QUICK & REILLY GROUP INC /DE/
S-3, 1997-05-06
SECURITY BROKERS, DEALERS & FLOTATION COMPANIES
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            AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 6, 1997
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-

                             SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                  Washington, D.C. 20549

                                         FORM S-3
                                  REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                           UNDER
                                THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


                              THE QUICK & REILLY GROUP, INC.
                    (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

     DELAWARE                                                   13-308241
(State or other jurisdiction of                             (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)                            identification number)


                                   230 SOUTH COUNTY ROAD
                                PALM BEACH, FLORIDA  33480
                                      (561) 655-8000
        (Address,        including  zip code,  and telephone  number,  including
                         area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)


                                    MR. THOMAS C. QUICK
                              THE QUICK & REILLY GROUP, INC.
                                   230 SOUTH COUNTY ROAD
                                PALM BEACH, FLORIDA  33480
                                      (561) 655-8000
                 (Name and address, including zip code and telephone number,
                        including area code, of agent for service)


                                      WITH A COPY TO:
                                  JAY R. SCHIFFERLI, ESQ.
                                 KELLEY DRYE & WARREN LLP
                                    TWO STAMFORD PLAZA
                                   281 TRESSER BOULEVARD
                               STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT  06901

     APPROXIMATE  DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC:  As  soon as  practicable  after  this  Registration  Statement  becomes
effective.
     If the securities  being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant
to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. |_|
     If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous  basis  pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. |X|
     If this Form is filed to  register  additional  securities  for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list  the  Securities  Act  registration  statement  number  of the  earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. |_| 333-____
     If this Form is a  post-effective  amendment  filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the  Securities  Act,  check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration  statement number of the earlier effective  registration  statement
for the same offering. |_| 333-____
     If delivery of the Prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
 please check the following box.  |_|

                              CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    TITLE OF SHARES              AMOUNT TO BE      PROPOSED MAXIMUM OFFERING      PROPOSED MAXIMUM           AMOUNT OF REGISTRATION 
    TO BE REGISTERED              REGISTERED          PRICE PER UNIT(1)       AGGREGATE OFFERING PRICE(1)              FEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
<S>                               <C>                     <C>                       <C>                              <C>   
Common Stock, par value $.10      738,460 shares          $21.937                   $16,199,597                      $4,909
===================================================================================================================================

</TABLE>

      (1) Estimated  solely for the purpose of calculating the  registration fee
pursuant  to Rule  457(c) and based on the average of the high and low prices of
the Common Stock on May 1, 1997.

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


<PAGE>

INFORMATION   CONTAINED  HEREIN  IS  SUBJECT  TO  COMPLETION  OR  AMENDMENT.   A
REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  RELATING  TO THESE  SECURITIES  HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION.  THESE  SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  BECOMES
EFFECTIVE.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  SHALL  NOT  CONSTITUTE  AN  OFFER  TO  SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE  SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,  SOLICITATION  OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.


<PAGE>

                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 6, 1997



PROSPECTUS                      738,460 SHARES

                        THE QUICK & REILLY GROUP, INC.
                                 COMMON STOCK

       This  Prospectus  relates  to the offer and sale of 738,460  shares  (the
"Shares") of Common Stock,  par value $.10 per share  ("Common  Stock"),  of The
Quick & Reilly Group,  Inc.  ("Quick & Reilly" or the "Company") by or on behalf
of a certain stockholder of the Company (the "Selling Stockholder").

       The  Shares  may be  offered  and sold from  time to time by the  Selling
Stockholder. The Selling Stockholder is not required to offer or sell any of his
Shares. The Selling Stockholder  anticipates that, if and when offered and sold,
the Shares  will be offered  and sold in  transactions  effected on the New York
Stock Exchange,  Inc. (the "NYSE") at then prevailing market prices. The Selling
Stockholder  reserves  the right,  however,  to offer and sell the Shares on any
other national securities exchange with which the Common Stock may become listed
or in the  over-the-counter  market,  in each  case at  then  prevailing  market
prices,  or  in  privately  negotiated  transactions  at  a  price  then  to  be
negotiated.  All  offers  and  sales  made  on the  NYSE or any  other  national
securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market will be made through or to
licensed  brokers and dealers.  The Company will not receive any of the proceeds
from the sales by the Selling  Stockholder.  No discounts,  commissions or other
compensation  will be allowed or paid by the Selling  Stockholder or the Company
in  connection  with the offer and sale of the  Shares,  except  that  usual and
customary brokers' commissions may be paid by the Selling Stockholder.  Upon any
sale of the Shares offered hereby,  the Selling  Stockholder  and  participating
agents,  brokers or  dealers  may be deemed to be  underwriters  as that term is
defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the  "Securities  Act"),  and
commissions or discounts or any profit realized on the resale of such securities
purchased  by them may be deemed to be  underwriting  commissions  or  discounts
under the Securities Act.

       The  Company  will pay all  expenses  incurred  in  connection  with this
offering,  excluding  fees and  expenses  of Selling  Stockholder's  counsel and
charges of any broker-dealer  acting on behalf of the Selling  Stockholder.  The
legal,  accounting and other fees and expenses  related to offer and sale of the
Shares contemplated hereby are estimated to be $15,000.

       The Common Stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol "BQR".  On May 1,
1997, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock, as reported on the NYSE,
was $21.75 per share.


THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


                  The date of this Prospectus is May 6, 1997.


<PAGE>

       No  dealer,  salesman  or other  person has been  authorized  to give any
information or to make any  representation  not contained in this  Prospectus in
connection with the offering made hereby.  If given or made, such information or
representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company.
Neither the delivery of this  Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall under
any circumstances  create any implication that the information  contained herein
is correct as of any time  subsequent to the date hereof.  This  Prospectus does
not  constitute  an  offer  to sell or a  solicitation  of an  offer  to buy any
securities  in any  jurisdiction  to any person to whom it would be  unlawful to
make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.

                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

       The  Company  is  subject  to  the  informational   requirements  of  the
Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934,  as  amended  (the  "Exchange  Act"),  and in
accordance therewith files reports,  proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").  Such reports,  proxy
statements  and other  information  can be  inspected  and  copied at the public
reference facilities  maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street,  N.W., Room 1024,  Washington,  D.C. 20549; at Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street,  Suite 1400,  Chicago,  Illinois 60661; and at Seven World Trade
Center,  13th Floor,  New York,  New York  10048.  In  addition,  the Company is
required to file electronic versions of these documents through the Commission's
Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR). The Commission
maintains a World Wide Web site at  http://www.sec.gov  that  contains  reports,
proxy and information  statements and other  information  regarding  registrants
that file electronically  with the Commission.  Copies of such material may also
be  obtained  at  prescribed  rates  from the  Public  Reference  Section of the
Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Room 1024, Washington, D.C.
20549. The Common Stock is listed with the NYSE.  Reports and other  information
concerning the Company can be inspected at the NYSE, 20 Broad Street,  New York,
New York 10005.

       The  Company  has  filed  with the  Commission  in  Washington,  D.C.,  a
Registration  Statement (the "Registration  Statement") under the Securities Act
with  respect  to the  Common  Stock  being  offered  by this  Prospectus.  This
Prospectus does not contain all the  information  set forth in the  Registration
Statement and the exhibits thereto.  For further information with respect to the
Company  and  the  offer  and  sale  of the  Shares,  reference  is  made to the
Registration  Statement  and the exhibits  thereto.  Copies of the  Registration
Statement  are  available  from the  Commission.  Statements  contained  in this
Prospectus  concerning the provisions of documents  filed with the  Registration
Statement as exhibits are necessarily summaries of such documents, and each such
statement  is  qualified  in  its  entirety  by  reference  to the  copy  of the
applicable document filed with the Commission.


                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

       The  following  documents  previously  filed  by  the  Company  with  the
Commission  pursuant to the Exchange Act are hereby incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus:

       (a)   Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 
             1996;

       (b)   Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended May 31, 1996,
             August 30, 1996 and November 29, 1996;


                                      2

<PAGE>

       (c)   All other reports filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a) or
             Section  15(d) of the Exchange Act since May 15, 1996,  the date of
             the Company's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
             February 29, 1996;

       (d)   The Company's  definitive Proxy Statement filed pursuant to Section
             14 of the Exchange Act in connection with the Company's 1996 Annual
             Meeting of Stockholders, which contains, among other things, a list
             of  the  Company's  directors  and  a  disclosure  of  compensation
             (provided,  however,  that the  material  in such  Proxy  Statement
             appearing  under  the  headings  "Board  of  Directors   Report  on
             Executive  Compensation"  and  "Performance  Graph"  shall  not  be
             incorporated by reference herein); and

       (e)   The description of the Common Stock offered hereby contained in the
             Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated June 7, 1983.

       All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a),  13(c), 14
(other than, in the case of the Company's Proxy Statement,  portions thereof not
deemed to be "filed"  for the  purposes of Section 18 of the  Exchange  Act) and
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the  termination  of the  offering of the Shares to be made  hereunder  shall be
deemed to be  incorporated  herein by reference  and shall be a part hereof from
the date of filing of such  documents.  Any  statement  contained  in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to
be modified or superseded  for purposes of this  Prospectus to the extent that a
statement  contained  herein or in any other  subsequently  filed document which
also  is or is  deemed  to be  incorporated  by  reference  herein  modifies  or
supersedes  such statement.  Any such statement so modified or superseded  shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,  to constitute a part of the
Registration Statement or this Prospectus.

       The Company will provide  without charge to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a
copy of the documents  incorporated  herein or in the Registration  Statement by
reference  (other than  exhibits to such  documents,  unless such  exhibits  are
specifically  incorporated by reference into the  information  the  Registration
Statement so  incorporates).  Written or telephone  requests for such  documents
should be directed to The Quick & Reilly  Group,  Inc.,  230 South  County Road,
Palm Beach, Florida 33480, (561) 655-8000.

              SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

       Certain  statements in this Prospectus and in the documents  incorporated
herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A
of the Securities Act and Section 2B of the Exchange Act. For this purpose,  any
statements  contained  herein or incorporated  herein that are not statements of
historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting
the foregoing,  the words "believes," "plans," "expects" and similar expressions
are  intended  to  identify  forward-looking  statements.  There are a number of
important  factors  that  could  cause  the  results  of the  Company  to differ
materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements.

                                  THE COMPANY

       The Company is a holding company owning all of the capital stock of four
principal operating subsidiaries - Quick & Reilly, Inc., a New York corporation
("Q&R"), U.S. Clearing Corp.,


                                      3

<PAGE>


a New York  corporation  ("U.S.  Clearing"),  JJC  Specialist  Corp., a New York
corporation ("JJC") and Nash Weiss & Co., a Delaware corporation ("Nash Weiss").
The Company  was  originally  incorporated  in New York on June 25, 1981 and was
subsequently reincorporated in Delaware in 1987.

       Q&R is a NYSE member organization performing discount brokerage services
for individual retail customers.  U.S. Clearing is a securities clearing 
operation which  clears  all  securities  transactions  for Q&R's  customer  
accounts and presently  carries accounts and clears  transactions  for 250 other
brokerage firms.  JJC is one of the  largest  specialist  firms on the  floor of
the NYSE, making a market in the equity securities of over 220 listed companies.
Nash Weiss is a brokerage firm which acts as a Market maker in  over-the-counter
securities.

       The  principal  executive  offices of the Company are at 230 South County
Road, Palm Beach,  Florida 33480,  and the Company's  telephone  number is (561)
655-8000.


                              SELLING STOCKHOLDER

       This  Prospectus  covers  offers from time to time by or on behalf of the
Selling  Stockholder of the Shares owned by the Selling  Stockholder.  Set forth
below are the name of the  Selling  Stockholder,  the number of shares of Common
Stock  currently  owned by the Selling  Stockholder  and the number of shares of
Common Stock to be beneficially owned by the Selling Stockholder upon completion
of the offering if all Shares are sold.  Any or all of the Shares  listed may be
offered  for sale by the  Selling  Stockholder  from time to time.  The  Company
effected a 3-for-2 stock split on March 25, 1997.
All share amounts reflect post-split holdings.



                              Beneficial      Common Stock
                              Ownership      Which May be           Beneficial
                              of Common    Offered for Selling     Ownership if
          Selling            Stock Prior      Stockholders          all Shares
        Stockholder          to Offering        Account              are sold
        -----------          -----------   -------------------     ------------

       Lee S. Casty            738,460          738,460                 0



       492,307  of the  Shares  offered  hereby  were  originally  issued by the
Company to the Selling  Stockholder  pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of March 7, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement") by and among the Company, the
Selling  Stockholder,  Nash  Weiss  and NW  Acquisition  Corp.,  a  wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company  formed for the purpose of effecting  the merger.  The
foregoing is a summary of certain terms of the Merger Agreement, is not intended
to be  complete,  and is  qualified  in its  entirety by  reference  to the more
detailed terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement.  246,153 of the
Shares were issued to the Selling  Stockholder  on March 25, 1997 in  connection
with a 3-for-2 stock split of the Common Stock effected on that date.

       Prior to the consummation of the transactions  contemplated by the Merger
Agreement,  the Selling  Stockholder  maintained  no  position,  office or other
material relationship with the Company or any of its predecessors or affiliates.
Immediately  following the  consummation  of the Merger  Agreement,  the Selling
Stockholder became a consultant to Nash, Weiss.

                                      4

<PAGE>


                                USE OF PROCEEDS

       The Company will not receive any proceeds  from the sale of the Shares by
the Selling Stockholder.

                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

       The  Shares  may be  offered  and sold from  time to time by the  Selling
Stockholder. The Selling Stockholder is not required to offer or sell any of its
Shares. The Selling Stockholder  anticipates that, if and when offered and sold,
the Shares will be offered and sold in transactions effected on the NYSE at then
prevailing market prices. The Selling Stockholder  reserves the right,  however,
to offer and sell the  Shares on any other  national  securities  exchange  with
which the Common Stock may become listed or in the  over-the-counter  market, in
each  case  at  then  prevailing  market  prices,  or  in  privately  negotiated
transactions at a price then to be negotiated.  All offers and sales made on the
NYSE or any other national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market
will  be made  through  or to  licensed  brokers  and  dealers.  No  agreements,
arrangements or understandings have been entered into with any broker or dealer,
and no brokers or dealers have been selected,  in connection  with the offer and
sale of the Shares.  No discounts,  commissions  or other  compensation  will be
allowed or paid by the Selling Stockholder or the Company in connection with the
offer  and  sale  of the  Shares,  except  that  usual  and  customary  brokers'
commissions may be paid by the Selling  Stockholder.  All proceeds from the sale
of the Shares will be paid directly to the Selling  Stockholder  and will not be
deposited in an escrow, trust or other similar arrangement.

       The  selling  broker  may act as  agent  or may  acquire  the  Shares  or
interests  therein as  principal or pledgee and may,  from time to time,  effect
distributions of the Shares or interests. If a dealer is utilized in the sale of
the  Shares in  respect  of which  the  Prospectus  is  delivered,  the  Selling
Stockholder  will sell the Shares to the dealer,  as  principal.  The dealer may
then resell the Shares to the public at varying  prices to be determined by such
dealer at the time of resale.

       The legal,  accounting  and other fees and expenses  related to the offer
and sale of the Shares  contemplated hereby are estimated to be $10,000 and will
be paid by the  Company.  The Company will not incur any  underwriting  or sales
commissions or similar  expenses in connection  with such offer and sale. If any
such expenses are incurred in connection  with the offer and sale of the Shares,
they shall be the responsibility of the Selling Stockholder.

                                    EXPERTS

       The consolidated financial statements for the three years in the period 
ended February 29, 1996  incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and 
elsewhere in the registration statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen 
LLP, independent public accountants,  as indicated in their report with respect
thereto, and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority
of said firm as experts in giving said reports.


                                      5

<PAGE>


                                 LEGAL MATTERS

       Certain legal matters in connection  with the legality of the Shares have
been passed upon for the Company by Kelley Drye & Warren LLP,  101 Park  Avenue,
New York, New York 10178, counsel to the Company. Richard G. Brodrick, a partner
of  Kelley  Drye & Warren  LLP,  is a member of the  Board of  Directors  of the
Company.

                           *     *     *     *     *


                                     6

<PAGE>

                                    PART II
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

                                                            Amount To
            Type or Nature of Expense                        be Paid
            -------------------------                       ---------

      SEC registration fee................................. $ 4,909
      Accounting fees and expenses*........................   2,000
      Legal fees and expenses*.............................   7,500
      Miscellaneous*.......................................     591
                                                             ------
      Total*      ......................................... $15,000
                                                             ======

- ---------------------
*Estimated


ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

            Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,
the Company's state of incorporation, permits a corporation to indemnify certain
persons, including officers and directors and former officers and directors, and
to purchase insurance with respect to liability arising out of their capacity or
status  as  officers  and  directors.   Such  law  provides   further  that  the
indemnification  permitted thereunder shall not be deemed exclusive of any other
rights to which officers and directors may be entitled  under the  corporation's
certificate of incorporation, By-laws, any agreement or otherwise.

            The  By-Laws  of the  Company  require it to  indemnify  to the full
extent  permitted by Delaware  law, any person who is made or  threatened  to be
made,  a party  to an  action,  suit or  proceeding  (whether  civil,  criminal,
administrative  or  investigative)  by  reason  of the fact  that he is or was a
director or officer of the  Company or serves or served as a director,  officer,
partner,  trustee,  fiduciary,  employee  or agent of any  other  enterprise  or
organization at the registrant's request.



                                      7

<PAGE>


ITEM 16. EXHIBITS

      (a) The exhibits listed below have been filed as part of this Registration
Statement.

      EXHIBIT NO.                   DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT

      4.1   -        Specimen common stock certificate of the registrant (1)

      5.1   -        Opinion of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP regarding legality

      10.1  -        Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company, NW 
                     Acquisition Corp., Nash Weiss & Co. and Lee S. Casty, dated
                     as of March 7, 1997.

      23.1  -        Consent of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP (2)

      23.2  -        Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

      24.1  -        Powers of Attorney executed by certain officers and 
                     directors of the registrant (3)



(1)   Previously filed as an exhibit to the registrant's Registration Statement
      on Form S-1 (registration no. 2-83667) and incorporated herein by 
      reference.

(2)   Included in Exhibit 5.1.

(3)   Set forth on the signature page to this Registration Statement.


ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

            Insofar  as  indemnification   for  liabilities  arising  under  the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors,  officers and controlling  persons
of the registrant  pursuant to the provisions  described under Item 15 above, or
otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and  Exchange  Commission,  such  indemnification  is against  public  policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,  unenforceable.  In the event
that a claim for indemnification for such liabilities (other than the payment by
the  registrant  of  expenses  incurred  or  paid  by  a  director,  officer  or
controlling  person of the registrant in the  successful  defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,  officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered,  the registrant will, unless
in the  opinion  of its  counsel  the matter  has been  settled  by  controlling
precedent,  submit to a court of appropriate  jurisdiction  the question whether
such  indemnification  by it is  against  public  policy  as  expressed  in  the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

            The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

               (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
             made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

                  (a) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of
               the Securities Act;


                                      8

<PAGE>

                  (b) To reflect in the  prospectus  any facts or events arising
               after the effective date of this  Registration  Statement (or the
               most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually
               or in  the  aggregate,  represent  a  fundamental  change  in the
               information set forth in this Registration Statement; and

                  (c) To include any  material  information  with respect to the
               plan  of   distribution   not   previously   disclosed   in  this
               Registration Statement or any material change to such information
               in this Registration Statement.

