATION FEES (PAGE 51)
 
  The merger agreement requires Halliburton or Dresser to pay the other
certain fees if the merger agreement is terminated under the following
circumstances: (i) $50 million if the agreement is terminated because its
Board withdraws or modifies its recommendation to its stockholders as
described above or (ii) $175 million if the merger agreement is terminated
upon the occurrence of certain of the events described under the caption
"Termination of the Merger Agreement" above and within 12 months of such
termination it enters into an agreement relating to another significant
transaction, which is subsequently completed.
 
                       STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS (PAGE 54)
 
  Each of Halliburton and Dresser granted to the other an option to purchase
up to 15% of its outstanding common stock at the time of exercise in
connection with the merger agreement. The per share exercise price of the
options is the lesser of $44.00 and the closing price of Dresser common stock
or Halliburton common stock, as applicable, on the date of exercise. The
options are only exercisable upon the occurrence of certain of the events
described under the caption "Termination of the Merger Agreement" above. The
option holder has the right under certain circumstances to require the grantor
to repurchase all or any portion of the option and any shares purchased by the
holder pursuant thereto and the grantor of the options has the right under
certain circumstances to repurchase all (but not less than all) of the shares,
if any, purchased by the holder of the option, in each case at prices set
forth in the options. The total profit under each of the options is limited to
$225 million less any termination fees paid to the holder of the option.
 
              MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES (PAGE 43)
 
  The merger has been structured so that none of Halliburton, Dresser,
Halliburton stockholders or Dresser stockholders will recognize any gain or
loss for federal income tax purposes in connection with the merger. The merger
is conditioned upon the receipt of legal opinions that this is the case.
 
  TAX MATTERS CAN BE COMPLICATED AND THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO YOU
WILL DEPEND ON THE FACTS OF YOUR OWN SITUATION. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN
TAX ADVISORS TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO YOU.
 
                  ANTICIPATED ACCOUNTING TREATMENT (PAGE 44)
 
  The merger is expected to be accounted for as a "pooling of interests" for
financial accounting purposes.
 
                              NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS
 
  Neither Halliburton's nor Dresser's stockholders are entitled to any
appraisal or dissenter's rights in connection with the merger.
 
     COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF DRESSER AND HALLIBURTON STOCKHOLDERS (PAGE 67)
 
  In the merger, if you are a Dresser stockholder, you will receive shares of
Halliburton common stock and become a Halliburton stockholder. There are
various differences between the rights of Dresser stockholders and the rights
of Halliburton stockholders. If you are a Halliburton stockholder, there will
be no change in your rights as a Halliburton stockholder after the merger.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
                         MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND DATA
 
  MARKET PRICES. The Halliburton common stock is listed for trading on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HAL." The Dresser common stock is listed
for trading on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange under the
symbol "DI." The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the
range of high and low per share sales prices for Halliburton common stock and
Dresser common stock, as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape, and dividends
paid per share. Share prices and dividends for the Halliburton common stock
have been restated to adjust for the two-for-one stock split effected on July
21, 1997. The exchange ratio for the merger is one share of Halliburton common
stock for each share of outstanding Dresser common stock.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        HALLIBURTON              DRESSER
                                   ---------------------- ----------------------
                                    HIGH   LOW   DIVIDEND  HIGH   LOW   DIVIDEND
                                   ------ ------ -------- ------ ------ --------
<S>                                <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>
1996(1)
 First Quarter.................... $29.63 $22.38  $0.125  $31.00 $23.25  $0.17
 Second Quarter...................  29.69  24.75   0.125   32.88  27.00   0.17
 Third Quarter....................  28.81  24.75   0.125   30.88  26.13   0.17
 Fourth Quarter...................  31.81  25.63   0.125   34.38  29.63   0.17
1997(1)
 First Quarter.................... $37.25 $29.69  $0.125  $36.25 $29.88  $0.17
 Second Quarter...................  41.94  31.63   0.125   37.44  27.75   0.17
 Third Quarter....................  52.94  39.25   0.125   44.94  37.63   0.19
 Fourth Quarter...................  63.25  45.69   0.125   46.13  36.00   0.19
1998(1)
 First Quarter.................... $53.88 $40.75  $0.125  $51.50 $34.63  $0.19
 Second Quarter (through May 1)...  57.25  48.75           55.06  47.06    (2)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Share prices and dividends are for calendar quarters. Halliburton's fiscal
    year ends on December 31, and Dresser's fiscal year ends on October 31.
(2) On May 6, 1998, the Board of Directors of Dresser declared a cash dividend
    of $0.19 per share of Dresser Common Stock, payable June 22, 1998 to
    stockholders of record at the close of business on June 1, 1998.
 
  On February 25, 1998, the last trading day prior to the date of the joint
announcement by Halliburton and Dresser that they had entered into the merger
agreement, the closing per share sales prices of Halliburton common stock and
Dresser common stock, as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape, were $44.00 and
$38.69, respectively. On May 1, 1998, the closing prices of Halliburton common
stock and Dresser common stock, as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape, were
$57.00 and $54.94, respectively. Stockholders are urged to obtain current
market quotations.
 
  Following the merger, Halliburton common stock will continue to be traded on
the New York Stock Exchange, Dresser common stock will cease to be traded on
the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange and there will be no
further market for the Dresser common stock.
 
  The Board of Directors of Halliburton intends to continue to consider the
payment of quarterly dividends on the outstanding shares of Halliburton common
stock. The declaration and payment of future dividends, however, will be at the
discretion of the Board of Directors of Halliburton and will depend upon, among
other things, future earnings of Halliburton, its general financial condition,
the success of its business activities, its capital requirements and general
business conditions.
 
  Pending consummation of the merger and if the merger should not be
consummated, the Board of Directors of Dresser intends to continue to consider
the payment of quarterly dividends on the outstanding shares of Dresser common
stock. The declaration and payment of such future dividends, however, will be
at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Dresser and will depend upon,
among other things, future earnings of Dresser, its general financial
condition, the success of its business activities, its capital requirements and
general business conditions. The merger agreement prohibits Dresser from
declaring or paying any dividends on shares of Dresser common stock other than
regular quarterly cash dividends in amounts per share not to exceed $0.19.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
       HALLIBURTON SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  The following selected historical consolidated financial information for each
of the years ended December 31, 1993 through 1997 has been derived from
Halliburton's Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants. The selected historical
consolidated financial information as of and for the three months ended March
31, 1997 and 1998 has been derived from the unaudited consolidated financial
statements of Halliburton, has been prepared on the same basis as the other
financial statements of Halliburton and, in the opinion of Halliburton,
reflects and includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and
results of operations of Halliburton for such periods. The information set
forth below, with respect to the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995 through
1997, is qualified by reference to and should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Halliburton's
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1997 and, with
respect to the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1998, the unaudited
consolidated financial statements and related notes included in its Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, each of which is
incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          THREE MONTHS
                                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,             ENDED MARCH 31,
                          --------------------------------------------- -----------------
                            1993      1994     1995     1996     1997     1997     1998
                          --------  -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
                                       (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
CONSOLIDATED INCOME
 STATEMENT DATA:
Total revenues..........  $6,224.7  $5,661.1 $5,882.9 $7,385.1 $8,818.6 $1,897.5 $2,355.3
                          ========  ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Income (loss) from
 continuing operations..  $ (127.9) $  175.4 $  249.2 $  300.4 $  454.4 $   83.0 $  117.8
                          ========  ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Income (loss) per share
 from continuing
 operations:
  basic.................  $  (0.53) $   0.71 $   1.00 $   1.20 $   1.78 $   0.33 $   0.45
  diluted...............     (0.53)     0.71     1.00     1.19     1.75     0.32     0.44
Cash dividends per
 share..................      0.50      0.50     0.50     0.50     0.50    0.125    0.125
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
 SHEET DATA:
Total assets............  $4,318.6  $4,197.4 $3,862.0 $4,436.6 $5,603.0 $4,480.7 $5,804.5
Long-term debt
 (including current
 maturities)............     637.4     655.7    205.2    200.1    546.0    381.4    546.4
Shareholders' equity....   2,023.5   2,090.2  1,920.2  2,159.2  2,584.7  2,248.7  2,688.9
</TABLE>
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
         DRESSER SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  The following selected historical consolidated financial information for each
of the years ended October 31, 1993 through 1997 has been derived from
Dresser's Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been audited by Price
Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants. The selected historical consolidated
financial information as of and for the three months ended January 31, 1997 and
1998 has been derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of
Dresser, has been prepared on the same basis as the other financial statements
of Dresser and, in the opinion of Dresser, reflects and includes all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a
fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations of
Dresser for such periods. The information set forth below, with respect to the
fiscal years ended October 31, 1995 through 1997, is qualified by reference to
and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements
and related notes included in Dresser's Annual Report on Form 10-K (as amended
by Form 10-K/A) for the year ended October 31, 1997 and, with respect to the
three months ended January 31, 1997 and 1998, the unaudited consolidated
financial statements and related notes included in its Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q (as amended by Form 10-Q/A) for the quarter ended January 31, 1998, each
of which is incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                    YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,                 JANUARY 31,
                         --------------------------------------------- -------------------
                           1993     1994      1995     1996     1997     1997      1998
                         -------- --------  -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
                                       (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
CONSOLIDATED INCOME
 STATEMENT DATA:
Total revenues.......... $5,202.3 $5,330.7  $5,628.7 $6,561.5 $7,457.9 $ 1,704.5 $ 1,736.2
                         ======== ========  ======== ======== ======== ========= =========
Income from continuing
 operations before
 accounting change...... $  133.6 $  361.8* $  213.1 $  257.5 $  318.0 $    52.1 $    62.1
                         ======== ========  ======== ======== ======== ========= =========
Income per share from
 continuing operations
 before accounting
 change:
  basic**............... $   0.74 $   1.98* $   1.17 $   1.44 $   1.81 $    0.30 $    0.35
  diluted**.............     0.74     1.98*     1.17     1.43     1.80      0.30      0.35
Cash dividend per
 share..................     0.60     0.66      0.68     0.68     0.70      0.17      0.19
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
 SHEET DATA:
Total assets............ $4,445.6 $4,323.6  $4,707.4 $5,150.2 $5,098.8 $ 5,068.9 $ 5,051.8
Long-term debt
 (including current
 maturities)............    509.0    464.1     461.6    757.9    758.3     762.0     758.1
Stockholders' equity....  1,272.2  1,632.3   1,656.8  1,582.2  1,732.2   1,580.4   1,675.2
</TABLE>
- --------
 * Includes $146.5 million or $0.80 per share from the sale of Dresser's
   interest in Western Atlas International, Inc.
** Dresser adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128,
   "Earnings Per Share" for the quarter ended January 31, 1998 and has
   recalculated earnings per share for all periods presented.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
          SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  The following selected unaudited pro forma combined financial information has
been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Pro
Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements and notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The following selected
unaudited pro forma combined financial information is based on adjustments to
the historical consolidated balance sheets and related historical consolidated
statements of income of Halliburton and Dresser to give effect to the merger
using the pooling of interests method of accounting for business combinations.
Dresser's October 31 fiscal year end consolidated financial statements have
been combined with Halliburton's December 31 fiscal year end consolidated
financial statements. Dresser's unaudited consolidated financial statements for
the three months ended January 31 have been combined with Halliburton's
unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March
31. The following selected unaudited pro forma combined financial information
may not necessarily reflect the financial condition or results of operations of
Halliburton that would have actually resulted had the merger occurred as of the
date and for the periods indicated or reflect the future earnings of
Halliburton.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,        MARCH 31,
                               ----------------------------- ------------------
                                 1995      1996      1997      1997     1998
                               --------- --------- --------- -------- ---------
                                     (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                            <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
COMBINED INCOME STATEMENT
 DATA:
Total revenues...............  $11,511.6 $13,946.6 $16,276.5 $3,602.0 $ 4,091.5
                               ========= ========= ========= ======== =========
Income from continuing
 operations before accounting
 change......................  $   462.3 $   557.9 $   772.4 $  135.1 $   179.9
                               ========= ========= ========= ======== =========
Income per share from
 continuing operations before
 accounting change:
  basic......................  $    1.07 $    1.30 $    1.79 $   0.32 $    0.41
  diluted....................       1.07      1.29      1.77     0.31      0.41
Cash dividends per share.....       0.50      0.50      0.50    0.125     0.125
<CAPTION>
                                                                        AS OF
                                                                      MARCH 31,
                                                                        1998
                                                                      ---------
                                                                         (IN
                                                                      MILLIONS)
<S>                            <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
COMBINED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets.................                                         $10,856.3
Long-term debt (including
 current maturities).........                                           1,304.5
Shareholders' equity.........                                           4,304.1
</TABLE>
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                           COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
 
  Set forth below are the income from continuing operations, cash dividends and
book value per common share data for Halliburton and Dresser on an historical
basis and a pro forma basis. The Halliburton pro forma data was derived by
combining historical consolidated financial information of Halliburton and
Dresser using the pooling of interests method of accounting for business
combinations, all on the basis described under "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Combined Financial Statements". The exchange ratio for this business
combination is one share of Halliburton common stock for each share of Dresser
common stock, therefore, the equivalent pro forma basis for Dresser is the same
as the Halliburton pro forma basis.
 
  The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with the
respective audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and related
notes of Halliburton and Dresser incorporated by reference into this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The unaudited pro forma data set forth below may
not necessarily reflect the financial condition or results of operations of
Halliburton that would have actually resulted had the merger occurred as of the
date and for the periods indicated or reflect the future earnings of
Halliburton.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          THREE MONTHS
                                                             ENDED
                                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,   MARCH 31,
                               -------------------------- ------------
                                 1995     1996     1997       1998
                               -------- -------- -------- ------------
<S>                            <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>          <C> <C>
HALLIBURTON HISTORICAL PER
 COMMON SHARE DATA*:
  Income from continuing
   operations (basic).........    $1.00    $1.20 $   1.78    $ 0.45
  Income from continuing
   operations (diluted).......     1.00     1.19     1.75      0.44
  Cash dividends..............     0.50     0.50     0.50     0.125
  Book value..................                       9.85     10.23
HALLIBURTON PRO FORMA PER
 COMMON SHARE DATA*:
  Income from continuing
   operations (basic).........    $1.07    $1.30    $1.79    $ 0.41
  Income from continuing
   operations (diluted).......     1.07     1.29     1.77      0.41
  Cash dividends..............     0.50     0.50     0.50     0.125
  Book value..................                       9.86      9.95
<CAPTION>
                                                           THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,       JANUARY 31,
                               -------------------------- --------------------
                                 1995     1996     1997       1998
                               -------- -------- -------- ------------
<S>                            <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>          <C> <C>
DRESSER HISTORICAL PER COMMON
 SHARE DATA:
  Income from continuing
   operations (basic).........    $1.17    $1.44    $1.81    $ 0.35
  Income from continuing
   operations (diluted).......     1.17     1.43     1.80      0.35
  Cash dividends..............     0.68     0.68     0.70      0.19
  Book value..................                       9.86      9.55
<CAPTION>
                                                          THREE MONTHS
                                                             ENDED
                                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,   MARCH 31,
                               -------------------------- ------------
                                 1995     1996     1997       1998
                               -------- -------- -------- ------------
<S>                            <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>          <C> <C>
DRESSER EQUIVALENT PRO FORMA
 PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
  Income from continuing
   operations (basic).........    $1.07    $1.30    $1.79    $ 0.41
  Income from continuing
   operations (diluted).......     1.07     1.29     1.77      0.41
  Cash dividends..............     0.50     0.50     0.50     0.125
  Book value..................                       9.86      9.95
</TABLE>
- --------
* Adjusted for the two-for-one stock split effected on July 21, 1997.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
          CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
  Certain of the information relating to Halliburton contained in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus is forward-looking in nature. Such forward-looking
information constitutes estimates reflecting Halliburton's best judgment based
on current information and involves a number of risks and uncertainties, and
there can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the accuracy of
such forward-looking information. While it is impossible to identify all such
factors, those that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
estimated by Halliburton include: unsettled political conditions, war, civil
unrest, currency controls and governmental actions in over 100 countries of
operation; trade restrictions and economic embargoes imposed by the United
States and other countries; environmental laws, including those that require
emission performance standards for new and existing facilities; the magnitude
of governmental spending for military and logistical support of the type
provided by Halliburton; operations in countries with significant amounts of
political risk, including, without limitation, Algeria and Nigeria;
technological and structural changes in the industries served by Halliburton;
computer software and hardware used by governmental entities, service
providers, vendors, customers and Halliburton which may be impacted by the
Year 2000 issue; integration of acquired businesses into Halliburton; changes
in the price of oil and natural gas; changes in the price of commodity
chemicals used by Halliburton; changes in capital spending by customers in the
hydrocarbon industry for exploration, development, production, processing,
refining and pipeline delivery networks; increased competition in the hiring
and retention of employees; changes in capital spending by customers in the
wood pulp and paper industries for plants and equipment; and changes in
capital spending by governments for infrastructure. In addition, future trends
for pricing, margins, revenues and profitability remain difficult to predict
in the industries served by Halliburton.
 
  Similarly, certain of the information in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus relating to Dresser is forward-looking in nature and
involves risks and uncertainties that may impact Dresser's results of
operations. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements
concerning Dresser's general business strategies, financing decisions,
corporate structure, backlog, operating trends, industry trends, cost
reduction strategies and their results, expectations for funding capital
expenditures and operations in future periods. Dresser also continues to face
many risks and uncertainties including litigation, environmental laws,
operations in high risk countries, technological and structural changes in the
industries served by Dresser, changes in the price of oil and natural gas,
changes in capital spending by customers in the hydrocarbon industry for
exploration, development, production, processing and refining and pipeline
delivery networks. The risks and uncertainties inherent in these forward-
looking statements could cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed in or implied by these statements.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                                 THE COMPANIES
 
HALLIBURTON
 
  Halliburton, together with its subsidiaries, is one of the world's largest
diversified energy services and engineering and construction services
companies. Halliburton's predecessor was established in 1919, incorporated in
Delaware in 1924 and reorganized under the laws of the State of Delaware in
1996.
 
  DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND PRODUCTS. The energy group business segment
("Energy Group") offers a wide range of services and products to provide both
discrete services and products and integrated solutions to customers in the
exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas. The Energy
Group operates worldwide, serving major oil companies, independent operators
and national oil companies. This segment includes: Halliburton Energy
Services, which offers pressure pumping equipment and services, logging and
perforating products and services, drilling systems and services, specialized
completion and production equipment and services and well control products and
services; Brown & Root Energy Services, which provides upstream oil and gas
engineering, procurement and construction, project management and production
services, subsea construction, fabrication and installation of onshore and
offshore pipelines, offshore and production platforms, marine engineering and
other marine related projects; Landmark Graphics Corporation, which provides
integrated exploration and production information systems and professional
services; and Halliburton Energy Development, which creates business
opportunities for the development, production and operation of oil and gas
fields in conjunction with Halliburton's customers.
 
  The engineering and construction group ("Engineering and Construction
Group") provides: conceptual design, process design, detailed engineering,
procurement, project and construction management; construction of chemical and
petrochemical plants, refineries, pulp and paper mills, metal processing
plants, highways and bridges, airports, water and wastewater systems;
technical and economic feasibility studies; site evaluation; repair and
refitting of submarines and surface ships; and operations and maintenance
services and engineering and wastewater management services for commercial
industry, utilities and government customers. Halliburton plans to exit
certain highway and paving activities over time. On December 31, 1997,
Halliburton sold its environmental business which performed environmental
remediation and related consulting, engineering, design and construction.
 
  MARKETS AND COMPETITION. Halliburton is one of the world's largest
diversified energy services and engineering and construction services
companies. Halliburton's services and products are sold in highly competitive
markets throughout the world. Competitive factors impacting sales of
Halliburton's services and products are: price, service (including the ability
to deliver services and products on an "as needed, where needed" basis),
product quality, warranty and technical proficiency. A growing number of
customers are now indicating a preference for integrated services and
solutions. These integrated solutions, in the case of the Energy Group, relate
to all phases of exploration, development and production of oil and gas, and,
in the case of the Engineering and Construction Group, relate to all phases of
design, procurement, construction, project management and maintenance of a
facility. Demand for these types of integrated solutions is based primarily
upon quality of service, technical proficiency and value created.
 
  Halliburton conducts business worldwide in over 100 countries. Since markets
for Halliburton's services and products are so large and cross many geographic
lines, a meaningful estimate of the number of competitors cannot be made. The
markets are, however, highly competitive with many substantial companies
operating in each market. Generally, Halliburton's services and products are
marketed through its own servicing and sales organizations. A small percentage
of sales of the Energy Group's products is made by supply stores and third-
party representatives.
 
  Operations in some countries may be adversely affected by unsettled
political conditions, expropriation or other governmental actions, and
exchange control and currency problems. Halliburton believes the geographic
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
diversification of its business activities reduces the risk that loss of its
operations in any one country would be material to the conduct of its
operations taken as a whole.
 
MERGER SUB
 
  Halliburton N.C., Inc. ("Merger Sub") is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Halliburton incorporated on December 15, 1997 in the State of Delaware. Merger
Sub has conducted no operations other than those related to the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
 
DRESSER
 
  Dresser is a supplier of highly engineered products, technical services and
project management for hydrocarbon energy-related activities that are
primarily utilized in: oil and gas drilling, production and transmission; gas
distribution; power generation; gas processing; petroleum refining and
marketing; and petrochemical production. Dresser was incorporated under the
laws of the State of Delaware in 1956 as a successor to a Pennsylvania
corporation organized in 1938 by the consolidation of S. R. Dresser
Manufacturing Company and Clark Bros. Company, both of which were carrying on
businesses founded in 1880.
 
  Dresser's operations are divided into three industry segments: Petroleum
Products and Services; Engineering Services; and Energy Equipment.
 
  Dresser's Petroleum Products and Services segment supplies products,
services and project management for oil and gas exploration, drilling,
production and transmission activities, both onshore and offshore. Its
products and services include project management and integrated well services,
drilling fluids systems, drill bits, measurement-while-drilling services,
directional drilling services, completion and production tools, production
valves and pumps, meters and measuring equipment, engineering, procurement,
installation and construction contractor services for subsea and onshore
projects, remotely operated vehicles, seabed equipment, flexible flowlines,
riser systems and pipe coating. Demand for these products and services is
directly affected by energy prices and drilling activities.
 
  The Engineering Services segment specializes in engineering, procurement,
construction and project management for a comprehensive range of oil and gas
facilities from offshore production through downstream processing.
 
  Dresser's Energy Equipment segment designs, manufactures and markets highly
engineered products and systems for oil and gas producers, transporters,
processors, distributors and users throughout the world. Products and systems
of this segment include compressors, turbines, generators, electric motors,
pumps, engines and power systems, valves and controls, instruments, meters and
pipe couplings, blowers and gasoline dispensing systems. Demand for these
products is directly affected by global economic activity, which influences
demand for transportation fuels, petrochemicals, plastics, fertilizers,
chemicals and by-products of oil and gas.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                             THE SPECIAL MEETINGS
 
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF THE MEETINGS; PURPOSES OF THE MEETINGS
 
  HALLIBURTON. The Special Meeting of Stockholders of Halliburton (the
"Halliburton Special Meeting") will be held on Thursday, June 25, 1998, at The
Plaza Ballroom, Le Meridien Dallas Hotel, Dallas, Texas commencing at 9:00
a.m. local time. At the meeting, holders of Halliburton common stock, par
value $2.50 per share ("Halliburton Common Stock"), will be asked (i) to
approve an amendment to Halliburton's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
(the "Halliburton Charter") to increase the authorized number of shares of
Halliburton Common Stock from 400,000,000 shares to 600,000,000 shares (the
"Charter Amendment"), (ii) subject to approval of the Charter Amendment, to
approve the issuance of Halliburton Common Stock pursuant to an Agreement and
Plan of Merger, dated as of February 25, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement") among
Halliburton, Merger Sub and Dresser (the "Share Issuance"), (iii) to elect ten
directors of Halliburton to serve until their successors shall be elected and
qualified, (iv) to ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as
independent accountants to examine the financial statements and books and
records of Halliburton for 1998 and (v) to consider such other matters
incident to the conduct of the meeting as may properly be brought before the
meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Pursuant to the Merger
Agreement, Merger Sub would be merged with and into Dresser (the "Merger"),
Dresser would become a wholly owned subsidiary of Halliburton and, among other
things, each share of Dresser common stock, par value $.25 per share ("Dresser
Common Stock") outstanding at the effective time of the Merger (the "Effective
Time") would be converted into one share of Halliburton Common Stock (the
"Exchange Ratio").
 
  Charter Amendment. The Charter Amendment increasing the authorized number of
shares of Halliburton Common Stock from 400,000,000 shares to 600,000,000
shares will enable Halliburton to have a sufficient number of authorized
shares for the Share Issuance. If the Merger is consummated, Halliburton
estimates that up to 177,752,928 shares of Halliburton Common Stock would be
required for issuance in connection with the Merger (including the shares of
Halliburton Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options to purchase Dresser
Common Stock ("Dresser Options") prior to the Effective Time and any shares of
Halliburton Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of Dresser Common
Stock issued prior to the Effective Time as permitted under the Merger
Agreement pursuant to the terms of Dresser's employee benefit plans ("Dresser
Benefit Plan Stock").
 
  While Halliburton has no present intention of issuing any of the shares
sought to be authorized that are not required to be issued in connection with
the Merger, Halliburton believes that the availability of additional
authorized shares would provide it with the ability to respond to future
business needs and opportunities. The additional authorized shares would be
available for issuance by Halliburton from time to time after the Effective
Time without further action or authorization by stockholders (except as
required by law or by a national securities exchange) in connection with
possible financing activities, acquisitions of assets and other companies or
for other corporate purposes as determined by Halliburton's Board of
Directors. Such financing activities might include raising additional capital
funds through offerings of shares of Halliburton Common Stock or of equity or
debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Halliburton
Common Stock. Such other corporate purpose might include the issuance of
shares of Halliburton Common Stock in connection with the employee benefit
plans and executive compensation plans of Halliburton and its subsidiaries. If
such additional authorized shares are issued to other than existing holders of
Halliburton Common Stock, the percentage interest of existing holders in
Halliburton would be reduced. Although the existence or issuance of authorized
but unissued shares of Halliburton capital stock could, under certain
circumstances, have an anti-takeover effect, Halliburton has no present
intention to issue such shares for anti-takeover purposes.
 
  Shares Issuance. Approval of the Share Issuance by the holders of shares of
Halliburton Common Stock is required by the New York Stock Exchange (the
"NYSE") because the number of shares of Halliburton Common Stock to be issued
in the Merger will exceed 20% of the shares of Halliburton Common Stock
outstanding immediately prior to the Share Issuance.
 
  The number of shares of Halliburton Common Stock currently authorized by the
Halliburton Charter but unissued (130,562,336) is insufficient to issue the
number of shares of Halliburton Common Stock required to consummate the Merger
upon conversion of shares of Dresser Common Stock outstanding at the Effective
Time
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
(175,749,713 as of the Dresser Record Date plus shares of Dresser Common Stock
issued prior to the Effective Time upon exercise of Dresser Options plus any
shares of Dresser Benefit Plan Stock issued prior to the Effective Time) and
issuable upon exercise of Dresser Options assumed by Halliburton at the
Effective Time. The Charter Amendment, if approved, will provide the necessary
additional authorized Halliburton Common Stock. If the Charter Amendment is
not approved, the Share Issuance cannot be effected and consequently the
Merger will not be consummated. The Share Issuance will not be effected unless
the Merger is consummated. Halliburton may elect to not effect the Charter
Amendment if the Merger is not consummated.
 
  DRESSER. The Special Meeting of Stockholders of Dresser (the "Dresser
Special Meeting") will be held on Thursday, June 25, 1998, at The Horchow
Auditorium of the Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 North Harwood Street, Dallas,
Texas commencing 9:00 a.m. local time. At the meeting, holders of Dresser
Common Stock will be asked (i) to adopt the Merger Agreement and (ii) to
consider such other matters incident to the conduct of the meeting as may
properly be brought before the meeting.
 
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
 
  HALLIBURTON. Only holders of record of Halliburton Common Stock at the close
of business on May 15, 1998 (the "Halliburton Record Date") are entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the Halliburton Special Meeting. On the Halliburton
Record Date, there were approximately 14,440 holders of record of the
263,003,842 shares of Halliburton Common Stock then issued and outstanding.
Each share of Halliburton Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote
on each matter submitted for stockholder approval. See "The Halliburton
Special Meeting--Additional Matters--Security Ownership by Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management of Halliburton" for information regarding persons known
to the management of Halliburton to be the beneficial owners of more than 5%
of the outstanding Halliburton Common Stock.
 
  DRESSER. Only holders of record of Dresser Common Stock at the close of
business on May 15, 1998 (the "Dresser Record Date") are entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the Dresser Special Meeting. On the Dresser Record Date,
there were approximately 18,008 holders of record of the 175,749,713 shares of
Dresser Common Stock then issued and outstanding. Each share of Dresser Common
Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on each matter submitted for
stockholder approval. See "Security Ownership by Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management of Dresser" for information regarding persons known to the
management of Dresser to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the
outstanding Dresser Common Stock.
 
VOTING AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
 
  All properly executed proxies that are not revoked will be voted at the
Halliburton Special Meeting or the Dresser Special Meeting, as applicable, in
accordance with the instructions contained therein.
 
  If a holder of Halliburton Common Stock executes and returns a proxy and
does not specify otherwise, the shares represented by such proxy will be voted
"for" (i) approval of the Charter Amendment, (ii) approval of the Share
Issuance, (iii) the election of the ten nominees for director to serve until
their successors are elected and qualified and (iv) ratification of the
selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent accountants to examine the
financial statements and books and records of Halliburton for 1998; each in
accordance with the recommendation of the Board of Directors of Halliburton.
 
  THE HALLIBURTON BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE HOLDERS OF THE
HALLIBURTON COMMON STOCK VOTE (I) FOR APPROVAL OF THE CHARTER AMENDMENT, (II)
FOR APPROVAL OF THE SHARE ISSUANCE, (III) FOR THE ELECTION OF THE TEN NOMINEES
FOR DIRECTOR TO SERVE UNTIL THEIR SUCCESSORS ARE ELECTED AND QUALIFIED AND
(IV) FOR RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AS INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS OF HALLIBURTON FOR 1998.
 
  If a holder of Dresser Common Stock executes and returns a proxy and does
not specify otherwise, the shares represented by such proxy will be voted
"for" adoption of the Merger Agreement in accordance with the recommendation
of the Board of Directors of Dresser.
 
  THE DRESSER BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE HOLDERS OF DRESSER COMMON
STOCK VOTE FOR ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
  A stockholder of Halliburton or a stockholder of Dresser who has executed
and returned a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is voted at the
appropriate Special Meeting by (i) executing and returning a proxy bearing a
later date, (ii) filing written notice of such revocation with the Secretary
of Halliburton or Dresser, as appropriate, stating that the proxy is revoked
or (iii) attending the appropriate Special Meeting and voting in person. A
stockholder's attendance at a Special Meeting will not, by itself, revoke a
proxy. Any stockholder who has instructed a broker to vote his or her shares
must follow the procedure provided by the broker to revoke those instructions.
 
VOTES REQUIRED
 
  HALLIBURTON. Quorum. The presence, in person or by proxy, at the Halliburton
Special Meeting of the holders of a majority of the shares of Halliburton
Common Stock entitled to vote at the meeting will constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. On the Halliburton Record Date, there were
263,003,842 shares of Halliburton Common Stock entitled to vote at the
Halliburton Special Meeting. Under the applicable provisions of the Delaware
General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), as construed by the Delaware Supreme
Court, abstentions and broker-non-votes will be counted as shares present in
determining the presence of a quorum.
 
  Charter Amendment. Approval of the Charter Amendment will require, under the
applicable provisions of the DGCL, the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the shares of Halliburton Common Stock entitled to vote thereon.
In determining whether the Charter Amendment has received the requisite number
of affirmative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same
effect as a vote AGAINST the Charter Amendment.
 
  Share Issuance. The Share Issuance does not, under the DGCL, require
stockholder approval. The rules of the NYSE require, however, that the Share
Issuance be submitted to the stockholders of Halliburton and be approved by a
majority of the votes cast on the proposal, provided that the total number of
votes cast on the proposal represents over 50% of the shares of Halliburton
Common Stock entitled to vote on the proposal. In determining for this purpose
(i) the total number of votes cast on the proposal and (ii) whether the
proposal has been approved by a majority of the shares cast, abstentions will
be counted and will have the same effect as votes cast against the Share
Issuance and broker non-votes will not be counted.
 
  Although the Share Issuance is not required to be submitted for stockholder
approval under the DGCL, once the matter is so submitted the DGCL requires for
approval the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Halliburton
Common Stock present at the meeting in person or by proxy and entitled to
vote. In determining for this purpose the presence of a quorum, abstentions
and broker non-votes will, as indicated above, be counted. In determining
whether the proposal has received the affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares of Halliburton Common Stock present and entitled to vote thereon,
abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted.
 
  Halliburton intends to apply both the DGCL standard and the NYSE standard to
determine whether the Share Issuance has been approved by the stockholders.
 
  Election of Directors. A plurality of the votes cast is required to elect a
nominee to the Halliburton Board of Directors. Accordingly, abstentions and
broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the election of
directors assuming a quorum is present or represented at the meeting.
 
  Ratification of Auditors' Selection. The affirmative vote of the holders of
a majority of the shares of Halliburton Common Stock represented at the
Halliburton Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter is needed to
approve the proposal to ratify the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP. If the
stockholders do not ratify the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP, the selection
of independent accountants will be reconsidered by the Halliburton Board of
Directors.
 
  DRESSER. The presence, in person or by proxy, at the Dresser Special Meeting
of the holders of a majority of the shares of Dresser Common Stock entitled to
vote at the Dresser Special Meeting will constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. On the Dresser Record Date, there were 175,749,713
shares of Dresser Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Dresser
Special Meeting.
 
  Adoption of the Merger Agreement requires, under the DGCL, the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of
Dresser Common Stock entitled to vote thereon. In determining whether the
Merger Agreement has received the requisite number of affirmative votes,
abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST
the Merger Agreement.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
  GENERAL. Halliburton. Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Halliburton
Special Meeting will be counted by the persons appointed by Halliburton to act
as election inspectors for the meeting. The election inspectors will treat
shares referred to as "broker non-votes" (i.e. shares held in street name that
cannot be voted by a broker on certain matters in the absence of instructions
from the beneficial owner of the shares) as shares that are present and
entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. For
purposes of determining the outcome of any matter (other than the Share
Issuance) as to which the broker has indicated in writing on the proxy that it
does not have discretionary authority to vote, however, such shares will be
treated as not present and not entitled to vote with respect to that matter
(even though those shares may be entitled to vote on other matters). For
information as to the treatment of broker non-votes with respect to the Share
Issuance, see "--Votes Required--Halliburton."
 
  In accordance with Halliburton's confidential voting policy, no vote of any
stockholder, whether by proxy or in person, will be disclosed to the officers,
directors or employees of Halliburton, except (i) as necessary to meet
applicable legal requirements and to assert claims for and defend claims
against Halliburton, (ii) when disclosure is voluntarily made or requested by
the stockholder, (iii) when stockholders write comments on proxy cards or (iv)
in the event of a proxy solicitation not approved and recommended by the Board
of Directors of Halliburton. The proxy solicitor, the election inspectors and
the tabulators of all proxies, ballots and voting tabulations that identify
stockholders are independent and are not employees of Halliburton.
 
  Dresser. Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Dresser Special Meeting
will be counted by the persons appointed by Dresser to act as election
inspectors for the meeting. The election inspectors will treat broker non-
votes as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum. For purposes of determining the outcome
of any matter as to which the broker has indicated in writing on the proxy
that it does not have discretionary authority to vote, however, such shares
will be treated as not present and not entitled to vote with respect to that
matter (even though those shares may be entitled to vote on other matters).
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
 
  In addition to solicitation by mail, the directors, officers, employees and
agents of Halliburton and Dresser may solicit proxies from their respective
stockholders by personal interview, telephone, telegram or otherwise.
Halliburton and Dresser will each bear the costs of the solicitation of
proxies from their respective stockholders, except that Halliburton and
Dresser will each pay one-half of the cost of printing this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage firms and
other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries who hold of record voting
securities of Halliburton or Dresser for the forwarding of solicitation
materials to the beneficial owners thereof. Halliburton and Dresser will
reimburse such brokers, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection therewith.
Halliburton has engaged the services of Georgeson & Company Inc. to distribute
proxy solicitation materials to brokers, bank and other nominees and to assist
in the solicitation of proxies from Halliburton stockholders for a fee of
$12,000 plus reasonable out-of pocket expenses. Dresser has engaged the
services of D. F. King & Co., Inc. to distribute proxy solicitation materials
to brokers, banks and other nominees and to assist in the solicitation of
proxies from Dresser stockholders for a fee of $10,000 plus reasonable out-of-
pocket expenses.
 
OTHER MATTERS
 
  At the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Boards of
Directors of Halliburton and Dresser do not know of any business to be
presented at their respective Special Meetings other than as set forth in the
notices accompanying this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. If any other
matters should properly come before their respective Special Meetings, it is
intended that the shares represented by proxies will be voted with respect to
such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting such
proxies, provided that no proxy which is voted against the Charter Amendment
or the Share Issuance, in the case of the Halliburton Special Meeting, or
against the adoption of the Merger Agreement, in the case of the Dresser
Special Meeting, will be voted in favor of any adjournment or postponement of
the respective Special Meeting.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE MERGER
 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE MERGER
 
  The Merger Agreement provides for a "merger of equals" transaction involving
the merger of Merger Sub with and into Dresser, with Dresser surviving the
Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Halliburton. At the Effective Time,
each outstanding share of Dresser Common Stock (other than shares of Dresser
Common Stock held in the treasury of Dresser or owned by Halliburton or by any
direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Halliburton or of Dresser, which
shares shall be cancelled at the Effective Time) will be converted into one
share of Halliburton Common Stock.
 
  Based on the number of shares of Dresser Common Stock outstanding as of the
Dresser Record Date, 175,749,713 shares of Halliburton Common Stock will be
issuable pursuant to the Merger Agreement (assuming no exercise of Dresser
Options between the Dresser Record Date and the Effective Time and no issuance
prior to the Effective Time of shares of Dresser Benefit Plan Stock),
representing approximately 40.06% of the total number of shares of Halliburton
Common Stock to be outstanding after such issuance (based on the number of
shares of Halliburton Common Stock outstanding as of the Halliburton Record
Date).
 
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
 
  The predecessors of the current chief executive officers of Halliburton and
Dresser, from time to time, informally discussed a strategic business
combination of Halliburton and Dresser, but only on one occasion did the
discussions progress sufficiently to involve other members of the managements
of the two organizations. In 1994, the companies executed a confidentiality
agreement and proceeded to exchange information. They were, however, unable to
reach agreement on essential terms of a combination and, accordingly, the
discussions were discontinued.
 
  In the early summer of 1997, the senior management of Halliburton began to
examine the viability of a business combination with Dresser and reviewed
publicly available information as a basis for this examination.
 
  On August 25, 1997, Richard B. Cheney, the current Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Halliburton, met briefly with William E. Bradford, the
current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dresser, concerning
Halliburton's then pending acquisition of NUMAR Corporation and the then
existing technology development agreement between NUMAR and Dresser. The chief
executive officers did not discuss any combination of Halliburton and Dresser
at this meeting.
 
  On September 11, 1997, Mr. Cheney reported to the Management Oversight
Committee of the Board of Directors of Halliburton (a committee composed of
all the nonemployee directors of Halliburton) that the management of
Halliburton was studying the ramifications of a strategic business combination
with Dresser. He advised the Committee that the report was for information
purposes only and no recommendation was being offered and no action was
sought.
 
  On October 2, 1997, Mr. Cheney and Mr. Bradford met in Dallas in order to
get to know each other better and to discuss general industry conditions
affecting the business of Halliburton and Dresser. During the meeting, they
also discussed in general the history of relations between the companies. They
discussed in particular the 1994 conversations between their predecessors
regarding a strategic business combination of the companies. While neither of
them suggested a renewal of the earlier discussions, they did agree to
communicate from time to time with respect to areas of mutual interest.
 
  Later in the month, senior management of Halliburton continued the
examination of Dresser as a candidate for a strategic business combination
with Halliburton and at this time involved SBC Warburg Dillon Read Inc. ("SBC
Warburg Dillon Read") and Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs"), as well as
legal counsel, in the analysis. As of November 1, 1997, Halliburton entered
into engagement letters with SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs
regarding such a combination. Halliburton engaged both investment banks in
order to
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
obtain their advice and counsel concerning financial and strategic issues
relating to a potential merger. Two investment banks were consulted because in
the opinion of Halliburton management each investment bank had a different
perspective on the industries in which Halliburton and Dresser participate and
because the magnitude of such a potential transaction warranted seeking advice
from two highly respected and knowledgeable investment banks. This analysis
continued during November and December 1997 and early January 1998.
 
  At a meeting of the Board of Directors of Halliburton held on December 4,
1997, Mr. Cheney reported to the directors the progress of management's
continuing review of the effects of a strategic business combination with
Dresser. Again, no recommendation was offered and no action was sought.
 
  On January 17, 1998, during a customer's quail hunt in South Texas, Mr.
Cheney and Mr. Bradford met privately to discuss briefly the desirability of
initiating discussions between the companies regarding a strategic business
combination of the two companies. At that time, they agreed to discuss the
matter further in Dallas.
 
  Although Dresser continually evaluates and reviews its strategic
alternatives, during the period after Dresser was initially approached by
Halliburton, Dresser did not consider, nor receive any inquiries regarding, a
strategic combination alternative to the Merger.
 
  On January 27, 1998, Mr. Cheney met with Mr. Bradford in Dallas and
continued their prior discussion. At that time, Mr. Bradford clearly stated
that Dresser was not for sale, that Dresser had enjoyed considerable success
during the several preceding years and that Dresser was currently engaged in a
number of strategic initiatives to benefit Dresser in the future. Mr. Bradford
did, however, agree with Mr. Cheney that a business combination between the
companies would provide the combined company with a substantial ability to
offer an unique array of integrated services and products to the oil and gas
exploration and production industry.
 
  During this meeting, Mr. Cheney specifically proposed a merger of Dresser
with a subsidiary of Halliburton in which Dresser stockholders would receive
Halliburton Common Stock in a tax-free transaction. He further proposed that
the exchange ratio in the merger should be 0.95 of one share of Halliburton
Common Stock for each share of Dresser Common Stock. Mr. Bradford indicated
that he would expect an improved exchange ratio for the Dresser stockholders
but that he would seek advice from Dresser's financial advisors.
 
  The discussions also involved an exchange of views regarding the senior
executive team of the combined company. Mr. Cheney proposed that Mr. Bradford
should become Chairman of the Board of the combined company, that Donald C.
Vaughn, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dresser, should become
Vice Chairman of the combined company and that Mr. Cheney and David J. Lesar
would retain their current positions as the Chief Executive Officer and the
President and Chief Operating Officer, respectively. He further proposed that
these four officers should comprise a management executive committee of the
combined company. They also discussed the composition of the balance of the
senior executive team of the combined company, as well as the composition of
its board of directors. In the latter regard, Mr. Cheney proposed that the
number of directors of the combined company be increased and that four or five
of the current Dresser directors be added to the board of directors of the
combined company.
 
  Mr. Cheney and Mr. Bradford also discussed the organizational structure of
the combined company, the methods of integrating the operations and support
functions of the companies and the extension of Halliburton's concept of
shared services among support functions. In conclusion, they decided to expand
the discussions to include a small number of senior executives from each
company.
 
  The two chief executive officers conversed by telephone on January 31, 1998.
After reviewing their prior conversation, they confirmed that the chief
operating officers, the chief financial officers and the general counsels of
the two organizations should meet during the following week to examine a
possible combination of the two companies and to determine if there was a
basis for detailed merger negotiations. Mr. Bradford indicated that Dresser
had engaged Salomon Brothers Inc and Smith Barney Inc. (collectively doing
business as "Salomon Smith Barney") as its financial advisor with respect to
the matter. There was no discussion of the exchange ratio at this meeting.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
  Halliburton and Dresser executed a confidentiality agreement as of February
2, 1998.
 
  The chief operating officers, the chief financial officers and the general
counsels of Halliburton and Dresser met on February 3, 1998 to explore the
possibility of a strategic merger between Halliburton and Dresser and the
issues raised by such a transaction. At the conclusion of the meeting, the
executives determined to examine in greater detail the financial, operational
and legal issues relating to a strategic combination and that independent
legal counsel for each company should be consulted regarding the regulatory
aspects of such a combination.
 
  The senior executives of Dresser met on February 4, 1998 with
representatives of their financial advisor and their independent legal counsel
to discuss a strategic combination of Halliburton and Dresser and the issues
raised thereby.
 
  Meetings were held on February 5 and 6, 1998 involving the same group of
executives of Halliburton and Dresser as were present at the meeting on
February 3, 1998, together with representatives of their financial advisors
and their independent auditors. At these meetings, a wide range of topics was
discussed, including operational, financial and legal issues involved in the
proposed transaction. In addition, various members of each of these executive
teams engaged in due diligence inquiries with respect to the other
organization.
 
  The chief operating and chief financial officers of each company met on the
next day to discuss the organizational structure of the combined company.
 
  On February 9 and 10, 1998, the general counsels of both Halliburton and
Dresser met with representatives of their independent legal counsel in
Washington, D.C. to discuss antitrust and other regulatory issues involved in
the proposed combination.
 
  The following day, February 11, 1998, the chief executive and chief
operating officers of the two companies met to discuss the organizational
structure of the combined company and the integration of the two management
teams.
 
  Messrs. Cheney and Bradford met on the morning of February 13, 1998 to
discuss various issues relating to the proposed transaction; including
expected costs savings to be realized by the combined company.
 
  The chief operating and chief financial officers of the two companies met on
February 13 and 14, 1998 to discuss the management organization further. At
this time, they developed an organizational plan for review by the chief
executive officers.
 
  The chief executive and chief operating officers of Halliburton and Dresser
met on February 16, 1998 to discuss issues raised by the proposed transaction,
including the integration of the management teams. The two chief executive
officers met privately to discuss the exchange ratio, at which time Mr. Cheney
advised Mr. Bradford that the senior management of Halliburton would be
willing to recommend to the Halliburton Board of Directors an exchange ratio
of one share of Halliburton Common Stock for each share of Dresser Common
Stock. They further made plans to present the proposed transaction to their
respective boards of directors later that week.
 
  On February 18, 1998, the chief executive, operating and financial officers,
the controller and the general counsel of Dresser met in New York with
representatives of Dresser's financial and legal advisors to discuss
outstanding issues relating to the proposed business combination.
 
  At a meeting of the Halliburton Board of Directors held on February 19,
1998, the senior management of Halliburton presented the proposed transaction
to the directors. During the course of the extended presentation, both SBC
Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs made a joint presentation to the
Halliburton Board of Directors with respect to their analyses from a financial
viewpoint of the proposed transaction, which analyses is described in "Opinion
of Financial Advisors to Halliburton: SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman
Sachs--Analyses by SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs." The Board of
Directors took the matter under
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
advisement and, after extended discussion, authorized management of
Halliburton to proceed with negotiations of a definitive merger agreement, any
such agreement to be presented to the Board of Directors for its approval. Mr.
Cheney requested the members of the Board of Directors to be prepared to meet
again the following week.
 
  On February 20, 21 and 22, 1998, senior management of Halliburton and
Dresser and their financial and legal advisors met to negotiate the terms of a
definitive merger agreement.
 
  The entire Board of Directors of Dresser met on February 21, 1998 to
consider the merger transaction with Halliburton. At that meeting, the senior
management of Dresser made a presentation to the Dresser Board of Directors
regarding the terms of the proposed merger, including the strategic rationale
for the merger and the potential benefits of the merger to Dresser and its
stockholders. Salomon Smith Barney made a presentation to the Board of
Directors regarding the financial aspects of the proposed merger, including
its analysis regarding the fairness of the proposed exchange ratio from a
financial point of view. The general counsel of Dresser and representatives of
Dresser's independent legal counsel also advised the Dresser Board of
Directors concerning certain legal and regulatory matters and other legal
considerations (including the terms of the merger agreement) relating to the
proposed merger. The Dresser Board of Directors discussed and reviewed the
proposed merger transaction with Halliburton. The Dresser Board of Directors
took no formal action at this meeting, but authorized Dresser's management to
continue negotiating a definitive merger agreement with Halliburton.
 
  On February 23, 24 and 25, 1998, various members of senior management of
Halliburton and Dresser and their financial and legal advisors met with their
counterparts to negotiate and resolve numerous issues related to the proposed
transaction.
 
  The Board of Directors of Halliburton met on February 24, 1998 by conference
telephone to review the status of negotiations between the two companies and
received an extensive report from senior management of Halliburton in that
regard. The meeting adjourned without formal action.
 
  On the same day, the Board of Directors of Dresser met again by conference
telephone to discuss the status of the negotiations regarding the proposed
transaction with Halliburton and, after receiving a full report with respect
thereto, the meeting adjourned without formal action.
 
  On February 25, 1998, the Halliburton Board of Directors reconvened by
conference telephone and Mr. Cheney reviewed for the benefit of the directors
the status of the negotiations, advising the Board of Directors that all
significant issues had been resolved. The general counsel reviewed with the
Halliburton Board of Directors the terms and conditions of the proposed merger
agreement. Representatives of both SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs
rendered oral opinions to the Halliburton Board of Directors that the exchange
ratio of one share of Halliburton Common Stock for each share of Dresser
Common Stock was fair from a financial point of view to Halliburton. Mr.
Cheney recommended that the Halliburton Board of Directors approve the
proposed merger agreement. After further discussion, the Halliburton Board of
Directors unanimously approved the proposed merger agreement, both stock
option agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby and took certain
other actions designed to implement the execution and performance of the
merger agreement by Halliburton.
 
  On the same day, the entire Board of Directors of Dresser met again by
conference telephone. Dresser's general counsel and representatives of
Dresser's independent legal counsel updated the directors on the final
negotiations with respect to the proposed merger agreement. Representatives of
Salomon Smith Barney rendered their oral opinion that, as of such date, the
proposed exchange ratio of one share of Halliburton Common Stock for each
share of Dresser Common Stock was fair, from a financial point of view, to the
holders of Dresser Common Stock. After further discussion, the Dresser Board
of Directors voted unanimously to authorize and approve the proposed merger
agreement, both stock option agreements and the transactions contemplated
thereby.
 
  Later on February 25, 1998, both Halliburton and Dresser executed and
delivered the Merger Agreement and the Stock Option Agreements (as defined
below).
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
CERTAIN INFORMATION PROVIDED
 
  In connection with the discussions between Halliburton and Dresser described
above, Halliburton and Dresser provided to each other certain confidential
financial projections. In the case of Halliburton, such financial projections
related to its operating results for the year ending December 31, 1998 and, in
the case of Dresser, the financial projections related to its operating
results for the three years ending October 31, 2000. These financial forecasts
were developed for internal use only, were not prepared with the intent that
they would be publicly distributed, were based on numerous assumptions (many
of which are beyond the control of Halliburton or Dresser) and are not
necessarily indicative of future results. See "Cautionary Statement Regarding
Forward-Looking Information." Such financial projections in the case of
Halliburton reflect growth in revenues and operating income of approximately
20% and 41%, respectively. In the case of Halliburton, such financial
projections also included a capital budget for 1998 of approximately $1,269
million. In the case of Dresser, such financial projections assumed compound
annual growth rates in revenues and operating income of approximately 13.2%
and 15.0%, respectively. Neither Halliburton nor Dresser intends, whether or
not the Merger is consummated, by disclosing information regarding these
financial projections, that such disclosure shall constitute a current
projection of revenues or operating income for such periods. Moreover, if the
Merger is consummated, Halliburton does not intend to report separately the
results of operations of Dresser.
 
REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
 
  HALLIBURTON. THE HALLIBURTON BOARD HAS BY THE UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THE
DIRECTORS PRESENT AT THE MEETING APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND DETERMINED
TO RECOMMEND THE CHARTER AMENDMENT AND THE SHARE ISSUANCE TO HOLDERS OF
HALLIBURTON COMMON STOCK. THE HALLIBURTON BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT THE HOLDERS OF
HALLIBURTON COMMON STOCK VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE CHARTER AMENDMENT AND THE
SHARE ISSUANCE.
 
  The Board of Directors of Halliburton believes that the Merger represents a
significant step in achieving Halliburton's objective to offer its customers a
complete array of oilfield services and products. The combination
of the oilfield services and products of Dresser with the products and
services of Halliburton will enable the combined company to provide its
customers complete integrated project management from the earliest phases of
development through production and delivery of oil and gas to the market.
 
  Similarly, the Halliburton Board of Directors believes that a combination of
the engineering expertise of Dresser's M. W. Kellogg operations with the
strengths of Halliburton's Brown & Root, Inc. will endow the combined company
with a highly competitive capability in engineering, procurement, construction
and project management. This capability, when combined with its expanded
oilfield services and products capacity, will enable the combined company to
manage nearly all aspects of oil field development for customers.
 
  The Halliburton Board of Directors also believes that the Merger will
provide Halliburton with increased financial strength. This enhanced financial
strength will allow the combined company to accept the higher levels of risk
associated with providing integrated oilfield and engineering and construction
services in nontraditional relationships with customers where profitability
depends on the ultimate success of the customers' projects. The Halliburton
Board of Directors also believes that this enhanced financial strength will
enable the combined company to increase technology development to levels
higher than either company has been able to achieve alone.
 
  Management of Halliburton expects that the Merger will present substantial
opportunities for improving the cost structure of the combined operations and
management of Halliburton and Dresser. In conjunction with the deliberations
of the Halliburton Board of Directors regarding the Merger Agreement, the
management of Halliburton estimated that synergies, including both cost
savings and operating income from revenue enhancements, to be realized by the
combined company should approximate $250 million on an annualized basis by the
end of 1999. Management of Halliburton anticipated that cost savings of
approximately $175 million annually would be realized as a result of the
Merger through the consolidation of operating locations, the introduction of
Halliburton's "shared services" concept of support functions, improved
manufacturing capacity
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
utilization, improved global procurement and logistics, reduction in business
unit management and support costs, reduction in executive management and
staff, prioritization of business development bid and proposal costs,
combination of engineering, procurement and construction operations support,
reduction of outside professional fees and consolidation of offices and
support facilities. Management of Halliburton further anticipated that revenue
enhancements producing additional operating income of approximately $125
million annually would be realized through the Merger as a result of an
increased base for the introduction of magnetic resonance imaging technology
into logging while drilling operations, greater access to customer account
management networks, the rapid development of a total fluids management
capability, an increase in opportunities for integrated solutions to meet
customers' needs, an increase in diverse lines of completion products, access
to broader engineering process technologies, enhanced engineering capability
and access to more advanced engineering, procurement and construction
projects. The aggregate of the financial benefit of annual cost savings and
revenue enhancement would be reduced by an increase of approximately $50
million annually in research and development expenditures. Management of
Halliburton is continuing to evaluate the synergistic effects of the Merger
and is currently of the view that cost savings and operating income from
revenue enhancements will be at least as much as the earlier estimates.
 
  The determination of the Halliburton Board of Directors to approve and adopt
the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby was based on
consideration of a number of factors. The following list includes the material
factors considered by the Halliburton Board of Directors in its evaluation of
the Merger, the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby:
 
    (i) The judgment, advice and analyses of management of Halliburton,
  including its favorable recommendation of the Merger;
 
    (ii) the businesses conducted by Dresser, including their technology,
  reputation and culture, and the compatibility of such businesses with the
  operations of Halliburton;
 
    (iii) the commonality of customers with Dresser;
 
    (iv) the ability to combine the operations and support functions of the
  two companies;
 
    (v) the financial condition and results of operations of Halliburton and
  Dresser on an historical basis and on a pro forma combined enterprise basis
  for both historical and certain future periods;
 
    (vi) the synergies (which include both cost savings and revenue
  enhancement) and operating efficiencies that are expected to be achieved as
  a result of the Merger;
 
    (vii) the strategic benefits of the Merger to Halliburton, including the
  advancement of its objective to provide a complete array of oilfield
  services and products to its customers;
 
    (viii) current industry, economic and market conditions and trends which
  encourage consolidation in the oilfield service industry;
 
    (ix) the financial resources of the combined company;
 
    (x) the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and related
  agreements, including the Exchange Ratio and structure, which were
  considered by both management and the Board of Directors to provide an
  equitable basis for the Merger;
 
    (xi) the historical market prices and trading information with respect to
  Halliburton Common Stock and Dresser Common Stock;
 
    (xii) the ability to effect the Merger on both a tax-free basis and as a
  pooling of interests for financial accounting purposes;
 
    (xiii) the long standing competitive but amicable relationship between
  the two companies and the confidence of Halliburton management in the
  business practices and ethics of Dresser management over an extended period
  of time;
 
    (xiv) the significantly improved ability of the combined enterprise to
  provide oilfield services and products and engineering and construction
  services to its customers worldwide; and
 
    (xv) the opinions of SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs that the
  Exchange Ratio is fair from a financial point of view to Halliburton.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
  In its evaluation of the Merger, the Board of Directors of Halliburton
considered the effect of the Merger on the pro forma income per share of the
combined company. The Halliburton Board of Directors also evaluated the risks,
inherent in any business combination, that currently unanticipated
difficulties could arise in the process of integrating the operations of the
combining companies and that the synergies expected to result from the
combination may not be realized or, if realized, may not be realized within
the period expected. Specifically, the Halliburton Board of Directors
considered the following risks entailed in the Merger:
 
    (i) the risk of failing to integrate efficiently the support functions of
  the two companies, thereby failing to achieve the cost savings the
  companies anticipate deriving from the integration thereof;
 
    (ii) the risk of failing to integrate effectively the operations of the
  oil field services businesses of the two companies, thereby failing to
  achieve the objective of offering customers of the combined company more
  competitive integrated services;
 
    (iii) the risk of failing to integrate effectively the technology
  research and development activities of the two companies, thereby failing
  to achieve the objective of more productive research and development
  resulting from an enhanced research and development budget;
 
    (iv) the risk of failing to manage efficiently the energy equipment
  manufacturing business of Dresser, a business not currently operated by
  Halliburton;
 
    (v) the risk of failing to combine effectively the senior managers of the
  two companies, thereby failing to realize the benefits, including the other
  synergies, anticipated to result from the business combination; and
 
    (vi) the risk of experiencing a significant unanticipated economic
  downturn following completion of the Merger.
 
  Having assessed these risks, the Board of Directors of Halliburton concluded
that the management of the combined company would be likely to manage these
risks successfully, that the risk of an unanticipated economic downturn would
not be more deleterious to the combined company than to Halliburton alone and
that the benefits of the Merger outweighed the risks entailed therein.
 
  In considering the opinions of SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs,
the Halliburton Board of Directors did not rely or place emphasis on any
specific analysis performed by SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs and
presented to it. Rather, the Halliburton Board of Directors considered the
opinions in their entirety as supporting the Halliburton Board of Directors'
determination that the Merger Agreement and the Merger are fair to and in the
best interests of Halliburton and its stockholders.
 
  In its evaluation of the Merger, the Board of Directors did not view any
single factor as determinative and did not quantify or assign any particular
weight to any of the factors it considered. Rather, the Halliburton Board of
Directors made its determination based on the total mix of the information
available to it, and the judgments of individual directors may have been
influenced to a greater or lesser degree by different factors.
 
  DRESSER. THE DRESSER BOARD HAS BY THE UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THE DIRECTORS
PRESENT AT THE MEETING APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND
DETERMINED TO RECOMMEND THE MERGER AGREEMENT TO HOLDERS OF DRESSER COMMON
STOCK. THE DRESSER BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT THE HOLDERS OF DRESSER COMMON STOCK
VOTE FOR ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
 
  In reaching its determination that the Merger Agreement and the Merger are
fair to and in the best interests of Dresser and its stockholders, the Dresser
Board considered a number of factors, including, without limitation, the
following:
 
    (i) the present and anticipated environment of the oil service sector,
  which is expected to enter a phase of consolidation similar to those
  experienced in other industries, and the opportunity for Dresser and
  Halliburton to secure their positions as industry leaders by virtue of the
  Merger;
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
    (ii) the strategic benefits of the Merger and the complementary nature of
  the businesses of Dresser and Halliburton, which will establish the
  combined entity as a leading integrated service provider and increase the
  opportunities for future acquisitions and growth;
 
    (iii) the consideration to Dresser stockholders consists solely of
  Halliburton Common Stock which will enable Dresser stockholders to have a
  continuing equity interest in the combined entity equal to approximately 40
  percent of the total equity and will thereby allow Dresser stockholders to
  benefit from the combination of Dresser and Halliburton;
 
    (iv) the historical market prices and trading information with respect to
  Dresser Common Stock, and that (a) the Exchange Ratio of one share of
  Halliburton Common Stock per share of Dresser Common Stock represents a
  premium of approximately 13.7% based on the closing price of each of
  Dresser Common Stock and Halliburton Common Stock on the NYSE on February
  25, 1998, the last day prior to the public announcement of the execution of
  the Merger Agreement and (b) the Exchange Ratio represents a premium of
  approximately 18.1% based upon the average closing price of Dresser Common
  Stock for the period beginning January 28, 1998 and ending February 25,
  1998 compared to the closing price of Halliburton Common Stock on February
  25, 1998;
 
    (v) the financial condition, results of operations, business and
  prospects of each of Dresser and Halliburton;
 
    (vi) the potential cost savings and operating income synergies to be
  realized by the combined operations of Dresser and Halliburton of
  approximately $250 million annually by the end of 1999, which are expected
  to produce a favorable impact on the long-term value of the combined entity
  as well as enhance the competitive position of the combined entity;
 
    (vii) the retention of key Dresser personnel by the combined entity after
  the Merger including: (a) that Mr. Bradford and Mr.Vaughn will become
  Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, of Halliburton after the Merger;
  (b) that Messrs. Bradford and Vaughn will join Messrs. Cheney and Lesar to
  comprise Halliburton's management executive committee; and (c) that senior
  operating executives of Dresser will be placed in key operating positions
  in the combined company following the Merger;
 
    (viii) the treatment of the Merger as a "tax-free reorganization" for
  federal income tax purposes and a "pooling-of-interests" transaction for
  accounting purposes (which avoids the reduction in earnings that would
  result from the creation and amortization of goodwill under purchase
  accounting);
 
    (ix) the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, including that the
  Merger was structured as a "merger of equals" transaction; and
 
    (x) the opinion and analysis of Salomon Smith Barney to the effect that,
  as of February 25, 1998, the Exchange Ratio was fair to the holders of
  Dresser Common Stock from a financial point of view.
 
  In considering the opinion of Salomon Smith Barney, the Dresser Board of
Directors did not rely or place emphasis on any specific analysis performed by
Salomon Smith Barney and presented to it. Rather, the Dresser Board considered
the opinion in its entirety as supporting the Dresser Board of Directors'
determination that the Merger Agreement and the Merger are fair to and in the
best interests of Dresser and its stockholders.
 
  In its evaluation of the Merger, the Dresser Board of Directors did not
believe that there are material risks inherent in the Merger that were
significantly different from the risks currently faced by Dresser in operating
its businesses in the markets in which it presently operates. The Dresser
Board of Directors did, however, take into consideration the fact that the
benefits inherent in the Merger with Halliburton, as in any other business
combination, are subject to uncertainties and may not be realized or, if
realized, may not be realized within the expected period.
 
  The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
Board of Directors is not meant to be exhaustive but includes all material
factors considered by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors did not
quantify or attach any particular weight to the various factors that it
considered in reaching its determination that the Merger Agreement and the
Merger are fair to and in the best interests of Dresser and its
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
stockholders. Rather, the Dresser Board of Directors made its determination
based on the total mix of information available to it, and the judgments of
individual directors may have been influenced to a greater or lesser degree by
different factors. As a result of its consideration of the foregoing and other
relevant considerations, the Board of Directors determined that the Merger
Agreement and the Merger are fair to and in the best interests of Dresser and
its stockholders and approved and adopted the Merger Agreement. In considering
the recommendation of
the Board of Directors with respect to the Merger, stockholders should be
aware that the interests of certain directors and executive officers with
respect to the Merger are or may be different from or in addition to the
interests of the stockholders generally. The Board of Directors was aware of
these interests, and took these interests into account in approving the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. See "The Merger--
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger." ACCORDINGLY, THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" ADOPTION OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT.
 
