LYDALL INC /DE/
10-Q, 1998-05-13
TEXTILE MILL PRODUCTS
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<PAGE>
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                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                   FORM 10-Q
 
/X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
   SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
                 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
 
                                       OR
 
/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
   SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
      FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                  TO
 
                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-7665
 
                                  LYDALL, INC.
 
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
                   DELAWARE                                       06-0865505
       (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF               (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
        INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE COLONIAL RD., P.O.B. 151, MANCHESTER,
CONNECTICUT,                                       06045-0151
<S>                                                <C>
    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)       (ZIP CODE)
</TABLE>
 
                                 (860) 646-1233
 
              (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
 
                                      NONE
 
   (FORMER NAME, FORMER ADDRESS AND FORMER FISCAL YEAR, IF CHANGED SINCE LAST
                                    REPORT.)
 
    Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes /X/  No / /
 
    Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                               <C>
Common stock $.10 par value per share.
Total shares outstanding May 7, 1998                              16,044,885
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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<PAGE>
                                  LYDALL, INC.
 
                                     INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           PAGE NO.
                                                                                                          -----------
<S>                                                                                                       <C>
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  Item 1.  Financial Statements
    Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets...............................................................           3
    Consolidated Condensed Statements of Net Income and Comprehensive Income............................           4
    Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows.....................................................           5
    Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements................................................         6-8
  Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations........        9-12
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
  Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.............................................................          12
Signature...............................................................................................          13
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                         PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                         ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                         LYDALL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     DECEMBER
                                                                        MARCH 31,       31,
                                                                          1998         1997
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                               ASSETS                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents..........................................   $   3,805    $   8,891
  Short-term investments.............................................       4,504        3,873
  Accounts receivable, net...........................................      31,244       32,203
  Inventories:
    Finished goods...................................................       6,908        6,243
    Work in process..................................................       4,017        2,867
    Raw materials....................................................       8,439        7,600
    LIFO reserve.....................................................      (1,151)      (1,172)
                                                                       -----------  -----------
  Total inventories..................................................      18,213       15,538
  Taxes receivable...................................................      --            2,032
  Prepaid expenses...................................................       2,045        1,314
  Deferred tax assets................................................       3,576        3,586
                                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total current assets...........................................      63,387       67,437
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Property, plant and equipment, at cost...............................     129,278      125,622
Less accumulated depreciation........................................     (58,795)     (56,762)
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                           70,483       68,860
Other assets, at cost, less amortization.............................      27,800       23,827
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Total assets.........................................................   $ 161,670    $ 160,124
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Current portion of long-term debt..................................   $   3,430    $   2,950
  Accounts payable...................................................      16,140       13,342
  Accrued taxes......................................................         595        1,030
  Accrued payroll and other compensation.............................       2,642        4,856
  Other accrued liabilities..........................................       5,549        6,056
                                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total current liabilities......................................      28,356       28,234
LONG-TERM DEBT.......................................................       2,340        2,100
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES.............................................      12,854       12,979
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES..........................................       3,826        3,781
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Preferred stock....................................................      --           --
  Common stock.......................................................       2,155        2,143
  Capital in excess of par value.....................................      36,898       36,510
  Accumulated other comprehensive income.............................        (565)        (164)
  Retained earnings..................................................     128,657      125,108
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                          167,145      163,597
  Less: treasury stock, at cost......................................     (52,851)     (50,567)
                                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total stockholders' equity.....................................     114,294      113,030
                                                                       -----------  -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity...........................   $ 161,670    $ 160,124
                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                       -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                         LYDALL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME
                            AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER-SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                   MARCH 31,
                                                                                              --------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>        <C>
                                                                                                1998       1997
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                                           <C>        <C>
NET SALES...................................................................................  $  56,542  $  61,971
Cost of sales...............................................................................     40,526     42,708
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Gross margin................................................................................     16,016     19,263
Selling, product development and administrative expenses....................................     10,737     10,496
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Operating income............................................................................      5,279      8,767
Other (income) expense:
    Investment income.......................................................................       (324)      (365)
    Interest expense........................................................................         89        158
    Other...................................................................................        189        (43)
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                                    (46)      (250)
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Income before income taxes..................................................................      5,325      9,017
Income tax expense..........................................................................      1,776      3,392
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
NET INCOME..................................................................................  $   3,549  $   5,625
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Basic earnings per common share.............................................................  $     .22  $     .33
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Weighted average common stock outstanding...................................................     16,043     17,050
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Diluted earnings per common share...........................................................  $     .22  $     .32
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Weighted average common stock and equivalents outstanding...................................     16,498     17,819
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
NET INCOME..................................................................................  $   3,549  $   5,625
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Other Comprehensive Income, before tax:
    Foreign currency translation adjustments................................................       (380)    (1,197)
    Unrealized loss on securities...........................................................       (237)      (249)
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Other comprehensive income, before tax......................................................       (617)    (1,446)
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income...........................        216        506
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Other comprehensive income, net of tax......................................................       (401)      (940)
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Comprehensive income........................................................................  $   3,148  $   4,685
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                         LYDALL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                  MARCH 31,
                                                                                            ----------------------
                                                                                               1998        1997
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
                                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                                         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income................................................................................  $    3,549  $    5,625
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation..........................................................................       2,180       2,049
    Amortization..........................................................................         442         436
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding effects from acquisitions:
      Accounts receivable.................................................................       1,549         739
      Taxes receivable....................................................................       2,032      --
      Inventories.........................................................................      (1,611)     (1,316)
      Other assets........................................................................          21        (332)
      Accounts payable....................................................................       2,657       2,556
      Accrued taxes.......................................................................        (430)      2,330
      Accrued payroll and other compensation..............................................      (2,248)     (3,153)
      Deferred income taxes...............................................................         (41)       (294)
      Other long-term liabilities.........................................................          70         117
      Other accrued liabilities...........................................................        (537)       (400)
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
    Total adjustments.....................................................................       4,084       2,732
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES.................................................       7,633       8,357
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Acquisitions............................................................................      (6,609)        (49)
  Additions of property, plant, and equipment.............................................      (3,573)     (6,741)
  Purchase of investments, net............................................................        (785)       (164)
  Disposals of property, plant, and equipment, net........................................         150           1
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES....................................................     (10,817)     (6,953)
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Long-term debt payments.................................................................      --          (1,250)
  Payment of current note payable.........................................................      --          (8,000)
  Issuance of common stock................................................................         400         543
  Acquisition of common stock.............................................................      (2,284)     (6,814)
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
NET CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES....................................................      (1,884)    (15,521)
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH...................................................         (18)        (54)
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents.....................................................      (5,086)    (14,171)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period..........................................       8,891      38,226
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD................................................  $    3,805  $   24,055
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
  Interest................................................................................  $   --      $      204
  Income taxes............................................................................         376       1,438
Non-cash transactions:
  Unrealized gains/losses on available-for-sale securities................................         154         162
  Amounts payable for acquired operations.................................................         720      --
  Reduction of payable for acquired operations............................................      --             150
  Reclassification between short and long term assets.....................................         750      --
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                         LYDALL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  The accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements include the
    accounts of Lydall, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All financial
    information is unaudited for interim periods reported. All significant
    intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated condensed
    financial statements. Management believes that all adjustments, which
    include only normal recurring accruals, necessary to present a fair
    statement of the financial position and results of the periods have been
    included. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited
    financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by
    generally accepted accounting principles.
 
2.  Basic earnings per common share are based on net income divided by the
    weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
    Diluted earnings per common share are based on net income divided by the
    weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period,
    including the effect of stock options, stock awards and warrants where such
    effect is dilutive.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             FOR THE QUARTER ENDED                  FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
                                                                MARCH 31, 1998                         MARCH 31, 1997
                                                     -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
                                                         NET                                    NET
                                                       INCOME       SHARES      PER-SHARE     INCOME       SHARES      PER-SHARE
                                                      ($000'S)     ($000'S)      AMOUNT      ($000'S)     ($000'S)      AMOUNT
                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Basic earnings per share...........................   $   3,549       16,043    $    0.22    $   5,625       17,050    $    0.33
Effect of dilutive securities Stock Options........                      455                                    769
Diluted earnings per share.........................   $   3,549       16,498    $    0.22    $   5,625       17,819    $    0.32
</TABLE>
 
3.  In the mid-1980's, the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA")
    notified a former subsidiary of the Company that it and other entities may
    be potentially responsible in connection with the release of hazardous
    substances at a landfill and property located adjacent to a landfill located
    in Michigan City, Indiana. The preliminary indication, based on the Site
    Steering Committee's volumetric analysis, is that the alleged contribution
    to the waste volume at the site of the plant once owned by a former
    subsidiary is approximately 0.434 percent of the total volume. The portion
    of the 0.434 percent specifically attributable to the former subsidiary by
    the current operator of the plant is approximately 0.286 percent. The EPA
    has completed its Record of Decision for the site and has estimated the
    total cost of remediation to be between $17 million and $22 million. Based
    on the alleged volumetric contribution of its former subsidiary to the site,
    and on the EPA's estimated remediation costs, Lydall's alleged total
    exposure would be less than $100 thousand, which has been accrued.
 
    There are over 800 potentially responsible parties ("prp") which have been
    identified by the Site Steering Committee. Of these, 38, not including the
    Company's former subsidiary, are estimated to have contributed over 80
    percent of the total waste volume at the site. These prp's include Fortune
    500 companies, public utilities, and the State of Indiana. The Company
    believes that, in general, these parties are financially solvent and should
    be able to meet their obligations at the site. The Company has reviewed Dun
    & Bradstreet reports on several of these prp's and, based on these financial
    reports, does not believe Lydall will have any material additional volume
    attributed to it for reparation of this site due to insolvency of other
    prp's.
 
    In June 1995, the Company and its former subsidiary were sued in the
    Northern District of Indiana by the insurer of the current operator of the
    former subsidiary's plant seeking contribution. In October 1997, the insurer
    made a settlement demand of $150,591 to the Company in exchange for a
    release of the Company's liability at the site and indemnification from the
    current operator against site-related claims. The Company executed a
    settlement agreement with the insurer and current operator
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                         LYDALL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
    for a full site release; however, the current operator subsequently backed
    out of the agreement. The Company is now evaluating its options.
 
    Management believes the ultimate disposition of this matter will not have a
    material adverse effect upon the Company's consolidated financial position,
    results of operations, comprehensive income, or cash flows.
 
4.  On March 19, 1996, patent litigation brought by ATD Corporation ("ATD")
    against Lydall in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of
    Michigan was concluded with the jury finding in favor of Lydall and with all
    of ATD's claims for damages being denied. A notice of appeal to the U.S.
    Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit regarding this litigation was filed
    by ATD on March 28, 1997. The appeal issues were fully briefed and argued in
    January of 1998. No decision has been rendered. Management believes the
    ultimate disposition of this matter will not have a material adverse effect
    upon the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations,
    comprehensive income, or cash flows.
 
5.  The Company will adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131,
    and No. 132, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
    Information," ("SFAS 131"), and "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and
    Other Postretirement Benefits," ("SFAS 132"), both of which are effective
    for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997.
 
    SFAS 131 requires that a public business enterprise report financial and
    descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. SFAS 131 is
    based on the management approach to segment reporting and includes
    requirements to report selected segment information quarterly and to include
    entity-wide disclosures about products and services, major customers, and
    the countries in which the entity holds material assets and reports
    revenues. The Company currently reports under one segment and is evaluating
    the impact of the disclosure requirements. SFAS 131 may require Lydall to
    disclose more than one segment. The Company will adopt SFAS 131 effective
    for the year ending December 31, 1998. There will be no effect on the
    Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations,
    comprehensive income, or cash flows.
 
    SFAS 132 revises employers' disclosures about pension and other
    postretirement benefit plans. The Company will adopt SFAS 132 effective for
    the year ending December 31, 1998. There will be no effect on the Company's
    consolidated financial position, results of operations, comprehensive
    income, or cash flows.
 
6.  Early in 1998, a Lydall subsidiary funded the capitalization of Charter
    Medical, Ltd. On February 6, 1998, this separate corporate entity acquired
    CharterMed, Inc., a privately held company located in Lakewood, New Jersey,
    for $6.6 million in cash and a note for $720 thousand, payable through 1999.
    CharterMed is a growing and profitable manufacturer of proprietary medical
    devices serving applications such as biotech and pharmaceutical packaging,
    blood bank and transfusion services, neonatal intensive care, operating
    room/perfusion, and stem cell processing and freezing. The results of the
    CharterMed Operation since the date of acquisition have been included in the
    Company's consolidated results. The pro forma effect on the Company's
    results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 1997, had the
    acquisition occured at the beginning of the respective period, is not
    material.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                         LYDALL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
7.  The following tables set forth the components of other comprehensive income
    along with the respective tax (provision) benefit and the reclassification
    adjustments needed to exclude the portion of other comprehensive income
    already included in net income.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  TAX          TAX
                        QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1998                            PRE-TAX     (EXPENSE)   NET-OF-TAX
                               (IN THOUSANDS)                                   AMOUNT       BENEFIT      AMOUNT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>
Foreign currency translation adjustments....................................   $    (380)   $     133    $    (247)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities (gross):
  Unrealized holding losses arising during period...........................        (504)         176         (328)
  Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in
    net income..............................................................         267          (93)         174
                                                                                   -----        -----        -----
Other Comprehensive Income..................................................   $    (617)   $     216    $    (401)
                                                                                   -----        -----        -----
                                                                                   -----        -----        -----
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           TAX
                       QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1997                          PRE-TAX    (EXPENSE)   NET-OF-TAX
                              (IN THOUSANDS)                                 AMOUNT      BENEFIT      AMOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                         <C>        <C>          <C>
Foreign currency translation adjustments..................................  $  (1,197)  $     419    $    (778)
Unrealized loss on securities (gross):
  Unrealized holding losses arising during period.........................       (246)         86         (160)
  Less: reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income.....         (3)          1           (2)
                                                                            ---------       -----        -----
Other Comprehensive Income................................................  $  (1,446)  $     506    $    (940)
                                                                            ---------       -----        -----
                                                                            ---------       -----        -----
</TABLE>
 
8.  The following tables disclose the balance by classification within
    accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       MINIMUM       ACCUMULATED
                                                       FOREIGN       UNREALIZED        PENSION          OTHER
                                                      CURRENCY     GAINS/(LOSSES)     LIABILITY     COMPREHENSIVE
                                                     ADJUSTMENT     ON SECURITIES    ADJUSTMENT        INCOME
                                                    -------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>
Beginning Balance 1/1/98..........................    $      76       $      22       $    (262)      $    (164)
Current Period Change.............................         (247)           (154)         --                (401)
                                                          -----           -----           -----           -----
Ending Balance 3/31/98............................    $    (171)      $    (132)      $    (262)      $    (565)
                                                          -----           -----           -----           -----
                                                          -----           -----           -----           -----
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       MINIMUM      ACCUMULATED
                                                      FOREIGN       UNREALIZED         PENSION         OTHER
                                                     CURRENCY     GAINS/(LOSSES)      LIABILITY    COMPREHENSIVE
                                                    ADJUSTMENT     ON SECURITIES     ADJUSTMENT        INCOME
                                                    -----------  -----------------  -------------  --------------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>                <C>            <C>
Beginning Balance 1/1/97..........................   $   1,425       $      77        $     (38)     $    1,464
Current Period Change.............................      (1,349)            (55)            (224)         (1,628)
                                                    -----------            ---            -----         -------
Ending Balance 12/31/97...........................   $      76       $      22        $    (262)     $     (164)
                                                    -----------            ---            -----         -------
                                                    -----------            ---            -----         -------
</TABLE>
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
                         LYDALL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    For the first quarter of 1998, net income was $3.5 million compared with
$5.6 million in the comparable quarter of 1997. Diluted earnings per share were
$.22 compared with $.32 for the same period last year. Sales were $56.5 million
compared with $62.0 million for the 1997 first quarter.
 