               (2) That, for the purpose of determining  any liability under the
            Securities Act, each such  post-effective  amendment shall be deemed
            to  be a new  registration  statement  relating  to  the  securities
            offered  therein,  and the offering of such  securities at that time
            shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.

               (3) To  remove  from  registration  by means of a  post-effective
            amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold
            at the termination of the offering.

            The undersigned  registrant  hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining  any  liability  under  the  Securities  Act,  each  filing  of  the
registrant's  annual  report  pursuant to section  13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934  (and,  where  applicable,  each  filing of an
employee  benefit  plan's  annual  report  pursuant  to  section  15(d)  of  the
Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934) that is  incorporated  by  reference  in this
Registration  Statement  shall  be  deemed  to be a new  registration  statement
relating to the securities offered therein,  and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.


                                      9

<PAGE>

                                  SIGNATURES

            Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  Section  13  or  15(d)  of  the
Securities  Exchange Act of 1933, as amended,  the registrant  certifies that it
has  reasonable  ground to  believe  that it meets all of the  requirements  for
filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration  Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the  undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized in the City of New
York, State of New York, on May , 1997.

                                       THE QUICK & REILLY GROUP, INC.


                                       By:    /s/ Thomas C. Quick
                                            ------------------------
                                            Thomas C. Quick
                                            President


            KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature
appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie C. Quick, Jr. and Thomas C.
Quick, and each of them, his true and lawful agent, proxy and  attorney-in-fact,
with full power of  substitution  and  resubstitution,  for him and in his name,
place and stead,  in any and all  capacities,  to (i) act on, sign and file with
the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  any  and all  amendments  (including
post-effective  amendments)  to this  Registration  Statement  together with all
schedules and exhibits  thereto,  (ii) act on, sign and file such  certificates,
instruments,  agreements and other  documents as may be necessary or appropriate
in connection therewith,  (iii) act on and file any supplement to any prospectus
included in this Registration  Statement or any such amendment and (iv) take any
and all actions which may be necessary or appropriate  in connection  therewith,
granting unto such agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing  necessary or
appropriate  to be done,  as fully for all intents  and  purposes as he might or
could do in person,  hereby  approving,  ratifying and  confirming all that such
agents,  proxies  and  attorneys-in-fact,  any of  them  or any of his or  their
substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.



<PAGE>

            Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as
amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons on
behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

              SIGNATURES              TITLE OR CAPACITIES          DATE


  /S/ LESLIE C. QUICK, JR.     Chairman of the Board,           May 5, 1997
Leslie C. Quick, Jr.           Chief Executive Officer,
                               Chief Financial Officer
                               and Director (Principal
                               Executive Officer and
                               Principal Financial Officer)


  /S/ PETER QUICK              Vice President, Assistant        May 5, 1997
Peter Quick                    Treasurer and Director


  /S/ LESLIE C. QUICK, III     Vice President, Treasurer        May 5, 1997
Leslie C. Quick, III           and Director


  /S/ THOMAS C. QUICK          President, Chief                 May 5, 1997
Thomas C. Quick                Operating Officer and Director


  /S/ CHRISTOPHER C. QUICK     Vice President and Director      May 5, 1997
Christopher C. Quick


  /S/ ROBERT J. RABINOFF        Controller                      May 5, 1997
Robert J. Rabinoff             (Principal Accounting Officer)


  /S/ JOHN P. LOWTH, III        Director                        May 5, 1997
John P. Lowth, III


  /S/ RICHARD G. BRODRICK       Director                        May 5, 1997
Richard G. Brodrick



<PAGE>


              SIGNATURES              TITLE OR CAPACITIES          DATE



  /S/ THOMAS E. CHRISTMAN       Director                        May 5, 1997
Thomas E. Christman


  /S/ ARLENE B. FRYER           Secretary and Director          May 5, 1997
Arlene B. Fryer


  /S/ HENRY P. KILROY           Director                        May 5, 1997
Henry P. Kilroy


  /S/ CLIFFORD W. MAYS          Director                        May 5, 1997
Clifford W. Mays


  /S/ PASCAL J. MERCURIO        Vice President and Director     May 5, 1997
Pascal J. Mercurio



<PAGE>

                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS




      Exhibit
      NUMBER                               DESCRIPTION

           4.1       Specimen common stock certificate of the registrant (1)

           5.1       Opinion of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP regarding legality

          10.1       Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company, NW
                     Acquisition Corp., Nash Weiss & Co. and Lee S. Casty, dated
                     as of March 7, 1997.

          23.1       Consent of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP (2)

          23.2       Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

          24.1       Powers of Attorney executed by certain officers and 
                     directors of the registrant (3)



(1)       Previously filed as an exhibit to the registrant's Registration 
          Statement on Form S-1 (registration no. 2-83667) and incorporated 
          herein by reference.

(2)       Included in Exhibit 5.1.

(3)       Set forth on the signature page to this Registration Statement.



                                      13

<PAGE>




                           Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
                              Two Stamford Plaza
                             281 Tresser Boulevard
                         Stamford, Connecticut  06901







                                       May 6, 1997




The Quick & Reilly Group Inc.
26 Broadway
New York, New York  10004

Gentlemen:

            We have acted as special counsel to The Quick & Reilly Group,  Inc.,
a Delaware  corporation  (the  "Company") in connection with the preparation and
filing by the Company of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement") for the  registration  under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
of the resale by a certain stockholder of the Company of an aggregate of 738,460
shares (the  "Shares")  of the common  stock,  par value $.10 per share,  of the
Company.  Of such Shares,  492,307 were issued to such  stockholder  on March 7,
1997  pursuant to an Agreement  and Plan of Merger by and among the Company,  NW
Acquisition  Corp., Nash Weiss & Co. and Lee S. Casty, dated as of March 7, 1997
(the "Merger Agreement").  246,153 of the Shares were issued to such stockholder
in connection  with a 3-for- 2 stock split of the  Company's  common stock which
was effective on March 25, 1997. As such special counsel, you have requested our
opinion as to the  matters  described  herein  relating  to the  issuance of the
Shares.

            In connection  with this  opinion,  we have examined and relied upon
copies certified or otherwise  identified to our satisfaction of the Certificate
of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company,  minutes of the Company's  corporate
proceedings,  as made  available to us by officers of the  Company,  an executed
copy of the  Registration  Statement,  together  with all schedules and exhibits
thereto, in the form to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, an
executed  copy of the Merger  Agreement  and such matters of law and fact deemed
necessary  by us in order to deliver the within  opinion.  In the course of such
examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authority of
all signatories to sign on behalf of their principals,  if any, the authenticity
of all documents  submitted to us as original  documents  and the  conformity to
original documents of all documents  submitted to us as certified or photostatic
copies. As to certain factual matters, we have relied upon information furnished
to us by officers of the Company.


<PAGE>


The Quick & Reilly Group Inc.       -2-                         May 6, 1997



            Based on the  foregoing  and solely in reliance  thereon,  it is our
opinion that the Shares have been duly  authorized and validly  issued,  and are
fully paid and non-assessable.

            We hereby  consent to the filing of this letter as an exhibit to the
Registration  Statement  and to the reference to us in the  Prospectus  included
therein under the caption "Legal Matters."


                                Very truly yours,

                                Kelley Drye & Warren LLP




<PAGE>




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




                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                              DATED: March 7, 1997


                                  by and among


                                NASH, WEISS & CO.


                         THE QUICK & REILLY GROUP, INC.,


                              NW ACQUISITION CORP.


                                       and


                                  LEE S. CASTY


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



<PAGE>





                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER


         THIS  AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER,  is being entered into this 7th day
of  March,  1997,  by and  among  The Quick & Reilly  Group,  Inc.,  a  Delaware
corporation ("Quick & Reilly"), NW Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and
a wholly-owned  subsidiary of Quick & Reilly ("Acquiror"),  Nash, Weiss & Co., a
Delaware  corporation ("Nash Weiss"),  and Lee S. Casty, the owner of all of the
issued  and  outstanding  shares  of  capital  stock of Nash  Weiss  (the  "Sole
Stockholder").


                                R E C I T A L S:

         WHEREAS, Nash Weiss is a registered broker-dealer engaged solely in the
business  of  providing  market  making  services  in  securities  traded in the
over-the-counter market (the "Business").

         WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of each of Quick & Reilly and Acquiror
and the Board of Directors of Nash Weiss have  determined that it is in the best
interests of their  respective  companies and their  respective  stockholders to
consummate the business  combination  transaction  provided for herein, in which
Nash Weiss will,  subject to the terms and  conditions  set forth herein,  merge
(the  "Merger")  with and  into  Acquiror,  so that  Acquiror  is the  surviving
corporation in the Merger; and

         WHEREAS,  it is intended  that the Merger  qualify as a  reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended.

         NOW  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the  foregoing  and  the  mutual
covenants, representations, warranties and agreements hereinafter set forth, and
intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:





<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE I.

                                   DEFINITIONS


         SECTION 1.1.  DEFINITIONS.  In addition to the terms defined  elsewhere
herein,  the following  terms have the meaning  specified or referred to in this
SECTION  1.1 and shall be equally  applicable  to both the  singular  and plural
forms.  Any  agreement  referred to below shall mean such  agreement as amended,
supplemented  and  modified  from time to time to the  extent  permitted  by the
applicable provisions thereof and by this Agreement.

         "AFFILIATE"  means, with respect to any Person,  any other Person which
directly or indirectly  controls,  is  controlled by or is under common  control
with such Person.

         "AGREEMENT" means this Agreement, including any exhibits, schedules and
attachments hereto.

         "ANTITRUST  IMPROVEMENTS  ACT"  means the  Hart-Scott-Rodino  Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations  promulgated
thereunder.

         "APPROVAL" means any approval, authorization, consent, qualification or
registration,  or any waiver of any of the  foregoing,  required  to be obtained
from, or any notice,  statement,  declaration or other communication required to
be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental Authority,  Regulatory Authority
or other Person.

         "CERCLA"  means  the  Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation
and Liability  Act of 1980,  42 U.S.C.  ss. 9601 ET SEQ., as amended,   and  the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

         "CLOSING DATE" shall be the date upon which the Closing occurs.

         "CODE" means the Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as amended,  and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

         "CONTRACT"  means any  contract,  agreement,  commitment,  undertaking,
arrangement, purchase order or stipulation (whether oral or written).

         "ENCUMBRANCE"  means  any  lien,  claim,  charge,   security  interest,
mortgage,   pledge,  easement,   conditional  sale  or  other  title,  retention
agreement,  defect  in  title,  covenant  or  other  restriction  of  any  kind,
including,  any  restriction  on use,  voting  transfer or other  attributes  of
ownership.

         "ENVIRONMENTAL   LAW"  means  any   environmental   or  health   and/or
safety-related law, regulation,  rule,  ordinance,  order, decree or judgment at
the  Federal,  state,  or local level,  whether  existing as of the date hereof,
previously enforced, or subsequently enacted,  including but not limited to: (i)
CERCLA;  (ii) RCRA; (iii) Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended by the
Clean  Water  Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. ss. 1251 ET SEQ.; (iv) Toxic Substances


                                        2

<PAGE>



Control Act, 15 U.S.C. ss. 2601 ET SEQ., as amended;  (v) Emergency Planning and
Community  Right-to-Know  Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C.  ss. 11001 ET SEQ., as amended;
(vi) Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C.  ss. 7401 ET SEQ.,  as amended;  (vii)  Rivers and
Harbors  Act, 33 U.S.C.  ss. 401 ET SEQ.,  as amended;  (viii)  OSHA;  (ix) Safe
Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 300(f) ET SEQ., as amended,  and (x) any other
federal,  state or local law,  regulation,  rule,  ordinance,  order,  decree or
judgment currently or hereafter in existence which governs:

                  a.     the existence,  cleanup  and/or remediation of toxic or
Hazardous Substances;

                  b.     the release or threatened  release, emission, discharge
or presence of Hazardous Substances into or in the environment;

                  c.     the control of Hazardous Substances; or

                  d.     the  use, generation,  transport,  treatment, handling,
management, storage, disposal, removal or recovery of Hazardous Substances.

         "ERISA" means the Employee  Retirement  Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

         "EXCHANGE  ACT" means the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
and as such may be  hereafter  further  amended,  and the rules and  regulations
promulgated thereunder.

         "GOVERNMENTAL  AUTHORITY" means any foreign, federal or national, state
or provincial, municipal or local or other governmental authority, regulatory or
administrative  agency,  governmental  commission,  department,  board,  bureau,
agency or instrumentality,  political  subdivision,  court,  tribunal,  official
arbitrator or arbitral board.

         "HAZARDOUS  SUBSTANCES" means any substance,  chemical or waste that is
listed, or contains material amounts of one or more components that are defined,
designated,  classified, considered or listed, as hazardous, toxic, radioactive,
or dangerous under any applicable  state or federal law; as well as any asbestos
or  asbestos-containing  material,  petroleum,  petroleum product or by-product,
crude oil or any fraction thereof,  natural gas, natural gas liquids,  liquified
natural  gas,  synthetic  gas  usable  as  fuel,  or  polychlorinated  biphenyls
("PCBS").

         "INDEBTEDNESS"  means all  obligations  for borrowed money and accounts
payable, however evidenced, including but not limited to principal and interest.

         "INDEMNIFICATION  TAX  BENEFIT"  means the  amount by which a  Person's
actual tax liability  during a particular  taxable  period is or could have been
reduced  as a result of the  utilization  of tax  deductions,  credits  or other
benefits which are attributable to the payment of Indemnified Liabilities.

         "INTELLECTUAL   PROPERTY   RIGHTS"   means  all  (i)  patents,   patent
applications, patent disclosures and inventions, (ii) trademarks, service marks,
trade dress,  trade  names,  logos and  corporate  names and  registrations  and
applications  for  registration  thereof  together  with  all  of  the  goodwill


                                        3

<PAGE>



associated  therewith,   (iii)  copyrights   (registered  or  unregistered)  and
copyrightable works and registrations and applications for registration thereof,
(iv) mask works and registrations and applications for registration thereof, (v)
computer  software,  data bases and documentation  thereof,  (vi) trade secrets,
(vii)  other  intellectual  property  rights  and  (viii)  copies  and  tangible
embodiments thereof (in whatever form or medium).

         "LAWS"  means all  foreign,  federal,  state and local laws,  statutes,
ordinances and all rules, regulations,  requirements (that have the force of law
or  regulation),  and  administrative  codes of any  Governmental  Authority  or
Regulatory Agency.

         "LAWSUIT"  means the pending  private-class  action lawsuits which have
been  consolidated  under  the  title  IN  RE  NASDAQ  MARKET-MAKERS   ANTITRUST
LITIGATION, M21-68 (RWS), 94 Civ. 3996 (RWS) in the United States District Court
for the Southern District of New York including ROBERT KEVIN TISDALE AND LILLIAN
A. TISDALE, ETC., PLAINTIFFS, VS. A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC., ET AL., DEFENDANTS,
in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, Alabama, Case No. CV-95-2679-PR.

         "MATERIAL  ADVERSE  EFFECT"  means a  material  adverse  effect  on the
condition (financial or otherwise),  results of operations,  prospects,  assets,
liabilities or business of a Person.

         "NASD" means the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

         "NASDAQ" means the NASD's Automated Quotation System.

         "NASDAQ   PROCEEDINGS"  means  any  and  all  litigation,   claims  and
proceedings arising or related to the NASDAQ trading investigation of Nash Weiss
and all civil  (individual and class action),  regulatory and other  liabilities
and obligations arising therefrom or related thereto.

         "NASH"  means Ronald S. Nash.

         "NASH WEISS COMMON STOCK" means the common stock of Nash Weiss,  no par
value per share.

         "ORDERS"  means  any  consent  or  other  type of  decree,  injunction,
stipulation,  decision,  determination,  judgment, order, ruling, arbitration or
other award,  assessment  or writ of any  Governmental  Authority or  Regulatory
Agency.

         "OSHA" means the Occupational Safety and Health Act  of 1970, 29 U.S.C.
ss. 651  ET  SEQ.,  as  amended,  and  the  rules  and  regulations  promulgated
thereunder.

         "PERMITS" means permits,  certificates,  Orders,  licenses,  approvals,
tariffs, registrations and other authorizations.

         "PERMITTED   ENCUMBRANCES"   means   (a)  liens  for  taxes  and  other
governmental  charges and assessments  which are not yet due and payable and (b)
liens  of  landlords  and  liens  of  carriers,   warehousemen,   mechanics  and
materialmen  and other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business for
sums not yet due and payable; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that "Permitted Encumbrances"  


                                        4

<PAGE>



shall not include  (i) liens of the types   referred  to  in  clauses (a) or (b)
above which exceed $5,000 individually or $25,000 in the aggregate or (ii) liens
or  imperfections  which  materially  detract  from the  value of  or materially
impair the existing use of the  property  affected by such lien or imperfection.

         "PERSON" means any individual,  corporation, limited liability company,
partnership,   joint   venture,   association,   joint-stock   company,   trust,
unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority or Regulatory Agency.

         "PRIME  RATE" means the prime rate of interest as announced in THE WALL
STREET  JOURNAL  from  time to time,  or if THE WALL  STREET  JOURNAL  no longer
publishes a prime rate,  then the prime rate quoted by  Citibank,  N.A.  (or its
successor) in New York City, New York from time to time.

         "PURCHASE  PRICE"  means  the  sum of (i) $16  million  PLUS  (ii)  the
Adjusted Merger Cash Payment.

         "QUICK & REILLY COMMON STOCK" means the common stock of Quick & Reilly,
par value $.01 per share.

         "QUICK & REILLY TRANSFER AGENT" means Boston  EquiServe in its capacity
as the transfer agent for Quick & Reilly Common Stock.

         "RCRA" means the Resource  Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. ss.
6901 ET SEQ., as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

         "REGULATORY AGENCY" means  any  self-regulatory organization, agency or
instrumentality.

         "SECURITIES  ACT" means the  Securities  Act of 1933, as amended and as
such may be hereafter further amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder.

         "TAX DISPUTE"  means the dispute  between Nash Weiss and the Department
of the  Treasury-Division of Taxation of the State of New Jersey relating to the
compensation of Nash and Weiss.

         "WEISS" means Ronald M. Weiss.




                                                         5

<PAGE>



                    INDEX OF TERMS DEFINED IN OTHER SECTIONS

Accounting Firm                                                  2.7
Accounting Firm Fees                                             2.7
Acquiror                                                         First Paragraph
Adjusted Merger Cash Payment                                     2.7
Aggregate Quick & Reilly Conversion Shares                       2.4
Average Stock Price                                              2.4
Business                                                         Recitals
Closing                                                          11.1
Commission                                                       3.26
Confidential Information                                         8.1(a)
Delivering Party                                                 8.1(a)
DOJ                                                              3.5
Effective Time                                                   2.2
Effective Date                                                   2.2
Effectiveness Period                                             13.1
Escrow Agreement                                                 2.6
Escrow Agent                                                     2.6
Exchange Agent                                                   2.6
FTC                                                              3.5
Final Certificate                                                2.7
Final Determination Amount                                       2.7
Final Net Book Value                                             2.7
Financial Statements                                             3.6
GCL                                                              2.1
Initial Certificate                                              2.7
Interim Financial Statements                                     3.6
Merger                                                           Recitals
Merger Cash Payment                                              2.7
Nash Weiss                                                       First Paragraph
Nash Weiss Certificates                                          2.6
Nash Weiss Net Book Value                                        2.7
Non-consenting Party                                             8.2
Pension Plan                                                     3.18(c)
Plan(s)                                                          3.18(a)
Post-Closing Straddle Period                                     13.4(b)
Pre-Closing Straddle Period                                      13.4(a)
Quick & Reilly Certificate                                       2.6
Receiving Party                                                  8.1(a)
Reportable Event                                                 3.18(e)
Shelf Registration Statement                                     13.1
SIPC                                                             3.28
Stock Split Payment Date                                         5.7
Sole Stockholder                                                 First Paragraph
Subject Shares                                                   13.1(c)
Surviving Corporation                                            2.1


                                        6

<PAGE>




Tax Return                                                       3.15
Taxes                                                            3.15
Transmittal Letter                                               2.6


         SECTION 1.2. KNOWLEDGE.  The phrase "to the knowledge of Nash Weiss" as
used  herein  refers to (i) the  actual  personal  knowledge,  after  reasonable
inquiry,  of any of the  officers  of  Nash  Weiss,  (ii)  the  actual  personal
knowledge  of the Sole  Stockholder,  with no duty of inquiry,  with  respect to
matters related to Nash Weiss'  operation of the Business,  and (iii) the actual
personal  knowledge,  after  reasonable  inquiry,  of the Sole  Stockholder with
respect to the Nash Weiss Common Stock.