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS TO HALLIBURTON: SBC WARBURG DILLON READ AND
GOLDMAN SACHS
 
  OPINION OF SBC WARBURG DILLON READ. Halliburton retained SBC Warburg Dillon
Read to act as one of its financial advisors in connection with the Merger.
SBC Warburg Dillon Read is an internationally recognized investment banking
firm which, as a part of its investment banking business, regularly is engaged
in the evaluation of businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive bids,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements
and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. The Halliburton Board
of Directors selected SBC Warburg Dillon Read on the basis of its experience
and independence. In the past, SBC Warburg Dillon Read and its predecessors
have provided investment banking services to Halliburton and Dresser and have
received customary compensation for the rendering of such services. In the
ordinary course of business, SBC Warburg Dillon Read and its affiliates may
actively trade or hold the equity securities of Halliburton or Dresser for
their own accounts and the accounts of their customers and, accordingly, may
at any time hold long or short positions in such securities.
 
  On February 25, 1998, SBC Warburg Dillon Read rendered its oral opinion,
which was confirmed by its written opinion also dated February 25, 1998, to
the Halliburton Board of Directors to the effect that, based upon and subject
to certain matters stated therein, as of the date of such opinion, the
Exchange Ratio was fair to Halliburton from a financial point of view (the
"SBC Warburg Dillon Read Opinion"). Certain financial analyses used by SBC
Warburg Dillon Read in connection with its joint presentation with Goldman
Sachs to the Halliburton Board of Directors on February 19, 1998 (the "Joint
Presentation") which were used in providing the SBC Warburg Dillon Read
Opinion to the Halliburton Board of Directors on February 25, 1998 are
summarized under "--Analyses by SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs"
below. The information on which such financial analyses was based was updated
by SBC Warburg Dillon Read prior to the meeting of the Halliburton Board of
Directors on February 25, 1998. The updated information had no material effect
on the results of the financial analyses provided to the Halliburton Board of
Directors in the Joint Presentation.
 
  THE FULL TEXT OF THE SBC WARBURG DILLON READ OPINION, WHICH SETS FORTH A
DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE, GENERAL PROCEDURES FOLLOWED, MATTERS
CONSIDERED AND LIMITATIONS ON THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE SBC
WARBURG DILLON READ OPINION, IS ATTACHED HERETO AS APPENDIX D AND IS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. THE SBC WARBURG DILLON READ OPINION REFERRED TO
HEREIN WAS PROVIDED FOR THE INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE OF THE HALLIBURTON
BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN CONNECTION WITH ITS CONSIDERATION OF THE MERGER. SUCH
OPINION ADDRESSES ONLY THE FAIRNESS, FROM A FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW, OF THE
EXCHANGE RATIO TO HALLIBURTON AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY
HALLIBURTON STOCKHOLDER AS TO HOW SUCH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD VOTE AT THE
HALLIBURTON SPECIAL MEETING. HALLIBURTON STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO, AND
SHOULD, READ THE SBC WARBURG DILLON READ OPINION CAREFULLY IN ITS ENTIRETY,
ESPECIALLY WITH REGARD TO THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE AND MATTERS CONSIDERED BY SBC
WARBURG DILLON READ. THE SUMMARY OF THE SBC WARBURG DILLON READ OPINION SET
FORTH IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF SUCH OPINION.
 
  In arriving at its opinion, SBC Warburg Dillon Read, among other things: (i)
reviewed the Merger Agreement, (ii) reviewed certain publicly available
business and historical financial information relating to
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
Halliburton and Dresser, including the audited financial statements included
in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for Halliburton and Dresser as of December
31, 1997 and October 31, 1997, respectively, (iii) reviewed and performed
analyses based on certain financial information and other data relating to the
business and prospects of Halliburton that was prepared by the management of
Halliburton, (iv) reviewed certain financial information and other data
relating to the business and prospects of Dresser, (v) considered the pro
forma per share effects of the Merger on Halliburton's and Dresser's current
and prospective earnings and cash flow per share, (vi) reviewed publicly
available financial and stock market data with respect to certain other
companies in lines of business SBC Warburg Dillon Read believed to be
generally comparable to those of Halliburton and Dresser, (vii) reviewed the
financial terms of the Merger with the financial terms of certain other
mergers which SBC Warburg Dillon Read believed to be generally comparable to
the Merger, (viii) reviewed the historical market prices and trading volumes
of the common stock of Halliburton and Dresser, (ix) conducted discussions
with selected members of the senior management of Halliburton and Dresser and
(x) conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations, and
considered such other information, as SBC Warburg Dillon Read deemed necessary
or appropriate.
 
  In connection with its review, SBC Warburg Dillon Read did not independently
verify any of the foregoing information and relied on such information being
complete and accurate in all material respects. In addition, SBC Warburg
Dillon Read did not make any evaluation or appraisal of any of the assets or
liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Halliburton or Dresser, nor was SBC
Warburg Dillon Read furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. With
respect to the financial estimates concerning Halliburton and Dresser, SBC
Warburg Dillon Read, with Halliburton's consent, based its review on selected
research analyst estimates for Halliburton and Dresser. In addition, with
Halliburton's consent, the SBC Warburg Dillon Read Opinion assumed that the
Merger will be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests combination. Lastly,
the SBC Warburg Dillon Read Opinion was based on economic, monetary and market
conditions existing on the date of its opinion.
 
  The SBC Warburg Dillon Read Opinion did not address Halliburton's underlying
business decision to effect the Merger or constitute a recommendation to any
stockholder of Halliburton as to how such stockholder should vote with respect
to the Merger. Also, the SBC Warburg Dillon Read Opinion did not imply any
conclusion as to the likely trading range for Halliburton's Common Stock
following the consummation of the Merger, which may vary depending on numerous
factors which generally influence the prices of securities.
 
  OPINION OF GOLDMAN SACHS. On February 25, 1998, Goldman Sachs rendered its
oral opinion, which was confirmed by its written opinion also dated February
25, 1998, to the Halliburton Board of Directors to the effect that, as of such
date, and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth
therein, the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the Merger Agreement was fair from a
financial point of view to Halliburton (the "Goldman Sachs Opinion"). Certain
financial analyses used by Goldman Sachs in connection with the Joint
Presentation to the Halliburton Board of Directors on February 19, 1998, and
in connection with providing the Goldman Sachs Opinion to the Halliburton
Board of Directors on February 25, 1998, are summarized under "--Analyses by
SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs" below.
 
  THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOLDMAN SACHS OPINION, WHICH SETS FORTH A DESCRIPTION
OF THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE, GENERAL PROCEDURES FOLLOWED, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND
LIMITATIONS ON THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE GOLDMAN SACHS
OPINION, IS ATTACHED HERETO AS APPENDIX E AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY
REFERENCE. THE GOLDMAN SACHS OPINION REFERRED TO HEREIN WAS PROVIDED FOR THE
INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE OF THE HALLIBURTON BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN CONNECTION
WITH ITS CONSIDERATION OF THE MERGER. SUCH OPINION ADDRESSES ONLY THE
FAIRNESS, FROM A FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW, OF THE EXCHANGE RATIO TO HALLIBURTON
AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY HALLIBURTON STOCKHOLDER AS TO
HOW SUCH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD VOTE AT THE HALLIBURTON SPECIAL MEETING.
HALLIBURTON STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO, AND SHOULD, READ CAREFULLY THE GOLDMAN
SACHS OPINION IN ITS ENTIRETY, ESPECIALLY WITH REGARD TO THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE
AND MATTERS CONSIDERED BY GOLDMAN SACHS. THE SUMMARY OF THE GOLDMAN SACHS
OPINION SET FORTH IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY THE FULL TEXT OF SUCH OPINION.
 
  In connection with its written opinion, Goldman Sachs reviewed, among other
things, (i) the Merger Agreement; (ii) Annual Reports to Stockholders (except
for the year ended December 31, 1997 for Halliburton)
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of Dresser for the five fiscal years ended
October 31, 1997 and of Halliburton for the five years ended December 31,
1997; (iii) certain interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q of Dresser and Halliburton; (iv) certain other communications from
Dresser and Halliburton to their respective stockholders; and (v) certain
internal financial analyses and forecasts for Dresser and Halliburton prepared
by their respective managements. Goldman Sachs held discussions with members
of the senior management of Halliburton regarding its past and current
business operations, financial condition and future prospects. Goldman Sachs
also held discussions with members of the senior management of Dresser
regarding the strategic rationale for, and the potential benefits of, the
transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement and its past and current
business operations, financial condition and future prospects. In addition,
Goldman Sachs reviewed the reported price and trading activity for Halliburton
Common Stock and Dresser Common Stock, compared certain financial and stock
market information for Dresser and Halliburton with similar information for
certain other companies the securities of which are publicly traded, reviewed
the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the oil field
services industry specifically and in other industries generally and performed
such other studies and analyses as Goldman Sachs considered appropriate.
 
  Goldman Sachs relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all the financial
and other information reviewed by it and assumed such accuracy and
completeness for purposes of its opinion. Goldman Sachs' review with respect
to the projected future performance of Halliburton was based on selected
research analyst estimates for Halliburton that reflected, in the judgment of
Halliburton, the best currently available estimates of future performance.
Goldman Sachs' review with respect to the projected future performance of
Dresser was also based, with Halliburton's consent, on selected research
analyst estimates. In addition, Goldman Sachs assumed, with Halliburton's
consent, that the cost savings and operating synergies projected by
Halliburton to result from the transaction contemplated by the Merger
Agreement were reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently
available estimates and judgments of Halliburton. Goldman Sachs did not make
an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities of
Dresser or Halliburton or any of their subsidiaries, and Goldman Sachs was not
furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. Goldman Sachs also assumed,
with Halliburton's consent, that the transaction contemplated by the Merger
Agreement will be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests transaction under
generally accepted accounting principles. Goldman Sachs' advisory services and
the opinion expressed herein were provided for the information and assistance
of the Halliburton Board of Directors in connection with its consideration of
the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and such opinion does
not constitute a recommendation as to how any holder of Halliburton Common
Stock should vote with respect to such transaction.
 
  Goldman Sachs, as part of its investment banking business, is continually
engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements
and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. Halliburton selected
Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor because it is a nationally recognized
investment banking firm that has substantial experience in transactions
similar to the Merger.
 
  Goldman Sachs may provide investment banking services to Halliburton from
time to time in the future.
 
  Goldman Sachs provides a full range of financial, advisory and brokerage
services and in the course of its normal trading activities may from time to
time effect transactions and hold positions in the securities or options on
securities of Halliburton and/or Dresser for its own account and for the
account of customers.
 
  ANALYSES BY SBC WARBURG DILLON READ AND GOLDMAN SACHS.
 
  The following is a summary of the material financial analyses used by SBC
Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs in connection with the Joint
Presentation to the Halliburton Board of Directors on February 19, 1998. At
the Joint Presentation, both SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs advised
the Halliburton Board of Directors that each of such firms expected to be
able, if requested at the time of approval of a merger agreement by the
Halliburton Board of Directors, to render an opinion to the effect that the
Exchange Ratio was
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
fair to Halliburton from a financial point of view. Such opinions were not
requested by the Halliburton Board of Directors at that meeting because it was
not then taking any action with respect to the Merger or the Merger Agreement.
The information on which the financial analyses used by the two firms in
connection with the Joint Presentation was based was subsequently updated
through February 24, 1998 for purposes of rendering the SBC Warburg Dillon
Read and the Goldman Sachs Opinion. Such updated analysis was reviewed by SBC
Warburg Dillon Read with the Halliburton Board of Directors on February 25,
1998 (the "February 25 Presentation"). The updated information had no material
effect on the results of the financial analyses presented to the Halliburton
Board of Directors on February 19, 1998. At its meeting on February 25, 1998,
the Halliburton Board of Directors approved the Merger and the Merger
Agreement and requested and received the oral and written opinions of SBC
Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs to the effect that, based upon and
subject to certain matters, as of that date, the Exchange Ratio was fair to
Halliburton from a financial point of view.
 
  The following summary of the material financial analyses used by these firms
does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses conducted by SBC
Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs in arriving at their respective
opinions. SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs utilized substantially the
same types of financial analyses in connection with the Joint Presentation.
 
  The estimated earnings per share ("EPS") and cash flow per share ("CFPS")
statistics for 1998 and 1999 that are used throughout this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus were based on selected equity research analyst estimates
for Halliburton and Dresser. Specific dollar amounts, percentages and ratios
resulting from the application of these financial analyses, as well as dates
utilized, and disclosed in the following description are those on which the
Joint Presentation was based.
 
  Historical Stock Trading Analysis. SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs
reviewed the daily historical closing prices of Dresser Common Stock during
the period from January 1, 1996 to February 13, 1998. During this period, the
low closing share price for Dresser was $23.63 on January 18, 1996, and the
high closing share price for Dresser was $45.44 on October 13, 1997. SBC
Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs also reviewed the ratio of the closing
share price of Dresser Common Stock to the closing share price of Halliburton
Common Stock during the period from January 1, 1994 to February 13, 1998.
During this period, the average implied exchange ratio was 1.093. SBC Warburg
Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs also reviewed the ratio of the closing price of
Dresser to the closing share price of Halliburton for the following time
periods: (i) January 1, 1995 to February 13, 1998, (ii) January 1, 1996 to
February 13, 1998 and (iii) January 1, 1997 to February 13, 1998. The average
implied exchange ratio for these periods was 1.013, 0.962 and 0.862,
respectively. In addition, SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs also
reviewed the same ratio as stated above for the 30 day and 60 day time periods
preceding February 13, 1998, which resulted in implied exchange ratios of
0.843 and 0.780, respectively. The implied exchange ratio on February 13, 1998
was 0.777, based on the closing prices for Halliburton and Dresser on February
13, 1998.
 
  Contribution Analysis. SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs analyzed
the relative contribution of net income and cash flow from operations ("CFFO")
from each of Halliburton and Dresser for each company's 1997 fiscal year end,
which resulted in an implied exchange ratio for net income and CFFO of 1.039
and 1.240, respectively. SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs also
analyzed the relative contribution of net income and CFFO for Halliburton and
Dresser for each company's estimated 1998 and 1999 fiscal year end statistics.
The 1998 and 1999 estimated net income statistics resulted in an implied
exchange ratio of 0.928 and 0.885, respectively. The 1998 and 1999 estimated
CFFO statistics resulted in an implied exchange ratio of 1.031 and 1.014,
respectively. In addition, SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs analyzed
the Contribution Analysis based on the market value of equity of Halliburton
and Dresser. This statistic resulted in an implied exchange ratio for the
market value of equity of 0.777.
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
  Transaction Multiples for Selected Mergers. SBC Warburg Dillon Read and
Goldman Sachs reviewed publicly available information about the following
mergers that involved acquisitions of certain oil field service and oil field
drilling companies that were announced between January 1, 1984 and February
24, 1998 with merger values in excess of $500 million: Schlumberger/SEDCO,
Baker International/Hughes Tool, Dresser Industries/Baroid Corporation,
Weatherford International/Enterra, SONAT Offshore Drilling/Transocean ASA,
Camco International/Production Operators and Falcon Drilling/Reading & Bates
(collectively referred to as the "Selected Mergers"). SBC Warburg Dillon Read
and Goldman Sachs deemed such Selected Mergers appropriate for the following
analysis because the Selected Mergers were significant transactions within
comparable industries to those in which Halliburton and Dresser are engaged.
 
  SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs calculated the Net Market
Capitalization as a multiple of the latest 12 months ("LTM") EBIT for the
Selected Mergers and arrived at an average multiple of 19.1x compared to the
implied multiple for Dresser of 15.5x, based on the terms of the Merger,
Dresser's 1997 EBIT and the closing share price of Halliburton as of February
13, 1998. "EBIT" is defined as a company's earnings before interest, taxes and
equity earnings from unconsolidated affiliates and "Net Market Capitalization"
is defined as the market value of the relevant company's common equity plus
total debt, plus liquidation value of preferred stock and book value of
minority interest, less cash and cash equivalents and less the book value of
investments in unconsolidated affiliates. SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman
Sachs also calculated the Net Market Capitalization as a multiple of LTM
EBITDA for each of the Selected Mergers above. "EBITDA" is defined as a
company's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and
equity earnings from unconsolidated affiliates. The average LTM EBITDA
multiple for the Selected Mergers was 11.1x compared to the implied 1997
EBITDA multiple of 10.7x for Dresser, based on the terms of the Merger and on
the closing share price of Halliburton as of February 13, 1998. For the EBITDA
and EBIT references, the only transaction that was excluded from the Selected
Mergers was the Baker International/Hughes Tool merger, announced in October
1986. This transaction did not provide a useful basis for comparison because
Hughes Tool's EBIT was negative. SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs
also calculated the stock market premiums paid for the Selected Mergers shown
above based on the premium determined by the stock price four weeks prior to
the announcement date and the announcement date for each Selected Merger. The
average premium for the Selected Mergers was 24.5%, the highest premium was
56.1% and the lowest premium was 3.0%.
 
  In addition to the Selected Mergers above, SBC Warburg Dillon Read and
Goldman Sachs reviewed premiums paid for all friendly mergers from January 1,
1994 through February 24, 1998 with a transaction value in excess of $6
billion, but less than $12 billion, which resulted in an average premium of
33.3% four weeks prior to the announcement date, of which the highest premium
was 95.4% and the lowest premium was 0.4%. Based on closing share prices of
Halliburton and Dresser as of February 13, 1998, the implied merger share
price premium for Dresser was 28.0% as compared with the share price four
weeks prior to February 13, 1998, 28.6% relative to the closing share price on
February 13, 1998, and 5.1% compared to Dresser's 12-month high closing share
price.
 
  No company or transaction utilized in the above Transaction Multiples for
Selected Mergers is identical to either Dresser or the Merger. Accordingly, an
analysis of the results of such analyses is not purely mathematical. Rather,
such analyses involves complex considerations and judgments concerning
differences in financial and operating characteristics of the comparable
companies and other factors that could affect the company to which they are
being compared.
 
  Pro Forma Merger Consequences Analysis. SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman
Sachs analyzed certain pro forma EPS effects that could result from the
Merger. With respect to the financial estimates implicit in this analysis, SBC
Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs based their review on selected equity
research analyst consensus estimates for EPS for Halliburton and Dresser.
Based upon their projections and certain cost savings and synergy
sensitivities that Halliburton's management expects to achieve from the Merger
and assuming pooling of interests accounting treatment, SBC Warburg Dillon
Read and Goldman Sachs examined the impact of the Merger on the pro forma
basic EPS.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
  Without certain cost savings and synergies, this analysis indicated that the
Merger would be dilutive to Halliburton's EPS by 2.9% in 1998 and 4.6% in
1999. Under a Halliburton pre-tax cost savings and synergy sensitivity of $250
million, assuming a tax rate of 40% and assuming that only 50% of the
synergies are realized in 1998 and 100% are realized in 1999, the Merger would
result in pro forma EPS statistics that are accretive to Halliburton's EPS by
4.4% in 1998 and 6.7% in 1999. Under a Halliburton pre-tax cost savings and
synergy sensitivity of $500 million and incorporating the same tax rate and
other assumptions as above, this analysis indicated that the Merger would be
accretive to Halliburton's EPS by 11.6% in 1998 and 17.9% in 1999.
 
  Pursuant to the engagement letter, dated as of November 1, 1997, between
Halliburton and SBC Warburg Dillon Read, Halliburton has agreed to pay SBC
Warburg Dillon Read a fee of $14 million for services rendered in connection
with the Merger. Of this amount, $500,000 was due upon execution of the
engagement letter, $4 million was due at the time Halliburton requested the
SBC Warburg Dillon Read Opinion, and the balance is contingent upon the
consummation of the Merger. In addition, Halliburton has agreed to reimburse
SBC Warburg Dillon Read for the expenses reasonably incurred by it in entering
into and performing services in connection with its engagement (including
reasonable counsel's fees) and to indemnify SBC Warburg Dillon Read and its
officers, directors, employees, agents and controlling persons against certain
expenses, losses, claims, damages or liabilities in connection with its
services performed in connection with its engagement.
 
  Pursuant to the engagement letter dated as of November 1, 1997 between
Halliburton and Goldman Sachs, Halliburton has agreed to pay Goldman Sachs a
fee of $14 million for services rendered in connection with the Merger. Of
this amount, $500,000 was due upon execution of the engagement letter, $4
million was due at the time Halliburton requested the Goldman Sachs Opinion,
and the balance is contingent upon the consummation of the Merger. In
addition, Halliburton has agreed to reimburse Goldman Sachs for the expenses
reasonably incurred by it in entering into and performing services in
connection with its engagement (including reasonable counsel's fees) and to
indemnify Goldman Sachs and its officers, directors, employees, agents and
controlling persons against certain expenses, losses, claims, damages or
liabilities in connection with its services performed in connection with its
engagement.
 
  In arriving at its opinion and as to the significance and relevance of each
analysis and factor, neither SBC Warburg Dillon Read nor Goldman Sachs
assigned any particular weight to any analysis or factor they considered, but
rather made qualitative judgments based on their experience in rendering such
opinions and on the existing economic, monetary and market conditions as of
the date of their opinion. Accordingly, SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman
Sachs believe that their analyses must be considered as a whole and that
selecting portions of their analyses and the factors considered, without
considering all analyses and factors, could create a misleading or incomplete
view of the processes underlying such analyses and their opinions. In their
analyses, SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Goldman Sachs independently made
numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business
and economic conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond
Halliburton's or Dresser's control. Any estimates contained in SBC Warburg
Dillon Read's and Goldman Sachs' analyses are not necessarily indicative of
actual values or predictive of the future results or values, which may be
significantly more or less favorable than as set forth therein. In addition,
analyses relating to the value of a business or securities do not purport to
be appraisals or to reflect the actual prices at which businesses or
securities might be sold.
 
OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO DRESSER: SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
 
  At the meeting of the Dresser Board held on Wednesday, February 25, 1998,
Salomon Smith Barney delivered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in
writing, that, as of such date, the Exchange Ratio was fair to the holders of
Dresser Common Stock from a financial point of view. No limitations were
imposed by the Dresser Board upon Salomon Smith Barney with respect to the
investigation made or the procedures followed by Salomon Smith Barney in
rendering its opinion.
 
  THE FULL TEXT OF THE WRITTEN OPINION OF SALOMON SMITH BARNEY IS SET FORTH AS
APPENDIX F TO THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND SETS FORTH THE
ASSUMPTIONS MADE, PROCEDURES FOLLOWED AND MATTERS
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
CONSIDERED BY SALOMON SMITH BARNEY. HOLDERS OF DRESSER COMMON STOCK ARE URGED
TO READ SALOMON SMITH BARNEY'S OPINION IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE SUMMARY OF THE
OPINION AS SET FORTH IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF SUCH OPINION, WHICH IS
INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.
 
  In connection with rendering its opinion, Salomon Smith Barney reviewed
certain publicly available information concerning Dresser and Halliburton and
certain other financial information concerning Dresser and Halliburton,
including financial forecasts, that were provided to Salomon Smith Barney by
Dresser and Halliburton, respectively. Salomon Smith Barney discussed the past
and current business operations, financial condition and prospects of Dresser
and Halliburton with certain officers and employees of Dresser and
Halliburton, respectively. Salomon Smith Barney also considered such other
information, financial studies, analyses, investigations and financial,
economic and market criteria that it deemed relevant.
 
  In its review and analyses and in arriving at its opinion, Salomon Smith
Barney assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the
information reviewed by it for the purpose of the opinion and Salomon Smith
Barney did not assume any responsibility for independent verification of such
information. With respect to the financial forecasts of Dresser and
Halliburton or any estimates of synergies resulting from the Merger, Salomon
Smith Barney assumed that such forecasts and estimates had been reasonably
prepared on bases reflecting good faith estimates and judgments of the
respective management of Dresser or Halliburton, and Salomon Smith Barney
expressed no opinion with respect to such forecasts and estimates or the
assumptions on which such forecasts and estimates were based. Salomon Smith
Barney did not make or obtain or assume any responsibility for making or
obtaining any independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the assets
(including properties and facilities) or liabilities of Dresser or
Halliburton.
 
  Salomon Smith Barney's opinion is necessarily based upon conditions as they
existed and could be evaluated on the date thereof. Salomon Smith Barney's
opinion does not imply any conclusion as to the likely trading range for
Halliburton Common Stock following the consummation of the Merger, which may
vary depending upon, among other factors, changes in interest rates, dividend
rates, market conditions, general economic conditions and other factors that
generally influence the price of securities. Salomon Smith Barney's opinion
did not address Dresser's underlying business decision to effect the Merger,
and Salomon Smith Barney expressed no view on the effect on Dresser of the
Merger and related transactions. Salomon Smith Barney's opinion is directed
only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Exchange Ratio to
holders of Dresser Common Stock and does not constitute a recommendation
concerning how holders of Dresser Common Stock should vote with respect to the
Merger Agreement or the Merger.
 
  In connection with its opinion, Salomon Smith Barney performed certain
financial analyses, which it discussed with the Dresser Board on February 21,
1998. The material portions of the analyses performed by Salomon Smith Barney
in connection with the rendering of its opinion dated February 25, 1998 are
summarized below.
 
    (i) Historical Stock Price Performance. Salomon Smith Barney reviewed the
  relationship between movements of Dresser Common Stock, Halliburton Common
  Stock and the common stock of two of the most comparable companies, Baker
  Hughes, Incorporated ("Baker Hughes") and Schlumberger Limited
  ("Schlumberger"), for the period from February 20, 1995 through February
  19, 1998, as well as the trading volume and price history of Dresser Common
  Stock and Halliburton Common Stock for the same period.
 
    (ii) Contribution Analysis. Salomon Smith Barney analyzed the pro forma
  financial contributions from each of Dresser and Halliburton to the
  combined company assuming the Merger is consummated in accordance with the
  Merger Agreement. Salomon Smith Barney analyzed, among other things, the
  relative contribution to the combined company's net income and cash flow
  from each of Dresser's and Halliburton's net income and cash flow for 1997
  and as estimated for 1998 and 1999 (based on averages of Wall Street
  analyst estimates). Salomon Smith Barney's analysis assumed that the Merger
  would be accounted for as a "pooling-of-interests" but did not give effect
  to any synergies that may be realized following the Merger. This analysis
  indicated that Dresser and Halliburton (i) would have contributed 41% and
  59% of net income,
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
  respectively, and 42% and 58% of cash flow, respectively, in 1997, (ii)
  would contribute 38% and 62% of net income, respectively, and 41% and 59%
  of cash flow, respectively, in 1998, and (iii) would contribute 37% and 63%
  of net income, respectively, and 40% and 60% of cash flow, respectively, in
  1999. Using these contribution percentages, Salomon Smith Barney determined
  a range of implied exchange ratios from 0.87 to 1.04, with an average of
  0.94, based on the net income contributions, and from 1.00 to 1.08, with an
  average of 1.03, based on the cash flow contributions.
 
    (iii) Historical Exchange Ratio Analysis. Salomon Smith Barney reviewed
  the daily closing prices of Dresser Common Stock and Halliburton Common
  Stock during the last five years, the last three years, the last twelve
  months and the last three months ended on February 19, 1998 and the implied
  historical exchange ratios determined by dividing the price per share of
  Dresser Common Stock by the price per share of Halliburton Common Stock
  (the "Historical Exchange Ratio") over such periods. Salomon Smith Barney
  calculated that the Historical Exchange Ratio (i) ranged from a high of
  1.59 to a low of 0.69 with an average of 1.10 for the last five years, (ii)
  ranged from a high of 1.26 to a low of 0.69 with an average of 1.00 for the
  last three years, (iii) ranged from a high of 0.99 to a low of 0.69 with an
  average of 0.84 for the last twelve months, (iv) ranged from a high of 0.86
  to a low of 0.69 with an average of 0.79 for the last three months, and (v)
  was 0.85 on February 19, 1998.
 
    (iv) Public Market Valuation Analysis. Salomon Smith Barney arrived at a
  range of values for Dresser Common Stock and Halliburton Common Stock by
  reviewing and analyzing certain financial information of publicly traded
  companies that Salomon Smith Barney determined to be comparable to the
  business segments of Dresser and Halliburton. The comparable companies for
  Dresser's and Halliburton's petroleum products and services segments
  included Baker Hughes, Dresser, Halliburton and Schlumberger (the
  "Petroleum Products Comparable Companies"); the comparable companies for
  Dresser's and Halliburton's engineering services segments included Empresas
  ICA Sociedad Controladora, S.A. de C.V., Fluor Corporation, Foster Wheeler
  Corporation, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., McDermott International, Inc.
  and Morrison Knudsen Corporation (the "Engineering Services Comparable
  Companies"); the comparable companies for Dresser's compression and pumping
  segment included BJ Services Company, Camco International Inc., EVI, Inc.,
  Hanover Compressor Company, Smith International, Inc., Tuboscope Inc.,
  Varco International, Inc. and Weatherford Enterra, Inc. (the "Compression
  Comparable Companies"); and the comparable companies for Dresser's
  measurement, flow control and power systems segment included Cooper Cameron
  Corporation, Daniel Industries, Inc., Flowserve Corporation, Graco Inc.,
  IDEX Corporation, Ingersoll-Rand Company, Robbins & Myers, Inc., Roper
  Industries, Inc. and Watts Industries, Inc. (the "Measurement Comparable
  Companies" and, collectively with the above named comparable companies, the
  "Segment Comparable Companies").
 
    Salomon Smith Barney reviewed, among other things, the multiples (based
  on First Call estimates) of market price to estimated 1998 and 1999 EPS for
  the Segment Comparable Companies. This analysis resulted in multiples of
  market price to EPS with a median of (i) 18.5x for 1998 and 14.6x for 1999
  for the Petroleum Products Comparable Companies, (ii) 16.7x for 1998 and
  13.2x for 1999 for the Engineering Services Comparable Companies, (iii)
  15.7x for 1998 and 12.3x for 1999 for the Compression Comparable Companies
  and (iv) 15.5x for 1998 and 13.4x for 1999 for the Measurement Comparable
  Companies. Using this information and other factors deemed relevant in the
  valuation of Dresser and Halliburton, as well as the respective
  management's estimates of the relative contribution of each business
  segment of Dresser and Halliburton to the respective estimated 1998
  operating income of Dresser and Halliburton, Salomon Smith Barney
  determined a range of weighted average multiples of market price to
  estimated 1998 and 1999 EPS of 14.5x to 19.6x and 11.6x to 15.8x,
  respectively, for Dresser and 15.6x to 21.0x and 12.2x to 16.6x,
  respectively, for Halliburton. This analysis resulted in an implied equity
  value per share range, based on First Call estimates of EPS for 1998 and
  1999, from $31.49 to $42.60 for Dresser, and $36.84 to $49.84 for
  Halliburton.
 
    (v) Private Market Valuation Analysis. Salomon Smith Barney reviewed and
  analyzed certain financial, operating and stock market information relating
  to selected merger transactions involving energy services companies. The
  transactions used in this analysis included Halliburton's acquisition of
  NUMAR
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
  Corporation, National-Oilwell, Inc.'s acquisition of Dreco Energy Services
  Ltd., Baker Hughes' acquisition of Drilex International Inc., Camco
  International Inc.'s acquisition of Production Operators Corp., Baker
  Hughes' acquisition of Petrolite Corporation, Halliburton's acquisition of
  Landmark Graphics and BJ Services Company's acquisition of Nowsco Well
  Service Ltd. (the "Precedent Transactions"). Salomon Smith Barney reviewed,
  among other things the multiples of firm value to LTM earnings before
  interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") represented by
  the Precedent Transactions, which ranged from 8.0x to 65.5x, with a median
  of 17.9x, and the multiples of equity value to LTM net income represented
  by the Precedent Transactions, which ranged from 27.7x to 66.6x, with a
  median of 33.2x. Using this information and other factors deemed relevant
  in the valuation of Dresser and Halliburton, Salomon Smith Barney selected
  a range of multiples of firm value to EBITDA from 12.0x to 14.0x for
  Dresser, and 14.0x to 18.0x for Halliburton, and a range of multiples of
  equity value to net income from 25.0x to 30.0x for Dresser, and 28.0x to
  34.0x for Halliburton. This analysis resulted in an implied equity value
  per share of Dresser, assuming 175.24 million shares outstanding, LTM
  EBITDA of $894 million and LTM net income of $347 million, ranging from
  $51.35 to $61.18. This analysis resulted in an implied equity value per
  share of Halliburton, assuming 261.97 million shares outstanding, LTM
  EBITDA of $1.116 billion and LTM net income of $454 million, ranging from
  $51.07 to $63.09.
 
    (vi) Multiples Analysis. Salomon Smith Barney also compared certain
  financial information of Dresser with Baker Hughes, Halliburton and
  Schlumberger. Using First Call estimates, Salomon Smith Barney compared the
  multiples of market price to estimated 1998 EPS, estimated 1999 EPS,
  estimated 1998 CFPS and estimated 1999 CFPS, as well as the multiples of
  firm value to LTM EBITDA, and LTM earnings before interest and taxes
  ("EBIT"), for Baker Hughes, Halliburton and Schlumberger, with the implied
  multiples on the corresponding data for Dresser based on the Exchange Ratio
  in the Merger and closing share prices as of February 19, 1998. This
  analysis resulted in multiples of (i) market price to estimated 1998 EPS of
  18.0x, 19.1x and 23.2x for Baker Hughes, Halliburton and Schlumberger,
  respectively, compared to an implied multiple for Dresser of 20.5x, (ii)
  market price to estimated 1999 EPS of 14.3x, 14.9x and 18.9x for Baker
  Hughes, Halliburton and Schlumberger, respectively, compared to an implied
  multiple for Dresser of 16.7x, (iii) market price to estimated 1998 CFPS of
  10.6x, 12.5x and 13.9x for Baker Hughes, Halliburton and Schlumberger,
  respectively, compared to an implied multiple of 12.1x for Dresser, (iv)
  market price to estimated 1999 cash flow per share of 8.6x, 10.4x and 12.0x
  for Baker Hughes, Halliburton and Schlumberger, respectively, compared to
  an implied multiple of 10.2x for Dresser, (v) firm value to LTM EBITDA of
  13.6x, 10.9x and 15.5x for Baker Hughes, Halliburton and Schlumberger,
  respectively, compared to an implied multiple of 10.1x for Dresser, and
  (vi) firm value to EBIT of 22.4x, 15.0x and 25.2x for Baker Hughes,
  Halliburton and Schlumberger, respectively, compared to an implied multiple
  of 14.3x for Dresser.
 
    (vii) Premium Analysis. Salomon Smith Barney reviewed the ratios of
  certain implied prices of Dresser Common Stock, based on the Exchange
  Ratio, the closing price of Dresser Common Stock as of February 19, 1998
  and certain benchmark prices of Halliburton Common Stock, to certain
  benchmark stand-alone prices of Dresser Common Stock. The benchmark prices
  of Halliburton Common Stock and the benchmark stand-alone prices of Dresser
  Common Stock included the current price, the 20-day average price, the 52-
  week low price and the 52-week high price of each of Dresser Common Stock
  and Halliburton Common Stock as of its closing price on February 19, 1998.
  The ratios of the implied prices to the stand-alone prices ranged from a
  high of 221% to a low of 68%, with a mean of 128%. Salomon determined that
  in almost every case, except with respect to the ratios using the 52-week
  low price of Halliburton Common Stock, the ratio of the implied price of
  Dresser Common Stock to the stand-alone price of Dresser Common Stock was
  in excess of 100%.
 
    (viii) Pro Forma Merger Analysis. Salomon Smith Barney reviewed certain
  pro forma financial effects on Dresser and Halliburton. Using First Call
  estimates for Dresser and Halliburton for 1998 and 1999, Salomon Smith
  Barney compared the estimated EPS and CFPS of Dresser Common Stock and
  Halliburton Common Stock, each on a stand-alone basis, to the estimated EPS
  and CFPS of the combined company's common stock on a pro forma basis.
  Salomon Smith Barney's analysis assumed that the Merger would be accounted
  for as a "pooling-of-interests", and that no synergies would be realized in
  1998 and
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
  $100 million of pre-tax synergies would be realized in 1999 following the
  Merger. Based on such analysis, Salomon Smith Barney determined that the
  proposed Merger would be accretive/(dilutive) in 1998 and 1999 (i) on an
  EPS basis at levels of 4.6% and 13.0%, respectively, for Dresser Common
  Stock and (2.9)% and 0.0%, respectively, for Halliburton Common Stock and
  (ii) on a CFPS basis at levels of (1.9)% and 1.7%, respectively, for
  Dresser Common Stock and 1.3% and 4.3%, respectively, for Halliburton
  Common Stock.
 
  The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process not susceptible
to partial analysis or summary descriptions. The summary set forth above is
not and does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses
underlying Salomon Smith Barney's opinion or its presentation to the Dresser
Board. Salomon Smith Barney believes that its analyses and the summary set
forth above must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its
analyses and the factors considered by it, without considering all such
analyses and factors, could create an incomplete view of the processes
underlying the analyses set forth in its opinion. In addition, no company used
in the comparable companies trading analysis, the public market valuation
analysis or the multiples analysis summarized above is identical to Dresser or
Halliburton or any of their business segments and no transaction used in the
private market valuation analysis summarized above is identical to the Merger.
Accordingly an analysis of the data described above necessarily involves
complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and
operating characteristics of Dresser, Halliburton or any of their business
segments and other facts that could affect the public trading value or the
acquisition value of the companies to which they are being compared.
 
  In performing its analyses, Salomon Smith Barney made numerous assumptions
with respect to industry performance, general business, financial, market and
economic conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of
Dresser or Halliburton. The analyses which Salomon Smith Barney performed are
not necessarily indicative of actual values or actual future results, which
may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such analyses.
Such analyses were prepared solely as part of Salomon Smith Barney's analysis
of the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Exchange Ratio to
holders of Dresser Common Stock. The analyses do not purport to be appraisals
or to reflect the prices at which a company might actually be sold or the
prices at which any securities may trade at the present time or at any time in
the future.
 
  Pursuant to an engagement letter dated February 13, 1998, Dresser agreed to
pay to Salomon Smith Barney: (a) a fee of $250,000 which was paid following
Dresser's execution of such engagement letter; (b) an additional fee of
$1,750,000 which was paid following the execution of the Merger Agreement; and
(c) a fee equal to 0.25% of the aggregate consideration (as defined in the
engagement letter) payable in connection with the Merger (less any fees paid
as described in clauses (a) and (b)), but not to exceed the total fees paid by
Halliburton to its financial advisors, contingent upon the consummation of the
Merger and payable at the closing thereof. If the Effective Time had been May
6, 1998, such fee would total $24.0 million in the aggregate based on the
current number of fully-diluted shares of Dresser Common Stock and the latest
closing price of Halliburton Common Stock. Dresser also agreed, under certain
circumstances, to reimburse Salomon Smith Barney for all reasonable fees and
disbursements of Salomon Smith Barney's counsel and all of Salomon Smith
Barney's reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
connection with the Merger, and agreed to indemnify Salomon Smith Barney and
certain related persons against various liabilities, including liabilities
under the Federal securities laws, relating to or arising out of its
engagement.
 
  Salomon Smith Barney is an internationally recognized investment banking
firm that provides financial services in connection with a wide range of
business transactions. As part of its business, Salomon Smith Barney regularly
engages in the valuation of companies and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements
and other purposes. In the ordinary course of its business, Salomon Smith
Barney may actively trade the securities of Dresser and Halliburton for its
own account and the accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any
time hold a long or short position in such securities. In addition, Salomon
Smith Barney has rendered certain investment banking and financial advisory
services to Dresser for which Salomon Smith Barney received customary
compensation. Salomon Smith Barney and its affiliates (including Travelers
Group Inc.) may have other business relationships with Halliburton, Dresser
and their affiliates. The Dresser Board retained Salomon Smith Barney based on
Salomon Smith Barney's expertise in the valuation of companies as well as its
substantial experience in transactions such as the Merger.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
  In considering the recommendation of Dresser's Board of Directors with
respect to the Merger, Dresser's stockholders should be aware that certain of
Dresser's directors and officers have interests respecting the Merger separate
from their interests as holders of Dresser Common Stock, including those
referred to below.
 
  BOARD SEATS ON THE HALLIBURTON BOARD OF DIRECTORS. In the Merger Agreement,
Halliburton and Dresser have agreed that the Board of Directors of Halliburton
immediately following the Merger will consist of 14 members and will be
reconstituted to include all then current members of Halliburton's Board of
Directors and, in addition, Mr. Bradford and four additional directors of
Dresser chosen by a committee consisting of Mr. Cheney, Mr. Bradford and the
current chairmen of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of
Halliburton and the Board Policy and Nominating Committee of Dresser. These
additional directors of Halliburton will also be accorded proportionate
membership on the Halliburton Board committees. One of the current Halliburton
directors has announced his intention to retire from the Board of Directors
concurrently with the consummation of the Merger.
 
  EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND CHANGE OF CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS. Pursuant
to the Merger Agreement, Halliburton has entered into employment contracts
with Messrs. Bradford and Vaughn which will become effective at the Effective
Time. Mr. Bradford will become Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Halliburton and Donald C. Vaughn, the current President and Chief Operating
Officer of Dresser, will become Vice Chairman of Halliburton. Each of Messrs.
Bradford and Vaughn will also be appointed to serve on Halliburton's Executive
Committee along with Messrs. Cheney and Lesar.
 
  Dresser has entered into change of control severance agreements (the
"Severance Agreements") with 35 executives and key employees (the
"Executives") in order to encourage their continued service and dedication in
the performance of their duties, notwithstanding the potential uncertainties
and dislocations that may arise as a result of the Merger. Pursuant to the
Severance Agreements, each Executive will be entitled to certain benefits
described below if a Change of Control (as defined in the Severance
Agreements) occurs and, within the three-year period following the Change of
Control, (i) such Executive's employment is terminated other than for Cause
(as defined in the Severance Agreements) or (ii) such Executive resigns from
employment for Good Reason (as defined in the Severance Agreements) (either a
"Termination").
 
  The benefits to which each Executive will be entitled in the event of a
Termination following a Change of Control under the Severance Agreements
include: (i) payment of any accrued but unpaid salary; (ii) payment of bonuses
and awards under the Dresser short-term and long-term incentive plans in which
the Executive participates (calculated as if a change of control has occurred
under each such plan, to the extent applicable); and (iii) a payment equal to
three times (if the Termination is within 12 months of the Change of Control),
two times (if the Termination is within 24 to 12 months of the Change of
Control) and one times (if the Termination is within 36 to 24 months of the
Change of Control) the sum of (x) the Executive's annual base salary and (y)
the Executive's annual bonus amount earned under the Dresser annual incentive
plan for the fiscal year ending October 1998 (such bonus to be calculated on
the basis that the performance factors have been achieved which shall be
deemed to be 100% unless the performance actually achieved is greater than
100%). In addition, the Severance Agreements provide that (i) the Executive
shall be deemed fully vested as of the Termination in (x) any Dresser
retirement plans (including Dresser's retiree medical plan and executive life
insurance programs to the extent the Executive was eligible prior to the
Termination) and (y) any other written agreements or plans relating to
compensation or retirement benefits in which the Executive was a participant
prior to the Change of Control, (ii) the Executive's age and service for all
such retirement-type plans shall be deemed increased (to the extent
applicable) by the lesser of 36 months or such shorter period of time as would
render the Executive 65 years of age, and (iii) the Executive shall be
entitled to continued welfare and other ancillary benefits enjoyed by the
Executive immediately prior to the Termination (e.g., health and life
insurance benefits) for the three-year period following the Termination. Any
benefits payable under the Severance Agreements are required to be grossed up
to the extent the Executive would be subject to an excise tax under Section
4999 of the Code due to the receipt thereof. The Severance Agreements also
provide that, without regard to a Termination, if an Executive
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
remains employed with Halliburton on the anniversary of the Change of Control,
the Executive shall become vested in any retirement benefits as if the
Executive had a Termination (but without three years of incremental service
and age).
 
  Consummation of the Merger will constitute a Change of Control within the
meaning of the Severance Agreements. As described above, Executives covered by
the Severance Agreements will not be entitled to receive the above-described
severance benefits unless they have a Termination within the three-year period
following the Change of Control. It is estimated that the incremental benefits
that would be payable to Messrs. George H. Juetten, A. Jack Stanley, and G.
Phillip Tevis under the Severance Agreements (in excess of the amounts that
would otherwise be payable to them absent the Merger) if there were a
Termination within the 12-month period following the Merger, would be
approximately $3,520,000, $4,440,000 and $3,910,000, respectively. It is
estimated that the aggregate incremental cost under the Severance Agreements
if all Executives covered under the Severance Agreements had a Termination
within the 12-month period following the Merger would be approximately
$86,217,000.
 
  TRANSITION MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE. The Merger Agreement further provides
that, pending the Merger, Halliburton and Dresser will create a special
transition management task force comprised of Messrs. Bradford, Cheney, Lesar
and Vaughn. The task force will examine various alternatives regarding the
manner in which to best organize the business of the combined companies after
the Effective Time.
 
  STOCK OPTIONS. The Merger Agreement provides that at the Effective Time,
automatically and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, each
Dresser Option will be assumed by Halliburton and will become an option to
purchase Halliburton Common Stock. The number of shares of Halliburton Common
Stock subject thereto will equal the number of shares of Dresser Common Stock
previously subject thereto and the exercise price per share of Halliburton
Common Stock will equal the exercise price per share of Dresser Common Stock
stated therein. Otherwise, the terms and conditions of such Dresser Options
will remain the same.
 
  RESTRICTED COMMON STOCK. Under the terms of Dresser's 1989 Restricted
Incentive Stock Plan, 1992 Stock Compensation Plan, Special 1997 Restricted
Incentive Stock Grant and Restricted Stock Grant Plan for 1997 (the
"Restricted Stock Plans"), all restrictions on outstanding Dresser Restricted
Common Stock (the "Dresser Restricted Common Stock") issued pursuant to the
Restricted Stock Plans will lapse at the Effective Time.
 
  The following table sets forth the names of those executive officers of
Dresser who hold Dresser Restricted Common Stock and the number of shares of
Dresser Restricted Common Stock that will vest upon the occurrence of the
Merger by virtue of the terms of the Restricted Stock Plans.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DRESSER RESTRICTED
                              NAME OF                            COMMON STOCK
                         EXECUTIVE OFFICER                         TO VEST
                         -----------------                    ------------------
      <S>                                                     <C>
      C. E. Ables............................................       18,116
      W. E. Bradford.........................................       47,584
      P. M. Bryant...........................................       16,217
      A. C. Judd.............................................        6,418
      G. H. Juetten..........................................        6,138
      M. J. Kammerer.........................................        2,206
      R. J. Menerey..........................................        3,332
      R. R. Morris...........................................        3,280
      P. M. Murray...........................................        2,822
      D. R. Smith............................................        3,000
      A. J. Stanley..........................................       10,000
      G. P. Tevis............................................            0
      D. C. Vaughn...........................................       18,513
      All executive officers as a group......................      137,626*
</TABLE>
- --------
  * Approximately 111,355 shares of Dresser Restricted Common Stock are
    attached to, and will be issued upon the exercise of Dresser Options that
    are exercisable prior to the estimated Effective Time.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
  INDEMNIFICATION. The Merger Agreement provides that Dresser, as the
Surviving Corporation, will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law, indemnify each person who was, at the date of the Merger Agreement, or
has been at any time prior to the date of the Merger Agreement, or who becomes
prior to the Effective Time, an officer or director of Dresser or any of its
subsidiaries against (i) all liabilities (including reasonable attorney's
fees) that at or after the Effective Time arise out of actions occurring at or
prior to the Effective Time and that are, in whole or in part, based on the
fact that such person is or was a director or officer of such party and (ii)
all liabilities (including reasonable attorney's fees) to the extent they are
based on or arise out of or pertain to the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement. Halliburton has agreed in the Merger Agreement to guarantee
such obligations of the Surviving Corporation.
 
  The Merger Agreement also provides that, for a period of six years after the
Effective Time, (i) the Surviving Corporation will, subject to certain
limitations, cause to be maintained in effect Dresser's current directors' and
officers' liability insurance policies for the benefit of those persons who
are currently covered by such policies on terms no less favorable than the
terms of such current insurance coverage and (ii), to the fullest extent
permitted by law, all rights to indemnification as of the date of the Merger
Agreement in favor of directors, officers, employees and agents of Dresser and
its subsidiaries with respect to their activities as such prior to the
Effective Time, as provided in their respective certificates of incorporation
and by-laws in effect on the date of the Merger Agreement, or otherwise in
effect on the date of the Merger Agreement, will survive the Merger and will
continue in full force and effect. See "Certain Terms of the Merger
Agreement--Indemnification."
 
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
  The following is a discussion of the material federal income tax
consequences of the Merger to the holders of Dresser Common Stock and is based
on the opinions of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., counsel to Halliburton, and Weil,
Gotshal & Manges LLP, counsel to Dresser. Such opinions are based upon current
provisions of the Code, existing regulations thereunder and current
administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to
change. No attempt has been made to comment on all federal income tax
consequences of the Merger that may be relevant to particular holders,
including holders that are subject to special tax rules such as dealers in
securities, foreign persons, mutual funds, insurance companies, tax-exempt
entities and holders who do not hold their shares as capital assets. HOLDERS
OF DRESSER COMMON STOCK ARE ADVISED AND EXPECTED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISERS REGARDING THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER IN LIGHT
OF THEIR PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE CONSEQUENCES UNDER APPLICABLE STATE,
LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS.
 
  Halliburton has received from its counsel, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., an
opinion to the effect that the Merger will be treated for federal income tax
purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), that Halliburton,
Merger Sub and Dresser will each be a party to the reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code, and that Halliburton, Merger Sub and
Dresser will not recognize any gain or loss as a result of the Merger. Dresser
has received from its counsel, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, an opinion to the
effect that the Merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, that
Halliburton, Merger Sub and Dresser will each be a party to the reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code, and that no gain or loss
will be recognized by a holder of Dresser Common Stock upon receipt of
Halliburton Common Stock in exchange for shares of Dresser Common Stock
pursuant to the Merger (except with respect to cash received in lieu of
fractional shares).
 
  Assuming the Merger is treated as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Code, the aggregate tax basis of the shares of
Halliburton Common Stock received by a Dresser stockholder in the Merger
(including any fractional share deemed received) will be the same as the
aggregate tax basis of the shares of Dresser Common Stock surrendered in
exchange therefor. The holding period of the shares of Halliburton Common
Stock received by a Dresser stockholder in the Merger (including any
fractional share deemed received) will include the holding period of the
shares of Dresser Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that
such shares of Dresser Common Stock are held as capital assets at the
Effective Time.
 
  A stockholder of Dresser who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of
Halliburton Common Stock will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference,
if any, between such stockholder's tax basis in the fractional share (as
described above) and the amount of cash received. Such gain or loss will be
capital gain or loss if the Dresser
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
Common Stock is held by such stockholder as a capital asset at the Effective
Time; the tax rate applicable to such capital gain or loss will depend on the
holding period for the fractional share (as described above) as of that time.
 
  The foregoing opinions address all of the material federal income tax
consequences of the Merger to the participants to the Merger and to the
stockholders of Dresser. Such opinions are based upon the Merger Agreement
(including the representations and warranties contained in Sections 4.17 and
5.17 thereof (in general, regarding: the absence of any extraordinary
distribution on, redemption of, or acquisition by Halliburton other than
pursuant to the Merger of any shares of Dresser Common Stock; the payment of
expenses incurred in connection with the Merger; the absence of any
intercorporate indebtedness between Halliburton and Dresser that was issued,
acquired or will be settled at a discount; the fact that Dresser is not an
investment company as defined in the Code; the fact that Dresser is not in
bankruptcy, receivership or a similar proceeding; the fact that following the
Merger, the Surviving Corporation will hold substantially all of the assets of
Dresser and Merger Sub; the absence of any plan or intention on the part of
Halliburton to liquidate, merge or dispose of shares of the Surviving
Corporation (subject to certain exceptions), to issue shares of capital stock
of the Surviving Corporation such that Halliburton would lose control (as
defined in the Code) of the Surviving Corporation, to dispose of assets of the
Surviving Corporation (subject to certain exceptions) or to reacquire any
shares of Halliburton Common Stock issued in the Merger; the fact that the
Surviving Corporation will continue the historic business of Dresser or use a
significant portion of its historic business assets in a business; and the
fact that Halliburton has not during the past five years owned more than 500
shares of capital stock of Dresser)), the facts set forth in the Registration
Statement (including this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus), written
representations of officers of Dresser and Halliburton (including
representations substantially similar to the representations and warranties
contained in Sections 4.17 and 5.17 of the Merger Agreement), current
provisions of the Code, existing regulations thereunder, current
administrative rulings of the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), court
decisions and the assumption that the transaction contemplated by the Merger
Agreement will be carried out strictly in accordance with the terms thereof.
Stockholders of Dresser should be aware that such opinions are not binding on
the IRS and no assurance can be given that the IRS will not adopt a contrary
position or that a contrary IRS position would not be sustained by a court.
Each of such opinions has been filed with the Commission as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
  The Merger is expected to be accounted for using the "pooling of interests"
method of accounting pursuant to Opinion No. 16 of the Accounting Principles
Board. The pooling of interests method of accounting assumes that the
combining companies have been merged from inception, and the historical
consolidated financial statements for periods prior to consummation of the
Merger are restated as though the companies had been combined from inception.
See the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Statements and notes
thereto included elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
  Each of Halliburton and Dresser has been preliminarily advised by its
independent accountants that the Merger should be treated as a pooling of
interests in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon the written confirmation by
Arthur Andersen LLP of such advice. Also, such advice contemplates that each
person who may be deemed an affiliate of Dresser or Halliburton will enter
into an agreement with Halliburton not to sell or otherwise transfer any
shares of Dresser Common Stock or Halliburton Common Stock, as the case may
be, within 30 days prior to the Effective Time or any Halliburton Common Stock
thereafter prior to the publication of financial results that include at least
30 days of post-Merger combined operations of Halliburton and Dresser. Forms
of such agreements ("Affiliates' Agreements") are attached as Annexes B and C
to the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is attached to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus as Appendix A. In accordance with the provisions of the
Merger Agreement, Halliburton and Dresser have heretofore obtained executed
Affiliates' Agreements from all persons known to the managements of
Halliburton or Dresser to be affiliates of such corporations, respectively.
 
GOVERNMENTAL AND REGULATORY APPROVALS
 
  Each of Halliburton and Dresser filed premerger notifications under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
Act"), on March 16, 1998, with the Antitrust Division of
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC"). The
Department of Justice issued a Request for Additional Information and
Documents to the parties on April 15, 1998. Halliburton has offered to divest
its interest in M-I, L.L.C. to resolve one of the Justice Department's
antitrust concerns; there are additional areas that are still under
investigation. The parties may not close the transaction until the statutory
waiting period expires or is terminated by the Department of Justice. On April
23, 1998, the parties filed a premerger notification with the European
Commission under the European Commission's Merger Regulation. The waiting
period under the European Commission's Merger Regulation must be observed
before the transaction may be consummated. On May 7, 1998, the parties filed a
premerger notification with the Canadian Director of Investigations and
Research under Canada's Competition Act. The waiting period applicable to this
regulation must also be observed before the Merger may be completed. In
addition, Halliburton will be required to file a premerger notice with the
Foreign Investment Review Board ("FIRB") under the Australian Foreign
Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975, the law regulating foreign investment in
Australia. Approval of the proposed merger by the FIRB or expiration of the
waiting period is required under that Act before the Merger can be
consummated. The parties may have to make additional filings with other
countries prior to consummation of the Merger, but no other approvals of
governmental authorities and no other waiting periods must be observed to
permit consummation of the Merger.
 
  Halliburton has offered to divest its minority interest in M-I, L.L.C. to
resolve one of the Justice Department's antitrust concerns. For calendar year
1997, M-I, L.L.C. (a partnership for tax purposes) had revenues of $1,001
million and net income before federal income taxes of approximately $104
million. Halliburton owns a 36% interest in M-I, L.L.C. The book value of
Halliburton's interest in M-I, L.L.C. is immaterial to the stockholders'
equity of the combined company.
 
  At any time before or after the Effective Time, the Department of Justice,
state attorneys general, foreign Governmental Authorities or private persons
or entities could seek under the antitrust or competition laws, among other
things, to enjoin the Merger or to cause Halliburton to divest itself, in
whole or in part, of Dresser or of other businesses conducted by Halliburton
or Dresser. There can be no assurance that a challenge to the Merger will not
be made or that, if such a challenge is made, Halliburton and Dresser will
prevail.
 
RESTRICTIONS ON RESALES BY AFFILIATES
 
  The shares of Halliburton Common Stock to be received by Dresser
stockholders in connection with the Merger have been registered under the
Securities Act and, except as set forth in this paragraph, may be traded
without restriction. The shares of Halliburton Common Stock to be issued in
connection with the Merger and received by persons who are deemed to be
"affiliates" (as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) of
Dresser prior to the Merger may be resold by them only in transactions
permitted by the resale provisions of Rule 145 under the Securities Act (or,
in case of those persons who become affiliates of Halliburton, Rule 144 under
the Securities Act) or as otherwise permitted under the Securities Act. Under
guidelines published by the Commission, the sale or other disposition of
Halliburton Common Stock or Dresser Common Stock by an affiliate of either
Halliburton or Dresser, as the case may be, within 30 days prior to the
Effective Time or the sale or other disposition of Halliburton Common Stock
thereafter prior to the publication of financial results that include at least
30 days of post-Merger combined operations of Halliburton and Dresser (the
"Pooling Period") could preclude pooling of interests accounting treatment of
the Merger. Accordingly, Halliburton and Dresser have obtained executed
Affiliates' Agreements from all persons known to the managements of
Halliburton and Dresser to be affiliates of such corporations, respectively,
in the form thereof attached to the Merger Agreement as Annexes B and C,
respectively, to the effect that such persons will not sell, transfer or
otherwise dispose of any shares of Dresser Common Stock or Halliburton Common
Stock, as the case may be, during the Pooling Period and, with respect to
affiliates of Dresser, that such persons will not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of Halliburton Common Stock at any time in violation of the Securities
Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, including Rule 145.
 
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS
 
  Under Delaware law, neither holders of Halliburton Common Stock nor holders
of Dresser Common Stock will be entitled to any appraisal or dissenter's
rights in connection with the Merger.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
                     CERTAIN TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
 
  The following description does not purport to be complete and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is
attached as Appendix A to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and is
incorporated herein by reference.
 
EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER
 
  The Merger Agreement provides that, as soon as practicable after the
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to effecting the Merger, the parties
shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing a Certificate of Merger
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, in such form as required
by, and executed in accordance with, the relevant provisions of the DGCL. It
is anticipated that, if the Merger Agreement is approved and adopted at the
Dresser Special Meeting, the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance are
approved at the Halliburton Special Meeting and all other conditions to the
Merger have been satisfied or waived, the Effective Time will occur as soon as
practicable following the date of the Halliburton Special Meeting and the
Dresser Special Meeting.
 
MANNER AND BASIS OF CONVERTING SHARES
 
  At the Effective Time, each outstanding share of Dresser Common Stock, other
than shares of Dresser Common Stock held in the treasury of Dresser or owned
by Halliburton or any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of either
Halliburton or Dresser, which shares will be canceled at the Effective Time,
will be converted into one share of Halliburton Common Stock. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if between the date of the Merger Agreement and the Effective
Time the outstanding shares of Halliburton Common Stock or Dresser Common
Stock shall have been changed into a different number of shares or a different
class, by reason of any stock dividend, subdivision, reclassification,
recapitalization, split, combination or exchange of shares, the Exchange Ratio
will be correspondingly adjusted to reflect such stock dividend, subdivision,
reclassification, recapitalization, split, combination or exchange of shares.
 
  Not later than five days after the Effective Time, Halliburton will cause
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., which has been selected by
Halliburton to act as exchange agent pursuant to the Merger Agreement (the
"Exchange Agent"), to mail to each record holder of Dresser Common Stock
immediately prior to the Effective Time, information advising such holder of
the consummation of the Merger and a letter of transmittal for use in
exchanging Dresser Common Stock certificates for Halliburton Common Stock
certificates and, if applicable, cash in lieu of fractional shares. Letters of
transmittal will also be available following the Effective Time at the offices
of the Exchange Agent at 120 Broadway, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10271,
Attn: Reorganization Department, and holders of certificates that previously
evidenced Dresser Common Stock may, at their option after the Effective Time,
surrender such certificates for certificates evidencing Halliburton Common
Stock at the offices of the Exchange Agent in person. After the Effective
Time, there will be no further registration of transfers on the stock transfer
books of Dresser of shares of Dresser Common Stock that were outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time. Share certificates should not be
surrendered for exchange by stockholders of Dresser prior to the Effective
Time.
 
  The shares of Halliburton Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
Merger will be unaffected by the Merger. Accordingly, share certificates for
Halliburton Common Stock should not be surrendered by stockholders of
Halliburton.
 
  Since the Merger Agreement contemplates an Exchange Ratio of one share of
Halliburton Common Stock for one share of Dresser Common Stock, it is not
anticipated that Dresser stockholders will become entitled to fractional
shares. If as a result of a change in the capitalization of Halliburton or
Dresser, the Exchange Ratio should be adjusted and, as so adjusted, would
result in a fractional share, no fractional shares of Halliburton Common Stock
will be issued in the Merger. Each stockholder of Dresser entitled to a
fractional share will receive an amount in cash, without interest thereon,
determined as follows: Pursuant to instructions from Halliburton, the Exchange
Agent will determine the number of whole shares and fractional shares of
Halliburton Common Stock allocable to all holders of Dresser Common Stock
pursuant to the Merger Agreement, will aggregate all such fractional shares
into whole shares, will sell such whole shares of Halliburton Common Stock
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
in the open market at then prevailing prices on behalf of the holders who
would otherwise be entitled to receive fractional shares and will distribute
to each such holder, at the time of surrender of such holder's Dresser Common
Stock certificates, such holder's ratable share of such proceeds, after
withholding federal income taxes and any applicable transfer taxes. All
brokers' fees and commissions and fees of the Exchange Agent incurred in
connection with such sales will be paid by Halliburton.
 
  Until so surrendered and exchanged, each certificate previously evidencing
Dresser Common Stock shall be deemed, for all purposes other than the payment
of dividends and other distributions, to evidence whole shares of Halliburton
Common Stock and the right to receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of
Halliburton Common Stock. Unless and until any such certificates that
previously evidenced Dresser Common Stock shall be so surrendered and
exchanged, no dividends or other distributions payable to the holders of
record of Halliburton Common Stock as of any time on or after the Effective
Time shall be paid to the holders of such certificates previously evidencing
Dresser Common Stock; provided, however, that, upon any such surrender and
exchange of such certificates, there shall be paid to the record holders of
the certificates issued and exchanged therefor (i) the amount, without
interest thereon, of dividends and other distributions, if any, with a record
date on or after the Effective Time theretofore paid with respect to such
whole shares of Halliburton Common Stock and (ii), at the appropriate payment
date, the amount of dividends or other distributions, if any, with a record
date on or after the Effective Time but prior to surrender and a payment date
occurring after surrender, payable with respect to such whole shares of
Halliburton Common Stock.
 
DRESSER OPTIONS
 
  The Merger Agreement provides that at the Effective Time, automatically and
without any action on the part of the holder thereof, each Dresser Option will
be assumed by Halliburton and will become an option to purchase Halliburton
Common Stock. The number of shares of Halliburton Common Stock subject thereto
will equal the number of shares of Dresser Common Stock previously subject
thereto and the exercise price per share of Halliburton Common Stock will
equal the exercise price per share of Dresser Common Stock stated therein.
Otherwise, the terms and conditions of such Dresser Options will remain the
same. The assumption by Halliburton of the Dresser Options pursuant to the
Merger Agreement will not affect the vesting schedule of any such Dresser
Options.
 
  Based on the Dresser Options outstanding at the Record Date and assuming
that none of such Dresser Options is exercised prior to the Effective Time,
Halliburton will be required at the Effective Time to reserve an aggregate of
1,891,050 shares of Halliburton Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of
Dresser Options.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
  The respective obligations of Halliburton and Dresser to consummate the
Merger are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, any or all
of which may be waived by Dresser and Halliburton, in whole or in part, to the
extent permitted by applicable law: (a) the Registration Statement shall have
been declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act, the pro
forma financial statements in the Registration Statement shall reflect the
Merger as a "pooling of interests" transaction and no stop order suspending
the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued by the
Commission and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated by
the Commission; (b) the Merger Agreement shall have been adopted by the
requisite vote of the stockholders of Dresser and the Charter Amendment and
the Share Issuance shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the
stockholders of Halliburton (in the case of each of Dresser and Halliburton,
the "Required Vote"), (c) no Court or Governmental Authority (as such terms
are defined in the Merger Agreement) shall have enacted, issued, promulgated,
enforced or entered any law, regulation, or order (whether temporary,
preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and has the effect of making the
Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Merger; (d) the
applicable waiting period under the HSR Act with respect to the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement shall have expired or been terminated;
(e) the applicable waiting period under any competition laws, regulations and
orders of foreign Governmental Authorities shall have expired or been
terminated; (f) the shares of Halliburton Common Stock to be issued in
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
the Merger shall have been listed, subject to official notice of issuance, on
the NYSE; and (g) Halliburton and Dresser shall have been advised in writing
by Arthur Andersen LLP at the Effective Time that the Merger should be
treated, for financial accounting purposes, as a "pooling of interests"
transaction in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and
the rules, regulations and interpretations of the Commission. The foregoing
advice from Arthur Andersen LLP shall have been rendered in reliance in part
on a report of Price Waterhouse LLP that such firm concurs with the conclusion
of Dresser's management that, as of the date of such report, no conditions
exist that would preclude Dresser from being a party to a business combination
for which the pooling of interests method of accounting would be available.
 