    Gross margin for the first quarter of 1998 was $16.0 million, or 28.3
percent of sales, compared with $19.3 million, or 31.1 percent of sales, for the
first quarter of 1997. The largest factors affecting gross margin in the quarter
were reduced operating leverage on lower sales volume, the acquisition of Fort
Washington and some price/cost issues. After-tax return on sales was 6.3 percent
compared with 9.1 percent for the first quarter 1997.
 
    Selling, product development and administrative expenses were $10.7 million,
or 19.0 percent of sales, for the first quarter of 1998. This compared to first
quarter 1997 expenses of $10.5 million, or 16.9 percent of sales. The Company
maintained research and development spending at last year's record levels on
lower sales volume, and selling expenses were comparable to first quarter prior
year. Additionally, a significant amount of training expenses related to the
Lydall 2000 program were incurred during the quarter.
 
    Interest expense continued to decline as a result of lower debt levels
during the 1998 quarter as compared to the 1997 quarter. For the first quarter
of 1998 other expense was mainly attributable to the write-off of fixed assets.
During 1997 a lower level of fixed asset write-offs was offset by income derived
from a property settlement.
 
    Business was progressively stronger during the quarter following an
uncharacteristically slow start to the year. Factors affecting the quarter
included: more customers than usual were working off year-end inventories;
slower semiconductor-related air filtration sales persisted; raw-material
pricing continued to impact the materials handling business; and sales of
automotive heat-management products were down compared with the same quarter
last year.
 
    Also during the quarter, Lydall's Board of Directors approved the Company's
purchase of up to one million shares of Lydall Common Stock on the open market
from time to time as conditions permit and opportunities arise. This
authorization is in addition to a million-share buyback approved in 1997 and
another program in place which is tied to Lydall's stock option plans. During
the first quarter 1998, the Company purchased 119,800 shares for $2.3 million
under the two previous programs. This follows the purchase by the Company of 1.3
million shares of its Common Stock during 1997 for $27.4 million.
 
    The integration of CharterMed, Inc., which was acquired in February, 1998,
is progressing well. The acquisition, which is expected to be accretive to
earnings this year, is being combined with Lydall's previously existing blood
filtration business into a separate entity, Charter Medical, Ltd. In addition to
supplementing Lydall's blood filtration products, this acquisition extends the
product line to include flexible, disposable containers for bio-pharmaceutical
fluid processing and specialty pliable containers used in medical procedures and
for drug delivery. The Company is very optimistic about the investment in this
emerging market and believes that the rationalization of the medical business
will be very positive for future growth.
 
    On April 17, 1998, a subsidiary of Lydall acquired Engineered Thermal
Systems, Inc. ("ETSI"), a producer of automotive thermal and acoustical
components. Located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, ETSI employs 110 people and had
sales approaching $12 million in 1997. This acquisition, which will operate as
the St. Johnsbury Operation of Lydall Westex, complements the Company's
extensive automotive thermal
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                         LYDALL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
barrier business and increases market share. ETSI, recognized for high quality
and rapid response in the industry, has achieved both ISO 9001 and QS 9000
certifications. ETSI has also been recognized as a Chrysler Gold Pentastar
supplier for three years in a row. Lydall plans to continue operating the
business in Vermont and looks forward to working with ETSI's highly qualified
work force.
 
    The installation of melt-blown processing equipment at the Technical Papers
Division, including a 14,400 square-foot addition to that plant to house the new
technology, progressed during the quarter, and the new line is expected to be
operational sometime in May. These processes will yield micro-denier webs using
base materials such as polypropylene, polyester, and nylon. Melt-blown
technology complements Lydall's existing wet-laid process, extends Lydall's
current air filtration product offerings, and opens new markets and
applications, particularly in liquid filtration. Also, it provides the ability
to combine the attributes of melt-blown media with a variety of Lydall's other
materials to form composites with unique performance characteristics.
 
    Looking forward, there are a variety of product innovation efforts underway.
Most are aimed at the major markets of thermal barriers and filtration. For
example, the Company is introducing several new automotive heat-management
concepts such as ZeroClearance shields, polyshield systems, and stand-alone
shields. Results of performance and durability tests of ZeroClearance shields
far surpass those of currently used heavy metal shields. ZeroClearance shields
are lightweight, flexible and self-adhesive. Lydall's polyshield insulation
systems are nonmetallic components which are formable and lightweight with high
thermal performance. Lydall's stand-alone shields, a dual thermal and acoustical
design, are used on the underbody of a vehicle. Initial approvals for
stand-alone shields include a new domestic auto model as well as a distinct
European model.
 
    In the filtration area the Company has made significant inroads with the
unique HEPA filtration products specifically made for the demanding consumer
appliance market. This is viewed as a high-growth area over the next two years.
In addition to individual room purification units, whole-home systems are
emerging as a developing market for these products. Development of
next-generation air filtration products continues for clean-room and other
high-efficiency applications.
 
    The Company's effective tax rate for 1998 decreased to 33.3 percent from
37.6 percent in the first quarter of 1997. The effective tax rate has been
adjusted to reflect current conditions affecting Lydall's tax position.
 
    Lydall, Inc. desires to take advantage of the "Safe Harbor" Provisions of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition to economic
conditions and market trends, the Company considered the following market
circumstances in determining any forward-looking statements made in this report.
 
    A Major Downturn of the U.S. Automotive Market. Although Lydall's automotive
sales are not solely contingent on the strength of the automotive market, a
significant downturn of the U.S. automotive industry could have a substantial
impact on Lydall's results. The Company can also be affected when automotive
manufacturers discontinue production of specific models that contain Lydall's
products, as happened at Ford in mid-1997. On the other hand, Lydall benefits
from the introduction of new models. Twenty-six percent of Lydall's total sales
in 1997 were to the U.S. automotive market, excluding aftermarket sales.
Lydall's primary automotive products are thermal barriers and heat shields
employed both inside and outside of vehicles. Most of Lydall's products are
supplied to meet unique, niche applications. There is no direct correlation
between the number of Lydall parts on a vehicle and the number of units built,
as with tires or steering wheels for example. Slight fluctuations in U.S.
automotive
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
                         LYDALL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
production have relatively little effect on Lydall's business; however, a major
downward shift could prevent Lydall from achieving its projected results.
 
    A Significant change in the Number of Clean Rooms Being Built. Lydall's
high-efficiency air filtration business is linked to the fabrication of clean
rooms around the world. In 1995 and early 1996, the demand for these air
filtration materials was the strongest the Company had ever seen. Since then the
demand curve has leveled. This slowdown was related primarily to the
semiconductor industry. The Company estimates that about one-third of its total
high-efficiency air filtration sales are to semiconductor related clean rooms.
Various independent industry published forecasts project excellent long-term
growth for clean-room fabrications in general. Lydall relies on these forecasts,
feedback from its filtration customers, and other market intelligence sources
for forward-looking information. Lydall's outlook is based in part on the
renewed strength of this market; however, if a significant market decline were
to occur, it would have a negative impact on Lydall's results.
 
    Raw-Material Pricing and Supply. Raw-material pricing and supply issues
affect all of Lydall's businesses and can influence results in the short term.
Pricing fluctuations, however, particularly impact the Company's
materials-handling business. These products are made from laminated virgin kraft
paperboard, also known as linerboard. In 1995, costs of linerboard were
extremely high, and Lydall, in turn, raised prices, partially accounting for the
higher than average sales growth in that year. In 1996, as raw-material costs
declined, Lydall reduced prices. Linerboard prices began to rise slightly in
mid-1997, and Lydall instituted a price increase on its products in the third
quarter of the year. The materials-handling business is unique for Lydall
because it is the one area where the market pushes for price reductions that
directly track decreases in raw materials and accepts price increases in the
face of higher raw-material costs. Thus, significant changes in the pricing of
linerboard directly affect this portion of Lydall's business.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    Lydall generated operating cash flow (earnings before taxes, interest
expense and investment income or expenses plus depreciation and amortization) of
$7.7 million in the first quarter of 1998 compared to $11.3 million in the first
quarter of 1997. At March 31, 1998, cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments were $8.3 million compared with $12.8 million at December 31, 1997.
The reduction resulted primarily from the acquisition of CharterMed, Inc. by a
separate corporate entity, Charter Medical, Ltd. for $7.3 million of which $6.6
million was cash and the remainder a note for $720 thousand, payable through
1999. During the quarter the Company also purchased 119,800 shares of Lydall
Common Stock for $2.3 million and continued capital expenditures. Working
capital was $35.0 million compared with $39.2 million at the end of last year.
 
    During the month of April 1998, the Company acquired ETSI for $9.3 million
in cash, repaid $2.2 million of long term debt, made the semiannual interest
payment on the debt, and funded quarterly federal and state income tax and
pension payments. The Company expects to finance its day to day operating needs
and the purchase of Lydall Common Stock from accumulated cash, sales of short
term investments, cash from operations and short-term lines of credit.
 
    Lydall has proactively addressed the year 2000 issue by evaluating and
selecting enterprisewide software and hardware that will provide the Company
with a competitive information technology platform to last well into the next
decade. This program is referred to as "Lydall 2000". Lydall expects to complete
implementation of new systems within the next two years and to avoid any
disruption of operations. The Company is assessing the impact of Year 2000
compliance by its suppliers and customers and the potential affect, if any, on
the Company's operations.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
                         LYDALL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
    Capital expenditures for Lydall 2000 amounted to $378 thousand for the first
quarter of 1998. Including additional implementation costs to be expended in
1998 and 1999, total capital outlays for Lydall 2000 are expected to be at least
$9 million. These additional expenditures in 1998 and 1999 will have a minimal
effect on Lydall's liquidity and capital resources.
 
    Lydall continues to actively seek strategic acquisitions and to reinvest in
the Company with the primary focus on the ongoing comprehensive quality program.
 
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
    The Company will adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131,
and No. 132, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information," (SFAS 131"), and "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other
Postretirement Benefits," ("SFAS 132"), both of which are effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1997.
 
    SFAS 131 requires that a public business enterprise report financial and
descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. SFAS 131 is
based on the management approach to segment reporting and includes requirements
to report selected segment information quarterly and to include entity-wide
disclosures about products and services, major customers, and the countries in
which the entity holds material assets and reports revenues. The Company
currently reports under one segment and is evaluating the impact of the
disclosure requirements. SFAS 131 may require Lydall to disclose more than one
segment. The Company will adopt SFAS 131 effective for the year ending December
31, 1998. There will be no effect on the Company's consolidated financial
position, results of operations, comprehensive income, or cash flows.
 
    SFAS 132 revises employers' disclosures about pension and other
postretirement benefit plans. The Company will adopt SFAS 132 effective for the
year ending December 31, 1998. There will be no effect on the Company's
consolidated financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, or
cash flows.
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
    (a) Exhibits
 
        10.1--Asset Purchase Agreement between Lydall Central, Inc. and
       Engineered Thermal Systems, Inc. filed herewith. The registrant shall
       furnish copies of exhibits to the Asset Purchase Agreement upon the
       request of the Commission.
 
        27.1--Financial Data Schedule, filed herewith.
 
    (b) Reports on Form 8-K
 
        The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the three months
       ended March 31, 1998.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURE
 
    PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE
REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE
UNDERSIGNED THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED.
 
                     LYDALL, INC.
                     (Registrant)
 
                     By              /s/ JOHN E. HANLEY
                           --------------------------------------
                                       JOHN E. HANLEY
                           VICE PRESIDENT--FINANCE AND TREASURER
                            (PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
                                          OFFICER)
 
May 7, 1998
 
                                       13
<PAGE>

LYDALL, INC.

                                   Index to Exhibits

EXHIBIT
NO.
- --------

  10.1      Assets Purchase Agreement between Lydall Central, Inc. and 
              Engineered Thermal Systems, Inc.

  27.1      Financial Data Schedule.



<PAGE>









 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


                                 By and Between




                        ENGINEERED THERMAL SYSTEMS, INC.

                                      and

                              LYDALL CENTRAL, INC.



                          Dated as of April ____, 1998





 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>                                                                                             <C>
 1.        PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS..............................................................................  1
 
           1.01       Lease of Real Property........................................................................  2
           1.02       Equipment and Personalty......................................................................  2
           1.03       Contract Rights and Leases....................................................................  2
           1.04       Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Costs...........................................................  3
           1.05       Inventory.....................................................................................  3
           1.06       Accounts Receivable...........................................................................  3
           1.07       Records.......................................................................................  3
           1.08       Goodwill......................................................................................  4
           1.09       Intangible Property...........................................................................  4
           1.10       Customer and Supplier List....................................................................  4
           1.11       ETSI Names....................................................................................  4
 
 2.        ASSETS TO BE RETAINED BY ETSI............................................................................  4
 
           2.01       Cash..........................................................................................  4
           2.02       Insurance Policies............................................................................  5
           2.03       Employee Pension and Benefit Plans............................................................  5
           2.04       Tax Credits and Refunds.......................................................................  5
           2.05       Corporate Records.............................................................................  5
 
3.         LIMITED ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES BY CML.................................................................  5
 
           3.01       Obligations Under Contracts and Leases........................................................  5
           3.02       Trade Payables and Accrued Expenses...........................................................  5
           3.03       Product Return Obligations....................................................................  5
           3.04       Personal Property Taxes.......................................................................  6
           3.05       Post-Closing Responsibilities.................................................................  6
           3.06       Liabilities Not Assumed.......................................................................  7
           3.07       No Expansion of Third Party Rights............................................................  7
           3.08       Cost of Additional Insurance..................................................................  7
 
 4.        CLOSING; PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT......................................................................  7
           4.01       Closing Date, Place and Time..................................................................  7
           4.02       Purchase Price and Method of Payment..........................................................  7
           4.03       Allocation of Purchase Price..................................................................  8
           4.04       Risk of Loss..................................................................................  8
           4.05       Net Working Capital Purchase Price Adjustment.................................................  8
           4.06       Fixed Asset and Tooling Adjustment............................................................  11
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>                                                                                             <C>
           4.07       Fixed Asset Depreciation Adjustment...........................................................  12
 
5.         EMPLOYEES; EMPLOYEE PENSION AND WELFARE PLANS............................................................  12
 
           5.01       Employee Transition...........................................................................  12
           5.02       Employment; Medical Benefits..................................................................  13
           5.03       Other Employee Pension Plans and Benefits.....................................................  13
           5.04       Employee Welfare Plans, Worker's Compensation.................................................  14
 