                                   ARTICLE II.

                                   THE MERGER


         SECTION 2.1.  MERGER.  Upon and subject to the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement and in accordance with the Delaware General  Corporation
Law, as amended (the "GCL"),  at the  effective  time Nash Weiss shall be merged
with and into Acquiror.  Following the Merger,  Acquiror shall continue to exist
as the surviving  corporation  (sometimes  referred  herein to as the "Surviving
Corporation"), and the separate corporate existence of Nash Weiss shall cease.

         SECTION 2.2.  FILING AND EFFECTIVE  TIME. At the Closing,  Acquiror and
Nash Weiss shall file with the  Secretary  of State of the State of Delaware the
Certificate of Merger,  in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT A,  appropriately
completed  and  executed in  accordance  with Section 251 of the GCL. The Merger
shall  become  effective  upon the close of  business on the date of filing (the
"Effective  Time,"  and the  date  thereof  is  hereinafter  referred  to as the
"Effective Date") of the Certificate of Merger.

         SECTION 2.3.  EFFECTS OF THE MERGER.  The Merger shall have the effects
set forth in Section 259 of the GCL.  In addition:

                  (a) The certificate of incorporation of Acquiror as in  effect
         at  the  Effective  Time  shall  be  and  constitute the certificate of
         incorporation  of the Surviving  Corporation  until amended or  changed
         in accordance  with  applicable law;

                  (b) The by-laws of Acquiror as in effect at the Effective Time
         shall be and constitute the by-laws of the Surviving  Corporation until
         amended or changed in accordance with applicable law; and

                  (c) The  directors  of  Acquiror  immediately  prior  to   the
         Effective Time shall become the directors of the Surviving Corporation.

         SECTION 2.4.  CONVERSION FORMULA.  At  and as of the Effective Time, by
virtue  of  the  Merger  and  without any further action on the part of the Sole
Stockholder, all of the issued  and  outstanding  shares  of  Nash  Weiss Common
Stock 


                                        7

<PAGE>



shall be  converted  into that number of shares of Quick & Reilly  Common  Stock
equal to the Aggregate  Quick & Reilly  Conversion  Shares.  For the purposes of
this Agreement, the "Aggregate Quick & Reilly Conversion Shares" shall equal the
quotient obtained by dividing (A) $16 million by (B) the Average Stock Price (as
defined below) PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that if the Average Stock Price shall be (A)
less than or equal to $28.00 per share,  the Average Stock Price shall be deemed
to be $28.00 for all purposes of this Agreement, or (B) equal to or greater than
$32.50 per share,  the Average  Stock Price shall be deemed to be $32.50 for all
purposes of this  Agreement.  For  purposes of this  Agreement,  "Average  Stock
Price"  shall mean the average  (rounded to the nearest  whole cent) of the last
sale price of the day of one share of Quick & Reilly Common Stock as reported on
the  consolidated  tape of the New York  Stock  Exchange  ("NYSE")  on the three
trading days preceding the Closing Date.

         SECTION 2.5.  CONVERSION OF NASH WEISS COMMON  STOCK.  At and as of the
Effective  Time,  by virtue of the Merger and without any further  action on the
part of the Sole  Stockholder,  each share of Nash Weiss Common Stock issued and
outstanding  immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time  shall by  virtue of the
Merger be converted into such number of shares of Quick & Reilly Common Stock as
is obtained by dividing (i) the Aggregate  Quick & Reilly  Conversion  Shares by
(ii) the number of shares of Nash Weiss Common Stock issued and  outstanding  on
the Effective Date.

         SECTION 2.6. EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES;  ESCROW OF QUICK & REILLY COMMON
STOCK. At the Closing,  the Sole Stockholder shall deliver a transmittal  letter
in  substantially  the form  attached  hereto  as  EXHIBIT  B (the  "Transmittal
Letter") and surrender to the Quick & Reilly  Transfer  Agent (in such capacity,
the "Exchange  Agent") the stock  certificates  (the "Nash Weiss  Certificates")
representing  the  shares of Nash Weiss  Common  Stock  issued  and  outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time. Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of
the Nash Weiss Certificates,  together with a duly executed  Transmittal Letter,
the Exchange  Agent, on behalf of the Surviving  Corporation,  shall cancel such
stock  certificates  and Quick & Reilly  shall  issue,  in  accordance  with the
directions  set forth in the  Transmittal  Letter,  a certificate  (the "Quick &
Reilly Certificate")  representing the number of shares of Quick & Reilly Common
Stock into which the shares of Nash Weiss Common Stock previously represented by
the  surrendered  Nash  Weiss  Certificate  shall  have  been  converted  at the
Effective Time. Until so surrendered,  the Nash Weiss Certificates shall, at and
after the  Effective  Time, be deemed for all purposes to represent and evidence
only the right to receive the per share  consideration  set forth in SECTION 2.4
and SECTION 2.8, for each share represented by such Nash Weiss Certificates, and
no interest  shall be paid or accrued  thereon.  The  Transmittal  Letter  shall
instruct  the  Exchange  Agent to deliver the Quick & Reilly  Certificate  to an
escrow  account  established  pursuant  to  an  escrow  agreement  (the  "Escrow
Agreement") in  substantially  the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT C to be dated
as of the Closing Date, among Quick & Reilly, Acquiror, the Sole Stockholder and
an escrow agent (the "Escrow  Agent")  acceptable  to each of Quick & Reilly and
the  Sole  Stockholder.  The  Quick & Reilly  Certificate  and any cash or other
marketable securities deposited by the Sole Stockholder in substitution therefor
shall be held by the Escrow Agent in a separate account,  governed by the Escrow
Agreement  and  shall be  released  only  pursuant  to the  terms of the  Escrow
Agreement.



                                        8

<PAGE>



         SECTION 2.7. NET BOOK VALUE.  (a) As additional  consideration  for the
exchange by the Sole Stockholder of all of the issued and outstanding  shares of
Nash Weiss Common Stock,  Quick & Reilly shall, on the Closing Date, make a cash
payment (the "Merger Cash  Payment") to the Sole  Stockholder  equal to the Nash
Weiss Net Book Value. For purposes hereof, the "Nash Weiss Net Book Value" means
the  amount  obtained  by  subtracting  the  total  liabilities  of  Nash  Weiss
(including  liabilities  subordinated  to claims of general  creditors) from the
total assets of Nash Weiss  determined as of the Closing Date and  determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

                  (b) Quick & Reilly  acknowledges  that Nash  Weiss  intends to
declare and pay one or more dividends  and/or make one or more other payments in
order to reduce  the Nash  Weiss Net Book Value  prior to the  Closing  (but not
below zero).

                  (c) The Nash Weiss Net Book Value shall be  estimated  in good
faith by Nash Weiss and set forth,  together  with a detailed  statement  of the
calculation  therefor,  in a  certificate  (the  "Initial  Certificate")  to  be
delivered to the Sole Stockholder and Quick & Reilly not later than two business
days prior to the Closing  Date.  On or before 120 days after the Closing  Date,
Quick & Reilly shall deliver to the Sole Stockholder a final  calculation of the
Nash Weiss Net Book  Value (the  "Final  Net Book  Value"),  together  with such
supporting  documentation as the Sole Stockholder may reasonably  request,  in a
certificate (the "Final Certificate"), which shall evidence in reasonable detail
the nature and extent of any  variances  between  the amounts  estimated  in the
Initial Certificate and the amounts set forth in the Final Certificate. The Sole
Stockholder  shall review the Final Certificate and shall give written notice to
Quick & Reilly of any objections to the  computation  shown in such  certificate
within  15 days  after  his  receipt  thereof.  Quick  &  Reilly  and  the  Sole
Stockholder  shall  endeavor in good faith to resolve any  objections  within 10
days  after  the  receipt  by  Quick &  Reilly  of any  objection  from the Sole
Stockholder.  If any such  objection or dispute has not been resolved at the end
of such 10 day period, the disputed portion shall be submitted to and determined
within the  following 30 days by a  nationally  recognized  firm of  independent
accountants  mutually agreed to by Quick & Reilly and the Sole  Stockholder (the
"Accounting Firm") and the aggregate amount determined by the Accounting Firm to
be the Nash Weiss Net Book Value (the  "Final  Determination  Amount")  shall be
final and  binding  upon the  parties.  Quick & Reilly and the Sole  Stockholder
shall  bear  equally  the fees and  expenses  arising  in  connection  with such
determination  by the Accounting Firm (the  "Accounting  Firm Fees");  PROVIDED,
HOWEVER,  that  the  Accounting  Firm  Fees  shall  be borne in full by the Sole
Stockholder if the Final  Determination  Amount is an amount within  $250,000 of
the  Final  Net Book  Value  and shall be borne in full by Quick & Reilly if the
Final  Determination  Amount  differs from the Final Net Book Value by an amount
equal to or greater  than  $250,000.  If the  Adjusted  Merger Cash  Payment (as
defined below) is greater than the Merger Cash Payment, Quick & Reilly shall pay
to the Sole Stockholder the difference  between the Adjusted Merger Cash Payment
and the Merger Cash Payment  together with interest  thereon at a per annum rate
equal to the Prime Rate in effect on the Closing  Date.  If the Adjusted  Merger
Cash Payment is less than the Merger Cash Payment,  the Sole  Stockholder  shall
pay to Quick & Reilly  the  difference  between  the  Merger  Cash  Payment  and
Adjusted Merger Cash Payment  together with interest thereon at a per annum rate
equal to the Prime Rate in effect on the Closing Date. For purposes hereof,  the
Adjusted Merger Cash Payment shall mean, if finalized by the mutual agreement of
the  parties,  the Final Net Book Value,  as  adjusted,  and if finalized by the
Accounting Firm, the Final Determination Amount.


                                        9

<PAGE>




         SECTION 2.8. NO  FRACTIONAL  SHARES.  No  fractional  shares of Quick &
Reilly Common Stock shall be issued in the Merger. The Sole Stockholder shall be
entitled  to receive in lieu of any  fractional  share of Quick & Reilly  Common
Stock to which the Sole Stockholder  otherwise would have been entitled pursuant
to SECTION  2.4(A)  hereof  (after  taking into account all shares of Nash Weiss
Common  Stock then held of record by such  holder) cash payable by check in lieu
of any such  fractional  share of Quick & Reilly  Common  Stock  computed on the
basis of the Average Stock Price.  On the  Effective  Date,  the Acquiror  shall
deliver to the Exchange Agent cash in an amount  sufficient to make the payment,
if any, in lieu of fractional shares as described above.

         SECTION 2.9. TAX-FREE REORGANIZATION. Each of the parties hereto agrees
that they intend the Merger to constitute a tax-free  reorganization pursuant to
Section  368 of the Code and that this  Agreement  shall  constitute  a "plan of
reorganization" for purposes of Section 368 of the Code.


                                  ARTICLE III.

                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NASH WEISS


         As an  inducement  to Quick & Reilly  and  Acquiror  to enter into this
Agreement and to consummate the  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  Nash Weiss
represents and warrants to each of Quick & Reilly and Acquiror as follows:

         SECTION 3.1.  ORGANIZATION,  QUALIFICATION AND AUTHORITY OF NASH WEISS.
(a) Nash Weiss is a corporation  duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.  Nash Weiss has full corporate
power and  authority  and all  material  licenses,  permits  and  authorizations
necessary to own,  lease and operate its properties and to carry on the Business
as presently  conducted by it and presently proposed to be conducted by it. Nash
Weiss has been duly  qualified  or  licensed  as a foreign  corporation  for the
transaction  of business in, and Nash Weiss is in good  standing  under the laws
of, each  jurisdiction in which it owns, leases or uses property or conducts any
business  so as to require  such  qualification  or  licensing,  a list of which
jurisdictions  is set forth as  SCHEDULE  3.1(A).  Nash  Weiss does not have any
subsidiaries,  and, except as shown on SCHEDULE 3.1(B) and except for securities
acquired  and held as  inventory  in the  ordinary  course of the  Business  not
exceeding  5% of the  class  thereof,  Nash  Weiss  does not have any  direct or
indirect  ownership  or hold any rights to acquire any  capital  stock or equity
securities of any corporation or any other direct or indirect  equity  ownership
interest in any other Person. Except for receivables and indebtedness arising in
the ordinary  course of the  Business  and except for debt  acquired and held as
inventory in the ordinary  course of the Business not  exceeding 5% of the class
thereof,  Nash Weiss does not have any direct or indirect  ownership of any debt
securities or indebtedness interest in any other Person.

                  (b) Nash Weiss has full corporate power and authority to enter
into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.  The execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Nash Weiss and the performance of the transactions
contemplated hereby have


                                       10

<PAGE>



been duly  authorized  by each of the Board of  Directors  of Nash Weiss and the
Sole  Stockholder and no further  corporate  action on the part of Nash Weiss is
necessary to authorize  this Agreement and the  performance of the  transactions
contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Nash
Weiss and  constitutes  the legal,  valid and binding  obligation  of Nash Weiss
enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

         SECTION 3.2.  CAPITALIZATION.  (a) The authorized capital stock of Nash
Weiss  consists of (i) 1,000  shares of Nash Weiss  Common  Stock,  of which 100
shares are issued and outstanding.  All of the issued and outstanding  shares of
Nash  Weiss  Common   Stock  were   validly   issued  and  are  fully  paid  and
non-assessable and are owned beneficially and of record by the Sole Stockholder,
free and  clear of any  Encumbrances,  options,  contracts,  preemptive  rights,
rights of conversion or exchange,  or equities.  To the knowledge of Nash Weiss,
there  are no voting  trusts,  proxies  or other  agreements  or  understandings
relating to the voting of the issued and outstanding shares of Nash Weiss Common
Stock.  Nash Weiss has not violated any applicable  federal or state  securities
laws in connection with the issuance of any of its capital stock.

                  (b) Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 3.2(B),  Nash Weiss has no
outstanding (i) subscriptions,  options,  puts, calls,  warrants,  agreements or
other rights  (including,  without  limitation,  preemptive  rights or rights of
first  refusal) or  commitments  to issue,  nor any  obligation or commitment to
redeem or purchase,  any of its authorized  capital stock or (ii) any securities
convertible into or exchangeable for any of its authorized  capital stock. There
are no shares of capital  stock held in the treasury of Nash Weiss and no shares
of capital  stock of Nash Weiss have been issued in violation of, or are subject
to, any preemptive rights, puts, demands, subscription agreements or commitments
of any  character.  Nash Weiss is not subject to any  obligation  (contingent or
otherwise)  to  repurchase  or  otherwise  acquire  or retire  any shares of its
capital stock.

         SECTION  3.3.  CORPORATE  ORGANIZATIONAL  DOCUMENTS.  Copies of (i) the
charter of Nash Weiss,  certified by the Secretary of the State of Delaware, and
(ii) the by-laws of Nash Weiss,  certified by the secretary of Nash Weiss,  each
of which  have been  delivered  to  counsel  for  Quick &  Reilly,  are true and
complete copies of such documents, as amended to date, and are in full force and
effect on the date hereof.

         SECTION 3.4. NO CONFLICT.  Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 3.4, neither
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Nash Weiss, nor the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby by Nash Weiss, will (i) conflict with or
result in a breach of the terms,  conditions or  provisions  of, (ii) violate or
constitute  a default,  an event of default (or an event  which,  with notice or
lapse of time or both,  would constitute a default or an event of default) or an
event creating rights of modification,  acceleration,  termination, cancellation
or other  additional  rights,  or loss of rights  under,  or (iii) result in the
creation of any Encumbrance upon any of the capital stock, assets or property of
Nash Weiss pursuant to, the charter or by-laws of Nash Weiss, or any note, bond,
mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, lease, Contract, Permit, agreement, or other
instrument or any Order of any  Governmental  Authority or Regulatory  Agency to
which Nash Weiss is a party or subject,  or by which any of its  capital  stock,
assets or property is bound or (iv)  contravene any applicable  provision of any
Laws.



                                       11

<PAGE>



         SECTION  3.5.  CONSENTS.  Except for: (i) filings of  applications  and
notices with the NASD; (ii) filings of applications  and notices with the United
States Federal Trade  Commission  (the "FTC") and the Antitrust  Division of the
United  States   Department  of  Justice  ("DOJ")   pursuant  to  the  Antitrust
Improvements  Act;  (iii) the  filing  of the  Certificate  of  Merger  with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; and (iv) consents and approvals set
forth on SCHEDULE  3.13,  and except as otherwise  set forth on SCHEDULE 3.5, no
consent,  approval or  authorization  of, exemption of other action by notice or
declaration, filing or registration with, any Person is required to be obtained,
made or given by Nash  Weiss in  connection  with the  execution,  delivery  and
performance  of  this  Agreement  or  the  consummation  by  Nash  Weiss  of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         SECTION 3.6. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  Nash Weiss has previously delivered
to  Quick  &  Reilly  correct  and  complete  copies  of the  audited  financial
statements  of Nash Weiss for the years ended June 30, 1994,  1995 and 1996 (the
"Financial Statements") and the unaudited financial statements of Nash Weiss for
the six month period  ended  December 31, 1996 and each FOCUS Report filed after
June 30, 1995  (collectively,  the "Interim Financial  Statements") and has made
available  for  inspection  all auditors'  work papers  related to the foregoing
financial  information.  Except  as set forth on  SCHEDULE  3.6,  the  Financial
Statements and the Interim Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis. The
Financial Statements and the Interim Financial Statements are based on the books
and records of Nash Weiss at the time of their preparation,  and, fairly present
the financial condition of Nash Weiss as of the dates they were prepared and the
results of the operations of Nash Weiss for the periods indicated,  subject,  in
the case of the  Interim  Financial  Statements,  to normal  recurring  year-end
adjustments which, except as set forth on SCHEDULE 3.6 will not, individually or
in the aggregate be material.

         SECTION 3.7. NO UNDISCLOSED  LIABILITIES.  Nash Weiss does not have any
liabilities or obligations  (absolute,  accrued,  contingent or otherwise) which
individually,  or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on Nash
Weiss,  except  for (a)  liabilities  and  obligations  reflected  in either the
Financial  Statements   (including  the  notes  thereto)  or  Interim  Financial
Statements, and (b) liabilities and obligations disclosed on SCHEDULE 3.7.