  The obligation of Halliburton and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are also
subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the closing of the Merger of the
following conditions, any or all of which may be waived by Halliburton and
Merger Sub, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable law:
(a) each of the representations and warranties of Dresser contained in the
Merger Agreement that is qualified as to materiality shall be true and
correct, and each of such representations and warranties not so qualified
shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the
Merger Agreement and as of the closing date of the Merger (the "Closing Date")
as though made again on the Closing Date; (b) Dresser shall have performed or
complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required
by the Merger Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to
the Closing Date; and (c) Halliburton shall have received an opinion of Vinson
& Elkins L.L.P. dated as of the Closing Date that the Merger will constitute a
reorganization under the Code, that Halliburton, Merger Sub and Dresser will
each be a party to that reorganization and that no gain or loss will be
recognized by Halliburton, Merger Sub or Dresser by reason of the Merger.
 
  The obligation of Dresser to effect the Merger is also subject to the
satisfaction at or prior to the closing of the Merger of the following
conditions, any or all of which may be waived by Dresser, in whole or in part,
to the extent permitted by applicable law: (a) each of the representations and
warranties of Halliburton contained in the Merger Agreement that is qualified
as to materiality shall be true and correct, and each of such representations
and warranties not so qualified shall be true and correct in all material
respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the Closing Date as
though made again on the Closing Date; (b) Halliburton and Merger Sub shall
have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and
covenants required by the Merger Agreement to be performed or complied with by
them on or prior to the Closing Date; and (c) Dresser shall have received an
opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP dated as of the Closing Date that the
Merger will constitute a reorganization under the Code, that Halliburton,
Merger Sub and Dresser will each be a party to that reorganization and that no
gain or loss will be recognized by the stockholders of Dresser upon the
receipt of shares of Halliburton Common Stock in the Merger, except with
respect to any cash received in lieu of fractional share interests.
 
  There can be no assurance that all of the conditions to the Merger will be
satisfied.
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
  The Merger Agreement contains various representations and warranties of each
of Dresser and Halliburton relating to, among other things, (i) its
organization and similar corporate matters, (ii) its capitalization, (iii) the
authorization, execution, delivery, performance and enforceability of the
Merger Agreement and the Stock Option Agreements and the absence of conflicts,
violations and defaults under any laws, regulations, or orders, its charter
and bylaws, and certain other agreements and documents, (iv) required
approvals of Governmental Authorities, (v) the documents and reports filed by
it with the Commission and the accuracy of the information contained therein,
(vi) reports filed by it with Governmental Authorities in addition to the
Commission (vii) the absence of certain changes and events, (viii) the
material permits and orders from Governmental Authorities required to conduct
its business, (ix) its litigation and compliance with laws, (x) its employee
benefit plans, (xi) its taxes, (xii) its insurance policies, (xiii) its
affiliates, (xiv) certain environmental matters, (xv) certain matters relating
to pooling of interests accounting and taxes, (xvi) its brokers or investment
bankers involved in the transaction; (xvii) the receipt of an opinion from its
investment bankers with respect to the Exchange Ratio, (xviii) certain
business practices, and (xix) certain obligations. The representations and
warranties of Dresser and Halliburton also extend in many respects to their
respective subsidiaries and, in the case of Halliburton, Merger Sub joins in
the representations and warranties. The representations and warranties expire
at the Effective Time.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS; CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO THE MERGER
 
  BUSINESS MAINTENANCE. Each of Dresser and Halliburton has agreed that, prior
to the Effective Time, unless expressly contemplated by the Merger Agreement
or otherwise consented to in writing by the other, it will and will cause its
subsidiaries (a) to operate its business in the usual and ordinary course
consistent with past practices; (b) to use all reasonable efforts to preserve
substantially intact its business organization, to maintain its rights and
franchises, to retain the services of its respective key employees (subject to
work force requirements) and to maintain its relationships with its respective
customers and suppliers; (c) to maintain and keep its properties and assets in
as good repair and condition as at present, ordinary wear and tear excepted;
and (d) to use all reasonable efforts to keep in full force and effect
insurance and bonds comparable in amount and scope of coverage to that
currently maintained.
 
  NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Each of Dresser and Halliburton has agreed that, prior
to the Effective Time, subject to certain exceptions and unless expressly
contemplated by the Merger Agreement or otherwise consented to in writing by
the other, it will not do, and will not permit any of its subsidiaries to do,
any of the following: (a)(i) increase the compensation payable to or to become
payable to any director or executive officer; (ii) grant any severance or
termination pay; (iii) amend the terms of outstanding options, warrants or
rights; (iv) accelerate the vesting of outstanding stock options; (v) increase
the amount or accelerate the payment or vesting of any benefit under any
benefit plan; or (vi) provide or set aside assets for benefits payable
pursuant to any termination, severance or change in control agreement; (b)
enter into any employment or severance agreement with any director or
executive officer or establish, adopt or enter into any new employee benefit
plans, other than for new employees and health and life insurance benefits
adopted in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (c)
declare or pay any extraordinary dividend on, or make any other distribution
in respect of, outstanding shares of capital stock except for cash dividends
consistent with dividends paid in the past fiscal year; (d)(i) redeem,
purchase or acquire, or offer to purchase or acquire, any of its outstanding
equity securities or the equity securities of any of its subsidiaries; (ii)
effect any reorganization or recapitalization; or (iii) split, combine or
reclassify any of its capital stock, or other equity interests in it, or issue
or authorize or propose the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in
lieu of, or in substitution for, such equity interests; (e) offer, sell, issue
or grant, or authorize the offering, sale, issuance or grant, of any of its
equity securities or the equity securities of any of its subsidiaries; (f)
acquire or agree to acquire any material business or other entity or otherwise
acquire or agree to acquire any material assets of any other person; (g) sell,
lease, exchange or otherwise dispose of, or grant any lien with respect to,
any of its material assets or any material assets of any of its subsidiaries;
(h) adopt any amendments to its charter or bylaws, other than the Charter
Amendment, that would alter the terms of its capital stock or result in a
material adverse effect on such party; (i) change any of its accounting
policies or take certain actions with respect to taxes; (j) incur any material
obligation for borrowed money or purchase money indebtedness; (k) release any
third party from its obligations under any existing standstill agreement
relating to a competing transaction or otherwise under any confidentiality or
similar agreement; (l) enter into certain material contracts; (m) amend,
modify, terminate, or take certain actions with respect to its rights
agreement or (n) agree in writing or otherwise to do any of the foregoing.
 
  ACCESS TO BUSINESS OF OTHER PARTY. During the pendency of the Merger
Agreement, Halliburton and Dresser have each agreed to afford, and to cause
its subsidiaries to afford, to the other party and its representatives
reasonable access at reasonable times to the officers, employees, agents,
properties, offices and other facilities and books and records of such party
and its subsidiaries. Each of them has also agreed to furnish, and to cause
its subsidiaries to furnish, to the other party and its representatives such
information concerning the business, properties, contracts, records and
personnel of such party and its subsidiaries as may be reasonably requested.
If the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, a party
that has received information pursuant to the Merger Agreement is obligated to
return or destroy such information within ten days after a request therefor by
the other party.
 
NO SOLICITATION
 
  Each of Halliburton and Dresser has agreed in the Merger Agreement that
neither it nor its subsidiaries nor their officers and directors shall, and it
will direct and use its best efforts to cause its other representatives not
to,
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
(i) initiate, solicit, encourage or otherwise facilitate (including by way of
furnishing information or assistance) any Acquisition Proposal (as defined
below) or any inquiries that may be reasonably expected to lead to an
Acquisition Proposal, (ii) engage in any discussion with or provide any
confidential information or data to any person that may reasonably be expected
to lead to an Acquisition Proposal or (iii) engage in any negotiations
concerning, or otherwise facilitate any effort or attempt to make or
implement, an Acquisition Proposal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board
of Directors of Halliburton and Dresser shall be permitted (A) to comply with
Rule 14e-2(a) under the Exchange Act with regard to an Acquisition Proposal,
(B) in response to an unsolicited bona fide written Acquisition Proposal from
any person, to recommend such Acquisition Proposal to such company's
stockholders or withdraw or modify in any adverse manner its approval or
recommendation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, or
both, or (C) to engage in any discussions or negotiations with, or provide any
information to, any person in response to an unsolicited bona fide written
Acquisition Proposal by any such person, if and only to the extent that, in
any such case described in clause (B) or (C), (i) the approval of the
applicable company's stockholders of the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement shall have not yet been obtained, (ii) the applicable Board
of Directors shall have concluded in good faith that such Acquisition Proposal
(x) in the case of that described in clause (B) above would, if consummated,
constitute a Superior Proposal or (y) in the case described in clause (C)
above could reasonably be expected to constitute a Superior Proposal, and
(iii) the applicable Board of Directors shall have determined in good faith on
the basis of advice of outside legal counsel that such action is necessary for
such Board of Directors to act in a manner consistent with its fiduciary
duties under applicable law. An "Acquisition Proposal" means any proposal or
offer with respect to a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business
combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or
similar transaction involving, or any purchase or sale of all or a significant
portion of the assets or 30% or more of the equity securities of, Halliburton
or Dresser, as applicable, or any significant subsidiary of Halliburton or
Dresser, as applicable, that could reasonably be expected to interfere with
the consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement. A "Superior Proposal" means a bona fide Acquisition Proposal
(except that any reference to 30% in the definition of Acquisition Proposal
shall be deemed to be a reference to 50% and any such proposal shall relate to
Halliburton or Dresser, as applicable, as a whole rather than to a subsidiary
of Halliburton or Dresser, as applicable) that the Board of Directors of the
specified person determines in good faith judgment (after consultation with
its financial advisers and legal counsel) (i) would result in a transaction
that is more favorable to the specified person's stockholders, from a
financial point of view, than the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement and (ii) is reasonably capable of being completed.
 
CERTAIN POST-MERGER MATTERS
 
  Once the Merger is consummated, Merger Sub will cease to exist as a
corporation, and Dresser, as the Surviving Corporation, will succeed to all of
the assets, rights and obligations of Merger Sub.
 
  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the certificate of incorporation and the
bylaws of Dresser, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, will
be the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation
until amended as provided therein and pursuant to the DGCL.
 
TERMINATION OR AMENDMENT OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
 
  Subject to certain exceptions described below, the Merger Agreement may be
terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after
adoption of the Merger Agreement by the stockholders of Dresser and before or
after approval of the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance by the
stockholders of Halliburton: (a) by mutual consent of Halliburton and Dresser;
(b) by Halliburton, upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement on the part of Dresser set forth in the Merger Agreement or if any
representation or warranty of Dresser shall have become untrue, in either case
such that Halliburton's conditions to effecting the Merger would not be
satisfied (a "Terminating Dresser Breach"), subject to a cure period under
certain circumstances; (c) by Dresser, upon a breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Halliburton or Merger Sub set
forth in the Merger Agreement or if any representation or warranty of
Halliburton or Merger Sub shall have become untrue, in either case such that
Dresser's conditions
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
to effecting the Merger would not be satisfied (a "Terminating Halliburton
Breach"), subject to a cure period under certain circumstances; (d) by either
Halliburton or Dresser, if there shall be any final and nonappealable order of
any Court or Governmental Authority that prevents the consummation of the
Merger, subject to a limited exception; (e) by either Halliburton or Dresser,
if the Merger shall not have been consummated before December 31, 1998;
provided, however, that the Merger Agreement may be extended by written notice
given by either Halliburton or Dresser to a date not later than March 31,
1999, if the Merger shall not have been consummated as a result of Dresser,
Halliburton or Merger Sub having failed by December 31, 1998 to receive all
required approvals and consents of any Court or Governmental Authority with
respect to the Merger or as the result of the entering of an order by a Court
or Governmental Authority; (f) by either Halliburton or Dresser, if the Merger
Agreement shall fail to receive the Required Vote at the Dresser Special
Meeting; (g) by either Halliburton or Dresser, if either the Charter Amendment
or the Share Issuance shall fail to receive the Required Vote at the
Halliburton Special Meeting; (h) by either Halliburton prior to approval of
the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance by the stockholders of
Halliburton, or Dresser prior to adoption of the Merger Agreement by the
stockholders of Dresser, and upon 72 hours prior written notice to the other
party, if (1) such party's Board of Directors shall have concluded in good
faith based on advice of outside counsel that termination is necessary to act
in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law and (2)
the other party does not make, within 72 hours of receipt of such written
notice of an intention to terminate the Merger Agreement, an offer that the
Board of Directors of the company intending to terminate the Merger Agreement
determines, in good faith after consultation with its financial advisors, is
at least as favorable, from a financial point of view, to its stockholders as
any Superior Proposal considered by the Board of Directors in making its
determination under clause (1) (a termination pursuant to this section (h)
shall be referred to as a "Fiduciary Out Termination"); and (i) by either
Halliburton or Dresser, upon two business days' prior written notice, if the
Board of Directors of the other party (A) shall withdraw or modify in any
manner adverse to the terminating company such Board's approval or
recommendation of the Merger Agreement and the Merger, in the case of Dresser,
or the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance, in the case of Halliburton,
(B) shall approve or recommend any Superior Proposal or (C) shall resolve to
take any of the actions specified in clause (A) or (B) (a termination pursuant
to this section (i) shall be referred to as "Recommendation Withdrawal
Termination").
 
  Subject to limited exceptions, including the survival of the agreement of
both Halliburton and Dresser to pay a termination fee to the other party under
certain circumstances, as discussed below, in the event of the termination of
the Merger Agreement, the Merger Agreement shall become void, there shall be
no liability on the part of Halliburton, Merger Sub or Dresser to the other,
and all rights and obligations of the parties thereto shall cease, except that
no party will be relieved from its obligations with respect to any
misrepresentation or breach of any covenants or agreements under the Merger
Agreement.
 
  The Merger Agreement may be amended by the parties thereto by action taken
by or on behalf of their respective Boards of Directors at any time prior to
the Effective Time; provided, however, that, after adoption of the Merger
Agreement by the stockholders of Dresser, or approval of the Charter Amendment
and Share Issuance by the stockholders of Halliburton, no amendment may be
made that would reduce the amount or change the type of consideration into
which each share of Dresser Common Stock will be converted pursuant to the
Merger Agreement upon consummation of the Merger or that would otherwise
require the approval of the stockholders of Dresser or Halliburton under the
DGCL. Any such amendment to the Merger Agreement must be set forth in a
writing signed by Halliburton, Merger Sub, and Dresser. At any time prior to
the Effective Time, any party to the Merger Agreement may (a) extend the time
for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other party
thereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of
the other party contained therein or in any document delivered pursuant
thereto and (c) waive compliance by the other party with any of the agreements
or conditions contained therein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid
only if set forth in a writing signed by the party or parties to be bound
thereby.
 
EXPENSES AND TERMINATION FEE
 
  All expenses incurred by Halliburton, Merger Sub, and Dresser will be borne
by the party incurring such expenses; provided, however, that the allocable
share of Halliburton and Merger Sub, as a group, and Dresser
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
for all expenses related to printing, filing and mailing the Registration
Statement and this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all Commission and
other regulatory filing fees incurred in connection with the Registration
Statement and this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall be one-half each;
and provided further, that Halliburton may, at its option, pay any expenses of
Dresser that are solely and directly related to the Merger.
 
  The Merger Agreement provides that should either Halliburton or Dresser (A)
withdraw or modify in any adverse manner its Board's approval or
recommendation of the Merger Agreement and the Merger, in the case of Dresser,
or the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance, in the case of Halliburton,
(B) approve or recommend any Superior Proposal or (C) resolve to take any
action in (A) or (B), and should the other party exercise its right to
terminate the Merger Agreement as a result, then Halliburton or Dresser, as
applicable, shall pay the terminating party a termination fee of $50 million.
 
  The Merger Agreement also provides that Dresser will pay to Halliburton a
termination fee equal to $175 million if: (i) the Merger Agreement is
terminated (A) by Halliburton, upon a Terminating Dresser Breach, (B) by
Dresser, pursuant to a Fiduciary Out Termination, (C) by either Halliburton or
Dresser, if the Merger Agreement or the Merger shall fail to receive the
Required Vote at the Dresser Special Meeting, or (D) by Halliburton pursuant
to a Recommendation Withdrawal Termination; (ii) at the time of such
termination (or in the case of clause (i)(C) above, prior to the Dresser
Special Meeting), a pending Acquisition Proposal involving Dresser or its
subsidiaries has not been (x) rejected by Dresser and its Board of Directors
or (y) withdrawn; (iii) within twelve months of any such termination, Dresser
or its subsidiaries accepts a written offer or enters into an agreement to
consummate such Acquisition Proposal; and (iv) Dresser or a subsidiary is
thereafter acquired through merger, consolidation, share exchange, sale of
assets or otherwise pursuant to such Acquisition Proposal.
 
  The Merger Agreement also provides that Halliburton will pay to Dresser a
termination fee equal to $175 million if: (i) the Merger Agreement is
terminated (A) by Dresser, upon a Terminating Halliburton Breach, (B) by
Halliburton, pursuant to a Fiduciary Out Termination, (C) by either
Halliburton or Dresser, if the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance shall
fail to receive the Required Vote at the Halliburton Special Meeting, or (D)
by Dresser pursuant to a Recommendation Withdrawal Termination; (ii) at the
time of such termination (or in the case of clause (i)(C) above, prior to the
Halliburton Special Meeting), a pending Acquisition Proposal involving
Halliburton or its subsidiaries has not been (x) rejected by Halliburton and
its Board of Directors or (y) withdrawn; (iii) within twelve months of any
such termination, Halliburton or its subsidiaries accepts a written offer or
enters into an agreement to consummate such Acquisition Proposal; and (iv)
Halliburton or a subsidiary is thereafter acquired through merger,
consolidation, share exchange, sale of assets or otherwise pursuant to such
Acquisition Proposal.
 
  In no event shall the termination fees payable to either Halliburton or
Dresser as described above exceed $175 million.
 
HALLIBURTON'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS; EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS; TRANSITION MANAGEMENT
 
  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Halliburton's Board of Directors will
consist of 14 members at the Effective Time, nine of whom shall be current
members of the Board of Directors of Halliburton, including Richard B. Cheney,
and five of whom shall be current members of the Board of Directors of
Dresser. A committee consisting of Messrs. Cheney and Bradford and the current
chairmen of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of Halliburton
and the Board Policy and Nominating Committee of Dresser has named the
additional members of Halliburton's Board of Directors. These individuals are
William E. Bradford, Lawrence S. Eagleburger, Ray L. Hunt, J. Landis Martin
and Jay A. Precourt. Information regarding to each of these individuals is set
forth below. These additional directors will also be appointed to the various
committees of the Halliburton Board of Directors in proportion to their
membership on the Halliburton Board of Directors.
 
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
  The following includes certain information concerning the current directors
of Dresser who will become directors of Halliburton as of Effective Time:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING PAST
          NAME (AGE)                      5 YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION
 ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
 <C>                          <S>
 William E. Bradford (63)     Chairman of the Board of Dresser since December 1996
                              and Chief Executive Officer since November 1995,
                              President March 1992 - December 1996, Chief
                              Operating Officer, March 1992 - November 1995;
                              President and Chief Executive Officer of Dresser-
                              Rand Company, Corning, New York, 51% joint venture
                              partnership, February 1988 - March 1992; Senior Vice
                              President - Operations of Dresser, March 1984 -
                              March 1992; Director, Ultramar Diamond Shamrock
                              Corporation; and Oryx Energy Company.
 Lawrence S. Eagleburger (67) Senior Foreign Policy Advisor, Baker, Donelson,
                              Bearman & Caldwell, Washington, D.C., law firm,
                              since January 1993; United States Secretary of
                              State, Department of State, December 1992 - January
                              1993, Acting Secretary of State, August 1992 -
                              December 1992, Deputy Secretary of State, February
                              1989 - August 1992; Director, Phillips Petroleum
                              Company; Stimsonite; Universal Corporation; Corning
                              Corp.; and COMSAT.
 Ray L. Hunt (55)             For more than five years, Chairman of the Board and
                              Chief Executive Officer, Hunt Oil Company, Dallas,
                              Texas, oil and gas exploration and development;
                              Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and
                              President, Hunt Consolidated, Inc., Dallas, Texas;
                              Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and
                              President, RRH Corporation, Dallas, Texas; Director,
                              Electronic Data Systems Corporation; PepsiCo, Inc.;
                              Ergo Science Incorporated; Security Capital Group
                              Incorporated; and Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
 J. Landis Martin (52)        For more than five years, President and Chief
                              Executive Officer of NL Industries, Inc., Houston,
                              Texas, a manufacturer and marketer of titanium
                              dioxide pigments; Chairman of the Board and Chief
                              Executive Officer of Baroid Corporation (and its
                              predecessor), Houston, Texas, acquired by Dresser
                              effective January 21, 1994, August 1990 - January
                              1994; for more than five years Chairman of Titanium
                              Metals Corporation, Denver, Colorado, an integrated
                              producer of titanium metals, Chief Executive Officer
                              since January 1995; Director, NL Industries, Inc.;
                              Titanium Metals Corporation; Tremont Corporation;
                              and Apartment Investment and Management Corporation
                              (a real estate investment trust).
 Jay A. Precourt (60)         For more than five years, Vice Chairman and Chief
                              Executive Officer, and, since October 1996,
                              President of Tejas Gas Corporation, Houston, Texas,
                              a natural gas pipeline company; Director, Coral
                              Energy, L.P.; Founders Funds, Inc.; Tejas Gas
                              Corporation; and the Timken Company.
</TABLE>
 
  The Merger Agreement further provides that, pending the Merger, Halliburton
and Dresser will create a special transition management task force comprised
of Messrs. Bradford, Cheney, Lesar, and Vaughn. The task force will examine
various alternatives regarding the manner in which to best organize the
business of the combined companies after the Effective Time.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
  In addition, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Halliburton has entered into
employment contracts with Messrs. Bradford and Vaughn which will become
effective at the Effective Time. Mr. Bradford will become Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Halliburton and Mr. Vaughn will become Vice Chairman of
Halliburton. Each of Messrs. Bradford and Vaughn will also be appointed to
serve on Halliburton's Executive Committee along with Messrs. Cheney and
Lesar.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
  The employment agreements provide that Mr. Bradford will serve as Chairman
of the Board and that Mr. Vaughn will serve as Vice Chairman of Halliburton.
The employment agreements further provide for (i) terms that commence at the
Effective Time and end, in the case of Mr. Bradford, on January 31, 2000 and,
in the case of Mr. Vaughn, on March 31, 2001, (ii) base salaries of $925,000
and $600,000 for Messrs. Bradford and Vaughn, respectively, (iii) payment to
each of the bonus earned by such individual under the Dresser 1998 Executive
Incentive Compensation Plan for the fiscal year ending October 31, 1998, as
well as a bonus calculated in the same manner as provided in such plan for the
two months ended December 31, 1998, (iv) participation by each in the
Halliburton Annual Performance Pay Plan commencing on January 1, 1999, subject
to a minimum equal to the average annual amount earned during fiscal years
1997 and 1998 under Dresser's incentive compensation plan, (v) participation
by each in the Halliburton 1993 Stock and Long-Term Incentive Plan,
(vi) continued participation by each in Dresser's Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan (to be adopted by Halliburton) and (vii) participation by each
in those other employee benefit plans made generally available to executive
employees of Halliburton. In addition, Halliburton has in the employment
agreements affirmed its obligations under the Merger Agreement with respect to
the Dresser employee benefit plans and, as a consequence, Halliburton will
assume the stock options held by Messrs. Bradford and Vaughn and it will honor
the participation by each in the Dresser Deferred Compensation Plan, the
Dresser Performance Stock Unit Program, the Dresser Executive Life Insurance
Program, the Dresser Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, the Dresser
Retirement Plan (in the case of Mr. Bradford) and the M. W. Kellogg retirement
plans (in the case of Mr. Vaughn) and the Dresser Retiree Medical Benefit
Plan. Under the employment agreements, the employee will continue to receive
all compensation and benefits provided thereunder if his employment is
terminated for any reason other than death, a "voluntary termination" or for
"cause" (as such terms are defined therein); if, however, such employee's
employment is terminated through death, "voluntary termination" or "cause",
employee shall be entitled to receive his base salary pro rated through the
date of termination, individual bonuses and individual incentive compensation
payable for prior years (but not for the year of such termination) and
benefits payable pursuant to the terms of Dresser's and Halliburton's employee
benefit plans (including any stock, stock option, incentive compensation and
deferred compensation plans). Each employee is obligated under the employment
agreement to refrain from competing with Halliburton for one year after
termination of employment. Halliburton will also enter into an Indemnification
Agreement with Mr. Bradford indemnifying him against liability incurred in his
capacity as a director and officer of Halliburton to the extent permitted by
the DGCL.
 
INDEMNIFICATION
 
  The Merger Agreement provides that the Surviving Corporation will, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify each person who is, at
the date of the Merger Agreement, or has been at any time prior to the date of
the Merger Agreement, or who becomes prior to the Effective Time, an officer
or director of Dresser or any of its subsidiaries against (i) all liabilities
(including reasonable attorney's fees) that at or after the Effective Time
arise out of actions occurring prior to, at or after the Effective Time that
are, in whole or in part, based on the fact that such person is or was a
director or officer of such party and (ii) all liabilities (including
reasonable attorney's fees) to the extent they are based on or arise out of or
pertain to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Halliburton
has agreed in the Merger Agreement to guarantee such obligations of the
Surviving Corporation.
 
  The Merger Agreement also provides that, for a period of six years after the
Effective Time, (i) the Surviving Corporation will, subject to certain
limitations, cause to be maintained in effect Dresser's current directors' and
officers' liability insurance policies for the benefit of those persons who
are currently covered by such policies on terms no less favorable than the
terms of such current insurance coverage and (ii) to the fullest extent
permitted by law, all rights to indemnification as of the date of the Merger
Agreement in favor of directors, officers, employees and agents of Dresser and
its subsidiaries with respect to their activities as such prior to the
Effective Time, as provided in their respective certificates of incorporation
and by-laws in effect on the date of the Merger Agreement, or otherwise in
effect on the date of the Merger Agreement, will survive the Merger and will
continue in full force and effect.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
                 CERTAIN TERMS OF THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS
 
  The following description does not purport to be complete and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the two Stock Option Agreements by and between
Halliburton and Dresser, dated as of February 25, 1998 (the "Stock Option
Agreements"), copies of which are attached as Appendices B and C to this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
  Each of Halliburton and Dresser granted to the other party an option to
purchase up to 15% of grantor's outstanding common stock at the time of
exercise (the "Options") in connection with, and as an inducement to, the
execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement by the other party. The per
share exercise price of each of the Options is the lesser of (a) $44.00 and
(b) the closing price of Dresser Common Stock or Halliburton Common Stock, as
applicable, on the date of exercise of the Option (the "Exercise Price").
Based on the number of shares outstanding on the Dresser Record Date, the
Option granted by (a) Dresser would, upon the occurrence of certain events
described below, give Halliburton the right to purchase up to 26,362,457
shares of Dresser Common Stock and (b) by Halliburton would, upon the
occurrence of certain events described below, give Dresser the right to
purchase up to 39,450,576 shares of Halliburton Common Stock.
 
TERMS OF THE OPTIONS
 
  Each of the Options is exercisable at any time and from time to time
following the occurrence of an Exercise Event (as defined below) and will
remain in full force and effect from the date of the Stock Option Agreements
until the earliest to occur of (i) the Effective Time; (ii) the first
anniversary of the receipt by the recipient of a particular Option (the
"Grantee") of written notice from the grantor of such Option (the "Grantor")
of the occurrence of an Exercise Event; and (iii) termination of the Merger
Agreement prior to the occurrence of such an Exercise Event (the "Option
Term"). The Option Term will be extended until the commencement of the Put
Period (as defined below) if, at the end of the Option Term, (a) all of the
conditions to a $175 million termination fee becoming payable by the Grantor
have occurred other than the consummation of the Acquisition Proposal (the
"Initial Conditions") and (b) the acceptance of, or agreement with respect to,
such Acquisition Proposal (the "Acquisition Agreement") has not been
terminated prior to consummation of such Acquisition Proposal. If so extended,
the Option Term will expire contemporaneously with the termination of the
Acquisition Agreement. If an Option is not exercised prior to the expiration
of its Option Term, the rights and obligations set forth in the related Option
Agreement will terminate at such time.
 
EXERCISE EVENTS
 
  Each of the following events constitutes an "Exercise Event" pursuant to the
Stock Option Agreements:
 
    (a) the occurrence of a Dresser Terminating Breach or a Halliburton
  Terminating Breach, as applicable, and, at the time of such breach by the
  Grantor, there was an outstanding Acquisition Proposal with respect to the
  Grantor or any of its subsidiaries that had not been rejected by the
  Grantor and its Board of Directors or withdrawn by the person making such
  Acquisition Proposal;
 
    (b) the failure to obtain the Required Vote of the Grantor's stockholders
  at the Grantor's Special Meeting and, at the time of such Special Meeting,
  there was an outstanding Acquisition Proposal with respect to the Grantor
  or any of its subsidiaries that had not been rejected by the Grantor and
  its Board of Directors or withdrawn by the person making such Acquisition
  Proposal;
 
    (c) a Fiduciary Out Termination with respect to the Grantor; and
 
    (d) a Recommendation Withdrawal Termination with respect to the Grantor.
 
REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF THE GRANTEE
 
  At the request of the Grantee, made at any time during a period of sixty
days after a termination fee of $175 million becomes payable by the Grantor
pursuant to Merger Agreement (the "Put Period"), the Grantor will repurchase
from the Grantee (i) all or any portion of the Option that then remains
unexercised and (ii) all or
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
any portion of the shares purchased by the Grantee pursuant to the Option that
the Grantee then owns (the "Put Right"). Such repurchase shall be at an
aggregate price (the "Put Consideration") equal to the sum of:
 
     (a) the aggregate Exercise Price paid by the Grantee for any shares as
  to which the Grantee is exercising the Put Right;
 
     (b) the excess, if any, of the Applicable Price (as defined below) over
  the Exercise Price paid by the Grantee for each share as to which the
  Grantee is exercising the Put Right multiplied by the number of such
  shares; and
 
     (c) the excess, if any, of (i) the Applicable Price per share over (ii)
  the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of shares that could still be
  purchased pursuant to the Option as to which the Grantee is exercising the
  Put Right.
 
For this purpose, "Applicable Price" means the highest of (a) the highest
price per share at which a tender or exchange offer has been made for shares
of the Grantor's common stock subsequent to the date of the Stock Option
Agreements and on or prior to the date on which the Grantee exercises the Put
Right (the "Put Date"); (b) the price per share to be paid by any third person
or entity for shares of the Grantor's common stock pursuant to any agreement
for a business combination involving Grantor entered into on or prior to the
Put Date; and (c) the average of the closing prices of the Grantor's common
stock as reported on the NYSE during the ten consecutive trading days ending
on (and including) such exercise.
 
  In addition, at the request of the Grantee made at any time after the first
Exercise Event and on or prior to the first anniversary of the Grantee's
exercise of the Option (the "Alternative Put Period"), the Grantor will
repurchase from the Grantee all or any portion of the shares purchased by the
Grantee pursuant to the Option that the Grantee then owns. Such repurchase
shall be at an aggregate price equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by the
number of shares as to which such repurchase right has been exercised.
 
REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF THE GRANTOR
 
  To the extent Grantee shall not have exercised its repurchase rights,
Grantor may demand, within sixty days following the expiration of the Put
Period (the "Call Period"), that the Grantee sell to the Grantor all (but not
less than all) of the shares acquired by the Grantee pursuant to the Option at
a price per share equal to the greater of (i) the average of the closing
prices of Grantor common stock as reported on the NYSE during the ten trading
days preceding such exercise and (ii) the Exercise Price per share, each times
the number of shares to be repurchased.
 
  In addition, if (x) at the end of the Option Term (without giving effect to
any extension thereof) not all the Initial Conditions have occurred or (y) if
at the end of the Option Term (including giving effect to any extension
thereof) all of the Initial Conditions have occurred but the Acquisition
Agreement has been terminated without consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby, then, at the request of the Grantor made at any time
during the sixty day period commencing at the expiration of the Alternative
Put Period (the "Alternative Call Period"), the Grantor may repurchase from
the Grantee all (but not less than all) of the shares acquired by the Grantee
pursuant to the Option then owned by the Grantee at a price per share equal to
the Exercise Price of such shares.
 
  The Stock Option Agreements also contain provisions granting the Grantor,
under certain circumstances, a right of first refusal to purchase shares
acquired by the Grantee upon exercise of the Option.
 
PROFIT LIMITATION
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Grantee's Total Profit
(as defined below) exceed $225 million and, if it otherwise would exceed such
amount, the Grantee, at its sole election, shall either (i) deliver to the
Grantor for cancellation shares previously purchased by Grantee pursuant to
the Option, (ii) pay cash or other consideration to the Grantor or (iii)
undertake any combination thereof, so that the Grantee's Total Profit shall
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
not exceed $225 million. Further, the Option may not be exercised for a number
of shares that would, as of the date of exercise, result in a Notional Total
Profit (as defined below) of more than $225 million, and, if exercise of the
Option otherwise would exceed such amount, the Grantee, at its sole option,
may increase the Exercise Price for the shares to be purchased so that the
Notional Total Profit will not exceed $225 million.
 
  "Total Profit" means the aggregate (before income taxes) of the following:
(a) all amounts received by the Grantee as the result of the repurchase of all
or part of the unexercised portion of the Option, (b)(i) the net cash amounts
received by the Grantee pursuant to the sale of shares acquired pursuant to
the Option (or any other securities into which such shares are converted or
exchanged) to any party not an affiliate of the Grantee, less (ii) the
Grantee's purchase price for such shares and (c) all termination fees received
by the Grantee from the Grantor pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
 
  "Notional Total Profit" means, with respect to any number of shares as to
which the Grantee may propose to exercise the Option, the Total Profit
determined as of the date of the exercise assuming that the Option was
exercised on such date for such number of shares and assuming such shares,
together with all other shares purchased pursuant to the Option and held by
the Grantee as of such date, were sold for cash at the closing market price
for the Grantor's common stock as of the close of business on the preceding
trading day (less customary brokerage commissions).
 
OTHER
 
  The Stock Option Agreements contain provisions governing the procedure for
exercise of the Options and payment for the shares purchased upon such
exercise and other provisions that adjust the number of shares and the
Exercise Price therefor upon the occurrence of certain events, such as stock
dividends, divisions, combinations and recapitalizations, exchange of shares
or other similar transactions.
 
  Finally, the Stock Option Agreements contain provisions obligating Grantor
to register, under the circumstances therein specified, the offering, sale and
delivery by Grantee of shares of Grantor common stock acquired by it pursuant
to the exercise of the Option under the Securities Act.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
          UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
reflect adjustments to the historical consolidated balance sheets and
statements of income of Halliburton and Dresser to give effect to the Merger,
using the pooling of interests method of accounting for a business
combination.
 
  The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income for the
three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1998 and for the years ended December
31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 assume the Merger was effected as of January 1, 1995.
 
  Dresser's October 31 fiscal year end consolidated financial statements have
been combined with Halliburton's December 31 fiscal year end consolidated
financial statements. Dresser's unaudited consolidated financial statements
for the three months ended January 31 have been combined with Halliburton's
unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March
31. See "Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements"
in this section for an explanation of the pro forma adjustments.
 
  The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
have been prepared from, and should be read in conjunction with, the
historical consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Halliburton
and Dresser, incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined
statements of income are not necessarily indicative of the results of
operations that would have occurred had the Merger occurred on January 1,
1995, nor are they necessarily indicative of the future operating results of
the combined companies.
 
          UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
                              -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                MARCH 31,        JANUARY 31,
                                   1998              1998           PRO FORMA     PRO FORMA
                               HALLIBURTON         DRESSER         ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED
                              --------------    --------------    -------------- --------------
                               (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND SHARES EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                           <C>               <C>               <C>            <C>
Sales and services
 revenues...................   $      2,325.1    $      1,712.3                  $      4,037.4
Share of earnings of
 unconsolidated
 subsidiaries...............             30.2              23.9                            54.1
                               --------------    --------------       ---------  --------------
    Total revenues..........          2,355.3           1,736.2                         4,091.5
Total costs.................          2,151.3           1,631.5                         3,782.8
                               --------------    --------------       ---------  --------------
Operating income............            204.0             104.7                           308.7
Interest expense............            (11.3)            (13.7)                          (25.0)
Other nonoperating income
 (expense)..................              5.7              (3.4)                            2.3
                               --------------    --------------       ---------  --------------
Income from continuing
 operations before income
 taxes and minority
 interest...................            198.4              87.6                           286.0
Provision for income taxes..            (77.0)            (31.5)                         (108.5)
Minority interest in net
 (income) loss of
 consolidated subsidiaries..             (3.6)              6.0                             2.4
                               --------------    --------------       ---------  --------------
Income from continuing
 operations.................   $        117.8    $         62.1                  $        179.9
                               ==============    ==============       =========  ==============
Income per share from
 continuing operations:
  basic.....................   $         0.45    $         0.35                  $         0.41
  diluted...................             0.44              0.35                            0.41
Cash dividends..............            0.125              0.19                           0.125
Average common shares
 outstanding:
  basic.....................            262.6             175.4                           438.0
  diluted...................            266.3             176.3                           442.6
</TABLE>
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
          UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
                              -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                MARCH 31,        JANUARY 31,
                                   1997              1997           PRO FORMA     PRO FORMA
                               HALLIBURTON         DRESSER         ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED
                              --------------    --------------    -------------- --------------
                               (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND SHARES EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                           <C>               <C>               <C>            <C>
Sales and services
 revenues...................   $      1,877.1    $      1,693.5                  $      3,570.6
Share of earnings of
 unconsolidated
 subsidiaries...............             20.4              11.0                            31.4
                               --------------    --------------       ---------  --------------
    Total revenues..........          1,897.5           1,704.5                         3,602.0
Total costs.................          1,758.8           1,600.7                         3,359.5
                               --------------    --------------       ---------  --------------
Operating income............            138.7             103.8                           242.5
Interest expense............             (6.1)            (14.8)                          (20.9)
Other nonoperating income
 (expense) .................              6.0              (2.2)                            3.8
                               --------------    --------------       ---------  --------------
Income from continuing
 operations before income
 taxes and minority
 interest...................            138.6              86.8                           225.4
Provision for income taxes..            (52.7)            (30.4)                          (83.1)
Minority interest in net
 income of consolidated
 subsidiaries...............             (2.9)             (4.3)                           (7.2)
                               --------------    --------------       ---------  --------------
Income from continuing
 operations.................   $         83.0    $         52.1                  $        135.1
                               ==============    ==============       =========  ==============
Income per share from
 continuing operations:
  basic.....................   $         0.33    $         0.30                  $         0.32
  diluted...................             0.32              0.30                            0.31
Cash dividends..............            0.125              0.17                           0.125
Average common shares
 outstanding:
  basic.....................            252.7             175.8                           428.5
  diluted...................            255.5             176.7                           432.2
</TABLE>
 
          UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
                              -----------------------------------------------------------------
                               DECEMBER 31,      OCTOBER 31,
                                   1997             1997            PRO FORMA    PRO FORMA
                               HALLIBURTON         DRESSER         ADJUSTMENTS   COMBINED
                              --------------    --------------    ------------- ---------------
                              (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND SHARES EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                           <C>               <C>               <C>           <C>
Sales and services
 revenues...................    $      8,694.2   $      7,419.1                 $      16,113.3
Share of earnings of
 unconsolidated
 subsidiaries...............             124.4             38.8                           163.2
                                --------------   --------------       --------- ---------------
    Total revenues..........           8,818.6          7,457.9                        16,276.5
Total costs.................           8,020.5          6,857.3                        14,877.8
                                --------------   --------------       --------- ---------------
Operating income............             798.1            600.6                         1,398.7
Interest expense............             (42.7)           (68.6)                         (111.3)
Other nonoperating income...              10.9             14.8                            25.7
                                --------------   --------------       --------- ---------------
Income from continuing
 operations before income
 taxes and minority
 interest...................             766.3            546.8                         1,313.1
Provision for income taxes..            (300.0)          (191.4)                         (491.4)
Minority interest in net
 income of consolidated
 subsidiaries...............             (11.9)           (37.4)                          (49.3)
                                --------------   --------------       --------- ---------------
Income from continuing
 operations.................    $        454.4   $        318.0                 $         772.4
                                ==============   ==============       ========= ===============
Income per share from
 continuing operations:
  basic.....................    $         1.78   $         1.81                 $          1.79
  diluted...................              1.75             1.80                            1.77
Cash dividends..............              0.50             0.70                            0.50
Average common shares
 outstanding:
  basic.....................             255.4            175.7                           431.1
  diluted...................             259.5            176.6                           436.1
</TABLE>
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
 
          UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                              -----------------------------------------------------------------
                               DECEMBER 31,      OCTOBER 31,
                                   1996             1996            PRO FORMA    PRO FORMA
                               HALLIBURTON         DRESSER         ADJUSTMENTS   COMBINED
                              --------------    --------------    ------------- ---------------
                              (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND SHARES EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                           <C>               <C>               <C>           <C>
Sales and services
 revenues...................    $      7,279.6   $      6,533.2                 $      13,812.8
Share of earnings of
 unconsolidated
 subsidiaries...............             105.5             28.3                           133.8
                                --------------   --------------       --------- ---------------
    Total revenues..........           7,385.1          6,561.5                        13,946.6
Total costs.................           6,967.2          6,076.2                        13,043.4
                                --------------   --------------       --------- ---------------
Operating income............             417.9            485.3                           903.2
Interest expense............             (24.1)           (60.5)                          (84.6)
Other nonoperating income...              10.4              2.0                            12.4
                                --------------   --------------       --------- ---------------
Income from continuing
 operations before income
 taxes and minority
 interest...................             404.2            426.8                           831.0
Provision for income taxes..            (103.3)          (145.1)                         (248.4)
Minority interest in net
 income of consolidated
 subsidiaries...............              (0.5)           (24.2)                          (24.7)
                                --------------   --------------       --------- ---------------
Income from continuing
 operations.................    $        300.4   $        257.5                 $         557.9
                                ==============   ==============       ========= ===============
Income per share from
 continuing operations:
  basic.....................    $         1.20   $         1.44                 $          1.30
  diluted...................              1.19             1.43                            1.29
Cash dividends..............              0.50             0.68                            0.50
Average common shares
 outstanding:
  basic.....................             249.9            179.3                           429.2
  diluted...................             252.2            179.9                           432.1
</TABLE>
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
 
          UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------
                           DECEMBER 31,      OCTOBER 31,
                               1995             1995            PRO FORMA     PRO FORMA
                           HALLIBURTON         DRESSER         ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                          --------------    --------------    -------------  ---------------
                          (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND SHARES EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>               <C>               <C>            <C>
Sales and services reve-
 nues...................    $      5,794.5   $      5,612.6                  $      11,407.1
Share of earnings of un-
 consolidated subsidiar-
 ies....................              88.4             16.1                            104.5
                            --------------   --------------      ----------  ---------------
    Total revenues......           5,882.9          5,628.7                         11,511.6
Total costs.............           5,482.0          5,267.0                         10,749.0
                            --------------   --------------      ----------  ---------------
Operating income........             400.9            361.7                            762.6
Interest expense........             (47.1)           (47.4)                           (94.5)
Other nonoperating in-
 come...................              34.0             27.9                             61.9
                            --------------   --------------      ----------  ---------------
Income from continuing
 operations before
 income taxes, minority
 interest and accounting
 change.................             387.8            342.2                            730.0
Provision for income
 taxes..................            (137.7)          (109.3)                          (247.0)
Minority interest in net
 income of consolidated
 subsidiaries...........              (0.9)           (19.8)                           (20.7)
                            --------------   --------------      ----------  ---------------
Income from continuing
 operations before
 accounting change......    $        249.2   $        213.1                  $         462.3
                            ==============   ==============      ==========  ===============
Income per share from
 continuing operations
 before accounting
 change:
  basic.................    $         1.00   $         1.17                  $          1.07
  diluted...............              1.00             1.17                             1.07
Cash dividends..........              0.50             0.68                             0.50
Average common shares
 outstanding:
  basic.................             248.3            182.8                            431.1
  diluted...............             249.4            182.9                            432.3
</TABLE>
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
 
 
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               MARCH 31, 1998
                                -----------------------------------------------
                                 MARCH 31,  JANUARY 31,
                                   1998        1998      PRO FORMA    PRO FORMA
                                HALLIBURTON   DRESSER   ADJUSTMENTS   COMBINED
                                ----------- ----------- -----------   ---------
                                            (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
<S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and equivalents........   $   93.4    $  113.8                 $   207.2
  Receivables.................    2,365.9     1,147.2                   3,513.1
  Inventories.................      375.7       990.7                   1,366.4
  Other current assets........      225.8       175.4                     401.2
                                 --------    --------     -------     ---------
  Total current assets........    3,060.8     2,427.1                   5,487.9
Property, plant and equipment,
 net..........................    1,735.7     1,101.2                   2,836.9
Excess of cost over net assets
 acquired, net................      318.1       805.8                   1,123.9
Equity in and advances to re-
 lated companies..............      364.3       317.3                     681.6
Other assets..................      325.6       400.4                     726.0
                                 --------    --------     -------     ---------
  Total assets................   $5,804.5    $5,051.8                 $10,856.3
                                 ========    ========     =======     =========
Current liabilities:
  Short-term notes payable and
   current maturities of long-
   term debt..................   $   83.7    $   86.7                 $   170.4
  Accounts payable............      676.8       579.9                   1,256.7
  Advance billings on uncom-
   pleted contracts...........      307.3       369.2                     676.5
  Other current liabilities...      803.8       707.4        60.0 (A)   1,571.2
                                 --------    --------     -------     ---------
  Total current liabilities...    1,871.6     1,743.2        60.0       3,674.8
Long-term debt................      538.3       757.9                   1,296.2
Employee compensation and ben-
 efits........................      324.8       616.5        65.0 (B)   1,006.3
Other liabilities.............      380.9       259.0       (65.0)(B)     574.9
                                 --------    --------     -------     ---------
  Total liabilities...........    3,115.6     3,376.6        60.0       6,552.2
                                 --------    --------     -------     ---------
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock................      673.1        46.2       392.5 (C)   1,111.8
  Paid-in capital in excess of
   par value..................      101.9       451.4      (553.3)(C)       0.0
  Cumulative translation ad-
   justment...................      (12.3)     (140.8)                   (153.1)
  Retained earnings...........    2,032.2     1,611.2      (188.1)(C)   3,455.3
  Pension liability adjust-
   ment.......................                   (3.9)                     (3.9)
                                 --------    --------     -------     ---------
                                  2,794.9     1,964.1      (348.9)      4,410.1
  Less treasury stock, at
   cost.......................      106.0       288.9      (288.9)(C)     106.0
                                 --------    --------     -------     ---------
  Total shareholders' equity..    2,688.9     1,675.2       (60.0)      4,304.1
                                 --------    --------     -------     ---------
  Total liabilities and share-
   holders' equity............   $5,804.5    $5,051.8         --      $10,856.3
                                 ========    ========     =======     =========
</TABLE>
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
 
     NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income for the
three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1998 are based on the consolidated
financial statements of Halliburton for the three months ended March 31, 1997
and 1998 and the consolidated financial statements of Dresser for the three
months ended January 31, 1997 and 1998. The unaudited pro forma condensed
combined statements of income for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997 are based on the consolidated financial statements of Halliburton for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and Dresser for the years ended
October 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997. Intercompany sales between Halliburton and
Dresser are insignificant.
 
  The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet is based on the
balance sheets of Halliburton and Dresser at March 31, 1998 and January 31,
1998, respectively, and upon the adjustments and assumptions described below.
 
  The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet reflects expenses
expected to be incurred by Halliburton and Dresser in connection with the
Merger, however, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of
income do not reflect such expenses. The unaudited pro forma condensed
combined financial statements do not reflect the effect of cost savings and
revenue enhancements, if any, which may be realized after consummation of the
Merger.
 
  Halliburton and Dresser employ accounting policies that are in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires Halliburton and Dresser management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Ultimate results could differ from those
estimates. In the opinion of Halliburton and Dresser, the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined financial statements include all adjustments necessary to
present fairly the financial position of Halliburton and Dresser and the
results of operations of Halliburton and Dresser.
 
NOTE 2. PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
 
  Halliburton and Dresser expect to incur charges to operations of
approximately $60 million for transaction fees and costs incident to the
Merger. These expenses are reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined balance sheet as of March 31, 1998, consistent with Commission
reporting rules. These expenses are not reflected in the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined statements of income. No adjustments have been reflected in
the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements for the
benefits that Halliburton management anticipates to result from the Merger as
described under "The Merger--Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations of the
Board of Directors--Halliburton." Halliburton expects to restructure the
combined operations, resulting in additional nonrecurring charges, which could
be significant. The amount of such charges cannot be reasonably estimated
until an analysis of the newly combined operations is completed and a
restructuring plan developed.
 
  The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements reflect the
following pro forma adjustments:
 
  (A)  Other current liabilities--reflects the accrual of the estimated
  transaction fees and costs incident to the Merger.
 
  (B)  Employee compensation and benefits--adjustment to conform Dresser's
  balance sheet to Halliburton's presentation.
 
  (C)  Shareholders' equity--Shareholders' equity reflects the issuance of
  one share of Halliburton Common Stock for each share of Dresser Common
  Stock outstanding at October 31, 1997. Therefore, the historical combined
  common stock, paid-in capital and retained earnings balances have been
  adjusted to reflect the number of shares assumed to be issued, the
  differences in par value per common share of Halliburton and Dresser and
  the cancellation of Dresser treasury stock. Retained earnings has also been
  adjusted to reflect the accrual of the estimated transaction fees and costs
  incident to the Merger.
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
                   DESCRIPTION OF HALLIBURTON CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
  The following description of certain of the provisions of the restated
certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Halliburton is necessarily general
and does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such documents, which are included as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a
part.
 
HALLIBURTON COMMON STOCK
 
  Halliburton is authorized to issue 400,000,000 shares (600,000,000 shares
assuming stockholder approval of the Charter Amendment) of Halliburton Common
Stock, par value $2.50. As of the Halliburton Record Date, there were
263,003,842 shares of Halliburton Common Stock issued and outstanding and
approximately 14,440 holders of record of Halliburton Common Stock. The
holders of Halliburton Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share on
all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. The holders of Halliburton
Common Stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of
directors. Subject to the rights of the holders of Halliburton Preferred Stock
(as defined below), the holders of Halliburton Common Stock are entitled to
receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared by the Board of
Directors of Halliburton out of legally available funds. In the event of
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Halliburton, the holders of
Halliburton Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets of
Halliburton remaining after the full amounts, if any, to which the holders of
outstanding Halliburton Preferred Stock are entitled. The holders of
Halliburton Common Stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemptive or
conversion rights. The outstanding shares are fully paid and nonassessable.
The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of Halliburton Common Stock
are subject to those of holders of Halliburton Preferred Stock.
 
RIGHTS TO PURCHASE PREFERRED STOCK
 
  Halliburton is a party to that certain Restated Rights Agreement dated as of
December 1, 1996 (the "Restated Rights Agreement") pursuant to which one
preferred share purchase right (a "Right") has been distributed as a dividend
for each share of Halliburton Common Stock outstanding or issued prior to the
Distribution Date (as hereinafter defined) or termination of the Restated
Rights Agreement. Each share of Halliburton Common Stock into which Dresser
Common Stock will be converted pursuant to the Merger will be accompanied by
one Right. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from
Halliburton one two-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock, without par value ("Halliburton Series A Preferred Stock"),
of Halliburton, at a price of $75.00 per one two-hundredth of a share (the
"Purchase Price"), subject to further adjustment. See "--Halliburton Preferred
Stock--Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock." Until the occurrence of
certain events described below, the Rights are not exercisable, will be
evidenced by the certificates for Halliburton Common Stock and will not be
transferable apart from the Halliburton Common Stock.
 
  DETACHMENT OF RIGHTS; EXERCISE. The Rights are currently attached to all
certificates representing outstanding shares of Halliburton Common Stock and
no separate Right Certificates have been distributed. The Rights will separate
from the Halliburton Common Stock and a distribution date ("Distribution
Date") will occur upon the earlier of (i) ten business days following a public
announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an
"Acquiring Person") has acquired beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the
outstanding Voting Shares (as defined in the Restated Rights Agreement) of
Halliburton, and (ii) the tenth business day following the commencement or
announcement of an intention to commence a tender offer or exchange offer, the
consummation of which would result in the beneficial ownership by a person or
group of 15% or more of such outstanding Voting Shares.
 
  The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. As soon as
practicable following the Distribution Date, separate certificates evidencing
the Rights (the "Right Certificates") will be mailed to holders of record of
Halliburton Common Stock as of the close of business on the Distribution Date
and such separate Right Certificates alone will thereafter evidence the
Rights.
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
  If a person or group were to acquire 15% or more of the Voting Shares of
Halliburton, each Right then outstanding (other than Rights beneficially owned
by the Acquiring Person which would become null and void) would become a right
to buy that number of shares of Halliburton Common Stock (or under certain
circumstances, the equivalent number of one two-hundredths of a share of
Halliburton Series A Preferred Stock) that at the time of such acquisition
would have a market value of two times the Purchase Price of the Right.
 
  If Halliburton were acquired in a merger or other business combination
transaction or more than 50% of its consolidated assets or earning power were
sold, proper provision is required to be made so that each holder of a Right
will thereafter have the right to receive, upon the exercise thereof at the
then current Purchase Price of the Right, that number of shares of common
stock of the acquiring company that at the time of such transaction would have
a market value of two times the Purchase Price of the Right.
 
  ANTIDILUTION AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS. The number of shares (or fractions
thereof) of Halliburton Series A Preferred Stock or other securities or
property issuable upon exercise of the Rights, and the Purchase Price payable,
are subject to customary adjustments from time to time to prevent dilution.
The number of outstanding Rights and the number of shares (or fractions
thereof) of Halliburton Series A Preferred Stock issuable upon exercise of
each Right are also subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split of the
Halliburton Common Stock or a stock dividend on the Halliburton Common Stock
payable in Halliburton Common Stock or subdivisions, consolidations or
combinations of the Halliburton Common Stock occurring, in any such case,
prior to the Distribution Date.
 
  REDEMPTION OF RIGHTS. At any time prior to the first public announcement
that a person or group has become the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the
outstanding Voting Shares, the Halliburton Board of Directors may redeem all
but not less than all the then outstanding Rights at a price of $.01 per Right
(the "Redemption Price"). The redemption of the Rights may be made effective
at such time, on such basis and with such conditions as the Halliburton Board
of Directors in its sole discretion may establish. Immediately upon the action
of the Halliburton Board of Directors ordering redemption of the Rights, the
right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders
of Rights will be to receive the Redemption Price.
 
  EXCHANGE OPTION. At any time after the acquisition by a person or group of
affiliated or associated persons of beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the
outstanding Voting Shares of Halliburton and before the acquisition by a
person or group of 50% or more of the outstanding Voting Shares of
Halliburton, the Halliburton Board of Directors may, at its option, issue
Halliburton Common Stock in mandatory redemption of, and in exchange for, all
or part of the then outstanding and exercisable Rights (other than Rights
owned by such person or group which would become null and void) at an exchange
ratio of one share of Halliburton Common Stock (or one two-hundredth of a
share of Halliburton Series A Preferred Stock) for each two shares of
Halliburton Common Stock for which each Right is then exercisable, subject to
adjustment.
 
  EXPIRATION; AMENDMENT OF RIGHTS. The Rights will expire on December 15,
2005, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged. The terms of the Rights may be
amended by the Halliburton Board of Directors without the consent of the
holders of the Rights, including an amendment to extend the expiration date of
the Rights, and, provided a Distribution Date has not occurred, to extend the
period during which the Rights may be redeemed, except that after the first
public announcement that a person or group has become the beneficial owner of
15% or more of the outstanding Voting Shares, no such amendment may materially
and adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Rights.
 
  The Rights have certain anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause
substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire Halliburton
without the approval of the Halliburton Board of Directors. The Rights should
not, however, interfere with any merger or other business combination that is
approved by the Halliburton Board of Directors.
 
  The foregoing description of the Rights does not purport to be complete and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Restated Rights Agreement, a
copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and is
available free of charge from Halliburton.
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
HALLIBURTON PREFERRED STOCK
 
  GENERAL. Halliburton is authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, without par value (the "Halliburton Preferred Stock"), of which
2,000,000 shares have been designated as Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock. Halliburton intends to designate an additional 1,000,000
shares of Halliburton Preferred Stock as Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock to correspond to the increase of Halliburton Common Stock if
the Charter Amendment is approved. No shares of Halliburton Preferred Stock
were outstanding on the Halliburton Record Date. The Halliburton Board of
Directors has authority, without stockholder approval, to issue shares of
Halliburton Preferred Stock in one or more series and to determine the number
of shares, designations, dividend rights, conversion rights, voting power,
redemption rights, liquidation preferences and other terms of such series. The
issuance of Halliburton Preferred Stock, while providing desired flexibility
in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could
adversely affect the voting power of holders of Halliburton Common Stock and
the likelihood that such holders will receive dividend payments and payments
upon liquidation and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a change in control of Halliburton. Halliburton has no present
plans to issue any Halliburton Preferred Stock.
 
  SERIES A JUNIOR PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK. The terms of the Halliburton
Series A Preferred Stock are designed so that the value of each one one-
hundredth of a share purchasable upon exercise of a Right will approximate the
value of one share of Halliburton Common Stock. The Halliburton Series A
Preferred Stock is nonredeemable and will rank junior to all other series of
Halliburton Preferred Stock. Each whole share of Halliburton Series A
Preferred Stock is entitled to receive a cumulative quarterly preferential
dividend in an amount per share equal to the greater of (i) $1.00 in cash or
(ii), in the aggregate, 100 times the dividend declared on the Halliburton
Common Stock. In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Halliburton
Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive a preferential liquidation
payment equal to the greater of (i) $100.00 per share or (ii), in the
aggregate, 100 times the payment made on the Halliburton Common Stock, plus,
in either case, the accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions thereon. In
the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which the
Halliburton Common Stock is exchanged for or changed into other stock or
securities, cash or property, each whole share of Halliburton Series A
Preferred Stock is entitled to receive 100 times the amount received per share
of Halliburton Common Stock. Each whole share of Halliburton Series A
Preferred Stock is entitled to 100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of
the stockholders of Halliburton, and holders of Halliburton Series A Preferred
Stock will generally vote together as one class with the holders of
Halliburton Common Stock and any other capital stock on all matters submitted
to a vote of stockholders of Halliburton.
 
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF HALLIBURTON CHARTER AND BYLAWS
 
  The Halliburton Charter contains provisions authorizing the indemnification
of persons who become parties to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of Halliburton or is or was serving at
the request of Halliburton as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership or other enterprise against expenses and
damages incurred thereby under the circumstances set forth therein. The
Halliburton Charter also contains provisions that, in accordance with the
DGCL, limit the liability of directors of Halliburton for breach of fiduciary
duty while acting in such capacity. Pursuant to these provisions, directors of
Halliburton may be liable for breach of fiduciary duty only (a) under Section
174 of the DGCL (relating to the payment of unlawful dividends and unlawful
purchases of stock of the corporation) or (b) if, in addition to any and all
other requirements for such liability, any such director (i) shall have
breached the duty of loyalty to Halliburton, (ii) in acting or failing to act,
shall not have acted in good faith or shall have acted in a manner involving
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law or (iii) shall have
derived an improper personal benefit.
 
  The provisions of the Halliburton Charter may be amended or repealed by the
vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of Halliburton
entitled to vote thereon.
 
  Except in the case of nominations by or at the direction of the Halliburton
Board of Directors, written notice must be given of any nomination of a
director (i), with respect to an election to be held at an annual meeting of
 
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stockholders, not later than ninety days prior to the first anniversary of the
immediately preceding annual meeting and (ii), with respect to an election to
be held at a special meeting of stockholders, not later than the close of
business on the tenth day following the day of notice of such meeting.
 
  Except in the case of a national emergency, all actions taken by the
Halliburton Board of Directors, including the appointment and removal of
officers of Halliburton and the establishment and dissolution of divisions of
Halliburton, require the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors. The
Halliburton Bylaws provide that the number of directors on the Halliburton
Board of Directors may be increased or decreased with the approval of a
majority of the then-authorized number of directors. Also, newly created
directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of
directors and any vacant directorships may be filled by the affirmative vote
of a majority of the directors then in office.
 
  The Halliburton Bylaws may be adopted, amended or rescinded by the vote of a
majority of the Halliburton Board of Directors or by the majority of the
outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
  The transfer agent and registrar for the Halliburton Common Stock is
ChaseMellon Shareholders Services, L.L.C.
 
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          COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF HALLIBURTON AND DRESSER STOCKHOLDERS
 
  If the Merger is consummated, the stockholders of Dresser will become
stockholders of Halliburton. The rights of the stockholders of both
Halliburton and Dresser are governed by and subject to the provisions of the
DGCL. The rights of current Dresser stockholders following the Merger will be
governed by the Halliburton Charter and Bylaws rather than the provisions of
the Dresser Charter and Bylaws. The following is a brief summary of the
material differences between the rights of Halliburton stockholders and the
rights of Dresser stockholders, and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the relevant provisions of the DGCL, the Halliburton restated certificate
of incorporation and bylaws and the Dresser certificate of incorporation and
bylaws.
 
NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
 
  The Halliburton Bylaws authorize no fewer than eight and no more than twenty
persons to serve on its Board of Directors. Within these limits, the number of
directors, which is presently set at eleven, is determined by resolution of
the Board of Directors or by the stockholders at the annual meeting. Newly
created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of
directors and any vacant directorships may be filled by the affirmative vote
of a majority of the directors then in office. This provision of the
Halliburton Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed by the affirmative vote
of the majority of either the Halliburton Board of Directors or the
outstanding shares of capital stock of Halliburton entitled to vote. At the
Effective Time of the Merger, the number of directors of the Halliburton Board
of Directors will be increased to 14.
 
  The Dresser Bylaws authorize no fewer than three and no more than 12 persons
to serve on its Board of Directors. Dresser presently has 12 directors. The
number of directors may be increased or decreased by amendment of the Dresser
Bylaws. Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any such
increase may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office. This
provision of the Dresser Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed by the
affirmative vote of the majority of either the Dresser Board of Directors or
the outstanding shares of capital stock of Dresser entitled to vote.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
  Neither Halliburton's nor Dresser's Charter provides for cumulative voting
rights for the election of directors or otherwise.
 
POWER TO CALL SPECIAL MEETINGS
 
  The Halliburton Bylaws provide that a special meeting of stockholders may be
called by the Halliburton Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the
President (if a Director) or by the holders of a majority of the issued and
outstanding shares of the capital stock of Halliburton entitled to vote.
Written notice of a special meeting must be mailed not fewer than ten nor more
than fifty days before the meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to
vote.
 
  The Dresser Bylaws provide that a special meeting of the stockholders may be
called by the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman, the President or by a
majority of the Dresser Board of Directors. Written notice of a special
meeting must be delivered not more than sixty days before the date of such
meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote.
 
STOCKHOLDER VOTE REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
  Neither the Halliburton Charter nor the Halliburton Bylaws contain any
provisions that would require greater than a majority of stockholders to
approve mergers, consolidations, sales of a substantial amount of assets or
other similar transactions.
 
  The Dresser Charter provides that in order to effect certain specified
transactions ("Business Combinations") involving an Interested Stockholder (as
defined below) and Dresser or any subsidiary of Dresser,
 
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in addition to any affirmative vote required by law or the Dresser Charter,
Dresser must obtain the affirmative vote of at least 70% of the then
outstanding shares of capital stock voting as a single class. Such provisions
shall not apply if the Business Combination (i) shall have been approved by a
majority of the directors of Dresser not affiliated with or a nominee of an
Interested Stockholder or (ii) certain price and procedure requirements
are met.
 
  An "Interested Stockholder" is defined as any individual, group, corporation
or other entity who is (i) the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of
10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding stock entitled to vote
generally on the election of directors (the "Voting Stock"), (ii) is an
"affiliate" (within the meaning of Rule 12b-2) of Dresser and within two years
immediately prior to the date in question was the beneficial owner, directly
or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding
Voting Stock or (iii) is an assignee or has otherwise succeeded in one of more
transactions not involving a public offering to beneficial ownership of Voting
Stock which was at any time within the two year period immediately prior to
the date in question owned by an Interested Stockholder.
 