6.         INSTRUMENTS OF CONVEYANCE AND ASSUMPTION.................................................................  14
 
7.         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CHARTERMED.............................................................  15
 
           7.01       Completeness of Disclosure....................................................................  15
           7.02       Title to and Condition of the Assets..........................................................  15
           7.03       Contracts of ETSI.............................................................................  16
           7.04       ETSI's Authority and No Conflict..............................................................  16
           7.05       Brokers.......................................................................................  17
           7.06       Financial Statements..........................................................................  17
           7.07       Taxes.........................................................................................  18
           7.08       Litigation or Claims..........................................................................  18
           7.09       Compliance with Law...........................................................................  19
           7.10       Absence of Certain Changes or Events..........................................................  19
           7.11       Environmental Matters.........................................................................  21
           7.12       No Change in Business Relationships...........................................................  25
           7.13       Employment Agreements.........................................................................  25
           7.14       Patents, Trademarks, Trade Names and Copyrights...............................................  27
           7.15       Processes and Know-how........................................................................  27
           7.16       Utilities.....................................................................................  27
           7.17       Licenses and Permits..........................................................................  28
           7.18       Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities............................................................  28
           7.19       Inventory.....................................................................................  29
           7.20       Accounts and Notes Receivable.................................................................  29
           7.21       Solvency......................................................................................  30
           7.22       Subsidiaries..................................................................................  30
           7.23       ERISA and COBRA Compliance....................................................................  30
           7.24       Product Liability.............................................................................  32
           7.25       Corrupt Practices.............................................................................  32
           7.26       Adequate Assets...............................................................................  33
           7.27       Equipment and Real Estate.....................................................................  33
           7.28       Restrictions..................................................................................  33
           7.29       Conditions Affecting ETSI.....................................................................  34
           7.30       Completeness of Disclosure....................................................................  34
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>                                                                                             <C>
8.         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CML....................................................................  35
 
           8.01       Organization and Good Standing................................................................  35
           8.02       Authority of CML..............................................................................  35
           8.03       Brokers.......................................................................................  36
           8.04       Financing.....................................................................................  36
           8.05       Financial Statements..........................................................................  36
           8.06       Absence of Certain Changes or Events..........................................................  37
           8.07       Litigation or Claims..........................................................................  37
 
9.         CML'S CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING....................................................................  37
 
           9.1        Agreements of ETSI Pending the Closing........................................................  37
                      9.1.1 Business in the Ordinary Course.........................................................  37
                      9.1.2 Existing Condition......................................................................  37
                      9.1.3 Maintenance of Physical Assets..........................................................  38
                      9.1.4 Employees and Business Relations........................................................  38
                      9.1.5 Maintenance of Insurance................................................................  38
                      9.1.6 Maintenance of Franchises, etc..........................................................  38
                      9.1.7 Compliance with Laws, etc...............................................................  38
                      9.1.8 Update Schedules........................................................................  38
                      9.1.9 Conduct of Business.....................................................................  39
                      9.1.10 Sale of Assets; Negotiations...........................................................  39
                      9.1.11 Access.................................................................................  39
                      9.1.12 Press Releases.........................................................................  40
                      9.1.13 Non-Shop Provision.....................................................................  40
 
           9.2        Agreements of Lydall Pending the Closing......................................................  40
                      9.2.1 Actions of Lydall.......................................................................  41
                      9.2.2 Confidentiality.........................................................................  41
                      9.2.3 Press Releases..........................................................................  41
                      9.2.4 Acquisitions............................................................................  42
 
10.        LYDALL'S CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING.................................................................  42
 
           10.01      Representations and Warranties................................................................  42
           10.02      Consent of Landlord to Assumption of Lease....................................................  42
           10.03      Hart-Scott-Rodino Filings.....................................................................  42
           10.04      Covenants Not to Compete of ETSI and its Principal Officers...................................  43
           10.05      Due Diligence Review..........................................................................  43
           10.06      Compliance with this Agreement................................................................  43
           10.07      Opinions of Counsel for ETSI..................................................................  43
           10.08      No Threatened or Pending Litigation...........................................................  43
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>                                                                                             <C>
           10.09      Consents and Approvals........................................................................  44
           10.10      Material Adverse Changes......................................................................  44
           10.11      Excess Liability Extended Reporting Period Insurance..........................................  44
           10.12      ETSI to have Lydall named as an additional insured............................................  45
 
11.        ETSI's CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING...................................................................  45
 
           11.01      Representations and Warranties................................................................  45
           11.02      Compliance with this Agreement................................................................  45
           11.03      Opinions of Counsel for Lydall................................................................  45
           11.04      No Threatened or Pending Litigation...........................................................  45
           11.05      Consents and Approvals........................................................................  46
           11.06      Excess Liability Extended Reporting Period Insurance..........................................  46
           11.07      Excess Liability Extended Report Period Insurance.............................................  46
 
12.        POST-CLOSING COVENANTS...................................................................................  46
 
           12.01      Transition Period.............................................................................  46
           12.02      Reimbursement of Uncollected Receivables......................................................  47
           12.03      Preservation of Records.......................................................................  49
           12.04      Confidentiality...............................................................................  49
           12.05      Further Assurances............................................................................  50
           12.06      Product Warranty Costs........................................................................  50
 
13.        INDEMNIFICATION BY CML...................................................................................  50
           13.01      Indemnification Holdback......................................................................  50
           13.02      Indemnification Obligation....................................................................  51
 
14.        INDEMNIFICATION BY LYDALL................................................................................  52
 
15.        LIMITATIONS ON INDEMNIFICATION...........................................................................  53
 
           15.01      Limit on Indemnification......................................................................  53
           15.02      Survival of Representations
                      Warranties and Indemnification................................................................  53
           15.03      Defense of Claims.............................................................................  53
           15.04      Materiality...................................................................................  55
 
16.        MISCELLANEOUS............................................................................................  55
 
           16.01      Termination...................................................................................  55
           16.02      Successors and Assigns........................................................................  56
           16.03      Governing Law.................................................................................  56
           16.04      Notices.......................................................................................  56
           16.05      Payment of Expenses...........................................................................  57
           16.06      Entire Agreement; Amendment...................................................................  58
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>                                                                                             <C>
           16.07      Counterparts..................................................................................  58
           16.08      Headings......................................................................................  58
           16.09      Waiver........................................................................................  58
           16.10      Separability..................................................................................  59
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                               ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


          This Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into this __th 
day of April 1998 by and between Lydall Central, Inc., an Indiana corporation 
having a principal office in Hamptonville, NC ("Lydall") and Engineered 
Thermal Systems, Inc., a Vermont corporation having a principal office at 
Route 5, Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819-0907 ("ETSI").

                                W I T N E S S E T H :


          WHEREAS, ETSI is the owner and operator of a manufacturing facility 
which fabricates and manufactures thermal insulation products at leased 
facilities located at: Route 5, Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT  05819 ( 
"Operation"); and

          WHEREAS, ETSI desires to sell and transfer to Lydall, and Lydall 
desires to purchase and assume from ETSI, certain assets, certain liabilities 
and the business as a going concern of ETSI, upon the terms and  subject to 
the conditions set forth in this Agreement;

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises hereinafter 
set forth, the parties agree as follows:

          1.   PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS.  At the Closing (as defined in 
Article 4), and upon the basis of the representations, warranties, covenants 
and agreements in this Agreement, ETSI shall sell, transfer, assign, convey 
and deliver to

                                       1

<PAGE>

Lydall, and Lydall shall purchase on the terms and conditions set forth in 
this Agreement, all of ETSI's right, title and interest in and to the Assets. 
The "Assets" shall mean all real, personal and mixed properties, which are 
owned by ETSI on the Closing Date (as defined in Article 4) or used in the 
business of the Operation except as set forth in Article 2 below, including, 
without limitation:

          1.01      LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY.  All of ETSI's right, title and 
interest in and to the lease dated September 30, 1996, as modified, of the 
land and buildings, improvements and fixtures located at Route 5, Memorial 
Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 in which facility ETSI conducts its business 
(the "Lease").  The Lease is between ETSI as tenant and St. Johnsbury 
Development Fund, Inc. as landlord. (The real property, improvements and 
fixtures which are the subject of the Lease are referred to as the "Real 
Property");

          1.02      EQUIPMENT AND PERSONALTY.  All the fixtures, machinery, 
equipment, motor vehicles, spare parts, furniture, appliances, supplies, 
computer hardware, software and other items of tangible personal property 
owned by ETSI or used in the operation of ETSI on the Closing Date (the 
"Equipment and Personalty"), including without limitation all items set forth 
in a list and description of such Equipment and Personalty, attached as 
Schedule 1.02;

          1.03      CONTRACT RIGHTS AND LEASES.  All rights and benefits of 
ETSI under the contracts, purchase orders, agreements and leases  (in 
addition to the Lease) in effect on the Closing Date entered into by, or for 
the benefit of, ETSI in the ordinary

                                       2

<PAGE>

course of the Operation, including without limitation those listed on 
Schedule 1.03 attached;

          1.04      PREPAID EXPENSES AND DEFERRED COSTS.  Except as provided 
by Sections 2.02, 2.03 and 2.04, all rights to prepaid expenses and deferred 
costs of ETSI relating to the Operation and existing on the Closing Date, 
including without limitation all items set forth on a list and description of 
such prepaid expenses and deferred costs, as of the date specified being 
attached as Schedule 1.04 (collectively, the "Prepaid Expenses");

          1.05      INVENTORY.  All of the raw materials, work in process, 
finished goods, spare parts and supplies inventory used by the Operation on 
the Closing Date (the "Inventory"); including without limitation all items 
set forth on lists of such Inventory, with its pricing, as of the last date 
each scheduled item was purchased or manufactured,  attached as Schedule 
1.05, except such Inventory as shall have been sold in the ordinary course of 
ETSI's business or produced for inventory in the period from the date of such 
list until the Closing Date; 

          1.06      ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.   All of the accounts receivable of 
ETSI attributable to the Operation of as of the Closing Date (the "Accounts 
Receivable"). ETSI shall furnish a list of the Accounts Receivable 
anticipated as of the Closing Date, a list of Accounts Receivable as of the 
date of this Agreement is ATTACHED HERETO as Schedule 1.06;

          1.07      RECORDS.  All books, accounts, documents and records 
(whether in printed or electronic form) of ETSI relating to the Operation 
wherever located including

                                       3

<PAGE>

ETSI's check registers and canceled checks, and such other business records 
as may reasonably be requested by Lydall;

          1.08      GOODWILL.  The goodwill of the business of ETSI as a 
going concern;

          1.09      INTANGIBLE PROPERTY.   All inventions, patents, formulae, 
know-how, patent applications, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, trade 
names drawings, designs, formulae, blue prints, computer programs, software 
and manufacturing records owned by ETSI, relating to products presently 
produced or in development or used in the business of ETSI; 

          1.10      CUSTOMER AND SUPPLIER LIST.   All rights to the customer 
and supplier lists relating to the Operation, shall include all accounts 
shipped to in 1995, 1996 and 1997 by dollar amount, plus all new customers 
added in 1998 and a copy of which is attached as Schedule 1.10; and

          1.11      ETSI NAMES.  Any right to use the names "Engineered 
Thermal Systems, Inc." or "ETSI" and any derivation and all related names, 
marks, logos and abbreviations.

          2.        ASSETS TO BE RETAINED BY ETSI.  Notwithstanding the 
foregoing, the Assets to be sold, transferred, assigned or conveyed to Lydall 
shall not include the following:

          2.01      CASH.  All of ETSI's cash on hand and all cash contained 
in any account of ETSI;

                                       4

<PAGE>

          2.02      INSURANCE POLICIES.  All insurance policies of ETSI and 
rights in connection therewith including, without limitation, any prepaid 
premiums;

          2.03      EMPLOYEE PENSION AND BENEFIT PLANS.  Assets associated 
with any employee benefit plans of ETSI, including but not limited to, 
welfare plans and all contracts and insurance policies entered into or issued 
pursuant to any such plan;

          2.04      TAX CREDITS AND REFUNDS.  Local, state and federal income 
and franchise tax credits, refunds and prepayments arising with respect to 
the property, business or income of ETSI prior to the Closing, whether or not 
in being or known at the Closing Date; and

          2.05      CORPORATE RECORDS.  ETSI's corporate minute book, stock 
record books and corporate seal.

          3.        LIMITED ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES BY LYDALL.

          3.01      OBLIGATIONS UNDER CONTRACTS AND LEASES.  As partial 
consideration for the sale of the Assets, Lydall will assume responsibility 
for and perform or satisfy when due all liabilities, commitments and 
obligations of ETSI under the Lease and those contracts, purchase orders, 
agreements and other leases specifically listed on Schedule 1.03;

          3.02      TRADE PAYABLES AND ACCRUED EXPENSES.  Lydall shall assume 
responsibility for the specific trade payables and accrued expenses set forth 
in Schedule 3.02 (the "Trade Payables");

          3.03      PRODUCT RETURN OBLIGATIONS.   (a) Lydall shall assume and 
be responsible for all liabilities and obligations relating to or arising out 
of any 

                                       5

<PAGE>

replacements under any product warranty relating to, or the return of, or any 
allowance given with respect to, any product of the Operation manufactured by 
Lydall and sold, distributed or otherwise disposed of by Lydall after the 
Closing, except those described in paragraph 3.03(b)(ii).

           (b) ETSI shall continue to be responsible for all liabilities and 
obligations relating to or arising out of any replacements under any product 
warranty relating to, or the return of, or any allowance given with respect 
to, any product of the Operation (i) sold, distributed or otherwise disposed 
of by ETSI at any time prior to the Closing Date, including claims made after 
the Closing Date, and (ii) in inventory on hand at the Closing Date and sold, 
distributed or otherwise disposed of by Lydall;

          3.04      PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES. ETSI will prepay to Lydall any 
unpaid property taxes that accrue prior to the Closing Date;

          3.05      POST-CLOSING RESPONSIBILITIES.  Except as set forth in 
Section 3.03(b), Lydall shall be solely responsible for any and all 
liabilities and obligations  directly or indirectly arising out of or 
relating to the conduct of the Operation by Lydall from and after the Closing 
and relating to periods from and after the Closing or Lydall's ownership, 
possession, occupancy, use, sale or operation of any of the Assets or Real 
Property on and after the Closing and relating to periods from and after the 
Closing;

          ETSI shall be solely responsible for any and all liabilities and 
obligations, except those expressly assumed by Lydall, directly or indirectly 
arising out of or relating to the conduct of the Operation by ETSI before the 
Closing and relating to periods before the Closing or ETSI 's ownership, 
possession, occupancy, use, sale or operation of

                                       6
<PAGE>

any of the Assets or Real Property before the Closing and relating to periods 
before the Closing;

          3.06      LIABILITIES NOT ASSUMED.  All liabilities other than 
those listed in sections 3.01 through 3.05 are expressly not assumed by 
Lydall and are retained by ETSI; and.

          3.07      NO EXPANSION OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.  Nothing herein shall 
expand the rights or remedies of any third party against Lydall, ETSI, or the 
shareholders of ETSI.

          3.08      COST OF ADDITIONAL INSURANCE.  Lydall agrees to pay one 
half the cost of insurance obtained by ETSI in accordance with Section 10.11.