         SECTION 3.8. ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES. Except as contemplated by this
Agreement or except as otherwise  set forth in SCHEDULE  3.8,  since the date of
the Interim Financial  Statements,  Nash Weiss has operated its business only in
the ordinary course and there has not been:

                  (a) any change in the Business or in the  financial  condition
or in the operations of Nash Weiss  (including,  without  limitation,  a loss of
traders) which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Nash Weiss;

                  (b) any damage, destruction or loss, not covered by insurance,
with respect to any material asset of Nash Weiss;

                  (c) except  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business, any sale,
assignment, disposition, transfer, lease, mortgage, pledge or Encumbrance of any
material assets of Nash Weiss;


                                       12

<PAGE>




                  (d) any loss of any customer which has had or could reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Nash Weiss;

                  (e) any   increase  or  decrease  by  Nash  Weiss,  except  as
consistent with past practices, in the wages, salaries, compensation, pension or
other benefits payable to any employee;

                  (f) any declaration,  setting aside or payment of any dividend
or  distribution  to any  stockholder of Nash Weiss or  redemption,  purchase or
other  acquisition  of any Nash Weiss capital stock or any right to acquire Nash
Weiss Common Stock;

                  (g) any material labor trouble, problem or grievance;

                  (h) notice from any customer of Nash Weiss that it will or may
cease  doing  business  with  Nash  Weiss  as  a  result  of  the   transactions
contemplated by this Agreement;

                  (i) any  change  in  any  method  of   accounting  or  working
practice; or

                  (j) any agreement, whether or not in writing, to do any of the
foregoing.

         SECTION 3.9. REPORTS. Nash Weiss has timely filed all material reports,
registrations and statements,  together with any amendments  required to be made
with respect  thereto,  that it was required to file since  January 1, 1991 with
(i) any  Governmental  Authority,  (ii) the NASD and (iii) any other  Regulatory
Agencies,  and has paid all fees and  assessments  due and payable in connection
therewith.  Except for normal examinations conducted by a Governmental Authority
or  Regulatory  Agency in the regular  course of the business of Nash Weiss,  no
Governmental  Authority or Regulatory Agency, except the NASD and the Department
of the  Treasury-Division  of Taxation of the State of New Jersey, in connection
with the NASDAQ Proceedings and the Tax Dispute, respectively, has initiated any
proceeding or, to the knowledge of Nash Weiss,  investigation  into the business
or operations of Nash Weiss since January 1, 1991. Except for matters related to
each of the NASDAQ  Proceedings,  including  the  Lawsuit,  and the Tax Dispute,
there are no material unresolved  violations,  criticisms,  or exceptions by any
Governmental  Authority  or  Regulatory  Agency  with  respect  to any report or
statement relating to any examinations of Nash Weiss.

         SECTION 3.10. TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY. SCHEDULE 3.10 contains a complete
and accurate  list of all real  properties  owned by Nash Weiss (the "Owned Real
Property").  Nash Weiss holds good and  marketable  fee simple title (both legal
and equitable) to the Owned Real Property,  free and clear of any  Encumbrances,
except Permitted Encumbrances and Encumbrances set forth on SCHEDULE 3.10.

         SECTION 3.11. REAL PROPERTY  LEASES.  SCHEDULE 3.11 contains a complete
and accurate list of each lease or similar  agreement under which (i) Nash Weiss
is lessee of, or holds or uses,  any real  property  owned by any Person or (ii)
Nash Weiss is lessor of any of the Owned Real  Property.  Except as set forth in
SCHEDULE  3.11,  Nash  Weiss  has the  right  to  quiet  enjoyment  (subject  to
compliance  with the terms of any such lease) of all the real property leased by
Nash Weiss for the full term of each such lease or  similar  agreement  relating
thereto, and the leasehold or other  interest of Nash  Weiss  is  not subject or


                                       13

<PAGE>




subordinate to any Encumbrance except for Permitted Encumbrances. All leases and
similar agreements  referred to in SCHEDULE 3.11 are legally binding and in full
force and effect,  and there exists no material  default or event of default (or
an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default
or event of default)  thereunder on the part of Nash Weiss, or, to the knowledge
of Nash Weiss, any other party thereto.

         SECTION 3.12. TITLE AND CONDITION OF CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY.

             (a)  True  and  correct  copies  of a fixed asset detail listing of
Nash  Weiss has  previously  been  delivered  to Quick & Reilly,  which  listing
reflects  all  material  Personal  tangible  assets of Nash Weiss.  Set forth in
SCHEDULE 3.12 is a list of all  equipment  and fixtures  subject to any lease or
rental  agreement  to which  Nash  Weiss is a party  and which  requires  annual
payments in excess of $5,000 per year.  Except for those  Encumbrances set forth
on SCHEDULE 3.12, there are no Encumbrances,  except Permitted Encumbrances,  on
any Personal property owned by Nash Weiss.

             (b)  Except as otherwise stated  on  SCHEDULE  3.12, the machinery,
equipment  and  other  Personal  property  used in the  Business  (i) is in good
operating  condition,  usable in the ordinary course of business,  ordinary wear
and tear excepted, (ii) is in a state of normal maintenance and repair, (iii) is
sufficient  and  adequate  to carry on the  Business as now  conducted  and (iv)
complies in all material respects with all applicable Laws.

         SECTION 3.13. CONTRACTS.  (a)  SCHEDULE  3.13  contains  a complete and
correct list of all  Contracts of the  following  types to which Nash Weiss is a
party or by which Nash Weiss is bound:

                         (i)   any  Contract relating to the future  purchase of
                  services,  products,  materials  or  supplies  which (A) has a
                  remaining  obligation  in excess  of  $5,000 or (B)  otherwise
                  materially affects the Business;

                         (ii)  any  Contract relating  to  any  obligation   for
                  borrowed  money  or  any  guarantee  or  indemnification of an
                  obligation for  borrowed  money or  any  other  obligation  or
                  liability;

                         (iii) any  Contract that limits the right of Nash Weiss
                  to  compete  in  any  line  of business or to compete with any
                  other Person;

                         (iv)  any  Contract  (A)  relating  to any  outstanding
                  commitment  for capital  expenditures  in excess of $5,000 for
                  any  single  project  (so  long  as  all  such  contracts  not
                  disclosed  do not  exceed  $25,000  in the  aggregate  for all
                  projects) or (B) otherwise materially affects the Business;

                         (v)   any  Contract  relating  to the employment of any
                  Person;

                         (vi)  any  Contract  relating  to  management services,
                  consulting or any other similar type contract;


                                       14

<PAGE>




                         (vii) any  Contract  for  clearing services (other than
                  the agreement with U.S. Clearing Corp.);

                         (viii) any  Contract  relating  to  Permits  to or from
                  Nash Weiss; or

                         (ix)   excluding  Contracts  covered in subsections (i)
                  through  (viii)  above,  any  Contract  which (A) involves the
                  annual  payment  or annual  receipt by Nash Weiss of more than
                  $5,000 or (B) otherwise materially affects the Business.

                  (b)  Except as set forth in SCHEDULE  3.13, all the  Contracts
referred to in SCHEDULE  3.13 are legally  binding,  valid and in full force and
effect, and there exists no material violation,  default or breach thereunder on
the part of Nash  Weiss or, to the  knowledge  of Nash  Weiss,  any other  party
thereto.

                  (c)  True and  complete  copies  of all  documents  listed  in
SCHEDULE 3.13 have been delivered to Quick & Reilly.

         SECTION  3.14.  LITIGATION.  (a)  Except  for the  NASDAQ  Proceedings,
including the Lawsuit, and the Tax Dispute, and except as otherwise set forth in
SCHEDULE 3.14(A), there is no claim, suit, action,  arbitration, or other legal,
administrative  or governmental  investigation or proceeding  pending or, to the
knowledge  of Nash Weiss,  threatened  against  Nash Weiss  which is  reasonably
likely to have, if adversely  determined,  individually  or in the aggregate,  a
Material  Adverse  Effect  on  Nash  Weiss,  nor  is  there  any  Order  of  any
Governmental  Authority or Regulatory Agency to which the Business or the assets
or capital stock of Nash Weiss is subject,  or which insofar as can be foreseen,
in the future may have, any such effect on the Business or the assets or capital
stock of Nash Weiss.

                  (b)   The   State   of   New   Jersey    Department   of   the
Treasury-Division   of  Taxation  is  seeking  $889,440  plus  interest  accrued
subsequent  to August 15, 1996 in the Tax Dispute  and no other  remedy.  To the
knowledge of Nash Weiss, based on correspondence  received from the State of New
Jersey Department of the Treasury-Division of Taxation,  the State of New Jersey
Department of the  Treasury-Division  of Taxation has not threatened to take any
action  with  respect to the Tax  Dispute  which  would have a Material  Adverse
Effect on Nash Weiss.

         SECTION 3.15.  TAX MATTERS.  (a)  Except for the Tax Dispute and except
 as otherwise set forth in SCHEDULE 3.15:

                        (i)   All   returns,  declarations  or claims for refund
         relating to Taxes (as hereinafter  defined),  including any schedule or
         attachment  thereto,  and including any amendment thereof,  reports and
         forms, including information returns and reports,  required to be filed
         by or with respect to Nash Weiss (for  purposes of this  SECTION  3.15,
         Nash Weiss shall include any  predecessor  and any corporation or other
         entity  previously  included in a  consolidated  group with Nash Weiss)
         (each,  a "Tax Return") with respect to any federal,  state,  local and
         foreign income,  gross  receipts,  license,  employment,  environmental
         (including  taxes  under  Section  59A of the Code),  customs,  duties,
         capital stock, social security,  unemployment,  disability,  franchise,
         sales, use, occupation, property (real or personal), property transfer,
         alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, excise, payroll, withholding,


                                       15

<PAGE>



          assessments,  or  governmental  charges  of  any  kind  or  character,
          including  any  interest,  additions  to tax  and  penalties  (whether
          disputed or not)  thereon,  and including  estimated  taxes (the above
          being hereinafter  collectively  called "Taxes") (A) relating in whole
          or in part to periods or portions  thereof after December 31, 1993 (I)
          have been timely filed or valid  extensions  with respect thereto have
          been  obtained  and (II) were  correct and  complete  in all  material
          respects and all Taxes owed by Nash Weiss (whether or not shown on any
          Tax  Return and  whether or not  imposed on Nash Weiss or imposed on a
          third  party for  collection  by Nash  Weiss),  with  respect  to such
          periods have been timely paid and/or  remitted,  except Taxes relating
          to the period after  December 31, 1996 to the extent that the same are
          taken into  account in  determining  Nash Weiss Net Book Value and (B)
          relating  solely to periods or  portions  thereof  prior to January 1,
          1994, (I) have been timely filed and (II) were correct and complete in
          all material respects and all Taxes owed by Nash Weiss (whether or not
          shown on any Tax Return) with respect to such periods have been timely
          paid. All Taxes for which a notice of assessment or demand for payment
          has been received have been timely paid.

                        (ii)  Complete  and  correct  copies of (A) all federal,
         state,  local and  foreign (as  applicable)  Tax  Returns,  examination
         reports and statements of deficiencies  (assessed against or agreed to)
         of Nash Weiss for each of the  taxable  years ended  December  30, 1992
         through December 30, 1996 and (B) examination reports and statements of
         deficiencies (assessed against or agreed to) of Nash Weiss (or combined
         or consolidated returns, if any) for each of the taxable years or other
         periods  ended  December 30, 1992  through  December 30, 1996 have been
         delivered to Quick & Reilly.

                        (iii)  Neither  the  Internal  Revenue  Service  nor any
         other taxing  authority is now  asserting  or, to the knowledge of Nash
         Weiss, threatening to assert against Nash Weiss any deficiency or claim
         for or relating to Taxes.  The Tax Returns related to Taxes filed by or
         with  respect  to  Nash  Weiss  are  not  being  examined  by,  and  no
         notification  of  intention  to examine  has been  received  from,  the
         Internal  Revenue Service or any other taxing  authority.  No currently
         pending  issues  have been  raised in writing by the  Internal  Revenue
         Service or any other taxing authority in connection with any Tax Return
         related  to  Taxes  filed  by or with  respect  to Nash  Weiss.  To the
         knowledge  of Nash Weiss,  since the taxable  year ended  December  31,
         1993, no Tax Return has been audited with respect to Nash Weiss.

                        (iv) Nash  Weiss  has  not (A) filed any  consent  under
         Section  341(f) of the Code,  (B) executed or been affected by a waiver
         or consent  extending any statute of limitations  for federal income or
         other tax liability  which remains  outstanding,  (C) applied for a tax
         ruling  that has  continuing  effect (or been  affected by a tax ruling
         directed to an affiliated corporation which has continuing effect), (D)
         entered into or been  affected by a closing  agreement  with any taxing
         authority  that has  continuing  effect,  (E) filed an  election  under
         Section 338(g) or Section  338(h)(10) of the Code or caused or been the
         subject of a deemed election under Section 338(e) thereof,  (F) made an
         election,  or been required,  to treat any asset of Nash Weiss as owned
         by another  Person  pursuant to the provisions of Section 168(f) of the
         Code or as tax-exempt bond financed property or tax-exempt use property
         within the meaning of Section 168 of the Code, (G) agreed


                                       16

<PAGE>



         to make, or been required to make, any adjustment  under Section 481(a)
         of the Code to have effect after the Closing or (H)  participated in an
         international boycott under Section 999 of the Code.

                        (v)  Nash Weiss has not made or become obligated to make
         make,  and  will  not,  as  a  result  of  any  event   connected  with
         compensation  for  certain  of the  transactions  contemplated  by this
         Agreement, make or become obligated to make, any payment that would not
         be deductible under Section 280G of the Code.

                        (vi) None  of  the  assets of  Nash  Weiss  directly  or
         indirectly  secures  the  payment  of debt  the  interest  on  which is
         tax-exempt under the Code.

                        (vii) No   written  claim   has  ever  been made to Nash
         Weiss by an authority in a jurisdiction  where Nash Weiss does not file
         Tax  Returns  that  it is  or  may  be  subject  to  taxation  by  that
         jurisdiction.  There are no  Encumbrances  on any of the assets of Nash
         Weiss,  or to the knowledge of Nash Weiss,  the issued and  outstanding
         capital stock of Nash Weiss,  that arose in connection with any failure
         (or alleged failure) to pay any Taxes.

                        (viii)  Nash Weiss  has  withheld, paid and reported all
         Taxes  required  to have  been  withheld  and paid in  connection  with
         amounts  paid  or  owing  to  any  employee,   independent  contractor,
         creditor, shareholder or third party.

                        (ix)  There  is  no dispute or claim  concerning any Tax
         liability of Nash Weiss either: (A) claimed or posed in writing; or (B)
         as to which Nash Weiss has knowledge  based upon contact with any agent
         of any taxing authority.

                        (x)  Nash   Weiss   has   not  waived  any   statute  of
         limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with
         respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency.

                        (xi)  Nash  Weiss  has made an  election  under  Section
         1362(a) of the Code to be treated as an "S corporation," which election
         has been in effect with respect to all periods that Nash Weiss has been
         in existence and which will not have  "terminated,"  within the meaning
         of Section  1362(d) of the Code,  prior to the  Closing.  To the extent
         permitted  by  applicable  law,  Nash  Weiss  has made a  corresponding
         election  which election has been in effect with respect to all periods
         that Nash Weiss has been in existence  and which  election has not been
         terminated,  under the laws of each  jurisdiction in which it is or was
         required to file a Tax Return.

                  (b) Nash  Weiss  has  heretofore  delivered  to Quick & Reilly
correct and complete copies of all documents relating to the Tax Dispute.

         SECTION 3.16. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW; PERMITS. (a) Except as otherwise set
forth on SCHEDULE 3.16,  the Business has been conducted in compliance  with all
Laws and Orders and does not violate, and Nash Weiss is not in conflict with, or
in default or violation of, any Laws and Orders, and, except for matters related
to the NASDAQ Proceedings, including the Lawsuit


                                       17

<PAGE>



and  the  Tax  Dispute,  Nash  Weiss  has  not  received  any  notice  from  any
Governmental   Authority  or  Regulatory   Agency  alleging  any  such  lack  of
compliance, violation, conflict or default.

                  (b) (i) Nash  Weiss  has made  and/or  possesses  all  Permits
necessary or desirable  for it to own and use its assets and  properties  and to
conduct the Business,  (ii) Nash Weiss is in  compliance  with the terms of, and
has not  violated,  such  Permits and (iii)  except for  matters  related to the
NASDAQ  Proceedings,  no  proceedings  are pending or, to the  knowledge of Nash
Weiss, threatened to revoke or limit any such Permit.

         SECTION  3.17.  INTELLECTUAL  PROPERTY.  (a) SCHEDULE  3.17  contains a
complete  and  accurate  list of all (i)  patented  or  registered  Intellectual
Property  Rights owned or used by Nash Weiss,  (ii) pending patent  applications
and applications for registrations of other  Intellectual  Property Rights filed
by Nash Weiss, (iii) material unregistered trade names and corporate names owned
or used by Nash Weiss and (iv) material unregistered trademarks,  service marks,
copyrights,  mask  works  and  computer  software  owned or used by Nash  Weiss.
SCHEDULE  3.17 also  contains a complete and  accurate  list of all licenses and
other  rights  granted  by Nash  Weiss to any third  party  with  respect to any
material  Intellectual Property Rights and all licenses and other rights granted
by any third  party to Nash Weiss  with  respect  to any  material  Intellectual
Property  Rights,  in each case  identifying the subject  Intellectual  Property
Rights.  Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 3.17, Nash Weiss owns all right,  title
and  interest  to,  or has the right to use  pursuant  to a valid  license,  all
Intellectual  Property  Rights  necessary  for the  operation of the Business as
presently  conducted,  free and clear of all  Encumbrances  (except for any such
license).  Except as set forth on SCHEDULE  3.17,  the loss or expiration of any
Intellectual  Property Right or related group of  Intellectual  Property  Rights
owned or used by Nash Weiss has not had and would not  reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on Nash Weiss, and no such loss or expiration is,
to the knowledge of Nash Weiss,  threatened or pending. Nash Weiss has taken all
necessary  actions to maintain  and protect the material  Intellectual  Property
Rights which it owns.

         (b)  Except as set forth on  SCHEDULE  3.17,  (i) Nash  Weiss  owns all
right,  title and  interest in and to all of the  Intellectual  Property  Rights
listed on such  schedule,  free and clear of all  Encumbrances,  (ii) there have
been no claims made  against  Nash Weiss  asserting  the  invalidity,  misuse or
unenforceability of any of such Intellectual  Property Rights,  (iii) Nash Weiss
has not  received any notices of any  infringement  or  misappropriation  by, or
conflict with, any third party with respect to such Intellectual Property Rights
(including,  without  limitation,  any demand or request that Nash Weiss license
any rights from a third party), (iv) to the knowledge of Nash Weiss, the conduct
of the Business has not infringed,  misappropriated  or conflicted with and does
not infringe,  misappropriate or conflict with any Intellectual  Property Rights
of other  Persons,  and (v) to the  knowledge  of Nash Weiss,  the  Intellectual
Property  Rights  owned by or  licensed  to Nash Weiss have not been  infringed,
misappropriated or conflicted by other Persons.  Except as set forth in SCHEDULE
3.17, the consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement will
have no material  adverse effect on the Company's  right,  title and interest in
and to the Intellectual Property Rights listed on SCHEDULE 3.17.

         SECTION 3.18. BENEFIT PLANS OF NASH WEISS.  (a) Except as set forth  in
SCHEDULE  3.18,  Nash  Weiss  is not,  and has  never  been,  a party to (i) any
"employee  benefit  plan" within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA,  (ii) any
profit sharing,  pension,  defined  compensation, bonus,  stock  option,  stock 


                                       18

<PAGE>



purchase, disability, severance, health, welfare or incentive plan or agreement,
or (iii) any written or unwritten plan or policy providing for "fringe benefits"
to its employees, including but not limited to vacation, paid holidays, personal
leave, employee discount,  educational benefit or similar programs (individually
a "Plan," and collectively the "Plans").