  The specified "Business Combinations" to which the provisions of the Dresser
Charter would apply include (i) merger or consolidation with an Interested
Stockholder or its affiliate, (ii) sale, lease, mortgage, pledge, transfer,
dividend or distribution (other than on a pro rata basis to all stockholders)
by Dresser or a subsidiary, in one transaction or a series of transactions, of
assets having a fair market value of $100 million or more to, with or from an
Interested Stockholder, (iii) issuance or transfer of securities to an
Interested Stockholder or its affiliate, for consideration of $100 million or
more, (iv) adoption of a plan of liquidation proposed by an Interested
Stockholder or its affiliate, (v) any transaction which has the effect of
increasing the proportionate share of Dresser securities held by an Interested
Stockholder or its affiliate, or (vi) any series or combination of
transactions having the same effect as any of the foregoing.
 
  The DGCL generally requires that such a transaction be submitted to the
affected stockholders at an annual or special meeting and that a majority of
the outstanding stock of the affected entity vote in favor of such a
transaction. See "Description of Halliburton Capital Stock."
 
ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT
 
  Although neither the Charter or Bylaws of Halliburton nor the Charter or
Bylaws of Dresser contain any provisions permitting stockholders to act
without a meeting, the DGCL permits such actions by written consent of
stockholders.
 
AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS
 
  The Halliburton and the Dresser Bylaws may be amended either by their
respective Boards of Directors or by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of their respective capital stock present and entitled to
vote at a meeting.
 
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              THE HALLIBURTON SPECIAL MEETING--ADDITIONAL MATTERS
 
ELECTION OF HALLIBURTON DIRECTORS
 
  Effective December 4, 1997, the number of Directors constituting the Board
of Directors of Halliburton increased from 10 to 11 and Mr. Charles J. DiBona
was elected as a Director at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors. Mr.
DiBona is proposed for election to the Board of Directors by stockholders for
the first time. Mr. Roger T. Staubach, who has served as a Director since
1991, is retiring from the Board of Directors immediately prior to the
Halliburton Special Meeting and will not be a candidate for election for the
ensuing year. Due to Mr. Staubach's retirement, the number of Directors
constituting the Board of Directors will be reduced from eleven to ten
effective at 9:00a.m. (Central Daylight Time) on June 25, 1998.
 
  Ten Directors are to be elected to serve for the ensuing year and until
their successors are elected and qualify. All of the ten nominees hereinafter
named are presently directors of Halliburton. It is intended that the
Halliburton Common Stock represented by the proxies, in the absence of
instructions to the contrary, will be voted for the election as Directors of
the ten nominees or, if any such nominee shall be unwilling or unable to
serve, favorable and uninstructed proxies will be voted for a substitute
nominee designated by the Board of Directors, unless the Board of Directors,
because of the unavailability of a suitable substitute, reduces the number of
Directors to be elected. Each nominee has indicated approval of his or her
nomination and his or her willingness to serve if elected. Dale P. Jones has
announced his intention to retire as a director of Halliburton concurrently
with consummation of the Merger.
 
 INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR
 
  ANNE L. ARMSTRONG, 70, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Center for
Strategic and International Studies, Washington, D.C. for more than the past
five years; former Chairman of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory
Board, 1981-1990; former Ambassador to Great Britain; joined Halliburton
Company Board in 1977; Chairman of the Health, Safety and Environment
Committee and member of the Management Oversight and the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committees; Director of American Express Company, Boise
Cascade Corporation and General Motors Corporation.
 
  RICHARD B. (DICK) CHENEY, 57, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Halliburton; Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Halliburton, 1996-1997; President and Chief Executive Officer of
Halliburton, 1995; Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute for Public
Policy Research, 1993-1995; Secretary of Defense, 1989-1993; Member, U.S.
House of Representatives, 1979-1989; joined Halliburton Company Board in 1995;
Director of Union Pacific Corporation, The Procter & Gamble Company and
Electronic Data Systems Corporation; Member of the Board of Trustees, American
Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research.
 
  LORD CLITHEROE, 68, Chairman, The Yorkshire Bank, PLC for more than the past
five years; Deputy Chief Executive, The RTZ Corporation PLC (an international
group of mining and industrial companies), 1987-1989; Executive Director, The
RTZ Corporation PLC, 1968-1987; joined Halliburton Company Board in 1987;
Chairman of the Management Oversight Committee and member of the Health,
Safety and Environment and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees.
 
  ROBERT L. CRANDALL, 62, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, AMR
Corporation and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, American Airlines, Inc.
(engaged primarily in the air transportation business) since 1985; President,
American Airlines, Inc., 1985-1995; joined Halliburton Company Board in 1986;
Chairman of the Audit Committee and member of the Compensation and the
Management Oversight Committees; Director of AMR Corporation, American
Airlines, Inc., The SABRE Group Holdings, Inc. and U S WEST, Inc.
 
  CHARLES J. DIBONA, 66, President and Chief Executive Officer (retired),
American Petroleum Institute (a major petroleum industry trade association),
1979-1997; joined Halliburton Company Board in 1997; member of
 
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the Health, Safety and Environment, the Nominating and Corporate Governance
and the Management Oversight Committees; Chairman of the Board of Trustees,
Logistics Management Institute.
 
  WILLIAM R. HOWELL, 62, Chairman Emeritus, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (a major
retailer); Chairman of the Board, J.C. Penney Company, Inc., 1994-1997;
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, J.C. Penney Company, Inc.,
1983-1994; joined Halliburton Company Board in 1991; Chairman of the
Compensation Committee and member of the Management Oversight and the Audit
Committees; Director of Exxon Corporation, Warner-Lambert Company, Bankers
Trust Company, Bankers Trust New York Corporation, The Williams Companies,
Inc. and Central and South West Corporation.
 
  DALE P. JONES, 61, Vice Chairman of the Company; President of the Company,
1989-1995; Executive Vice President--Oil Field Services of the Company, 1987-
1989; Senior Vice President of the Company, 1987; joined Halliburton Company
Board in 1988.
 
  DELANO E. LEWIS, 59, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Public
Radio (produces and distributes original programming and provides support to
member stations) since 1994; President and Chief Executive Officer, C&P
Telephone Company, a subsidiary of Bell Atlantic Corporation, 1990-1993;
joined Halliburton Company Board in 1996; member of the Compensation, the
Health, Safety and Environment and the Management Oversight Committees;
Director of Colgate-Palmolive Company, Guest Services, Inc., BET Holdings,
Inc. and the Poynter Institute.
 
  C. J. SILAS, 66, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
(retired), Phillips Petroleum Company (engaged in exploration and production
of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids on a worldwide basis, the
manufacture of plastics and petrochemicals and other activities), 1985-1994;
joined Halliburton Company Board in 1993; member of the Compensation, the
Audit and the Management Oversight Committees; Director of Reader's Digest
Association, Inc.
 
  RICHARD J. STEGEMEIER, 70, Chairman Emeritus, Unocal Corporation (an
integrated petroleum company); Chairman of the Board, Unocal Corporation,
1989-1995; Chief Executive Officer, Unocal Corporation, 1988-1994; President,
Unocal Corporation, 1985-1992; Chief Operating Officer, Unocal Corporation,
1985-1988; joined Halliburton Company Board in 1994; Chairman of the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and member of the Audit and the
Management Oversight Committees; Director of Foundation Health Systems, Inc.,
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Pacific Enterprises, Wells Fargo Bank and
Montgomery Watson, Inc.
 
 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
  The Board of Directors believes that the primary responsibility of the Board
of Directors is to provide effective governance over Halliburton's affairs for
the benefit of its stockholders. That responsibility includes:
 
  .  Evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and taking
     appropriate action, including removal, when warranted.
 
  .  Selecting, evaluating and fixing the compensation of senior management
     of Halliburton and establishing policies regarding the compensation of
     other members of management.
 
  .  Reviewing succession plans and management development programs for
     members of senior management.
 
  .  Reviewing and approving periodically long-term strategic and business
     plans and monitoring corporate performance against such plans.
 
  .  Adopting policies of corporate conduct, including compliance with
     applicable laws and regulations and maintenance of accounting, financial
     and other controls, and reviewing the adequacy of compliance systems and
     controls.
 
  .  Evaluating periodically the overall effectiveness of the Board.
 
  .  Deciding on matters of corporate governance.
 
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<PAGE>
 
  In 1997, the Board adopted the following guidelines to assist it in the
exercise of its responsibilities. These guidelines are in addition to and are
not intended to change or interpret any Federal or state law or regulation,
including the DGCL, or the Restated Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws of
Halliburton. The guidelines are subject to modification from time to time by
the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors intends, if the Merger is
effected, to modify these guidelines as necessary or appropriate to reflect
management and organizational changes resulting therefrom.
 
  Operation of the Board of Directors; Meetings
 
  1. Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes
that, under normal circumstances, the Chief Executive Officer of Halliburton
should also serve as the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer is responsible to the Board for the overall management
and functioning of Halliburton.
 
  The Chairman of the Management Oversight Committee, which is composed of all
of the outside Directors, will function as the lead director when such
Committee meets in executive session outside the presence of the Chief
Executive Officer and other Halliburton personnel and will serve as the
interface between that Committee and the Chief Executive Officer in
communicating the matters discussed during the executive sessions.
 
  2. Executive Sessions of Outside Directors. The Management Oversight
Committee is composed of all of the outside Directors and meets in executive
session outside the presence of the Chief Executive Officer and other
Halliburton personnel during a portion of each of its five regular meetings
per year. In addition, any member of the Management Oversight Committee may
request the Committee Chairman to call an executive session of such Committee
at any time.
 
  Each December, the Management Oversight Committee will meet in executive
session to evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer. In
evaluating the Chief Executive Officer, such Committee takes into
consideration the executive's performance in both qualitative and quantitative
areas, such as: leadership and vision; integrity; keeping the Board of
Directors informed on matters affecting Halliburton and its operating units;
performance of the business (including such measurements as total stockholder
return and achievement of financial objectives and goals); development and
implementation of initiatives to provide long-term economic benefit to
Halliburton; accomplishment of strategic objectives; and development of
management. The evaluation will be communicated to the Chief Executive Officer
by the Chairman of the Management Oversight Committee and will be used by the
Compensation Committee in the course of its deliberations when considering the
Chief Executive Officer's compensation for the ensuing year.
 
  3. Regular Attendance of Non-Directors at Board of Directors Meetings.  The
Chief Financial Officer and the General Counsel will be present at all times
during Board of Directors meetings, except where there is a specific reason
for one or both of them to be excluded. In addition, the Chairman may invite
one or more members of management to be in regular attendance at Board of
Directors meetings and may include other officers and employees from time to
time as appropriate to the circumstances.
 
  4. Frequency of Board of Directors Meetings. The Board of Directors has five
regularly scheduled meetings per year. Special meetings are called as
necessary. It is the responsibility of the Directors to attend the meetings.
Long-term strategic and business plans will be reviewed annually at one of the
Board of Directors' regularly scheduled meetings.
 
  5. Board of Directors Access to Senior Management. Directors have open
access to Halliburton's management, subject to reasonable time constraints. In
addition, senior management of Halliburton routinely attend Board of Directors
and Committee meetings and they and other managers frequently brief the Board
of Directors and the Committees on particular topics. The Board of Directors
encourages senior management to bring managers into Board of Directors or
Committee meetings and other scheduled events who (a) can provide additional
insight into matters being considered or (b) represent managers with future
potential whom senior management believe should be given exposure to the
members of the Board of Directors.
 
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  6. Selection of Agenda Items for Board of Directors Meetings. The Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer establishes the agenda for each Board of Directors
meeting, although Board of Directors members are free to suggest items for
inclusion on the agenda. Each Director is free to raise at any Board of
Directors meeting subjects that are not on the agenda for that meeting.
 
  7. Board of Directors/Committee Forward Agenda. A forward agenda of matters
requiring recurring and focused attention by the Board of Directors and each
Committee will be prepared and distributed prior to the beginning of each
calendar year in order to ensure that all required actions are taken in a
timely manner and are given adequate consideration.
 
  8. Information Flow; Pre-meeting Materials. In advance of each Board of
Directors or Committee meeting, a proposed agenda will be distributed to each
member. In addition, to the extent feasible or appropriate, information and
data important to the members' understanding of the matters to be considered,
including background summaries of presentations to be made at the meeting,
will be distributed prior to the meeting. Directors also routinely receive
monthly financial statements, earnings, reports, press releases, analyst
reports and other information designed to keep them informed of the material
aspects of Halliburton's business, performance and prospects.
 
  Board of Directors Structure
 
  1. Majority of the Members of the Board of Directors Must Be Independent
Directors. The Board of Directors believes that as a matter of policy a
majority of the members of the Board of Directors should be independent
Directors. A Director will be considered independent if he or she: (a) has not
been employed by Halliburton or an affiliate in an executive capacity; (b) is
not, and is not an employee of a company or firm that is, a significant*
advisor or consultant to Halliburton or its affiliates; (c) is not an employee
or beneficial owner of more than 10% of a significant* customer or supplier of
Halliburton or its affiliates; (d) does not have a significant* personal
services contract(s) with Halliburton or its affiliates; (e) is not affiliated
as an employee with a tax-exempt entity that receives significant
contributions from Halliburton or one of its affiliates; and (g) is not part
of an interlocking directorate in which the Chief Executive Officer or another
executive officer of Halliburton serves on the board of directors of another
corporation that employs the Director. (* "Significant" means a business
relationship which would be required to be disclosed under Commission rules.)
 
  The definition of independence and compliance with the foregoing policy will
be reviewed periodically by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
 
  Furthermore, the Board of Directors believes that employee Directors should
number not more than two. While such number is not an absolute limitation,
other than with respect to the Chief Executive Officer who should at all times
be a member of the Board of Directors, employee Directors should be limited
only to those officers whose positions or potential make it appropriate for
them to sit on the Board of Directors.
 
  2. Size of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors currently has
eleven members. The By-laws prescribe that the number of Directors will not be
less than eight nor more than 20.
 
  3. Service of Former Chief Executive Officers and Other Former Employees on
the Board of Directors. Employee Directors shall retire from the Board of
Directors at the time of their retirement as an employee unless continued
service as a Director is requested and approval by the Board of Directors is
received.
 
  4. Annual Election of All Directors. As provided in Halliburton's By-laws,
all Directors are elected annually.
 
 
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  5. Board of Directors Membership Criteria. Candidates nominated for election
or re-election to the Board of Directors should possess the following
qualifications:
 
  .  Personal characteristics:
 
    . highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values;
    .an inquiring and independent mind; and
    .practical wisdom and mature judgment.
 
  .  Broad training and experience at the policy-making level in business,
     government, education, or technology.
 
  .  Expertise that is useful to Halliburton and complementary to the
     background and experience of other Board of Directors members, so that
     an optimum balance of members on the Board of Directors can be achieved
     and maintained.
 
  .  Willingness to devote the required amount of time to carrying out the
     duties and responsibilities of Board of Directors membership.
 
  .  Commitment to serve on the Board of Directors over a period of several
     years to develop knowledge about Halliburton's principal operations.
 
  .  Willingness to represent the best interests of all stockholders and
     objectively appraise management performance.
 
  .  Involvement only in activities or interests that do not create a
     conflict with the Director's responsibilities to Halliburton and its
     stockholders.
 
  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for
assessing the appropriate mix of skills and characteristics required of Board
of Directors members in the context of the perceived needs of the Board of
Directors at a given point in time and shall periodically review and update
the criteria as deemed necessary. Diversity in personal background, race,
gender, age and nationality for the Board of Directors as a whole may be taken
into account in considering individual candidates.
 
  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate the
qualifications of each Director candidate against the foregoing criteria in
connection with its recommendation to the Board of Directors concerning his or
her nomination for election or re-election as a Director.
 
  6. Selection of Directors. The Board of Directors is responsible for
nominating members to the Board of Directors and for filing vacancies on the
Board of Directors that may occur between annual meetings of stockholders. The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, with direct input from the
Chief Executive Officer and other Board of Directors members, is responsible
for identifying and screening candidates for Board of Directors membership.
 
  7. Director Retirement. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee,
in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, will review each Director's
continuation on the Board of Directors annually in connection with its
recommendation to the Board of Directors concerning his or her nomination for
election or re-election as a Director.
 
  It is the policy of the Board of Directors that each non-employee Director
shall retire from the Board of Directors immediately prior to the annual
meeting of stockholders following his or her seventy-second birthday. Employee
Directors shall retire at the time of their retirement from employment with
Halliburton unless continued service as a Director is approved by the Board of
Directors.
 
  8. Director Compensation Review. It is appropriate for senior management of
Halliburton to report periodically to the Compensation Committee on the status
of Halliburton's Director compensation practices in relation to other
companies of comparable size and Halliburton's competitors.
 
  Changes in Director compensation, if any, should come upon the
recommendation of the Compensation Committee, but with full discussion and
concurrence by the Board of Directors.
 
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  9. Conflicts of Interest. If an actual or potential conflict of interest
develops because of a change in the business operations of Halliburton or a
subsidiary, or in a Director's circumstances (for example, significant and on-
going competition between Halliburton and a business with which the Director
is affiliated), the Director should report such matter immediately to the
Chairman of the Board of Directors for evaluation. A significant conflict must
be resolved or the Director should resign.
 
  If a Director has a personal interest in a matter before the Board of
Directors, the Director shall disclose the interest to the full Board of
Directors and excuse himself or herself from participation in the discussion
and shall not vote on the matter.
 
  Committees of the Board of Directors
 
  1. Number and types of Committees. A substantial portion of the analysis and
work of the Board of Directors is done by standing Board of Directors
Committees. A Director is expected to participate actively in the meetings of
each Committee to which he or she is appointed.
 
  The Board of Directors has established the following standing Committees:
Management Oversight; Audit; Compensation; Nominating and Corporate
Governance; and Health, Safety and Environment. Each Committee's charter is to
be reviewed periodically by such Committee and the Board of Directors.
 
  2. Composition of Committees. It is the policy of the Board of Directors
that only non-employee Directors serve on Board of Directors Committees.
 
  A Director who is part of an interlocking directorate (i.e. one in which the
Chief Executive Officer or another executive officer of Halliburton serves on
the board of directors of another corporation that employs the Director) may
not serve on the Compensation Committee. The composition of the Compensation
Committee will be reviewed annually to ensure that each of its members meet
the criteria set forth in applicable SEC and IRS rules and regulations.
 
  3. Assignment and Rotation of Committee Members. The Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee, with direct input from the Chief Executive
Officer, recommends to the Board of Directors the membership of the various
Committees and their Chairmen and the Board of Directors approves the
Committee assignments. In making its recommendations to the Board of
Directors, such Committee takes into consideration the need for continuity,
subject matter expertise, tenure and the desires of individual Board of
Directors members.
 
  4. Frequency and Length of Committee Meetings. The Board of Directors and
Committee meeting schedule for each year is submitted and approved by the
Board of Directors in advance. The number of regularly scheduled meetings per
year are as follows: Management Oversight-5; Audit-3; Compensation-3;
Nominating and Corporate Governance-2; and Health, Safety and Environment-2.
In addition, the Chairman of a Committee may call a special meeting at any
time if deemed advisable. Accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis
should a Committee agenda require more time than originally scheduled.
 
  5. Committee Agendas; Reports to the Board of Directors. Appropriate members
of management and staff will prepare draft agendas and related background
information for each Committee meeting which, to the extent desired by the
relevant Committee Chairman, will be reviewed and approved by such Chairman in
advance of distribution to the other members of the Committee. A forward
agenda of recurring topics to be discussed during the year will be prepared
for each Committee and furnished to all Directors. Each Committee member is
free to suggest items for inclusion on the agenda and to raise at any
Committee meeting subjects that are not on the agenda for that meeting.
 
  Reports on each Committee meeting (other than Management Oversight Committee
meetings) are made to the full Board of Directors. All Directors are furnished
copies of each Committee's minutes.
 
                                      75
<PAGE>
 
  Other Board of Directors Practices
 
  1. Director Orientation. It is the sense of the Board of Directors that an
orientation program be developed for new Directors which will include
comprehensive information about Halliburton's business and operations; general
information about the Board of Directors and its committees, including a
summary of Director compensation and benefits; and a review of Director duties
and responsibilities. Some of such topics will be included in a Director's
handbook and others will be covered in meetings with key executives.
 
  2. Board of Directors Interaction With Institutional Investors and Other
Stakeholders. The Board of Directors believes that it is senior management's
responsibility to speak for Halliburton. Individual Board of Directors members
may, from time to time, meet or otherwise communicate with outside
constituencies that are involved with Halliburton. In those instances,
however, it is expected that Directors will do so only with the knowledge of
senior management and, absent unusual circumstances, only at the request of
senior management.
 
  3. Periodic Review of These Guidelines. The operation of the Board of
Directors is a dynamic and evolving process. As such these guidelines will be
reviewed periodically by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
 
 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STANDING COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS
 
  The Board of Directors of Halliburton has standing Audit; Compensation;
Nominating and Corporate Governance; Health, Safety and Environment; and
Management Oversight Committees. Each of the standing Committees is comprised
entirely of outside Directors, none of whom is an employee or former employee
of Halliburton. During the last fiscal year, the Board of Directors met on 6
occasions, the Audit Committee met on 3 occasions, the Compensation Committee
met on 3 occasions, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met on 3
occasions, the Health, Safety and Environment Committee met on 2 occasions,
and the Management Oversight Committee met on 5 occasions. No member of the
Board of Directors attended fewer than 75 percent of the aggregate number of
meetings of the Board of Directors and the Committees on which he or she
served during the last fiscal year.
 
  Audit Committee
 
  The Audit Committee has, among other things, responsibility for recommending
the appointment of independent auditors to the Board of Directors; reviewing
the scope of the independent auditors' examination and the scope of activities
of the internal audit department; reviewing Halliburton's financial policies
and accounting systems and controls; and approving and ratifying the duties
and compensation of the independent auditors, both with respect to audit and
non-audit services. The Committee also reviews Halliburton's compliance with
its Code of Business Conduct. The Committee meets separately from time to time
with the independent auditors and with members of the internal audit staff,
outside the presence of Halliburton management or other employees, to discuss
matters of concern, to receive recommendations or suggestions for change and
to exchange relevant views and information.
 
  Compensation Committee
 
  Duties of the Compensation Committee include developing and approving an
overall executive compensation philosophy consistent with corporate objectives
and stockholder interests; acting as a salary and promotion committee with
respect to certain officers of Halliburton and its subsidiaries and
affiliates; establishing annual performance criteria and reward schedules
under Halliburton's Annual Performance Pay Plan and certifying the performance
level achieved and reward payments at the end of each year, approving any
other incentive or bonus plans applicable to certain officers of Halliburton's
subsidiaries and affiliates; administering awards under Halliburton's 1993
Stock and Long-Term Incentive Plan and Senior Executives' Deferred
Compensation Plan; approving agreements or arrangements relating to the terms
of employment, continued employment or termination of employment for certain
officers of Halliburton and its subsidiaries and affiliates;
 
                                      76
<PAGE>
 
acting as a committee for administration of other forms of non-salary
compensation; and reviewing periodically Halliburton's Director compensation
practices and recommending to the Board of Directors any changes thereto.
 
  Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
 
  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee periodically reviews and
updates the criteria for Board of Directors membership and evaluates the
qualification of each Director candidate against such criteria; assesses the
appropriate mix of skills and characteristics required of Board of Directors
members; identifies and screens candidates for Board of Directors membership;
establishes procedures whereby individuals may be recommended by stockholders
for consideration by the Committee as possible candidates for election to the
Board of Directors; reviews annually each Director's continuation on the Board
of Directors and recommends to the Board of Directors a slate of Director
nominees for election at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders; recommends
candidates to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors; reviews periodically
the status of each Director to assure compliance with the Board of Directors'
policy that at least a majority of Directors meet the Board of Directors'
definition of "independent Director"; recommends members to serve on the
standing Committees of the Board of Directors and the Chairmen thereof; and
reviews periodically the corporate governance guidelines adopted by the Board
of Directors and recommends revisions thereto as deemed appropriate.
 
  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider qualified
nominees recommended by stockholders who may submit recommendations to the
Committee in care of the Vice President and Secretary at Halliburton Company,
3600 North Lincoln Plaza, 500 North Akard Street, Dallas, Texas 75201-3391.
Stockholder nominations must be submitted prior to year end and must be
accompanied by a description of the qualifications of the proposed candidate
and a written statement from the proposed candidate that he or she is willing
to be nominated and desirous of serving, if elected.
 
  Nominations by stockholders may also be made at an Annual Meeting of
Stockholders in the manner provided in Halliburton's By-laws. The By-laws
provide that a stockholder entitled to vote for the election of Directors may
make nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors at a
meeting of stockholders by complying with required notice procedures. Such
nominations shall be made pursuant to written notice to the Secretary, which
must be received at the principal executive offices of Halliburton not less
than ninety (90) days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately
preceding Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The notice shall set forth (a) as to
each person the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election
as a Director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of
the person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (iii)
the class and number of shares of capital stock of Halliburton that are
beneficially owned by the person, and (iv) all other information relating to
the person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for
election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended; and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice, (i)
the name and record address of the stockholder, and (ii) the class and number
of shares of capital stock of Halliburton that are beneficially owned by the
stockholder. Halliburton may require any proposed nominee to furnish such
other information as may reasonably be required by Halliburton to determine
the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a Director of
Halliburton. At any meeting of stockholders, the presiding officer may
disregard the purported nomination of any person not made in compliance with
the above-specified procedures.
 
  Health, Safety and Environmental Committee
 
  The Health, Safety and Environment Committee has responsibility for
reviewing and assessing Halliburton's health, safety and environmental
policies and practices and proposing modifications or additions thereto as
needed; overseeing the communication and implementation of such policies
throughout Halliburton; reviewing annually the health, safety and
environmental performance of Halliburton's operating units and their
compliance with applicable policies and legal requirements; and identifying,
analyzing and advising the Board of Directors on health, safety and
environmental trends and related emerging issues.
 
                                      77
<PAGE>
 
  Management Oversight Committee
 
  The Management Oversight Committee has responsibility for evaluating the
performance of the Chief Executive Officer of Halliburton; reviewing
succession plans for senior management of Halliburton and its major operating
units; evaluating management development programs and activities; and
reviewing other internal matters of broad corporate significance.
 
 DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION, RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN AND RETIREMENT PLAN
 
  Directors' Fees and Deferred Compensation Plan
 
  All non-employee Directors of Halliburton receive an annual fee of $30,000
and an attendance fee of $2,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors.
Such Directors also receive an attendance fee of $2,000 per meeting for
Committee service. The Chairmen of the Audit; Compensation; Nominating and
Corporate Governance; Health, Safety and Environment; and Management Oversight
Committees each receive an additional $2,000 annually for service in such
capacities. Under Halliburton's Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan
("Halliburton's Deferred Compensation Plan"), Directors are permitted to defer
their fees, or a portion thereof, until after they cease to be a Director of
Halliburton. A participant may elect, on a prospective basis, to have his or
her deferred compensation account either credited quarterly with interest at
the prime rate of Citibank, N.A. or translated on a quarterly basis into
Halliburton Common Stock equivalents. Distribution will be made in cash either
in a lump sum or in annual installments over a five or ten year period, as
determined by the committee appointed to administer Halliburton's Deferred
Compensation Plan in its discretion. Ms. Armstrong and Messrs. Crandall,
Staubach and Stegemeier have elected to participate in Halliburton's Deferred
Compensation Plan.
 
  Directors' Restricted Stock Plan
 
  Pursuant to the terms of the Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee
Directors ("Directors' Restricted Stock Plan"), which was approved by the
stockholders at the 1993 Annual Meeting, each non-employee Director receives
an annual award of 400 restricted shares of Halliburton Common Stock as a part
of his or her compensation. The awards are in addition to the Directors'
annual retainer and attendance fees and to amounts that would be payable under
the Directors' Retirement Plan, described below. Shares awarded under the
Directors' Restricted Stock Plan may not be sold, assigned, pledged or
otherwise transferred or encumbered until the restrictions are removed.
Restrictions will be removed following termination of Board of Directors
service under certain circumstances, which include, among others, death or
disability, retirement pursuant to Halliburton's mandatory retirement policy,
or early retirement after at least four years of service. During the
restriction period, Directors have the right to vote and to receive dividends
with respect to the restricted shares. Any shares which, pursuant to the
Directors' Restricted Stock Plan, remain restricted following termination of
service will be forfeited.
 
  Directors' Retirement Plan
 
  Under the terms of the Retirement Plan for Directors of Halliburton
("Directors' Retirement Plan"), a non-employee Director participant upon the
benefit commencement date (the later of a participant's termination date or
attainment of age 65) will receive an annual benefit equal to the last annual
retainer for such participant for a period of years equal to such
participant's years of service on his or her termination date; provided that a
minimum benefit payment period for each participant is five years. Non-
employee Directors become participants in the Directors' Retirement Plan upon
the completion of three years of service, as defined in that plan. Upon the
death of a participant, benefit payments will be made to the surviving spouse,
if any, over the remainder of the retirement benefit payment period. Years of
service for each Director participant under the Directors' Retirement Plan
are: Ms. Armstrong--21, Lord Clitheroe--11, Mr. Crandall--13, Mr. Howell--7,
Mr. Silas--5, Mr. Staubach--7 and Mr. Stegemeier--4. Assets of Halliburton are
transferred to Chase Bank of Texas, N.A., as Trustee, to be held pursuant to
the terms of an irrevocable grantor trust to aid Halliburton in meeting its
obligations under the Directors' Retirement Plan. The corpus and income of the
trust are treated as assets and income of Halliburton for federal income tax
purposes and are subject to the claims of general creditors of Halliburton to
the extent provided therein.
 
                                      78
<PAGE>
 
 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
  The following persons served as members of the Compensation Committee during
1997: Robert L. Crandall, W. R. Howell, Delano E. Lewis, C. J. Silas and E. L.
Williamson (January 1-May 20, 1997), none of whom is an officer or former
officer of Halliburton or its subsidiaries or had a relationship with
Halliburton or its subsidiaries requiring director interlock or insider
participation disclosure.
 
PROPOSAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF ACCOUNTANTS
 
  Arthur Andersen LLP has examined the financial statements of Halliburton and
its predecessor since 1946. A resolution will be presented by the Board of
Directors at the Halliburton Special Meeting to ratify the appointment of that
firm as independent accountants to examine the financial statements and the
books and records of Halliburton for the year ending December 31, 1998. Such
appointment was made upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee.
Halliburton has been advised by Arthur Andersen LLP that neither the firm nor
any member thereof has any direct financial interest or any material indirect
interest in Halliburton and, during at least the past three years, neither
such firm nor any member thereof has had any connection with Halliburton in
the capacity of promoter, underwriter, voting trustee, Director, officer or
employee.
 
  Representatives of such firm are expected to be present at the Halliburton
Special Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire
to do so and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions
from stockholders.
 
  The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of
Halliburton Common Stock represented at the Halliburton Special Meeting and
entitled to vote on the matter is needed to approve the proposal.
 
  If the stockholders do not ratify the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP, the
selection of independent accountants will be reconsidered by the Board of
Directors.
 
  The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR ratification of the appointment
of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent accountants to examine the financial
statements and books and records of Halliburton for the year 1998.
 
HALLIBURTON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  Halliburton's primary mission is to enhance long-term shareholder value by
providing a broad spectrum of high quality service and related products within
the energy services and engineering and construction business segments in
which Halliburton operates. The Compensation Committee of Directors (the
"Committee") believes that Halliburton's total compensation package for
executives should be linked principally to increased shareholder value and to
measures which drive shareholder value.
 
  The Committee has responsibility for overseeing the compensation program for
the members of the Executive Committee of Halliburton (composed at the end of
1997 of the four most senior executive officers) and other senior officers of
Halliburton and its business units.
 
  Overall Executive Compensation Philosophy
 
  The overriding objective of the total compensation package for senior
executives is to emphasize the enhancement of shareholder value. Beyond this,
the Committee's priorities are to establish and maintain competitive executive
compensation programs that enable Halliburton to attract, retain, and motivate
the high caliber executives required for the success of the business. In
determining what it deems to be appropriate types and amounts of compensation
for executive officers, the Committee consults with outside compensation
consultants and reviews independent compensation data.
 
                                      79
<PAGE>
 
  In the design and administration of executive compensation programs, the
Committee refers to, but does not necessarily target, current market levels at
the 50th percentile. In doing so, the Committee considers the competitive
market data for two comparator groups: (i) specific peer companies within the
energy services and engineering and construction industries, and (ii)
similarly sized companies within general industry which, in the Committee's
opinion, provide the most comparable references for Halliburton's executive
positions (collectively, the "Peer Group"). Regression analysis is used in
assessing all market data to mitigate the impact of company size on
compensation levels.
 
  The Committee considers total compensation, as well as each component of the
compensation package, in determining actual compensation levels. The total
compensation package is expected in most instances to result in payments at
market levels, given acceptable corporate and/or business unit performance,
and above market levels, given outstanding performance.
 
  The Committee believes its objectives can be optimized by providing
executives with a compensation package that consists of a cash base salary, a
rewards-oriented compensation program aligned with shareholder value creation,
stock-based awards and benefits, including supplemental retirement benefits.
 
  Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated
thereunder generally disallow a federal income tax deduction by a public
company for compensation paid to the chief executive officer or any of the
four other most highly compensated officers to the extent such compensation
exceeds $1 million in any year, excluding certain performance-based
compensation and compensation which is deferred.
 
  Halliburton's policy is to utilize available tax deductions whenever
appropriate, and the Committee, when determining executive compensation
programs, considers all relevant factors, including the tax deductions that
may result from such compensation. Accordingly, Halliburton has attempted to
preserve the federal tax deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million
a year to the extent such is consistent with the intended objectives of the
Committee's executive compensation philosophy.
 
  At the 1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Halliburton, therefore sought
and obtained the stockholder approval necessary to have all stock options and
stock appreciation rights granted pursuant to the 1993 Stock and Long-Term
Incentive Plan (the "1993 Plan") continue to qualify for federal tax
deductibility. The Committee decided, however, not to make the necessary
changes to qualify the Annual Performance Pay Plan (which is discussed below)
for tax deductibility under Section 162(m) since to do so would have limited
the Committee's flexibility in the administration of the Plan. The Committee
believes that the best interests of Halliburton and its stockholders are
served by its current executive compensation programs, which encourage and
promote Halliburton's principal compensation objective, enhancement of
shareholder value, and permit the Committee to exercise discretion in the
design and implementation of compensation packages. Accordingly, Halliburton
may from time to time pay compensation to its executive officers that may not
be fully deductible. Because of the mandatory deferral provisions relating to
payment of incentive compensation earned under the Annual Performance Pay Plan
(discussed below) and the elective deferral by certain executive officers of
portions of their salary and incentive compensation, the loss of deductibility
for 1997 is expected to be minimal. The Committee will continue to review
Halliburton's executive compensation plans periodically to determine what
changes, if any, should be made as the result of the limitation on
deductibility.
 
  Compensation Arrangement For Chief Executive Officer
 
  In 1995, Halliburton entered into an agreement with Mr. Cheney covering the
terms of his employment by Halliburton as Chief Executive Officer. Mr.
Cheney's employment agreement, which was approved by the Board of Directors
and the Committee, provides for a total compensation package which reflects
Halliburton's objectives of aligning significant compensation opportunity with
the interests of stockholders and building executive stock ownership. Mr.
Cheney's employment agreement with Halliburton is summarized under "--
Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change-In Control
Arrangements--Employment Agreements."
 
                                      80
<PAGE>
 
  Base Salary
 
  Base salaries for the executive officers, including Mr. Cheney, are reviewed
each December by the Committee. In making salary decisions, the Committee
exercises discretion and judgment based on the following factors: internal
factors involving the executive's level of responsibility, experience,
individual performance, and equity issues relating to pay for other
Halliburton executives, as well as external factors involving competitive
positioning, overall corporate performance, and general economic conditions.
No specific formula is applied to determine the weight of each factor.
 
  Mr. Cheney's base salary for 1997 was increased to $1.1 million. In
determining Mr. Cheney's base salary, the Committee considered each of the
above factors, although primary consideration was given to his individual
contributions to Halliburton. The Committee's action increasing Mr. Cheney's
base salary acknowledges his strong leadership in guiding Halliburton in the
prior year to its best financial performance in over a decade and the
successful undertaking of various initiatives to better align the business
units and reduce overhead costs.
 
  Annual Performance Pay Plan
 
  As a means of strengthening the link between total cash compensation and
Halliburton's performance, effective January 1, 1995, the Committee adopted an
intermediate term reward-oriented program (the "Annual Performance Pay Plan")
based on cash value added ("CVA"). CVA measures the difference between after
tax cash income and a capital charge based upon Halliburton's weighted average
cost of capital to determine the amount of value, in terms of cash flow, added
to the business. CVA has been demonstrated to provide a close correlation to
total shareholder return; therefore, incentive awards are closely linked to
the improvement of shareholder value. Members of the Executive Committee,
other officers of Halliburton and its business units, and certain senior
managers were eligible to participate in the Annual Performance Pay Plan
during 1997.
 
  At the beginning of each plan year, the Committee establishes a reward
schedule which aligns given levels of CVA performance beyond a threshold level
with reward opportunities, such that the level of achievement of annual CVA
performance will determine the amount of incentive compensation payable to a
participant. In addition, the Committee has the discretion to award additional
compensation based on individual performance.
 
  In 1997, consolidated CVA performance exceeded the maximum level established
by the Committee and, accordingly, Mr. Cheney and the other executive officers
listed in the Summary Compensation Table earned the maximum incentive
opportunity in accordance with the 1997 reward schedule. The improvement in
CVA for 1997 was closely aligned with Halliburton's Total Stockholders' Return
for the year, as depicted in the performance graph included in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus under the caption "--Halliburton's Comparison of
Five-year Cumulative Total Return." The amount earned by Mr. Cheney is
reflected in the Summary Compensation Table. In order to further link the
compensation earned under the Annual Performance Pay Plan more closely to
shareholder value creation and to focus executives' attention on a time frame
longer than one year, only one-half of the bonus earned for 1997 was paid in
cash. The remaining one-half of the bonus was converted into Halliburton
Common Stock equivalents and will be paid in cash in annual installments in
each of the next two years, each installment based on the then value of one-
half the stock equivalents.
 
  Stock-Based Compensation
 
  The 1993 Plan provides for a variety of cash and stock-based vehicles
(including stock options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock,
among others) which the Committee may, in its discretion, select in
establishing individual long-term incentive awards or use as it deems
appropriate in specific recruiting and hiring situations.
 
  Stock options were the principal long-term incentive granted to executive
officers in 1997. Stock options granted in 1997 are exercisable at the fair
market value of the Halliburton Common Stock on the date of grant and become
exercisable during employment over a three-year period (one-third per year).
Options, which have value only if the stock price appreciates following the
date of grant, provide an excellent means for linking executives' interests
directly to those of stockholders.
 
                                      81
<PAGE>
 
  The Committee's determination of the number of option shares granted to
executive officers, including the grants made to Mr. Cheney, was based on a
subjective assessment of organizational roles and internal job relationships,
and on references to competitive practices in long-term incentive
opportunities for comparable positions within the Peer Group. An option for
100,000 shares was granted to Mr. Cheney in December 1997.
 
  The Committee also made limited use of restricted stock grants during 1997,
including awards to two executive officers who received promotions in order to
recognize their expanded responsibilities and current and future
contributions, as well as to build their stock ownership in Halliburton. In
determining the appropriate restricted stock award, the Committee considered
the person's job level, performance, potential for future contributions, and
the timing and size of previous awards of restricted stock and options. No
particular weight was given to any individual factor.
 
  Senior Executives' Deferred Compensation Plan
 
  Under the terms of the Senior Executives' Deferred Compensation Plan (the
"SEDC Plan"), which is used for the purpose of providing supplemental
retirement benefits to senior executives, (i) mandatory additions to a
participant's account are made to offset contributions to which each would
have been entitled under Halliburton's qualified defined contribution plans if
not for the limitation on contributions imposed under the Internal Revenue
Code (commonly known as ERISA Offset Benefits), (ii) additions up to the
amount of any remuneration which would otherwise exceed the deduction limit
under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code may be allocated to a
participant's account in lieu of the payment of such remuneration, and (iii)
discretionary additions, in such amounts as the Committee may determine, are
made to provide additional supplemental retirement benefits ("Supplemental
Retirement Benefit"). Interest on active and retired participants'
Supplemental Retirement Benefit accounts is accrued at the rate of five and
ten percent per annum, respectively, while interest on the other two account
balances accrues at the rate of ten percent per annum. No amounts may be
received by a participant under the SEDC Plan prior to termination of such
participant's employment.
 
  In making Supplemental Retirement Benefit contributions under the SEDC Plan,
amounts are determined considering guidelines that include references to
retirement benefits provided from other programs, compensation, length of
service with Halliburton and as an officer, and years of service to normal
retirement. There is no specific weighting of these factors. The Committee
authorized a 1997 Supplemental Retirement Benefit addition for Mr. Cheney of
$500,000, the minimum amount specified in his employment agreement.
 
                                          Respectfully submitted,
 
                                          THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF
                                           DIRECTORS
 
                                          Robert L. Crandall
                                          W. R Howell
                                          Delano E. Lewis
                                          C. J. Silas
 
                                      82
<PAGE>
 
         HALLIBURTON'S COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
 
  The following graph compares Halliburton's cumulative total stockholder
return on the Halliburton Common Stock for the five-year period ended December
31, 1997, with the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index ("S&P 500") and the
Standard & Poor's Energy Composite Index ("S&P Energy Composite") over the
same period. This comparison assumes the investment of $100 on December 31,
1992 and the reinvestment of all dividends. On January 23, 1996, Halliburton
distributed to stockholders all of the outstanding common stock of Highlands
Insurance Group, Inc. as a special dividend. The graph accounts for this
distribution as though it were paid in cash and reinvested in Halliburton
Common Stock. The stockholder return set forth on the chart below is not
necessarily indicative of future performance.
 
 
 
 
                                     LOGO
                       [PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         12-31-  12-31-  12-31-  12-31-  12-31-
                                12-31-92   93      94      95      96      97
                                -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
  <S>                           <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
  Halliburton Company..........   $100   $113.91 $122.19 $191.60 $242.22 $422.18
  S&P 500......................   $100   $110.08 $111.53 $153.45 $188.68 $251.62
  S&P Energy Composite.........   $100   $115.73 $120.17 $157.13 $197.64 $247.54
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      83
<PAGE>
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         ANNUAL COMPENSATION            LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
                                  ---------------------------------- -----------------------------
                                                                            AWARDS         PAYOUTS
                                                                     --------------------- -------
                                                           OTHER     RESTRICTED SECURITIES
                                                           ANNUAL      STOCK    UNDERLYING  LTIP    ALL OTHER
                                    SALARY     BONUS    COMPENSATION   AWARDS     OPTION   PAYOUTS COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION  YEAR    ($)        ($)        ($)(1)    ($)(2)(3)  ($)(2)(4)  ($)(5)     ($)(6)
- ---------------------------  ---- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------- ------------
<S>                          <C>  <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>     <C>
Richard B. Cheney(7)....
 Chairman of the Board       1997 $1,100,000 $1,980,000     --       $        0  100,000     N/A     $617,944
 and Chief Executive Of-     1996 $1,000,000 $1,125,000     --       $        0  360,000     N/A     $582,147
 ficer                       1995 $  250,000 $  150,000     --       $4,175,000  400,000     N/A     $142,500
Lester L. Coleman.......
 Executive Vice              1997 $  390,000 $  390,000     --       $        0   20,000     N/A     $127,194
 President and General       1996 $  390,000 $  202,500     --       $        0   74,000     N/A     $130,232
 Counsel                     1995 $  390,000 $  168,750     --       $  227,500   34,000     N/A     $135,108
Dale P. Jones...........     1997 $  500,000 $  650,000     --       $        0   50,000     N/A     $ 91,759
 Vice Chairman               1996 $  500,000 $  540,000     --       $        0  180,000     N/A     $115,919
                             1995 $  500,000 $  540,000     --       $        0  110,000     N/A     $166,821
David J. Lesar(7).......     1997 $  500,000 $  650,000     --       $3,868,750   60,000     N/A     $187,553
 President and Chief         1996 $  391,875 $  540,000     --       $1,120,000  110,000     N/A     $134,886
 Operating Officer           1995 $  314,583 $  306,250     --       $  371,250   50,000     N/A     $109,670
Ken R. LeSuer...........     1997 $  475,000 $  617,500     --       $        0   50,000     N/A     $302,605
 Vice Chairman               1996 $  425,000 $  540,000     --       $  591,250  160,000     N/A     $190,233
                             1995 $  425,000 $  540,000     --       $        0   70,000     N/A     $251,991
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The dollar value of perquisites and other person benefits for each of the
    named executive officers was less than established reporting thresholds.
 
(2) The share amounts reflected in this table and in the footnotes have been
    adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split of Halliburton Common
    Stock declared on June 9, 1997 and effected in the form of a stock
    dividend on July 21, 1997 to stockholders of record at June 26, 1997.
 
(3) Pursuant to Mr. Cheney's employment contract, he was awarded 200,000
    shares in 1995 with restrictions lapsing over an 8-year period. In 1995,
    Mr. Coleman and Mr. Lesar were awarded 10,000 shares and 20,000 shares,
    respectively. Restrictions lapse on Mr. Coleman's shares over 5 years
    while restrictions on Mr. Lesar's shares lapse over 10 years. In 1996, Mr.
    Lesar had two awards of 20,000 shares each on which restrictions will
    lapse over a 10-year period and Mr. LeSuer was awarded 20,000 shares with
    restrictions lapsing over a 5-year period. In 1997, Mr. Lesar was awarded
    100,000 shares with restrictions lapsing over a 10-year period. The total
    number and value of restricted shares held by each of the above
    individuals as of December 31, 1997 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               TOTAL RESTRICTED AGGREGATE MARKET
   NAME                                             SHARES           VALUE
   ----                                        ---------------- ----------------
   <S>                                         <C>              <C>
   Mr. Cheney.................................     150,000         $7,790,625
   Mr. Coleman................................      25,000          1,298,438
   Mr. Jones..................................      40,200          2,087,888
   Mr. Lesar..................................     156,000          8,102,250
   Mr. LeSuer.................................      32,000          1,662,000
</TABLE>
 
  Dividends are paid on the restricted shares.
 
(4) Solely as a result of a one-time change in the timing of option grants to
    senior executives, the named persons received two grants in 1996.
 
(5) Although the 1993 Plan was approved in 1993, no long-term incentive
    program under such Plan has been implemented. No other plans exist under
    which such payments may be made.
 
(6) "All Other Compensation" includes the following accruals for or
    contributions to various plans for the fiscal year ending December 31,
    1997: (i) profit sharing plan contributions or termination surplus
    accruals for Mr. Cheney--$16,456, Mr. Coleman--$16,456, Mr. Jones--
    $16,456, Mr. Lesar--$16,456 and Mr. LeSuer--$16,456; (ii) supplemental
    retirement plan contributions for Mr. Cheney--$500,000, Mr. Coleman--
    $75,000, Mr. Jones--$24,000, Mr. Lesar--$123,000 and Mr. LeSuer--$206,000;
    (iii) 401(k) plan matching contributions for Mr. Cheney--$3,167, Mr.
    Coleman--$3,167, Mr. Jones--$3,167, Mr. Lesar--$3,167 and Mr. LeSuer--
    $3,167; (iv) ERISA Offset Benefit accruals for Mr. Cheney--$96,680, Mr.
    Coleman--$23,655, Mr. Jones--$34,969, Mr. Lesar--$34,970 and Mr. LeSuer--
    $32,398; (v) above-market earnings on ERISA Offset Benefit accounts for
    Mr. Cheney--$1,641, Mr. Coleman--$1,854, Mr. Jones--$3,103, Mr. Lesar--
    $804 and Mr. LeSuer--$1,561; and (vi) above-market earnings on amounts
    deferred under Elective Deferral Plan for Mr. Cheney--N/A, Mr. Coleman--
    $7,062, Mr. Jones--$10,064, Mr. Lesar--$9,156 and Mr. LeSuer--$18,161. A
    Halliburton contribution to split-dollar life insurance premiums for Mr.
    LeSuer was $1,826 and policy proceeds of $23,036 were paid to Mr. LeSuer
    when the policy was canceled.
 
(7) Messrs. Cheney and Lesar became executive officers of Halliburton on
    October 1, 1995 and August 1, 1995, respectively.
 
                                      84
<PAGE>
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    % OF TOTAL                        POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT
                         NUMBER OF   OPTIONS                             ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
                         SECURITIES GRANTED TO                          STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
  INDIVIDUAL GRANTS(1)   UNDERLYING EMPLOYEES  EXERCISE                    FOR OPTION TERM(2)
                          OPTIONS   IN FISCAL    PRICE     EXPIRATION --------------------------------
          NAME           GRANTED(#)    YEAR    ($/SHARE)      DATE         5%                10%
  --------------------   ---------- ---------- ---------   ---------- -------------    ---------------
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>              <C>
Richard B. Cheney.......   100,000     7.16%    $54.50      12/3/07   $   3,427,476    $     8,685,896
Lester L. Coleman.......    20,000     1.43%    $54.50      12/3/07         685,495          1,737,179
Dale P. Jones...........    50,000     3.58%    $54.50      12/3/07       1,713,738          4,342,948
David J. Lesar..........    60,000     4.29%    $54.50      12/3/07       2,056,485          5,211,538
Ken R. LeSuer...........    50,000     3.58%    $54.50      12/3/07       1,713,738          4,342,948
All Optionees........... 1,263,600    100.0%    $52.19(3)      (3)       41,473,893        105,102,987
All Stockholders........       N/A      N/A        N/A          N/A   8,609,484,975(4)  21,818,125,295(4)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) All options are granted at the fair market value of the Halliburton Common
    Stock on the grant date and generally expire ten years from the grant
    date. During employment, options vest over a three year period, with one-
    third of the shares becoming exercisable on each of the first, second and
    third anniversaries of the grant date.
 
(2) The assumed values result from certain prescribed rates of stock price
    appreciation. Values were calculated based on a 10-year exercise period
    for all grants. The actual value of the option grants is dependent on
    future performance of the Halliburton Common Stock and overall stock
    market conditions. There is no assurance that the values reflected in this
    table will be achieved. Halliburton did not use an alternative formula for
    a grant date valuation, as it is not aware of any formula that will
    determine with reasonable accuracy a present value based on future unknown
    or volatile factors.
 
(3) The exercise price shown is a weighted average of all options granted in
    1997. Options expire on one or more of the following dates: December 3,
    2004, March 3, 2007, May 7, 2007, July 22, 2007, September 30, 2007,
    October 23, 2007 and December 3, 2007.
 
(4) "All Stockholders" values are calculated using the weighted average
    exercise price for all options awarded in 1997, $52.19, based on the
    outstanding shares of Halliburton Common Stock on December 31, 1997.
 
  AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION
                                    VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   NUMBER OF SECURITIES
                                                  UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED           VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR-END        IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                           SHARES      VALUE             (SHARES)                   FISCAL YEAR-END ($)
                         ACQUIRED ON  REALIZED  ------------------------------   -------------------------
   NAME                  EXERCISE(#)    ($)     EXERCISABLE     UNEXERCISABLE    EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
   ----                  ----------- ---------- -------------   --------------   ----------- -------------
<S>                      <C>         <C>        <C>             <C>              <C>         <C>
Richard B. Cheney.......         0   $        0         386,666          473,334 $11,118,320  $9,836,680
Lester L. Coleman.......         0            0          85,333           80,667   2,609,495   1,557,880
Dale P. Jones...........   103,332    1,827,246         180,001          206,667   5,384,002   4,091,460
David J. Lesar..........         0            0         102,002          150,000   2,963,660   2,189,787
Ken R. LeSuer...........         0            0         182,999          180,001   5,752,813   3,342,312
</TABLE>
 
 RETIREMENT PLAN
 
  The purpose of the Halliburton Retirement Plan (the "Floor Plan") was to
provide a floor for retirement benefits provided under the Halliburton Profit
Sharing and Savings Plan (the "Halliburton Profit Sharing Plan"). Effective as
of December 31, 1996, benefit accruals under the Floor Plan ceased for all
employees except those age 55 or over ("Grandfathered Employees"). The portion
of the Floor Plan attributable to employees other than Grandfathered Employees
terminated effective February 28, 1997.
 
  The Halliburton Profit Sharing Plan is intended to be the primary plan to
provide retirement benefits to participating employees. Halliburton makes
annual contributions from profits to the Halliburton Profit Sharing Plan. Such
contributions may not be less than 10% of profits, as defined in the
Halliburton Profit Sharing Plan (reduced by certain retirement plan expenses),
except that such contributions may not exceed the maximum amount deductible
under Section 404 of the Internal Revenue Code and may not be less than 4% of
participating employees' compensation. Contributions under the Halliburton
Profit Sharing Plan for the named executive officers for the year ended
December 31, 1997 are set forth in footnote (6) to the Summary Compensation
Table. It is not possible to estimate the amount of benefits payable at
retirement under the Halliburton Profit Sharing
 
                                      85
<PAGE>
 
Plan to Messrs. Cheney, Coleman, Jones, Lesar and LeSuer because of some or
all of the following: (i) amounts contributed in the future will be contingent
on future profits, (ii) earnings on trust fund assets will vary, (iii) trust
fund assets may appreciate or depreciate in value, (iv) the compensation of
the individual may vary, (v) age at date of retirement may vary, and (vi) the
Halliburton Profit Sharing Plan may be changed or discontinued.
 
  The Floor Plan is a qualified defined benefit pension plan established as of
January 1, 1991 as a floor plan integrated with the Halliburton Profit Sharing
Plan to provide an adequate level of retirement benefits for employees. Prior
to January 1, 1997, the terms of the Floor Plan provided for a monthly pension
payment equal to the following amount: (i) 1 1/3% of an employee's average
monthly compensation (computed over the highest three calendar year period)
multiplied by such employee's years of accrual service after January 1, 1990;
minus (ii) a pension which is the actuarial equivalent of the participant's
eligible profit sharing accounts (excluding any employer and employee
contributions under the employee savings portion of the program) accumulated
since January 1, 1990 under the Halliburton Profit Sharing Plan. The offset
for the Halliburton Profit Sharing Plan was based upon the 1984 Unisex Pension
Mortality Table and an 8 1/2% interest assumption. As a result of the
termination of the Floor Plan as to employees other than Grandfathered
Employees, such employees will receive a distribution of such Floor Plan
benefit, if any, in 1998 provided that the Internal Revenue Service approves
of such termination. The Floor Plan will continue for Grandfathered Employees
under the same formula as in effect prior to 1997 except that a Grandfathered
Employee's Floor Plan benefit will never be less than the value of the benefit
determined as of January 1, 1997 increased with interest. The distribution
benefit calculated for Mr. Lesar is $0. The value of the Floor Plan benefits
calculated as of January 1, 1998 for the Grandfathered Employees named in the
Summary Compensation Table are as follows: Mr. Cheney--$0, Mr. Coleman--$0,
Mr. Jones--$105,209, and Mr. LeSuer--$104,448. The benefits for Messrs.
Cheney, Coleman, Jones and LeSuer have been computed on the assumptions that
(i) payments will be paid in the form of a life annuity; (ii) employment will
continue until normal retirement at age 65 and (iii) levels of creditable
compensation will remain constant.
 
 EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL
ARRANGEMENTS
 
 Employment Contracts
 
  Mr. Cheney's employment agreement with Halliburton provides for his
employment as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Halliburton
until September 30, 2003. Under the agreement, Mr. Cheney's cash compensation
was specified for two periods, the first, being for the period from August 10,
1995, the effective date of the agreement, to December 31, 1995 and the
second, for the period beginning on January 1, 1996 and ending September 30,
2003. During the first period, Mr. Cheney received a salary, in the aggregate,
of $250,000; a bonus of $150,000, in lieu of participation in Halliburton's
Annual Performance Pay Plan; and a Supplemental Retirement Benefit
contribution of $125,000 under the SEDC Plan. During the second period, the
agreement provides that Mr. Cheney will receive an annual salary of not less
than $1,000,000; will participate in Halliburton's Annual Performance Pay Plan
beginning with the 1996 plan year; and will receive a Supplemental Retirement
Benefit contribution under the SEDC Plan of at least $500,000 annually. Also,
pursuant to the terms of the agreement, on August 10, 1995 Mr. Cheney was
granted a non-qualified stock option to purchase up to 400,000 shares of
Halliburton Common Stock at $21.00 per share (the fair market value on such
date) and effective October 1, 1995 he was awarded 200,000 shares of
Halliburton Common Stock subject to restrictions. (The foregoing share amounts
and exercise price have been adjusted to reflect the stock split effected in
July 1997.) Both the stock option grant and the restricted stock award were
made under the 1993 Plan. The employment agreement also provided for
Halliburton to reimburse Mr. Cheney for expenses associated with his
relocation to Dallas.
 
  Under the terms of his employment agreement, in the event of Mr. Cheney's
termination for any reason other than his voluntary termination (as defined in
the agreement), death, disability or his termination by Halliburton for cause,
Halliburton is obligated to pay Mr. Cheney a severance payment consisting of a
lump sum cash payment equal to the value of any restricted shares that were
granted pursuant of the terms of the agreement and are forfeited because of
such termination of employment plus the lesser of (i) 150% of the base salary
that he would
 
                                      86
<PAGE>
 
have received between the date of such termination of employment and the end
of the term of the agreement, or (ii) $3 million. Mr.Cheney's continuing
obligations to Halliburton after termination, including non-competition
obligations, are consideration for any severance payment that may be made
thereunder.
 
  Mr. Lesar entered into an employment agreement with Halliburton as of August
1, 1995 providing for his employment as Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Halliburton. The agreement also provides that, while Mr.
Lesar is employed by Halliburton, management will recommend to the
Compensation Committee (i) annual supplemental retirement benefit allocations
under the SEDC Plan and (ii) annual grants of stock options under the 1993
Plan. Such recommendations are to be consistent with the criteria utilized by
the Compensation Committee for similarly situated executives.
 
  Under the terms of his employment agreement, in the event Mr. Lesar is
involuntarily terminated by Halliburton for any reason other than termination
for cause (as defined in the agreement), Halliburton is obligated to pay Mr.
Lesar a severance payment equal to (i) the value of any restricted shares
granted under the 1993 Plan and that are forfeited because of such termination
and (ii) five times his annual base salary.
 
 Change-In-Control Arrangements
 
  Pursuant to the 1993 Plan, in the event of a change-in-control:
 
  A. The Compensation Committee, acting in its sole discretion, will act to
effect one or more of the following alternatives with respect to outstanding
stock options: (i) accelerate the time at which options may be exercised; (ii)
cancel the options and pay the Optionees the excess of the per share value
offered to stockholders in the change-in-control transaction over the exercise
price(s) of the shares subject to options; (iii) make adjustments to the
options as deemed appropriate to reflect the change-in-control; or (iv)
convert the options to rights to purchase a proportionate amount of shares of
stock or other securities or property paid to stockholders in the change-in-
control transaction.
 
  B. The Compensation Committee may, with respect to outstanding restricted
stock, provide for full vesting of all shares of restricted stock and
termination of all restrictions applicable thereto.
 
  Pursuant to the Career Executive Incentive Stock Plan, the Compensation
Committee may, in the event of a tender offer for all or a part of Halliburton
Common Stock, accelerate the lapse of restrictions on any or all shares on
which restrictions have not theretofore lapsed.
 
  Under the Annual Performance Pay Plan, in the event of a change-in-control,
a participant will be entitled to an immediate cash payment equal to the
maximum amount he or she would have been entitled to for such year prorated
through the date of the change-in-control and all deferred amounts earned in
prior years shall be paid in cash immediately.
 
                                      87
<PAGE>
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP BY CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT OF HALLIBURTON
 
  The following table sets forth information with respect to persons or groups
who, to Halliburton's knowledge (based on information contained in Dresser's
Schedule 13D filed March 9, 1998 and Schedules 13G filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission with respect to beneficial ownership at December 31,
1997), own or have the right to acquire more than five percent of Halliburton
Common Stock.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   AMOUNT AND NATURE
                                                     OF BENEFICIAL   PERCENT OF
       NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER            OWNERSHIP       CLASS
       ------------------------------------        ----------------- ----------
<S>                                                <C>               <C>
Dresser Industries, Inc. .........................    39,388,700(1)    13.04%
 2001 Ross Avenue
 Dallas, Texas 75201
FMR Corp..........................................    21,936,216(2)     8.36%
 82 Devonshire Street
 Boston, MA 02109
Joint filing by The Equitable Companies
 Incorporated, AXA-UAP, and the Mutuelles AXA, as
 a group..........................................    16,803,616(3)     6.41%
 c/o The Equitable Companies Incorporated
 1290 Avenue of the Americas
 New York, New York 10104
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The 39,388,700 shares of Halliburton Common Stock are deemed to be owned
    by Dresser as a result of the Halliburton Stock Option Agreement. Under
    the Halliburton Stock Option Agreement, Dresser currently does not have
    the right to acquire any shares of Halliburton Common Stock unless
    specific events occur. Accordingly, Dresser does not currently have sole
    or shared voting or dispositive power with respect to the shares of
    Halliburton Common Stock subject to the Halliburton Stock Option, and
    Dresser, therefore, disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares of
    Halliburton Common Stock until the events allowing exercise occur.
 
(2) The number of shares reported includes 19,133,907 shares beneficially
    owned by Fidelity Management & Research Company, 2,633,709 shares owned by
    Fidelity Management Trust Company and 168,600 shares held by Fidelity
    International Limited. FMR Corp., through control of Fidelity Management &
    Research Company and Fidelity Management Trust Company, has sole
    dispositive power over the shares with the exception of those held
    beneficially by Fidelity International Limited. FMR Corp. has sole power
    to vote or to direct the vote of 1,652,709 shares of Common Stock.
 
(3) The number of shares reported includes 1,548,800 shares beneficially owned
    by The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, 14,910,834
    shares beneficially owned by Alliance Capital Management L.P., 6,017
    shares beneficially owned by Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
    Corporation and 322,785 shares beneficially owned by Wood, Struthers &
    Winthrop Management Corp. (collectively, the "Equitable Companies"); and
    14,000 shares beneficially owned by AXA Sun Life & Provincial Holdings
    (U.K.) and 1,180 shares beneficially owned by AXA Colonia Konzern AG
    (collectively, the "AXA-UAP Subsidiaries"). AXA Assurances I.A.R.D.
    Mutuelle, AXA Assurances Vie Mutuelle, Alpha Assurances Vie Mutuelle and
    AXA Courtage Assurance Mutuelle (collectively, the "Mutuelles AXA"), as a
    group, beneficially own a majority interest in AXA-UAP. AXA-UAP
    beneficially owns a majority interest in the Equitable Companies.
    Mutuelles AXA, through control of the Equitable Companies, AXA-UAP and the
    AXA-UAP Subsidiaries, has sole dispositive power over 16,799,142 shares,
    shared dispositive power over 4,474 shares, sole power to vote or to
    direct the vote of 7,178,403 shares and shared power to vote or direct the
    vote of 6,523,820 shares.
 
                                      88
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth, as of May 14, 1998, the number of shares of
Halliburton Common Stock owned beneficially by each director and nominee for
director of Halliburton, each of the executive officers of Halliburton named
in the Halliburton Summary Compensation Table and all directors, nominees for
director and executive officers of Halliburton as a group.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            AMOUNT AND NATURE OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
                            ----------------------------------------------------
                             SOLE VOTING
                                 AND            SHARED VOTING
                             INVESTMENT         OR INVESTMENT        PERCENT OF
 NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER       POWER             POWER(1)             CLASS
 ------------------------   -----------------  ---------------      ------------
 <S>                        <C>                <C>                  <C>
 Anne L. Armstrong........               4,000                                   *
 Richard B. Cheney(3).....             633,000                                   *
 Lord Clitheroe...........               2,600                                   *
 Lester L. Coleman(3).....             143,914                                   *
 Robert L. Crandall.......               3,000                                   *
 Charles J. DiBona........                   0                                   *
 William R. Howell........               1,900                                   *
 Dale P. Jones(3).........             321,034                                   *
 David J. Lesar(3)........             275,856                                   *
 Ken R. LeSuer(3).........             315,067             3,772(2)              *
 Delano E. Lewis..........               1,100                                   *
 C.J. Silas...............               2,000                                   *
 Roger T. Staubach........               3,000                                   *
 Richard J. Stegemeier....               1,600             2,000(2)              *
 Shares owned by all
  current directors,
  nominees for director
  and executive officers
  as a group (19
  persons)(3).............           2,044,897             5,772                 *
</TABLE>
- --------
 * Less than 1% of shares outstanding.
 