          4.        CLOSING; PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT.

          4.01      CLOSING DATE, PLACE AND TIME.  The transactions 
contemplated shall take place at 11:00 a.m. on April 19, 1998, or sooner by 
agreement of the parties, at the offices of Lydall, Inc., One Colonial Road, 
Manchester, CT  06040, or at such other time, date and place as are mutually 
determined by the parties.  "Closing" shall mean the meeting between the 
parties and their representatives at which title to the Assets is transferred 
from ETSI to Lydall and the transactions contemplated by the Agreement are 
consummated, and "Closing Date" shall mean the date on which the Closing 
takes place.  The transactions contemplated by the Agreement shall be deemed 
effective as of 11:59 p.m. on the Closing Date;

          4.02      PURCHASE PRICE AND METHOD OF PAYMENT.  The purchase price 
for the Assets and the Covenants Not to Compete referred to in Section 10.04, 
net of the

                                       7

<PAGE>

specific liabilities assumed, (the "Purchase Price") shall be $9,247,000 
which will be payable as follows: (a) $8,447,000 by wire transfer of funds to 
ETSI's bank account, or delivery of other immediately available funds to 
ETSI, at the Closing and (b)  $800,000 by wire transfer of funds to the 
escrow account described in Section 13.01 below (the "Escrow Account"), which 
amount shall be held in escrow pursuant to the terms and conditions of escrow 
instructions substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.(the 
"Escrow Instructions") The Purchase Price shall be subject to adjustment as 
set forth in Sections 4.05 and 4.06;

          4.03      ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE.   After Closing, Lydall and 
ETSI shall work together in good faith to agree substantially to an 
allocation of the Purchase Price (including liabilities assumed by Lydall 
pursuant to Article 3) among the Assets, the Covenants Not to Compete and the 
liabilities assumed.  The parties shall cause an appropriate filing 
reflecting the allocation to be made with Federal and State taxing 
authorities as shall be required by law.  In the event Lydall and ETSI do not 
agree on such allocation, each may allocate the Purchase Price in its own 
discretion and file its tax return accordingly;

          4.04      RISK OF LOSS.  All risk of loss with respect to the 
Assets shall remain with ETSI until the Closing and shall pass to Lydall when 
the transactions contemplated are deemed effective as defined in 4.01 above; 
and

          4.05      NET WORKING CAPITAL PURCHASE PRICE ADJUSTMENT. (a) Within 
30 days after the Closing Date, ETSI shall prepare and deliver to Lydall a 
statement (the "Closing Date Statement") setting forth ETSI's Net Working 
Capital (as

                                       8

<PAGE>

defined in Section 4.05(d)(iii)) as of the Closing Date ("Closing Date Net 
Working Capital").  The Closing Date Statement shall also set forth a 
calculation of the amount by which Closing Date Net Working Capital exceeds 
or is less than $1,700,000 ("Working Capital Adjustment").  Within 60 days 
after the Closing Date, Lydall shall complete its examination of the Closing 
Date Statement and shall deliver to ETSI either a written acknowledgment of 
Lydall accepting the Closing Date Statement and the Working Capital 
Adjustment or a written report ("Adjustment Report") setting forth in detail 
any proposed adjustments to the Closing Date Statement and the Working 
Capital Adjustment and the reasons and supporting data therefor.  In the 
event that Lydall fails to deliver such acknowledgment or Adjustment Report 
within such sixty (60) day period, the Closing Date Statement (and each of 
the Closing Date Net Working Capital and the Working Capital Adjustment set 
forth thereon) delivered by ETSI to Lydall shall be deemed to be correct and 
to have been finally determined under Section 4.05 (b) below;

          (b)  If Lydall shall deliver an Adjustment Report to ETSI within 
the period set forth in Section 4.05(a), Lydall and ETSI shall attempt to 
resolve any differences and agree upon the Working Capital Adjustment.  In 
the event that ETSI and Lydall fail to agree on any or all of Lydall's 
proposed adjustments to the Closing Date Statement contained in the 
Adjustment Report within 15 days after ETSI receives the Adjustment Report, 
then  the parties shall select an independent certified public accounting 
firm of national reputation (who shall not be a firm previously or currently 
retained by Lydall or ETSI) which is mutually agreeable to the parties ( the 
"Independent Auditors") to,

                                       9

<PAGE>

resolve any dispute.  The Independent Auditors, acting as independent 
auditors and not for the benefit of Lydall or ETSI, shall make the final 
determination with respect to the calculation of the Closing Date Net Working 
Capital  in light of the terms and provisions of this Agreement within a 
period of less than 30 days.  The decision of the Independent Auditors shall 
be in writing and state the basis for the finding and shall be final and 
binding on Lydall and ETSI.  The costs and expenses of the Independent 
Auditors for their services rendered pursuant hereto shall be borne equally 
by Lydall and ETSI;

          (c)  The term "Final Closing Date Statement" shall mean the Closing 
Date Statement delivered pursuant to Section 4.05(a), as adjusted, if at all, 
pursuant to Section 4.05(a) or 4.05(b) and the "Settlement Date" shall mean 
the date on which the Final Closing Date Statement is agreed to by the 
parties or finally determined by the Independent Auditors, as the case may 
be.  Until the Settlement Date, Lydall agrees to provide ETSI, its 
representatives and advisors, and the Independent Auditors with access, 
during Lydall's normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice, to 
the books and records of the Operation for the purpose of preparing the 
Closing Date Statement and reviewing any proposed adjustments set forth in 
the Adjustment Report;

          (d)(i)    In the event that the Closing Date Net Working Capital 
set forth in the Final Closing Date Statement exceeds $1,700,000, Lydall 
agrees to pay to ETSI within 5 business days of the Settlement Date an amount 
equal to the excess of the Closing Date Net Working Capital set forth in the 
Final Closing Date Statement over $1,700,000 by wire transfer of immediately 
available funds to ETSI's bank account;

                                       10

<PAGE>

          (ii)      In the event that the Closing Date Net Working Capital 
set forth in the Final Closing Date Statement is less than $1,700,000, ETSI 
agrees to pay to Lydall, within 5 business days of the Settlement Date an 
amount equal to the difference between $1,700,000 and the Closing Date Net 
Working Capital set forth in the Final Closing Date Statement by wire 
transfer of immediately available funds to Lydall's bank account.

          (iii)     For purposes of this Section 4.05, the term "Net Working 
Capital" shall mean an amount equal to the difference between (x) the 
aggregate amount of ETSI's Accounts Receivable, less any applicable allowance 
for doubtful accounts and other reserves, Inventory and Prepaid Expenses as 
of the Closing Date, and (y) the amount of ETSI's Trade Payables and Accrued 
Expense being assumed pursuant to Section 3.01 as of the Closing Date, all 
determined consistently with the way such amounts were determined for 
purposes of the 1997 Year End Statements (as defined in Section 7.06).    

          4.06      FIXED ASSET AND TOOLING ADJUSTMENT.  Within 30 days of 
the Closing Date, ETSI shall prepare and deliver to Lydall a statement 
setting forth any material fixed assets and tooling purchased during the 
period from January 1, 1998 through the Closing Date (the "Fixed Asset and 
Tooling Statement").  Fixed assets and tooling shall be recorded by ETSI 
consistent with past practice.  Within thirty days of receipt of the Fixed 
Asset and Tooling Statement, Lydall shall deliver to ETSI a written 
acknowledgment of Lydall accepting the Fixed Asset and Tooling Statement or a 
written report (the "Fixed Asset and Tooling Adjustment Report") setting 
forth in detail any 

                                       11

<PAGE>

proposed adjustments.  Lydall agrees to wire the amount to ETSI, within five 
business days of Lydall's acceptance of the Fixed Asset and Tooling 
Statement, net of any Depreciation Adjustment determined in accordance with 
Section 4.07.  In the event that Lydall does not accept the Fixed Asset and 
Tooling Statement, the matter shall be submitted to the Independent Auditors 
for dispute resolution in accordance with Section 4.05(b).

          4.07      FIXED ASSET DEPRECIATION ADJUSTMENT.  Within 30 days of 
the Closing Date, ETSI shall prepare and deliver to Lydall a statement 
setting forth the depreciation expense on the fixed assets of ETSI on a 
consistent basis with prior years, covering the period from January 1, 1998 
through the closing date (Depreciation Adjustment).  Within 5 days of receipt 
of the Depreciation Adjustment, Lydall shall deliver to ETSI a written 
acknowledgment of Lydall accepting the Depreciation Adjustment or a written 
report (Depreciation Adjustment Report) setting forth in detail any proposed 
adjustments.  ETSI agrees to wire the amount to Lydall, within 5 business 
days of Lydall's acceptance of the Depreciation Adjustment.  In the event 
that Lydall does not accept the Depreciation Adjustment, the matter will be 
submitted to the Independent Auditors for dispute resolution in accordance 
with Section 4.05b.

          5.        EMPLOYEES; EMPLOYEE PENSION AND WELFARE PLANS

          5.01      EMPLOYEE TRANSITION.  ETSI shall terminate its employees 
before Closing.  Lydall agrees to conditionally offer employment to  a 
minimum of two thirds of the ETSI employees listed on Schedule 7.13 within 
thirty (30)) days of the Closing Date; provided that ETSI permits Lydall to 
perform pre-employment testing, prior to the 

                                       12

<PAGE>

Closing Date.  Any decision to offer employment to the ETSI employees listed 
on Schedule 7.13 will be made in conformity with terms, conditions, policies 
and procedures of Lydall to be established for this facility, or then in 
effect with respect to the hiring of new employees generally, including 
without limitation, the receipt of satisfactory results of any requested 
substance abuse tests.  In addition, the parties agree to work together in 
good faith to provide for the orderly transition of the employment of such 
employees from ETSI to Lydall, giving due consideration to such factors as 
current salary, length of service, accrued benefits, and continuity of 
medical and disability coverage;

          5.02      EMPLOYMENT; MEDICAL BENEFITS.  With respect to any 
employee who becomes employed by Lydall, Lydall shall, at its option, provide 
substantially equivalent medical benefits in the aggregate as are presently 
provided by ETSI or by Lydall to other similarly situated employees , 
expressly excluding post-retirement medical benefits.  Lydall will waive any 
pre-existing condition clauses;

          5.03      OTHER EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS AND BENEFITS.  Lydall shall 
not assume any obligation and shall have no liability whatsoever to ETSI or 
any employee or former employee thereof or any other person or entity with 
respect to the funding, payment or provision of pension or profit-sharing or 
401(k) benefits earned or accrued prior to the Closing, if any, under any 
pension, profit-sharing or 401(k) plans sponsored by ETSI, whether or not any 
employees become employees of Lydall. ETSI shall retain all such obligations, 
if any, and shall remain solely and exclusively liable for all benefits 
earned or accrued prior to the Closing, if any, under any such plans; and

                                       13

<PAGE>

          5.04      EMPLOYEE WELFARE PLANS, WORKER'S COMPENSATION.  Lydall 
shall have no liability whatsoever to employees or former employees of ETSI 
with respect to incurred worker's compensation claims or to benefits 
provided, earned or accrued under any welfare benefit plan sponsored by ETSI 
prior to the Closing. Lydall shall not assume any obligation and shall have 
no liability whatsoever with respect to any welfare benefit claims, including 
without limitation medical, dental, life, or disability claims incurred by an 
employee or his family prior to the Closing or workers compensation claims 
incurred prior to the Closing.  A medical or dental claim shall be deemed to 
be incurred when the services relating to that event that is the subject of 
the claim were performed.  A life or disability claim is deemed to have been 
incurred on the date of death or disability.  A worker's compensation claim 
is deemed to have been incurred on the date of accident; and

          6.        INSTRUMENTS OF CONVEYANCE AND ASSUMPTION. (a) At the 
Closing, ETSI shall deliver to Lydall such bills of sale, endorsements and 
assignments substantially in the form of Exhibit B-1 attached hereto, and 
such other instruments of sale, conveyance, transfer and assignment as may be 
reasonably requested by Lydall, in order to convey to Lydall good title to 
the Assets, free and clear of all claims, charges, equities, liens (including 
tax liens other than liens for taxes and assessments not yet due and 
payable), security interests and encumbrances and, except for minor 
imperfections of title and liens, security interests, and encumbrances which, 
individually and in the aggregate, do not materially detract from the value 
of or impair the use of the Assets as currently utilized. ETSI shall pay the 
costs for preparing 

                                       14

<PAGE>

the instruments of conveyance.  Lydall shall pay the costs for recording 
same.  Any sales, use, excise, transfer or other similar taxes, if any, 
imposed with respect to the transfer of the Assets shall be the sole 
responsibility of ETSI;

and

          (b)       At the Closing, Lydall shall execute and deliver to ETSI 
an Assumption Agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B-2 and 
such other instruments or agreements of assumption as may be reasonably 
requested by ETSI, in order to evidence the assumption by Lydall of the 
liabilities in accordance with Article 3.  Lydall shall pay the costs for 
preparing the instruments or agreements of assumption.

          7.        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ETSI. ETSI represents, 
warrants and agrees that:

          7.01      ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING OF ETSI.  ETSI is a 
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the 
laws of the State of Vermont with full power and authority to own and operate 
the Assets and to conduct the Operation as now being conducted and is duly 
qualified to do business in Vermont and all other jurisdictions where the 
nature of the properties owned or leased by it or the business conducted by 
it require that it be so qualified;

          7.02      TITLE TO AND CONDITION OF THE ASSETS.  ETSI has good 
title to the Assets, free and clear of any claims, charges, equities, liens 
(including tax liens), security interests and encumbrances except for (a) 
liens for taxes and assessments not yet due and payable, (b) liens listed on 
Schedule 7.02, and (c) minor imperfections of title and liens, security 
interests and encumbrances which, individually and in the 

                                       15

<PAGE>

aggregate, do not affect the value of or impair the use of the Assets as 
currently utilized (collectively, "Permitted Liens"). ETSI has full right, 
power, capacity and authority to sell, transfer, assign, convey and deliver 
good title to the Assets to Lydall as provided in this Agreement, and 
delivery on the Closing Date will convey to Lydall good title to the Assets, 
free and clear of any claims, charges, equities, liens (including tax liens), 
security interests and encumbrances;

          7.03      CONTRACTS OF ETSI.   Schedule 1.03 includes a correct and 
complete list of all written or oral contracts agreements or arrangements to 
which ETSI is a party relating to the operation of ETSI, including any 
agreements with ETSI's shareholders, directors or officers. ETSI has no 
contracts in excess of $5,000 other than those listed on Schedule 1.03.  ETSI 
has provided Lydall with true and correct copies of all such written 
contracts, including the Lease and a true and complete summary of all oral 
contracts;

          7.04      ETSI'S AUTHORITY AND NO CONFLICT.  ETSI has the full 
corporate right, power and authority, to execute, deliver and carry out the 
terms of this Agreement and all documents and agreements necessary to give 
effect to the provisions of this Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly 
authorized, executed and delivered by ETSI. The execution of this Agreement 
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not result 
in any conflict with, breach, violation or termination of, or default under 
any charter, by-law, law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, decree, 
mortgage, agreement, deed of trust, indenture or other instrument to which 
ETSI is a party or by which it is bound.  ETSI has obtained or, prior to the 
Closing, will 