                  (b) Each Plan is, and has at all times  been,  operated in all
aspects in substantial compliance with its governing documents, ERISA, the Code,
all regulations, rulings and announcements promulgated or issued under ERISA and
the Code,  and all other  applicable  law,  including  without  limitation,  all
reporting,  disclosure and other  requirements of ERISA  applicable to each such
Plan.

                  (c) Each Plan which is an  employee  pension  benefit  plan (a
"Pension  Plan"),  as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, and which is intended to
be qualified  under Section  401(a) of the Code, is so qualified,  and any trust
through which any such Plan is or has been funded, is exempt from federal income
tax under Section 501(a) of the Code, and no fact or  circumstance  exists which
would adversely affect the qualified status of any Plan or trust.

                  (d)  Neither  any  Plan  nor  Nash  Weiss  nor any  "party  in
interest" (as defined in Section 3(14) of ERISA, nor any  "disqualified  person"
(as defined in Section 4975 of the Code) nor any  fiduciary  with respect to any
Plan,  nor any  other  party,  has  ever  been or is  presently  engaged  in any
prohibited  transactions  as defined by Section 406 of ERISA or Section  4975 of
the Code for which an exemption is not applicable which could subject Nash Weiss
to the tax or penalty  imposed by Section  4975 of the Code or to any  liability
under Section 502 of ERISA.

                  (e) With  respect to any  Pension  Plan,  there is no event or
condition  existing  which  could be deemed a  "reportable  event"  (within  the
meaning of Section  4043 of ERISA) with respect to which the  thirty-day  notice
requirement  has not been waived;  no condition  exists which could subject Nash
Weiss to a penalty under Section 4071 of ERISA.

                  (f) Nash  Weiss is not,  and has  never  been,  a party to any
"multi-employer plan," as that term is defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA.

                  (g) Quick & Reilly has been  provided  with a true and correct
copy of (i)  all  plan  documents  relating  to each  Plan;  (ii)  all  material
contracts  relating  to  each  Plan,   including  without  limitation  insurance
contracts,  investment  management  contracts and record  keeping  arrangements;
(iii) Form 5500 series and any attached schedules with respect to the last three
plan years for each Plan; (iv) the most recent summary plan  description of each
Plan; (v) the most recent  determination  letter issued by the Internal  Revenue
Service for each Pension  Plan;  and (vi) with respect to each Pension Plan that
is  intended  to  qualify  under the Code,  true and  complete  employee  census
information  that will enable  counsel for Quick & Reilly to  determine  whether
each such Pension Plan satisfies Section 410(b) of the Code and which identifies
by name each  employee of Nash Weiss who is a highly  compensated  employee  (as
defined in Section 414(q) of the Code) for the most recent year.



                                       19

<PAGE>



                  (h) With respect to each Plan, there are no actions,  suits or
claims (other than routine claims for benefits in the ordinary  course)  pending
or threatened  against Nash Weiss,  and there are no Orders of any  Governmental
Authority or  Regulatory  Agency  outstanding  against any Plan or any fiduciary
thereof.

                  (i) With respect to each  welfare  benefit plan (as defined in
Section (3)(1) of ERISA) ("Welfare Benefit Plan") to which Nash Weiss is, or has
ever been,  a party which  constitutes  a group  health plan  subject to Section
4980B of the Code, each such Welfare Benefit Plan complies, and in each case has
materially  complied,  with all applicable  requirements of Section 4980B of the
Code.

                  (j) Except as required by Section  4980B of the Code,  no Plan
that  is  a  Welfare   Benefit  Plan  provides  or  at  any  time  provided  for
non-terminable  or non-alterable  medical,  life or other benefits  described in
Section (3)(1) of ERISA, for employees or retirees,  and no Welfare Benefit Plan
irrevocably  or  unalterably  commits  or at any time  committed  Nash  Weiss to
provide  such  benefits or any other  benefits  for any party upon or  following
retirement or other termination of employment.

                  (k) No  Pension  Plan has  suffered  an  "accumulated  funding
deficiency"  (as defined in Section  302(a)(2) of ERISA or Section 412(a) of the
Code).

                  (l) All  material  contributions,  premiums or claim  payments
required  to be made to or on behalf of each Plan by law,  contract or the terms
of the Plan have been made.

                  (m) No termination or partial termination of a Plan within the
meaning of Section 4042 of ERISA or Section  411(d)(3) of the Code has occurred,
and no condition exists that would constitute grounds for termination or partial
termination of any Plan.

                  (n) Nash  Weiss is not,  nor has it been,  a party to and Nash
Weiss does not  directly  or  indirectly  maintain  or  contributes,  nor has it
directly or indirectly  maintained or  contributed,  to any Welfare Plan that is
separately  funded  or  is  intended,  through  any  funding  method,  trust  or
arrangement,  to be part of a "voluntary employees beneficiary  association" (as
defined in Section  501(c)(9) of the Code) or part of any other funding  method,
trust or  arrangement  described in Section 501(c) of the Code which is intended
to be exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code.

                  (o) Nash Weiss does not intend, nor has it at any time, in any
manner,  way or under any circumstance  committed itself, to (i) create,  adopt,
establish,   participate  in  or  maintain  any  benefit  plan,  fund,  program,
agreement,  or other benefits arrangement  (including,  without limitation,  any
severance or other post-employment  benefit,  salary continuation,  termination,
disability,  death,  retirement,  health or medical benefit or any other similar
benefit),  whether oral or written,  other than the Plans, (ii) change,  modify,
limit or expand  any of the  existing  Plans,  (iii)  provide  or to cause to be
provided to any person any  payments or benefits in addition  to, or in lieu of,
those  payments or  benefits  set forth under the Plans,  or (iv)  continue  the
payment  of, or  accelerate  the payment  of,  benefits  under any of the Plans,
except as expressly set forth thereunder.



                                       20

<PAGE>



                  (p) No Plan provides benefits,  including without  limitation,
death,  health or medical  benefits  (whether or not  insured),  with respect to
current or former  employees  of Nash Weiss  beyond  their  retirement  or other
termination of service (other than (i) coverage mandated by applicable law, (ii)
deferred  compensation  benefits  accrued  as  liabilities  on the books of Nash
Weiss,  or (iii)  benefits  the full  cost of which is borne by the  current  or
former employee (or his beneficiary)).

                  (q) The consummation of the transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement will not (i) entitle any current or former employee or officer of Nash
Weiss to severance pay, unemployment  compensation or any other payment, or (ii)
accelerate  the  time  of  payment  or  vesting,   or  increase  the  amount  of
compensation due, any such employee or officer.

         SECTION 3.19.  ENVIRONMENTAL  AND HEALTH/SAFETY MATTERS.  Except as set
forth in SCHEDULE 3.19:

                  (a) The operation of the Business is and has at all times been
in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws.

                  (b) Nash Weiss has obtained,  maintained and complied with all
Permits required under  Environmental Laws for the operation of the Business and
such  Permits  will  continue  to remain in effect  without  any change to their
respective  terms and  conditions  after the  Effective  Time and, to the extent
required  under any  applicable  Environmental  Law,  Nash Weiss will  transfer,
re-obtain  or  otherwise  modify  such  Permits  in such  manner as to allow the
uninterrupted  operation  of the  Business.  SCHEDULE  3.19  hereto sets forth a
complete and correct  list of all Permits  referenced  in this SECTION  3.19(B),
copies of which have been delivered to Quick & Reilly.

                  (c) No Hazardous Substances have been generated,  transported,
stored,  treated,  recycled,  disposed of or otherwise handled in any way in the
operation  of  the   Business,   except  in  compliance   with  all   applicable
Environmental  Laws.  There are no locations now owned or operated by Nash Weiss
where Hazardous Substances have been generated,  transported,  stored,  treated,
recycled,  disposed  of or  otherwise  handled,  except in  compliance  with all
applicable  Environmental Laws. There is no past or ongoing release or threat of
release of Hazardous  Substances  from any of the properties  currently owned or
operated by Nash Weiss or any of its  affiliates  or, to the  knowledge  of Nash
Weiss,  from any  properties  formerly owned or operated by Nash Weiss or any of
its  affiliates.  Nash Weiss has not treated,  stored for more than 90 days,  or
disposed of any hazardous waste, as such term is used within the meaning of RCRA
or similar  applicable  state or municipal  Law,  except in compliance  with all
applicable Environmental Laws.

                  (d) Nash Weiss has not  received  any written  notice from any
Governmental  Authority,  Regulatory  Agency or other Person  advising that Nash
Weiss is  potentially  responsible  for costs  associated  with any  release  or
threatened  release  of  Hazardous  Substances  or  potentially  liable  for any
violation  of any  Environmental  Law. No pending or, to the  knowledge  of Nash
Weiss,  threatened  Order,  litigation,  settlement  or citation with respect to
Hazardous  Substances exists with respect to or in connection with the operation
of the Business.


                                       21

<PAGE>



There has been no  environmental  investigation  conducted  by any  Governmental
Authority or Regulatory Agency with respect to the operation of the Business.

                  (e) No  underground  storage tanks are or, to the knowledge of
Nash Weiss, ever were located on any properties currently or previously owned or
leased  by  Nash  Weiss.   To  the   knowledge   of  Nash  Weiss,   no  PCBs  or
asbestos-containing  materials are located on,  contained in or otherwise form a
part of any of the assets or properties of Nash Weiss.

                  (f) Nash Weiss has  delivered to Quick & Reilly  copies of all
environmental  audits,   reports  and  assessments   concerning  the  assets  or
properties  of Nash Weiss  which Nash  Weiss  possesses  or which Nash Weiss has
knowledge of and reasonably can obtain.

         SECTION 3.20.  CORPORATE  RECORDS.  All stock certificate  books, stock
certificates,  transfer  ledgers  and minute  books of Nash Weiss have been made
available to Quick & Reilly and are true and complete and  constitute all of the
stock certificate books, stock  certificates,  transfer ledgers and minute books
thereof.  The minute books of Nash Weiss  reflect all material  action taken and
authorizations  given by the Board of Directors  of Nash Weiss or any  committee
thereof of Nash Weiss and all material action taken and authorizations  given by
the  stockholders  of Nash Weiss.  Nash Weiss has maintained all necessary books
and records  pertaining  to its  business and  operations  as are required to be
maintained  by the Exchange Act, the rules and  regulations  of the NASD and the
Laws of any state in which Nash Weiss is a registered broker-dealer.

         SECTION 3.21.  DEPOSITORIES.  SCHEDULE 3.21 contains a complete list of
the name,  location and account numbers of each bank, trust company,  securities
broker or other  financial  institution  in which  Nash  Weiss  has an  account,
deposits,  safe deposit  box,  lock box or other assets on hand and the names of
all authorized Persons with respect thereto.

         SECTION 3.22.  INSURANCE.  The assets and  properties of Nash Weiss and
the conduct of the Business are insured by insurers of recognized responsibility
in such amounts and against  such risks and losses as are  adequate  therefor in
accordance  with past  practices  and with  customary  industry  practices.  All
material insurance policies or binders insuring the property, assets or business
liabilities  of Nash  Weiss are  listed in  SCHEDULE  3.22 and are in full force
effect  and  will be in full  force  and  effect,  or  substantially  comparable
replacement  policies  will be in full force and effect,  on the  Closing  Date.
SCHEDULE 3.22 identifies those pending or threatened claims listed therein as to
which the insurance  carrier has denied  coverage or has advised Nash Weiss that
it is defending such claim under reservation of right.

         SECTION  3.23.  TRUE AND  COMPLETE  COPIES.  All copies of  agreements,
written contracts and documents  delivered and to be delivered hereunder by Nash
Weiss are and will be true and complete copies of such agreements, contracts and
documents as of the  respective  dates on which such  agreements,  contracts and
documents were delivered.

         SECTION 3.24.   BROKERAGE.  Neither  Nash Weiss nor any of its officers
or directors has retained, employed or incurred any obligation to any investment
banker, broker or finder in connection with  the  transactions  contemplated  by
this Agreement.


                                       22

<PAGE>



         SECTION  3.25.  TRANSACTIONS  WITH  AFFILIATES.  Except as set forth on
SCHEDULE  3.25,  neither  the Sole  Stockholder  nor any  officer,  director  or
employee of Nash Weiss or, to the  knowledge of Nash Weiss,  any Person in which
the Sole Stockholder or any officer, director or employee of Nash Weiss owns any
beneficial  interest  (other  than a  publicly-held  corporation  whose stock is
traded on a national  securities  exchange or in the over-the counter market and
less than one percent of the stock of which is beneficially owned by all of such
Persons),  has any material  agreement,  arrangement or understanding  with Nash
Weiss or any interest in any assets or property of Nash Weiss.

         SECTION  3.26.   SECURITIES  AND  EXCHANGE   COMMISSION   BROKER-DEALER
REGISTRATION.  Nash  Weiss  is  duly  registered  as a  broker-dealer  with  the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")  pursuant to Section 15 of
the  Exchange  Act.  Nash  Weiss has  previously  delivered  to Quick & Reilly a
complete and correct copy of Nash Weiss' current Form BD.

         SECTION 3.27. NASD MATTERS.  Nash Weiss is a member in good standing of
the  NASD.  Except  as  set  forth  on  SCHEDULE  3.27,  there  are  no  special
restrictions or limitations  imposed by the NASD on the conduct by Nash Weiss of
the Business, E.G., a "restriction letter."

         SECTION 3.28. SIPC/CRD REGISTRATION. Nash Weiss is duly registered with
the Security Investors Protection  Corporation (the "SIPC"). Nash Weiss has paid
all  SIPC  fees  due  to  date.  Nash  Weiss  is  registered  with  the  Central
Registration Depository under CRD Number 6470.

         SECTION  3.29.  STATE  BROKER-DEALER   REGISTRATIONS.   Nash  Weiss  is
registered as a broker-dealer in the States of Illinois, New Jersey and Florida.
All of such  registrations  are current and Nash Weiss is in good  standing as a
registered  broker-dealer  in each such  state or  jurisdiction.  As of the date
hereof, no renewal or registration fee is due or owing to any state.
Nash Weiss' state broker-dealer registrations are in good standing.

         SECTION  3.30.  EMPLOYEES.  SCHEDULE  3.30 sets  forth  the  name,  job
description  and  compensation  of each  employee of Nash Weiss  whose  earnings
during the last fiscal year of Nash Weiss was $20,000 or more (including bonuses
and other incentive compensation), and all employees who are expected to receive
at least  $20,000  (including  bonuses  and  other  incentive  compensation)  in
earnings in respect of the present  fiscal year. To the knowledge of Nash Weiss,
there are no pending or  threatened  disputes  between the Nash Weiss and any of
its employees.

         SECTION  3.31.  REGISTERED  PRINCIPALS  AND  REPRESENTATIVES.  Attached
hereto as SCHEDULE  3.31 is a list of each  Person  registered  as a  registered
principal  or a  registered  representative  with Nash Weiss,  and each state or
jurisdiction in which such individual is registered.

         SECTION 3.32.   BROKERS' BOND.  Nash  Weiss  currently  has in effect a
blanket  broker-dealer  fidelity  bond,  a  copy  of  which  has previously been
delivered to Quick & Reilly.

         SECTION 3.33.   INTERCOMPANY LIABILITIES.  Except  as  reflected in the
Financial Statements  or  Interim Financial Statements or except as disclosed on
SCHEDULE 3.33 or SCHEDULE


                                       23

<PAGE>



3.25 attached hereto, there are no liabilities, contracts or commitments between
Nash Weiss,  on the one hand,  and the Sole  Stockholder or any affiliate of the
Sole Stockholder, on the other. Except as disclosed on SCHEDULE 3.33 or SCHEDULE
3.25 attached hereto, during the period from July 1, 1993 to the date hereof, no
such  liabilities,  contracts or  commitments  have been paid and no settlements
thereof have been made except those paid or settled on a basis  consistent  with
the past practices of Nash Weiss.

         SECTION 3.34. FULL DISCLOSURE.  No statement by Nash Weiss contained in
this ARTICLE III, the Schedules hereto or in any written  certificate  furnished
to Quick & Reilly  pursuant to this Agreement as of the respective date thereof,
taken as a whole,  contains any untrue  statement of a material fact or omits to
state a material fact necessary in order to make the statement  contained herein
or therein not materially and adversely misleading; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Nash
Weiss  makes no  representation  or  warranty  as to the  general  business  and
economic condition of the industry in which the Business is conducted.


                                   ARTICLE IV.

             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SOLE STOCKHOLDER


         As an  inducement  to Quick & Reilly  and  Acquiror  to enter into this
Agreement and to  consummate  the  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  the Sole
Stockholder  represents  and  warrants to each of Quick & Reilly and Acquiror as
follows:

         SECTION  4.1.  RECORD AND  BENEFICIAL  OWNERSHIP  OF NASH WEISS  COMMON
STOCK.  All of the issued and outstanding  shares of Nash Weiss Common Stock are
owned beneficially and of record by the Sole Stockholder,  free and clear of any
Encumbrances,  options,  puts, calls,  contracts,  preemptive rights,  rights of
first  refusals,  rights of  conversion or exchange,  or equities.  There are no
voting trusts,  proxies or other  agreements or  understandings  relating to the
voting of the issued and outstanding shares of Nash Weiss Common Stock.

         SECTION 4.2.   DUE EXECUTION.  This  Agreement  has  been duly executed
and delivered  by  the  Sole  Stockholder  and  constitutes the legal, valid and
binding obligation of the Sole Stockholder enforceable against him in accordance
with its terms.

         SECTION 4.3.   NO CONFLICT. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.3, by the
Sole  Stockholder  neither the execution  and delivery of this  Agreement by the
Sole Stockholder,  nor the consummation of the transactions  contemplated hereby
by the Sole  Stockholder,  will (i)  conflict  with or result in a breach of the
terms of, (ii) violate or constitute a default, an event of default (or an event
which,  with notice or lapse of time or both,  would  constitute a default or an
event of default) or an event  creating  rights of  modification,  acceleration,
termination,  cancellation or other additional  rights, or loss of rights under,
or (iii) result in the creation of any  Encumbrance  upon any assets or property
of the Sole Stockholder pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage,  indenture,  deed
of trust, lease, Contract,  Permit,  agreement, or other instrument or any Order
of any Governmental Authority or Regulatory Agency to which the Sole Stockholder


                                       24

<PAGE>



is a  party  or  subject,  or by  which  the  assets  or  property  of the  Sole
Stockholder is bound or (iv) contravene any applicable provision of any Laws.

         SECTION  4.4.  CONSENTS.  Except for: (i) filings of  applications  and
notices with the NASD; (ii) filings of applications and notices with the FTC and
the DOJ pursuant to the Antitrust  Improvements Act, and except as otherwise set
forth on SCHEDULE 4.4, no consent,  approval or  authorization  of, exemption of
other action by notice or declaration,  filing or registration  with, any Person
is required to be obtained,  made or given by the Sole Stockholder in connection
with  the  execution,   delivery  and  performance  of  this  Agreement  or  the
consummation by the Sole  Stockholder of the  transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement.

         SECTION 4.5.   BROKERAGE.  The  Sole   Stockholder   has  not retained,
employed or incurred any obligation to  any  investment banker, broker or finder
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         SECTION 4.6. INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIONS.  (a) The Quick & Reilly Common
Stock being acquired by the Sole  Stockholder  pursuant to this Agreement is for
the Sole  Stockholder's own account.  The Sole Stockholder  presently intends to
hold such securities for purposes of investment, and the Sole Stockholder has no
intention of selling such  securities in a public  distribution  in violation of
the federal securities laws or any applicable state securities laws.