(1) Halliburton Company Employee Benefit Master Trust No. 3 (the "Trust"), a
    trust established to hold the assets of the Halliburton Stock Fund for
    certain of Halliburton's profit sharing, retirement and saving plans
    ("Plans"), held 3,411,428 shares of Halliburton Common Stock at May 1,
    1998. Two executive officers not named in the above table have beneficial
    interests in the Trust. Shares of Halliburton Common Stock held in the
    Trust are not allocated to any individual's account and 2,190 shares which
    might be deemed to be beneficially owned as of May 1, 1998 by such unnamed
    executive officers are not included in the table above. Shares owned by
    the Trust are voted by the Trustee, State Street Bank and Trust Company,
    in accordance with voting instructions from the participants. Under the
    terms of the Plans, a participant has the right, from time to time, to
    determine whether up to 15% of his account is invested in the Halliburton
    Stock Fund or in alternative investments permitted by the Plans. The
    Trustee, however, determines when sales or purchases are to be made by the
    Trust.
 
(2) 3,772 shares are held in joint tenancy by Mr. LeSuer and his wife. Mr.
    LeSuer and his wife share voting and investment power with respect to such
    shares. Mr. Stegemeier and his wife hold 2,000 shares as co-trustees of
    the Stegemeier Family Trust and share voting and investment power with
    respect to such shares.
 
(3) Included in the table are shares of Halliburton Common Stock which may be
    purchased pursuant to outstanding stock options within 60 days of the date
    hereof for the following: Mr. Cheney--440,000; Mr. Coleman--108,000; Mr.
    Jones--243,334; Mr. Lesar--112,002; Mr. LeSuer--233,000 and five unnamed
    executive officers--185,332. Until such time as the options are exercised,
    the aforesaid individuals will neither have voting nor investment power
    with respect to the underlying shares of Halliburton Common Stock, but
    only have the right to acquire beneficial ownership thereof through
    exercise of their respective options.
 
                                      89
<PAGE>
 
   SECURITY OWNERSHIP BY CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERSAND MANAGEMENT OF DRESSER
 
  The following table sets forth information with respect to persons or groups
who, to Dresser's knowledge, own more than five percent of Dresser Common
Stock outstanding as of the Dresser Record Date:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 NAME AND ADDRESS                  AMOUNT AND NATURE OF PERCENT
               OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                 BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF CLASS
               -------------------                 -------------------- --------
<S>                                                <C>                  <C>
Halliburton Company...............................      26,322,082(1)    13.04%
 3600 Lincoln Plaza
 500 North Akard Street
 Dallas, Texas 75201-3391
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc. ........      17,216,600(2)     9.80%
 3232 McKinney Avenue, 15th Floor
 Dallas, Texas 75204-2429
Smith Barney Inc. ................................      12,047,328(3)     6.90%
Salomon Smith Barney Holdings Inc.
Travelers Group Inc.
 388 Greenwich Street
 New York, New York 10013
Vanguard/Windsor II Funds, Inc. ..................      12,046,600(4)     6.87%
 P. O. Box 2600
 Malvern, Pennsylvania 19482-2600
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes 26,321,994 shares of Dresser Common Stock deemed to be owned by
    Halliburton as a result of the Dresser Stock Option Agreement based on
    information contained in Halliburton's Schedule 13D filed March 9, 1998.
    Under the Dresser Stock Option Agreement, Halliburton currently does not
    have the right to acquire any shares of Dresser Common Stock unless
    specific events occur. Accordingly, Halliburton does not currently have
    sole or shared voting or dispositive power with respect to the shares of
    Dresser Common Stock subject to the Dresser Stock Option, and Halliburton,
    therefore, disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares of Dresser Common
    Stock until the events allowing exercise occur.
 
(2) Information obtained from Amendment No. 2 to the statement on Schedule 13G
    as of February 12, 1998 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
    by Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc. ("BHMS"). BHMS has sole power
    to dispose of all such shares, sole power to vote or direct the voting of
    2,893,250 of such shares and shared power to vote or direct the voting of
    14,323,350 of such shares.
 
(3) Information obtained from the joint statement on Schedule 13G as of
    February 6, 1998 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by
    Smith Barney Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Salomon Smith Barney
    Holdings Inc. ("SSB Holdings"), SSB Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of
    Travelers Group Inc. ("TRV") and TRV filing as a group. Smith Barney Inc.,
    SSB Holdings and TRV have shared voting and dispositive power, however,
    both SSB Holdings and TRV disclaim beneficial ownership of the securities
    referred to in the Schedule 13G.
 
(4) Information obtained from Amendment No. 1 to the statement on Schedule 13G
    as of February 9, 1998 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
    by Vanguard/Windsor II Fund ("VWII"). VWII has sole power to vote and
    shared power to direct or dispose of all such shares.
 
                                      90
<PAGE>
 
  The following table and the notes thereto set forth as of May 1, 1998 the
number of shares of Dresser Common Stock, owned beneficially by each director
and nominee for director of Dresser, each of the Chief Executive Officer and
the four other most highly compensated executive officers for 1997 and by all
directors, nominees for director and executive officers as a group. The number
of shares of Dresser Common Stock beneficially owned by all directors and
executive officers as a group represented less than 1% of the outstanding
shares of Dresser Common Stock. Except as otherwise indicated, each individual
named has sole investment and voting power with respect to the securities
shown.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NUMBER OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                                          SHARES(1)
- ------------------------                                          ---------
<S>                                                               <C>
William E. Bradford..............................................   363,999(2)
Samuel B. Casey, Jr. ............................................     2,726
Lawrence S. Eagleburger..........................................     2,378
Sylvia A. Earle..................................................     3,209
Rawles Fulgham...................................................    20,405
John A. Gavin....................................................    11,301
Ray L. Hunt......................................................   121,573(3)
George H. Juetten................................................    55,236(2)
J. Landis Martin.................................................    92,979
Lionel H. Olmer..................................................     8,941
Jay A. Precourt..................................................     5,529
A. Jack Stanley..................................................    60,000(2)
G. Phillip Tevis.................................................    28,298(2)
Donald C. Vaughn.................................................   134,550(2)
Richard W. Vieser................................................    16,922
All Directors, nominees for Director and executive officers as a
 group (25 persons).............................................. 1,397,366(2)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The above information does not include contingent stock units credited to
    accounts in Dresser's Deferred Compensation Plan which are considered
    beneficially owned "derivative securities" for purposes of Section 16 of
    the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 but not considered beneficially owned
    for purposes of this proxy statement. At January 15, 1998, a total of
    93,374, 55,109, 16,772 and 14,408 stock units were credited to the
    accounts of Messrs. Bradford, Vaughn, Juetten and Tevis, respectively, and
    272,054 stock units were credited to the accounts of all executive
    officers as a group. Also excluded from the above are 6,450, 5,647,
    38,556, 5,287, 1,509, 4,932 and 17,151 stock equivalent units which were
    credited to the accounts of Messrs. Eagleburger, Gavin, Hunt, Martin,
    Olmer, Precourt and Vieser, respectively, as of May 1, 1998 under
    Dresser's Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors which are
    not considered beneficially owned for purposes of this Proxy Statement but
    are considered beneficially owned "derivative securities" for purposes of
    Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
(2) Shares shown include stock options issued under Dresser's 1982 Stock
    Option Plan and 1992 Stock Compensation Plan which are exercisable on or
    within sixty days after May 1, 1998 to purchase a number of shares of
    Dresser Common Stock which together with related Dresser Restricted
    Incentive Stock Awards under Dresser's 1989 Restricted Incentive Stock
    Plan and 1992 Stock Compensation Plan total 198,533, 98,000, 12,398,
    19,998 and 0 for Messrs. Bradford, Vaughn, Juetten, Tevis and Stanley,
    respectively, and 500,451 for all Directors and executive officers as a
    group. Under the Rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such
    shares are considered to be beneficially owned for purposes of this Proxy
    Statement. For the purpose of calculating percentage ownership, such
    shares were also considered to be outstanding.
 
(3) Shares shown include 51,732 shares, in which Mr. Hunt disclaims beneficial
    interest, owned by trusts for the benefit of his children. Mr. Hunt and/or
    his wife serve as members of an advisory board or trustee for each trust.
 
                                      91
<PAGE>
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of the Halliburton Common Stock to be issued in the Merger has
been passed upon for Halliburton by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Houston, Texas.
Certain federal income tax consequences of the Merger have been passed upon
for Halliburton by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Houston, Texas, and for Dresser by
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements included in Halliburton's Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1997, have been audited
by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their
report with respect thereto, and are incorporated by reference herein in
reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing
in giving said reports.
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Dresser incorporated herein by
reference to Dresser's Annual Report on Form 10-K (as amended by Form 10-K/A)
for the year ended October 31, 1997 have been so incorporated in reliance on
the report of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                             STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
 
  Stockholders of Halliburton are entitled to submit proposals on matters
appropriate for stockholder action consistent with the regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Halliburton anticipates
that its 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on May 18, 1999.
Accordingly, if a stockholder intends to present a proposal at such Annual
Meeting, it must be received by the Secretary of Halliburton at 3600 Lincoln
Plaza, 500 N. Akard, Dallas, Texas 75201-3391 not later than November 24, 1998
and must comply with all of the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in order to be included in
Halliburton's proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting.
 
  Dresser will hold a 1998 Annual Meeting of stockholders only if the Merger
is not consummated prior to October 31, 1998. If the 1998 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Dresser is held, any proposals of stockholders of Dresser
intended to be presented at such Annual Meeting must be received by Dresser,
addressed to the Secretary of Dresser at 2001 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas
75201, a reasonable time before such Annual Meeting, to be considered for
inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the meeting.
 
                                      92
<PAGE>
 
                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
 
  Halliburton and Dresser each file annual, quarterly and current reports,
proxy statements and other information with the Commission. You may read and
copy any reports, statements or other information that the companies file at
the Commission's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New
York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for
further information on the public reference rooms. Halliburton's and Dresser's
public filings are also available to the public from commercial document
retrieval services and at the Internet web site maintained by the Commission
at http://www.sec.gov. Reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning Halliburton and Dresser also may be inspected at the offices of the
NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
  Halliburton has filed a Form S-4 Registration Statement (the "Registration
Statement") to register with the Commission the offering and sale of the
shares of Halliburton Common Stock to be issued to Dresser stockholders in the
Merger. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part of the Registration
Statement and constitutes a prospectus of Halliburton, as well as a proxy
statement of Halliburton for the Halliburton Special Meeting and a proxy
statement of Dresser for the Dresser Special Meeting.
 
  As allowed by Commission rules, this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus does
not contain all the information that stockholders can find in the Registration
Statement or the exhibits to the Registration Statement.
 
  The Commission allows Halliburton and Dresser to incorporate information
into this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus "by reference," which means that
the companies can disclose important information to you by referring you to
another document filed separately with the Commission. The information
incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, except for any information superseded by information
contained directly in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. This Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set forth below
that Halliburton and Dresser have previously filed with the Commission. These
documents contain important information about the companies and their
financial condition.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HALLIBURTON FILINGS (FILE NO. 1-
3492)                             PERIOD
- --------------------------------  ------
<S>                               <C>
Annual Report on Form
 10-K (as amended by
 Form 10-K/A)...........          Year ended December 31, 1997
Quarterly Report on Form
 10-Q...................          Quarter ended March 31, 1998
Current Reports on Form           Filed January 2, 1998; January 28, 1998; February 20, 1998;
 8-K....................          February 20, 1998; March 2, 1998; March 24, 1998; April 23, 1998;
                                  and May 13, 1998
<CAPTION>
DRESSER FILINGS (FILE NO. 1-
4003)                             PERIOD
- ----------------------------      ------
<S>                               <C>
Annual Report on Form
 10-K (as amended by
 Form 10-K/A)...........          Year ended October 31, 1997
Quarterly Report on Form
 10-Q (as amended by
 Form 10-Q/A)...........          Quarter ended January 31, 1998
Current Report on Form
 8-K....................          Filed March 2, 1998
</TABLE>
 
  Halliburton and Dresser hereby incorporate by reference additional documents
that Halliburton or Dresser may file with the Commission between the date of
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the date of the Special Meetings.
These include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy
statements.
 
  Halliburton has supplied all information contained or incorporated by
reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to Halliburton or
Merger Sub, and Dresser has supplied all such information relating to Dresser.
 
                                      93
<PAGE>
 
  If you are a stockholder, you may have received some of the documents
incorporated by reference. You may also obtain any of such documents from the
appropriate company or the Commission or the Commission's Internet web site
described above. Documents incorporated by reference are available from the
appropriate company without charge, excluding all exhibits unless specifically
incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. Stockholders may obtain documents incorporated by
reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus by requesting them in
writing or by telephone from the appropriate company at the following
addresses:
 
                              HALLIBURTON COMPANY
                              3600 Lincoln Plaza
                            500 North Akard Street
                           Dallas, Texas 75201-3391
                         Attention: Investor Relations
                              Tel: (214) 978-2600
 
                           DRESSER INDUSTRIES, INC.
                               2001 Ross Avenue
                              Dallas, Texas 75201
                         Attention: Investor Relations
                              Tel: (214) 740-6759
 
  If you would like to request documents, please do so by June 18, 1998 to
receive them before the Special Meetings. If you request any incorporated
documents, the appropriate company will mail them to you by first-class mail,
or other equally prompt means, within one business day of receipt of your
request.
 
  Commission rules require that an annual report of Halliburton, with respect
to Halliburton stockholders, and of Dresser, with respect to Dresser
stockholders, precede or accompany proxy material. More than one annual report
need not be sent to the same address, if the recipient agrees. If more than
one annual report is being sent to your address, at your request, mailing of
the duplicate copy to the account you select will be discontinued. You may so
indicate in the space provided on your proxy card. Eliminating these duplicate
mailings will not affect receipt of future proxy statements and proxy cards.
 
  YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS TO VOTE YOUR SHARES AT THE
SPECIAL MEETINGS. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH
INFORMATION THAT DIFFERS FROM THAT CONTAINED IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS DATED MAY 18,
1998. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THAT DATE, AND
NEITHER THE MAILING OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS TO STOCKHOLDERS
NOR THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF HALLIBURTON COMMON STOCK IN THE MERGER SHALL
CREATE ANY IMPLICATION TO THE CONTRARY.
 
                                      94
<PAGE>
 
                             LIST OF DEFINED TERMS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    LOCATION OF
TERM                                                                DEFINED TERM
- ----                                                                ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>
1993 Plan..........................................................      80
AXA-UAP Subsidiaries...............................................      88
Acquiring Person...................................................      64
Acquisition Agreement..............................................      55
Acquisition Proposal...............................................      50
Affiliates' Agreements.............................................      44
Alternative Call Period............................................      56
Alternative Put Period.............................................      56
Annual Performance Pay Plan........................................      81
Applicable Price...................................................      56
BHMS...............................................................      90
Baker Hughes.......................................................      37
Business Combinations..............................................      69
CFFO...............................................................      34
CFPS...............................................................      34
CVA................................................................      81
Call Period........................................................      56
Charter Amendment..................................................      19
Closing Date.......................................................      48
Code...............................................................      43
Commission.........................................................      92
Committee..........................................................      79
Compression Comparable Companies...................................      38
DGCL...............................................................      21
Directors' Restricted Stock Plan...................................      78
Directors' Retirement Plan.........................................      78
Distribution Date..................................................      64
Dresser Benefit Plan Stock.........................................      19
Dresser Common Stock...............................................      19
Dresser Options....................................................      19
Dresser Record Date................................................      20
Dresser Restricted Common Stock....................................      42
Dresser Special Meeting............................................      20
EBIT...............................................................      39
EBITDA.............................................................      39
EPS................................................................      34
Effective Time.....................................................      19
Energy Group.......................................................      17
Engineering and Construction Group.................................      17
Engineering Services Comparable Companies..........................      38
Equitable Companies................................................      88
Exchange Agent.....................................................      46
Exchange Ratio.....................................................      19
Executives.........................................................      41
Exercise Event.....................................................      55
Exercise Price.....................................................      55
FTC................................................................      45
February 25 Presentation...........................................      34
</TABLE>
 
                                       95
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    LOCATION OF
TERM                                                                DEFINED TERM
- ----                                                                ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>
Fiduciary Out Termination..........................................      51
Floor Plan.........................................................      85
Goldman Sachs......................................................      23
Goldman Sachs Opinion..............................................      32
Grandfathered Employees............................................      85
Grantee............................................................      55
Grantor............................................................      55
HSR Act............................................................      44
Halliburton Charter................................................      19
Halliburton Common Stock...........................................      19
Halliburton Preferred Stock........................................      66
Halliburton Profit Sharing Plan....................................      85
Halliburton Record Date............................................      20
Halliburton Series A Preferred Stock...............................      64
Halliburton Special Meeting........................................      19
Halliburton's Deferred Compensation Plan...........................      78
Historical Exchange Ratio..........................................      38
IRS................................................................      44
Initial Conditions.................................................      55
Interested Stockholder.............................................      69
Joint Presentation.................................................      31
LTM................................................................      35
Measurement Comparable Companies...................................      38
Merger.............................................................      19
Merger Agreement...................................................      19
Merger Sub.........................................................      18
Mutuelles AXA......................................................      88
NYSE...............................................................      19
Net Market Capitalization..........................................      35
Notional Total Profit..............................................      57
Options............................................................      55
Option Term........................................................      55
Peer Group.........................................................      80
Petroleum Products Comparable Companies............................      38
Plans..............................................................      89
Pooling Period.....................................................      45
Precedent Transactions.............................................      39
Purchase Price.....................................................      64
Put Consideration..................................................      56
Put Date...........................................................      56
Put Period.........................................................      55
Put Right..........................................................      56
Recommendation Withdrawal Termination..............................      51
Redemption Price...................................................      65
Registration Statement.............................................      93
Required Vote......................................................      47
Restated Rights Agreement..........................................      64
Restricted Stock Plans.............................................      42
Right..............................................................      64
Right Certificates.................................................      64
</TABLE>
 
                                       96
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    LOCATION OF
TERM                                                                DEFINED TERM
- ----                                                                ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>
S&P 500............................................................      83
S&P Energy Composite...............................................      83
SBC Warburg Dillon Read............................................      23
SBC Warburg Dillon Read Opinion....................................      31
SEDC Plan..........................................................      82
SSB Holdings.......................................................      90
Salomon Smith Barney...............................................      24
Schlumberger.......................................................      37
Segment Comparable Companies.......................................      38
Selected Mergers...................................................      35
Severance Agreements...............................................      41
Share Issuance.....................................................      19
Significant........................................................      73
Stock Option Agreements............................................      55
Superior Proposal..................................................      50
Supplemental Retirement Benefit....................................      82
TRV................................................................      90
Terminating Dresser Breach.........................................      50
Terminating Halliburton Breach.....................................      51
Termination........................................................      41
Total Profit.......................................................      57
Trust..............................................................      89
Voting Stock.......................................................      69
VWII...............................................................      90
</TABLE>
 
                                       97
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX A
 
 
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
                                  BY AND AMONG
 
                              HALLIBURTON COMPANY
 
                             HALLIBURTON N.C., INC.
 
                                      AND
 
                            DRESSER INDUSTRIES, INC.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
  SECTION 1.01 Definitions................................................  A-1
  SECTION 1.02 Rules of Construction......................................  A-1
ARTICLE II
TERMS OF MERGER
  SECTION 2.01 Statutory Merger...........................................  A-1
  SECTION 2.02 Effective Time.............................................  A-2
  SECTION 2.03 Effect of the Merger.......................................  A-2
  SECTION 2.04 Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws.......................  A-2
  SECTION 2.05 Directors and Officers.....................................  A-2
ARTICLE III
CONVERSION OF SECURITIES; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
  SECTION 3.01 Merger Consideration; Conversion and Cancellation of
   Securities.............................................................  A-2
  SECTION 3.02 Exchange of Certificates...................................  A-3
  SECTION 3.03 Closing....................................................  A-4
  SECTION 3.04 Stock Transfer Books.......................................  A-4
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
  SECTION 4.01 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries...............  A-4
  SECTION 4.02 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws....................  A-5
  SECTION 4.03 Capitalization.............................................  A-5
  SECTION 4.04 Authorization of Agreement.................................  A-6
  SECTION 4.05 Approvals..................................................  A-6
  SECTION 4.06 No Violation...............................................  A-6
  SECTION 4.07 Reports....................................................  A-7
  SECTION 4.08 No Material Adverse Effect; Conduct........................  A-7
  SECTION 4.09 Certain Business Practices.................................  A-7
  SECTION 4.10 Certain Obligations........................................  A-8
  SECTION 4.11 Authorizations; Compliance.................................  A-8
  SECTION 4.12 Litigation; Compliance with Laws...........................  A-8
  SECTION 4.13 Employee Benefit Plans.....................................  A-8
  SECTION 4.14 Taxes...................................................... A-10
  SECTION 4.15 Environmental Matters...................................... A-10
  SECTION 4.16 Insurance.................................................. A-11
  SECTION 4.17 Pooling; Tax Matters....................................... A-11
  SECTION 4.18 Affiliates................................................. A-11
  SECTION 4.19 Opinion of Financial Advisor............................... A-11
  SECTION 4.20 Brokers.................................................... A-11
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARENT
  SECTION 5.01 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries............... A-11
  SECTION 5.02 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.................... A-12
  SECTION 5.03 Capitalization............................................. A-12
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-i
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
  SECTION 5.04 Authorization of Agreement................................. A-13
  SECTION 5.05 Approvals.................................................. A-13
  SECTION 5.06 No Violation............................................... A-13
  SECTION 5.07 Reports.................................................... A-14
  SECTION 5.08 No Material Adverse Effect; Conduct........................ A-14
  SECTION 5.09 Certain Business Practices................................. A-14
  SECTION 5.10 Certain Obligations........................................ A-15
  SECTION 5.11 Authorizations; Compliance................................. A-15
  SECTION 5.12 Litigation; Compliance with Laws........................... A-15
  SECTION 5.13 Employee Benefit Plans..................................... A-15
  SECTION 5.14 Taxes...................................................... A-17
  SECTION 5.15 Environmental Matters...................................... A-17
  SECTION 5.16 Insurance.................................................. A-17
  SECTION 5.17 Pooling; Tax Matters....................................... A-17
  SECTION 5.18 Affiliates................................................. A-18
  SECTION 5.19 Brokers.................................................... A-18
  SECTION 5.20 Opinion of Financial Advisor............................... A-19
  SECTION 5.21 Acquiring Person........................................... A-19
ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS
  SECTION 6.01 Affirmative Covenants...................................... A-19
  SECTION 6.02 Negative Covenants......................................... A-19
  SECTION 6.03 No Solicitation by the Company............................. A-23
  SECTION 6.04 No Solicitation by the Parent.............................. A-24
  SECTION 6.05 Access and Information..................................... A-25
ARTICLE VII
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
  SECTION 7.01 Meetings of Stockholders................................... A-25
  SECTION 7.02 Registration Statement; Proxy Statements................... A-26
  SECTION 7.03 Appropriate Action; Consents; Filings...................... A-27
  SECTION 7.04 Affiliates; Pooling; Tax Treatment......................... A-28
  SECTION 7.05 Public Announcements....................................... A-29
  SECTION 7.06 NYSE Listing............................................... A-29
  SECTION 7.07 Rights Agreement; State Takeover Statutes.................. A-29
  SECTION 7.08 Comfort Letters............................................ A-29
  SECTION 7.09 Assumption of Obligations to Issue Stock and Obligations of
   Employee Benefit Plans; Employees...................................... A-29
  SECTION 7.10 Indemnification of Directors and Officers.................. A-31
  SECTION 7.11 Newco...................................................... A-32
  SECTION 7.12 Event Notices.............................................. A-32
  SECTION 7.13 Parent Board of Directors; Committees...................... A-32
  SECTION 7.14 Transition Management...................................... A-32
  SECTION 7.15 Employment Contracts....................................... A-32
  SECTION 7.16 Waiver by Company Joint Venture Partners................... A-33
  SECTION 7.17 Transfer Taxes............................................. A-33
ARTICLE VIII
CLOSING CONDITIONS
  SECTION 8.01 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party Under This
   Agreement.............................................................. A-33
  SECTION 8.02 Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Parent
   Companies.............................................................. A-33
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-ii
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
  SECTION 8.03 Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company........ A-34
ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
  SECTION 9.01 Termination................................................ A-34
  SECTION 9.02 Effect of Termination...................................... A-36
  SECTION 9.03 Amendment.................................................. A-36
  SECTION 9.04 Waiver..................................................... A-36
  SECTION 9.05 Fees, Expenses and Other Payments.......................... A-36
ARTICLE X
GENERAL PROVISIONS
  SECTION 10.01 Effectiveness of Representations, Warranties and
   Agreements............................................................. A-38
  SECTION 10.02 Notices................................................... A-38
  SECTION 10.03 Headings.................................................. A-39
  SECTION 10.04 Severability.............................................. A-39
  SECTION 10.05 Entire Agreement.......................................... A-39
  SECTION 10.06 Assignment................................................ A-39
  SECTION 10.07 Parties in Interest....................................... A-39
  SECTION 10.08 Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative..... A-39
  SECTION 10.09 Governing Law............................................. A-40
  SECTION 10.10 Specific Performance...................................... A-40
  SECTION 10.11 Counterparts.............................................. A-40
</TABLE>
 
                                    ANNEXES
 
<TABLE>
 <C>     <S>
 Annex A Schedule of Defined Terms
 Annex B Affiliate's Agreement (Dresser Industries, Inc. Affiliates)
 Annex C Affiliate's Agreement (Halliburton Company Affiliates)
</TABLE>
 
                                     A-iii
<PAGE>
 
                         AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
  THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of February 25, 1998 (this
"Agreement"), is by and among Halliburton Company, a Delaware corporation (the
"Parent"), Halliburton N.C., Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned
direct subsidiary of the Parent ("Newco"), and Dresser Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"). The Parent and Newco are sometimes
referred to herein as the "Parent Companies."
 
                                   RECITALS:
 
  The Company and the Parent have determined to engage in a business
combination as peer firms in a merger of equals.
 
  In furtherance thereof, the respective Boards of Directors of the Company,
the Parent and Newco have approved this Agreement and the Merger of Newco with
and into the Company.
 
  For federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger will qualify
as a reorganization within the meaning of the provisions of Section 368(a) of
the Code.
 
  The Merger is intended to be treated as a "pooling of interests" for
accounting purposes.
 
  The parties hereto acknowledge the execution and delivery of the Stock
Option Agreements concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement.
 
  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this
Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
                                   ARTICLE I
 
                                  DEFINITIONS
 
  SECTION 1.01 Definitions. Certain capitalized and other terms used in this
Agreement are defined in Annex A hereto and are used herein with the meanings
ascribed to them therein.
 
  SECTION 1.02 Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires,
as used in this Agreement: (a) a term has the meaning ascribed to it; (b) an
accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning ascribed to it in
accordance with GAAP; (c) "or" is not exclusive; (d) "including" means
"including, without limitation;" (e) words in the singular include the plural;
(f) words in the plural include the singular; (g) words applicable to one
gender shall be construed to apply to each gender; (h) the terms "hereof,"
"herein," "hereby," "hereto" and derivative or similar words refer to this
entire Agreement; and (i) the terms "Article" or "Section" shall refer to the
specified Article or Section of this Agreement.
 
                                  ARTICLE II
 
                                TERMS OF MERGER
 
  SECTION 2.01 Statutory Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions and in
reliance upon the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements
contained herein, Newco shall merge with and into the Company at the Effective
Time. The terms and conditions of the Merger and the mode of carrying the same
into effect shall be as set forth in this Agreement. As a result of the
Merger, the separate corporate existence of Newco shall cease and the Company
shall continue as the Surviving Corporation.
 
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 2.02 Effective Time. As soon as practicable after the satisfaction
or, if permissible, waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VIII, the
parties hereto shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing a
Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, in
such form as required by, and executed in accordance with the relevant
provisions of, the GCL.
 
  SECTION 2.03 Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the effect of the
Merger shall be as provided in the applicable provisions of the GCL. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the
Effective Time, except as otherwise provided herein, all the property, rights,
privileges, powers and franchises of Newco and the Company shall vest in the
Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of Newco and the
Company shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving
Corporation.
 
  SECTION 2.04 Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws. At the Effective Time,
the certificate of incorporation and the bylaws of the Company, as in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the certificate of
incorporation and the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.
 
  SECTION 2.05 Directors and Officers. The directors of Newco immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving
Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the certificate of
incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, and the officers of the
Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the officers of the
Surviving Corporation, in each case until their respective successors are duly
elected or appointed and qualified.
 
                                  ARTICLE III
 
              CONVERSION OF SECURITIES; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
 
  SECTION 3.01 Merger Consideration; Conversion and Cancellation of
Securities. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of the Parent Companies, the Company or the holders of any
of the following securities:
 
    (a) Subject to the other provisions of this Article III, each share of
  Company Common Stock, including the associated right to receive or purchase
  shares of Series A Junior Preferred Stock of the Company pursuant to the
  terms of the Company's Rights Agreement, issued and outstanding immediately
  prior to the Effective Time (excluding any Company Common Stock described
  in Section 3.01(c)) shall be converted into one share of Parent Common
  Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if between the date of this Agreement
  and the Effective Time the outstanding shares of the Parent Common Stock or
  the Company Common Stock shall have been changed into a different number of
  shares or a different class, by reason of any stock dividend, subdivision,
  reclassification, recapitalization, split, combination or exchange of
  shares, the Common Stock Exchange Ratio shall be correspondingly adjusted
  to reflect such stock dividend, subdivision, reclassification,
  recapitalization, split, combination or exchange of shares.
 
    (b) All shares of Company Common Stock shall, upon conversion thereof
  into shares of Parent Common Stock at the Effective Time, cease to be
  outstanding and shall be automatically canceled and retired, and each
  certificate previously evidencing Company Common Stock outstanding
  immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than Company Common Stock
  described in Section 3.01(c)) shall thereafter be deemed, for all purposes
  other than the payment of dividends or distributions, to represent that
  number of shares of Parent Common Stock determined pursuant to the Common
  Stock Exchange Ratio and, if applicable, the right to receive cash pursuant
  to Section 3.02(d) or (e) or both. The holders of certificates previously
  evidencing Company Common Stock shall cease to have any rights with respect
  to such Company Common Stock except as otherwise provided herein or by law.
 
    (c) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, each
  share of Company Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company and each
  share of Company Common Stock, if any, owned by the Parent or any direct or
  indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of the Parent or of the Company
  immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled and extinguished
  without conversion thereof.
 
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
    (d) Each share of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Newco
  issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
  converted into one share of common stock, par value $.25 per share, of the
  Surviving Corporation.
 
  SECTION 3.02 Exchange of Certificates.
 
    (a) Exchange Fund. At the Closing, the Parent shall deposit, or cause to
  be deposited, with the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the former
  holders of Company Common Stock and for exchange through the Exchange Agent
  in accordance with this Article III, certificates evidencing that number of
  shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the product of the Common Stock
  Exchange Ratio and the number of shares of Company Common Stock issued and
  outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (exclusive of any such
  shares to be canceled pursuant to Section 3.01(c)). The Exchange Agent
  shall, pursuant to irrevocable instructions from the Parent, deliver
  certificates evidencing Parent Common Stock, together with any cash to be
  paid in lieu of fractional interests in shares of Parent Common Stock
  pursuant to Section 3.02(e) and any dividends or distributions related to
  such Parent Common Stock to be paid pursuant to Section 3.02(d), in
  exchange for certificates theretofore evidencing Company Common Stock
  surrendered to the Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 3.02(c). Except as
  contemplated by Sections 3.02(f), (g) and (h), the Exchange Fund shall not
  be used for any other purpose.
 
    (b) Letter of Transmittal. Not later than five (5) Business Days after
  the Effective Time, the Parent will cause the Exchange Agent to send to
  each record holder of Company Common Stock immediately prior to the
  Effective Time a letter of transmittal and other appropriate materials for
  use in surrendering to the Exchange Agent certificates that prior to the
  Effective Time evidenced shares of Company Common Stock.
 
    (c) Exchange Procedures. Promptly after the Effective Time, the Exchange
  Agent shall distribute to each former holder of Company Common Stock, upon
  surrender to the Exchange Agent for cancellation of one or more
  certificates that theretofore evidenced shares of Company Common Stock,
  certificates evidencing the appropriate number of shares of the Parent
  Common Stock into which such shares of Company Common Stock were converted
  pursuant to the Merger. If shares of Parent Common Stock are to be issued
  to a Person other than the Person in whose name the surrendered certificate
  or certificates are registered, it shall be a condition of issuance of
  Parent Common Stock that the surrendered certificate or certificates shall
  be properly endorsed, with signatures guaranteed, or otherwise in proper
  form for transfer and that the Person requesting such payment shall pay any
  transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of Parent Common
  Stock to a Person other than the registered holder of the surrendered
  certificate or certificates or such Person shall establish to the
  satisfaction of the Parent that such tax has been paid or is not
  applicable.
 
    (d) Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares of Company Common
  Stock. No dividends or other distributions declared or made with respect to
  the Parent Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time shall
  be paid to the holder of any certificate that theretofore evidenced shares
  of Company Common Stock until the holder of such certificate shall
  surrender such certificate. Subject to the effect of any applicable
  abandoned property, escheat or similar laws, following surrender of any
  such certificate, there shall be paid to the holder of the certificates
  evidencing whole shares of Parent Common Stock issued in exchange therefor,
  without interest, (i) promptly, the amount of any cash payable with respect
  to a fractional share of Parent Common Stock to which such holder is
  entitled pursuant to Section 3.02(e), (ii) the amount of dividends or other
  distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid
  with respect to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock and (iii) at the
  appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions,
  with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to surrender and a
  payment date occurring after surrender, payable with respect to such whole
  shares of Parent Common Stock.
 
    (e) No Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
  contrary, no certificates or scrip evidencing fractional shares of Parent
  Common Stock shall be issued in connection with the Merger, and any such
  fractional share interests to which a holder of record of Company Common
  Stock at the Effective Time would otherwise be entitled shall not entitle
  such holder to vote or to any rights of a stockholder of the Parent. In
  lieu of any such fractional shares, each holder of record of Company Common
  Stock at the
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
  Effective Time who but for the provisions of this Section 3.02(e) would be
  entitled to receive a fractional interest of a share of Parent Common Stock
  by virtue of the Merger shall be paid cash, without any interest thereon,
  as hereinafter provided. The Parent shall instruct the Exchange Agent to
  determine the number of whole shares and fractional shares of Parent Common
  Stock allocable to each holder of record of Company Common Stock at the
  Effective Time, to aggregate all such fractional shares into whole shares,
  to sell the whole shares obtained thereby in the open market at then
  prevailing prices on behalf of holders who otherwise would be entitled to
  receive fractional share interests and to distribute to each such holder
  such holder's ratable share of the total proceeds of such sale, after
  making appropriate deductions of the amount, if any, required for federal
  income tax withholding purposes and after deducting any applicable transfer
  taxes. All brokers' fees and commissions incurred in connection with such
  sales shall be paid by the Parent.
 
    (f) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund that
  remains unclaimed by the former holders of Company Common Stock for 12
  months after the Effective Time shall be delivered to the Parent, upon
  demand, and any former holders of Company Common Stock who have not
  theretofore complied with this Article III shall thereafter look only to
  the Parent for the Parent Common Stock and any cash to which they are
  entitled. Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, neither the Exchange
  Agent nor any party hereto shall be liable to any former holder of Company
  Common Stock for any Parent Common Stock, cash in lieu of fractional share
  interests or dividends or distributions thereon delivered to a public
  official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar
  law.
 
    (g) Withholding of Tax. The Parent shall be entitled to deduct and
  withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this
  Agreement to any former holder of Company Common Stock such amounts as the
  Parent (or any affiliate thereof) or the Exchange Agent is required to
  deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the
  Code or state, local or foreign tax Law. To the extent that amounts are so
  withheld by the Parent, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all
  purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the former holder of
  Company Common Stock in respect of which such deduction and withholding was
  made by the Parent.
 
    (h) Investment of Exchange Fund. The Exchange Agent may invest any cash
  included in the Exchange Fund in deposit accounts or short-term money
  market instruments, as directed by the Parent, on a daily basis. Any
  interest and other income resulting from such investments shall be paid to
  the Parent. The Parent shall deposit with the Exchange Agent as part of the
  Exchange Fund cash in an amount equal to any loss of principal resulting
  from such investments promptly after the incurrence of such a loss.
 
  SECTION 3.03 Closing. The Closing shall take place at the offices of Vinson
& Elkins L.L.P., 4000 Trammel Crow Center, 2001 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas
75201, at 10:00 a.m. on the next Business Day following the date on which the
conditions to the Closing have been satisfied or waived or at such other
place, time and date as the parties hereto may agree. At the conclusion of the
Closing on the Closing Date, the parties hereto shall cause the Certificate of
Merger to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
 
  SECTION 3.04 Stock Transfer Books. At the close of business on the date of
the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of the Company shall be closed
and there shall be no further registration of transfers of shares of Company
Common Stock thereafter on the records of the Company.
 
                                  ARTICLE IV
 
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
 
  The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Parent Companies, subject
to the limitations set forth in Section 10.01, that:
 
  SECTION 4.01 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries. The Company and
each Significant Subsidiary of the Company are legal entities duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of their respective
jurisdictions of incorporation or organization, have all requisite corporate
power and
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
authority to own, lease and operate their respective properties and to carry
on their businesses as they are now being conducted and are duly qualified and
in good standing to do business in the jurisdictions in which the nature of
the businesses conducted by them or the ownership or leasing of their
respective properties makes such qualification necessary, other than any
matters, including the failure to be so qualified and in good standing, that
could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company. Section 4.01 of the Company's Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and
complete list of all the Company's directly or indirectly owned Significant
Subsidiaries, together with (A) a specification of the nature of legal
organization of such Subsidiary, and (B) the jurisdiction of incorporation or
other organization of such Subsidiary.
 
  SECTION 4.02 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. The Company has
heretofore marked for identification and delivered to the Parent complete and
correct copies of the certificate of incorporation and the bylaws, in each
case as amended or restated to the date hereof, of the Company. The Company is
not in violation of any of the provisions of its certificate of incorporation
or bylaws.
 
  SECTION 4.03 Capitalization.
 
    (a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i)
  400,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock, of which, as of February 23,
  1998, (A) 175,479,962 shares were issued and outstanding, all of which are
  duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not
  subject to preemptive rights created by statute, the Company's certificate
  of incorporation or bylaws or any agreement to which the Company is a party
  or is bound and (B) 9,385,769 shares were held in the treasury of the
  Company and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, with no par value,
  of which none are issued and outstanding but of which 2,000,000 shares have
  been designated as Series A Junior Preferred Stock. Since October 31, 1997,
  except as set forth in Section 4.03(a) of the Company's Disclosure Letter,
  (x) no shares of Company Common Stock have been issued by the Company,
  except upon exercise of Company Stock Options outstanding under the Company
  Stock Plans and (y) the Company has not granted any options for, or other
  rights to purchase, shares of Company Common Stock.
 
    (b) Except for shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company Stock
  Plans described in Section 4.03(b) of the Company's Disclosure Letter
  (which reservations are also listed in detail in Section 4.03(b) of the
  Company's Disclosure Letter), no shares of Common Stock are reserved for
  issuance, and, except for the Company's Rights Plan and Company Stock
  Options, there are no contracts, agreements, commitments or arrangements
  obligating the Company (i) to offer, sell, issue or grant any Equity
  Security of the Company or (ii) to redeem, purchase or acquire, or offer to
  purchase or acquire, any outstanding Equity Security of the Company.
 
    (c) Except as set forth in Section 4.03(c) of the Company's Disclosure
  Letter, (i) all the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of, or
  other equity interests in, each Significant Subsidiary of the Company are
  owned by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, have been duly authorized
  and are validly issued, and, with respect to capital stock, are fully paid
  and nonassessable, and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or
  similar rights of any past or present equity holder of such Subsidiary;
  (ii) all such issued and outstanding shares, or other equity interests,
  that are owned by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries are owned free and
  clear of all Liens; (iii) no shares of capital stock of, or other equity
  interests in, any Significant Subsidiary of the Company are reserved for
  issuance, and there are no contracts, agreements, commitments or
  arrangements obligating the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries
  (A) to offer, sell, issue, grant, pledge, dispose of or encumber any Equity
  Securities of any of the Significant Subsidiaries of the Company or (B) to
  redeem, purchase or acquire, or offer to purchase or acquire, any
  outstanding Equity Securities of any of the Significant Subsidiaries of the
  Company or (C) to grant any Lien on any outstanding shares of capital stock
  of, or other equity interests in, any of the Significant Subsidiaries of
  the Company; except for any matter under clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of this
  Section 4.03(c) that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
  Adverse Effect on the Company.
 
    (d) Except for the revocable proxies granted by the Company or its
  Subsidiaries with respect to the capital stock of Subsidiaries owned by the
  Company or its Subsidiaries, there are no voting trusts, proxies or other
  agreements, commitments or understandings of any character to which the
  Company or any of its
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
  Significant Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its
  Significant Subsidiaries is bound with respect to the voting of any shares
  of capital stock of the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries.
 
  SECTION 4.04 Authorization of Agreement. The Company has all requisite
corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the
Company Stock Option Agreement and, subject, in the case of this Agreement, to
approval of this Agreement by the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of Company Common Stock in accordance with the applicable provisions of
the GCL and the Company's certificate of incorporation, to perform its
obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery by the Company of this
Agreement and the Company Stock Option Agreement and the performance by the
Company of its obligations hereunder and thereunder have been duly and validly
authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of the Company (other
than, with respect to the Merger, the approval and adoption of this Agreement
by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock
in accordance with the applicable provisions of the GCL and the Company's
certificate of incorporation). This Agreement and the Company Stock Option
Agreement have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and (assuming
due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the other parties hereto)
constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable
against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as the same may be
limited by legal principles of general applicability governing the application
and availability of equitable remedies.
 
  SECTION 4.05 Approvals. Except for the applicable requirements, if any, of
(a) the Securities Act, (b) the Exchange Act, (c) state securities or blue sky
laws, (d) the HSR Act, (e) the competition Laws, Regulations and Orders of
foreign Governmental Authorities as set forth in Section 4.05 of the Company's
Disclosure Letter, (f) the NYSE, (g) the filing and recordation of appropriate
merger documents as required by the GCL and (h) those Laws, Regulations and
Orders noncompliance with which could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company, no filing or registration with, no
waiting period imposed by and no Authorization of, any Governmental Authority
is required under any Law, Regulation or Order applicable to the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries to permit the Company to execute, deliver or perform
this Agreement or the Company Stock Option Agreement or to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
 
  SECTION 4.06 No Violation. Assuming effectuation of all filings and
registrations with, termination or expiration of any applicable waiting
periods imposed by and receipt of all Authorizations of Governmental
Authorities indicated as required in Section 4.05 and receipt of the approval
of this Agreement by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Company Common Stock as required by the GCL and except as set forth in Section
4.06 of the Company's Disclosure Letter, neither the execution and delivery by
the Company of this Agreement or the Company Stock Option Agreement nor the
performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder or thereunder will (a)
violate or breach the terms of or cause a default under (i) any Law,
Regulation or Order applicable to the Company, (ii) the certificate of
incorporation or bylaws of the Company or (iii) any contract or agreement to
which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any
of its properties or assets is bound, or (b) with the passage of time, the
giving of notice or the taking of any action by a third Person, have any of
the effects set forth in clause (a) of this Section, except in any such case
for any matters described in this Section (other than clause (ii) hereof) that
could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of
the Company has taken all necessary action to cause this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby to be exempt from the provisions of Section
203 of the GCL and to ensure that the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement by the parties hereto will not cause any rights to be
distributed or to become exercisable under the Company's Rights Agreement.
Assuming the representation of the Parent in Section 5.17(g) is true, neither
of the Parent Companies is (a) an "Acquiring Person" as defined in the
Company's Rights Agreement or (b) will become an "Acquiring Person" as defined
therein as a result of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 4.07 Reports.
 
    (a) Since October 31, 1994, (i) the Company has filed all SEC Reports
  required to be filed by it with the Commission and (ii) the Company and its
  Subsidiaries have filed all other Reports required to be filed by any of
  them with any other Governmental Authorities, including state securities
  administrators, except where the failure to file any such Reports could not
  reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
  Such Reports, including all those filed after the date of this Agreement
  and prior to the Effective Time, (x) were prepared in all material respects
  in accordance with the requirements of applicable Law (including, with
  respect to the SEC Reports, the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as the
  case may be, and the applicable Regulations of the Commission thereunder)
  and (y), in the case of the SEC Reports, did not at the time they were
  filed contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
  material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make
  the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
  were made, not misleading.
 
    (b) The Company's Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and any
  consolidated financial statements of the Company (including any related
  notes thereto) contained in any SEC Reports filed by the Company with the
  Commission after the date of this Agreement (i) have been or will have been
  prepared in accordance with GAAP (except (A) to the extent required by
  changes in GAAP and (B), with respect to the Company's Audited Consolidated
  Financial Statements, as may be indicated in the notes thereto and (C), in
  the case of any unaudited interim financial statements, as permitted by
  Form 10-Q) and (ii) fairly present the consolidated financial position of
  the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the respective dates thereof and the
  consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the periods
  indicated (subject, in the case of any unaudited interim financial
  statements, to normal and recurring year-end adjustments).
 
    (c) Except as set forth in Section 4.07(c) of the Company's Disclosure
  Letter, there exist no liabilities or obligations of the Company and its
  Subsidiaries that are Material to the Company, whether accrued, absolute,
  contingent or threatened, and that would be required to be reflected,
  reserved for or disclosed under GAAP in consolidated financial statements
  of the Company as of and for the period ended on the date of this
  representation and warranty, other than (i) liabilities or obligations that
  are adequately reflected, reserved for or disclosed in the Company's
  Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, (ii) liabilities or obligations
  incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company since October
  31, 1997, (iii) liabilities or obligations the incurrence of which is
  permitted by Section 6.02(a) and (iv) liabilities or obligations that are
  not Material to the Company.
 
  SECTION 4.08 No Material Adverse Effect; Conduct.
 
    (a) Since October 31, 1997, no event (other than any event that is of
  general application to all or a substantial portion of the Company's
  industry and other than any event that is expressly subject to any other
  representation or warranty contained in Article IV) has, to the Knowledge
  of the Company, occurred that, individually or together with other similar
  events, could reasonably be expected to constitute or cause a Material
  Adverse Effect on the Company.
 
    (b) Except as set forth in Section 4.08(b) of the Company's Disclosure
  Letter, during the period from October 31, 1997 to the date of this
  Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in
  any conduct that is proscribed during the period from the date of this
  Agreement to the Effective Time by subsections (i) through (xiv) of Section
  6.02(a).
 
  SECTION 4.09 Certain Business Practices. As of the date of this Agreement,
neither the Company or any of its Subsidiaries nor any director, officer,
employee or agent of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has (a) used any
funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful
expenses relating to political activity, (b) made any unlawful payment to any
foreign or domestic government official or employee or to any foreign or
domestic political party or campaign or violated any provision of the Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, (c) consummated any transaction,
made any payment, entered into any agreement or arrangement or taken any other
action in violation of Section 1128B(b) of the Social Security Act, as
amended, or (d) made any other unlawful payment, except for any such matters
that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company.
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 4.10 Certain Obligations. Except for those listed in Section 4.10 of
the Company's Disclosure Letter, neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any (a) Noncompete Agreement or (b) any
agreement that contains change of control or similar provisions that would
give any Person that is a party to any such agreement the right, as a result
of the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the
transactions contemplated hereby, to purchase any Material interest of the
Company in any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement.
 
  SECTION 4.11 Authorizations; Compliance. The Company and its Subsidiaries
have obtained all Authorizations that are necessary to carry on their
businesses as currently conducted, except for any such Authorizations as to
which, individually or in the aggregate, the failure to possess could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. Such
Authorizations are in full force and effect, have not been violated in any
respect that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
the Company and there is no action, proceeding or investigation pending or, to
the Knowledge of the Company, threatened regarding suspension, revocation or
cancellation of any such Authorizations, except for any suspensions,
revocations or cancellations of any such Authorizations that, individually or
in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on the Company.
 
  SECTION 4.12 Litigation; Compliance with Laws. There are no actions, suits,
investigations or proceedings (including any proceedings in arbitration)
pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries, at law or in equity, in any Court or before or by any
Governmental Authority, except actions, suits, investigations or proceedings
that are disclosed in the Company's SEC Reports, that are set forth in Section
4.12 or Section 4.15 of the Company's Disclosure Letter or that, individually
or, with respect to multiple actions, suits or proceedings that allege similar
theories of recovery based on similar facts, in the aggregate, could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. There
are no Material claims pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened
by any Persons against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for
indemnification pursuant to any statute, organizational document, contract or
otherwise with respect to any claim, action, suit, investigation or proceeding
pending in any Court or before or by any Governmental Authority. Except as set
forth in Section 4.12 of the Company's Disclosure Letter and with respect to
the matters covered by Sections 4.09, 4.13, 4.14 and 4.15, the Company and its
Subsidiaries are in substantial compliance with all applicable Laws and
Regulations and are not in default with respect to any Order applicable to the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except such events of noncompliance or
defaults that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
 
  SECTION 4.13 Employee Benefit Plans. Except as set forth in the Company's
SEC Reports or in Section 4.13 of the Company's Disclosure Letter:
 
    (a) With respect to each Company Benefit Plan, no event has occurred and,
  to the Knowledge of the Company, there exists no condition or set of
  circumstances in connection with which the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries could be subject to any liability under the terms of such
  Company Benefit Plan, ERISA, the Code or any other applicable Law, other
  than any condition or set of circumstances that could not reasonably be
  expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
 
    (b) Each Current Company Benefit Plan intended to be qualified under
  Section 401 of the Code (i) satisfies in form the requirements of such
  Section except to the extent amendments are not required by Law to be made
  until a date after the Effective Time, (ii) has received a favorable
  determination letter from the IRS regarding such qualified status and (iii)
  has not, since the receipt of the most recent favorable determination
  letter, been amended other than amendments required by applicable Law.
 
    (c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material
  Adverse Effect on the Company, there has been no termination or partial
  termination of any Current Company Benefit Plan within the meaning of
  Section 4.11(d)(3) of the Code and, to the Knowledge of the Company, each
  Current Company Benefit Plan has been operated in material compliance with
  its provisions and with applicable Law.
 
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
 
    (d) Any Terminated Company Benefit Plan intended to have been qualified
  under Section 401 of the Code received a favorable determination letter
  from the IRS with respect to its termination.
 
    (e) There are no actions, suits or claims pending (other than routine
  claims for benefits) or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened
  against, or with respect to, any Company Benefit Plan or its assets that
  could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
  Company and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no facts or circumstances
  exist that could give rise to any such actions, suits or claims, except as
  would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
  Company.
 
    (f) To the Knowledge of the Company, there is no matter pending (other
  than routine qualification determination filings) with respect to any
  Company Benefit Plans before the IRS, the Department of Labor, the PBGC or
  any other Governmental Authority, except as would not reasonably be
  expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
 
    (g) All contributions required to be made to Company Benefit Plans
  pursuant to their terms and the provisions of ERISA, the Code or any other
  applicable Law have been timely made, except as would not reasonably be
  expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
 
    (h) As to any Current Company Benefit Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA,
  (i) there has been no event or condition which presents a significant risk
  of plan termination, (ii) no accumulated funding deficiency, whether or not
  waived, within the meaning of Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the
  Code has been incurred (iii) no reportable event within the meaning of
  Section 4043 of ERISA (for which the disclosure requirements of Regulation
  section 4043.1, et seq., promulgated by the PBGC, have not been waived) has
  occurred within six years prior to the date of this Agreement, (iv) no
  notice of intent to terminate such Benefit Plan has been given under
  Section 4041 of ERISA, (v) no proceeding has been instituted under Section
  4042 of ERISA to terminate such Benefit Plan, (vi) no liability to the PBGC
  has been incurred (other than with respect to required premium payments)
  and (vii) the assets of the Benefit Plan equal or exceed the actuarial
  present value of the benefit liabilities, within the meaning of Section
  4041 of ERISA, under the Benefit Plan, based upon reasonable actuarial
  assumptions and the asset valuation principles established by the PBGC,
  except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
  Effect on the Company.
 
    (i) In connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated
  by this Agreement, no payment of money or other property, acceleration of
  benefits or provision of other rights has been or will be made under any
  Current Company Benefit Plan that could reasonably be expected to be
  nondeductible under Section 280G of the Code, whether or not some other
  subsequent action or event would be required to cause such payment,
  acceleration or provision to be triggered.
 
    (j) The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of
  the transactions contemplated hereby will not (i) require the Company or
  any of its Subsidiaries to make a larger contribution to, or pay greater
  benefits or provide other rights under, any Current Company Benefit Plan or
  any of the programs, agreements, policies or other arrangements described
  in the Company's Disclosure Letter in response to paragraph (k) below than
  it otherwise would, whether or not some other subsequent action or event
  would be required to cause such payment or provision to be triggered or
  (ii) create or give rise to any additional vested rights or service credits
  under any Current Company Benefit Plan or any of such programs, agreements,
  policies or other arrangements, whether or not some other subsequent action
  or event would be required to cause such creation or acceleration to be
  triggered.
 
    (k) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or is
  bound by any severance or change in control agreement, program or policy
  (involving $500,000 or more of future payments) with respect to any
  employee, officer or director.
 
    (l) No Current Company Benefit Plan (other than a Company Benefit Plan
  maintained outside the United States that is either fully insured or fully
  funded through a retirement plan) provides retiree medical or retiree life
  insurance benefits to any Person and neither the Company nor any of its
  Subsidiaries is contractually or otherwise obligated (whether or not in
  writing) to provide any Person with life insurance or medical benefits upon
  retirement or termination of employment, other than as required by the
  provisions of Sections 601 through 608 of ERISA and Section 4980B of the
  Code.
 
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
 
    (m) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries contributes or has an
  obligation to contribute, and has not within six years prior to the date of
  this Agreement contributed, had an obligation to contribute, or had any
  other liability to a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 3(37)
  of ERISA.
 
    (n) The Company has not contributed, transferred or otherwise provided
  any cash, securities or other property to any grantee, trust, escrow or
  other arrangement that has the effect of providing or setting aside assets
  for benefits payable pursuant to any termination, severance or other change
  in control agreement.
 
    (o) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
  Effect on the Company, (i) no collective bargaining agreement is being
  negotiated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) there is no
  pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened labor dispute,
  strike or work stoppage against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
  (iii) to the Knowledge of the Company, neither the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries nor any representative or employee of the Company or any of
  its Subsidiaries has in the United States committed any Material unfair
  labor practices in connection with the operation of the business of the
  Company and its Subsidiaries, and (iv) there is no pending or, to the
  Knowledge of the Company, threatened charge or complaint against the
  Company or any of its Subsidiaries by or before the National Labor
  Relations Board or any comparable agency of any state of the United States.
 
  SECTION 4.14 Taxes.
 
    (a) Except for such matters as could not reasonably be expected to have a
  Material Adverse Effect on the Company, all returns and reports of or with
  respect to any Tax ("Tax Returns") that are required to be filed by or with
  respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries on or before the
  Effective Time have been or will be timely filed, all Taxes that are shown
  to be due on such Tax Returns have been or will be timely paid in full, all
  withholding Tax requirements imposed on or with respect to the Company or
  any of its Subsidiaries have been or will be satisfied in full in all
  respects and no penalty, interest or other charge is or will become due
  with respect to the late filing of any such Tax Return or late payment of
  any such Tax.
 
    (b) There is no claim against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for
  any Taxes, and no assessment, deficiency or adjustment has been asserted or
  proposed in writing with respect to any such Tax Return, that, in either
  case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
  Company.
 
  SECTION 4.15 Environmental Matters.
 
    (a) Except for matters disclosed in the Company's SEC Reports or in
  Section 4.15 of the Company's Disclosure Letter and except for matters
  that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to
  have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, (i) the properties,
  operations and activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries are in
  compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws; (ii) the Company and its
  Subsidiaries and the properties and operations of the Company and its
  Subsidiaries are not subject to any existing, pending or, to the Knowledge
  of the Company, threatened action, suit, investigation, inquiry or
  proceeding by or before any Court or Governmental Authority under any
  Environmental Law; (iii) all Authorizations, if any, required to be
  obtained or filed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any
  Environmental Law in connection with the business of the Company and its
  Subsidiaries have been obtained or filed and are valid and currently in
  full force and effect; (iv) to the Knowledge of the Company, there has been
  no release of any hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant into the
  environment by the Company or its Subsidiaries or in connection with their
  properties or operations; and (v) there has been no exposure of any Person
  or property to any hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant in
  connection with the properties, operations and activities of the Company
  and its Subsidiaries.
 
    (b) The Company and its Subsidiaries have made available to the Parent
  all internal and external environmental audits and studies and all
  correspondence on environmental matters (in each case relevant to the
  Company or any of its Subsidiaries) in the possession of the Company or its
  Subsidiaries for such matters as could reasonably be expected to have a
  Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
 
 
                                     A-10
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 4.16 Insurance. The Company and its Subsidiaries own and are
beneficiaries under all such insurance policies underwritten by reputable
insurers that, as to risks insured, coverages and related limits and
deductibles, are customary in the industries in which the Company and its
Subsidiaries operate. All premiums due with respect to all such insurance
policies that are Material have been paid and, to the Knowledge of the
Company, all such policies are in full force and effect.
 
  SECTION 4.17 Pooling; Tax Matters. Neither the Company nor, to the Knowledge
of the Company, any of its Affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action
that would prevent (a) the Merger from being treated for financial accounting
purposes as a "pooling of interests" in accordance with GAAP and the
Regulations of the Commission or (b) the Merger from constituting a
reorganization within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Code. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing:
 
    (a) Prior to and in connection with the Merger, (i) none of the Company
  Common Stock will be redeemed, (ii) no extraordinary distribution will be
  made with respect to Company Common Stock, and (iii) none of the Company
  Common Stock will be acquired by any person related (as defined in Treas.
  Reg. (S) 1.368-1(e)(3) without regard to (S) 1.368-1(e)(3)(i)(A)) to the
  Company.
 
    (b) The Company and the stockholders of the Company will each pay their
  respective expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the Merger.
 
    (c) There is no intercorporate indebtedness existing between the Company
  and the Parent or between the Company and Newco that was issued, acquired
  or will be settled at a discount.
 
    (d) The Company is not an investment company as defined in section
  368(a)(2)(F)(iii) and (iv) of the Code.
 
    (e) The Company is not under the jurisdiction of a court in a title 11 or
  similar case within the meaning of section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Code.
 
  SECTION 4.18 Affiliates. Section 4.18 of the Company's Disclosure Letter
contains a true and complete list of all Persons who are directors or
executive officers of the Company and any other Persons who, to the Knowledge
of the Company, may be deemed to be Affiliates of the Company. Concurrently
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company has delivered
to the Parent an executed letter agreement, substantially in the form of Annex
B hereto, from each such Person so identified.
 
  SECTION 4.19 Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Company has received the
opinion of Salomon Smith Barney on the date of this Agreement to the effect
that the Common Stock Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view,
to the holders of Company Common Stock.
 
  SECTION 4.20 Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than
Salomon Smith Barney) is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or
commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company. Prior to the date
of this Agreement, the Company has made available to the Parent a complete and
correct copy of all agreements between the Company and Salomon Smith Barney
pursuant to which such firm will be entitled to any payment relating to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
                                   ARTICLE V
 
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARENT
 
  The Parent Companies hereby represent and warrant to the Company, subject to
the limitations set forth in Section 10.01, that:
 
  SECTION 5.01 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries. The Parent, Newco
and each other Significant Subsidiary of the Parent are legal entities duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of their
respective jurisdictions of incorporation or organization, have all requisite
corporate power and
 
                                     A-11
<PAGE>
 
authority to own, lease and operate their respective properties and to carry
on their businesses as they are now being conducted and are duly qualified and
in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of
the business conducted by them or the ownership or leasing of their respective
properties makes such qualification necessary, other than any matters,
including the failure to be so qualified and in good standing, that could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent.
Section 5.01 of the Parent's Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete
list of all the Parent's directly or indirectly owned Significant
Subsidiaries, together with (A) a specification of the nature of legal
organization of such Subsidiary and (B) the jurisdiction of incorporation or
other organization of such Subsidiary.
 
  SECTION 5.02 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. The Parent has
heretofore marked for identification and furnished to the Company complete and
correct copies of the certificate of incorporation and the bylaws, in each
case as amended or restated to the date hereof, of the Parent. The Parent is
not in violation of any of the provisions of its certificate of incorporation
or bylaws.
 
  SECTION 5.03 Capitalization.
 
    (a) The authorized capital stock of the Parent consists of (i)
  400,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock of which as of February 23, 1998,
  262,591,336 shares were issued and outstanding, all of which are duly
  authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to
  preemptive rights created by statute, the Parent's certificate of
  incorporation or bylaws or any agreement to which the Parent is a party or
  is bound, and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, without par value,
  of which none is issued but of which 2,000,000 shares have been designated
  as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock. Since December 31, 1997,
  except as set forth in Section 5.03(a) of the Parent's Disclosure Letter,
  (x) no shares of Parent Common Stock have been issued by the Parent except
  the Parent Common Stock issued pursuant to the exercise of outstanding
  Parent Stock Options and Parent Restricted Stock and Parent Common Stock
  issued otherwise as set forth in Section 5.03(a) of the Parent's Disclosure
  Letter and (y) the Parent has not granted any options for, or other rights
  to purchase, shares of Parent Common Stock.
 
    (b) Except as set forth in Section 5.03(b) of the Parent's Disclosure
  Letter and except for shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the Parent
  Stock Plans described in Section 5.03(b) of the Parent's Disclosure Letter,
  no shares of Parent Common Stock are reserved for issuance, and, except for
  the Parent Stock Options, the Parent Restricted Stock agreements and for
  the Parent's obligations under the Parent's Rights Agreement, there are no
  contracts, agreements, commitments or arrangements obligating the Parent
  (i) to offer, sell, issue or grant any Equity Securities of the Parent or
  (ii) to redeem, purchase or acquire, or offer to purchase or acquire, any
  outstanding Equity Securities of the Parent or to grant any Lien on any
  shares of capital stock of the Parent.
 
    (c) Except as set forth in Section 5.03(c) of the Parent's Disclosure
  Letter, (i) all the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of, or
  other equity interests in, each Significant Subsidiary of the Parent are
  owned by the Parent or one of its Subsidiaries, have been duly authorized
  and are validly issued, and, with respect to capital stock, are fully paid
  and nonassessable, and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or
  similar rights of any past or present equity holder of such Subsidiary;
  (ii) all such issued and outstanding shares, or other equity interests,
  that are owned by the Parent or one of its Subsidiaries are owned free and
  clear of all Liens; (iii) no shares of capital stock of, or other equity
  interests in, any Significant Subsidiary of the Parent are reserved for
  issuance, and there are no contracts, agreements, commitments or
  arrangements obligating the Parent or any of its Significant Subsidiaries
  (A) to offer, sell, issue, grant, pledge, dispose of or encumber any Equity
  Securities of any of the Significant Subsidiaries of the Parent or (B) to
  redeem, purchase or acquire, or offer to purchase or acquire, any
  outstanding Equity Securities of any of the Significant Subsidiaries of the
  Parent or (C) to grant any Lien on any outstanding shares of capital stock
  of, or other equity interests in, any of the Significant Subsidiaries of
  the Parent; except for any matter under clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of this
  Section 5.03(c) that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
  Adverse Effect on the Parent.
 
    (d) Except for revocable proxies granted by the Parent or its
  Subsidiaries with respect to the capital stock of Subsidiaries owned by the
  Parent or its Subsidiaries, there are no voting trusts, proxies or other
 
                                     A-12
<PAGE>
 
  agreements, commitments or understandings of any character to which the
  Parent or any of its Significant Subsidiaries is a party or by which the
  Parent or any of its Significant Subsidiaries is bound with respect to the
  voting of any shares of capital stock of the Parent or any of its
  Significant Subsidiaries.
 
  SECTION 5.04 Authorization of Agreement. Each of the Parent and Newco has
all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and, in the case of the Parent, the Parent Stock Option Agreement
and subject, in the case of this Agreement, to approval of the Charter
Amendment and the Share Issuance by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the GCL and the Parent's certificate of incorporation, to
perform its obligations hereunder and, in the case of the Parent, thereunder
and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and, in the case of the
Parent, thereby. The execution and delivery by each of the Parent and Newco of
this Agreement and the execution and delivery by the Parent of the Parent
Stock Option Agreement and the performance of their respective obligations
hereunder and, in the case of the Parent, thereunder have been duly and
validly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of the Parent
and Newco, respectively (other than, with respect to the Merger, the approval
and adoption of the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance by the holders of
a majority of the outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock in accordance with
the applicable provisions of the GCL and the Parent's certificate of
incorporation). This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the
Parent and Newco and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery
hereof by the other party hereto) constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Parent and Newco, enforceable against the Parent and Newco
in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by legal
principles of general applicability governing the application and availability
of equitable remedies. The Parent Stock Option Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by the Parent and (assuming due authorization,
execution and delivery thereof by the other party thereto) constitutes a
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Parent enforceable against the
Parent in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by
legal principles of general applicability governing the application and
availability of equitable remedies.
 