                                       16

<PAGE>

have obtained any necessary approvals of governmental bodies, lenders, 
lessors or other third parties.  All corporate action and other 
authorizations prerequisite to the execution of this Agreement by ETSI and 
the consummation by ETSI of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement 
have been taken or obtained by ETSI.  The Agreement is a valid and binding 
agreement of ETSI, enforceable against ETSI in accordance with its terms, 
subject to (i) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent 
conveyance, moratorium or similar law relating to or affecting the rights of 
creditors generally, (ii) the possibility that the remedy of specific 
performance or any other remedy may be unavailable in any jurisdiction or may 
be withheld as a matter of judicial discretion, and (iii) equitable 
principles that may be applied in construing or enforcing the provisions of 
this Agreement;

          7.05      BROKERS.  There has been no broker or finder involved in 
any manner in the negotiations leading up to the execution of this Agreement 
or the consummation of any transactions contemplated;

          7.06      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  Attached as Schedule 7.06 are the 
unaudited financial statements of ETSI for the two month period ended 
February 28, 1998 ("Interim Statements") and the audited financial statements 
for the full fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and 
December 31, 1997 ("Year-End Statements").  The Year-End Statements have been 
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") 
consistently applied throughout the periods indicated and fairly present in 
all respects the financial position of ETSI at and as of December 31, 1995, 
December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997 respectively, 

                                       17

<PAGE>

and the results of operations for the fiscal years then ended.  Except as set 
forth in the Notes to the Interim Statements, the Interim Statements have 
been prepared in accordance with GAAP, do not reflect any accounting 
principle changes from prior periods and fairly present in all respects the 
financial position of ETSI at and as of February 28, 1998, and the results of 
operations for the two months then ended. The information set forth in 
Schedule 7.06 is true and correct in all respects;

          7.07      TAXES.  ETSI has filed, or caused to be filed, with the 
appropriate federal, state and local governmental agencies all tax returns 
required to be filed on or before the Closing Date, and has paid, or caused 
to be paid all taxes, excise taxes, assessments, charges, penalties and 
interest shown to be due and payable or claimed to be due and payable thereon 
 prior to Closing.  ETSI has paid, or caused to be paid, all applicable 
corporate franchise taxes, unemployment taxes, payroll taxes, social security 
taxes, occupation taxes, ad valorem taxes, property taxes, excise taxes and 
imposts, sales and use taxes, and all other taxes of every kind, character or 
description which arise out of the conduct of the business of ETSI or relate 
to the Assets and which are required to be paid on or prior to the Closing 
Date, and has received no notices and is not otherwise aware of any 
deficiencies, adjustments or changes in assessments with respect to any such 
taxes. ETSI shall continue to be responsible for all such taxes following the 
Closing Date; 

          7.08      LITIGATION OR CLAIMS.  There is no litigation, 
proceeding, arbitration, alternate dispute matter assessment, governmental 
investigation or other claim pending, or so far as known to ETSI, threatened, 
against or relating to ETSI or the 

                                       18

<PAGE>

Operation with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or 
otherwise involving ETSI or the Operation except as set forth on Schedule 
7.08;

          7.09      COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.  ETSI has no knowledge or reason to 
believe that it has not complied or is not in compliance with all applicable 
statutes and regulations of all governmental authorities having jurisdiction 
over ETSI or any of the Assets.  There is no outstanding order, 
investigation, inquiry, writ, injunction or decree of any court or 
arbitrator, government or governmental agency against, or affecting the 
Operation or any of the Assets;  

          7.10      ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS 

          (a)  Since December 31, 1997 except as disclosed to Lydall in 
Schedule 7.10 ETSI has not:

               (i)  incurred any obligation or liability (fixed or 
contingent) except trade or business obligations incurred in the ordinary 
course of business, which are adverse;

               (ii) discharged or satisfied any lien or encumbrance or paid 
any obligation or liability (fixed or contingent), except current liabilities 
included on the Interim Balance Sheet, current liabilities incurred since the 
date of the Interim Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business, and 
obligations and liabilities under contracts, leases or documents referred to 
in Schedule 1.03;

               (iii)     mortgaged, pledged or subjected to lien, charge, 
security interest or to any other encumbrance any of its assets or properties;

               (iv) sold, transferred, leased or otherwise disposed of any of 
its assets or properties, except for a fair consideration in the ordinary 
course of business or 

                                       19

<PAGE>

entered into any option, contract or other commitment to sell, transfer, 
lease or otherwise dispose of any of its assets or properties;

               (v)  canceled or compromised any debt or claim except for 
adjustments made with respect to contracts for the purchase of supplies or 
for the sale of products in the ordinary course of business;

               (vi) waived or released any rights of any value;

               (vii)     transferred or granted any rights under any 
concessions, leases, licenses, agreements, patents, inventions, trademarks, 
trade names, copyrights, or with respect to know-how;

               (viii)    made or granted any general wage or salary increase 
or entered into any employment contract with any officer or employee or 
increased any wage or salary more than 5% since December 31, 1996;

               (ix) entered into any transaction other than in the ordinary 
course of business;

               (x)  suffered any operating loss or casualty loss or damage, 
whether or not such loss or damage shall have been insured against;

               (xi) suffered any adverse change in its financial condition, 
properties or business;

               (xii)     made or entered into any contract or commitment to 
make any capital expenditures in excess of $5,000 in the aggregate; and

                                       20


<PAGE>


               (xiii)    made any payment or distribution to any of the 
shareholders, officers or directors of ETSI; other than salary payments in 
the ordinary course of business.

          7.11.          ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

          (a)  The following definitions shall apply for purposes of this 
Section:

               (i)       "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" means any and all federal, 
state, local or municipal laws, rules, orders, regulations, statutes, 
ordinances, codes, decrees, guidelines, policies or requirements of any 
governmental authorities regulating or imposing standards of liability or 
standards of conduct (including common laws) concerning air, water, solid 
waste, Hazardous Materials, worker and community right-to-know, hazard 
communication, noise, resource protection, subdivision, wetlands and 
watercourses, health protection and similar environmental, health, safety, 
building, and land use concerns as may at any time be in effect.

               (ii)      "ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION" means circumstances with 
respect to soil, surface waters, ground waters, stream sediments, air and 
similar environmental media both on and off   the Real Property and any other 
real property which  ETSI owns, leases or operates or has ever in the past 
owned, leased or operated (together, the "ETSI Property") resulting from any 
activity or inactivity, including but not limited to, storage, treatment, 
transportation, disposal, or operations occurring on or off such real 
property, that could require investigatory, corrective and/or remedial 
measures and/or that may result in claims, demands and/or liabilities by ETSI 
or third parties including, but not limited to, governmental entities.

                                       21
<PAGE>

               (iii)     "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" means any petroleum, petroleum 
products, fuel oil, derivatives of petroleum products or fuel oil, 
explosives, reactive materials, ignitable materials, corrosive materials, 
hazardous chemicals, hazardous wastes, hazardous substances, extremely 
hazardous substances, toxic substances, toxic chemicals, radioactive 
materials, medical waste, biomedical waste, infectious materials and any 
other element, compound mixture, solution or substance which may pose a 
present or potential hazard to human health or safety or to the environment.

               (iv)      "RELEASE" means releasing, spilling, leaking, 
pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, 
leaching, disposing or dumping, or as otherwise defined under the Resource 
Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), the Comprehensive Environmental 
Response Compensation Liability Act ("CERCLA") or other Environmental Laws.  
This term shall be interpreted to include the past, present and future tense, 
as appropriate.

          (b)  Except as set forth in Schedule 7.11 to the knowledge of ETSI,

               (i)       At no time have the Assets or ETSI Property been 
used for the generation, storage, transportation or disposal of Hazardous 
Materials or as a landfill or other waste disposal site.  There are not now, 
nor have there ever been, underground storage tanks on ETSI Property.

               (ii)      ETSI and the ETSI Property are in full compliance 
with all Environmental Laws and no event has occurred which, with the passage 
of time or the giving of notice or both, would constitute non-compliance with 
Environmental Laws.

                                       22
<PAGE>

               (iii)     There are no agreements, consent orders, decrees, 
judgments, licenses or permit conditions, or other directives, issued by a 
governmental department or agency which require any change in the present 
condition of the Assets or the ETSI Property.

               (iv)      There are no actions, suits, claims or proceedings, 
pending or threatened, arising out of the condition of the Assets or ETSI 
Property or relating to a violation or non-compliance with any Environmental 
Law or with respect to the generation, storage, disposal, discharge or 
release of Hazardous Materials off-site or at or from the Assets or ETSI  
Property or relating to health or safety practices at ETSI.

               (v)       ETSI has not received any notice from its insurance 
carrier or mortgagee as to recommendations made regarding Hazardous Materials 
or safety issues at the Assets or ETSI Property, and ETSI has not been denied 
insurance coverage (nor has any insurance coverage been canceled) by reason 
of Hazardous Materials at the Assets or the ETSI Property or for any other 
reason.

               (vi)      Neither the Assets nor the ETSI Property are a 
designated landmark or in a designated Historic District, and ETSI has not 
received any notice that either the Assets or the ETSI Property are being 
considered for landmark designation or are to be included within any 
contemplated Historic District.

               (vii)     All zoning, use, building, housing, safety, fire and 
health approvals, and all permits and licenses necessary to operate, occupy 
and use the Assets and ETSI Property as intended by Lydall have been issued 
and are in full force and effect, and ETSI is in full compliance therewith. 
ETSI has not taken any action or 

                                       23
<PAGE>

made any improvements which would require amending, modifying or 
supplementing the foregoing.

               (viii)    There has been no Release of any Hazardous Materials 
on, upon or into the Assets or ETSI Property and there has been no such 
release on, upon or into any real property adjoining or in the vicinity of 
the Assets or ETSI Property which through air, soil or groundwater migration 
could have come from sources located upon the Assets or ETSI Property.

               (ix)      ETSI has obtained, and is in compliance with, all 
permits, licenses and other authorizations which are required under federal, 
state and local laws relating to pollution or protection of the environment, 
including laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened 
releases of pollutants, contaminants, or hazardous or toxic materials or 
wastes into ambient air, surface water, ground water, or land, or otherwise 
relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, 
storage, disposal, transport, or handling of pollutants, contaminants or 
hazardous or toxic materials or wastes or any other Environmental Law, and 
all permits, licenses and authorizations are valid and in full force and 
effect. 

               (x)      There are no, nor has ETSI received notice of, any 
past, present or future events, conditions, Environmental Conditions, 
circumstances, activities, practices, incidents, actions or plans which may 
interfere with or prevent continued compliance, or which may give rise to any 
common law or legal liability, or otherwise form the basis of any claim, 
action, suit, proceeding, hearing or investigation, based on or related to 
the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, 

                                       24
<PAGE>

storage, disposal, transport, or handling, or the emission, discharge, 
release or threatened release into the environment, of any Hazardous Material 
in connection with the operation of ETSI;

          7.12      NO CHANGE IN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS.  Since December 31, 
1997, there has not been any interruption in the business relationship of 
ETSI with any supplier, customer or other party with which ETSI has or has 
had any business agreement or arrangement.  Except as may be caused by 
general economic conditions, ETSI has no knowledge that any such party 
contemplates termination of such party's business relationship with ETSI or 
any reduction in the volume of business carried on with ETSI during the 
preceding two years, except as set forth on Schedule 7.12;

          7.13      EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.

          (a)  ETSI has no:

                    (i)   collective bargaining agreement in effect with 
respect to the employees of ETSI , nor

                    (ii)  employment agreement with any of the employees of 
ETSI;

          (b)  With respect to employees of ETSI, other than as disclosed on 
Schedule 7.13,

                    (i)    ETSI is and has been in substantial compliance 
with all applicable laws respecting employment and employment practices, 
terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, including, without 
limitation, any such laws respecting employment discrimination, occupational 
safety and health, and unfair labor practices;

                                       25
<PAGE>

                    (ii)   there is no unfair labor practice complaint 
against ETSI pending or, to the best of ETSI's knowledge, threatened before 
the National Labor Relations Board or any comparable state, local or foreign 
agency;

                    (iii)  there is no labor strike, dispute, slowdown or 
stoppage pending or, to the best of ETSI's knowledge, threatened against or 
directly affecting ETSI;

                    (iv)   no union representation question exists and, to 
the best of ETSI's knowledge, no union organization effort is underway, 
respecting the employees of ETSI;

                    (v)    ETSI has not experienced any material work 
stoppage in the last eighteen (18) months;

                    (vi)   ETSI is not delinquent in payments to any of its 
employees for any wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses or other direct 
compensation for any services performed by them to the Closing Date or 
amounts required to be reimbursed to such employees;

                    (vii)  The employment of each of ETSI's employees is 
terminable at will without cost to ETSI except for payments required under 
the Plans, welfare plans and Employee Plans and payment of accrued salaries 
or wages and vacation pay.  No employee or former employee has any right to 
be rehired by ETSI prior to ETSI hiring a person not previously employed by 
ETSI; and

                    (viii) Schedule 7.13 contains a true and complete list of 
all employees who are employed by ETSI as of December 31, 1997, and said list 
correctly 

                                       26
<PAGE>

reflects their salaries, wages, other compensation (other than benefits under 
the Plans, welfare plans and Employee Plans), dates of employment and 
positions. ETSI does not owe any past or present employees any sum other than 
for accrued wages or salaries for the current payroll period, and amounts 
payable under the Plans, welfare plans or Employee Plans;

          7.14      PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, TRADE NAMES AND COPYRIGHTS.  
ETSI has no knowledge or reason to believe that the business of ETSI as 
presently conducted infringes, interferes with or contravenes any presently 
outstanding patents, patent licenses, trademarks, service marks, trade names, 
brand names, applications or license rights or other proprietary rights held 
by others; and ETSI is not in violation of any such rights with respect to 
any past events.  All patents, patent licenses, trademarks, service marks, 
trade names, brand names, and other proprietary rights owned by ETSI or used 
by ETSI in the operation of its business are listed in Schedule 7.14;

          7.15      PROCESSES AND KNOW-HOW.    ETSI possesses without 
restriction all of the processes, know-how, technology, designs, patterns, 
blueprints, franchises, licenses and applications, and rights in respect 
thereof, necessary for the continued conduct of the business of ETSI as 
presently conducted, without the need for patents or licenses other than as 
disclosed in Schedule 7.14 or listed under Schedule 1.03;

          7.16      UTILITIES.     There is available to the Real Property 
which ETSI presently leases, and such property is adequately serviced by, 
such public utilities as are required to conduct the business of ETSI as it 
presently is being conducted, 

                                       27
<PAGE>

including, but not limited to, water, sewer, heat and electricity; and all 
payments, assessments, deposits and other charges related to such utilities 
and other existing on-site improvements have been paid in full to the extent 
that they are due;

          7.17      LICENSES AND PERMITS.  Schedule 7.17 contains a complete 
and accurate list of all permits, licenses, approvals, authorizations and 
consents of any federal, state or municipal governmental agency or authority 
held by ETSI which are required for the conduct of the business of ETSI as it 
is now being conducted ("Licenses and Permits"); all such Licenses and 
Permits are in full force and effect; and there is no claim, action, 
investigation or proceeding pending or threatened, which would materially 
affect any of the foregoing; ETSI has no knowledge of any condition presently 
existing which affects the validity of any of the Licenses and Permits. ETSI 
shall transfer to Lydall such Licenses and Permits as are transferable 
without the consent of a third party.  If any Licenses and Permits are not 
transferable to Lydall, ETSI will cooperate with and assist Lydall in 
applying for any such Licenses and Permits as are not transferable, or 
obtaining such consents;   