                  (b) The Sole  Stockholder  (i) is an "accredited  investor" as
the term is defined in Rule 501(a) promulgated under the Securities Act, (ii) is
an investor  experienced  in the valuation of businesses  similar to Nash Weiss,
(iii) is able to fend  for  himself  in the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement,  (iv) has such  knowledge and  experience in financial,  business and
investment  matters as to be capable of  evaluating  the merits and risks of the
transactions  contemplated by this Agreement and an investment in Quick & Reilly
Common Stock, (v) has the ability to bear the economic risks of an investment in
Quick & Reilly  Common  Stock  and (vi)  without  in any way  limiting  the Sole
Stockholder's  right or ability to rely on the  representations  and  warranties
made by each of Quick & Reilly and  Acquiror in or  pursuant to this  Agreement,
has been afforded prior to the Closing the  opportunity to ask questions of, and
to receive  answers  from each of Quick & Reilly and  Acquiror and to obtain any
additional  information,  to the extent each of Quick & Reilly and  Acquiror has
such information or can acquire it without  unreasonable effort or expense,  all
as necessary for the Sole Stockholder to make an informed  investment  decisions
with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  (c) Sole Stockholder understands and acknowledges that (i) the
Quick & Reilly Common Stock to be transferred  hereunder is unregistered and may
be  required  to be held  indefinitely,  subject  to the put  right  in  SECTION
13.1(C),  unless it is  subsequently  registered  under the Securities Act or an
exemption from such  registration is available;  (ii) except as provided in this
Agreement,  Quick &  Reilly  is  under  no  obligation  to  file a  registration
statement  with the  Commission  with  respect  to the  shares of Quick & Reilly
Common  Stock to be  acquired by the Sole  Stockholder  in  connection  with the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement; and (iii) Rule
144  promulgated  under the  Securities  Act ("Rule  144"),  which  provides for
certain limited sales of  unregistered  securities,  is not presently  available
with


                                       25

<PAGE>



respect to the shares of Quick & Reilly  Common Stock to be acquired by the Sole
Stockholder in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.

         SECTION 4.7.  FULL  DISCLOSURE.  No  statement by the Sole  Stockholder
contained in this ARTICLE IV, the Schedules hereto or in any written certificate
furnished  to Quick & Reilly or Acquiror  pursuant to this  Agreement  as of the
respective date thereof,  taken as a whole,  contains any untrue  statement of a
material fact or omits to state a material  fact  necessary in order to make the
statement contained herein or therein not materially and adversely misleading.


                                   ARTICLE V.

                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF QUICK & REILLY


         As an inducement to Nash Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder  to enter into
this Agreement and to consummate the transactions  contemplated  hereby, Quick &
Reilly hereby represents and warrants to Nash Weiss as follows:

         SECTION  5.1.  ORGANIZATION,  QUALIFICATION  AND  AUTHORITY  OF QUICK &
REILLY. (a) Quick & Reilly is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
in good  standing  under the laws of the State of  Delaware.  Quick & Reilly has
full  corporate  power and  authority  and all  material  licenses,  permits and
authorizations  necessary to own,  lease and operate its properties and to carry
on its business as presently  conducted and presently  proposed to be conducted.
Quick & Reilly has been duly qualified or licensed as a foreign  corporation for
the  transaction of business in, and is in good standing under the laws of, each
jurisdiction in which it owns,  leases or uses property or conducts any business
so as to require such qualification or licensing, except where the failure to so
qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Quick & Reilly.

                  (b) Quick & Reilly has full  corporate  power and authority to
enter  into  this  Agreement  and to  perform  its  obligations  hereunder.  The
execution and delivery of this  Agreement by Quick & Reilly and the  performance
of the transactions  contemplated  hereby have been duly authorized by the Board
of  Directors of Quick & Reilly and no further  corporate  action on the part of
Quick & Reilly is necessary to authorize this  Agreement and its  performance of
the transactions  contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered  by Quick & Reilly  and  constitutes  the  legal,  valid  and  binding
obligation  of Quick & Reilly  enforceable  against  it in  accordance  with its
terms.

         SECTION 5.2. NO CONFLICT.  Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 5.2, neither
the  execution  and  delivery of this  Agreement,  nor the  consummation  of the
transactions  contemplated  hereby, will (i) conflict with or result in a breach
of the terms, conditions or provisions of, (ii) violate or constitute a default,
an event of default  (or an event  which,  with notice or lapse of time or both,
would  constitute a default or an event of default) or an event creating  rights
of  modification,  acceleration,  termination,  cancellation or other additional
rights,  or loss of  rights  under,  or  (iii)  result  in the  creation  of any
Encumbrance upon any of the capital stock,  assets or property of Quick & Reilly
pursuant to, the charter or  by-laws  of  Quick & Reilly,  or  any  note,  bond,


                                       26

<PAGE>



mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, lease, Contract, Permit, agreement, or other
instrument or any Order of any  Governmental  Authority or Regulatory  Agency to
which  Quick & Reilly  is a party or  subject,  or by which  any of its  capital
stock,  assets or property is bound or (iv) contravene any applicable  provision
of any Laws.

         SECTION  5.3.  CONSENTS.  Except for: (i) filings of  applications  and
notices with the NASD; (ii) filings of applications and notices with the FTC and
DOJ  pursuant  to the  Antitrust  Improvements  Act,  (iii)  the  filing  of the
Certificate  of Merger with the  Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and
except  as  otherwise  set  forth on  SCHEDULE  5.3,  no  consent,  approval  or
authorization of, exemption of other action by notice or declaration,  filing or
registration with, any Person is required to be obtained, made or given by Quick
& Reilly in connection  with the  execution,  delivery and  performance  of this
Agreement or the consummation by Quick & Reilly of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.

         SECTION 5.4.   BROKERAGE.  Neither  Quick & Reilly   nor  any   of  its
officers or directors has retained,  employed or incurred any  obligation to any
investment  banker,  broker  or  finder  in  connection  with  the  transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

         SECTION 5.5. QUICK & REILLY COMMON STOCK.  All of the shares of Quick &
Reilly  Common  Stock to be  issued  or  delivered  to the Sole  Stockholder  in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, on the date of issuance or
delivery thereof,  shall (a) be duly authorized,  validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable,  (b)  subject  to the  Escrow  Agreement,  free and  clear of any
Encumbrances and (c) bear the following legend:


              "The securities represented by this certificate  are
               not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
               amended (the "Securities  Act")  and  cannot  be 
               transferred  or sold  unless  they are subsequently
               registered  under the Securities  Act or, in the 
               opinion of counsel for the issuer,  an exemption
               from such registration is available."

         SECTION 5.6. FILINGS WITH THE COMMISSION.  All documents filed by Quick
& Reilly with the Commission pursuant to reporting obligations arising under the
Exchange  Act were true and  correct  in all  material  respects  as of the date
specified  in such  documents or if no date was so specified as of the date such
documents were filed.  Except for consummation of the transactions  contemplated
hereby, as of the date hereof, there has been no event, development or change in
the business of Quick & Reilly which would give rise to an  obligation on behalf
of Quick & Reilly to amend,  modify or  supplement a filing with the  Commission
previously made or to file additional  reports,  schedules or documents with the
Commission.

         SECTION 5.7. RECAPITALIZATIONS. Except for a 2-for-1 split of the Quick
& Reilly Common Stock payable on March 28, 1997 (the "Stock Split Payment Date")
to the Sole  Stockholder  and the  holders  of  record on March 5,  1997,  since
January 1, 1997,  there has not been any stock split or  consolidation  or other
recapitalization involving the Quick & Reilly Common Stock.



                                       27

<PAGE>




                                   ARTICLE VI.

          REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF QUICK & REILLY AND ACQUIROR


         As an inducement to Nash Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder  to enter into
this Agreement and to consummate the transactions  contemplated  hereby, Quick &
Reilly and Acquiror, jointly and severally, hereby represent and warrant to Nash
Weiss as follows:

         SECTION 6.1. ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITY.  (a) Acquiror is a corporation
duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the
State of Delaware.  Acquiror has full corporate power and authority necessary to
own, lease and operate its  properties  and to engage in the Business.  Acquiror
has been duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation for the transaction
of business in, and is in good standing under the laws of, each  jurisdiction in
which it owns, leases or uses property or conducts any business so as to require
such qualification or licensing.  Acquiror does not have any subsidiaries,  and,
except as expressly  contemplated by this Agreement,  Acquiror does not have any
direct or indirect  ownership or hold any rights to acquire any capital stock or
equity or debt  securities  of any  corporation  or any other direct or indirect
equity ownership interest or Indebtedness interest in any other Person.

                  (b) Acquiror has full  corporate  power and authority to enter
into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.  The execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Acquiror and the  performance of the  transactions
contemplated  hereby  have been duly  authorized  by the Board of  Directors  of
Acquiror and Quick & Reilly,  as the holder of all of the issued and outstanding
shares of common stock of Acquiror,  and no further corporate action on the part
of Acquiror is necessary to authorize this Agreement and its  performance of the
transactions  contemplated  hereby.  This  Agreement  has been duly executed and
delivered by Acquiror and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of
Acquiror enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

         SECTION 6.2. NO CONFLICT.  Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.2, neither
the  execution  and  delivery of this  Agreement,  nor the  consummation  of the
transactions  contemplated  herein, will (i) conflict with or result in a breach
of the terms of, (ii) violate or  constitute a default,  an event of default (or
an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default
or  an  event  of  default)  or  an  event  creating  rights  of   modification,
acceleration,  termination,  cancellation or other additional rights, or loss of
rights under, or (iii) result in the creation of any Encumbrance upon any of the
capital  stock,  assets or  property  of  Acquiror  pursuant  to, the charter or
by-laws of Acquiror,  or any note,  bond,  mortgage,  indenture,  deed of trust,
lease,  Contract,  Permit,  agreement,  or other  instrument or any Order of any
Governmental  Authority  or  Regulatory  Agency to which  Acquiror is a party or
subject,  or by which any of its capital  stock,  assets or property is bound or
(iv) contravene any applicable provision of any Laws.

         SECTION 6.3.  CONSENTS.  Except  for:  (i) filings  of applications and
notices with the NASD; (ii) filings of applications and notices with the FTC and
DOJ pursuant to  the  Antitrust  Improvements  Act,  (iii)  the  filing  of  the
Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State  of  Delaware and


                                       28

<PAGE>



except as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.3, no consent,  approval or authorization  of,
exemption of other action by notice or declaration, filing or registration with,
any Person is required to be obtained,  made or given by Acquiror in  connection
with  the  execution,   delivery  and  performance  of  this  Agreement  or  the
consummation by Acquiror of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         SECTION 6.4. ACQUIROR  CAPITALIZATION.  Acquiror's  authorized  capital
stock consists of one thousand  (1,000)  shares of common stock,  par value $.01
per share, of which one hundred (100) shares are issued and outstanding,  all of
which  are  validly  issued,  fully  paid and  non-assessable.  Except  for this
Agreement,  there  are  no  options,  warrants,  preemptive  rights,  conversion
privileges  or other  contracts  which  give any  Person or entity  the right to
acquire any capital stock of Acquiror or any interest therein. Quick & Reilly is
the beneficial and record owner of all of the outstanding shares of common stock
of Acquiror, free and clear of all Encumbrances.

         SECTION 6.5. BUSINESS ACTIVITY; INDEBTEDNESS.  Acquiror has not engaged
in any business  activity of any nature prior to the date of this  Agreement and
as of the date hereof  Acquiror is not  indebted or liable to any Person for any
obligation except as expressly contemplated herein.


                                  ARTICLE VII.

                    COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES PENDING CLOSING


         The  respective  parties  hereto  agree as follows  with respect to the
period between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date:

         SECTION 7.1. REGULATORY APPROVALS AND COMPLIANCE. (a) Prior to the date
of this Agreement,  Quick & Reilly,  Nash Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder  shall
each  file or  consent  to be filed  with the FTC and the DOJ any  notifications
required to be filed by their  respective  "ultimate  parent" entities under the
Antitrust Improvements Act with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.
Each of Quick & Reilly,  Nash Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder  warrants that all
such filings by it or he, as the case may be will be, as of the date filed, true
and  accurate  and  in  accordance  with  the   requirements  of  the  Antitrust
Improvements  Act. Each of Quick & Reilly,  Nash Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder
agree to make  available  to each  other  such  information  as each of them may
reasonably  request  relative to their  business,  assets and property as may be
required of each of them to file the required  applications and notices with the
FTC and DOJ and to provide any additional information requested by such agencies
under the Antitrust Improvements Act.

                  (b)  Quick & Reilly  shall  use its best  efforts  to have the
shares of Quick & Reilly Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement to
be  listed,  subject  to  official  notice of  issuance,  on the New York  Stock
Exchange.



                                       29

<PAGE>



         SECTION 7.2. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.  Except as otherwise  contemplated by
the transactions provided for herein, pending the Closing, Nash Weiss shall, and
the Sole  Stockholder  shall  cause  Nash  Weiss  to,  operate  and carry on the
Business  only  in  the  ordinary   course   consistent   with  past  practices.
Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary contained in the immediately preceding
sentence, pending the Closing:

                  (a) Nash Weiss  shall,  and the Sole  Stockholder  shall cause
Nash Weiss to, take reasonable  actions to maintain its assets in  substantially
their  present  state of  repair,  reasonable  wear and  tear  excepted,  and to
preserve the goodwill of the  Business and Nash Weiss's  relationships  with its
customers,  suppliers,  distributors,  employees  and other  Persons or entities
having business relations with it.

                  (b) Except as contemplated by this Agreement, Nash Weiss shall
not,  and the Sole  Stockholder  shall not permit Nash Weiss to, take any of the
following actions without the prior written approval of Quick & Reilly:

                           (i)  Sell,  assign,   transfer,   lease,  consume  or
                  otherwise  dispose of any  properties  or assets except in the
                  ordinary  course of business  consistent with past practice or
                  merge, consolidate or engage in any other business combination
                  with any Person;

                           (ii) Amend, modify,  cancel or waive any rights under
                  any  Contract  listed on  SCHEDULE  3.13(A)  or enter into any
                  Contract  that would be required to be  disclosed  on SCHEDULE
                  3.13(A), other than in the ordinary course of business;

                           (iii) Make  any capital expenditure or commit to make
                  any capital expenditure in excess of $5,000;

                           (iv)  Mortgage,  pledge  or  subject  to Encumbrances
                  (other than purchase money liens) any properties or  assets of
                  Nash Weiss;

                           (v)   Assume,  incur  or guarantee any obligations or
                  liability for borrowed money;

                           (vi)  Make  any  changes  in  its accounting methods,
                  principles or practices;

                           (vii)  Knowingly act or omit to do any act within its
                  reasonable control which will cause it or the Sole Stockholder
                  to breach any  representation,  warranty or obligation of Nash
                  Weiss or the Sole Stockholder contained in this Agreement;

                           (viii)  Amend its  Certificate  of  Incorporation  or
                  By-laws;

                           (ix)  Issue  any of its  capital  stock  or make  any
                  changes  in its  issued or  exchangeable  for and  outstanding
                  capital  stock,  issue  any  option,  warrant  or other  right
                  exercisable   for  or  any   security   convertible   into  or
                  exchangeable  for  its  capital  stock or redeem, purchase or 


                                       30

<PAGE>



                  otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock;

                           (x)   Declare,  set aside or pay any dividend or make
                  any other payment or  distribution with respect to its capital
                  stock;

                           (xi)  Increase  or   decrease  the  wages,  salaries,
                  compensation, pension or other benefits payable to any former\
                  employee or any current employee; or

                           (xii) Agree  to  do  any  of  the  foregoing,  except
                  as contemplated by this Agreement.

         SECTION 7.3.  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF  ACQUIROR.  During the period from
the date of this Agreement to the Effective  Time,  Acquiror shall not engage in
any business or activity of any nature except as provided in or  contemplated by
this Agreement.

         SECTION 7.4. APPROVALS.  Each of Quick & Reilly,  Acquiror,  Nash Weiss
and the Sole  Stockholder  will act  diligently  and  reasonably  to secure  all
Approvals required to be obtained by each of them, respectively,  to satisfy the
conditions  set forth in SECTION 9.2 with  respect to each of Quick & Reilly and
Acquiror and SECTION 10.2 with respect to Nash Weiss and the Sole Stockholder.

         SECTION 7.5. ACTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE MERGER.  (a) At or immediately
prior to the  Effective  Time,  Quick & Reilly  shall  deposit with the Exchange
Agent:  (i) the Aggregate Quick & Reilly  Conversion  Shares and (ii) cash in an
amount sufficient to pay for any fractional share of Quick & Reilly Common Stock
issuable pursuant to SECTION 2.4 hereof.

                  (b) Quick & Reilly,  Acquiror  and Nash  Weiss  shall take all
necessary  steps to pre-clear  the  Certificate  of Merger with the Secretary of
State of the  State of  Delaware,  in  order  that,  on the  Closing  Date,  the
Certificate  of  Merger  may be filed  with  such  Secretary  of State  upon the
exchange of documents required in SECTIONS 11.2 AND 11.3.

         SECTION 7.6.  ACCESS TO  INFORMATION.  (a) Nash Weiss shall,  and shall
cause its  officers,  directors,  employees  and agents to, afford the officers,
employees,  representatives and agents of Quick & Reilly to (i) have full access
at reasonable times to all facilities,  books, records and documents relating to
the Business  (including without  limitations,  documents relating to regulatory
inquiries,  complaints,  investigations  and ratings),  (ii) make copies of such
books,  records  and  documents,  (iii)  confer  with the  employees,  officers,
directors,  attorneys,  accountants and other representatives of Nash Weiss with
respect to all matters regarding Nash Weiss or the Business and (iv) confer with
authorities of the Regulatory Agencies overseeing Nash Weiss with respect to all
matters regarding Nash Weiss or the Business. Nash Weiss shall have the right to
have a  representative  present at any  conference  undertaken by Quick & Reilly
pursuant to clauses (iii) or (iv) in the preceding sentence.

                  (b) No  investigation  pursuant  to  this  SECTION  7.6  shall
affect,  add to or  subtract  from  any  representations  or  warranties  or the
conditions to the obligations of the parties hereto to consummate the Merger.


                                       31

<PAGE>




         SECTION 7.7. EXCLUSIVITY. From the date hereof until the earlier of (i)
the  termination  of this  Agreement,  (ii) the Closing  Date or (iii) April 30,
1997, none of Nash Weiss, the Sole Stockholder, Weiss or Nash shall (i) solicit,
initiate or encourage the  submission of any  inquiries,  proposal or offer from
any Person  relating to the  disposition  of any capital  stock or other  voting
securities,  or any  portion  of the  assets or  properties  (including  but not
limited  to any  acquisition  structured  as a merger,  consolidation,  or share
exchange),  of Nash Weiss or (ii) participate in any discussions or negotiations
regarding, furnish any information with respect to, assist or participate in, or
facilitate in any other manner any effort or attempt by any Person to do or seek
any of the foregoing;  PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that nothing contained in this SECTION
7.7 shall  prohibit the Board of Directors of Nash Weiss from  responding to any
unsolicited  proposal or inquiry by advising the Person  making such proposal or
inquiry of the terms of this SECTION 7.7.  Nash Weiss will notify Quick & Reilly
immediately if any Person makes any communication,  proposal,  offer, inquiry or
contact with respect to any of the foregoing.

         SECTION 7.8.  NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN  MATTERS.  Each of Nash Weiss and
the Sole  Stockholder  shall give prompt  notice to Quick & Reilly,  and Quick &
Reilly shall give prompt notice to each of Nash Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder,
of (i) the  occurrence,  or  failure  to occur,  of any event  which  such party
believes  would be  likely  to cause any of its  representations  or  warranties
contained in this  Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate in any material  respect
at any time from the date  hereof to the  Effective  Time and (ii) any  material
failure of Nash Weiss, the Sole  Stockholder or Quick & Reilly,  as the case may
be, or of any  officer,  director,  employee  or agent of Nash  Weiss or Quick &
Reilly,  to comply with or satisfy any  covenant,  condition  or agreement to be
complied  with or satisfied by such party  hereunder;  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that
failure to give such notice shall not  constitute a waiver of any defense  which
may be validly asserted.