  SECTION 5.05 Approvals. Except for the applicable requirements, if any, of
(a) the Securities Act, (b) the Exchange Act, (c) state securities or blue sky
laws, (d) the HSR Act, (e) the competition Laws, Regulations and Orders of
foreign Governmental Authorities as set forth in Section 5.05 of the Parent's
Disclosure Letter, (f) the NYSE, (g) the filing and recordation of appropriate
merger documents as required by the GCL and (h) those Laws, Regulations and
Orders noncompliance with which could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Parent, no filing or registration with, no
waiting period imposed by and no Authorization of, any Governmental Authority
is required under any Law, Regulation or Order applicable to the Parent or
Newco to permit the Parent or Newco to execute, deliver or perform this
Agreement or, in the case of the Parent, the Parent Stock Option Agreement or
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. To the
Knowledge of the Parent, there are no facts or circumstances that could
reasonably be expected to preclude the Parent Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger from being approved for listing on the NYSE.
 
  SECTION 5.06 No Violation. Assuming effectuation of all filings and
registrations with, termination or expiration of any applicable waiting
periods imposed by, and receipt of all Authorizations of, Governmental
Authorities indicated as required in Section 5.05 and receipt of the approval
of the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance by the holders of a majority
of the outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock as required by the GCL and
except as set forth in Section 5.06 of the Parent's Disclosure Letter, neither
the execution and delivery by the Parent or Newco of this Agreement or by the
Parent of the Parent Stock Option Agreement nor the performance by the Parent
or Newco of its obligations hereunder or thereunder will (a) violate or breach
the terms of or cause a default under (i) any Law, Regulation or Order
applicable to the Parent or Newco, (ii) the certificate of incorporation or
bylaws of the Parent or Newco or (iii) any contract or agreement to which the
Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of its
properties or assets is bound, or (b), with the passage of time, the giving of
notice or the taking of any action by a third Person, have any of the effects
set forth in clause (a) of this Section, except in any such case for any
matters described in this Section (other than clause (ii) hereof) that could
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent.
 
 
                                     A-13
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 5.07 Reports.
 
    (a) Since December 31, 1994, the (i) Parent or its predecessor has filed
  all SEC Reports required to be filed by the Parent with the Commission and
  (ii) the Parent and its Subsidiaries have filed all other Reports required
  to be filed by any of them with any other Governmental Authorities,
  including state securities administrators, except where the failure to file
  any such Reports could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
  Adverse Effect on the Parent. Such Reports, including those filed after the
  date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time, (i) were prepared
  in all material respects in accordance with applicable Law (including, with
  respect to the SEC Reports, the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as the
  case may be, and the applicable Regulations of the Commission thereunder)
  and (ii) in the case of the SEC Reports, did not at the time they were
  filed contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
  material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make
  the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
  were made, not misleading.
 
    (b) The Parent's Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and any
  consolidated financial statements of the Parent (including any related
  notes thereto) contained in any SEC Reports filed by the Parent with the
  Commission after the date of this Agreement (i) have been or will have been
  prepared in accordance with the published Regulations of the Commission and
  in accordance with GAAP (except (A) to the extent required by changes in
  GAAP, (B), with respect to the Parent's Audited Consolidated Financial
  Statements, as may be indicated in the notes thereto and (C) in the case of
  any unaudited financial statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q) and (ii)
  fairly present the consolidated financial position of the Parent and its
  Subsidiaries as of the respective dates thereof and the consolidated
  results of their operations and cash flows for the periods indicated
  (subject, in the case of any unaudited interim financial statements, to
  normal and recurring year-end adjustments).
 
    (c) Except as set forth in Section 5.07(c) of the Parent's Disclosure
  Letter, there exist no liabilities or obligations of the Parent and its
  Subsidiaries that are Material to the Parent, whether accrued, absolute,
  contingent or threatened, that would be required to be reflected, reserved
  for or disclosed under GAAP in consolidated financial statements of the
  Parent as of and for the period ended on the date of this representation
  and warranty, other than (i) liabilities or obligations that are adequately
  reflected, reserved for or disclosed in the Parent's Audited Consolidated
  Financial Statements, (ii) liabilities or obligations incurred in the
  ordinary course of business of the Parent since December 31, 1997, (iii)
  liabilities or obligations the incurrence of which is permitted by Section
  6.02(b) and (iv) liabilities or obligations that are not Material to the
  Parent.
 
  SECTION 5.08 No Material Adverse Effect; Conduct.
 
    (a) Since December 31, 1997, no event (other than any event that is of
  general application to all or a substantial portion of the Parent's
  industries and other than any event that is expressly subject to any other
  representation or warranty contained in Article V) has, to the Knowledge of
  the Parent, occurred that, individually or together with other similar
  events, could reasonably be expected to constitute or cause a Material
  Adverse Effect on the Parent.
 
    (b) Except as set forth in Section 5.08(b) of the Parent's Disclosure
  Letter, during the period from December 31, 1997, to the date of this
  Agreement, neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in
  any conduct that is proscribed during the period from the date of this
  Agreement to the Effective Time by subsections (i) through (xiv) of Section
  6.02(b).
 
  SECTION 5.09 Certain Business Practices. As of the date of this Agreement,
neither the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries nor any director, officer,
employee or agent of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries has (a) used any
funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful
expenses relating to political activity, (b) made any unlawful payment to any
foreign or domestic government official or employee or to any foreign or
domestic political party or campaign or violated any provision of the Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, (c) consummated any transaction,
made any payment, entered into any agreement or arrangement or taken any other
action in violation of Section 1128B(b) of the Social Security Act, as
amended,
 
                                     A-14
<PAGE>
 
or (d) made any other unlawful payment, except for any such matters that could
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent.
 
  SECTION 5.10 Certain Obligations. Except for those listed in Section 5.10 of
the Parent's Disclosure Letter or filed as Exhibits to the Parent's SEC
Reports, neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound
by (a) any Noncompete Agreement or (b) any agreement that contains change of
control or similar provisions that would give any Person that is a party to
any such agreement the right, as a result of the execution of this Agreement
or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, to
purchase any Material interest of the Parent in any joint venture, partnership
or similar arrangement.
 
  SECTION 5.11 Authorizations; Compliance. The Parent and its Subsidiaries
have obtained all Authorizations that are necessary to carry on their
businesses as currently conducted, except for any such Authorizations as to
which the failure to possess, individually or in the aggregate, could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent. Such
Authorizations are in full force and effect, have not been violated in any
respect that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
the Parent and there is no action, proceeding or investigation pending or
threatened regarding suspension, revocation or cancellation of any of such
Authorizations, except in the case of any suspension, revocation or
cancellation of such Authorizations that could not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent.
 
  SECTION 5.12 Litigation; Compliance with Laws. There are no actions, suits,
investigations or proceedings (including any proceedings in arbitration)
pending or, to the Knowledge of the Parent, threatened against the Parent or
any of its Subsidiaries, at law or in equity, in any Court or before or by any
Governmental Authority, except actions, suits, proceedings or investigations
that are disclosed in the Parent's SEC Reports, that are set forth in Section
5.12 or Section 5.15 of the Parent's Disclosure Letter or that, individually
or, with respect to multiple actions, suits or proceedings that allege similar
theories of recovery based on similar facts, in the aggregate, could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent. There
are no Material claims pending or, to the Knowledge of the Parent, threatened
by any Persons against the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries for
indemnification pursuant to any statute, organizational document, contract or
otherwise with respect to any claim, action, suit, investigation or proceeding
pending in any Court or before or by any Governmental Authority. Except with
respect to the matters covered by Sections 5.09, 5.13, 5.14 and 5.15, the
Parent and its Subsidiaries are in substantial compliance with all applicable
Laws and Regulations and are not in default with respect to any Order
applicable to the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, except such events of
noncompliance or defaults that, individually or in the aggregate, could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent.
 
  SECTION 5.13 Employee Benefit Plans. Except as set forth in the Parent's SEC
Reports or in Section 5.13 of the Parent's Disclosure Letter:
 
    (a) With respect to each Parent Benefit Plan, no event has occurred and,
  to the Knowledge of the Parent, there exists no condition or set of
  circumstances in connection with which the Parent or any of its
  Subsidiaries could be subject to any liability under the terms of such
  Parent Benefit Plan, ERISA, the Code or any other applicable Law, other
  than any condition or set of circumstances that could not reasonably be
  expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent.
 
    (b) Each Current Parent Benefit Plan intended to be qualified under
  Section 401 of the Code (i) satisfies in form the requirements of such
  Section except to the extent amendments are not required by Law to be made
  until a date after the Effective Time, (ii) has received a favorable
  determination letter from the IRS regarding such qualified status, and
  (iii) has not, since the receipt of the most recent favorable determination
  letter, been amended other than amendments required by applicable Law.
 
    (c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material
  Adverse Effect on the Parent, there has been no termination or partial
  termination of any Current Parent Benefit Plan within the meaning of
  Section 4.11(d)(3) of the Code and, to the Knowledge of the Parent, each
  Current Parent Benefit Plan has been operated in material compliance with
  its provisions and with applicable Law.
 
 
                                     A-15
<PAGE>
 
    (d) Any Terminated Parent Benefit Plan intended to have been qualified
  under Section 401 of the Code received a favorable determination letter
  from the IRS with respect to its termination.
 
    (e) There are no actions, suits or claims pending (other than routine
  claims for benefits) or, to the Knowledge of the Parent, threatened
  against, or with respect to, any Parent Benefit Plan or its assets that
  could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
  Parent and, to the Knowledge of the Parent, no facts or circumstances exist
  that could give rise to any such actions, suits or claims, except as would
  not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent.
 
    (f) To the Knowledge of the Parent, there is no matter pending (other
  than routine qualification determination filings) with respect to any
  Parent Benefit Plans before the IRS, the Department of Labor, the PBGC or
  any other Governmental Authority, except as would not reasonably be
  expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent.
 
    (g) All contributions required to be made to Parent Benefit Plans
  pursuant to their terms and the provisions of ERISA, the Code or any other
  applicable Law have been timely made, except as would not reasonably be
  expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent.
 
    (h) As to any Current Parent Benefit Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA,
  (i) there has been no event or condition which presents a significant risk
  of plan termination, (ii) no accumulated funding deficiency, whether or not
  waived, within the meaning of Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the
  Code has been incurred (iii) no reportable event within the meaning of
  Section 4043 of ERISA (for which the disclosure requirements of Regulation
  section 4043.1, et seq., promulgated by the PBGC have not been waived) has
  occurred within six years prior to the date of this Agreement, (iv) no
  notice of intent to terminate such Benefit Plan has been given under
  Section 4041 of ERISA, (v) no proceeding has been instituted under Section
  4042 of ERISA to terminate such Benefit Plan, (vi) no liability to the PBGC
  has been incurred (other than with respect to required premium payments)
  and (vii) the assets of the Benefit Plan equal or exceed the actuarial
  present value of the benefit liabilities, within the meaning of Section
  4041 of ERISA, under the Benefit Plan, based upon reasonable actuarial
  assumptions and the asset valuation principles established by the PBGC,
  except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
  Effect on the Parent.
 
    (i) In connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated
  by this Agreement, no payment of money or other property, acceleration of
  benefits or provision of other rights has been or will be made under any
  Current Parent Benefit Plan that could reasonably be expected to be
  nondeductible under Section 280G of the Code, whether or not some other
  subsequent action or event would be required to cause such payment,
  acceleration or provision to be triggered.
 
    (j) The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of
  the transactions contemplated hereby will not (i) require the Parent or any
  of its Subsidiaries to make a larger contribution to, or pay greater
  benefits or provide other rights under, any Current Parent Benefit Plan or
  any of the programs, agreements, policies or other arrangements described
  in the Parent's Disclosure Letter in response to paragraph (k) below than
  it otherwise would, whether or not some other subsequent action or event
  would be required to cause such payment or provision to be triggered or
  (ii) create or give rise to any additional vested rights or service credits
  under any Current Parent Benefit Plan or any of such programs, agreements,
  policies or other arrangements, whether or not some other subsequent action
  or event would be required to cause such creation or acceleration to be
  triggered.
 
    (k) Neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or is
  bound by any severance or change in control agreement, program or policy
  (involving $500,000 or more of future payments) with respect to any
  employee, officer or director.
 
    (l) No Current Parent Benefit Plan (other than a Parent Benefit Plan
  maintained outside the United States that is either fully insured or fully
  funded through a retirement plan) provides retiree medical or retiree life
  insurance benefits to any Person and neither the Parent nor any of its
  Subsidiaries is contractually or otherwise obligated (whether or not in
  writing) to provide any Person with life insurance or medical benefits upon
  retirement or termination of employment, other than as required by the
  provisions of Sections 601 through 608 of ERISA and Section 4980B of the
  Code.
 
 
                                     A-16
<PAGE>
 
    (m) Neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries contributes or has an
  obligation to contribute, and has not within six years prior to the date of
  this Agreement contributed, had an obligation to contribute, or had any
  other liability to a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 3(37)
  of ERISA.
 
    (n) The Parent has not contributed, transferred or otherwise provided any
  cash, securities or other property to any grantee, trust, escrow or other
  arrangement that has the effect of providing or setting aside assets for
  benefits payable pursuant to any termination, severance or other change in
  control agreement.
 
    (o) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
  Effect on the Parent, (i) no collective bargaining agreement is being
  negotiated by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) there is no
  pending or, to the Knowledge of the Parent, threatened labor dispute,
  strike or work stoppage against the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries,
  (iii) to the Knowledge of the Parent, neither the Parent or any of its
  Subsidiaries nor any representative or employee of the Parent or any of its
  Subsidiaries has in the United States committed any Material unfair labor
  practices in connection with the operation of the business of the Parent
  and its Subsidiaries, and (iv) there is no pending or, to the Knowledge of
  the Parent, threatened charge or complaint against the Parent or any of its
  Subsidiaries by or before the National Labor Relations Board or any
  comparable agency of any state of the United States.
 
  SECTION 5.14 Taxes.
 
    (a) Except for such matters as could not reasonably be expected to have a
  Material Adverse Effect on the Parent, all Tax Returns that are required to
  be filed by or with respect to the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries on or
  before the Effective Time have been or will be timely filed, all Taxes that
  are shown to be due on such Tax Returns have been or will be timely paid in
  full, all withholding Tax requirements imposed on or with respect to the
  Parent or any of its Subsidiaries have been or will be satisfied in full in
  all respects and no penalty, interest or other charge is or will become due
  with respect to the late filing of any such Tax Return or late payment of
  any such Tax.
 
    (b) There is no claim against the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries for
  any Taxes, and no assessment, deficiency or adjustment has been asserted or
  proposed in writing with respect to any such Tax Return, that, in either
  case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
  Parent.
 
  SECTION 5.15 Environmental Matters. Except for matters disclosed in the
Parent's SEC Reports or in Section 5.15 of the Parent's Disclosure Letter and
except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent, (a)
the properties, operations and activities of the Parent and its Subsidiaries
are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws; (b) the Parent and
its Subsidiaries and the properties and operations of the Parent and its
Subsidiaries are not subject to any existing, pending or, to the Knowledge of
the Parent, threatened action, suit, investigation, inquiry or proceeding by
or before any Court or Governmental Authority under any Environmental Law; (c)
all Authorizations if any, required to be obtained or filed by the Parent or
any of its Subsidiaries under any Environmental Law in connection with the
business of the Parent and its Subsidiaries have been obtained or filed and
are valid and currently in full force and effect; (d), to the Knowledge of the
Parent, there has been no release of any hazardous substance, pollutant or
contaminant into the environment by the Parent or its Subsidiaries or in
connection with their properties or operations; and (e) there has been no
exposure of any Person or property to any hazardous substance, pollutant or
contaminant in connection with the properties, operations and activities of
the Parent and its Subsidiaries.
 
  SECTION 5.16 Insurance. The Parent and its Subsidiaries own and are
beneficiaries under all such insurance policies underwritten by reputable
insurers that, as to risks insured, coverages and related limits and
deductibles, are customary in the industries in which the Parent and its
Subsidiaries operate. All premiums due with respect to all such insurance
policies that are Material have been paid and, to the Knowledge of the Parent,
all such policies are in full force and effect.
 
  SECTION 5.17 Pooling; Tax Matters. Neither the Parent nor, to the Knowledge
of the Parent, any of its Affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action
that would prevent (a) the Merger from being treated for financial
 
                                     A-17
<PAGE>
 
accounting purposes as a "pooling of interests" in accordance with GAAP and
the Regulations of the Commission or (b) the Merger from constituting a
reorganization within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Code. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing:
 
    (a) In connection with the Merger, none of the Company Common Stock will
  be acquired by the Parent or a person related (as defined in Treas. Reg.
  (S) 1.368-1(e)(3)) to the Parent for consideration other than the Parent
  Common Stock except for any cash received in lieu of fractional share
  interests in the Parent Common Stock pursuant to Section 3.02(e) of this
  Agreement.
 
    (b) Following the Merger, the Surviving Corporation will hold at least 90
  percent of the fair market value of the Company's net assets, at least 70
  percent of the fair market value of the Company's gross assets, at least 90
  percent of the fair market value of the net assets of Newco and at least 70
  percent of the fair market value of the gross assets of Newco, held
  immediately prior to the Merger, taking into account amounts used to pay
  Expenses relating to the Merger and any distributions other than regular
  dividends.
 
    (c) The Parent has no plan or intention to (i) liquidate the Surviving
  Corporation, (ii) merge the Surviving Corporation with or into another
  corporation, (iii) sell or otherwise dispose of the stock of the Surviving
  Corporation except for transfers or successive transfers to one or more
  corporations controlled (within the meaning of section 368(c) of the Code)
  in each case by the transferor corporation, (iv) cause the Surviving
  Corporation to issue additional shares of its capital stock that would
  result in the Parent's losing control (within the meaning of section 368(c)
  of the Code) of the Surviving Corporation, (v) cause or permit the
  Surviving Corporation to sell or otherwise dispose of any of its assets or
  of any of the assets acquired from Newco except for dispositions made in
  the ordinary course of business or transfers or successive transfers to one
  or more corporations controlled (within the meaning of section 368(c) of
  the Code) in each case by the transferor corporation, or (vi) reacquire or
  cause any person related to the Parent (as defined in Treas. Reg. 1.368-
  1(a)(3)) to acquire any of the Parent Common Stock issued to the holders of
  Company Common Stock pursuant to the Merger.
 
    (d) Newco has no liabilities that will be assumed by the Surviving
  Corporation in the Merger and will not transfer to the Surviving
  Corporation in the Merger any assets subject to liabilities.
 
    (e) Following the Merger, the Surviving Corporation will continue the
  historic business of the Company or use a significant portion of its assets
  in a business, within the meaning of Treas. Reg. (S) 1.368-1(d).
 
    (f) There is no intercorporate indebtedness existing between the Company
  and the Parent or between the Company and Newco that was issued, acquired
  or will be settled at a discount.
 
    (g) Neither the Parent nor any person related to the Parent (within the
  meaning of Treas. Reg. (S) 1.368-1(e)(3)) owns, or has owned during the
  past five years, any shares of the capital stock of the Company other than
  up to 500 shares of Company Common Stock.
 
  SECTION 5.18 Affiliates. Section 5.18 of the Parent's Disclosure Letter
contains a true and complete list of all Persons who, to the Knowledge of the
Parent, may be deemed to be Affiliates of the Parent, including all directors
and executive officers of the Parent. Concurrently with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, the Parent has delivered to the Company an
executed letter agreement, substantially in the form of Annex C hereto, from
each such Person so identified as an Affiliate of the Parent.
 
  SECTION 5.19 Brokers. Except as set forth in Section 5.19 of the Parent's
Disclosure Letter, no broker, finder or investment banker (other than SBC
Warburg Dillon Read Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.) is entitled to any
brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or
on behalf of the Parent. Prior to the date of this Agreement, the Parent has
made available to the Company a complete and correct copy of all agreements
between the Parent and SBC Warburg Dillon Read Inc. or Goldman, Sachs & Co.
and pursuant to which either of such firms will be entitled to any payment
relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
 
                                     A-18
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 5.20 Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Parent has received the
opinions of SBC Warburg Dillon Read Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co. on the date
of this Agreement to the effect that the Common Stock Exchange Ratio is fair,
from a financial point of view, to the Parent.
 
  SECTION 5.21 Acquiring Person. Based on the information set forth in the
Company's SEC Reports, no holder of 5% or more of the outstanding Company
Common Stock whose existence is disclosed therein will at the Effective Time
become an "Acquiring Person," as such term is defined in the Parent's Rights
Agreement, as a result of any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
 
                                  ARTICLE VI
 
                                   COVENANTS
 
  SECTION 6.01 Affirmative Covenants.
 
    (a) The Company hereby covenants and agrees that, prior to the Effective
  Time, unless otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement or
  consented to in writing by the Parent, it will and will cause its
  Subsidiaries to:
 
      (i) operate its business in the usual and ordinary course consistent
    with past practices;
 
      (ii) use all reasonable efforts to preserve substantially intact its
    business organization, maintain its rights and franchises, retain the
    services of its respective key employees (subject to its work force
    requirements) and maintain its relationships with its respective
    customers and suppliers;
 
      (iii) maintain and keep its properties and assets in as good repair
    and condition as at present, ordinary wear and tear excepted; and
 
      (iv) use all reasonable efforts to keep in full force and effect
    insurance and bonds comparable in amount and scope of coverage to that
    currently maintained;
 
  except for any matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not
  reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
 
    (b) The Parent hereby covenants and agrees that, prior to the Effective
  Time, unless otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement or
  consented to in writing by the Company, it will and will cause its
  Subsidiaries to:
 
      (i) operate its business in the usual and ordinary course consistent
    with past practices;
 
      (ii) use all reasonable efforts to preserve substantially intact its
    business organization, maintain its rights and franchises, retain the
    services of its respective key employees (subject to its work force
    requirements) and maintain its relationships with its respective
    customers and suppliers;
 
      (iii) maintain and keep its properties and assets in as good repair
    and condition as at present, ordinary wear and tear excepted; and
 
      (iv) use all reasonable efforts to keep in full force and effect
    insurance and bonds comparable in amount and scope of coverage to that
    currently maintained;
 
  except for any matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not
  reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent.
 
  SECTION 6.02 Negative Covenants.
 
    (a) The Company covenants and agrees that, except as expressly set forth
  in the Company's Disclosure Letter, as expressly contemplated by this
  Agreement or as otherwise consented to in writing by the Parent, from the
  date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, it will not do, and will
  not permit any of its Subsidiaries to do, any of the following:
 
      (i) (A) increase the compensation payable to or to become payable to
    any director or executive officer, (B) except as otherwise provided in
    Section 6.02(a)(ii), grant any severance or termination pay;
 
                                     A-19
<PAGE>
 
    (C) amend or otherwise modify the terms of any outstanding options,
    warrants or rights the effect of which shall be to make such terms more
    favorable to the holders thereof; (D) take any action to accelerate the
    vesting of any outstanding Company Stock Options; (E) amend or take any
    other actions to increase the amount or accelerate the payment or
    vesting of any benefit under any Benefit Plan (including the
    acceleration of vesting, waiving of performance criteria or the
    adjustment of awards or any other actions permitted upon a change in
    control of such party or permitted upon a filing under Section 13(d) or
    14(d) of the Exchange Act with respect to such party) or (F)
    contribute, transfer or otherwise provide any cash, securities or other
    property to any grantee, trust, escrow or other arrangement that has
    the effect of providing or setting aside assets for benefits payable
    pursuant to any termination, severance or other change in control
    agreement; except (i) pursuant to any contract, agreement or other
    legal obligation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries existing at
    the date of this Agreement, (ii) in the case of severance or
    termination payments, pursuant to the severance policy of the Company
    or its Subsidiaries existing at the date of this Agreement and (iii) in
    the case of options, warrants, rights or Benefit Plans, amendments
    required by ERISA or other applicable Law.
 
      (ii) (A) enter into any employment or severance agreement with, any
    director or executive officer, either individually or as part of a
    class of similarly situated persons, or (B) establish, adopt or enter
    into any new Benefit Plan; except employment and severance agreements
    and Benefit Plans for the benefit of any newly employed or promoted
    officers or employees, in which case the terms of such agreements and
    Benefit Plans shall be reasonably consistent with those existing at the
    date of this Agreement, and except Benefit Plans relating to health and
    life insurance benefits established or adopted in the ordinary course
    of business consistent with past practice;
 
      (iii) declare or pay any extraordinary dividend on, or make any other
    distribution in respect of outstanding shares of capital stock, except
    for dividends by a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company to the
    Company or another wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company and cash
    dividends on the Company Common Stock payable at approximately the same
    times as paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997 and in
    amounts per share not to exceed those paid on the Company Common Stock
    during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997;
 
      (iv) (A) redeem, purchase or acquire, or offer to purchase or
    acquire, any outstanding Equity Securities of the Company or any of its
    Subsidiaries other than (1) any such acquisition by the Company or any
    of its wholly owned Subsidiaries directly from any wholly owned
    Subsidiary of the Company, (2) any repurchase, forfeiture or retirement
    of shares of Company Common Stock or Company Stock Options occurring
    pursuant to the terms (as in effect on the date of this Agreement) of
    any existing Benefit Plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
    (3) the repurchase or redemption of rights pursuant to the terms (as in
    effect on the date of this Agreement) of the Company Rights Agreement
    to the extent required by a court of competent jurisdiction or (4) any
    periodic purchase of Company Common Stock for allocation to employee's
    accounts occurring pursuant to the terms (as in effect on the date of
    this Agreement) of any existing employee stock purchase plan; (B)
    effect any reorganization or recapitalization; or (C) split, combine or
    reclassify any of the capital stock of, or other equity interests in,
    the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or issue or authorize or propose
    the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in
    substitution for, such Equity Securities;
 
      (v) (A) offer, sell, issue or grant, or authorize the offering, sale,
    issuance or grant, of any Equity Securities of the Company or any of
    its Subsidiaries, other than issuances of Company Common Stock (1) upon
    the exercise of Company Stock Options outstanding at the date of this
    Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof (as in effect on the
    date of this Agreement), (2) upon the expiration of any restrictions
    upon issuance of any grant existing at the date of this Agreement of
    restricted stock or bonus stock pursuant to the terms (as in effect on
    the date of this Agreement) of any Benefit Plans of the Company or any
    of its Subsidiaries, (3) that constitute periodic issuances of shares
    of Company Common Stock required by the terms (as in effect on the date
    of this Agreement) of any Benefit Plans of the Company or any of its
    Subsidiaries or (4) issuances of Company Common Stock pursuant to the
    Company's dividend reinvestment program as in effect on the date of
    this Agreement or (B) grant any Lien with respect to any Equity
    Securities of any Subsidiary of the Company;
 
                                     A-20
<PAGE>
 
      (vi) acquire or agree to acquire, by merging or consolidating with,
    by purchasing an equity interest in or all or a portion of the assets
    of, or in any other manner, any business or any corporation,
    partnership, association or other business organization or division
    thereof or otherwise to acquire any assets of any other Person (other
    than any such transaction that is not Material to the Company and the
    purchase of assets from suppliers or vendors in the ordinary course of
    business and consistent with past practice);
 
      (vii) sell, lease, exchange or otherwise dispose of, or grant any
    Lien with respect to, any of the assets of the Company or any of its
    Subsidiaries that are Material to the Company, except for dispositions
    of assets and inventories in the ordinary course of business and
    consistent with past practice and dispositions of assets and purchase
    money Liens incurred in connection with the original acquisition of
    assets and secured by the assets;
 
      (viii) adopt any amendments to its charter or bylaws or other
    organizational documents that would alter the terms of its capital
    stock or other equity interests or would have a Material Adverse Effect
    on the Company;
 
      (ix) (A) change any of its methods of accounting in effect at October
    31, 1997, except as may be required to comply with GAAP, (B) make or
    rescind any election relating to Taxes (other than any election that
    must be made periodically and that is made consistent with past
    practice), (C) settle or compromise any claim, action, suit,
    litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit or
    controversy relating to Taxes or (D) change any of its methods of
    reporting income or deductions for federal income tax purposes from
    those employed in the preparation of the federal income tax returns for
    the taxable year ended October 31, 1996, except, in each case, as may
    be required by Law and for matters that could not reasonably be
    expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company;
 
      (x) incur any obligations for borrowed money or purchase money
    indebtedness that are Material to the Company, whether or not evidenced
    by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument, except purchase money
    indebtedness as to which Liens may be granted pursuant to Section
    6.02(a)(vii), drawings under credit lines existing at the date of this
    Agreement and borrowings evidenced by obligations having a term of up
    to five years issued in the ordinary course of business consistent with
    past practice.
 
      (xi) subject to the fiduciary duties of its Board of Directors,
    release any third Person from its obligations under any existing
    standstill agreement relating to a Competing Transaction or otherwise
    under any confidentiality agreement or similar agreement;
 
      (xii) enter into any Material agreement with any third Person that
    provides for an exclusive arrangement with that third Person;
 
      (xiii) subject to the fiduciary duties of its Board of Directors,
    amend, modify or terminate the Company's Rights Agreement or redeem any
    rights to purchase shares of the Company's Series A Junior Preferred
    Stock except as may be necessary to consummate the transactions
    contemplated by this Agreement; or
 
      (xiv) agree in writing or otherwise to do any of the foregoing.
 
    (b) The Parent covenants and agrees that, except as expressly set forth
  in the Parent's Disclosure Letter, as expressly contemplated by this
  Agreement or as otherwise consented to in writing by the Company, from the
  date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, it will not do, and will
  not permit any of its Subsidiaries to do, any of the following:
 
      (i) (A) increase the compensation payable to or to become payable to
    any director or executive officer, (B) except as otherwise provided in
    Section 6.02(b)(ii), grant any severance or termination pay; (C) amend
    or otherwise modify the terms of any outstanding options, warrants or
    rights the effect of which shall be to make such terms more favorable
    to the holders thereof; (D) take any action to accelerate the vesting
    of any outstanding Parent Stock Options; (E) amend or take any other
    actions to increase the amount or accelerate the payment or vesting of
    any benefit under any Benefit Plan
 
                                     A-21
<PAGE>
 
    (including the acceleration of vesting, waiving of performance criteria
    or the adjustment of awards or any other actions permitted upon a
    change in control of such party or permitted upon a filing under
    Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act with respect to such party)
    or (F) contribute, transfer or otherwise provide any cash, securities
    or other property to any grantee, trust, escrow or other arrangement
    that has the effect of providing or setting aside assets for benefits
    payable pursuant to any termination, severance or other change in
    control agreement; except (i) pursuant to any contract, agreement or
    other legal obligation of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries
    existing at the date of this Agreement, (ii) in the case of severance
    or termination payments, pursuant to the severance policy of the Parent
    or its Subsidiaries existing at the date of this Agreement, (iii) in
    the case of options, warrants, rights or Benefit Plans, amendments
    required by ERISA or other applicable Law and (iv) any such increase,
    grant, amendment, modification or action that, taken together with all
    other such increases, grants, amendments, modifications and actions,
    does not result in a Material increase in compensation or benefits
    expense to the Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
 
      (ii) (A) enter into any employment or severance agreement with, any
    director or executive officer, either individually or as part of a
    class of similarly situated persons, or (B) establish, adopt or enter
    into any new Benefit Plan; except employment and severance agreements
    and Benefit Plans for the benefit of any newly employed or promoted
    officers or employees, in which case the terms of such agreements and
    Benefit Plans shall be reasonably consistent with those existing at the
    date of this Agreement, and except Benefit Plans relating to health and
    life insurance benefits established or adopted in the ordinary course
    of business consistent with past practice;
 
      (iii) declare or pay any extraordinary dividend on, or make any other
    distribution in respect of outstanding shares of capital stock, except
    for dividends by a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Parent to the Parent
    or another wholly owned Subsidiary of the Parent and cash dividends on
    the Parent Common Stock payable at approximately the same times and in
    amounts per share as those paid on the Parent Common Stock during the
    fiscal year ended December 31, 1997;
 
      (iv) (A) redeem, purchase or acquire, or offer to purchase or
    acquire, any outstanding Equity Securities of the Parent or any of its
    Subsidiaries other than (1) any such acquisition by the Parent or any
    of its wholly owned Subsidiaries directly from any wholly owned
    Subsidiary of the Parent, (2) any repurchase, forfeiture or retirement
    of shares of Parent Common Stock or Parent Stock Options occurring
    pursuant to the terms (as in effect on the date of this Agreement) of
    any existing Benefit Plan of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, (3)
    the repurchase or redemption of rights pursuant to the terms (as in
    effect on the date of this Agreement) of the Parent's Rights Agreement
    to the extent required by a court of competent jurisdiction or (4) any
    periodic purchase of Parent Common Stock for allocation to employee's
    accounts occurring pursuant to the terms (as in effect on the date of
    this Agreement) of any existing employee stock purchase plan; (B)
    effect any reorganization or recapitalization; or (C) split, combine or
    reclassify any of the Equity Securities of the Parent or any of its
    Subsidiaries or issue or authorize or propose the issuance of any other
    securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for, such
    Equity Securities;
 
      (v) (A) offer, sell, issue or grant, or authorize the offering, sale,
    issuance or grant, of any Equity Securities of the Parent or any of its
    Subsidiaries, other than issuances of Parent Common Stock (1) upon the
    exercise of Parent Stock Options outstanding at the date of this
    Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof (as in effect on the
    date of this Agreement), (2) as Parent Restricted Stock, (3) upon the
    expiration of any restrictions upon issuance of any grant existing at
    the date of this Agreement of restricted stock or bonus stock pursuant
    to the terms (as in effect on the date of this Agreement) of any
    Benefit Plans of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or (4) that
    constitute periodic issuances of shares of Parent Common Stock required
    by the terms (as in effect on the date of this Agreement) of any
    Benefit Plan of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries; or (B) grant any
    Lien with respect to any Equity Securities of any Subsidiary of the
    Parent;
 
      (vi) acquire or agree to acquire, by merging or consolidating with,
    by purchasing an equity interest in or all or a portion of the assets
    of, or in any other manner, any business or any corporation,
 
                                     A-22
<PAGE>
 
    partnership, association or other business organization or division
    thereof, or otherwise to acquire any assets of any other Person (other
    than any such transaction that is not Material to the Parent and the
    purchase of assets from suppliers or vendors in the ordinary course of
    business and consistent with past practice);
 
      (vii) sell, lease, exchange or otherwise dispose of, or grant any
    Lien with respect to, any of the assets of the Parent or any of its
    Subsidiaries that are Material to the Parent, except for dispositions
    of assets and inventories in the ordinary course of business and
    consistent with past practice and dispositions of assets and purchase
    money Liens incurred in connection with the original acquisition of
    assets and secured by the assets;
 
      (viii) adopt any amendments to its charter or bylaws or other
    organizational documents that would alter the terms of its capital
    stock or other equity interests or would have a Material Adverse Effect
    on the Parent;
 
      (ix) (A) change any of its methods of accounting in effect at
    December 31, 1997, except as may be required to comply with GAAP, (B)
    make or rescind any election relating to Taxes (other than any election
    that must be made periodically that is made consistent with past
    practice), (C) settle or compromise any claim, action, suit,
    litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit or
    controversy relating to Taxes or (D) change any of its methods of
    reporting income or deductions for federal income tax purposes from
    those employed in the preparation of the federal income tax returns for
    the taxable year ended December 31, 1996, except, in each case, as may
    be required by Law and for matters that could not reasonably be
    expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent;
 
      (x) incur any obligations for borrowed money or purchase money
    indebtedness that are Material to the Parent, whether or not evidenced
    by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument, except purchase money
    indebtedness as to which Liens may be granted pursuant to Section
    6.02(b)(vii), drawings under credit lines existing at the date of this
    Agreement and borrowings evidenced by obligations having a term of up
    to five years issued in the ordinary course of business consistent with
    past practice.
 
      (xi) subject to the fiduciary duties of its Board of Directors,
    release any third Person from its obligations under any existing
    standstill agreement relating to a Competing Transaction or otherwise
    under any confidentiality agreement or similar agreement;
 
      (xii) enter into any Material agreement with any third Person that
    provides for an exclusive arrangement with that third Person;
 
      (xiii) subject to the fiduciary duties of its Board of Directors,
    amend, modify or terminate the Parent's Rights Agreement or redeem any
    rights to purchase shares of the Parent's Series A Junior Participating
    Preferred Stock except as may be necessary to consummate the
    transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or
 
      (xiv) agree in writing or otherwise to do any of the foregoing.
 
  SECTION 6.03 No Solicitation by the Company. From the date of this Agreement
until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 9.01, the Company agrees that neither the Company nor any
of its Subsidiaries nor any of the directors and officers of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries shall, and that it shall direct and use its best
efforts to cause the other employees, agents and representatives (including
investment bankers, attorneys and accountants) employed or retained by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries not to, directly or indirectly, initiate,
solicit, encourage or otherwise facilitate (including by way of furnishing
information or assistance) any Acquisition Proposal or any inquiries that may
reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal. The Company further
agrees that neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of the
directors and officers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall, and
that it shall direct and use its best efforts to cause the other employees,
agents and representatives (including investment bankers, attorneys and
accountants) employed or retained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
not to, directly or indirectly, engage in any discussion with or provide any
confidential information or data to
 
                                     A-23
<PAGE>
 
any Person that may reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal
or engage in any negotiations concerning, or otherwise facilitate any effort
or attempt to make or implement, an Acquisition Proposal. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Board of Directors of the Company shall be permitted (A), to
the extent applicable, to comply, with regard to an Acquisition Proposal, with
Rule 14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act, (B) in response to an
unsolicited bona fide written Acquisition Proposal from any Person, to
recommend such Acquisition Proposal to the Company's stockholders or withdraw
or modify in any adverse manner its approval or recommendation of this
Agreement, or both, or (C) to engage in any discussions or negotiations with,
or provide any information to, any Person in response to an unsolicited bona
fide written Acquisition Proposal by any such Person, if and only to the
extent that, in any such case described in clause (B) or (C), (i) the Required
Company Vote shall not have been theretofore obtained, (ii) the Board of
Directors of the Company shall have concluded in good faith that such
Acquisition Proposal (x) in the case of that described in clause (B) above
would, if consummated, constitute a Superior Proposal or (y), in the case
described in clause (C) above could reasonably be expected to constitute a
Superior Proposal, (iii) the Board of Directors of the Company shall have
determined in good faith on the basis of advice of outside legal counsel that
such action is necessary for such Board of Directors to act in a manner
consistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law and (iv) prior to
providing any information or data to any Person in connection with an
Acquisition Proposal by any such Person, the Board of Directors shall have
received from such Person an executed confidentiality agreement containing
customary terms and provisions. The Company shall promptly notify the Parent
of such inquiries, proposals or offers received by, or any such discussions or
negotiations sought to be initiated or continued with, any of its
representatives indicating, in connection with such notice, the name of such
Person and the material terms and conditions of any proposals or offers. The
Company agrees that it will immediately cease and cause to be terminated any
existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted
heretofore with respect to any Acquisition Proposal. Nothing in this Section
6.03 shall permit the Parent or the Company to terminate this Agreement
(except as specifically provided in Article IX).
 
  SECTION 6.04 No Solicitation by the Parent. From the date of this Agreement
until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 9.01, the Parent agrees that neither the Parent nor any of
its Subsidiaries nor any of the directors and officers of the Parent or any of
its Subsidiaries shall, and that it shall direct and use its best efforts to
cause the other employees, agents and representatives (including investment
bankers, attorneys and accountants) employed or retained by the Parent or any
of its Subsidiaries not to, directly or indirectly, initiate, solicit,
encourage or otherwise facilitate (including by way of furnishing information
or assistance) any Acquisition Proposal or any inquiries that may reasonably
be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal. The Parent further agrees that
neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of the directors and
officers of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries shall, and that it shall
direct and use its best efforts to cause the other employees, agents and
representatives (including investment bankers, attorneys and accountants)
employed or retained by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries not to, directly
or indirectly, engage in any discussion with or provide any confidential
information or data to any Person that may reasonably be expected to lead to
an Acquisition Proposal or engage in any negotiations concerning, or otherwise
facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement, an Acquisition
Proposal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors of the Parent
shall be permitted (A), to the extent applicable, to comply, with regard to an
Acquisition Proposal, with Rule 14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act,
(B) in response to an unsolicited bona fide written Acquisition Proposal from
any Person, to recommend such Acquisition Proposal to the Parent's
stockholders or withdraw or modify in any adverse manner its approval or
recommendation of this Agreement, or both, or (C) to engage in any discussions
or negotiations with, or provide any information to, any Person in response to
an unsolicited bona fide written Acquisition Proposal by any such Person, if
and only to the extent that, in any such case described in clause (B) or (C),
(i) the Required Parent Vote shall not have been theretofore obtained, (ii)
the Board of Directors of the Parent shall have concluded in good faith that
such Acquisition Proposal (x) in the case of that described in clause (B)
above would, if consummated, constitute a Superior Proposal or (y), in the
case described in clause (C) above could reasonably be expected to constitute
a Superior Proposal, (iii) the Board of Directors of the Parent shall have
determined in good faith on the basis of advice of outside legal counsel that
such action is necessary for such Board of Directors to act in a manner
consistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law and (iv) prior to
providing any information or data to any Person in
 
                                     A-24
<PAGE>
 
connection with an Acquisition Proposal by any such Person, the Board of
Directors shall have received from such Person an executed confidentiality
agreement containing customary terms and provisions. The Parent shall promptly
notify the Company of such inquiries, proposals or offers received by, or any
such discussions or negotiations sought to be initiated or continued with, any
of its representatives indicating, in connection with such notice, the name of
such Person and the material terms and conditions of any proposals or offers.
The Parent agrees that it will immediately cease and cause to be terminated
any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any Acquisition Proposal. Nothing in this
Section 6.04 shall permit the Parent or the Company to terminate this
Agreement (except as specifically provided in Article IX).
 
  SECTION 6.05 Access and Information.
 
    (a) Each of the Company and the Parent shall, and shall cause its
  Subsidiaries to, (i)afford to the other and its officers, directors,
  employees, accountants, consultants, legal counsel, agents and other
  representatives (collectively, in the case of the Company, the "Company's
  Representatives" and, in the case of the Parent, the "Parent's
  Representatives") access, at reasonable times upon reasonable prior notice,
  to the officers, employees, agents, properties, offices and other
  facilities of the other and to its books and records and (ii)furnish
  promptly to the other and its Representatives such information concerning
  its business, properties, contracts, records and personnel (including
  financial, operating and other data and information) as may be reasonably
  requested, from time to time, by or on behalf of the other party.
 
    (b) Each party to this Agreement (the Parent Companies being considered
  one party for purposes of this Section 6.05(b)) shall hold in confidence
  all nonpublic information received from the other party to this Agreement
  until such time as such information is otherwise publicly available. If
  this Agreement is terminated for any reason pursuant to Article IX hereof,
  each of the Company and the Parent shall, within ten days after a request
  therefor from the other, return or destroy (and provide the other party
  within such ten-day time period with a certificate of an executive officer
  certifying such destruction) all of the information furnished to such party
  and its Representatives pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.05(a) and
  all internal memoranda, analyses, evaluations and other similar material
  containing, reflecting or prepared from any such information, in each case
  other than information available to the general public without restriction.
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
 
                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
 
  SECTION 7.01 Meetings of Stockholders.
 
    (a) The Company shall, promptly after the date of this Agreement, take
  all actions necessary in accordance with the GCL and its certificate of
  incorporation and bylaws to convene a special meeting of the Company's
  stockholders to consider approval and adoption of this Agreement and the
  Merger (the "Company Stockholders' Meeting"), and the Company shall consult
  with the Parent in connection therewith. Subject to Section 6.03 herein and
  to the fiduciary duties of its Board of Directors, the Board of Directors
  of the Company shall recommend to the stockholders of the Company the
  approval of this Agreement and the Company shall use all reasonable efforts
  to solicit from stockholders of the Company proxies in favor of the
  approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger and to secure the
  vote or consent of stockholders required by the GCL and its certificate of
  incorporation and bylaws to approve and adopt this Agreement and the Merger
  (the "Required Company Vote").
 
    (b) The Parent shall, promptly after the date of this Agreement, take all
  actions necessary in accordance with the GCL and its certificate of
  incorporation and bylaws to convene a special meeting of the Parent's
  stockholders to consider approval of the Charter Amendment and the Share
  Issuance (the "Parent Stockholders' Meeting"), and the Parent shall consult
  with the Company in connection therewith. Subject to Section 6.04 and to
  the fiduciary duties of its Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of
  the Parent shall recommend to the stockholders of the Parent the approval
  of the Charter Amendment and the
 
                                     A-25
<PAGE>
 
  Share Issuance and the Parent shall use all reasonable efforts to solicit
  from stockholders of the Parent proxies in favor of the approval of the
  Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance and to secure the vote or consent
  of the stockholders of the Parent required by the GCL and the rules of the
  NYSE to approve the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance (the "Required
  Parent Vote").
 
  SECTION 7.02 Registration Statement; Proxy Statements.
 
    (a) Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. As promptly as practicable after
  the execution of this Agreement, the Parent and the Company shall jointly
  prepare and file with the Commission a joint proxy statement and forms of
  proxies in connection with (i) the solicitation of proxies to be voted at
  the Parent Stockholders' Meeting with respect to the Charter Amendment and
  the Share Issuance and (ii) in connection with the solicitation of proxies
  to be voted at the Company Stockholders' Meeting with respect to this
  Agreement and the Merger (such joint proxy statement, together with any
  amendments thereof or supplements thereto effected prior to the effective
  date of the Registration Statement, being the "Joint Proxy Statement"). At
  such time as the Parent and the Company deem appropriate, the Parent shall
  prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement on FormS-4
  (such registration statement, together with any amendments thereof or
  supplements thereto, being the "Registration Statement"), containing a
  proxy statement for stockholders of the Parent and a proxy
  statement/prospectus for stockholders of the Company in connection with the
  registration under the Securities Act of the offering, sale and delivery of
  the Parent Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement in the
  Merger to stockholders of the Company (the "Joint Proxy
  Statement/Prospectus"). The Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall include
  substantially all the information included in the Joint Proxy Statement, as
  it shall be then amended. Each of the Parent Companies and the Company
  shall furnish all information concerning it and the holders of its capital
  stock as the other may reasonably request in connection with such actions.
  Each of the Parent Companies and the Company will use all reasonable
  efforts to have or cause the Registration Statement to become effective as
  promptly as practicable, and shall take any action required to be taken
  under any applicable federal or state securities Laws in connection with
  the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock in the Merger. As promptly as
  practicable after the Registration Statement shall have become effective,
  (x) the Parent shall mail the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to its
  stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Parent's
  Stockholders' Meeting and (y) the Company shall mail the Joint Proxy
  Statement/Prospectus to its stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote
  at the Company Stockholders' Meeting.
 
    (b) Company Information. The information supplied by the Company for
  inclusion in the Registration Statement shall not, at the time the
  Registration Statement is declared effective, contain any untrue statement
  of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated
  therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not
  misleading. The information supplied by the Company for inclusion in the
  (i) Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall not, at the date the Joint Proxy
  Statement/Prospectus (or any supplement thereto) is first mailed to
  stockholders of the Parent, at the date (if different) the Joint Proxy
  Statement/Prospectus (or any supplement thereto) is first mailed to
  stockholders of the Company, at the time of the Parent Stockholders'
  Meeting, at the time (if different) of the Company Stockholders' Meeting or
  at the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
  omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
  in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
  under which they were made, not misleading. If at any time prior to the
  Effective Time any event or circumstance relating to the Company or any of
  its Subsidiaries, or its or their respective officers or directors, should
  be discovered by the Company that should be set forth in an amendment to
  the Registration Statement or a supplement to the Joint Proxy
  Statement/Prospectus, the Company shall promptly inform the Parent. All
  documents that the Company is responsible for filing with the Commission in
  connection with the transactions contemplated herein shall comply as to
  form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the
  Securities Act and the Regulations thereunder and the Exchange Act and the
  Regulations thereunder.
 
    (c) The Parent Companies Information.The information supplied by the
  Parent Companies for inclusion in the Registration Statement shall not, at
  the time the Registration Statement is declared effective, contain any
  untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
  required to be stated therein
 
                                     A-26
<PAGE>
 
  or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading. Such
  information supplied by the Parent for inclusion in (i) the Joint Proxy
  Statement/Prospectus shall not, at the date the Joint Proxy
  Statement/Prospectus (or any supplement thereto) is first mailed to
  stockholders of the Parent, at the date (if different) the Joint Proxy
  Statement/Prospectus (or any supplement thereto) is first mailed to
  stockholders of the Company, at the time of the Parent Stockholders'
  Meeting, at the time (if different) of the Company Stockholders' Meeting or
  at the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
  omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
  in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
  under which they are made, not misleading. If at any time prior to the
  Effective Time any event or circumstance relating to the Parent or any of
  its Affiliates, or to their respective officers or directors, should be
  discovered by the Parent that should be set forth in an amendment to the
  Registration Statement or a supplement to the Joint Proxy
  Statement/Prospectus, the Parent shall promptly inform the Company. All
  documents that the Parent Companies are responsible for filing with the
  Commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall
  comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements
  of the Securities Act and the Regulations thereunder and the Exchange Act
  and the Regulations thereunder.
 
    (d) No amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, the Joint
  Proxy Statement or the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall be made by
  the Parent or the Company without the approval of the other party, which
  shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Parent and the Company
  each will advise the other, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of
  the time when the Registration Statement has become effective or any
  supplement or amendment has been filed, the issuance of any stop order
  suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the
  solicitation of proxies pursuant to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus,
  the suspension of the qualification of the Parent Common Stock issuable in
  connection with the Merger for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, any
  request by the staff of the Commission for amendment of the Registration
  Statement, the Joint Proxy Statement or the Joint Proxy
  Statement/Prospectus, the receipt from the staff of the Commission of
  comments thereon or any request by the staff of the Commission for
  additional information with respect thereto.
 
  SECTION 7.03 Appropriate Action; Consents; Filings.
 
    (a) The Company and the Parent shall each use all reasonable efforts (i)
  to take, or to cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or to cause to be
  done, all things that, in either case, are necessary, proper or advisable
  under applicable Law or otherwise to consummate and make effective the
  transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) to obtain from any
  Governmental Authorities any Authorizations or Orders required to be
  obtained by the Parent or the Company or any of their Subsidiaries in
  connection with the authorization, execution, delivery and performance of
  this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
  hereby, including the Merger, (iii) to make all necessary filings, and
  thereafter make any other required submissions, with respect to this
  Agreement and the Merger required under (A) the Securities Act (in the case
  of the Parent) and the Exchange Act and the Regulations thereunder, and any
  other applicable federal or state securities Laws, (B) the HSR Act and (C)
  any other applicable Law. The Parent and the Company shall cooperate with
  each other in connection with the making of all such filings, including
  providing copies of all such documents to the nonfiling party and its
  advisors prior to filings and, if requested, shall accept all reasonable
  additions, deletions or changes suggested in connection therewith. The
  Company and the Parent shall furnish all information required for any
  application or other filing to be made pursuant to any applicable Law or
  any applicable Regulations of any Governmental Authority (including all
  information required to be included in the Joint Proxy Statement, the Joint
  Proxy Statement/Prospectus or the Registration Statement) in connection
  with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
    (b) Each of the Company and the Parent shall give prompt notice to the
  other of (i) any notice or other communication from any Person alleging
  that the consent of such Person is or may be required in connection with
  the Merger, (ii) any notice or other communication from any Governmental
  Authority in connection with the Merger, (iii) any actions, suits, claims,
  investigations or proceedings commenced or threatened in writing against,
  relating to or involving or otherwise affecting the Company, the Parent or
  their Subsidiaries that relate to the consummation of the Merger; and (iv)
  any change that is reasonably
 
                                     A-27
<PAGE>
 
  likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or the Parent,
  respectively, or is likely to delay or impede the ability of either the
  Company or the Parent, respectively, to consummate the transactions
  contemplated by this Agreement or to fulfill their respective obligations
  set forth herein.
 
    (c) The Parent Companies and the Company agree to cooperate and use all
  reasonable efforts vigorously to contest and resist any action, including
  legislative, administrative or judicial action, and to have vacated,
  lifted, reversed or overturned any Order (whether temporary, preliminary or
  permanent) of any Court or Governmental Authority that is in effect and
  that restricts, prevents or prohibits the consummation of the Merger or any
  other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the vigorous
  pursuit of all available avenues of administrative and judicial appeal and
  all available legislative action. Each of the Parent Companies and the
  Company also agree to take any and all actions, including the disposition
  of assets or the withdrawal from doing business in particular
  jurisdictions, required by any Court or Governmental Authority as a
  condition to the granting of any Authorization or Order necessary for the
  consummation of the Merger or as may be required to avoid, lift, vacate or
  reverse any legislative or judicial action which would otherwise cause any
  condition to the Closing not to be satisfied; provided, however, that in no
  event shall either party take, or be required to take, any action that
  could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
  Combined Companies.
 
    (d)(i) Each of the Company and the Parent shall give (or shall cause
    their respective Subsidiaries to give) any notices to third Persons,
    and use, and cause their respective Subsidiaries to use, all reasonable
    efforts to obtain any consents from third Persons (A) necessary, proper
    or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
    Agreement or to satisfy any of the conditions set forth in Article
    VIII, (B) otherwise required under any contracts, licenses, leases or
    other agreements in connection with the consummation of the
    transactions contemplated hereby or (C) required to prevent a Material
    Adverse Effect on the Company from occurring prior to or after the
    Effective Time or a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent from
    occurring after the Effective Time.
 
      (ii) If any party shall fail to obtain any consent from a third
    Person described in subsection (d)(i) above, such party shall use all
    reasonable efforts, and shall take any such actions reasonably
    requested by the other parties, to limit the adverse effect upon the
    Company and the Parent, their respective Subsidiaries, and their
    respective businesses resulting, or that could reasonably be expected
    to result after the Effective Time, from the failure to obtain such
    consent.
 
  SECTION 7.04 Affiliates; Pooling; Tax Treatment.
 
    (a) The Company shall use all reasonable efforts to obtain from any
  Person who may be deemed to have become an Affiliate of the Company after
  the date of this Agreement and on or prior to the Closing Date a written
  agreement substantially in the form of Annex B hereto as soon as
  practicable after attaining such status.
 
    (b) The Parent shall use all reasonable efforts to obtain from any Person
  who may be deemed to have become an Affiliate of the Parent after the date
  of this Agreement and on or prior to the Closing Date a written agreement
  substantially in the form of Annex C hereto as soon as practicable after
  attaining such status.
 
    (c) The Parent Companies shall not be required to maintain the
  effectiveness of the Registration Statement for the purpose of resale by
  stockholders of the Company who may be Affiliates of the Company pursuant
  to Rule 145 under the Securities Act.
 
    (d) Each party hereto shall use all reasonable efforts to cause the
  Merger to be treated for financial accounting purposes as a Pooling
  Transaction, and shall not take, and shall use all reasonable efforts to
  prevent any Affiliate of such party from taking, any actions that could
  prevent the Merger from being treated for financial accounting purposes as
  a Pooling Transaction.
 
    (e) Each party hereto shall use all reasonable efforts to cause the
  Merger to qualify, and shall not take, and shall use all reasonable efforts
  to prevent any Affiliate of such party from taking, any actions that could
  prevent the Merger from qualifying, as a reorganization under the
  provisions of Section 368(a) of the Code.
 
                                     A-28
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 7.05 Public Announcements. The Parent and the Company shall consult
with each other before issuing any press release or otherwise making any
public statements with respect to the Merger and shall not issue any such
press release or make any such public statement prior to such consultation.
 
  SECTION 7.06 NYSE Listing. The Parent shall use all reasonable efforts to
cause the shares of the Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger to be
approved for listing (subject to official notice of issuance) on the NYSE
prior to the Effective Time.
 
  SECTION 7.07 Rights Agreement; State Takeover Statutes. The Company shall
take all action (including, if necessary, redeeming all of the outstanding
rights issued pursuant to the Company Rights Agreement or amending or
terminating the Company Rights Agreement) so that the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not result in the grant of
any rights to any Person under the Company Rights Agreement or enable or
require any outstanding rights to be exercised, distributed or triggered. The
Company will take all steps necessary to exempt the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement from Section 203 of the GCL.
 
  SECTION 7.08 Comfort Letters.
 
    (a) The Company shall use all reasonable efforts to cause Price
  Waterhouse LLP, the Company's independent accountants, to deliver a letter
  dated as of the date of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and addressed
  to the Company and the Parent, in form and substance reasonably
  satisfactory to the Parent and customary in scope and substance for agreed
  upon procedures letters delivered by independent public accountants in
  connection with registration statements and proxy statements similar to the
  Registration Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
    (b) The Parent shall use all reasonable efforts to cause Arthur Andersen
  LLP, the Parent's independent accountants, to deliver a letter dated as of
  the date of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and addressed to the
  Parent and the Company, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
  the Company and customary in scope and substance for agreed upon procedures
  letters delivered by independent public accountants in connection with
  registration statements and proxy statements similar to the Registration
  Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
  SECTION 7.09 Assumption of Obligations to Issue Stock and Obligations of
Employee Benefit Plans; Employees.
 
    (a) At the Effective Time, automatically and without any action on the
  part of the holder thereof, each outstanding Company Stock Option shall be
  assumed by the Parent and shall become an option to purchase that number of
  shares of the Parent Common Stock obtained by multiplying the number of
  shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of such option by
  the Common Stock Exchange Ratio at an exercise price per share equal to the
  per share exercise price of such option divided by the Common Stock
  Exchange Ratio and otherwise upon the same terms and conditions as such
  outstanding option to purchase Company Common Stock; provided, however,
  that in the case of any option to which Section 421 of the Internal Revenue
  Code applies by reason of the qualifications under Section 422 or 423 of
  such Code, the exercise price, the number of shares purchasable pursuant to
  such option and the terms and conditions of exercise of such option shall
  be determined in a manner that complies with Section 424(a) of the Code.
 
    (b) On or prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall take or cause to
  be taken all such actions, reasonably satisfactory to the Parent, as may be
  necessary or desirable in order to authorize the transactions contemplated
  by subsection (a) of this Section.
 
    (c) The Parent shall take all corporate actions necessary to reserve for
  issuance a sufficient number of shares of Parent Common Stock for delivery
  upon exercise of the Company Stock Options assumed by the Parent pursuant
  to Section 7.09 (a) above and shares of Parent Common Stock otherwise to be
  issued under other Company Stock Plans.
 
    (d) As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, the Parent shall
  file one or more Registration Statements on Form S-8 (or any successor or
  other appropriate form) with respect to the shares of Parent
 
                                     A-29
<PAGE>
 
  Common Stock subject to the Company Stock Options or otherwise issuable
  under other Company Stock Plans and shall use its reasonable efforts to
  maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement or registration
  statements (and maintain the current status of the prospectus or
  prospectuses contained therein) for so long as such options remain
  outstanding and to comply with applicable state securities and blue sky
  laws.
 
    (e) Except as provided herein or as otherwise agreed to by the parties,
  each of the Company Stock Plans providing for the issuance or grant of
  Company Stock Options or Company Common Stock shall be assumed as of the
  Effective Time by the Parent with such amendments thereto as may be
  required to reflect the Merger.
 
    (f) Provided that the Parent shall not be obligated with respect to any
  action taken by the Company or its Subsidiaries with respect to the Benefit
  Plans of the Company or its Subsidiaries in violation of the provisions of
  Section 6.02(a), the Parent hereby agrees to guarantee from and after the
  Effective Time and to cause the Surviving Corporation and each Subsidiary
  of the Surviving Corporation to honor and perform all obligations of the
  Surviving Corporation and each Subsidiary of the Surviving Corporation
  under all Benefit Plans of the Company and such Subsidiaries and under any
  agreement or arrangement implemented as provided in the Company's
  Disclosure Letter or as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement and the
  Company's Disclosure Letter.
 
    (g) The Parent shall and shall cause the Surviving Corporation and each
  Subsidiary of the Surviving Corporation to take all corporate action
  necessary to:
 
      (i) maintain with respect to eligible participants (as of the
    Effective Time) the Company's retiree medical plan, except to the
    extent that any modifications thereto are consistent with changes in
    the medical plans provided by the Parent and its subsidiaries for
    similarly situated active employees;
 
      (ii) maintain the "pension equalizer" contributions to the Company
    Retirement Savings Plan, the related nonqualified savings plan or a
    successor plan that would provide at least the same level of benefits
    as the "pension equalizer" arrangement, with respect to employees who
    are eligible participants as of the Effective Time, after taking into
    account any retirement benefits provided to such participants by any
    plans or programs of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries after the
    Effective Time;
 
      (iii) maintain the Company Executive Deferred Compensation Plan,
    except that no additional employee deferrals shall be made under such
    plan after the Effective Time and valuation with respect to stock
    deferrals existing at such time shall thereafter be based upon the
    Parent Common Stock;
 
      (iv) maintain the Company's Executive Life Insurance Program, except
    that after the Effective Time no additional participants shall be
    covered by such program;
 
      (v) maintain the Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
    with respect to employees that are eligible participants as of the
    Effective Time, but the offset under such plan shall take into account
    any employer provided retirement benefits under any plans or programs
    of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries after the Effective Time;
 
      (vi) administer the Performance Stock Unit Program and the Incentive
    Stock Unit Plan of the Company in accordance with their terms, with
    such adjustments in the performance targets as may be necessary to
    reflect the Merger, but no new grants of awards shall be made under
    such plans; and
 
  The Company represents that true and complete copies of all of the plans
  and programs referred to in this Section 7.09(g) have been delivered to the
  Parent.
 
    (h) Subject to Section 7.09(g), until the third anniversary of the
  Effective Time (the "Benefits Maintenance Period") the Parent shall and
  shall cause the Surviving Corporation and each Subsidiary of the Surviving
  Corporation to provide each employee of the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries at the Effective Time ("Company Participants") with employee
  benefits and compensation after the Effective Time that are substantially
  comparable to similarly situated employees of the Parent and its
  Subsidiaries. At the Effective Time, the Parent shall adopt the severance
  program described in Section 7.09(h) of the Company's Disclosure Letter and
  shall maintain such program for the period set forth in such description.
 
                                     A-30
<PAGE>
 
    (i) If Company Participants are included in any benefit plan, including
  provision for vacation, of the Parent, the Surviving Corporation or their
  Subsidiaries, the Company Participants shall receive credit for service
  prior to the Effective Time with the Company and its Subsidiaries to the
  same extent such service was counted under similar Benefit Plans of the
  Company for purposes of determining eligibility to participate, vesting,
  eligibility for retirement and, with respect to vacation, disability and
  severance, benefit accrual. If Company Participants or their dependents are
  included in any medical, dental or health plan (a "Successor Plan") other
  than the plan or plans they participated in at the Effective Time (a
  "Predecessor Plan") any such Successor Plan shall not include pre-existing
  condition exclusions, except to the extent such exclusions were applicable
  under the applicable Predecessor Plan and shall credit co-pays and
  deductibles to the same extent credited under the Predecessor Plan.
 
    (j) Except as otherwise specifically set forth above, nothing contained
  herein shall be construed as requiring Parent to continue any specific
  Benefit Plan, or to continue the employment of any specific person.
 
  SECTION 7.10 Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
 
    (a) To the extent, if any, not provided by an existing right of
  indemnification or other agreement or policy, from and after the Effective
  Time, the Surviving Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by
  applicable law, indemnify, defend and hold harmless each person who is now,
  or has been at any time prior to the date hereof, or who becomes prior to
  the Effective Time, an officer or director of the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries (each an "Indemnified Party" and collectively, the
  "Indemnified Parties") against (i) all losses, expenses (including
  reasonable attorney's fees and expenses), claims, damages or liabilities
  or, subject to the proviso of the next succeeding sentence, amounts paid in
  settlement, arising out of actions or omissions occurring at or prior to,
  at or after the Effective Time (and whether asserted or claimed prior to,
  at or after the Effective Time) that are, in whole or in part, based on or
  arising out of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of
  such party (the "Indemnified Liabilities"), and (ii) all Indemnified
  Liabilities to the extent they are based on or arise out of or pertain to
  the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In the event of any such
  loss, expense, claim, damage or liability arising before the Effective
  Time, (i) the Surviving Corporation shall pay the reasonable fees and
  expenses of counsel selected by the Indemnified Parties, which counsel
  shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Surviving Corporation, promptly
  after statements therefor are received and otherwise advance to such
  Indemnified Party upon request reimbursement of documented expenses
  reasonably incurred, in either case to the extent not prohibited by the
  GCL, (ii) the Parent and the Surviving Corporation will cooperate in the
  defense of any such matter and (iii) any determination required to be made
  with respect to whether an Indemnified Party's conduct complies with the
  standards set forth under the GCL and the certificate of incorporation or
  by-laws of the Surviving Corporation shall be made by independent counsel
  mutually acceptable to the Parent and the Indemnified Party; provided,
  however, that the Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall not be liable
  for any settlement affected without their written consent (which consent
  shall not be unreasonably withheld). The Indemnified Parties as a group may
  retain only one law firm with respect to each related matter except to the
  extent there is, in the opinion of counsel to an Indemnified Party, under
  applicable standards of professional conduct, a conflict on any significant
  issue between positions of such Indemnified Party and any other Indemnified
  Party or Indemnified Parties.
 