          7.18      ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.  The Interim 
Statements have made, and the balance sheet contained in the Interim 
Statements (the "Interim Balance Sheet")  makes, full and adequate provision 
for all obligations and liabilities (whether known or unknown, fixed or 
contingent) of ETSI.  ETSI had no obligations or liabilities of any kind 
whatsoever (whether known or unknown, fixed or contingent) except (i) to the 
extent reflected or reserved against on the Interim Balance Sheet or (ii) 
incurred since 

                                       28
<PAGE>

the date of the Interim Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business, 
none of which is material, or (iii) disclosed in Schedule 7.18;

          7.19      INVENTORY.  The inventories of ETSI as reflected on the 
Interim Statements consist, and the Inventory on hand on the Closing Date 
will consist, of items of a quality and quantity usable and salable in the 
ordinary course of its business, except for obsolete items and items of below 
standard quality, all of which have been, or will be, written down to 
realizable market value or for which adequate reserves have been, or will be, 
provided.  All such Inventory is of good and merchantable quality, except for 
obsolete, defective or damaged items, if any.  Any obsolete, defective or 
damaged items have been, or will be, written down to realizable market value. 
 An item of Inventory shall be considered obsolete if such item is not 
expected to be consumed in the manufacturing process or is not expected to be 
sold within a nine month period following its date of manufacture.  
"Realizable market value" for items which are obsolete, defective or damaged 
shall mean the value ascertained by valuing the item, if it is finished, at 
net selling price (gross selling price less all discounts) less any related 
sale or delivery expense, or if it constitutes work in process, at net 
selling price (gross selling price less all discounts) less cost to complete 
and any related sales or delivery expense, or if it constitutes manufacturing 
supplies, at market value or if it constitutes raw material, at the lesser of 
cost or market value;

          7.20      ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE.  The accounts receivable 
and notes receivable of ETSI as reflected on the Interim Statements are, and 
the accounts receivable and notes receivable of ETSI on the Closing Date will 
be, collectible in the 

                                       29
<PAGE>

ordinary course of business at the aggregate face amounts thereof.  In the 
event that all of the accounts receivable and notes receivable of ETSI on the 
Closing Date are not paid in full prior to the one hundred and twentieth 
(120th) day after the Closing Date, provided that Lydall shall have made good 
faith efforts to collect receivables which are late, ETSI shall reimburse 
Lydall for all said unpaid accounts and notes (and any unpaid portion of 
either) for its or their then unpaid balance in accordance with Section 
12.02.  The accounts receivable and notes receivable are valid and 
enforceable, uncontested claims for goods delivered or services performed, 
with no offsets, defenses, counterclaims or disputes as to the amount owing, 
except as specifically noted in Schedule 7.20;

          7.21      SOLVENCY.  ETSI is not insolvent and shall not be 
rendered insolvent as a result of the transactions contemplated by this 
Agreement, however ETSI intends to liquidate and dissolve after the 
Closing.For purposes of this Agreement, the term "insolvent" shall have the 
same meaning such term has under the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, as 
adopted and in effect in the State of Vermont on the Closing Date;

          7.22      SUBSIDIARIES.  ETSI has no subsidiaries and does not own, 
directly or indirectly, any capital stock or other equity securities of any 
corporation or other entity, or have any direct or indirect equity interest 
in any business;

          7.23      ERISA AND COBRA COMPLIANCE.  (a) Except for the plans 
disclosed on Schedule 7.23 (the "Plans"), ETSI neither maintains nor 
contributes to any employee pension benefit or welfare plans, as defined in 
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), or any other 
severance, bonus, stock option, 

                                       30
<PAGE>

stock appreciation, stock purchase, retirement, insurance, pension, 
profit-sharing or deferred compensation plan, agreement or arrangement for 
the benefit of ETSI's employees (collectively, the "Employee Plans"), nor has 
ETSI nor any of its officers or directors taken any action directly or 
indirectly to obligate ETSI to institute any such Employee Plan.  ETSI has 
complied with all terms and conditions of, and has no liabilities or 
obligations with respect to, the Plans.  As of the date of this Agreement, 
all benefits relating to periods of service under the Plans are fully funded 
to the extent required by law.  All Plans have been maintained in full 
compliance with all laws, regulations and orders, including without 
limitation, ERISA, of all governmental authorities.

          (b)  ETSI, and any entity that is a member of a group described in 
Section 414(b),(c),(m), or (o) of the Code, which group includes ETSI, 
maintain only the group health plans listed in Schedule 7.23, covering 
employees of ETSI .  Except as disclosed in Schedule 7.23 each such group 
health plan has been administered in accordance with published requirements 
from and after the respective publication dates of such requirements (and in 
good faith with requirements with respect to issues and for periods prior to 
the dates on which published guidance was available) relating to continuation 
coverage for people who would otherwise lose coverage as a result of certain 
events set forth in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 
1985 ("COBRA"), as amended by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and the Technical 
and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988, and proposed regulations thereunder;

                                       31
<PAGE>

          7.24      PRODUCT LIABILITY. ETSI has not made any oral or written 
warranties with respect to the quality or absence of defects of its products 
or services which it has sold or performed which are in force as of the date 
hereof except as are described in Schedule 7.24.  There are no claims pending 
or, to the best of ETSI's knowledge, anticipated or threatened against ETSI 
with respect to the quality of or absence of defects in such products or 
services.  Schedule 7.24 sets forth a summary, which is accurate in all 
material respects, of all returns of defective products during the period 
beginning January 1, 1995 and ending on the date hereof, and all credits and 
allowances for defective products given to customers during said period, and 
said summary in each case accurately describes the defect which resulted in 
the return, allowance or credit.  ETSI has no reason to believe that the 
number of potential warranty claims for   products sold and services 
performed by ETSI will be higher than the number of warranty adjustments 
which have been required in the past. ETSI has not been required to pay 
direct, incidental, or consequential damages to any person in connection with 
any of such products or services at any time during the six (6) year period 
preceding the date hereof;

          7.25      CORRUPT PRACTICES.  ETSI has no knowledge or reason to 
believe that it, or any of its former or current officers, directors, 
employees, agents or representatives, has made, directly or indirectly, with 
respect to ETSI or its business activities, any bribes or kickbacks, illegal 
political contributions, payments from corporate funds not recorded on the 
books and records of ETSI, payments from corporate funds to governmental 
officials, in their individual capacities, for the purpose 

                                       32
<PAGE>

of affecting their action or the action of the government they represent, to 
obtain favorable treatment in securing business or licenses or to obtain 
special concessions, or illegal payments from corporate funds to obtain or 
retain business. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, ETSI has 
not directly or indirectly made or agreed to make (whether or not said 
payment is lawful) any payment to obtain, or with respect to, sales other 
than usual and regular compensation to its employees and sales 
representatives with respect to such sales;

          7.26      ADEQUATE ASSETS.  The Assets are adequate to conduct the 
Operation as it is presently being conducted, and the Assets conveyed to 
Lydall on the Closing Date will be adequate to enable Lydall to continue to 
conduct the Operation as it is presently being conducted; 

          7.27      EQUIPMENT AND REAL ESTATE.  The Equipment and Real Estate 
are in good operating condition and repair (ordinary wear and tear excepted). 
The Equipment, Real Estate and the buildings and other facilities located on 
the Real Estate are free of any latent structural or engineering defects 
known to ETSI or any patent structural or engineering defects. ETSI does not 
use in the conduct of its business any property, assets, or rights, real or 
personal, tangible or intangible, which are not either (i) owned by it and 
reflected in the  Year End Statements, (ii) leased by it under the Lease, or 
(iii) which it otherwise has the right to use under contracts, licenses or 
agreements disclosed to Lydall pursuant to Schedules to this Agreement;

          7.28      RESTRICTIONS.  ETSI is not a party to any indenture, 
agreement, contract, commitment, lease, plan, license, permit authorization 
or other instrument, 

                                       33
<PAGE>

document or understanding, oral or written, or subject to any charter or 
other corporate restriction or any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree 
or award which adversely affects or restricts or, so far as ETSI can now 
reasonably foresee, may in the future adversely affect or restrict, the 
business operations, assets, properties, prospects or condition (financial or 
otherwise) of the operation after consummation of the transactions 
contemplated hereby if the Operation is conducted as currently conducted;

          7.29   CONDITIONS AFFECTING ETSI.  There is no fact, development or 
threatened development with respect to the markets, products, services, 
clients, customers, facilities, computer software, data bases, personnel, 
vendors, suppliers, operations, assets or prospects of the Operation which 
are known to ETSI which would adversely affect the business, operations or 
prospects of ETSI considered as a whole, other than such conditions as may 
affect as a whole the economy generally.  ETSI has used its best efforts to 
keep available for Lydall the services of the employees, agents, customers 
and suppliers of ETSI active in the conduct of the Operation.  Other than as 
set forth on Schedule 7.29, ETSI does not have any reason to believe that any 
loss of any employee, agent, customer or supplier or other advantageous 
arrangement will result because of the consummation of the transactions 
contemplated hereby; and

          7.30      COMPLETENESS OF DISCLOSURE.  No representation or 
warranty by ETSI in this Agreement nor any certificate, schedule, statement, 
document or instrument furnished or to be furnished to Lydall pursuant 
hereto, or in connection with the negotiation, execution or performance of 
this Agreement, contains or will contain 

                                       34
<PAGE>

any untrue statement of a fact or omits or will omit to state a fact required 
to be stated herein or therein or necessary to make any statement herein or 
therein not misleading.

          8.        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LYDALL.  Lydall 
represents, warrants and covenants that:

          8.01      ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING.  Lydall is a corporation 
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the 
State of Indiana with full power and authority to own and operate the Assets 
and to carry on the business of ETSI as now being conducted;

          8.02      AUTHORITY OF LYDALL.  Lydall has the full corporate 
right, power and authority,  to execute, deliver and carry out the terms of 
this Agreement and all documents and agreements necessary to give effect to 
the provisions of this Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly authorized, 
executed and delivered by Lydall and the execution of this Agreement and the 
consummation of the transactions contemplated will not result in any 
conflict, breach, violation or termination of or default under any charter, 
by-law, law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, decree, mortgage, 
agreement, deed of trust, indenture or other instrument to which Lydall is a 
party or by which it is bound.  All corporate action and other authorizations 
prerequisite to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the 
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been 
taken or obtained by Lydall.  This Agreement is a valid and binding agreement 
of Lydall, enforceable against Lydall in accordance with its terms , subject 
to (i) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, 
moratorium or similar law relating to or affecting the rights of


                                       35
<PAGE>

creditors generally, (ii) the possibility that the remedy of specific 
performance or any other remedy may be unavailable in any jurisdiction or may 
be withheld as a matter of judicial discretion, and (iii) equitable 
principles that may be applied in construing or enforcing the provisions of 
this Agreement; 

          8.03      BROKERS.  There has been no broker or finder involved in 
any manner in the negotiations leading up to the execution of this Agreement, 
or the consummation of any transactions contemplated as a result of any 
agreements or understandings made by Lydall; and

          8.04      FINANCING.  Lydall has funds available (including those 
to be provided to it pursuant to binding financing commitments) which are 
sufficient to pay the Purchase Price and to pay all other amounts owing by it 
in connection with the transaction contemplated by this Agreement.  Lydall 
has furnished reasonable substantiation of the foregoing to ETSI and will, 
from time to time prior to the Closing at the reasonable request of ETSI, 
provide to ETSI additional substantiation of the status thereof.

          8.05      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  Attached as Schedule 8.05 are the 
unaudited financial statements of Lydall for the fiscal year ended December 
31, 1997, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles ("GAAP") consistently applied throughout the period 
indicated and fairly present in all respects the financial position of Lydall 
at and as of December 31, 1997, and the results of operations for the fiscal 
year then ended.

                                       36
<PAGE>

          8.06      ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS.  Since December 31, 
1997, except as disclosed to ETSI in Schedule 8.06, there has not been any 
adverse change in the financial condition or results of operations of Lydall, 
and Lydall has not engaged in any practice, taken any action, or entered into 
any transaction having an adverse impact on Lydall's ability to consummate 
the transactions contemplated hereby;

          8.07      LITIGATION OR CLAIMS.  There is no litigation, 
proceeding, arbitration, alternate dispute matter, assessment, governmental 
investigation or other claim pending, or so far as known to Lydall 
threatened, against or relating to Lydall with respect to the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise involving Lydall that would have 
an adverse effect on Lydall's ability to consummate the transactions 
contemplated hereby. 

          9.        AGREEMENTS PENDING CLOSING.

                9.1       AGREEMENTS OF ETSI PENDING THE CLOSING.  ETSI 
covenants and agrees that, pending the Closing:

                9.1.1    BUSINESS IN THE ORDINARY COURSE.  The Operation 
shall be conducted in the ordinary course consistent with past practice, and 
not in a manner that might reasonably be expected to prejudice Lydall;

               9.1.2    EXISTING CONDITION.  Without the prior, written 
consent of Lydall, ETSI shall not cause nor permit to occur any of the events 
or occurrences described in Section 7.10 hereof;

                                       37
<PAGE>

               9.1.3    MAINTENANCE OF PHYSICAL ASSETS.  ETSI shall continue 
to maintain and service the physical assets used in the conduct of the 
Operation in the same manner as has been its consistent past practice;

               9.1.4    EMPLOYEES AND BUSINESS RELATIONS.  ETSI shall use its 
best efforts to keep available the services of the present employees and 
agents of the Operation and to maintain the relations and goodwill with the 
suppliers, customers, distributors and any others having business relations 
with the Operation;

               9.1.5    MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE.  ETSI shall notify Lydall 
of any material changes in the terms of the insurance policies and binders 
presently in effect with respect to the Operation;

               9.1.6    MAINTENANCE OF FRANCHISES, ETC.  ETSI shall use its 
best efforts to maintain in full force and effect all franchises currently in 
effect used in the conduct of the business of the Operation;

               9.1.7    COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, ETC.  ETSI shall comply with 
all laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and orders applicable to ETSI's 
operations, assets or properties in respect thereof, the noncompliance with 
which might materially affect the Operation or the Assets;

               9.1.8    UPDATE SCHEDULES.  ETSI shall promptly disclose to 
Lydall any information contained in its representations and warranties or the 
Schedules which, because of an event occurring after the date hereof, is 
materially incomplete or incorrect as of all times after the date hereof 
until the Closing Date; provided, however, that none of such disclosures 
shall be deemed to modify, amend or supplement the 

                                       38
<PAGE>

representations and warranties of ETSI or the schedules hereto for the 
purposes of Section 10 hereof, unless Lydall shall have consented thereto in 
writing;

               9.1.9    CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.  ETSI shall use its best efforts 
to conduct its business in such a manner that on the Closing Date the 
representations and warranties of ETSI contained in this Agreement shall be 
true, except as specifically contemplated by this Section 9.1, as though such 
representations and warranties were made on and as of such date.  
Furthermore, ETSI shall cooperate with Lydall and use its best efforts to 
cause all of the conditions to the obligations of Lydall and ETSI under this 
Agreement to be satisfied on or prior to the Closing Date;

               9.1.10   SALE OF ASSETS; NEGOTIATIONS.  ETSI shall not, 
directly or indirectly, sell or encumber all or any part of the Assets, other 
than in the ordinary course of the Operation consistent with past practice, 
or initiate or participate in any discussions or negotiations or enter into 
any agreement to do any of the foregoing. ETSI shall not provide any 
confidential information concerning the Operation or its properties or assets 
to any third party other than in the ordinary course of business;

            9.1.11   ACCESS.  ETSI shall give to Lydall's officers, 
employees, counsel, accountants and other representatives free and full 
access to and the right to inspect, during normal business hours, all of the 
premises, properties, assets, records, contracts and other documents relating 
to the Operation and shall permit them to consult with the officers, 
employees, accountants, counsel and agents of ETSI for the purpose of making 
such investigation of the Operation, including without limitation the Interim 
Balance Sheet, as Lydall shall desire to make, provided that such 
investigation 

                                       39
<PAGE>

shall not unreasonably interfere with ETSI's business operations. 
Furthermore, ETSI shall furnish to Lydall all such documents and copies of 
documents and records and information with respect to the affairs of the 
Operation and copies of any working papers relating thereto as Lydall shall 
from time to time reasonably request and shall permit Lydall and its agents 
to make such physical inventories and inspections of the Assets as Lydall may 
request from time to time; and

               9.1.12   PRESS RELEASES.  Except as required by applicable 
law, ETSI shall not give notice to third parties or otherwise make any public 
statement or releases concerning this Agreement or the transactions 
contemplated hereby except for such written information as shall have been 
approved in writing as to form and content by Lydall, which approval shall 
not be unreasonably withheld.