         SECTION  7.9.  TAX-FREE  REORGANIZATION.  None of Quick & Reilly,  Nash
Weiss or Sole Stockholder shall take or cause to be taken any action which would
disqualify the Merger as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a)
of the Code, except for actions as may be contemplated by the Agreement.


                                  ARTICLE VIII.

                          CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLICITY


         SECTION 8.1. CONFIDENTIALITY.  (a) All data, reports, records and other
written  and oral  information  of any kind  received  by any  party  hereto  or
affiliates,  shareholders,  directors,  partners,  officers,  employees, agents,
representatives,  consultants  or  lenders  of  such  party  (such  party  being
hereinafter referred to as the "Receiving Party") from any other party hereto or
affiliates,  shareholders,  partners,  directors,  officers,  employees, agents,
representatives  or  consultants  of such other  party  (such  other party being
hereinafter  referred to as the  "Delivering  Party") under this Agreement or in
connection  with  the  transactions  contemplated  hereby  shall be  treated  as
confidential  (collectively,  "Confidential  Information").  Except as otherwise
provided  herein,  the Receiving  Party shall not disclose or use (and shall not
permit its affiliates,  shareholders,  directors, officers, partners, employees,
agents, representatives or consultants to use) Confidential  Information for its


                                       32

<PAGE>



own (or their own) benefit and shall use  commercially  reasonable  efforts (and
shall  cause  its  affiliates,   shareholders,  partners,  directors,  officers,
employees, agents, representatives or consultants to use commercially reasonable
efforts) to maintain the  confidentiality  of Confidential  Information.  If the
Receiving Party or any of its  affiliates,  shareholders,  directors,  officers,
partners,  employees,  agents,  representatives  or  consultants  is required to
disclose Confidential Information by or to any court,  arbitrator,  Governmental
Authority or Regulatory  Agency of competent  jurisdiction,  the Receiving Party
shall,  prior to such  disclosure,  promptly notify the Delivering Party of such
requirement  and all  particulars  related to such  requirement.  The Delivering
Party  shall  have the  right,  at its own cost and  expense,  to object to such
disclosure and to seek confidential treatment of any Confidential Information to
be so disclosed on such terms as it shall determine.

                  (b) The  restrictions set forth in SECTION 8.1(A) hereof shall
not apply to the use or disclosure of  Confidential  Information  to the extent,
but  only to the  extent,  (i)  permitted  or  required  pursuant  to any  other
agreement between or among the parties hereto,  (ii) necessary by a party hereto
in connection with exercising its, his or their rights or performing its, his or
their  duties or  obligations  under  this  Agreement,  or the other  agreements
described in clause (i) of this  sentence,  (iii)  contemplated  by the last two
sentences  of  SECTION  8.1(A)  hereof  or (iv)  that the  Receiving  Party  can
demonstrate such Confidential  Information (A) is or becomes generally available
to the  public  through  no fault or  neglect  of the  Receiving  Party,  (B) is
received  in good  faith on a  non-confidential  basis  from a third  party  who
discloses such  Confidential  Information  without  violating any obligations of
secrecy or  confidentiality  or (C) was already possessed at the time of receipt
as shown by prior dated written records.

                  (c) For the  purposes of this  SECTION  8.1,  (i)  information
which is  specific  shall not be deemed to be within an  exception  set forth in
SECTION 8.1(B) hereof merely because it is embraced by general information which
is within such an exception and (ii) a combination of  information  shall not be
deemed to be within an  exception  set forth in  SECTION  8.1(B)  hereof  merely
because  individual  aspects of such  combination  are within such an  exception
unless the combination of information itself, its principle of operation and its
value or advantages are within such an exception.

         SECTION 8.2. PUBLICITY.  No party  hereto  shall  or  shall  permit its
affiliates  principals,  associates,  directors,  officers,  representatives  or
agents to issue any publicity,  release or announcement concerning the execution
and  delivery  of this  Agreement,  the  provisions  hereof or the  transactions
contemplated  hereby without the prior written  approval of the form and content
of  such  publicity,  release  or  announcement  by the  other  parties  hereto;
PROVIDED,  HOWEVER, that no such approval shall be required when such publicity,
release or announcement is required by (i) applicable Law, (ii) applicable rules
or regulations  of, or any listing  agreement  with, a national or foreign stock
exchange or NASDAQ or (iii) any Order;  and,  PROVIDED  FURTHER,  that, prior to
issuing  any  publicity,  release or  announcement  without  such prior  written
approval, the party issuing or whose principal, affiliate, associate, directors,
officer,   representative  or  agent  is  issuing  such  publicity,  release  or
announcement  shall have given  reasonable  prior  notice to the parties  hereto
which have withheld their consent (the "Non- consenting Party") of such intended
issuance  and,  if  requested  by the  Non-consenting  Party,  shall  have  used
reasonable efforts at the Non-consenting  Party's own cost and expense to obtain
a protective order or similar  protection for the benefit of the  Non-consenting
Party. Nothing


                                       33

<PAGE>



contained  herein  shall  prevent  the  communication  of  information  with any
Governmental Authority or Regulatory Agency.

         SECTION 8.3. RETURN OF CONFIDENTIAL  INFORMATION.  At any time prior to
the Closing,  at the request of Nash Weiss or its legal counsel,  Quick & Reilly
and Acquiror shall (and shall use all commercially  reasonable  efforts to cause
their  respective  affiliates,   shareholders,  partners,  directors,  officers,
employees,  agents,  representatives and consultants to) promptly return to Nash
Weiss all  Confidential  Information  and shall not  retain  any copies or other
reproductions  or extracts  thereof,  and Quick & Reilly and Acquiror shall (and
shall  use  all  commercially  reasonable  efforts  to  cause  their  respective
affiliates,  shareholders,  partners,  directors,  officers,  employees, agents,
representatives  and  consultants  to) destroy or have  destroyed all memoranda,
notes,  reports  and  documents,  and all  copies  and other  reproductions  and
extracts  thereof prepared by it in connection with a review of the Confidential
Information.

         SECTION 8.4.  INJUNCTIVE  RELIEF. The parties recognize that any breach
of this ARTICLE VIII would cause  irreparable  injury and that monetary  damages
alone would not be  sufficient  with respect  thereto.  Accordingly,  each party
agrees that if it breaches or threatens to breach the provisions of this ARTICLE
VIII each other party  shall  have,  in addition to and not in lieu of any other
rights  and  remedies  available  at law or in equity,  the right to  injunctive
relief.


                                   ARTICLE IX.

          CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF QUICK & REILLY AND ACQUIROR


         The  obligations of Quick & Reilly and Acquiror to  consummate,  on the
Closing Date, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will be subject to
the  satisfaction,  on or before  the  Closing  Date,  of each of the  following
conditions, unless waived in writing by Quick & Reilly:

         SECTION  9.1.   REPRESENTATIONS   AND  WARRANTIES;   PERFORMANCE.   All
representations  and  warranties  made  by  each of  Nash  Weiss  and  the  Sole
Stockholder in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects
on the  Closing  Date as though  made on the  Closing  Date,  except for changes
contemplated by this Agreement.  Nash Weiss and the Sole Stockholder  shall have
performed and complied in all material  respects with all agreements,  covenants
and conditions  required to be performed and complied with by them, prior to the
Closing Date. Nash Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder  each shall have certified to
the  effect  of  this  SECTION  9.1 in  writing  to  Quick &  Reilly,  in a form
reasonably   satisfactory   to  Quick  &  Reilly,   as  of  the  Closing   Date.
Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary  contained herein,  the Closing of the
transactions  contemplated  hereby shall not be deemed to be a waiver by Quick &
Reilly or any  Indemnitee of any rights to  indemnification  pursuant to ARTICLE
XIV, irrespective of whether Quick & Reilly or any other Person had knowledge on
or before  the  Closing  Date of the  breach by  either  Nash  Weiss or the Sole
Stockholder of any representation,  warranty,  agreement,  covenant or condition
contained in this Agreement.



                                       34

<PAGE>



         SECTION 9.2.  APPROVALS.  All Approvals required to be obtained by Nash
Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder to consummate the  transactions  contemplated by
this Agreement  shall have been validly  obtained and shall be in full force and
effect and all statutory  waiting  periods in respect thereof shall have expired
or been terminated and copies of all such Approvals shall have been delivered to
Quick & Reilly.

         SECTION 9.3. NO PROCEEDING OR LITIGATION. No action, suit or proceeding
before any court or any other Governmental  Authority or Regulatory Agency shall
have been  commenced or threatened,  and no  investigation  by any  Governmental
Authority or Regulatory  Agency shall have been  threatened,  against any of the
parties to this  Agreement  or any of the  principals,  officers,  directors  or
stockholders  of  any of  them  seeking  to  restrain,  prevent  or  change  the
transactions  contemplated hereby or questioning the validity or legality of any
of  such  transactions  or  seeking  damages  in  connection  with  any of  such
transactions.

         SECTION 9.4. ESCROW AGREEMENT.  Quick & Reilly  shall  have received an
executed  Escrow  Agreement  in    substantially   the form  attached  hereto as
EXHIBIT C.

         SECTION 9.5. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.  Acquiror shall  have  received  an
executed  employment  agreement from each of Weiss and Nash substantially in the
form attached hereto as EXHIBIT D-1 AND D-2, RESPECTIVELY.

         SECTION 9.6. CONSULTING AGREEMENT.  Acquiror  shall  have  received  an
executed  consulting  agreement from the Sole  Stockholder  substantially in the
form attached hereto as EXHIBIT E.

         SECTION  9.7.  OTHER  DOCUMENTS.  Each  of  Nash  Weiss  and  the  Sole
Stockholder shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to Quick & Reilly the
documents set forth in SECTION 11.2 and such other documents and certificates as
may be reasonably requested by Quick & Reilly.

         SECTION 9.8.  OPINION OF COUNSEL.  Quick & Reilly shall have received a
written  opinion from Neal,  Gerber &  Eisenberg,  counsel to Nash Weiss and the
Sole Stockholder,  addressed to each of Quick & Reilly and Acquiror, dated as of
the Closing Date, substantially in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT F.

         SECTION  9.9.  CORPORATE  ACTION.  Nash  Weiss  shall  have  taken  all
corporate  action  necessary  to approve the  transactions  contemplated  by the
Agreement  and Nash Weiss  shall have  furnished  Quick & Reilly  with copies of
resolutions,  adopted  by the  Board of  Directors  of Nash  Weiss  and the Sole
Stockholder and certified by the secretary of Nash Weiss as of the Closing Date,
in form and substance reasonably  satisfactory to counsel for Quick & Reilly, in
connection with such transactions.




                                       35

<PAGE>




                                   ARTICLE X.

                   CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF NASH WEISS
                            AND THE SOLE STOCKHOLDER


         The  obligations of Nash Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder to consummate,
on the Closing Date, the  transactions  contemplated  by this Agreement shall be
subject to the  satisfaction,  on or before  the  Closing  Date,  of each of the
following  conditions,  unless  waived in  writing by each of Nash Weiss and the
Sole Stockholder:

         SECTION  10.1.   REPRESENTATIONS  AND  WARRANTIES;   PERFORMANCE.   All
representations  and  warranties  made by each of Quick & Reilly and Acquiror in
this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects on the Closing
Date as though made on the Closing Date, except for changes contemplated by this
Agreement.  Quick & Reilly and Acquiror shall have performed and complied in all
material respects with all agreements, covenants and conditions required by this
Agreement to be performed  and complied  with by them prior to the Closing Date.
Quick & Reilly and  Acquiror  each shall  have  certified  to the effect of this
SECTION  10.1 in  writing  to Nash  Weiss  and the Sole  Stockholder,  in a form
reasonably  satisfactory to Nash Weiss and the Sole Stockholder,  on the Closing
Date.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the closing of
the  transactions  contemplated  hereby shall not be deemed a waiver by the Sole
Stockholder  or any  Indemnitee  of any rights to  indemnification  pursuant  to
ARTICLE XIV,  irrespective  of whether the Sole  Stockholder or any other Person
had  knowledge  on or before the  Closing  Date of the breach by either  Quick &
Reilly or the Acquiror of any representation,  warranty,  agreement, covenant or
condition contained in this Agreement.

         SECTION 10.2. APPROVALS. All Approvals required to be obtained by Quick
& Reilly and  Acquiror  to  consummate  the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement shall have been validly obtained and shall be in full force and effect
and all statutory  waiting periods in respect thereof shall have expired or been
terminated and copies of such Approvals  shall have been delivered to Nash Weiss
and the Sole Stockholder.

         SECTION  10.3.  NO  PROCEEDING  OR  LITIGATION.   No  action,  suit  or
proceeding  before any court or any other  Governmental  Authority or Regulatory
Agency shall have been  commenced or  threatened,  and no  investigation  by any
Governmental Authority or Regulatory Agency shall have been threatened,  against
any of the  parties to this  Agreement  or any of the  principals,  officers  or
directors of any of them seeking to restrain, prevent or change the transactions
contemplated  hereby or  questioning  the  validity  or  legality of any of such
transactions or seeking damages in connection with any of such transactions.

         SECTION 10.4.   ESCROW AGREEMENT.  Nash Weiss and  the Sole Stockholder
shall have  received an executed  Escrow  Agreement  in  substantially  the form
attached hereto as EXHIBIT B.



                                       36

<PAGE>



         SECTION 10.5.   EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.  Nash   and   Weiss  shall  have
received  executed  employment  agreements  substantially  in the form  attached
hereto as EXHIBIT D-1 and D-2 respectively.

         SECTION 10.6.   CONSULTING AGREEMENT.  The Sole  Stockholder shall have
received an executed  consulting  agreement  substantially  in the form attached
hereto as EXHIBIT E.

         SECTION  10.7.  OTHER  DOCUMENTS.  Each of Quick & Reilly and  Acquiror
shall have furnished Nash Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder with the documents set
forth in  SECTION  11.3 and such  other  documents  and  certificates  as may be
reasonably requested by Nash Weiss or the Sole Stockholder.

         SECTION 10.8.  OPINION OF COUNSEL.  Nash Weiss and the Sole Stockholder
shall have received a written opinion from Kelley Drye & Warren LLP,  counsel to
Quick & Reilly, addressed to Nash Weiss and the Sole Stockholder and dated as of
the Closing Date, substantially in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT G.

         SECTION  10.9.  CORPORATE  ACTION.  Each of Quick & Reilly and Acquiror
shall have taken all  corporate  action  necessary  to approve the  transactions
contemplated  by the  Agreement,  and each of Quick & Reilly and Acquiror  shall
have furnished Nash Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder  with copies of resolutions,
adopted by the Board of Directors  of Acquiror  and Quick & Reilly,  as the sole
holder of the issued and  outstanding  shares of capital  stock of Acquiror  and
certified by the secretary of Quick & Reilly as of the Closing Date, in form and
substance  reasonably  satisfactory  to  counsel  for  Nash  Weiss  and the Sole
Stockholder, in connection with such transactions.


                                   ARTICLE XI.

                                     CLOSING


         SECTION 11.1. CLOSING. Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated
pursuant to the  provisions  of ARTICLE  XII,  the  closing of the  transactions
contemplated  by this Agreement (the  "Closing")  shall be held on the later of:
(i) February 28, 1997 or (ii) the last  business day of the week  following  the
week in which  the  final  Approval  required  to  consummate  the  transactions
contemplated  hereby shall have been obtained and all statutory  waiting periods
relating thereto shall have expired or been terminated.  The Closing shall occur
at the close of the New York Stock Exchange trading day at the offices of Kelley
Drye & Warren LLP, 101 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10178.

         SECTION 11.2. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS  BY  NASH WEISS.  Nash Weiss agrees
to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to Quick & Reilly
and Acquiror at the Closing, the following:

                  (a)      All  of  the instruments and documents required to be
         delivered under ARTICLE IX.


                                       37

<PAGE>




                  (b)      Written  resignations of the directors of Nash Weiss,
         effective as of the Closing Date.

                  (c)      All  minute  books,  stock  certificate  books, stock
         ledgers and the corporate seal of Nash Weiss.

                  (d)      A copy  of the Certificate of  Incorporation  of Nash
         Weiss as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time certified as
         of a recent date by the Secretary of the State of Delaware.

                  (e) Certificates,  as of the most recent  practicable dates as
         to the corporate good standing of Nash Weiss issued by the  Secretaries
         of State of the States of Delaware,  Florida,  Illinois, New Jersey and
         any other  state in which Nash Weiss is  required  to be  qualified  or
         licensed  to transact  business,  confirming  such good  standing on or
         immediately prior to the Closing Date.

                  (f) A copy of the  By-laws  of Nash  Weiss  in  effect  on the
         Closing Date, certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Nash
         Weiss as of the Closing Date.

                  (g)  Resolutions  of the Board of  Directors of Nash Weiss and
         the  Sole  Stockholder,   authorizing  and  approving  all  matters  in
         connection  with  this  Agreement  and  the  transactions  contemplated
         hereby, certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Nash Weiss
         as of the Closing Date.

                  (h) A Certificate  of the Secretary or Assistant  Secretary of
         Nash Weiss dated the Closing Date  certifying  (i) as to the matters in
         (f) and (g), above,  (ii) that the Certificate of Incorporation of Nash
         Weiss has not been amended,  and (iii) to the  incumbency  and specimen
         signature of each officer of Nash Weiss  executing  this  Agreement and
         the other agreements contemplated herein.

                  (i) Such other  documents  as  Quick & Reilly  may  reasonably
          request.

         SECTION  11.3.  DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS  BY QUICK & REILLY AND  ACQUIROR.
Each of Quick & Reilly and Acquiror  agrees to execute and deliver,  or cause to
be executed and delivered,  to Nash Weiss and the Sole Stockholder,  as the case
may be, at the Closing, the following:

                  (a)    All  of  the  instruments  and documents required to be
          delivered under ARTICLE X.

                  (b)    Such  other  documents  as  Nash  Weiss  or  the   Sole
          Stockholder may reasonably request.

         SECTION 11.4.   FILING OF CERTIFICATE OF MERGER.  Concurrent  with  the
exchange  of  documents   referred  to  in  this  ARTICLE  XI,  and  subject  to
satisfaction  of the conditions set forth herein,  Quick & Reilly,  Acquiror and
Nash Weiss hereby authorize the filing, on the Closing Date, of the  Certificate


                                       38

<PAGE>



of Merger in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.


                                  ARTICLE XII.

                            TERMINATION AND REMEDIES


         SECTION 12.1.   METHODS OF TERMINATION.   This   Agreement   may     be
terminated prior to the Closing Date under the following circumstances:

                  (a)  by mutual written consent  of the Sole Stockholder,  Nash
Weiss, Acquiror and Quick & Reilly;

                  (b)  subject to the  provisions  of SECTION  12.2,  by Quick &
Reilly giving written  notice to each of Nash Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder if
all of the  conditions  to the  obligations  of Quick & Reilly and  Acquiror set
forth in ARTICLE IX have not been satisfied on or before the Closing Date;

                  (c)  subject to the provisions  of SECTION  12.2,  by the Sole
Stockholder  giving written notice to Quick & Reilly if all of the conditions to
the  obligations of Nash Weiss and the Sole  Stockholder  set forth in ARTICLE X
have not been satisfied on or before the Closing Date;

                  (d)  by Sole Stockholder or Nash Weiss, if a settlement to the
Lawsuit,  which is acceptable to the Sole Stockholder,  has been proposed by the
class of  defendants  in the Lawsuit and Quick & Reilly has failed to consent to
such  settlement  within a period of 5 days  after  Sole  Stockholder  has given
written notice of the proposed settlement to Quick & Reilly; or

                  (e)  by any  party  if the Closing  has not  occurred  for any
reason by April 30, 1997,  provided that such  terminating  party is not then in
breach of this Agreement.