    (b) The Parent agrees to guarantee unconditionally the performance of the
  Surviving Corporation's obligations pursuant to Section 7.10(a).
 
    (c) For a period of six years after the Effective Time, the Surviving
  Corporation shall cause to be maintained in effect policies of directors
  and officers' liability insurance maintained by the Company for the benefit
  of those persons who are currently covered by such policies on terms no
  less favorable than the terms of such current insurance coverage; provided,
  however, that the Surviving Corporation shall not be required to expend in
  any year an amount in excess of 200% of the annual aggregate premiums
  currently paid by the Company for such insurance; and provided, further,
  that if the annual premiums of such insurance coverage exceed such amount,
  the Surviving Corporation shall be obligated to obtain a policy with the
  best coverage available, in the reasonable judgment of the Board of
  Directors of the Parent, for a cost not exceeding such amount.
 
                                     A-31
<PAGE>
 
    (d) If the Parent or any of its successors or assigns (i) consolidates
  with or merges into any other person or entity and shall not be the
  continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or
  merger or (ii) transfers all of substantially all of its properties and
  assets to any person or entity, then and in either such case, proper
  provisions shall be made so that the successors and assigns of the Parent
  shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 7.10.
 
    (e) To the fullest extent permitted by law, from and after the Effective
  Time, all rights to indemnification as of the date hereof in favor of the
  employees, agents, directors and officers of the Company and its
  Subsidiaries with respect to their activities as such prior to the
  Effective Time, as provided in their respective certificates of
  incorporation and by-laws in effect on the date thereof, or otherwise in
  effect on the date hereof, shall survive the Merger and shall continue in
  full force and effect for a period of not less than six years from the
  Effective Time.
 
    (f) The provisions of this Section 7.10 are intended to be for the
  benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party, his or her
  heirs and his or her representatives.
 
  SECTION 7.11 Newco. Prior to the Effective Time, Newco shall not conduct any
business or make any investments other than as specifically contemplated by
this Agreement and will not have any assets (other than the minimum amount of
cash required to be paid to Newco for the valid issuance of its stock to the
Parent).
 
  SECTION 7.12 Event Notices. From and after the date of this Agreement until
the Effective Time, each party hereto shall promptly notify the other party
hereto of the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any event the occurrence or
nonoccurrence of which would be likely to cause any condition to the
obligations of the latter party to effect the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement not to be satisfied. No delivery
of any notice pursuant to this Section 7.12 shall cure any breach of any
representation or warranty of the party giving such notice contained in this
Agreement or otherwise limit or affect the remedies available hereunder to the
party receiving such notice.
 
  SECTION 7.13 Parent Board of Directors; Committees.
 
    (a) The Parent's Board of Directors will take such action as may be
  necessary to cause the number of directors comprising the Board of
  Directors of the Parent at the Effective Time to be 14 persons, nine of
  whom shall be current members of the Board of Directors of the Parent
  including Richard B. Cheney and five of whom shall be current members of
  the Board of Directors of the Company including William B. Bradford. The
  specific members of the Parent's Board of Directors will be chosen by a
  committee consisting of Richard B. Cheney, William E. Bradford and the
  current chairman or the Nominating Committee of each of the Parent and the
  Company.
 
    (b) At or promptly after the Closing, the Parent's Board of Directors
  will take such action as may be necessary so that one or more of such
  designees of the Company will be added to each committee of the Parent's
  Board of Directors on an approximate proportional basis.
 
  SECTION 7.14 Transition Management. As soon as practicable after the date of
this Agreement, the parties shall create a special transition management task
force (the "Task Force"), which shall be comprised of William E. Bradford,
Richard B. Cheney, David J. Lesar and Donald C. Vaughn. The Task Force shall
examine various alternatives regarding the manner in which to best organize
the business of the Combined Companies after the Effective Time.
 
  SECTION 7.15 Employment Contracts. The Parent shall, as of or prior to the
Effective Time, enter into employment contracts with William E. Bradford and
Donald C. Vaughn on terms reasonably acceptable to the parties pursuant to
which William E. Bradford shall hold the position of Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Parent and Donald C. Vaughn shall hold the office of Vice
Chairman of the Parent and at the Effective Time each of Messrs. Bradford and
Vaughn shall be appointed to the Parent's Executive Committee, a non-board
committee comprised of executive officers of the Parent, which after the
Effective Time shall initially consist of such persons and Messrs. Cheney and
Lesar.
 
                                     A-32
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 7.16 Waiver by Company Joint Venture Partners. The Company shall not
amend or modify the written waivers it has received from each of the Company
Joint Venture Partners of any and all rights such partners may have to
purchase any interest of the Company in any of the Company Joint Ventures that
arise as a result of the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of
any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
  SECTION 7.17 Transfer Taxes. The Company and the Parent shall cooperate in
the preparation, execution and filing of all returns, questionnaires,
applications or other documents regarding any real property transfer or gains,
sales, use, transfer and stamp taxes, any transfer, recording, registration
and other fees and any similar taxes that become payable in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement ("Transfer Taxes"). The
Company shall pay or cause to be paid any such Transfer Taxes.
 
                                 ARTICLE VIII
 
                              CLOSING CONDITIONS
 
  SECTION 8.01 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party Under This
Agreement. The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger and
the other transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the
satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions, any or
all of which may be waived by the parties hereto, in whole or in part, to the
extent permitted by applicable Law:
 
    (a) Effectiveness of the Registration Statement. The Registration
  Statement shall have been declared effective by the Commission under the
  Securities Act, and the pro forma financial statements contained in the
  Registration Statement at the effective date thereof shall reflect the
  Merger for financial accounting purposes as a Pooling Transaction. No stop
  order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have
  been issued by the Commission and no proceedings for that purpose shall
  have been initiated by the Commission.
 
    (b) Stockholder Approval. This Agreement and the Merger shall have been
  approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the stockholders of the
  Company as required by the GCL. The Charter Amendment and the Share
  Issuance shall have been approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the
  stockholders of the Parent as required by the GCL and the rules of the
  NYSE.
 
    (c) No Order. No Court or Governmental Authority shall have enacted,
  issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law, Regulation or Order
  (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and has the
  effect of making the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation
  of the Merger.
 
    (d) HSR Act. The waiting period under the HSR Act applicable to the
  Merger shall have expired or been terminated.
 
    (e) Foreign Governmental Authorities. The applicable waiting period under
  any competition Laws, Regulations and Orders of foreign Governmental
  Authorities, as set forth in the Parent's Disclosure Letter and the
  Company's Disclosure Letter, shall have expired or been terminated.
 
    (f) Pooling of Interests. The Parent and the Company shall have been
  advised in writing by Arthur Andersen LLP on the date upon which the
  Effective Time is to occur that, in reliance in part on the concurrent
  opinion of Price Waterhouse LLP or its successor that the Company is a
  "poolable entity," the Merger should, for financial accounting purposes, be
  treated as a Pooling Transaction.
 
    (g) The shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger shall
  have been listed, subject to official notice of issuance, on the NYSE.
 
  SECTION 8.02 Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Parent
Companies. The obligations of the Parent Companies to effect the Merger and
the other transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the
satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions, any or
all of which may be waived by the Parent Companies, in whole or in part, to
the extent permitted by applicable Law:
 
    (a) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and
  warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement that is qualified as
  to materiality shall be true and correct, and each of such
 
                                     A-33
<PAGE>
 
  representations and warranties that is not so qualified shall be true and
  correct in all material respects, as of the date of this Agreement and as
  of the Closing Date as though made again on and as of the Closing Date. The
  Parent Companies shall have received a certificate of the Chief Executive
  Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, dated the Closing
  date, to such effect.
 
    (b) Agreements and Covenants. The Company shall have performed or
  complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
  required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or
  prior to the Closing Date. The Parent Companies shall have received a
  certificate of the President and the Chief Executive Officer of the
  Company, dated the Closing date, to such effect.
 
    (c) Tax Opinion. The Parent shall have received the opinion dated as of
  the Closing Date of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. to the effect that (i) the
  Merger will constitute a reorganization under section 368(a) of the Code,
  (ii) the Parent, the Company and Newco will each be a party to that
  reorganization, and (iii) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Parent,
  the Company or Newco by reason of the Merger. In rendering such opinion,
  Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. shall receive and may rely upon representations
  contained in certificates of the Company and the Parent substantially in
  the form of Annexes D and E hereto.
 
  SECTION 8.03 Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company. The
obligations of the Company to effect the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the
Closing of the following conditions, any or all of which may be waived by the
Company, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
 
    (a) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and
  warranties of the Parent contained in this Agreement that is qualified as
  to materiality shall be true and correct, and each of such representations
  and warranties that is not so qualified shall be true and correct in all
  material respects, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing
  Date as though made again on and as of the Closing Date. The Company shall
  have received a certificate of the Chairman of the Board, the President or
  any Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer of each of the Parent
  Companies, dated the Closing date, to such effect.
 
    (b) Agreements and Covenants. The Parent Companies shall have performed
  or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
  required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them on or
  prior to the Closing Date. The Company shall have received a certificate of
  the Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice President and the
  Chief Financial Officer of each of the Parent Companies, dated the Closing
  Date, to such effect.
 
    (c) Tax Opinion. The Company shall have received the opinion dated as of
  the Closing Date of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP to the effect that (i) the
  Merger will constitute a reorganization under section 368(a) of the Code,
  (ii) the Parent, the Company and Newco will each be a party to that
  reorganization, and (iii) no gain or loss will be recognized by the
  stockholders of the Company upon the receipt of shares of the Parent Common
  Stock in exchange for shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to the Merger
  except with respect to any cash received in lieu of fractional share
  interests. In rendering such opinion, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP shall
  receive and may rely upon the representations contained in certificates of
  the Company and the Parent substantially in the form of Annexes D and E
  hereto.
 
                                  ARTICLE IX
 
                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
 
  SECTION 9.01 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior
to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval of this Agreement and
the Merger by the stockholders of the Company and before or after approval of
the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance by the stockholders of the
Parent:
 
    (a) by mutual consent of the Parent and the Company;
 
    (b) by the Parent, upon a breach of any representation, warranty,
  covenant or agreement on the part of the Company set forth in this
  Agreement or if any representation or warranty of the Company shall have
 
                                     A-34
<PAGE>
 
  become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section
  8.02(a) or Section 8.02(b) would not be satisfied and such breach or
  untruth would result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Company (a
  "Terminating Company Breach"); provided that, if such Terminating Company
  Breach is curable by the Company through the exercise of its reasonable
  efforts and for so long as the Company continues to exercise such
  reasonable efforts, the Parent may not terminate this Agreement under this
  Section 9.01(b);
 
    (c) by the Company, upon a breach of any representation, warranty,
  covenant or agreement on the part of the Parent Companies set forth in this
  Agreement or if any representation or warranty of the Parent Companies
  shall have become untrue, in either case, such that the conditions set
  forth in Section 8.03(a) or Section 8.03(b) would not be satisfied and such
  breach or untruth would result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent
  (a "Terminating Parent Breach"); provided that, if such Terminating Parent
  Breach is curable by the Parent Companies through the exercise of their
  reasonable efforts and for so long as the Parent Companies continue to
  exercise such reasonable efforts, the Company may not terminate this
  Agreement under this Section 9.01(c);
 
    (d) by either the Parent or the Company, if there shall be any final and
  nonappealable Order that prevents the consummation of the Merger, unless
  the party relying on such Order has not complied with its obligations under
  Section 7.03;
 
    (e) by either the Parent or the Company, if the Merger shall not have
  been consummated before December 31, 1998; provided, however, that this
  Agreement may be extended by written notice of either the Parent or the
  Company to a date not later than March 31, 1999, if the Merger shall not
  have been consummated as a result of the Company or the Parent Companies
  having failed by December 31, 1998 to receive all required Authorizations
  and Orders with respect to the Merger or as a result of the entering of an
  Order by a Court or Governmental Authority; and provided, further, that,
  prior to March 31, 1999, no party shall be entitled to terminate this
  Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.01(e) if such party is in Material
  breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part
  of such party set forth in this Agreement;
 
    (f) by either the Parent or the Company, if this Agreement shall fail to
  receive the Required Company Vote by the stockholders of the Company at the
  Company Stockholders' Meeting;
 
    (g) by either the Parent or the Company, if the Charter Amendment and the
  Share Issuance shall fail to receive the Required Parent Vote by the
  stockholders of the Parent at the Parent Stockholders' Meeting;
 
    (h) by the Company, at any time prior to receipt of the Required Company
  Vote, upon 72 hours prior written notice to the Parent, if (i) the Board of
  Directors of the Company shall have concluded in good faith based on advice
  of outside counsel that such action is necessary to act in a manner
  consistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law and (ii) the
  Parent does not make, within 72 hours of receipt of the Company's written
  notification of its intention to terminate this Agreement, an offer that
  the Board of Directors of the Company determines, in good faith after
  consultation with its financial advisors, is at least as favorable, from a
  financial point of view, to the stockholders of the Company as any Superior
  Proposal considered by the Board of Directors in making its determination
  under clause (i). The Company agrees (x) that it will not enter into a
  binding agreement referred to in clause (ii) above until at least 72 hours
  after it has provided the notice to the Parent required thereby and (y) to
  notify the Parent promptly if its intention to enter into a written
  agreement referred to in its notification shall change at any time after
  giving such notification;
 
    (i) by the Parent, at any time prior to receipt of the Required Parent
  Vote, upon 72 hours prior written notice to the Company, if (i) the Board
  of Directors of the Parent shall have concluded in good faith based on
  advice of outside counsel that such action is necessary to act in a manner
  consistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law and (ii) the
  Company does not make, within 72 hours of receipt of the Parent's written
  notification of its intention to terminate this Agreement, an offer that
  the Board of Directors of the Parent determines, in good faith after
  consultation with its financial advisors, is at least as favorable, from a
  financial point of view, to the stockholders of the Parent as any Superior
  Proposal considered by the Board of Directors in making its determination
  under clause (i). The Parent agrees (x) that it will not enter into a
 
                                     A-35
<PAGE>
 
  binding agreement referred to in clause (ii) above until at least 72 hours
  after it has provided the notice to the Company required thereby and (y) to
  notify the Company promptly if its intention to enter into a written
  agreement referred to in its notification shall change at any time after
  giving such notification; or
 
    (j) by the Parent, upon two Business Days' prior written notice to the
  Company, if the Board of Directors of the Company (A) shall withdraw or
  modify in any manner adverse to the Parent the Board's approval or
  recommendation of this Agreement and the Merger, (B) shall approve or
  recommend any Superior Proposal or (C) shall resolve to take any of the
  actions specified in clause (A) or (B).
 
    (k) by the Company, upon two Business Days' prior written notice to the
  Parent, if the Board of Directors of the Parent (A) shall withdraw or
  modify in any manner adverse to the Company the Board's approval or
  recommendation of the Charter Amendment and the Share Issuance, (B) shall
  approve or recommend any Superior Proposal or (C) shall resolve to take any
  of the actions specified in clause (A) or (B).
 
  The right of any party hereto to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this
Section 9.01 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of
any investigation made by or on behalf of any party hereto, any Person
controlling any such party or any of their respective officers, directors,
representatives or agents, whether prior to or after the execution of this
Agreement.
 
  SECTION 9.02 Effect of Termination. Except as provided in Section 9.05 or
Section 10.01 of this Agreement, in the event of the termination of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become
void, there shall be no liability on the part of the Parent Companies or the
Company or any of their respective officers or directors to the other and all
rights and obligations of any party hereto shall cease, except that nothing
herein shall relieve any party from liability for any misrepresentation or
breach of any covenant or agreement under this Agreement.
 
  SECTION 9.03 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto
by action authorized by their respective Boards of Directors at any time prior
to the Effective Time; provided, however, that, after approval of the Merger
by the stockholders of the Company, or approval of the Charter Amendment and
Share Issuance by the stockholders of the Parent, no amendment may be made
that would reduce the amount or change the type of consideration into which
each share of Company Common Stock shall be converted pursuant to this
Agreement upon consummation of the Merger or that would otherwise require the
approval of the stockholders of the Company or the Parent under the GCL. This
Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the
parties hereto.
 
  SECTION 9.04 Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, any party
hereto may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations
or other acts of the other party hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the
representations and warranties of the other party contained herein or in any
document delivered pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance by the other party
with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein. Any such extension
or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed
by the party or parties to be bound thereby. For purposes of this Section
9.04, the Parent Companies shall be deemed to be one party.
 
  SECTION 9.05 Fees, Expenses and Other Payments.
 
    (a) Except as provided in this Section 9.05, all Expenses incurred by the
  parties hereto shall be borne solely and entirely by the party which has
  incurred such Expenses; provided, however, that the allocable share of the
  Parent Companies as a group and the Company for all Expenses related to
  printing, filing and mailing the Registration Statement, the Joint Proxy
  Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all Commission and
  other regulatory filing fees incurred in connection with the Registration
  Statement, the Joint Proxy Statement and the Joint Proxy
  Statement/Prospectus shall be one-half each; and provided, further, that
  the Parent may, at its option, but subject to Section 7.04(e), pay any
  Expenses of the Company that are solely and directly related to the Merger.
 
                                     A-36
<PAGE>
 
    (b) If this Agreement is terminated by the Parent pursuant to Section
  9.01(j) (change of recommendation), then the Company shall pay to the
  Parent a termination fee equal to $50 million.
 
    (c) If this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section
  9.01(k) (change of recommendation), then the Parent shall pay to the
  Company a termination fee equal to $50 million.
 
    (d) If (i) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to (A) Section 9.01(b)
  (breach), (B) Section 9.01(h) (fiduciary out), (C) Section 9.01(f) (failure
  to obtain stockholder approval), or (D) Section 9.01(j) (change of
  recommendation), (ii) at the time of such termination (or in the case of
  clause (i)(C) above, prior to the Company Stockholders' Meeting), there
  shall have been an Acquisition Proposal involving the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries that, at the time of such termination (or such meeting, as the
  case may be), shall not have been (x) rejected by the Company and its Board
  of Directors or (y) withdrawn by the Person making such Acquisition
  Proposal and (iii) within twelve months of any such termination, the
  Company or any of its Subsidiaries accepts a written offer or enters into a
  written agreement to consummate an Acquisition Proposal with such Person or
  any of its Affiliates and (iv) the Company or such Subsidiary is thereafter
  acquired, through merger, consolidation, share exchange, sale of assets or
  otherwise, by such Person or any of its Affiliates (a "Company
  Acquisition"), then the Company (jointly and severally with its
  Subsidiaries) shall at the closing (and as a condition of such closing) of
  such Company Acquisition or of such Acquisition Proposal, pay the Parent
  immediately a termination fee of $175 million.
 
    (e) If (i) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to (A) Section 9.01(c)
  (breach), (B) Section 9.01(i) (fiduciary out), (C) Section 9.01(g) (failure
  to obtain stockholder approval), or (D) Section 9.01(k) (change of
  recommendation), (ii) at the time of such termination (or in the case of
  clause (i)(C) above, prior to the Parent Stockholders' Meeting), there
  shall have been an Acquisition Proposal involving the Parent or any of its
  Subsidiaries that, at the time of such termination (or such meeting, as the
  case may be), shall not have been (x) rejected by the Parent and its Board
  of Directors or (y) withdrawn by the Person making such Acquisition
  Proposal and (iii) within twelve months of any such termination, the Parent
  or any of its Subsidiaries accepts a written offer or enters into a written
  agreement to consummate an Acquisition Proposal with such Person or any of
  its Affiliates and (iv) the Parent or such Subsidiary is thereafter
  acquired, through merger, consolidation, share exchange, sale of assets or
  otherwise, by such Person or any of its Affiliates (a "Parent
  Acquisition"), then the Parent (jointly and severally with its
  Subsidiaries) shall at the closing (and as a condition of such closing) of
  such Parent Acquisition or of such Acquisition Proposal, pay the Company
  immediately a termination fee of $175 million.
 
    (f) If either party shall fail to pay the other party any fee or other
  amount due hereunder, the failing party shall pay the costs and expenses
  (including legal fees and expenses) of the other party in connection with
  any action, including the filing of any lawsuit or other legal action,
  taken to collect payment, together with interest on the amount of any
  unpaid fee at the publicly announced prime interest rate of Citibank N.A.,
  in effect from time to time, from the date such fee or other payment was
  required to be paid until payment in full.
 
    (g) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the aggregate amount
  payable to the Parent pursuant to Section 9.05 shall not exceed $175
  million exclusive of any amounts paid pursuant to Section 9.05(f).
 
    (h) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the aggregate amount
  payable to the Company pursuant to Section 9.05 shall not exceed $175
  million exclusive of any amounts paid pursuant to Section 9.05(f).
 
    (i) Subject to the following sentences, the payments required by this
  Section 9.05 shall constitute liquidated damages in full and complete
  satisfaction of, and shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Parent
  or the Company, as the case may be, for, any loss, liability, damage or
  claim arising out of or in conjunction with the transactions contemplated
  by this Agreement, including any termination of this Agreement pursuant to
  Section 9.01 and shall not constitute a penalty. Notwithstanding the
  foregoing sentence, if (i) this Agreement is terminated by the Parent as a
  result of a willful breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or
  agreement by the Company and no termination fee is required to be
 
                                     A-37
<PAGE>
 
  paid pursuant to Section 9.05(d), the Parent may pursue any remedies
  available to it at law or in equity and shall be entitled to recover such
  additional amounts as the Parent may be entitled to receive at law or in
  equity or (ii) this Agreement is terminated by the Company as a result of a
  willful breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement by
  the Parent and no termination fee is required to be paid pursuant to
  Section 9.05(e), the Company may pursue any remedies available to it at law
  or in equity and shall be entitled to recover such additional amounts as
  the Parent may be entitled to receive at law or in equity.
 
                                   ARTICLE X
 
                              GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
  SECTION 10.01 Effectiveness of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.
 
    (a) Except as set forth in Section 10.01(b) of this Agreement, the
  representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of each party hereto
  shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any
  investigation made by or on behalf of any other party hereto, any Person
  controlling any such party or any of their officers, directors,
  representatives or agents whether prior to or after the execution of this
  Agreement.
 
    (b) The representations and warranties in this Agreement shall terminate
  at the Effective Time and the representations, warranties, covenants and
  agreements of each of the parties hereto shall terminate upon the
  termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01, except that the
  covenants and agreements set forth in Sections 6.05, 9.02 and 9.05 and in
  Article X hereof shall survive such termination of this Agreement.
 
  SECTION 10.02 Notices. All notices and other communications given or made
pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given if delivered personally, mailed by registered or certified mail (postage
prepaid, return receipt requested) to the parties at the following addresses
or sent by electronic transmission to the telecopier number specified below:
 
    (a) If to any of the Parent Companies, to:
 
      Halliburton Company
      3600 Lincoln Plaza
      500 North Akard
      Dallas, Texas 75201-3391
      Attention: Lester L. Coleman
                   Executive Vice President
                   and General Counsel
      Telecopier No.: (214) 978-2658
 
  with a copy to:
 
      Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
      First City Tower
      1001 Fannin
      Houston, Texas 77002-6760
      Attention: William E. Joor III
      Telecopier No.: (713) 758-2346
 
    (b) If to the Company, to:
 
      Dresser Industries, Inc.
      2001 Ross Avenue
      Dallas, Texas 75221
      Attention: Clint Ables
                   Vice President and General Counsel
      Telecopier No.: (214) 740-6904
 
                                     A-38
<PAGE>
 
  with a copy to:
 
      Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
      767 Fifth Avenue
      New York, New York 10153
      Attention: Dennis J. Block
      Telecopier No.: (212) 310-8007
 
or to such other address or telecopier number as any party may, from time to
time, designate in a written notice given in a like manner. Notice given by
telecopier shall be deemed delivered on the day the sender receives telecopier
confirmation that such notice was received at the telecopier number of the
addressee. Notice given by mail as set out above shall be deemed delivered
three days after the date the same is postmarked.
 
  SECTION 10.03 Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
 
  SECTION 10.04 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement
is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or
public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any
manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term
or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the
parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to
effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an
acceptable manner to the end that transactions contemplated hereby are
fulfilled to the extent possible.
 
  SECTION 10.05 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (together with the Annexes,
the Company's Disclosure Letter and the Parent's Disclosure Letter and the
Stock Option Agreements) constitutes the entire agreement of the parties, and
supersedes all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among
the parties, with respect to the subject matter hereof (including the
Confidentiality Agreement).
 
  SECTION 10.06 Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation
of Law or otherwise.
 
  SECTION 10.07 Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this
Agreement, express or implied, other than Section 7.09(f) (to the extent of
and only with respect to the individuals named in Section 4.13 of the
Company's Disclosure Letter in response to the representation and warranty set
forth in Section 4.13(k) as parties to the severance agreements therein
disclosed and their heirs and representatives) and Section 7.10 which is
intended also to benefit the Indemnified Persons therein referenced, and their
heirs and representatives, is intended to or shall confer upon any other
Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by
reason of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing and any other
provision of this Agreement, and in addition to any other required action of
the Board of Directors of the Parent a majority of the directors (or their
successors) serving on the Board of Directors of the Parent who are designated
by the Company pursuant to Section 7.13 shall be entitled during the three
year period commencing at the Effective Time (the "Three Year Period") to
enforce the provisions of Sections 7.09 and 7.13 on behalf of the Company's
officers, directors and employees, as the case may be. Such directors' rights
and remedies under the preceding sentence are cumulative and are in addition
to any other rights and remedies that they may have at law or in equity, but
in no event shall this Section 10.07 be deemed to impose any additional duties
on any such directors. The Parent shall pay, at the time they are incurred,
all costs, fees and expenses of such directors incurred in connection with the
assertion of any rights on behalf of the persons set forth above pursuant to
this Section 10.07.
 
  SECTION 10.08 Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No
failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in the exercise of any right
hereunder shall impair such right or be construed to be a waiver of, or
acquiescence in, any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement herein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right
preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other
 
                                     A-39
<PAGE>
 
right. All rights and remedies existing under this Agreement are cumulative
with, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies otherwise available.
 
  SECTION 10.09 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of
the Laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts
of law; provided, however, that any matter involving the internal corporate
affairs of any party hereto shall be governed by the provisions of the GCL.
 
  SECTION 10.10 Specific Performance. The parties hereby acknowledge and agree
that the failure of any party to this Agreement to perform its agreements and
covenants hereunder, including its failure to take all actions as are
necessary on its part to the consummation of the Merger, will cause
irreparable injury to the other parties to this Agreement for which damages,
even if available, will not be an adequate remedy. Accordingly, each of the
parties hereto hereby consents to the granting of equitable relief (including
specific performance and injunctive relief) by any court of competent
jurisdiction to enforce any party's obligations hereunder. The parties further
agree to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in
connection with the obtaining of any such equitable relief and that this
Section is without prejudice to any other rights that the parties hereto may
have for any failure to perform this Agreement.
 
  SECTION 10.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple
counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts,
each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to
be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers
thereunto duly authorized.
 
                                          Halliburton Company
 
                                                    /s/ David J. Lesar
                                          By;__________________________________
                                             David J. LesarPresident and Chief
                                                     Operating Officer
 
                                          Halliburton N.C., Inc.
 
                                                   /s/ Lester L. Coleman
                                          By:__________________________________
                                                Lester L. ColemanPresident
 
                                          Dresser Industries, Inc.
 
                                                    /s/ W. E. Bradford
                                          By:__________________________________
 
                                     A-40
<PAGE>
 
                                                                        ANNEX A
 
                           SCHEDULE OF DEFINED TERMS
 
  The following terms when used in the Agreement shall have the meanings set
forth below unless the context shall otherwise require:
 
  "Acquisition Proposal" shall mean any proposal or offer with respect to a
merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization,
recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving,
or any purchase or sale of all or any significant portion of the assets or 30%
or more of the Equity Securities of, the Company or the Parent, as applicable,
or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company or the Parent, as applicable,
that, in any case, could be reasonably expected to interfere with the
consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
 
  "Affiliate" shall, with respect to any specified Person, mean any other
Person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the
specified Person.
 
  "Agreement" shall mean the Agreement and Plan of Merger made and entered
into as of February 25, 1998 among the Parent, Newco and the Company,
including any amendments thereto and each Annex (including this Annex A) and
Schedule thereto (including the Parent's Disclosure Letter and the Company's
Disclosure Letter).
 
  "Authorization" shall mean any and all permits, licenses, authorizations,
orders, certificates, registrations or other approvals granted by any
Governmental Authority.
 
  "Benefit Plans" shall mean, with respect to a specified Person, any employee
pension benefit plan (whether or not insured), as defined in Section 3(2) of
ERISA, any employee welfare benefit plan (whether or not insured) as defined
in Section 3(1) of ERISA, any plans that would be employee pension benefit
plans or employee welfare benefit plans if they were subject to ERISA, such as
foreign plans and plans for directors, any stock bonus, stock ownership, stock
option, stock purchase, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, severance,
employment, change-in-control, deferred compensation and any bonus or
incentive compensation plan, agreement, program or policy (whether qualified
or nonqualified, written or oral) sponsored, maintained, or contributed to by
the specified Person or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of any of the
present or former directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants or other
similar representatives providing services to or for the specified Person or
any of its Subsidiaries in connection with such services or any such plans
which have been so sponsored, maintained or contributed to within six years
prior to the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that such term shall
not include (a) routine employment policies and procedures developed and
applied in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice,
including wage, vacation, holiday and sick or other leave policies, (b)
workers compensation insurance and (c) directors and officers liability
insurance.
 
  "Benefits Maintenance Period" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in Section 7.09(h).
 
  "Business Day" means any day other than a day on which banks in the State of
Texas are authorized or obligated to be closed;
 
  "Certificate of Merger" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 2.02.
 
  "Charter Amendment" shall mean an amendment to the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Parent to increase the number of authorized shares of
Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger.
 
  "Closing" shall mean a meeting, which shall be held in accordance with
Section 3.03, of representatives of the parties to the Agreement at which,
among other things, all documents deemed necessary by the parties to the
Agreement to evidence the fulfillment or waiver of all conditions precedent to
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement are
executed and delivered.
 
  "Closing Date" shall mean the date of the Closing as determined pursuant to
Section 3.03.
 
                                     A-41
<PAGE>
 
  "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
  "Combined Companies" shall mean the Parent, the Surviving Corporation and
their Subsidiaries after giving effect to the Merger.
 
  "Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
  "Common Stock Exchange Ratio" shall mean the ratio of conversion of Company
Common Stock into Parent Common Stock pursuant to the Merger as provided in
Section 3.01(a).
 
  "Company Acquisition" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 9.05(d).
 
  "Company Annual Report" shall mean the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the
Company for the year ended October 31, 1997 filed with the Commission.
 
  "Company Benefit Plans" shall mean Benefit Plans with respect to the Company
and its Subsidiaries.
 
  "Company Common Stock" shall mean the common stock, par value $0.25 per
share, of the Company.
 
  "Company Joint Venture Partners" shall mean the partners or participants in
the Company Joint Ventures other than the Company.
 
  "Company Joint Ventures" shall mean Dresser-Rand Company, a partnership, and
Ingersoll-Dresser Pump Company, a partnership.
 
  "Company Participants" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 7.09(h).
 
  "Company Stock Option Agreement" shall mean that certain Stock Option
Agreement of even date herewith between the Company (as grantor) and the
Parent (as grantee).
 
  "Company Stock Options" shall mean stock options granted pursuant to the
Company Stock Plans.
 
  "Company Stock Plans" shall mean the plans described in Section 4.03(b) of
the Company's Disclosure Letter.
 
  "Company Stockholders' Meeting" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in Section 7.01(a).
 
  "Company's Audited Consolidated Financial Statements" shall mean the
consolidated balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of October
31, 1996 and 1997 and the related consolidated and combined statements of
operations and cash flows for the fiscal years ended October 31, 1995, 1996
and 1997, together with the notes thereto, all as audited by Price Waterhouse
LLP, independent accountants, under their report with respect thereto dated
November 26, 1997 and included in the Company Annual Report.
 
  "Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet" shall mean the consolidated balance
sheet of the Company as of October 31, 1997 included in the Company's Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
  "Company's Disclosure Letter" shall mean a letter of even date herewith
delivered by the Company to the Parent Companies concurrently with the
execution of the Agreement, which, among other things, shall identify
exceptions to the Company's representations and warranties contained in
Article IV by specific section and subsection references.
 
  "Company's Representatives" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 6.05.
 
  "Company's Rights Agreement" shall mean that certain Rights Agreement dated
as of August 16, 1990 between the Company and Bank of New York as successor to
Harris Trust Company of New York, as rights agent.
 
                                     A-42
<PAGE>
 
  "Competing Transaction" shall mean any merger, consolidation, share
exchange, business combination or similar transaction involving the specified
Person or any of its Subsidiaries or the acquisition in any manner, directly
or indirectly, of a Material equity interest in any voting securities of, or a
substantial portion of the assets of, the specified Person or any of its
Significant Subsidiaries, other than the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
 
  "Confidentiality Agreement" shall mean that certain confidentiality
agreement between the Parent and the Company dated February 2, 1998.
 
  "Constituent Corporations" shall mean the Company and Newco.
 
  "control" (including the terms "controlled," "controlled by" and "under
common control with") means (except where another definition is expressly
indicated) the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee or executor,
of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of
a Person, whether through the ownership of stock or as trustee or executor, by
contract or credit arrangement or otherwise.
 
  "Court" shall mean any court or arbitration tribunal of the United States,
any foreign country or any domestic or foreign state, and any political
subdivision thereof, and shall include the European Court of Justice.
 
  "Current Company Benefit Plans" shall mean Benefit Plans that are sponsored,
maintained or contributed to by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of
the date of this Agreement.
 
  "Current Parent Benefit Plans" shall mean Benefit Plans that are sponsored,
maintained or contributed to by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries as of
the date of this Agreement.
 
  "Effective Time" shall mean the date and time of the completion of the
filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State
of Delaware in accordance with Section 2.02.
 
  "Environmental Law or Laws" shall mean any and all laws, statutes,
ordinances, rules, regulations, or orders of any Governmental Authority
pertaining to health or the environment currently in effect and applicable to
a specified Person and its Subsidiaries, including the Clean Air Act, as
amended, the Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"), as amended, the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, as amended, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as
amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 ("RCRA"), as
amended, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control
Act, as amended, the Hazardous & Solid Waste Amendments Act of 1984, as
amended, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, as amended,
the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, the Oil Pollution Act
of 1990, as amended ("OPA"), any state or local Laws implementing the
foregoing federal Laws, and all other environmental conservation or protection
Laws. For purposes of the Agreement, the terms "hazardous substance" and
"release" have the meanings specified in CERCLA; provided, however, that, to
the extent the Laws of the state or locality in which the property is located
establish a meaning for "hazardous substance" or "release" that is broader
than that specified in either CERCLA, such broader meaning shall apply, and
the term "hazardous substance" shall include all dehydration and treating
wastes, waste (or spilled) oil, and waste (or spilled) petroleum products, and
(to the extent in excess of background levels) radioactive material, even if
such are specifically exempt from classification as hazardous substances
pursuant to CERCLA or RCRA or the analogous statutes of any jurisdiction
applicable to the specified Person or its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective properties or assets.
 
  "Equity Securities" shall mean, with respect to a specified Person, any
shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, or any securities
that are convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of capital stock of,
or other equity interests in, or any options, warrants or rights of any kind
to acquire any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, such
Person.
 
  "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, and the Regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
                                     A-43
<PAGE>
 
  "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the Regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
  "Exchange Agent" shall mean ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
 
  "Exchange Fund" shall mean the fund of Parent Common Stock, cash in lieu of
fractional share interests and dividends and distributions, if any, with
respect to such shares of Parent Common Stock established at the Exchange
Agent pursuant to Section 3.02(a).
 
  "executive officer" shall mean each "officer," as such term is defined in
Rule 16a-1(f) of the Commission, of the specified Person.
 
  "Expenses" shall mean all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including all
reasonable fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers,
experts and consultants to a party hereto and its Affiliates) incurred by a
party or on its behalf in connection with or related to the authorization,
preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement, the
preparation, printing, filing and mailing of the Registration Statement, the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Joint Proxy Statement, the
solicitation of stockholder approvals and all other matters related to the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
  "GAAP" shall mean accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States as in effect from time to time consistently applied by a specified
Person.
 
  "GCL" shall mean the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
 
  "Governmental Authority" shall mean any governmental agency or authority
(other than a Court) of the United States, any foreign country, or any
domestic or foreign state, and any political subdivision thereof, and shall
include any multinational authority having governmental or quasi-governmental
powers.
 
  "HSR Act" shall mean the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
  "IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.
 
  "Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus" shall have the meaning ascribed to such
term in Section 7.02(a).
 
  "Joint Proxy Statement" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 7.02(a).
 
  "Knowledge" shall mean, with respect to either the Company or the Parent,
the actual knowledge of the chief executive officer, the chief operating
officer, the chief financial officer or the general counsel of such party.
 
  "Law" shall mean all laws, statutes and ordinances of the United States, any
state of the United States, any foreign country, any foreign state and any
political subdivision thereof, including all decisions of Courts having the
effect of law in each such jurisdiction.
 
  "Lien" shall mean any mortgage, pledge, security interest, adverse claim,
encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any agreement to give any
of the foregoing), any conditional sale or other title retention agreement,
any lease in the nature thereof or the filing of or agreement to give any
financing statement under the Laws of any jurisdiction.
 
  "Material" shall mean material to the (a) consolidated business, condition
(financial and other), results of operations, properties or prospects of a
specified Person and its Subsidiaries, if any, taken as a whole or (b) to the
specified Person's ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or
fulfill the conditions to Closing; provided, however, that, as used in this
definition the word "material" shall have the meaning accorded thereto
pursuant to Section 11 of the Securities Act.
 
                                     A-44
<PAGE>
 
  "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any change or effect that would be
material and adverse (a) to the consolidated business, condition (financial or
otherwise), results of operations, properties or prospects of a specified
Person and its Subsidiaries, if any, taken as a whole, except for such changes
or effects resulting from changes in general economic, regulatory or political
conditions or changes that affect generally the energy services and related
construction and engineering industry or (b) to the specified Person's ability
to perform its obligations under this Agreement or fulfill the conditions to
Closing; provided, however, that, as used in this definition the word
"material" shall have the meaning accorded thereto pursuant to Section 11 of
the Securities Act.
 
  "Merger" shall mean the merger of Newco with and into the Company as
provided in Article II of this Agreement.
 
  "Newco" shall mean Halliburton N.C., Inc., a Delaware corporation and a
wholly owned Subsidiary of the Parent.
 
  "Noncompete Agreement" shall mean any agreement or arrangement that
materially restricts or limits the specified Person's ability to engage or
participate in any line of business that is Material to such specified Person.
 
  "NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
 
  "Order" shall mean any judgment, order or decree of any Court or
Governmental Authority, federal, foreign, state or local, of competent
jurisdiction.
 
  "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
 
  "Parent Acquisition" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
9.05(e).
 
  "Parent Annual Report" shall mean the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the
Parent for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed with the Commission.
 
  "Parent Benefit Plans" shall mean Benefit Plans with respect to the Parent
and its Subsidiaries.
 
  "Parent Common Stock" shall mean the common stock, par value $2.50 per
share, of the Parent.
 
  "Parent Stock Option Agreement" shall mean that certain Stock Option
Agreement of even date herewith between the Parent (as grantor) and the
Company (as grantee).
 
  "Parent Restricted Stock" shall mean the Parent Common Stock issued in
restricted stock awards pursuant to the Parent Stock Plans.
 
  "Parent Stock Options" shall mean stock options granted pursuant to the
Parent Stock Plans.
 
  "Parent Stock Plans" shall mean the plans described in Section 5.03(b) of
the Parent's Disclosure Letter.
 
  "Parent Stockholders' Meeting" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in Section 7.01(b).
 
  "Parent's Audited Consolidated Financial Statements" shall mean the
consolidated balance sheets of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of December
31, 1997 and December 31, 1996 and the related consolidated statements of
operations and cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, 1996
and 1997, together with the notes thereto, all as audited by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent accountants, under their report with respect thereto dated
January 22, 1998 and included in the Parent Annual Report.
 
  "Parent's Consolidated Balance Sheet" shall mean the consolidated balance
sheet of the Parent as of December 31, 1997 included in the Parent's Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                     A-45
<PAGE>
 
  "Parent's Disclosure Letter" shall mean a letter of even date herewith
delivered by the Parent to the Company with the execution of the Agreement,
which, among other things, shall identify exceptions to the Parent's
representations and warranties contained in Article V by specific section and
subsection references.
 
  "Parent's Representatives" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 6.05.
 
  "Parent's Rights Agreement" shall mean the Restated Rights Agreement dated
December 1, 1996 between the Parent and ChaseMellon Shareholder Services,
L.L.C., as Rights Agent.
 
  "Person" shall mean (i) an individual, partnership, limited liability
company, corporation, joint stock company, trust, estate, joint venture,
association or unincorporated organization, or any other form of business or
professional entity, but shall not include a Court or Governmental Authority,
or (2) any "person" for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
 
  "Pooling Transaction" shall mean a business combination that is treated for
financial accounting purposes as a "pooling of interests" in accordance with
GAAP and the Regulations of the Commission.
 
  "Predecessor Plan" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
7.09(i).
 
  "Registration Statement" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 7.02(a).
 
  "Regulation" shall mean any rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority
having the effect of Law or of any rule or regulation of any self-regulatory
organization, such as the NYSE.
 
  "Reports" shall mean, with respect to a specified Person, all reports,
registrations, filings and other documents and instruments required to be
filed by the specified Person or any of its Subsidiaries with any Governmental
Authority (other than the Commission).
 
  "Representatives" shall mean, collectively, the Company's Representatives
and the Parent's Representatives.
 
  "Required Parent Vote" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 7.01(b).
 
  "Required Company Vote" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 7.01(a).
 
  "SEC Reports" shall mean (1) all Annual Reports on Form 10-K, (2) all
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, (3) all proxy statements relating to meetings
of stockholders (whether annual or special), (4) all Current Reports on Form
8-K and (5) all other reports, schedules, registration statements or other
documents required to be filed during a specified period by a specified Person
with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
 
  "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
  "Share Issuance" shall mean the issuance of shares of the Parent Common
Stock to be issued in the Merger.
 
  "Significant Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company or the Parent,
as the case may be, that constitutes a significant subsidiary of such party as
such term is defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of the Commission.
 
  "Stock Option Agreements" shall mean the Company Stock Option Agreement and
the Parent Stock Option Agreement.
 
  A "Subsidiary" of a specified Person shall be any corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture or other legal entity of which the
specified Person (either alone or through or together with any other
 
                                     A-46
<PAGE>
 
Subsidiary) owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the stock or other
equity or partnership interests the holders of which are generally entitled to
vote for the election of the board of directors or other governing body of
such corporation or other legal entity or of which the specified Person
controls the management.
 
  "Successor Plan" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
7.09(i).
 
  "Superior Proposal" means a bona fide Acquisition Proposal that the Board of
Directors of the specified Person determines in its good faith judgment (after
consultation with its financial advisers and legal counsel) (i) would result
in a transaction that is more favorable to the specified Person's
stockholders, from a financial point of view, than the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) is reasonably capable of being
completed; provided, however, that, for the purposes of this definition, the
term "Acquisition Proposal" shall have the meaning ascribed to it herein
except that the reference therein to 30% shall be deemed to be a reference to
50% and the proposal or offer therein described shall be deemed only to refer
to a transaction involving the Company or the assets of the Company (including
the shares of the Subsidiaries of the Company), taken as a whole, rather than
any transaction relating to any of the Subsidiaries of the Company alone.
 
  "Surviving Corporation" shall mean the Company as the corporation surviving
the Merger.
 
  "Tax Returns" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
4.14(a) of the Agreement.
 
  "Taxes" shall mean all taxes, charges, imposts, tariffs, fees, levies or
other similar assessments or liabilities, including income taxes, ad valorem
taxes, excise taxes, withholding taxes, stamp taxes or other taxes of or with
respect to gross receipts, premiums, real property, personal property,
windfall profits, sales, use, transfers, licensing, employment, payroll and
franchises imposed by or under any Law; and such terms shall include any
interest, fines, penalties, assessments or additions to tax resulting from,
attributable to or incurred in connection with any such tax or any contest or
dispute thereof.
 
  "Terminated Company Benefit Plans" shall mean Benefit Plans that were
sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries within six years prior to the date of this Agreement but which
have been terminated prior to the date of this Agreement.
 
  "Terminated Parent Benefit Plans" shall mean Benefit Plans that were
sponsored, maintained, or contributed to by the Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries within six years prior to the date of this Agreement but which
have been terminated prior to the date of this Agreement.
 
  "Terminating Company Breach" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 9.01(b).
 
  "Terminating Parent Breach" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 9.10(c).
 
  "Transfer Taxes" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
7.17.
 
                                     A-47
<PAGE>
 
                                                                        ANNEX B
                                            DRESSER INDUSTRIES, INC. AFFILIATES
 
                             AFFILIATE'S AGREEMENT
 
                                    [Date]
 
Halliburton Company
3600 Lincoln Plaza
500 North Akard
Dallas, Texas 75201-3391
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
  The undersigned has been advised that, as of the date hereof, the
undersigned may be deemed to be an "affiliate" of Dresser Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), as that term is defined for purposes of
paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 145 of the Regulations of the Commission under
the Securities Act.
 
  Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of that certain
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Halliburton Company, a Delaware
corporation (the "Parent"), Halliburton N.C., Inc., a newly formed Delaware
corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Parent ("Newco"), and the
Company dated as of February 25, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"), providing for,
among other things, the merger of Newco with and into the Company (the
"Merger"), the undersigned will be entitled to receive shares of Parent Common
Stock in exchange for shares of Company Common Stock owned by the undersigned
at the Effective Time of the Merger as determined pursuant to the Merger
Agreement. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein are defined in Annex
A to the Merger Agreement and are used herein with the same meanings as
ascribed to them therein.
 
  The undersigned understands that the Merger will be treated for financial
accounting purposes as a "pooling of interests" in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and that the staff of the Commission has issued
certain guidelines that should be followed to ensure the application of
pooling of interests accounting to the transaction.
 
  In consideration of the agreements contained herein, the Parent's reliance
on this letter in connection with the consummation of the Merger and for other
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the undersigned hereby represents, warrants and agrees
that the undersigned will not, without the consent of the Parent, make any
sale, gift, transfer or other disposition (including deposit into a margin
account with a brokerage firm) of (i) Company Common Stock during the period
(the "Restricted Period") from the Commencement Date (as defined below) until
the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement
(which period, if the Merger is consummated, will be greater than thirty (30)
days), (ii) Parent Common Stock received by the undersigned pursuant to the
Merger or otherwise owned by the undersigned at any time during the Restricted
Period or thereafter until such time as financial statements that include at
least thirty (30) days of combined operations of the Company and the Parent
after the Merger shall have been publicly reported, unless the undersigned
shall have delivered to the Parent, prior to any such sale, gift, transfer or
other disposition, a written opinion from Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants for the Parent, or a written no-action letter from the
accounting staff of the Commission, in either case in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Parent, to the effect that such sale, transfer
or other disposition will not cause the Merger not to be treated as a "pooling
of interests" for financial accounting purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and the Regulations of the Commission or (iii)
the Parent Common Stock received by the undersigned pursuant to the Merger in
violation of the Securities Act or the Regulations thereunder. For purposes of
this agreement, "Commencement Date" shall mean the date of receipt by the
undersigned of prior written notice from the Parent advising the undersigned
of the commencement of the Restricted Period on a day that is at least 45 days
prior to the Closing Date as estimated in good faith by the Parent. The
undersigned has been advised that the offering, sale and delivery of the
shares
 
                                     A-48
<PAGE>
 
of Parent Common Stock pursuant to the Merger will have been registered with
the Commission under the Securities Act on a Registration Statement on Form S-
4. The undersigned has also been advised, however, that, since the undersigned
may be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Company at the time the Merger is
submitted for a vote of the stockholders of the Company, the Parent Common
Stock received by the undersigned pursuant to the Merger can be sold by the
undersigned only (i) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Securities Act, (ii) in conformity with the volume and other limitations of
Rule 145 promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act or (iii) in
reliance upon an exemption from registration that is available under the
Securities Act.
 
  The undersigned also understands that instructions will be given to the
transfer agent for the Parent Common Stock with respect to the Parent Common
Stock to be received by the undersigned pursuant to the Merger and that there
will be placed on the certificates representing such shares of Parent Common
Stock, or any substitutions therefor, a legend stating in substance as
follows:
 
  "These shares were issued in a transaction to which Rule 145 promulgated
  under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, applies. These shares may
  only be transferred in accordance with the terms of such Rule and an
  Affiliate's Agreement between the original holder of such shares and
  Halliburton Company, a copy of which agreement is on file at the principal
  offices of Halliburton Company."
 
  It is understood and agreed that the legend set forth above shall be removed
upon surrender of certificates bearing such legend by delivery of substitute
certificates without such legend if the undersigned shall have delivered to
the Parent an opinion of counsel, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Parent, to the effect that (i) the sale or disposition of
the shares represented by the surrendered certificates may be effected without
registration of the offering, sale and delivery of such shares under the
Securities Act and (ii) the shares to be so transferred may be publicly
offered, sold and delivered by the transferee thereof without compliance with
the registration provisions of the Securities Act.
 
  By its execution hereof, the Parent agrees that it will, as long as the
undersigned owns any shares of Parent Common Stock to be received by the
undersigned pursuant to the Merger that are subject to the restrictions on
sale, transfer or other disposition herein set forth, take all reasonable
efforts to make timely filings with the Commission of all reports required to
be filed by it pursuant to the Exchange Act and will promptly furnish upon
written request of the undersigned a written statement confirming that such
reports have been so timely filed.
 
  If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please so indicate by signing
below and returning a copy of this letter to the undersigned, at which time
this letter shall become a binding agreement between us.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          By:__________________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:
                                            Date:
                                            Address:
 
ACCEPTED this   dayof      , 199
 
 
Halliburton Company
 
By:__________________________________
  Name:
  Title:
 
                                     A-49
<PAGE>
 
                                                                        ANNEX C
                                                 HALLIBURTON COMPANY AFFILIATES
 
                             AFFILIATE'S AGREEMENT
 
                                    [Date]
 
Halliburton Company
3600 Lincoln Plaza
500 North Akard
Dallas, Texas 75201-3391
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
  The undersigned has been advised that, as of the date hereof, the
undersigned may be deemed to be an "affiliate" of Halliburton Company, a
Delaware corporation (the "Parent"), as that term is defined in the
Regulations of the Commission under the Securities Act.
 
  The undertakings contained in this Affiliate's Agreement are being given by
the undersigned in connection with that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger
by and among the Parent, Halliburton N.C., Inc., a newly formed Delaware
corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Parent ("Newco"), and Dresser
Industries, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the "Company") dated as of February
25, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"), providing for, among other things, the
merger of Newco with and into the Company (the "Merger"). Capitalized terms
used but not defined herein are defined in Annex A to the Merger Agreement and
are used herein with the same meanings as ascribed to them therein.
 
  The undersigned understands that the Merger will be treated for financial
accounting purposes as a "pooling of interests" in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and that the staff of the Commission has issued
certain guidelines that should be followed to ensure the application of
pooling of interests accounting to the transaction.
 
  In consideration of the agreements contained herein, the Parent's reliance
on this letter in connection with the consummation of the Merger and for other
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the undersigned hereby represents, warrants and agrees
that the undersigned will not, without the consent of the Parent, make any
sale, gift, transfer or other disposition (including deposit into a margin
account with a brokerage firm) of (i) Company Common Stock during the period
(the "Restricted Period") from the Commencement Date (as defined below) until
the earlier of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement
(which period, if the Merger is consummated, will be greater than thirty (30)
days) or (ii) Parent Common Stock owned by the undersigned at any time during
the Restricted Period or thereafter until such time as financial statements
that include at least thirty (30) days of combined operations of the Company
and the Parent after the Merger shall have been publicly reported, unless the
undersigned shall have delivered to the Parent, prior to any such sale, gift,
transfer or other disposition, a written opinion from Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants for the Parent, or a written no-action letter
from the accounting staff of the Commission, in either case in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Parent, to the effect that such sale,
transfer or other disposition will not cause the Merger not to be treated as a
"pooling of interests" for financial accounting purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and the Regulations of the
Commission. For purposes of this agreement, "Commencement Date" shall mean the
date of receipt by the undersigned of prior written notice from the Parent
advising the undersigned of the commencement of the Restricted Period on a day
that is at least 45 days prior to the Closing Date as estimated in good faith
by the Parent.
 
                                     A-50
<PAGE>
 
  If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please so indicate by signing
below and returning a copy of this letter to the undersigned, at which time
this letter shall become a binding agreement between us.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          By:__________________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:
                                            Date:
                                            Address:
 
ACCEPTED this   dayof      , 199
 
 
Halliburton Company
 
By:__________________________________
  Name:
  Title:
 
                                      A-51
<PAGE>
 
DRESSER INDUSTRIES __________________________________________________APPENDIX B
 
                            STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 
  This STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT is dated as of February 25, 1998 by and between
Dresser Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and
Halliburton Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Grantee").
 
                                   Recitals:
 
  The Grantee, the Company and Newco propose to enter into a Merger Agreement
providing, among other things, for the Merger pursuant to the Merger Agreement
of Newco with and into the Company which shall be the surviving corporation.
 
  As a condition and inducement to the Grantee's willingness to enter into the
Merger Agreement, the Grantee has requested that the Company agree, and the
Company has agreed, to grant the Grantee the Option.
 
  The Board of Directors of the Company has approved the Merger Agreement, the
Merger and this Agreement and has recommended approval of the Merger Agreement
by the holders of Company Common Stock.
 
  The Board of Directors of the Grantee has approved the Merger Agreement, the
Merger and this Agreement and has recommended approval of the Charter
Amendment and the Share Issuance by the holders of Parent Common Stock.
 
  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein and in
the Merger Agreement, the Company and the Grantee agree as follows:
 
  1. Capitalized Terms. Those capitalized terms used but not defined herein
that are defined in the Merger Agreement are used herein with the same
meanings as ascribed to them therein; provided, however, that, as used in this
Agreement, "Person" shall have the meaning specified in Sections 3(a)(9) and
13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act. Those capitalized terms used in this Agreement
that are not defined in the Merger Agreement are defined in Annex A hereto and
are used herein with the meanings ascribed to them therein.
 
  2. The Option.
 
    (a) Grant of Option. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth
  herein, the Company hereby grants to the Grantee an irrevocable option to
  purchase, out of the authorized but unissued Company Common Stock,
  26,321,994 shares of Company Common Stock (as adjusted as set forth herein)
  (the "Option Shares"), at the Exercise Price.
 
    (b) Exercise Price. The exercise price (the "Exercise Price") of the
  Option shall be the lesser of (i) $44.00 per Option Share and (ii) the
  Common Stock Exchange Ratio multiplied by the Closing Price of the Company
  Common Stock on the date of exercise of the Option.
 
    (c) Term. The Option shall be exercisable at any time and from time to
  time following the occurrence of an Exercise Event and shall remain in full
  force and effect until the earliest to occur of (i) the Effective Time,
  (ii) the first anniversary of the receipt by Grantee of written notice from
  the Company of the occurrence of an Exercise Event and (iii) termination of
  the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms prior to the occurrence
  of an Exercise Event (the "Option Term"); provided, however, that the
  Option Term shall be extended until the commencement of the Put Period if,
  at the end of the Option Term, the events described in clauses (i), (ii)
  and (iii) of Section 9.05(d) of the Merger Agreement have transpired and
  the acceptance or agreement referenced in clause (iii) of such Section
  9.05(d) has not been terminated prior to
 
                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
  consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby. If so extended, the
  Option Term shall expire contemporaneously with any termination of the
  acceptance or agreement referenced in clause (iii) of such Section 9.05(d).
  If the Option is not theretofore exercised, the rights and obligations set
  forth in this Agreement shall terminate at the expiration of the Option
  Term.
 
    (d) Exercise of Option. The Grantee may exercise the Option, in whole or
  in part, at any time and from time to time during the Option Term.
  Notwithstanding the expiration of the Option Term, the Grantee shall be
  entitled to purchase those Option Shares with respect to which it has
  exercised the Option in accordance with the terms hereof prior to the
  expiration of the Option Term.
 
      (i) If the Grantee wishes to exercise the Option, it shall send a
    written notice (an "Exercise Notice") (the date of which being herein
    referred to as the "Notice Date") to the Company specifying (i) the
    total number of Option Shares it intends to purchase pursuant to such
    exercise and (ii) a place and a date (the "Closing Date") not earlier
    than three (3) Business Days nor later than 15 Business Days from the
    Notice Date for the closing of the purchase and sale pursuant to the
    Option (the "Closing").
 
      (ii) If the Closing cannot be effected by reason of the application
    of any Law, Regulation or Order, the Closing Date shall be extended to
    the tenth Business Day following the expiration or termination of the
    restriction imposed by such Law, Regulation or Order. Without limiting
    the foregoing, if prior notification to, or Authorization of, any
    Governmental Authority is required in connection with the purchase of
    such Option Shares by virtue of the application of such Law, Regulation
    or Order, the Grantee and, if applicable, the Company shall promptly
    file the required notice or application for Authorization and the
    Grantee, with the cooperation of the Company, shall expeditiously
    process the same.
 
      (iii) Notwithstanding Section 2(d)(ii), if the Closing Date shall not
    have occurred within nine months after the related Notice Date as a
    result of one or more restrictions imposed by the application of any
    Law, Regulation or Order, the exercise of the Option effected on the
    Notice Date shall be deemed to have expired.
 
    (e) Payment and Delivery of Certificates.
 
      (i) At each Closing, the Grantee shall pay to the Company in
    immediately available funds by wire transfer to a bank account
    designated by the Company an amount equal to the Exercise Price
    multiplied by the Option Shares to be purchased on such Closing Date.
 
      (ii) At each Closing, simultaneously with the delivery of immediately
    available funds as provided in Section 5(a), the Company shall deliver
    to the Grantee a certificate or certificates representing the Option
    Shares to be purchased at such Closing, which Option Shares shall be
    duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free
    and clear of all Liens, and the Grantee shall deliver to the Company
    its written agreement that the Grantee will not offer to sell or
    otherwise dispose of such Option Shares in violation of applicable Law
    or the provisions of this Agreement.
 
    (f) Certificates. Certificates for the Option Shares delivered at each
  Closing shall be endorsed with a restrictive legend that shall read
  substantially as follows:
 
      THE TRANSFER OF THE STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBJECT
      TO RESTRICTIONS ARISING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
      AMENDED, AND PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF A STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT DATED
      AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1998. A COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT WILL BE PROVIDED
      TO THE HOLDER HEREOF WITHOUT CHARGE UPON RECEIPT BY THE COMPANY OF A
      WRITTEN REQUEST THEREFOR.
 
  A new certificate or certificates evidencing the same number of shares of
the Company Common Stock will be issued to the Grantee in lieu of the
certificate bearing the above legend, and such new certificate shall not bear
such legend, insofar as it applies to the Securities Act, if the Grantee shall
have delivered to the Company a copy of a letter from the staff of the
Commission, or an opinion of counsel in form and substance reasonably
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
 
  satisfactory to the Company and its counsel, to the effect that such legend
  is not required for purposes of the Securities Act.
 
    (g) If at the time of issuance of any Company Common Stock pursuant to
  any exercise of the Option, the Company shall have issued any share
  purchase rights or similar securities to holders of Company Common Stock,
  then each Option Share purchased pursuant to the Option shall also include
  rights with terms substantially the same as and at least as favorable to
  the Grantee as those issued to other holders of Company Common Stock.
 
  3. Adjustment Upon Changes in Capitalization, Etc.
 
    (a) In the event of any change in the Company Common Stock by reason of a
  stock dividend, split-up, combination, recapitalization, exchange of shares
  or similar transaction, the type and number of shares or securities subject
  to the Option, and the Exercise Price therefor, shall be adjusted
  appropriately, and proper provision shall be made in the agreements
  governing such transaction, so that the Grantee shall receive upon exercise
  of the Option the same class and number of outstanding shares or other
  securities or property that Grantee would have received in respect of the
  Company Common Stock if the Option had been exercised immediately prior to
  such event, or the record date therefor, as applicable.
 
    (b) If any additional shares of Company Common Stock are issued after the
  date of this Agreement (other than pursuant to an event described Section
  3(a) above), the number of shares of Company Common Stock then remaining
  subject to the Option shall be adjusted so that, after such issuance of
  additional shares, such number of shares then remaining subject to the
  Option, together with shares theretofore issued pursuant to the Option,
  equals 15% of the number of shares of Company Common Stock then issued and
  outstanding; provided, however, that the number of shares of Company Common
  Stock subject to the Option shall only be increased to the extent the
  Company then has available authorized but unissued and unreserved shares of
  Company Common Stock.
 
    (c) To the extent any of the provisions of this Agreement apply to the
  Exercise Price, they shall be deemed to refer to the Exercise Price as
  adjusted pursuant to this Section 3.
 
  4. Retention of Beneficial Ownership. To the extent that the Grantee shall
exercise the Option, the Grantee shall, unless the Grantee shall exercise the
Put Right or the Alternative Put Right or the Company shall exercise the Call
Right or the Alternative Call Right, retain Beneficial Ownership of the shares
of Company Common Stock so acquired through the later of the end of the Call
Period or the end of the Alternative Call Period.
 
  5. Repurchase at the Option of Grantee.
 
    (a) At the request of the Grantee made at any time during a period of
  sixty (60) days after the termination fee for which provision is made in
  Section 9.05(d) of the Merger Agreement becomes payable (the "Put Period"),
  the Company (or any successor thereto) shall, at the election of the
  Grantee (the "Put Right"), repurchase from the Grantee (i) all or any
  portion of the Option that then remains unexercised (or as to which the
  Option has been exercised but the Closing has not occurred) and (ii) all or
  any portion of the shares of Company Common Stock purchased by the Grantee
  pursuant hereto and with respect to which the Grantee then has Beneficial
  Ownership. The date on which the Grantee exercises its rights under this
  Section 4 is referred to as the "Put Date." Such repurchase shall be at an
  aggregate price (the "Put Consideration") equal to the sum of:
 
      (i) the aggregate Exercise Price paid by the Grantee for any Option
    Shares which the Grantee owns and as to which the Grantee is exercising
    the Put Right;
 
      (ii) the excess, if any, of the Applicable Price over the Exercise
    Price paid by the Grantee for each Option Share as to which the Grantee
    is exercising the Put Right multiplied by the number of such shares;
    and
 
      (iii) the excess, if any, of (x) the Applicable Price for each share
    of Company Common Stock over (y) the Exercise Price multiplied by the
    number of Unexercised Option Shares as to which the Grantee is
    exercising the Put Right.
 
                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
    (b) At the request of the Grantee made at any time after the first
  Exercise Event and ending on the First Anniversary of the Notice Date (the
  "Alternative Put Period"), the Company (or any successor thereto) shall, at
  the election of the Grantee (the "Alternative Put Right"), repurchase from
  the Grantee all or any portion of the shares of Company Common Stock
  purchased by the Grantee pursuant hereto and with respect to which the
  Grantee then has Beneficial Ownership. The date on which the Grantee
  exercises its rights under this Section 4 is referred to as the
  "Alternative Put Date." Such repurchase shall be at an aggregate price (the
  "Alternative Put Consideration") equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by
  the number of shares of Company Common Stock so purchased by the Company
  and for which the Alternative Put Right has been exercised.
 