               9.1.13   NON-SHOP PROVISION.  ETSI has not and will not  
directly or indirectly, through any officer, director, agent or otherwise, 
(i) solicit or initiate, directly or indirectly, or encourage submission of 
inquiries, proposals, or offers from any potential buyer (other than Lydall) 
relating to the disposition of all or any part of the assets or securities of 
ETSI (other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course) or (ii) 
participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any 
person any information with respect to, the disposition of all or any part of 
the assets or any securities of ETSI.   

          9.2       AGREEMENTS OF LYDALL PENDING THE CLOSING.  Lydall 
covenants and agrees that, pending the Closing:


                                       40
<PAGE>

          9.2.1     ACTIONS OF LYDALL.  Lydall will not knowingly take any 
action which could reasonably be expected to result in a breach of any of its 
representations, warranties and covenants hereunder.  Furthermore, Lydall 
shall cooperate with ETSI and use its best efforts to cause all of the 
conditions to the obligations of Lydall and ETSI under this Agreement to be 
satisfied on or prior to the Closing Date;

          9.2.2     CONFIDENTIALITY.  Unless and until the Closing has been 
consummated, Lydall will hold, and shall cause their counsel, independent 
certified public accountants, appraisers and investment bankers to hold in 
confidence any confidential data or information made available to Lydall in 
connection with this Agreement with respect to the Operation using the same 
standard of care to protect such confidential data or information as is used 
to protect Lydall's confidential information.  If the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement are not consummated, Lydall agrees that (i) it 
shall return or cause to be returned to ETSI all written materials and all 
copies thereof that were supplied to Lydall by ETSI and that contain any such 
confidential data or information, and (ii) it will continue to comply with 
the provisions of this Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement described 
in section 12.03; 

          9.2.3     PRESS RELEASES.  Except as required by applicable law, 
Lydall will not give notice to third parties or otherwise make any public 
statements or releases concerning this Agreement or the transactions 
contemplated hereby except for such written information as shall have been 
approved in writing as to form and content by ETSI, which approval shall not 
be unreasonably withheld; and

                                      41

<PAGE>

          9.2.4.    ACQUISITIONS.  Lydall will not enter into any agreement 
to acquire another person if such agreement will have a materially adverse 
impact on Lydall's ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by 
this Agreement.

          10.       LYDALL'S CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING.  Lydall's 
agreement to purchase and pay for the Assets is subject to delivery at the 
Closing of the deeds, bills of sale, endorsements, assignments, and other 
instruments of sale, conveyance, transfer and assignment as contemplated by 
Article 6 and to the occurrence of each of the following conditions (any of 
which may be waived by Lydall):

          10.01     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  Each of the 
representations and warranties set forth in Article 7 and in the Schedules 
delivered pursuant thereto shall be true and correct in all material respects 
on the Closing Date, (except for any representations and warranties that are 
qualified by materiality, which shall be true in all respects) and ETSI shall 
execute and deliver to Lydall a certificate signed by authorized officers of 
ETSI dated the Closing Date to such effect;

          10.02     CONSENT OF LANDLORD TO ASSUMPTION OF LEASE.  On the 
Closing Date, Lydall shall receive from the landlord under the Lease, 
landlord's consent to Lydall's assumption of the Lease as modified;

          10.03     HART-SCOTT-RODINO FILINGS.  In the reasonable opinion of 
Lydall, all necessary requirements of the provisions of the Hart-Scott-Rodino 
Act (15 U.S.C. Section 18A) and the regulations thereunder have been complied 
with, and any "waiting periods" applicable to this transaction which are 
imposed by statute or regulations shall 

                                      42

<PAGE>

have expired prior to the Closing Date or shall have been terminated by the 
appropriate agency;

          10.04     COVENANTS NOT TO COMPETE OF ETSI AND ITS PRINCIPAL 
OFFICERS.  A condition of Closing is that ETSI and each of Allan S. Rodgers, 
Rodger Hamilton and Sanford Boyle shall have executed and delivered Covenants 
Not to Compete running to the benefit of Lydall in the form annexed as 
Exhibits C-1 through C-4 respectively;

          10.05     DUE DILIGENCE REVIEW.  Lydall shall have completed its 
due diligence investigation and review of the Assets and the Operation, and 
all matters pertaining thereto that Lydall deems relevant to the results of 
such investigation; and ETSI shall have provided all reasonably requested 
items.  Lydall shall not have discovered any facts or omissions which could 
have a material adverse impact on the Assets, the Operation, or the 
transaction contemplated hereby;

          10.06     COMPLIANCE WITH THIS AGREEMENT.  ETSI shall have 
performed and complied with all agreements and conditions required by this 
Agreement to be performed or complied with by it prior to or at the Closing 
and shall have furnished Lydall with a certificate dated the Closing Date to 
that effect;

          10.07     OPINIONS OF COUNSEL FOR ETSI.  Primmer and Piper, counsel 
for ETSI, shall have delivered to Lydall a written opinion, dated the Closing 
Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lydall and its counsel;

          10.08     NO THREATENED OR PENDING LITIGATION.  On the Closing 
Date, no suit, action or other proceeding, or injunction or final judgment 
relating thereto, shall be threatened or be pending before any court or 
governmental or regulatory official, body 

                                      43

<PAGE>

or authority in which it is sought to restrain or prohibit or to obtain 
damages or other relief in connection with this Agreement or the consummation 
of the transactions contemplated hereby, and no investigation that might 
result in any such suit, action or proceeding shall be pending or threatened;

          10.09     CONSENTS AND APPROVALS.  To the extent that their consent 
or approval is required or necessary under the pertinent debt, lease, 
contract, commitment or agreement or other document or instrument or under 
applicable orders, laws, rules or regulations, for the consummation of the 
transactions contemplated hereby, the following shall have granted such 
consent or approval : (a) the holders of any indebtedness of ETSI, (b) the 
lessors or lessees of any real or personal property or assets leased by ETSI, 
(c) the parties (other than ETSI) to any contract, commitment or agreement to 
which ETSI is a party or subject, or (d) any governmental or regulatory  body 
or authority having jurisdiction over ETSI or Lydall; 

          10.10     MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGES.  The Assets and the business of 
the Operation shall not have been and shall not be threatened to be 
materially adversely affected in any way as a result of any event or 
occurrence; and

          10.11     EXCESS LIABILITY EXTENDED REPORTING PERIOD INSURANCE.  At 
the shared expense of both parties, ETSI shall have obtained an Excess 
Liability Extended Reporting Period policy covering general and product 
liability, from an insurer, and in a form, approved by both parties, in the 
amount of $5,000,000 both individually and in the aggregate covering a period 
five (5) years prior to Closing for a reporting period of three years.  The 
policy shall name Lydall as an additional insured.

                                      44

<PAGE>

          10.12     ETSI will endeavor to have Lydall named as an additional 
insured on its General Liability and Umbrella policies.

          11.       ETSI's CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING.

ETSI 's agreement to sell and deliver the Assets is subject to payment at the 
Closing of the amount specified in sections 4.02, the delivery at the Closing 
of the instruments and agreements of assumption as contemplated, and to the 
occurrence of each of the following conditions (any of which may be waived by 
ETSI): 

          11.01     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  Each of the 
representations and warranties set forth in Article 8 shall be true and 
correct in all material respects on the Closing Date, and Lydall shall 
execute and deliver to ETSI a certificate signed by authorized officers of 
Lydall dated the Closing Date to such effect; 

          11.02     COMPLIANCE WITH THIS AGREEMENT.  Lydall shall have 
performed and complied with all agreements and any conditions required by 
this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it prior to or at the 
Closing and shall have furnished ETSI with a certificate dated the Closing 
Date to that effect;

          11.03     OPINIONS OF COUNSEL FOR LYDALL.  Mary Tremblay, counsel 
for Lydall, shall have delivered to ETSI a written opinion, dated the Closing 
Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to ETSI and its counsel;

          11.04     NO THREATENED OR PENDING LITIGATION.  On the Closing 
Date, no suit, action or other proceeding, or injunction or final judgment 
relating thereto, shall be threatened or be pending before any court or 
governmental or regulatory official, body or authority in which it is sought 
to restrain or prohibit or to obtain damages or other 

                                      45

<PAGE>

relief in connection with this Agreement or the consummation of the 
transactions contemplated hereby, and no investigation that might result in 
any such suit, action or proceeding shall be pending or threatened;

          11.05     CONSENTS AND APPROVALS.  All required consents and 
approvals from any third party or governmental or regulatory authority shall 
have been obtained; and

          11.06     EXCESS LIABILITY EXTENDED REPORTING PERIOD INSURANCE.  
Lydall shall have paid to ETSI one half of the expense of the policy 
described in Section 10.11.

          11.07     EXCESS LIABILITY EXTENDED REPORT PERIOD INSURANCE.  At 
the shared expense of both parties, ETSI shall have obtained an Excess 
Liability Extended Reporting Period policy covering general and product 
liability, from an insurer and in a form approved by both parties, in the 
amount of $5,000,000 both individually and in the aggregate covering a period 
five (5) years prior to Closing for a reporting period of three years.  The 
policy shall name Lydall as an additional insured.

          12.       POST-CLOSING COVENANTS

          12.01     TRANSITION PERIOD.  During the transition of ownership 
from ETSI to Lydall beginning on the Closing Date and continuing for a 
reasonable period thereafter, not to exceed one year, ETSI will:

                    (a)  to the extent not included in the Assets, make 
                         available to Lydall all information or records 
                         needed for the manufacture of the Products and 
                         the operation of, ETSI including access 

                                      46

<PAGE>

                         to all software or other computer systems used 
                         by ETSI in the operation of ETSI , and

                    (b)  make available to Lydall at reasonable times and 
                         upon reasonable notice and at rates of compensation 
                         to be agreed upon by the parties its representatives 
                         for conferences, assistance and meetings at reasonable
                         times during normal business hours, as Lydall shall 
                         reasonably request;

                    (c)  forward, as soon as possible, all correspondence 
                         and payments from third parties relating to the 
                         Operation to Lydall, except as otherwise provided in 
                         Section 12.02.

          12.02          REIMBURSEMENT OF UNCOLLECTED RECEIVABLES.  If any 
Account Receivable listed on Schedule 1.06 shall be or become overdue and 
owing for a period in excess of one hundred twenty (120) days after date of 
invoice, upon receipt of Lydall's invoice, ETSI shall promptly reimburse 
Lydall for said Account Receivable for its then unpaid balance, for any 
amount over and above the bad debt reserve stated on Schedule 1.06, provided 
that ETSI's obligation regarding Accounts Receivable shall be subject to the 
following:

               (a)  Lydall shall promptly and diligently attempt to collect 
                    all of the Accounts Receivable before the end of 120-day 
                    collection period above referred to, but Lydall shall not 
                    be required to institute legal proceedings for this purpose;

                                      47

<PAGE>

               (b)  any amounts received by Lydall with respect to an Account 
                    Receivable from an account debtor shall be applied against 
                    the invoice to which it relates;

               (c)  Lydall agrees to permit ETSI, including its attorneys, 
                    accountants, agents and designees, such access to the 
                    records of Lydall relating to the Accounts Receivable, 
                    and Lydall's collection thereof during normal business 
                    hours as ETSI may deem necessary or desirable;

               (d)  if: (i) any products with respect to which there is an 
                    Account Receivable are returned by a customer (other 
                    than for repair or replacement) before Lydall receives 
                    payment from ETSI under this section 12.02, and (ii) such 
                    products are reasonably marketable by Lydall, then the 
                    amount of the Accounts Receivable related to such products 
                    shall be reduced by an amount equal to the standard cost 
                    under ETSI's system that was incurred by ETSI in producing 
                    such returned products less any cost of rework incurred by 
                    Lydall and a reasonable restocking charge.  If such 
                    reasonably marketable products are returned after Lydall 
                    issued its invoice to ETSI, Lydall shall reverse or 
                    eliminate the set-off to the extent of an amount equal to 
                    the standard cost incurred by ETSI in producing such goods 
                    less any cost of rework incurred by Lydall and a reasonable
                    restocking charge.  The return of any products which are not
                    reasonably 
                                      48

<PAGE>

                    marketable by Lydall shall not result in a reduction of the
                    amount of ETSI's obligation under this Section 12.02.

               (e)  If ETSI does not remit within 30 days of receipt of 
                    Lydall's invoice, Lydall may unilaterally  instruct the 
                    Escrow Agent to pay Lydall the full amount of such 
                    invoice from the Escrow Account, without application of 
                    the limitation set forth in Section 15.01 below. Such 
                    reduction shall not in any way limit ETSI's indemnification
                    obligations with respect to other matters.  In the event 
                    the Escrow Account is so reduced, ETSI will refund the same
                    amount to the Escrow Account within 5 business days.  

               (f)  if the account receivable is overdue by more than 120 days 
                    due to inaccurate payment instructions, this Section 12.02 
                    will not apply, for an additional 60 day period.

          12.03          PRESERVATION OF RECORDS.  Lydall covenants that for 
a period of seven years from and after the Closing Date, or until all open 
tax years of ETSI are closed, it shall preserve and maintain the records 
referred to in Section 1.07, shall permit ETSI reasonable access to such 
records, and shall not discard or destroy such records without ETSI's written 
consent;

          12.04          CONFIDENTIALITY.  ETSI and Lydall have executed a 
Confidentiality Agreement dated March 17, 1997 which is attached as Exhibit D 
and incorporated herein by reference;

                                      49

<PAGE>

          12.05          FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Each party shall, at the 
request of the other, execute and deliver to such other party all such 
further assignments, assumptions, endorsements and other documents and take 
such other actions as such other party may reasonably request in order to 
effect the transactions contemplated; and

          12.06          PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS.  Upon ETSI's request, Lydall 
shall use commercially reasonable efforts to perform, in a workmanlike 
manner, any product warranty repair or replacement obligation of ETSI (not 
assumed by Lydall pursuant to Section 3.04) with respect to products of ETSI 
sold by ETSI prior to the Closing and any finished or work-in-process 
inventory acquired from ETSI.  ETSI shall reimburse Lydall for its actual 
costs for salaries, wages, employee benefits and actual out-of-pocket costs 
to perform such warranty services on ETSI's behalf.

          13.       INDEMNIFICATION BY ETSI.

          13.01          INDEMNIFICATION HOLDBACK.  In accordance with 
Section 4.02, $800,000 of the Purchase Price will be paid into the Escrow 
Account to be controlled and administered by the Escrow Agent in accordance 
with the Escrow Agreement, for the purpose of satisfying to the extent 
possible ETSI's obligations, if any, arising out of  Section 13.02.  The 
Escrow Account shall be invested in accordance with ETSI's instructions as 
provided in the Escrow Instructions.  On October 31, 1998 the Escrow Agent 
shall release from escrow and pay to ETSI  the amount of $400,000, less any 
amounts payable or claimed with respect to the covenants, agreements, 
obligations, representations and warranties plus accrued interest.  On 
April 30, 1999 the Escrow Agent shall release from Escrow and pay to ETSI 
the amount of $200,000 less any 

                                      50

<PAGE>

amounts payable or claimed by Lydall with respect to the covenants, 
agreements, obligations, representations and warranties of ETSI plus accrued 
interest.  On October 31, 1999, the balance of the Escrow Account, less any 
amounts payable or claimed by Lydall with respect to the covenants, 
agreements, obligations, representations and warranties of ETSI plus accrued 
interest, will be released from escrow and paid to ETSI; and

          13.02          INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATION.  Subject to the 
conditions and limitations set forth in this Agreement, ETSI shall defend, 
indemnify and hold Lydall harmless from and against any and all claims, 
actions, suits, demands, assessments, judgments, damages, liabilities, 
losses, costs or expenses (including, without limitation, fines, penalties, 
punitive damages and attorneys' fees) (collectively, "Damages") actually 
incurred or suffered by Lydall resulting from or arising out of (a) any 
material inaccuracy or falsehood in any representation or any material breach 
of warranty or nonfulfillment of any covenant or other agreement by ETSI that 
is contained in this Agreement or any certificate, document or instrument 
delivered to Lydall in connection with this Agreement, (b) any debt, 
liability or obligation of ETSI not expressly assumed by Lydall pursuant to 
this Agreement, and (c) any claim based on any action, transaction, condition 
or event occurring or existing in connection with ETSI business or any of the 
Assets prior to the Closing Date, except those related to the liabilities 
expressly assumed by Lydall in Article 3.  "Claim" as used herein shall 
include without limitation any action by a governmental authority to require 
the taking of an action or performance of an act and any claim for 
environmental damage, product liability or 

                                      51

<PAGE>

workers compensation.  Should ETSI become insolvent, dissolved, or otherwise 
rendered unable to meet its obligations pursuant to this Section, those 
obligations will become the joint and several obligations of the ETSI 
Stockholders in accordance with the agreement by and among Lydall and the 
ETSI Stockholders, attached hereto as Exhibit E.

          14.       INDEMNIFICATION BY LYDALL.  Subject to the conditions and 
limitations set forth in this Agreement, Lydall shall defend, indemnify and 
hold ETSI harmless from and against any and all Damages actually incurred or 
suffered by ETSI resulting from or arising out of (a) any material inaccuracy 
or falsehood in any representation or any material breach of warranty or 
nonfulfillment of any covenant or other agreement by Lydall that is contained 
in this Agreement or any certificate, document or instrument delivered to 
ETSI in connection with this Agreement, (b) any of the liabilities and 
obligations of ETSI specifically assumed by Lydall pursuant to this 
Agreement, and (c) any claim based on any action, transaction, condition or 
event occurring or existing in connection with the ETSI business or any of 
the Assets after the Closing Date, except those related to the liabilities 
retained by ETSI.  "Claim" as used herein shall include without limitation 
any action by a governmental authority to require the taking of an action or 
performance of an act and any claim for environmental damage, product 
liability or workers compensation.  The obligations of Lydall to ETSI in this 
Section shall become obligations to the ETSI Stockholders following the 
liquidation, dissolution or winding-down of ETSI in accordance with Exhibit E.

                                      52

<PAGE>

          15.       LIMITATIONS ON INDEMNIFICATION.  The obligation of the 
indemnifying party to indemnify the indemnified party set forth in Sections 
13.02(a) and 14(a) above shall be subject to the following limitations:

          15.01          The indemnifying party shall be obligated to 
indemnify the indemnified party only to the extent that the amount which the 
indemnified party shall be entitled to receive as indemnification shall 
exceed $50,000 in the aggregate. For risks covered by the insurance described 
in Section 10.11, the maximum amount of the indemnification shall be the 
policy limits of $5,000,000 individually and in the aggregate. A maximum of 
$2,000,000 shall apply where insurance does not cover the indemnified 
obligation, such as exclusions to the insurance policy EXCEPT that a maximum 
of $3,000,000 shall apply for patent related claims;

          15.02          SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS,  WARRANTIES AND 
INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS. Regardless of any investigation made by any 
party, all of the representations, warranties and indemnification obligations 
of the parties will survive the Closing and remain in full force and effect 
for a period of three (3) years, EXCEPT: for the representation in Section 
7.07(Taxes) which shall survive for the applicable statute of limitations 
period provided ,however that any claim filed within the time period set 
forth in this Section 15.02 shall be covered by the indemnification even if 
it is resolved after that time period.  The covenants and agreements 
contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and remain in effect in 
accordance with their terms;

          15.03          DEFENSE OF CLAIMS.  In the event that any legal 
proceedings shall be instituted or that any claim or demand shall be asserted 
by any person in respect of 

                                      53

<PAGE>

which indemnification may be sought from the indemnifying party under the 
provisions of Sections 13 and 14 above, the indemnifying party shall have the 
right, at its option and at its own expense, to be represented by counsel of 
its choice and to assume the defense of, negotiate, settle or otherwise deal 
with any such legal proceeding, claim or demand; provided, however, that if 
the liability or obligation which is the subject matter of such claim shall 
arise out of a transaction or cover any period or periods where in the 
indemnified party shall be responsible for part of any such liability or 
obligation, then both parties jointly shall defend, contest, litigate, settle 
and otherwise deal with any such claims, each bearing its own expenses and 
each choosing its own counsel.  After any final judgment or award shall have 
been rendered by a court, arbitration board or administrative agency of 
competent jurisdiction, or a settlement shall have been consummated, or the 
parties shall have arrived at a mutually binding agreement with respect to 
any matter which is the subject matter of an indemnity, the indemnified party 
shall forward to the indemnifying party notice of any sums due and owing by 
it with respect to such matter, and the indemnifying party shall pay all of 
the sums so owing, by certified or bank cashier's check, within thirty (30) 
days after the date of such notice.  The parties agree to cooperate fully 
with each other in connection with the defense, negotiation or settlement of 
any such legal proceedings, claim or demand, and will not compromise or 
settle any such legal proceeding, claim or demand without the prior written 
consent of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld 
or delayed; and

                                      54

<PAGE>

          15.04          MATERIALITY.  For purposes of this Agreement, the 
words "material" or "materially adverse" or the like mean a 
misrepresentation, violation or other noncompliance, or any effect, loss, 
cost, expense or other damage as to particular matter or item, in excess of 
$50,000 individually or $50,000 in the aggregate.

          16.            MISCELLANEOUS

          16.01          TERMINATION.

               (a)  Anything herein or elsewhere to the contrary 
notwithstanding, this Agreement may be terminated by written notice of 
termination at any time before the Closing Date only as follows:

                     (i)   by mutual consent of ETSI and Lydall;

                    (ii)   by Lydall, (A) at any time if the representations 
                           and warranties of ETSI contained in Article 7 hereof 
                           were incorrect in any material respect when made or 
                           at any time thereafter, or (B) upon written notice 
                           to ETSI given at any time after July 1, 1998 (or 
                           such later date as shall have been specified in a 
                           writing authorized on behalf of ETSI and Lydall) if 
                           all of the conditions precedent set forth in 
                           Article 10 hereof have not been met; or

                   (iii)   by ETSI, (A) at any time if the representations and
                           warranties of Lydall contained in Article 8 hereof 
                           were incorrect in any material respect when made or 
                           at any time thereafter, or (B) upon written notice 
                           to Lydall given at any 

                                      55

<PAGE>

                           time after July 1, 1998 (or such later date as shall
                           have been specified in a writing authorized on behalf
                           of ETSI and Lydall) if all of the conditions 
                           precedent set forth in Article 11 hereof have not 
                           been met.

               (b)  In the event of the termination and abandonment hereof 
pursuant to the provisions of this Section 16.01, this Agreement shall become 
void and have no effect, without any liability on the part of any of the 
parties or their directors or officers or stockholders in respect of this 
Agreement, unless the termination was the result of the representations and 
warranties of a party being materially incorrect when made or the material 
breach by such party of a covenant hereunder in which event the party whose 
representations and warranties were incorrect or who breached such covenant 
shall be liable to the other party for all costs, expenses (and damages) of 
the party in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and 
performance of this Agreement;

          16.02          SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  All the terms and 
provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit 
of, and be enforceable by, the respective successors and assigns of the 
parties, whether so expressed or not;

          16.03          GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement is to be governed by 
and interpreted under the laws of the State of Connecticut, without giving 
effect to the principles of conflicts of laws;

          16.04          NOTICES.  All notices, requests, consents and other 
communications shall be in writing and shall be mailed first class, 
registered, with postage prepaid as follows:

                                      56

<PAGE>

If to ETSI, addressed to:

          Allan S. Rodgers, President
          Engineered Thermal Systems, Inc.
          P.O. Box 907
          Route 5, Memorial Drive
          St. Johnsbury, VT  05819-0907

          with a copy to:

          James E. Clemons
          Primmer & Piper
          100 East State Street
          P.O. Box 1309
          Montpelier, VT 05601-1309

If to Lydall, addressed to:

          Christopher R. Skomorowski
          Lydall Central, Inc.
          Westex Division
          1241 Buck Shoals Road
          P.O. Box 109
          Hamptonville, NC  27020

          with a copy to:

          Mary A. Tremblay    
          General Counsel and Secretary
          Lydall, Inc.
          One Colonial Road
          Manchester, CT  06040

or such other address as either party may request by notice given as 
aforesaid. Notice sent as provided shall be deemed filed on the date mailed;

          16.05          PAYMENT OF EXPENSES.  Except as provided in Section 
16.01(b) ETSI and Lydall shall each pay their own expenses, including without 
limitation, the 

                                      57

<PAGE>

disbursements and fees of all their respective attorneys, accountants, 
advisors, agents and other representatives incidental to the preparation and 
carrying out of this Agreement, whether or not the transactions contemplated 
are consummated;

          16.06          ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT.  This Agreement 
(including the Schedules and Exhibits), and all other agreements and 
documents executed in connection therewith constitute the entire agreement 
between the parties with respect to the sale of the business of ETSI.   This 
Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and/or understandings between the 
parties, including the non-binding letters of intent.  No amendment, 
alteration or modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless in each 
instance such amendment, alteration or modification is expressed in a written 
instrument duly executed by both parties;

          16.07          COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement including any 
amendments, alterations, and/or modifications may be executed simultaneously 
in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but 
all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument;

          16.08          HEADINGS.  The headings contained in this Agreement 
have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall in no way 
restrict or modify any of the terms or provisions;

          16.09          WAIVER.  The failure of any party to insist, in any 
one or more instances, on performance of any of the terms and conditions of 
this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of any 
rights granted or of the future 

                                      58

<PAGE>

performance of any such term, covenant or condition, but the obligations of 
the parties with respect to the term, covenant or condition shall continue in 
full force and effect; and 

          16.10          SEPARABILITY.  The provisions of this Agreement 
shall be deemed separable.  Therefore, if any part of this Agreement is 
rendered void, invalid or unenforceable, the validity or enforceability of 
the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected unless the part or 
parts which are void, invalid or unenforceable shall substantially impair the 
value of the whole Agreement to either party. 










                                      59

<PAGE>

          WITNESS the due execution of this Asset Purchase Agreement as of 
the date first above written.

                              ENGINEERED THERMAL SYSTEMS, INC.


ATTEST:__________________     By:_________________________

                              Allan S. Rodgers
                              President


ATTEST:                       LYDALL CENTRAL, INC.


_________________________     By:__________________________
                                 Christopher R. Skomorowski
                                 Division President


                                      60

<PAGE>

                                  INDEX OF SCHEDULES


Schedule 1.02      Equipment and Personalty
Schedule 1.03      Contract Rights and Leases
Schedule 1.04      Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Costs
Schedule 1.05      Inventory
Schedule 1.06      Accounts Receivable
Schedule 1.10      Customer and Supplier List
Schedule 3.02      Trade Payables and Accrued Expenses
Schedule 7.02      Title to and Condition of the Assets
Schedule 7.06      Financial Statements
Schedule 7.08      Litigation or Claims
Schedule 7.10      Absence of Certain Changes or Events
Schedule 7.11      Environmental Matters
Schedule 7.12      No Change in Business Relationships
Schedule 7.13      Employment Agreements
Schedule 7.14      Patents, Trademarks, Trade names and Copyrights
Schedule 7.17      Licenses and Permits
Schedule 7.18      Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
Schedule 7.20      Accounts and Notes Receivable
Schedule 7.23      ERISA and COBRA Compliance
Schedule 7.24      Product Liability
Schedule 7.29      Conditions Affecting ETSI 




                                      61

<PAGE>

                                   LIST OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit A           Instructions to Escrow Agreement
                    (4.02)

Exhibit B1-2        Instruments of Conveyance and Assumption
                    (6a-b)

Exhibits C1-4       Covenants Not to Compete ETSI, Allan S. Rodgers
                    Rodger Hamilton and Sanford Boyle (10.04)

Exhibit D           Mutual Confidentiality Agreement (12.04)

Exhibit E           Agreement Between Lydall and ETSI Stockholders
                    (13.02, 14)




                                      62


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1998
<CASH>                                           3,805
<SECURITIES>                                     4,504
<RECEIVABLES>                                   31,647
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (1,327)
<INVENTORY>                                     18,213
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                63,387
<PP&E>                                         129,278
<DEPRECIATION>                                  58,795
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 161,670
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           28,356
<BONDS>                                          5,770
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                         2,155
<OTHER-SE>                                     112,139
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   161,670
<SALES>                                         56,542
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                56,542
<CGS>                                           40,526
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   40,526
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  (46)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                  (32)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  89
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  5,325
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,776
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              3,549
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,549
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.22
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.22
        

</TABLE>


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