    (c) If the Grantee exercises its rights under this Section 4, the Company
  shall, within five Business Days after the Put Date or the Alternative Put
  Period, pay the Put Consideration or the Alternative Put Consideration, as
  the case may be, to the Grantee in immediately available funds, and the
  Grantee shall surrender to the Company the Option or portion of the Option
  and the certificates evidencing the shares of Company Common Stock
  purchased thereunder. The Grantee shall warrant to the Company that,
  immediately prior to the repurchase thereof pursuant to this Section 4, the
  Grantee had sole record and Beneficial Ownership of the Option or such
  shares, or both, as the case may be, and that the Option or such shares, or
  both, as the case may be, were then held free and clear of all Liens.
 
    (d) If the Option has been exercised, in whole or in part, as to any
  Option Shares subject to the Put Right or the Alternative Put Right but the
  Closing thereunder has not occurred, the payment of the Put Consideration
  or the Alternative Put Consideration shall, to that extent, render such
  exercise null and void.
 
    (e) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, the
  Grantee may not exercise its rights pursuant to this Section 4 in a manner
  that would result in the cash payment to the Grantee of an aggregate amount
  under this Section 4 of more than $225 million, including the amount, if
  any, paid to the Grantee pursuant to Section 9.05 of the Merger Agreement;
  provided, however, that nothing in this sentence shall limit the Grantee's
  ability to exercise the Option in accordance with its terms.
 
  6. Repurchase at the Option of the Company.
 
    (a) To the extent the Grantee shall not have previously exercised its
  rights under Section 5, at the request of the Company made at any time
  during the sixty (60) day period commencing at the expiration of the Put
  Period (the "Call Period"), the Company may repurchase from the Grantee,
  and the Grantee shall sell, or cause to be sold, to the Company, all (but
  not less than all) of the shares of Company Common Stock acquired by the
  Grantee pursuant hereto and with respect to which the Grantee has
  Beneficial Ownership (other than Beneficial Ownership derived solely from
  the power to vote or direct the voting of such Company Common Stock) at the
  time of such repurchase at a price per share equal to the greater of (A)
  the Current Market Price and (B) the Exercise Price per share in respect of
  the shares so acquired (such price per share multiplied by the number of
  shares of Company Common Stock to be repurchased pursuant to this Section 6
  being herein called the "Call Consideration"). The date on which the
  Company exercises its rights under this Section 6 is referred to as the
  "Call Date."
 
    (b) If (x) at the end of the Option Term (without giving effect to any
  extension thereof) not all the events described in clauses (i), (ii) and
  (iii) of Section 9.05(d) of the Merger Agreement have occurred or, (y) if
  at the end of the Option Term (including giving effect to any extension
  thereof) all the events referred to in clause (x) have occurred but the
  acceptance or agreement referenced in clause (iii) of such Section 9.05(d)
  has been terminated without consummation of the transactions contemplated
  thereby, then, at the request of the Company made at any time during the
  sixty (60) day period commencing at the expiration of the Alternative Put
  Period (the "Alternative Call Period"), the Company may repurchase from the
  Grantee, and the Grantee shall sell, or cause to be sold, to the Company,
  all (but not less than all) of the shares of Company Common Stock acquired
  by the Grantee pursuant hereto and with respect to which the Grantee has
  Beneficial Ownership (other than Beneficial Ownership derived solely from
  the power to vote or direct the voting of such Company Common Stock) at the
  time of such repurchase at a price per share equal to the Exercise Price
  per share in respect of the shares so acquired (such price per share
  multiplied by the
 
                                      B-4
<PAGE>
 
  number of shares of Company Common Stock to be repurchased pursuant to this
  Section 6 being herein called the "Alternative Call Consideration"). The
  date on which the Company exercises its rights under this Section 6 is
  referred to as the "Alternative Call Date."
 
    (c) If the Company exercises its rights under this Section 6, the Company
  shall, within five Business Days pay the Call Consideration in immediately
  available funds, and the Grantee shall surrender to the Company
  certificates evidencing the shares of Company Common Stock purchased
  hereunder, and the Grantee shall warrant to the Company that, immediately
  prior to the repurchase thereof pursuant to this Section 6, the Grantee had
  sole record and Beneficial Ownership of such shares and that such shares
  were then held free and clear of all Liens.
 
  7. Registration Rights.
 
    (a) The Company shall, if requested by the Grantee at any time and from
  time to time during the Registration Period, as expeditiously as
  practicable, prepare, file and cause to be made effective up to two
  registration statements under the Securities Act if such registration is
  required in order to permit the offering, sale and delivery of any or all
  shares of Company Common Stock or other securities that have been acquired
  by or are issuable to the Grantee upon exercise of the Option in accordance
  with the intended method of sale or other disposition stated by the
  Grantee, including, at the sole discretion of the Company, a "shelf"
  registration statement under Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any
  successor provision, and the Company shall use all reasonable efforts to
  qualify such shares or other securities under any applicable state
  securities laws. The Company shall use all reasonable efforts to cause each
  such registration statement to become effective, to obtain all consents or
  waivers of other parties that are required therefor and to keep such
  registration statement effective for such period not in excess of 180 days
  from the day such registration statement first becomes effective as may be
  reasonably necessary to effect such sale or other disposition. The
  obligations of the Company hereunder to file a registration statement and
  to maintain its effectiveness may be suspended for one or more periods of
  time not exceeding 60 days in the aggregate if the Board of Directors of
  the Company shall have determined in good faith that the filing of such
  registration or the maintenance of its effectiveness would require
  disclosure of nonpublic information that would materially and adversely
  affect the Company. For purposes of determining whether two requests have
  been made under this Section 7, only requests relating to a registration
  statement that has become effective under the Securities Act and pursuant
  to which the Grantee has disposed of all shares covered thereby in the
  manner contemplated therein shall be counted.
 
    (b) The Registration Expenses shall be for the account of the Company;
  provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to pay any
  Registration Expenses with respect to such registration if the registration
  request is subsequently withdrawn at the request of the Grantee unless the
  Grantee agrees to forfeit its right to request one registration; and
  provided further, that, if at the time of such withdrawal the Grantee has
  learned of a material adverse change in the results of operations,
  condition (financial or other), business or prospects of the Company as
  compared with the information known to the Grantee at the time of its
  request and has withdrawn the request with reasonable promptness following
  disclosure by the Company of such material adverse change, then the Grantee
  shall not be required to pay any of such Registration Expenses and shall
  retain all remaining rights to request registration.
 
    (c) The Grantee shall provide all information reasonably requested by the
  Company for inclusion in any registration statement to be filed hereunder.
  If during the Registration Period the Company shall propose to register
  under the Securities Act the offering, sale and delivery of Company Common
  Stock for cash for its own account or for any other stockholder of the
  Company pursuant to a firm underwriting, it shall, in addition to the
  Company's other obligations under this Section 7, allow the Grantee the
  right to participate in such registration provided that the Grantee
  participates in the underwriting; provided, however, that, if the managing
  underwriter of such offering advises the Company in writing that in its
  opinion the number of shares of Company Common Stock requested to be
  included in such registration exceeds the number that can be sold in such
  offering, the Company shall, after fully including therein all securities
  to be sold by the Company, include the shares requested to be included
  therein by Grantee pro rata (based on the number of shares intended to be
  included therein) with the shares intended to be included therein by
  Persons other than the Company.
 
                                      B-5
<PAGE>
 
    (d) In connection with any offering, sale and delivery of Company Common
  Stock pursuant to a registration statement effected pursuant to this
  Section 7, the Company and the Grantee shall provide each other and each
  underwriter of the offering with customary representations, warranties and
  covenants, including covenants of indemnification and contribution.
 
  8. First Refusal. Subject to the provisions of Section 4 herein, at any time
after the first occurrence of an Exercise Event and prior to the second
anniversary of the first purchase of shares of Company Common Stock pursuant
to the Option, if the Grantee shall desire to sell, assign, transfer or
otherwise dispose of all or any of the Option Shares or other securities
acquired by it pursuant to the Option, it shall give the Company written
notice of the proposed transaction (an "Offeror's Notice"), identifying the
proposed transferee, accompanied by a copy of a binding offer to purchase such
shares or other securities signed by such transferee and setting forth the
terms of the proposed transaction. An Offeror's Notice shall be deemed an
offer by the Grantee to the Company, which may be accepted, in whole but not
in part, within ten Business Days of the receipt of such Offeror's Notice, on
the same terms and conditions and at the same price at which the Grantee is
proposing to transfer such shares or other securities to such transferee. The
purchase of any such shares or other securities by the Company shall be
settled within ten Business Days of the date of the acceptance of the offer
and the purchase price shall be paid to the Grantee in immediately available
funds. If the Company shall fail or refuse to purchase all the shares or other
securities covered by an Offeror's Notice, the Grantee may, within 60 days
from the date of the Offeror's Notice, sell all, but not less than all, of
such shares or other securities to the proposed transferee at no less than the
price specified and on terms no more favorable than those set forth in the
Offeror's Notice; provided, however, that the provisions of this sentence
shall not limit the rights the Grantee may otherwise have if the Company has
accepted the offer contained in the Offeror's Notice and wrongfully refuses to
purchase the shares or other securities subject thereto. The requirements of
this Section 8 shall not apply to (a) any disposition as a result of which the
proposed transferee would own beneficially not more than 2% of the outstanding
voting power of the Company, (b) any disposition of Company Common Stock or
other securities by a Person to whom the Grantee has assigned its rights under
the Option with the consent of the Company, (c) any sale by means of a public
offering registered under the Securities Act or (d) any transfer to a wholly
owned Subsidiary of the Grantee which agrees in writing to be bound by the
terms hereof.
 
  9. Profit Limitation.
 
    (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in no event
  shall the Grantee's Total Profit exceed $225 million and, if it otherwise
  would exceed such amount, the Grantee, at its sole election, shall either
  (i) deliver to the Company for cancellation Option Shares previously
  purchased by Grantee, (ii) pay cash or other consideration to the Company
  or (iii) undertake any combination thereof, so that the Grantee's Total
  Profit shall not exceed $225 million after taking into account the
  foregoing actions.
 
    (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this Stock
  Option may not be exercised for a number of Option shares that would, as of
  the Notice Date, result in a Notional Total Profit of more than $225
  million, and, if exercise of the Option otherwise would exceed such amount,
  the Grantee, at its sole option, may increase the Exercise Price for that
  number of Option Shares set forth in the Exercise Notice so that the
  Notional Total Profit shall not exceed $225 million; provided, however,
  that nothing in this sentence shall restrict any exercise of the Option
  otherwise permitted by this Section 9(b) on any subsequent date at the
  Exercise Price set forth in Section 2(b).
 
  10. Listing. If the Company Common Stock or any other securities then
subject to the Option are then listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the
Company, upon the occurrence of an Exercise Event, will promptly file an
application to list on the New York Stock Exchange the shares of the Company
Common Stock or other securities then subject to the Option and will use all
reasonable efforts to cause such listing application to be approved as
promptly as practicable.
 
  11. Replacement of Agreement. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence
reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of
this Agreement, and (in the case of loss, theft or destruction) of reasonably
satisfactory indemnification, and upon surrender and cancellation of this
Agreement, if mutilated, the
 
                                      B-6
<PAGE>
 
Company will execute and deliver a new Agreement of like tenor and date. Any
such new Agreement shall constitute an additional contractual obligation of
the Company, whether or not the Agreement so lost, stolen, destroyed or
mutilated shall at any time be enforceable by anyone.
 
  12. Miscellaneous.
 
    (a) Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in the Merger Agreement or as
  otherwise expressly provided herein, each of the parties hereto shall bear
  and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or on its behalf in
  connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, including fees and
  expenses of its own financial consultants, investment bankers, accountants
  and counsel.
 
    (b) Waiver and Amendment. Any provision of this Agreement may be waived
  at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefits of such
  provision. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or
  supplemented except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement
  executed by the parties hereto.
 
    (c) Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiary; Severability. Except as
  otherwise set forth in the Merger Agreement, this Agreement (including the
  Merger Agreement and the other documents and instruments referred to herein
  and therein) (i) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior
  agreements and understandings, both written and oral, including without
  limitation any conflicting provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement,
  between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and (ii) is
  not intended to confer upon any Person other than the parties hereto any
  rights or remedies hereunder.
 
    (d) Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is
  invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or
  public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
  nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or
  legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in
  any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that
  any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being
  enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this
  Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as
  possible in an acceptable manner to the end that transactions contemplated
  hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.
 
    (e) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
  accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the Laws
  that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of
  law.
 
    (f) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings contained herein are
  for convenience or reference only and shall not affect in any way the
  meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
 
    (g) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
  writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied (with
  confirmation) or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt
  requested) to the parties at the following addresses or sent by electronic
  transmission to the telecopier number specified below:
 
    If to the Company to:
 
      Dresser Industries, Inc.
      2001 Ross Avenue
      Dallas, Texas 75221
      Attention: Clint Ables
      Telecopier No.: (214) 740-6904
 
    with a copy to:
 
      Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
      767 Fifth Avenue
      New York, New York 10153
      Attention: Dennis J. Block
      Telecopier No.: (212) 310-8007
 
                                      B-7
<PAGE>
 
    If to Grantee to:
 
      Halliburton Company
      3600 Lincoln Plaza
      500 North Akard
      Dallas, Texas 75201-3391
      Attention: Lester L. Coleman
                  Executive Vice President and General Counsel
      Telecopier No.: (214) 978-2658
 
    with a copy to:
 
      Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
      2300 First City Tower
      1001 Fannin Street
      Houston, Texas 77002-6760
      Attention: William E. Joor III
      Telecopier No.: (713) 615-5201
 
    (h) Counterparts. This Agreement and any amendments hereto may be
  executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all
  of which taken together shall constitute but a single document.
 
    (i) Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests
  or obligations hereunder or under the Option shall be assigned by either of
  the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the
  prior written consent of the other party, except that the Grantee may
  assign this Agreement to a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Grantee;
  provided, however, that no such assignment shall have the effect of
  releasing the Grantee from its obligations hereunder. Subject to the
  preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the
  benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective
  successors and assigns.
 
    (j) Further Assurances. In the event of any exercise of the Option by the
  Grantee, the Company and the Grantee shall execute and deliver all other
  documents and instruments and take all other action that may be reasonably
  necessary in order to consummate the transactions provided for by such
  exercise.
 
    (k) Specific Performance. The parties hereto hereby acknowledge and agree
  that the failure of any party to this Agreement to perform its agreements
  and covenants hereunder will cause irreparable injury to the other party to
  this Agreement for which damages, even if available, will not be an
  adequate remedy. Accordingly, each of the parties hereto hereby consents to
  the granting of equitable relief (including specific performance and
  injunctive relief) by any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce any
  party's obligations hereunder. The parties further agree to waive any
  requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with the
  obtaining of any such equitable relief and that this provision is without
  prejudice to any other rights that the parties hereto may have for any
  failure to perform this Agreement.
 
                                      B-8
<PAGE>
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Grantee have caused this Stock Option
Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized,
all as of the day and year first written above.
 
                                          Dresser Industries, Inc.
 
                                                     /s/ W. E. Bradford
                                          By: _________________________________
 
                                          Halliburton Company
 
                                                     /s/ David J. Lesar
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                     David J. Lesar
                                              President and Chief Operating
                                                         Officer
 
                                      B-9
<PAGE>
 
                                                                        ANNEX A
 
                           SCHEDULE OF DEFINED TERMS
 
  The following terms when used in the Stock Option Agreement shall have the
meanings set forth below unless the context shall otherwise require:
 
  "Agreement" shall mean this Stock Option Agreement.
 
  "Alternative Call Consideration" shall have the meaning ascribed to such
term in Section 6(b).
 
  "Alternative Call Date" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 6(b).
 
  "Alternative Call Period" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 6(b).
 
  "Alternative Call Right" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 6(b).
 
  "Alternative Put Consideration" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in Section 5(b).
 
  "Alternative Put Date" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 5(b).
 
  "Alternative Put Period" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 5(b).
 
  "Alternative Put Right" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 5(b).
 
  "Applicable Price" means the highest of (i) the highest purchase price per
share paid pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made for shares of Company
Common Stock after the date hereof and on or prior to the Put Date, (ii) the
price per share to be paid by any third Person for shares of Company Common
Stock pursuant to an agreement for a Business Combination Transaction entered
into on or prior to the Put Date, and (iii) the Current Market Price. If the
consideration to be offered, paid or received pursuant to either of the
foregoing clauses (i) or (ii) shall be other than in cash, the value of such
consideration shall be determined in good faith by an independent nationally
recognized investment banking firm selected by the Grantee and reasonably
acceptable to the Company, which determination shall be conclusive for all
purposes of this Agreement.
 
  "Beneficial Ownership," "Beneficial Owner" and "Beneficially Own" shall have
the meanings ascribed to them in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.
 
  "Business Combination Transaction" shall mean (i) a consolidation, exchange
of shares or merger of the Company with any Person, other than the Grantee or
one of its subsidiaries, and, in the case of a merger, in which the Company
shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation, (ii) a merger of the
Company with a Person, other than the Grantee or one of its Subsidiaries, in
which the Company shall be the continuing or surviving corporation but the
then outstanding shares of Company Common Stock shall be changed into or
exchanged for stock or other securities of the Company or any other Person or
cash or any other property or the shares of Company Common Stock outstanding
immediately before such merger shall after such merger represent less than 50%
of the common shares and common share equivalents of the Company outstanding
immediately after the merger or (iii) a sale, lease or other transfer of all
or substantially all the assets of the Company to any Person, other than the
Grantee or one of its Subsidiaries.
 
  "Call Consideration" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
5 herein.
 
  "Call Date" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5
herein.
 
  "Call Period" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5
herein.
 
  "Closing" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2 herein.
 
                                     B-10
<PAGE>
 
  "Closing Date" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2
herein.
 
  "Confidentiality Agreement" shall mean that certain Letter Agreement between
the parties hereto dated February 2, 1998.
 
  "Current Market Price" shall mean, as of any date, the average of the
closing prices (or, if such securities should not trade on any trading day,
the average of the bid and asked prices therefor on such day) of the Company
Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape during
the ten consecutive trading days ending on (and including) the trading day
immediately prior to such date or, if the shares of Company Common Stock are
not quoted thereon, on The Nasdaq Stock Market or, if the shares of Company
Common Stock are not quoted thereon, on the principal trading market (as
defined in Regulation M under the Exchange Act) on which such shares are
traded as reported by a recognized source during such ten Business Day period.
 
  "Exercise Event" shall mean any of the events giving rise to a right of
termination of the Merger Agreement under Section 9.01(b) (breach), 9.01(f)
(failure to obtain stockholder approval), 9.01(h) (fiduciary out) or 9.01(j)
(change of recommendation); provided, however, that, in the case of the events
set forth in Sections 9.01(b) and 9.01(f), at the time of such events
described in Section 9.01(b) or prior to the Company Stockholders' Meeting
referenced in Section 9.01(f), there shall also have been an Acquisition
Proposal involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that, at the time of
such events or meeting, shall not have been (x) rejected by the Company and
its Board of Directors or (y) withdrawn by the Person making such Acquisition
Proposal.
 
  "Exercise Notice" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
2(d)(i) herein.
 
  "Exercise Price" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2
herein.
 
  "Merger Agreement" shall mean that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of the date hereof among Halliburton Company, a Delaware corporation,
Dresser Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Halliburton N.C., Inc.,
a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Halliburton Company.
 
  "Newco" shall mean Halliburton N.C., Inc., a Delaware corporation and a
wholly owned subsidiary of Grantee.
 
  "Notice Date" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2
herein.
 
  "Notional Total Profit" shall mean, with respect to any number of Option
Shares as to which the Grantee may propose to exercise the Option, the Total
Profit determined as of the date of the Exercise Notice assuming that the
Option was exercised on such date for such number of Option Shares and
assuming such Option Shares, together with all other Option Shares held by the
Grantee and its Affiliates as of such date, were sold for cash at the closing
market price for the Company Common Stock as of the close of business on the
preceding trading day (less customary brokerage commissions).
 
  "Offeror's Notice" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 8
herein.
 
  "Option" shall mean the option granted by the Company to Grantee pursuant to
Section 2 herein.
 
  "Option Shares" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2
herein.
 
  "Option Term" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2
herein.
 
  "Put Consideration" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
4 herein.
 
  "Put Date" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4 herein.
 
 
                                     B-11
<PAGE>
 
  "Put Period" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4
herein.
 
  "Put Right" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4
herein.
 
  "Registration Expenses" shall mean the expenses associated with the
preparation and filing of any registration statement pursuant to Section 6
herein and any sale covered thereby (including any fees related to blue sky
qualifications and filing fees in respect of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc.), but excluding underwriting discounts or commissions
or brokers' fees in respect to shares to be sold by the Grantee and the fees
and disbursements of the Grantee's counsel.
 
  "Registration Period" shall mean the period of two years following the first
exercise of the Option by the Grantee.
 
  "Total Profit" shall mean the aggregate (before income taxes) of the
following: (i) all amounts received by the Grantee pursuant to Sections 5 and
6 for the repurchase of all or part of the unexercised portion of the Option,
(ii) (A) the net cash amounts received by the Grantee pursuant to the sale of
Option Shares (or any other securities into which such Option Shares are
converted or exchanges) to any party not an Affiliate of the Grantee, less (B)
the Grantee's purchase price for such Option Shares and (iii) all amounts
received by the Grantee from the Company pursuant to Section 9.05 (other than
Section 9.05(f)) of the Merger Agreement.
 
  "Unexercised Option Shares" shall mean those Option Shares as to which the
Option remains unexercised from time to time.
 
                                     B-12
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     APPENDIX C
 
Halliburton Company
 
                            STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 
  This STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT is dated as of February 25, 1998 by and between
Halliburton Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Parent"), and Dresser
Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Grantee").
 
                                   RECITALS:
 
  The Grantee, the Parent and Newco propose to enter into a Merger Agreement
providing, among other things, for the Merger pursuant to the Merger Agreement
of Newco with and into the Grantee which shall be the surviving corporation.
 
  As a condition and inducement to the Grantee's willingness to enter into the
Merger Agreement, the Grantee has requested that the Parent agree, and the
Parent has agreed, to grant the Grantee the Option.
 
  The Board of Directors of the Grantee has approved the Merger Agreement, the
Merger and this Agreement and has recommended approval of the Merger Agreement
by the holders of Common Stock of the Grantee.
 
  The Board of Directors of the Parent has approved the Merger Agreement, the
Merger and this Agreement and has recommended approval of the Charter
Amendment and the Share Issuance by the holders of Parent Common Stock.
 
  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein and in
the Merger Agreement, the Parent and the Grantee agree as follows:
 
  1. Capitalized Terms. Those capitalized terms used but not defined herein
that are defined in the Merger Agreement are used herein with the same
meanings as ascribed to them therein; provided, however, that, as used in this
Agreement, "Person" shall have the meaning specified in Sections 3(a)(9) and
13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act. Those capitalized terms used in this Agreement
that are not defined in the Merger Agreement are defined in Annex A hereto and
are used herein with the meanings ascribed to them therein.
 
  2. The Option.
 
    (a) Grant of Option. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth
  herein, the Parent hereby grants to the Grantee an irrevocable option to
  purchase, out of the authorized but unissued Parent Common Stock,
  39,388,700 shares of Parent Common Stock (as adjusted as set forth herein)
  (the "Option Shares"), at the Exercise Price.
 
    (b) Exercise Price. The exercise price (the "Exercise Price") of the
  Option shall be the lesser of (i) $44.00 per Option Share and (ii) the
  Common Stock Exchange Ratio multiplied by the Closing Price of the Parent
  Common Stock on the date of exercise of the Option.
 
    (c) Term. The Option shall be exercisable at any time and from time to
  time following the occurrence of an Exercise Event and shall remain in full
  force and effect until the earliest to occur of (i) the Effective Time,
  (ii) the first anniversary of the receipt by Grantee of written notice from
  the Parent of the occurrence of an Exercise Event and (iii) termination of
  the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms prior to the occurrence
  of an Exercise Event (the "Option Term"); provided, however, that the
  Option Term shall be extended until the commencement of the Put Period if,
  at the end of the Option Term, the events described in clauses (i), (ii)
  and (iii) of Section 9.05(e) of the Merger Agreement have transpired and
  the acceptance or agreement referenced in clause (iii) of such Section
  9.05(e) has not been terminated without consummation of the transactions
  contemplated thereby. If so extended, the Option Term shall expire
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
  contemporaneously with any termination of the acceptance or agreement
  referenced in clause (iii) of such Section 9.05(e). If the Option is not
  theretofore exercised, the rights and obligations set forth in this
  Agreement shall terminate at the expiration of the Option Term.
 
    (d) Exercise of Option. The Grantee may exercise the Option, in whole or
  in part, at any time and from time to time during the Option Term.
  Notwithstanding the expiration of the Option Term, the Grantee shall be
  entitled to purchase those Option Shares with respect to which it has
  exercised the Option in accordance with the terms hereof prior to the
  expiration of the Option Term.
 
      (i) If the Grantee wishes to exercise the Option, it shall send a
    written notice (an "Exercise Notice") (the date of which being herein
    referred to as the "Notice Date") to the Parent specifying (i) the
    total number of Option Shares it intends to purchase pursuant to such
    exercise and (ii) a place and a date (the "Closing Date") not earlier
    than three (3) Business Days nor later than 15 Business Days from the
    Notice Date for the closing of the purchase and sale pursuant to the
    Option (the "Closing").
 
      (ii) If the Closing cannot be effected by reason of the application
    of any Law, Regulation or Order, the Closing Date shall be extended to
    the tenth Business Day following the expiration or termination of the
    restriction imposed by such Law, Regulation or Order. Without limiting
    the foregoing, if prior notification to, or Authorization of, any
    Governmental Authority is required in connection with the purchase of
    such Option Shares by virtue of the application of such Law, Regulation
    or Order, the Grantee and, if applicable, the Parent shall promptly
    file the required notice or application for Authorization and the
    Grantee, with the cooperation of the Parent, shall expeditiously
    process the same.
 
      (iii) Notwithstanding Section 2(d)(ii), if the Closing Date shall not
    have occurred within nine months after the related Notice Date as a
    result of one or more restrictions imposed by the application of any
    Law, Regulation or Order, the exercise of the Option effected on the
    Notice Date shall be deemed to have expired.
 
    (e) Payment and Delivery of Certificates.
 
      (i) At each Closing, the Grantee shall pay to the Parent in
    immediately available funds by wire transfer to a bank account
    designated by the Parent an amount equal to the Exercise Price
    multiplied by the Option Shares to be purchased on such Closing Date.
 
      (ii) At each Closing, simultaneously with the delivery of immediately
    available funds as provided in Section 5(a), the Parent shall deliver
    to the Grantee a certificate or certificates representing the Option
    Shares to be purchased at such Closing, which Option Shares shall be
    duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free
    and clear of all Liens, and the Grantee shall deliver to the Parent its
    written agreement that the Grantee will not offer to sell or otherwise
    dispose of such Option Shares in violation of applicable Law or the
    provisions of this Agreement.
 
    (f) Certificates. Certificates for the Option Shares delivered at each
  Closing shall be endorsed with a restrictive legend that shall read
  substantially as follows:
 
    THE TRANSFER OF THE STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBJECT TO
    RESTRICTIONS ARISING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND
    PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF A STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT DATED AS OF FEBRUARY
    25, 1998. A COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE HOLDER
    HEREOF WITHOUT CHARGE UPON RECEIPT BY THE PARENT OF A WRITTEN REQUEST
    THEREFOR.
 
  A new certificate or certificates evidencing the same number of shares of
the Parent Common Stock will be issued to the Grantee in lieu of the
certificate bearing the above legend, and such new certificate shall not bear
such legend, insofar as it applies to the Securities Act, if the Grantee shall
have delivered to the Parent a copy of a letter from the staff of the
Commission, or an opinion of counsel in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Parent and its counsel, to the effect that such legend is
not required for purposes of the Securities Act.
 
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
 
    (g) If at the time of issuance of any Parent Common Stock pursuant to any
  exercise of the Option, the Parent shall have issued any share purchase
  rights or similar securities to holders of Parent Common Stock, then each
  Option Share purchased pursuant to the Option shall also include rights
  with terms substantially the same as and at least as favorable to the
  Grantee as those issued to other holders of Parent Common Stock.
 
  3. Adjustment Upon Changes in Capitalization, Etc.
 
    (a) In the event of any change in the Parent Common Stock by reason of a
  stock dividend, split-up, combination, recapitalization, exchange of shares
  or similar transaction, the type and number of shares or securities subject
  to the Option, and the Exercise Price therefor, shall be adjusted
  appropriately, and proper provision shall be made in the agreements
  governing such transaction, so that the Grantee shall receive upon exercise
  of the Option the same class and number of outstanding shares or other
  securities or property that Grantee would have received in respect of the
  Parent Common Stock if the Option had been exercised immediately prior to
  such event, or the record date therefor, as applicable.
 
    (b) If any additional shares of Parent Common Stock are issued after the
  date of this Agreement (other than pursuant to an event described Section
  3(a) above), the number of shares of Parent Common Stock then remaining
  subject to the Option shall be adjusted so that, after such issuance of
  additional shares, such number of shares then remaining subject to the
  Option, together with shares theretofore issued pursuant to the Option,
  equals 15% of the number of shares of Parent Common Stock then issued and
  outstanding; provided, however, that the number of shares of Parent Common
  Stock subject to the Option shall only be increased to the extent the
  Parent then has available authorized but unissued and unreserved shares of
  Parent Common Stock.
 
    (c) To the extent any of the provisions of this Agreement apply to the
  Exercise Price, they shall be deemed to refer to the Exercise Price as
  adjusted pursuant to this Section 3.
 
  4. Retention of Beneficial Ownership. To the extent that the Grantee shall
exercise the Option, the Grantee shall, unless the Grantee shall exercise the
Put Right or the Alternative Put Right or the Parent shall exercise the Call
Right or the Alternative Call Right, retain Beneficial Ownership of the shares
of Parent Common Stock so acquired through the later of the end of the Call
Period or the end of the Alternative Call Period.
 
  5. Repurchase at the Option of Grantee.
 
    (a) At the request of the Grantee made at any time during a period of
  sixty (60) days after the termination fee for which provision is made in
  Section 9.05(e) of the Merger Agreement becomes payable (the "Put Period"),
  the Parent (or any successor thereto) shall, at the election of the Grantee
  (the "Put Right"), repurchase from the Grantee (i) all or any portion of
  the Option that then remains unexercised (or as to which the Option has
  been exercised but the Closing has not occurred) and (ii) all or any
  portion of the shares of Parent Common Stock purchased by the Grantee
  pursuant hereto and with respect to which the Grantee then has Beneficial
  Ownership. The date on which the Grantee exercises its rights under this
  Section 4 is referred to as the "Put Date." Such repurchase shall be at an
  aggregate price (the "Put Consideration") equal to the sum of:
 
      (i) the aggregate Exercise Price paid by the Grantee for any Option
    Shares which the Grantee owns and as to which the Grantee is exercising
    the Put Right;
 
      (ii) the excess, if any, of the Applicable Price over the Exercise
    Price paid by the Grantee for each Option Share as to which the Grantee
    is exercising the Put Right multiplied by the number of such shares;
    and
 
      (iii) the excess, if any, of (x) the Applicable Price for each share
    of Parent Common Stock over (y) the Exercise Price multiplied by the
    number of Unexercised Option Shares as to which the Grantee is
    exercising the Put Right.
 
    (b) At the request of the Grantee made at any time after the first
  Exercise Event and ending on the First Anniversary of the Notice Date (the
  "Alternative Put Period"), the Parent (or any successor thereto)
 
                                      C-3
<PAGE>
 
  shall, at the election of the Grantee (the "Alternative Put Right"),
  repurchase from the Grantee all or any portion of the shares of Parent
  Common Stock purchased by the Grantee pursuant hereto and with respect to
  which the Grantee then has Beneficial Ownership. The date on which the
  Grantee exercises its rights under this Section 4 is referred to as the
  "Alternative Put Date." Such repurchase shall be at an aggregate price (the
  "Alternative Put Consideration") equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by
  the number of shares of Parent Common Stock so purchased by the Parent and
  for which the Alternative Put Right has been exercised.
 
    (c) If the Grantee exercises its rights under this Section 4, the Parent
  shall, within five Business Days after the Put Date or the Alternative Put
  Period, pay the Put Consideration or the Alternative Put Consideration, as
  the case may be, to the Grantee in immediately available funds, and the
  Grantee shall surrender to the Parent the Option or portion of the Option
  and the certificates evidencing the shares of Parent Common Stock purchased
  thereunder. The Grantee shall warrant to the Parent that, immediately prior
  to the repurchase thereof pursuant to this Section 4, the Grantee had sole
  record and Beneficial Ownership of the Option or such shares, or both, as
  the case may be, and that the Option or such shares, or both, as the case
  may be, were then held free and clear of all Liens.
 
    (d) If the Option has been exercised, in whole or in part, as to any
  Option Shares subject to the Put Right or the Alternative Put Right but the
  Closing thereunder has not occurred, the payment of the Put Consideration
  or the Alternative Put Consideration shall, to that extent, render such
  exercise null and void.
 
    (e) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, the
  Grantee may not exercise its rights pursuant to this Section 4 in a manner
  that would result in the cash payment to the Grantee of an aggregate amount
  under this Section 4 of more than $225 million, including the amount, if
  any, paid to the Grantee pursuant to Section 9.05 of the Merger Agreement;
  provided, however, that nothing in this sentence shall limit the Grantee's
  ability to exercise the Option in accordance with its terms.
 
  6. Repurchase at the Option of the Parent.
 
    (a) To the extent the Grantee shall not have previously exercised its
  rights under Section 5, at the request of the Parent made at any time
  during the sixty (60) day period commencing at the expiration of the Put
  Period (the "Call Period"), the Parent may repurchase from the Grantee, and
  the Grantee shall sell, or cause to be sold, to the Parent, all (but not
  less than all) of the shares of Parent Common Stock acquired by the Grantee
  pursuant hereto and with respect to which the Grantee has Beneficial
  Ownership (other than Beneficial Ownership derived solely from the power to
  vote or direct the voting of such Parent Common Stock) at the time of such
  repurchase at a price per share equal to the greater of (A) the Current
  Market Price and (B) the Exercise Price per share in respect of the shares
  so acquired (such price per share multiplied by the number of shares of
  Parent Common Stock to be repurchased pursuant to this Section 6 being
  herein called the "Call Consideration"). The date on which the Parent
  exercises its rights under this Section 6 is referred to as the "Call
  Date."
 
    (b) If (x) at the end of the Option Term (without giving effect to any
  extension thereof) not all the events described in clauses (i), (ii) and
  (iii) of Section 9.05(e) of the Merger Agreement have occurred or, (y) if
  at the end of the Option Term (including giving effect to any extension
  thereof) all the events referenced in clause (x) have occurred but the
  acceptance or agreement referenced in clause (iii) of such Section 9.05(e)
  has been terminated without consummation of the transactions contemplated
  thereby, then, at the request of the Parent made at any time during the
  sixty (60) day period commencing at the expiration of the Alternative Put
  Period (the "Alternative Call Period"), the Parent may repurchase from the
  Grantee, and the Grantee shall sell, or cause to be sold, to the Parent,
  all (but not less than all) of the shares of Parent Common Stock acquired
  by the Grantee pursuant hereto and with respect to which the Grantee has
  Beneficial Ownership (other than Beneficial Ownership derived solely from
  the power to vote or direct the voting of such Parent Common Stock) at the
  time of such repurchase at a price per share equal to the Exercise Price
  per share in respect of the shares so acquired (such price per share
  multiplied by the number of shares of Parent Common Stock to be repurchased
  pursuant to this Section 6 being herein called the
 
                                      C-4
<PAGE>
 
  "Alternative Call Consideration"). The date on which the Parent exercises
  its rights under this Section 6 is referred to as the "Alternative Call
  Date."
 
    (c) If the Parent exercises its rights under this Section 6, the Parent
  shall, within five Business Days pay the Call Consideration in immediately
  available funds, and the Grantee shall surrender to the Parent certificates
  evidencing the shares of Parent Common Stock purchased hereunder, and the
  Grantee shall warrant to the Parent that, immediately prior to the
  repurchase thereof pursuant to this Section 6, the Grantee had sole record
  and Beneficial Ownership of such shares and that such shares were then held
  free and clear of all Liens.
 
  7. Registration Rights.
 
    (a) The Parent shall, if requested by the Grantee at any time and from
  time to time during the Registration Period, as expeditiously as
  practicable, prepare, file and cause to be made effective up to two
  registration statements under the Securities Act if such registration is
  required in order to permit the offering, sale and delivery of any or all
  shares of Parent Common Stock or other securities that have been acquired
  by or are issuable to the Grantee upon exercise of the Option in accordance
  with the intended method of sale or other disposition stated by the
  Grantee, including, at the sole discretion of the Parent, a "shelf"
  registration statement under Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any
  successor provision, and the Parent shall use all reasonable efforts to
  qualify such shares or other securities under any applicable state
  securities laws. The Parent shall use all reasonable efforts to cause each
  such registration statement to become effective, to obtain all consents or
  waivers of other parties that are required therefor and to keep such
  registration statement effective for such period not in excess of 180 days
  from the day such registration statement first becomes effective as may be
  reasonably necessary to effect such sale or other disposition. The
  obligations of the Parent hereunder to file a registration statement and to
  maintain its effectiveness may be suspended for one or more periods of time
  not exceeding 60 days in the aggregate if the Board of Directors of the
  Parent shall have determined in good faith that the filing of such
  registration or the maintenance of its effectiveness would require
  disclosure of nonpublic information that would materially and adversely
  affect the Parent. For purposes of determining whether two requests have
  been made under this Section 7, only requests relating to a registration
  statement that has become effective under the Securities Act and pursuant
  to which the Grantee has disposed of all shares covered thereby in the
  manner contemplated therein shall be counted.
 
    (b) The Registration Expenses shall be for the account of the Parent;
  provided, however, that the Parent shall not be required to pay any
  Registration Expenses with respect to such registration if the registration
  request is subsequently withdrawn at the request of the Grantee unless the
  Grantee agrees to forfeit its right to request one registration; and
  provided further, that, if at the time of such withdrawal the Grantee has
  learned of a material adverse change in the results of operations,
  condition (financial or other), business or prospects of the Parent as
  compared with the information known to the Grantee at the time of its
  request and has withdrawn the request with reasonable promptness following
  disclosure by the Parent of such material adverse change, then the Grantee
  shall not be required to pay any of such Registration Expenses and shall
  retain all remaining rights to request registration.
 
    (c) The Grantee shall provide all information reasonably requested by the
  Parent for inclusion in any registration statement to be filed hereunder.
  If during the Registration Period the Parent shall propose to register
  under the Securities Act the offering, sale and delivery of Parent Common
  Stock for cash for its own account or for any other stockholder of the
  Parent pursuant to a firm underwriting, it shall, in addition to the
  Parent's other obligations under this Section 7, allow the Grantee the
  right to participate in such registration provided that the Grantee
  participates in the underwriting; provided, however, that, if the managing
  underwriter of such offering advises the Parent in writing that in its
  opinion the number of shares of Parent Common Stock requested to be
  included in such registration exceeds the number that can be sold in such
  offering, the Parent shall, after fully including therein all securities to
  be sold by the Parent, include the shares requested to be included therein
  by Grantee pro rata (based on the number of shares intended to be included
  therein) with the shares intended to be included therein by Persons other
  than the Parent.
 
 
                                      C-5
<PAGE>
 
    (d) In connection with any offering, sale and delivery of Parent Common
  Stock pursuant to a registration statement effected pursuant to this
  Section 7, the Parent and the Grantee shall provide each other and each
  underwriter of the offering with customary representations, warranties and
  covenants, including covenants of indemnification and contribution.
 
  8. First Refusal. Subject to the provisions of Section 4 herein, at any time
after the first occurrence of an Exercise Event and prior to the second
anniversary of the first purchase of shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to
the Option, if the Grantee shall desire to sell, assign, transfer or otherwise
dispose of all or any of the Option Shares or other securities acquired by it
pursuant to the Option, it shall give the Parent written notice of the
proposed transaction (an "Offeror's Notice"), identifying the proposed
transferee, accompanied by a copy of a binding offer to purchase such shares
or other securities signed by such transferee and setting forth the terms of
the proposed transaction. An Offeror's Notice shall be deemed an offer by the
Grantee to the Parent, which may be accepted, in whole but not in part, within
ten Business Days of the receipt of such Offeror's Notice, on the same terms
and conditions and at the same price at which the Grantee is proposing to
transfer such shares or other securities to such transferee. The purchase of
any such shares or other securities by the Parent shall be settled within ten
Business Days of the date of the acceptance of the offer and the purchase
price shall be paid to the Grantee in immediately available funds. If the
Parent shall fail or refuse to purchase all the shares or other securities
covered by an Offeror's Notice, the Grantee may, within 60 days from the date
of the Offeror's Notice, sell all, but not less than all, of such shares or
other securities to the proposed transferee at no less than the price
specified and on terms no more favorable than those set forth in the Offeror's
Notice; provided, however, that the provisions of this sentence shall not
limit the rights the Grantee may otherwise have if the Parent has accepted the
offer contained in the Offeror's Notice and wrongfully refuses to purchase the
shares or other securities subject thereto. The requirements of this Section 8
shall not apply to (a) any disposition as a result of which the proposed
transferee would own beneficially not more than 2% of the outstanding voting
power of the Parent, (b) any disposition of Parent Common Stock or other
securities by a Person to whom the Grantee has assigned its rights under the
Option with the consent of the Parent, (c) any sale by means of a public
offering registered under the Securities Act or (d) any transfer to a wholly
owned Subsidiary of the Grantee which agrees in writing to be bound by the
terms hereof.
 
  9. Profit Limitation.
 
    (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in no event
  shall the Grantee's Total Profit exceed $225 million and, if it otherwise
  would exceed such amount, the Grantee, at its sole election, shall either
  (i) deliver to the Parent for cancellation Option Shares previously
  purchased by Parent, (ii) pay cash or other consideration to the Parent or
  (iii) undertake any combination thereof, so that the Grantee's Total Profit
  shall not exceed $225 million after taking into account the foregoing
  actions.
 
    (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this Stock
  Option may not be exercised for a number of Option shares that would, as of
  the Notice Date, result in a Notional Total Profit of more than $225
  million, and, if exercise of the Option otherwise would exceed such amount,
  the Grantee, at its sole option, may increase the Exercise Price for that
  number of Option Shares set forth in the Exercise Notice so that the
  Notional Total Profit shall not exceed $225 million; provided, however,
  that nothing in this sentence shall restrict any exercise of the Option
  otherwise permitted by this Section 9(b) on any subsequent date at the
  Exercise Price set forth in Section 2(b).
 
  10. Listing. If the Parent Common Stock or any other securities then subject
to the Option are then listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Parent, upon
the occurrence of an Exercise Event, will promptly file an application to list
on the New York Stock Exchange the shares of the Parent Common Stock or other
securities then subject to the Option and will use all reasonable efforts to
cause such listing application to be approved as promptly as practicable.
 
  11. Replacement of Agreement. Upon receipt by the Parent of evidence
reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of
this Agreement, and (in the case of loss, theft or destruction) of reasonably
satisfactory indemnification, and upon surrender and cancellation of this
Agreement, if mutilated, the Parent will
 
                                      C-6
<PAGE>
 
execute and deliver a new Agreement of like tenor and date. Any such new
Agreement shall constitute an additional contractual obligation of the Parent,
whether or not the Agreement so lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated shall at
any time be enforceable by anyone.
 
  12. Miscellaneous.
 
    (a) Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in the Merger Agreement or as
  otherwise expressly provided herein, each of the parties hereto shall bear
  and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or on its behalf in
  connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, including fees and
  expenses of its own financial consultants, investment bankers, accountants
  and counsel.
 
    (b) Waiver and Amendment. Any provision of this Agreement may be waived
  at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefits of such
  provision. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or
  supplemented except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement
  executed by the parties hereto.
 
    (c) Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiary; Severability. Except as
  otherwise set forth in the Merger Agreement, this Agreement (including the
  Merger Agreement and the other documents and instruments referred to herein
  and therein) (i) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior
  agreements and understandings, both written and oral, including without
  limitation any conflicting provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement,
  between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and (ii) is
  not intended to confer upon any Person other than the parties hereto any
  rights or remedies hereunder.
 
    (d) Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is
  invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or
  public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
  nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or
  legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in
  any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that
  any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being
  enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this
  Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as
  possible in an acceptable manner to the end that transactions contemplated
  hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.
 
    (e) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
  accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the Laws
  that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of
  law.
 
    (f) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings contained herein are
  for convenience or reference only and shall not affect in any way the
  meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
 
                                      C-7
<PAGE>
 
    (g) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
  writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied (with
  confirmation) or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt
  requested) to the parties at the following addresses or sent by electronic
  transmission to the telecopier number specified below:
 
    If to the Parent to:
 
      Halliburton Company
      3600 Lincoln Plaza
      500 North Akard
      Dallas, Texas 75201-3391
      Attention: Lester L. Coleman
      Telecopier No.: (214) 978-2658
 
    with a copy to:
 
      Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
      2300 First City Tower
      1001 Fannin Street
      Houston, Texas 77002-6760
      Attention: William E. Joor III
      Telecopier No.: (713) 615-5201
 
    If to Grantee to:
 
      Dresser Industries, Inc.
      2001 Ross Avenue
      Dallas, Texas 75221
      Attention: Clint Ables
      Telecopier No.: (214) 740-6904
 
    with a copy to:
 
      Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
      767 Fifth Avenue
      New York, New York 10153
      Attention: Dennis J. Block
      Telecopier No.: (212) 310-8007
 
    (h) Counterparts. This Agreement and any amendments hereto may be
  executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all
  of which taken together shall constitute but a single document.
 
    (i) Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests
  or obligations hereunder or under the Option shall be assigned by either of
  the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the
  prior written consent of the other party, except that the Grantee may
  assign this Agreement to a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Grantee;
  provided, however, that no such assignment shall have the effect of
  releasing the Grantee from its obligations hereunder. Subject to the
  preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the
  benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective
  successors and assigns.
 
    (j) Further Assurances. In the event of any exercise of the Option by the
  Grantee, the Parent and the Grantee shall execute and deliver all other
  documents and instruments and take all other action that may be reasonably
  necessary in order to consummate the transactions provided for by such
  exercise.
 
    (k) Specific Performance. The parties hereto hereby acknowledge and agree
  that the failure of any party to this Agreement to perform its agreements
  and covenants hereunder will cause irreparable injury to the other party to
  this Agreement for which damages, even if available, will not be an
  adequate remedy. Accordingly, each of the parties hereto hereby consents to
  the granting of equitable relief (including specific
 
                                      C-8
<PAGE>
 
  performance and injunctive relief) by any court of competent jurisdiction
  to enforce any party's obligations hereunder. The parties further agree to
  waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection
  with the obtaining of any such equitable relief and that this provision is
  without prejudice to any other rights that the parties hereto may have for
  any failure to perform this Agreement.
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parent and the Grantee have caused this Stock Option
Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized,
all as of the day and year first written above.
 
                                          DRESSER INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                                                    /s/ W. E. Bradford
                                          By: _________________________________
 
                                          HALLIBURTON COMPANY
 
                                                    /s/ David J. Lesar
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            David J. Lesar
                                            President and Chief Operating
                                            Officer
 
                                      C-9
<PAGE>
 
                                                                        ANNEX A
 
                           SCHEDULE OF DEFINED TERMS
 
  The following terms when used in the Stock Option Agreement shall have the
meanings set forth below unless the context shall otherwise require:
 
  "Agreement" shall mean this Stock Option Agreement.
 
  "Alternative Call Consideration" shall have the meaning ascribed to such
term in Section 6(b).
 
  "Alternative Call Date" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 6(b).
 
  "Alternative Call Period" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 6(b).
 
  "Alternative Call Right" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 6(b).
 
  "Alternative Put Consideration" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in Section 5(b).
 
  "Alternative Put Date" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 5(b).
 
  "Alternative Put Period" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 5(b).
 
  "Alternative Put Right" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 5(b).
 
  "Applicable Price" means the highest of (i) the highest purchase price per
share paid pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made for shares of Parent
Common Stock after the date hereof and on or prior to the Put Date, (ii) the
price per share to be paid by any third Person for shares of Parent Common
Stock pursuant to an agreement for a Business Combination Transaction entered
into on or prior to the Put Date, and (iii) the Current Market Price. If the
consideration to be offered, paid or received pursuant to either of the
foregoing clauses (i) or (ii) shall be other than in cash, the value of such
consideration shall be determined in good faith by an independent nationally
recognized investment banking firm selected by the Grantee and reasonably
acceptable to the Parent, which determination shall be conclusive for all
purposes of this Agreement.
 
  "Beneficial Ownership," "Beneficial Owner" and "Beneficially Own" shall have
the meanings ascribed to them in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.
 
  "Business Combination Transaction" shall mean (i) a consolidation, exchange
of shares or merger of the Parent with any Person, other than the Grantee or
one of its subsidiaries, and, in the case of a merger, in which the Parent
shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation, (ii) a merger of the
Parent with a Person, other than the Grantee or one of its Subsidiaries, in
which the Parent shall be the continuing or surviving corporation but the then
outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock shall be changed into or exchanged
for stock or other securities of the Parent or any other Person or cash or any
other property or the shares of Parent Common Stock outstanding immediately
before such merger shall after such merger represent less than 50% of the
common shares and common share equivalents of the Parent outstanding
immediately after the merger or (iii) a sale, lease or other transfer of all
or substantially all the assets of the Parent to any Person, other than the
Grantee or one of its Subsidiaries.
 
  "Call Consideration" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
5 herein.
 
  "Call Date" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5
herein.
 
  "Call Period" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5
herein.
 
  "Closing" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2 herein.
 
                                     C-10
<PAGE>
 
  "Closing Date" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2
herein.
 
  "Confidentiality Agreement" shall mean that certain Letter Agreement between
the parties hereto dated February 2, 1998.
 
  "Current Market Price" shall mean, as of any date, the average of the
closing prices (or, if such securities should not trade on any trading day,
the average of the bid and asked prices therefor on such day) of the Parent
Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape during
the ten consecutive trading days ending on (and including) the trading day
immediately prior to such date or, if the shares of Parent Common Stock are
not quoted thereon, on The Nasdaq Stock Market or, if the shares of Parent
Common Stock are not quoted thereon, on the principal trading market (as
defined in Regulation M under the Exchange Act) on which such shares are
traded as reported by a recognized source during such ten Business Day period.
 
  "Exercise Event" shall mean any of the events giving rise to a right of
termination of the Merger Agreement under Section 9.01(c) (breach), 9.01(g)
(failure to obtain stockholder approval), 9.01(i) (fiduciary out) or 9.01(k)
(change of recommendation); provided, however, that, in the case of the events
set forth in Sections 9.01(c) and 9.01(g), at the time of such events
described in Section 9.01(c) or prior to the Parent Stockholders' Meeting
referenced in Section 9.01(g), there shall also have been an Acquisition
Proposal involving the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries that, at the time of
such events or meeting, shall not have been (x) rejected by the Parent and its
Board of Directors or (y) withdrawn by the Person making such Acquisition
Proposal.
 
  "Exercise Notice" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
2(d)(i) herein.
 
  "Exercise Price" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2
herein.
 
  "Merger Agreement" shall mean that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of the date hereof among Halliburton Company, a Delaware corporation,
Dresser Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Halliburton N.C., Inc.,
a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Halliburton Company.
 
  "Newco" shall mean Halliburton N.C., Inc., a Delaware corporation and a
wholly owned subsidiary of Grantee.
 
  "Notice Date" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2
herein.
 
  "Notional Total Profit" shall mean, with respect to any number of Option
Shares as to which the Grantee may propose to exercise the Option, the Total
Profit determined as of the date of the Exercise Notice assuming that the
Option was exercised on such date for such number of Option Shares and
assuming such Option Shares, together with all other Option Shares held by the
Grantee and its Affiliates as of such date, were sold for cash at the closing
market price for the Parent Common Stock as of the close of business on the
preceding trading day (less customary brokerage commissions).
 
  "Offeror's Notice" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 8
herein.
 
  "Option" shall mean the option granted by the Parent to Grantee pursuant to
Section 2 herein.
 
  "Option Shares" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2
herein.
 
  "Option Term" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2
herein.
 
  "Put Consideration" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
4 herein.
 
  "Put Date" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4 herein.
 
  "Put Period" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4
herein.
 
 
                                     C-11
<PAGE>
 
  "Put Right" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4
herein.
 
  "Registration Expenses" shall mean the expenses associated with the
preparation and filing of any registration statement pursuant to Section 6
herein and any sale covered thereby (including any fees related to blue sky
qualifications and filing fees in respect of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc.), but excluding underwriting discounts or commissions
or brokers' fees in respect to shares to be sold by the Grantee and the fees
and disbursements of the Grantee's counsel.
 
  "Registration Period" shall mean the period of two years following the first
exercise of the Option by the Grantee.
 
  "Total Profit" shall mean the aggregate (before income taxes) of the
following: (i) all amounts received by the Grantee pursuant to Sections 5 and
6 for the repurchase of all or part of the unexercised portion of the Option,
(ii) (A) the net cash amounts received by the Grantee pursuant to the sale of
Option Shares (or any other securities into which such Option Shares are
converted or exchanges) to any party not an Affiliate of the Grantee, less (B)
the Grantee's purchase price for such Option Shares and (iii) all amounts
received by the Grantee from the Parent pursuant to Section 9.05 (other than
Section 9.05(f)) of the Merger Agreement.
 
  "Unexercised Option Shares" shall mean those Option Shares as to which the
Option remains unexercised from time to time.
 
                                     C-12
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     APPENDIX D
 
                                     LOGO
 
                                                              February 25, 1998
 
 
Board of Directors
Halliburton Company
3600 Lincoln Plaza
504 North Akard Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
 
Lady and Gentlemen:
 
  We understand that Halliburton Company ("Halliburton" or the "Company") is
undertaking a transaction whereby a wholly owned subsidiary of Halliburton
will be merged with and into Dresser Industries, Inc. ("Dresser") pursuant to
the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") dated as
of February 25, 1998, such that Dresser will become a wholly owned subsidiary
of Halliburton (the "Transaction"). Pursuant to the Transaction, each
outstanding share of Dresser's Common Stock, $0.25 par value, and associated
rights, will be converted into one (1.0) share of Halliburton's Common Stock,
par value $2.50 per share (the "Exchange Ratio"). The terms and conditions of
the Transaction are more fully set forth in the Merger Agreement.
 
  You have requested our opinion as to whether the Exchange Ratio is fair,
from a financial point of view, to Halliburton.
 
  SBC Warburg Dillon Read Inc. ("SBC Warburg Dillon Read") has acted as
financial advisor to the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with
the Transaction and will receive a fee for its services, a substantial portion
of which is contingent upon the consummation of the Transaction. In the past,
SBC Warburg Dillon Read and its predecessors have provided investment banking
services to the Company and Dresser and have received customary compensation
for the rendering of such services. In the ordinary course of business, SBC
Warburg Dillon Read and its affiliates may actively trade or hold the equity
securities of the Company or Dresser for their own accounts and the accounts
of their customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short
position in such securities.
 
  On December 8, 1997, Swiss Bank Corporation ("SBC") announced its intention
to merge with Union Bank of Switzerland ("UBS"). Accordingly, references to
SBC shall include our successor entity following implementation of the merger
with UBS.
 
  In arriving at our opinion, we have, among other things: (i) reviewed the
Merger Agreement, (ii) reviewed certain publicly available business and
historical financial information relating to Halliburton and Dresser,
including the audited financial statements included in the Annual Report on
Form 10-K for Halliburton and Dresser as of December 31, 1997 and October 31,
1997, respectively, (iii) reviewed and performed analyses based on certain
financial information and other data provided to us by Halliburton relating to
the business and prospects of Halliburton that was prepared by the management
of the Company, (iv) reviewed certain financial information and other data
provided to us by Dresser relating to the business and prospects of Dresser
that was prepared by the management of Dresser, (v) considered the pro forma
per share effects of the Transaction on the
 
                                      D-1
<PAGE>
 
Company's and Dresser's current and prospective earnings and cash flow per
share, (vi) reviewed publicly available financial and stock market data with
respect to certain other companies in lines of business we believe to be
generally comparable to those of the Company and Dresser, (vii) reviewed the
financial terms of the Transaction with the financial terms of certain other
transactions which we believe to be generally comparable to the Transaction,
(viii) reviewed the historical market prices and trading volumes of the common
stock of the Company and Dresser, (ix) conducted discussions with selected
members of the senior management of the Company and Dresser and (x) conducted
such other financial studies, analyses and investigations, and considered such
other information as we deemed necessary or appropriate.
 
  In connection with our review, we have not independently verified any of the
foregoing information and have, with your consent, relied on its being
complete and accurate in all material respects. In addition, we have not made
any evaluation or appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities (contingent or
otherwise) of Halliburton or Dresser, nor have we been furnished with any such
evaluation or appraisal. With respect to the financial estimates concerning
Halliburton and Dresser (including the effects of assumed pro forma savings
arising from the Transaction), we have, with your consent, based our review on
selected research analyst estimates for Halliburton and Dresser that we
reviewed with you. In addition, with your consent, we have assumed that the
Transaction will be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests combination.
Lastly, our opinion is based on economic, monetary and market conditions
existing on the date hereof.
 
  Our opinion does not address the Company's underlying business decision to
effect the Transaction or constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of
the Company as to how such stockholder should vote with respect to the
Transaction. Our opinion does not imply any conclusion as to the likely
trading range for the Company's Common Stock following the consummation of the
Transaction, which may vary depending on numerous factors which generally
influence the prices of securities.
 
  Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the
date hereof, the Exchange Ratio is fair to the Company from a financial point
of view.
 
                         SBC Warburg Dillon Read Inc.
 
 
 
 
  /s/ Kenneth S. Crews                        /s/ James W. Hunt
By: _________________________________     By: _________________________________
  Kenneth S. Crews                            James W. Hunt
  Managing Director                           Managing Director
 
                                      D-2
<PAGE>
 
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL                                             APPENDIX E
 
 
February 25, 1998
 
Board of Directors
Halliburton Company
3600 Lincoln Plaza
500 North Akard Street
Dallas, TX 75201-3391
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of
view to Halliburton Company (the "Parent") of the exchange ratio (the "Exchange
Ratio") of one share of Common Stock, par value $2.50 per share (the "Parent
Common Stock"), of the Parent to be exchanged by the Parent for each share of
Common Stock, par value $0.25 per share (the "Company Common Stock"), of
Dresser Industries, Inc. (the "Company"), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated as of February 25, 1998, by and among the Parent, Halliburton
N.C., Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent, and the Company (the
"Agreement").
 
Goldman, Sachs & Co., as part of its investment banking business, is
continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive
biddings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private
placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. We are
familiar with the Parent having acted as its financial advisor in connection
with, and having participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the
Agreement.
 
In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other things, the
Agreement; Annual Reports to Stockholders (except for the year ended December
31, 1997 for the Parent) and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of the Company for the
five fiscal years ended October 31, 1997 and of the Parent for the five years
ended December 31, 1997; certain interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q of the Company and the Parent; certain other
communications from the Company and the Parent to their respective
stockholders; and certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for the
Company and the Parent prepared by their respective managements. We have held
discussions with members of the senior management of the Company regarding its
past and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects.
We also have held discussions with members of the senior management of the
Parent regarding the strategic rationale for, and the potential benefits of,
the transaction contemplated by the Agreement and its past and current business
operations, financial condition and future prospects. In addition, we have
reviewed the reported price and trading activity for the Parent Common Stock
and the Company Common Stock, compared certain financial and stock market
                                      LOGO
                                      LOGO
 
                                      E-1
<PAGE>
 
Halliburton Company
February 25, 1998
Page Two
 
information for the Company and the Parent with similar information for
certain other companies the securities of which are publicly traded, reviewed
the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the oilfield
services industry specifically and in other industries generally and performed
such other studies and analyses as we considered appropriate.
 
We have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and
other information reviewed by us and have assumed such accuracy and
completeness for purposes of rendering this opinion. As you are aware, neither
the Parent nor the Company has prepared projected financial information beyond
the current fiscal year which reflects the respective managements' best
current estimate of future performance. Accordingly, we note that our review
with respect to such projected information was based on selected research
analyst estimates for the Parent that reflected, in the judgment of the
Parent, the best currently available estimates of future performance. Our
review with respect to such projected information with respect to the Company
was also based, with your consent, on selected research analyst estimates. In
addition, we have assumed, with your consent, that the cost savings and
operating synergies projected by the Parent to result from the transaction
contemplated by the Agreement have been reasonably prepared on a basis
reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the Parent.
We have not made an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and
liabilities of the Company or the Parent or any of their subsidiaries and we
have not been furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. We have also
assumed with your consent that the transaction contemplated by the Agreement
will be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests transaction under generally
accepted accounting principles. Our advisory services and the opinion
expressed herein are provided for the information and assistance of the Board
of Directors of the Parent in connection with its consideration of the
transaction contemplated by the Agreement and such opinion does not constitute
a recommendation as to how any holder of the Parent Common Stock should vote
with respect to such transaction.
 
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and based upon such other matters as
we consider relevant, it is our opinion that as of the date hereof the
Exchange Ratio is fair from a financial point of view to the Parent.
 
Very truly yours,
 
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
 
                                      E-2
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     APPENDIX F
 
LOGO
 
February 25, 1998
 
Board of Directors
Dresser Industries, Inc.
 
Members of the Board:
 
  You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of
view, to the holders of common stock, par value $0.25 per share ("Company
Common Stock"), of Dresser Industries, Inc. (the "Company"), of the
consideration to be received by such holders in connection with the proposed
merger (the "Merger") of the Company with Halliburton N.C., Inc. ("Sub"), a
wholly owned subsidiary of Halliburton Company ("Parent"), pursuant to an
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 25, 1998 (the "Merger
Agreement"), among the Company, Parent and Sub. Upon the effectiveness of the
Merger, each issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock (other than
shares owned by Parent, any subsidiary of Parent, the Company or any
subsidiary of the Company) will be converted into and represent the right to
receive 1.00 (the "Exchange Ratio") shares of common stock, par value $2.50
per share ("Parent Common Stock"), of Parent. We understand that the Merger
will be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles as described in Accounting Principles Board
Opinion Number 16.
 
  In connection with rendering our opinion, we have reviewed certain publicly
available information concerning the Company and Parent and certain other
financial information concerning the Company and Parent, including financial
forecasts, that were provided to us by the Company and Parent, respectively.
We have discussed the past and current business operations, financial
condition and prospects of the Company and Parent with certain officers and
employees of the Company and Parent, respectively. We have also considered
such other information, financial studies, analyses, investigations and
financial, economic and market criteria that we deemed relevant.
 
  In our review and analysis and in arriving at our opinion, we have assumed
and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by
us for the purpose of this opinion and we have not assumed any responsibility
for independent verification of such information. With respect to the
financial forecasts of the Company and Parent, we have assumed that they have
been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting good faith estimates and
judgments of the respective management of the Company or Parent, and we
express no opinion with respect to such forecasts or the assumptions on which
they are based. We have not made or obtained or assumed any responsibility for
making or obtaining any independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the
assets (including properties and facilities) or liabilities of the Company or
Parent.
 
  Our opinion is necessarily based upon conditions as they exist and can be
evaluated on the date hereof. Our opinion as expressed below does not imply
any conclusion as to the likely trading range for Parent Common Stock
following the consummation of the Merger, which may vary depending upon, among
other factors, changes in interest rates, dividend rates, market conditions,
general economic conditions and other factors that generally influence the
price of securities. Our opinion does not address the Company's underlying
business decision to effect the Merger, and we express no view on the effect
on the Company of the Merger and related transactions. Our opinion is directed
only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Exchange Ratio to
holders of Company Common Stock and does not constitute a recommendation
concerning how holders of Company Common Stock should vote with respect to the
Merger Agreement or the Merger.
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
  As you are aware, Salomon Brothers Inc doing business as Salomon Smith
Barney (collectively with all other entities doing business as Salomon Smith
Barney, "Salomon Smith Barney") is acting as financial advisor to the Board of
Directors of the Company in connection with the Merger and will receive a fee
for its services, a portion of which was paid prior to delivery of this
fairness opinion and a portion of which is payable upon execution of the
Merger Agreement by the Company, Parent and Sub. The remainder of Salomon
Smith Barney's fee is contingent upon consummation of the Merger. In the
ordinary course of business, Salomon Smith Barney may actively trade the
securities of the Company and Parent for its own account and for the accounts
of customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position
in such securities. In addition, Salomon Smith Barney and its affiliates have
previously rendered certain investment banking and financial advisory services
to the Company for which Salomon Smith Barney has received customary
compensation. Salomon Smith Barney and its affiliates (including Travelers
Group Inc.) may have other business relationships with the Company, Parent and
its affiliates.
 
  Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the
date hereof, the Exchange Ratio is fair to the holders of Company Common Stock
from a financial point of view.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          Salomon Smith Barney
 
                                      F-2


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