         SECTION 12.2. OPPORTUNITY TO CURE.  Notwithstanding  anything contained
in this  Agreement  to the  contrary  and subject to the  provisions  of Section
12.1(b)  and 12.1(c)  respectively,  none of the Sole  Stockholder,  Nash Weiss,
Quick & Reilly or Acquiror shall  terminate this Agreement under SECTION 12.1(B)
or (C) unless such party shall have first given the other parties  notice of its
intent to terminate this Agreement, setting forth the nature of the condition to
the terminating  party's  obligation to close which remains  unsatisfied and the
other parties shall have failed to satisfy such  condition  within 10 days after
receipt of such notice;  PROVIDED that if such  condition is of a nature that it
cannot  be  reasonably  satisfied  within  such  10  day  period,  then,  if the
defaulting  or breaching  party shall have  commenced an attempt to satisfy such
condition within such 10 day period,  the period to satisfy such condition shall
be extended until the date which is 30 days after receipt of such notice.

         SECTION 12.3. PROCEDURE UPON TERMINATION.  In  the event of termination
pursuant to SECTION 12.1:


                                       39

<PAGE>




                  (a)  each party will return all documents  and other materials
of the other parties relating to the transactions  contemplated hereby,  whether
obtained before or after the execution hereof, to the party furnishing the same;
and

                  (b)  such  termination  shall  not  relieve  any  party of any
liability or further obligation to any other party for breach of this Agreement;
PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that  termination  of this  Agreement  pursuant to SECTIONS
12.1(A)(D) OR (E) shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement.


                                  ARTICLE XIII.

               COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES SUBSEQUENT TO THE CLOSING


         SECTION  13.1.  SHELF  REGISTRATION  OF  QUICK & REILLY  COMMON  STOCK;
AVAILABILITY  OF RULE 144. (a) As promptly as reasonably  practicable  after the
Closing Date (but in no event more than 60 days after the Closing Date), Quick &
Reilly shall prepare and file with the  Commission a  Registration  Statement on
Form S-3 (or such  other  registration  statement  as may  hereafter  replace or
supersede Form S-3) relating to the shares of Quick & Reilly Common Stock issued
pursuant  to this  Agreement  and the offer and sale of such  shares by the Sole
Stockholder  or the Escrow Agent from time to time  pursuant to Rule 415 (or any
successor  rule or rule  broadening  Rule 415) under the  Securities  Act and in
accordance  with the methods of  distribution  set forth therein (which shall be
specified  in a written  notice by Sole  Stockholder  to Quick & Reilly),  which
registration  statement  may  be  substituted  for by  one  or  more  subsequent
registration  statements  each  relating  to the  offer  and  sale  by the  Sole
Stockholder  or the  Escrow  Agent  from  time to time of the  shares of Quick &
Reilly Common Stock issued  pursuant to the Agreement (as in effect from time to
time,  the "Shelf  Registration  Statement"),  and Quick & Reilly  shall use its
reasonable  best  efforts  to cause  such  Shelf  Registration  Statement  to be
declared effective by the Commission as promptly as practicable.  Quick & Reilly
shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf  Registration  Statement
continuously   effective,   supplemented   and   amended   for  a  period   (the
"Effectiveness  Period")  following the Closing Date that will  terminate at the
earlier of the date  when:  (i) all the  shares of Quick & Reilly  Common  Stock
covered by the Shelf  Registration  Statement are sold or (ii) such shares could
be sold pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities  Act, as Rule 144(k) may be
subsequently  amended,  supplemented  or  modified.  The Sole  Stockholder  will
provide such  cooperation as Quick & Reilly may reasonably  request with respect
to the  preparation of the Shelf  Registration  Statement.  Quick & Reilly shall
bear all expenses of preparing and filing the Shelf Registration Statement, and,
the Sole  Stockholder  shall be responsible for the fees and expenses of counsel
he may retain in connection therewith and any commissions or discounts upon sale
of the shares registered thereby.  Quick & Reilly will not become a party to any
underwriting  agreement  related  to  sales by the  Sole  Stockholder,  but will
indemnify  the  Sole  Stockholder  for  any  liability   incurred  by  the  Sole
Stockholder  arising out of or based upon an untrue  statement  contained in the
Shelf  Registration  Statement  or arising  out of or based upon an  omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statement therein not misleading. The Sole Stockholder shall indemnify Quick
& Reilly for any liability  incurred by Quick & Reilly as a result of statements
or omissions from the Shelf  Registration  made  or  omitted  in  reliance  upon


                                       40

<PAGE>



upon  information  furnished  by  the  Sole  Stockholder  for  use  in the Shelf
Registration Statement.

                  (b) At any time after the Closing that the Shelf  Registration
Statement is not  available  for resale by the Sole  Stockholder  of the Quick &
Reilly Common Stock issued pursuant to this Agreement,  Quick & Reilly shall use
all  commercially  reasonable  efforts to file with the  Commission  all reports
required to be filed therewith pursuant to the Exchange Act and to make publicly
available  such  information  as is  required  by Rule  144 to  enable  the Sole
Stockholder  to make sales of such stock  pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor
rule).

                  (c) If the Shelf Registration Statement is not effective on or
before the 120th day after the  Closing or if the Shelf  Registration  Statement
thereafter  fails to be effective for a period of 60 consecutive days during the
Effectiveness  Period,  and Rule 144 is not available for the resale by the Sole
Stockholder  of all or any portion of the Quick & Reilly  Common Stock issued to
the Sole  Stockholder  hereunder and proposed to be sold by the Sole Stockholder
(the  "Subject  Shares"),  then the Sole  Stockholder  may, by notice  delivered
during such period as the Shelf  Registration  Statement  fails to be effective,
elect to have Quick & Reilly  purchase all or such number of the Subject  Shares
as the Sole  Stockholder may designate and Quick & Reilly agrees to purchase the
Subject  Shares.  Such purchase shall be consummated  within fourteen days after
delivery of such notice and shall be at a per share  purchase price equal to the
average (rounded to the nearest whole cent) of the last sale price of the day of
one share of Quick & Reilly Common Stock as reported on the consolidated tape of
the NYSE on the three days preceding delivery of such notice. The purchase price
shall be paid in cash against  delivery of the  certificate(s)  representing the
Subject  Shares  accompanied  by  appropriate  documents  of transfer to Quick &
Reilly. Once delivered by the Sole Stockholder,  the notice contemplated by this
SECTION 13.1(C) may not be withdrawn without the consent of Quick & Reilly.

         SECTION 13.2. ACCESS AND COOPERATION. Following the Closing Date, Quick
& Reilly and the  Surviving  Corporation  shall allow the Sole  Stockholder  and
representatives and agents of the Sole Stockholder, upon reasonable prior notice
and during regular  business  hours, to examine and make copies of any books and
records of Nash Weiss, to the extent such documents relate to the conduct of the
Business prior to the Closing,  for any reasonable business purpose,  including,
without  limitation,  the preparation or examination of Tax Returns,  regulatory
filings, financial statements and defense of any actual or threatened litigation
including the NASDAQ  Proceedings and the Tax Dispute.  Access to such books and
records may not  unreasonably  interfere  with the  business  operations  of the
Surviving  Corporation or any successor  company and the Sole Stockholder  shall
reimburse the Surviving  Corporation for all reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses
incurred by the  Surviving  Corporation  in making  available  and copying  such
records.  The Surviving  Corporation  shall retain the books and records of Nash
Weiss  delivered  at  the  Closing  which  are  reasonably   necessary  for  the
preparation  of Tax  Returns for a period of at least 10 years after the Closing
and the Surviving Corporation shall not dispose of such books and records if the
Sole Stockholder has delivered written notice to the Surviving Corporation prior
to the  expiration  of the 10 year period that the statute of  limitations  with
respect to tax matters for which such books and records are reasonably necessary
has not  expired.  The  Surviving  Corporation  shall retain all other books and
records of Nash Weiss  delivered  at the  Closing for a period of at least three
years after the Closing.



                                       41

<PAGE>



         SECTION  13.3.  CONTRIBUTION  OF NET CAPITAL AND  REPAYMENT OF THE NASH
WEISS SUBORDINATED LOAN DUE TO SOLE STOCKHOLDER. On the first business day after
the  Closing,  Quick & Reilly  shall  contribute  to the  Surviving  Corporation
capital in a minimum amount equal to the amount of net capital which is required
to be maintained by a registered broker-dealer pursuant to Section 15c3-1 of the
Exchange  Act and such  additional  amount  of  minimum  net  capital  as may be
required by the NASD. Additionally, on the first business day after the Closing,
PROVIDED,  THAT, all necessary  consents and approvals  have been obtained,  the
Surviving Corporation will pay to French American Securities, Inc. the aggregate
principal amount outstanding pursuant to the Subordinated Loan Agreement between
French American  Securities Inc. and Nash Weiss,  together with interest accrued
thereon through the date of repayment.

         SECTION 13.4.   TAX MATTERS.

                  (a) The Sole Stockholder shall be liable for, shall pay to the
relevant tax  authorities,  and shall  indemnify and hold Quick & Reilly and the
Surviving  Corporation  harmless against,  (i) all Taxes that relate to (A) with
respect to any taxable period of Nash Weiss that commences  prior to the Closing
Date,  but ends on or after the Closing Date,  the portion of the taxable period
that  commences on the first day of such taxable  period and continues up to and
including  the Closing Date (the  "Pre-Closing  Straddle  Period"),  and (B) any
other taxable period of Nash Weiss ending on or before the Closing Date and (ii)
Taxes incurred by either Quick & Reilly or the Surviving Corporation as a result
of a breach by Nash Weiss of a representation set forth in ARTICLE III hereof or
a failure on the part of the Sole  Stockholder  to comply with the covenants and
undertakings set forth in this Article XIII.

                  (b) Except as  provided  in SECTION  13.4(A)  hereof,  Quick &
Reilly  and the  Surviving  Corporation  shall be liable  for,  shall pay to the
appropriate  tax  authorities,  and  shall  hold the Sole  Stockholder  harmless
against,  (i) all Taxes that relate to (A) with respect to any taxable period of
Nash Weiss or the Surviving Corporation that commences prior to the Closing Date
but ends  after the  Closing  Date,  the  portion  of the  taxable  period  that
commences  on the  first  day after the  Closing  Date and  continues  up to and
including  the last  day of such  taxable  period  (the  "Post-Closing  Straddle
Period") and (B) any taxable  period of the  Surviving  Corporation  that begins
after the  Closing  Date and (ii) Taxes  incurred by the Sole  Stockholder  as a
result  of a  failure  on the part of  either  Quick & Reilly  or the  Surviving
Corporation  to comply with the  covenants  and  undertakings  set forth in this
Article XIII or as a result of breach of a representation  set forth in ARTICLES
V or VI.

                  (c) Whenever it is necessary for purposes of this SECTION 13.4
to determine the liability for Taxes of the Surviving  Corporation for a taxable
period that begins  before and ends after the Closing  Date,  the  determination
shall be made by assuming  that the  Surviving  Corporation  had a taxable  year
which  ended  at  the  close  of  business  on the  Closing  Date,  except  that
exemptions,  allowances  or  deductions  that are  calculated on an annual basis
(such as the deduction for depreciation) shall be apportioned pro rata on a time
basis.

                  (d) In the event that the Sole  Stockholder  or Quick & Reilly
is or becomes  entitled to or receives any refund of Taxes  attributable to Nash
Weiss in respect of the Pre- Closing Straddle Period or any other taxable period
ending  on or prior to the  Closing  Date,  (i) Quick &  Reilly,  the  Surviving
Corporation and the Sole Stockholder shall  cooperate  with  each other and take


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all  reasonable  actions  necessary  to obtain  such  refund and (ii) the amount
thereof plus any  interest  related  thereto,  shall be (A) the property of (and
paid  over to) the Sole  Stockholder  (but net of any Taxes  imposed  on Quick &
Reilly or the Surviving Corporation with respect thereto) if it relates to a tax
period or  portion  thereof  ending on or before  the  Closing  Date and was not
considered  as an asset or used to reduce the  liability of Nash Weiss for Taxes
in connection with the  determination of the Final Net Book Value, and (B) Quick
& Reilly in all other cases.

                  (e) The Sole  Stockholder  shall  prepare  and timely file (or
provide to Quick & Reilly for filing, if applicable) all Tax Returns required or
permitted  by  applicable  law to be filed by Nash Weiss with respect to periods
ending  on or  before  the  Closing  Date.  Quick &  Reilly  and  the  Surviving
Corporation  shall (i) cooperate  with the Sole  Stockholder  for the purpose of
making any election under  applicable Law to permit Nash Weiss to file any short
period Tax Return for the taxable  period  ending on the  Closing  Date and (ii)
provide  access to all relevant books and records for purposes of preparing such
Tax  Returns.  Unless  otherwise  required by  applicable  Law and  disclosed in
writing  to Quick & Reilly by the Sole  Stockholder  in advance of the filing of
the relevant Tax Return,  any Tax Return to be prepared by the Sole  Stockholder
pursuant to this SECTION  13.4(E) shall be prepared on a basis  consistent  with
past practice and shall not be prepared in a manner  calculated to accelerate or
defer any income or  deductions  into any  taxable  period in order to achieve a
result  favorable to the Sole Stockholder and detrimental to Quick & Reilly as a
result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  Quick & Reilly shall
be given the  opportunity  to review  any such Tax  Return not less than 30 days
prior to the due date for the filing of such return (including  extensions) with
the relevant Governmental  Authority and the Sole Stockholder shall consult with
Quick & Reilly in good faith with  respect to any issues that Quick & Reilly may
have regarding  such Tax Return.  Quick & Reilly shall have the right to approve
(which  approval  shall not be  unreasonably  withheld)  such Tax  Return to the
extent it would require an indemnification payment by Quick & Reilly pursuant to
SECTION 13.4(B) hereof.  Unless required by applicable Law, the Sole Stockholder
shall not file an amended  Tax Return  for Nash Weiss  without  Quick & Reilly's
consent if such amendment would cause or increase Quick & Reilly's liability for
any Taxes described in SECTION 13.4(B) hereof.

                  (f) Quick & Reilly  shall  file or cause to be filed  when due
all Tax Returns  with  respect to Taxes that are required to be filed by or with
respect to the Surviving  Corporation  for taxable years or periods ending after
the Closing Date.  With respect to Tax Returns  covering a Pre-Closing  Straddle
Period or the first  taxable year  beginning  after the Closing  Date, a copy of
such  Tax  Returns  shall,  unless  otherwise  required  by  applicable  law and
disclosed in writing to Sole Stockholder, be prepared on a basis consistent with
past  practices  of Nash  Weiss and shall be  provided  to the Sole  Stockholder
within  30 days  prior to the due date  (including  extensions)  for the  filing
thereof  with the  relevant  Governmental  Authority  and  Quick & Reilly  shall
consult with the Sole  Stockholder in good faith with respect to any issues that
the Sole  Stockholder may have regarding such Tax Return.  The Sole  Stockholder
shall  have the right to  approve  (which  approval  shall  not be  unreasonably
withheld)  such Tax  Return to the extent it would  require  an  indemnification
payment by the Sole  Stockholder  pursuant  to SECTION  13.4(A)  hereof.  Unless
required by applicable  law, Quick & Reilly shall not file an amended Tax Return
for the Surviving Corporation without the Sole Stockholder's written consent.



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<PAGE>



                  (g) Quick & Reilly  shall  promptly but in no event later than
10 days after receipt (i) notify the Sole Stockholder of the commencement of any
claim,  audit,  examination  or  other  proposed  change  or  adjustment  by any
Governmental  Authority  concerning any Taxes (a "Tax Claim") for which the Sole
Stockholder may be responsible under SECTION 13.4(A) hereof and (ii) furnish the
Sole   Stockholder  with  copies  of  any   correspondence   received  from  any
Governmental  Authority in connection with such Tax Claim.  The Sole Stockholder
shall promptly (i) notify Quick & Reilly of the  commencement  of any Tax Claim,
for which Quick & Reilly may be  responsible  under SECTION  13.4(B)  hereof and
(ii) furnish Quick & Reilly with copies of any correspondence  received from any
Governmental  Authority in connection with such Tax Claim.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  no  failure  or delay in giving any  notice  described  above  shall
relieve  any party of its  obligations  under this  SECTION  13.4 or ARTICLE XIV
except,  and only to the  extent,  that  the  indemnifying  party is  prejudiced
thereby.

                  (h) Neither Quick & Reilly nor Sole Stockholder  shall take or
cause to be taken any action other than  actions set forth in this  Agreement or
any other  agreement  entered into on the date hereof between the parties hereto
which would  disqualify  the Merger as a  "reorganization"  described in Section
368(a)(2)(D) of the Code.

                  (i) Quick & Reilly shall  cooperate with the Sole  Stockholder
to permit any payment made by or on behalf of the Sole  Stockholder  pursuant to
ARTICLE  XIV of this  Agreement  to be made at such  time and in such  manner as
shall  permit or enable the Sole  Stockholder  to claim or preserve  any and all
applicable tax deductions, credits or other benefits attributable to the payment
of an  Indemnified  Liability (as such term is hereinafter  defined),  PROVIDED,
HOWEVER,  that such  agreement  shall be of no force or effect if such  delay or
payment  method  would  have a  Material  Adverse  Effect  on Quick & Reilly  as
determined  in its sole  discretion.  To the extent  payments  due to or for the
benefit of Quick & Reilly  pursuant to SECTION 14.4 are not made promptly  after
such payments become due, Sole Stockholder  shall pay to Quick & Reilly interest
on the  amount of the  Indemnified  Liability  at a per annum  rate equal to the
Prime Rate in effect  when the  Indemnified  Liability  became  due and  payable
pursuant to SECTION 14.4 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it
shall be determined by the Internal Revenue Service that Sole Stockholder is not
eligible to claim such tax deductions, credits or other benefits attributable to
payment  of an  Indemnified  Liability,  Quick &  Reilly  agrees  to the  extent
permitted by law, as determined in its sole  discretion,  to claim,  utilize and
recognize such deductions, credits or benefits and to determine whether such tax
deductions,  credits or benefits  resulted in any  Indemnification  Tax Benefits
being  realized  by it in the  form of  actual  net  cash  proceeds  or  savings
(calculated  on a "with and  without"  basis with  respect  to such  deductions,
credits or other  benefits).  Quick & Reilly further agrees to negotiate in good
faith with Sole  Stockholder to determine the method and time of payment to Sole
Stockholder to transfer to Sole Stockholder any such Indemnification Tax Benefit
and to make such appropriate  payment(s)  within ten (10) days after the date on
which the parties mutually agree the payment is to be made.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if the parties are unable to reach a mutual agreement with respect to
the form and time of payment, Quick & Reilly agrees to make payment, in cash, to
the Sole  Stockholder  within  thirty  (30) days after the date on which Quick &
Reilly actually receives any Indemnification Tax Benefits.

                  (j) The Sole  Stockholder  shall cooperate with Quick & Reilly
to permit any payment made by or on behalf of Quick & Reilly pursuant to ARTICLE
XIV of this Agreement to be made at such time and in such manner as shall permit


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<PAGE>



or  enable  Quick & Reilly  to  claim or  preserve  any and all  applicable  tax
deductions,  credits  or  other  benefits  attributable  to  the  payment  of an
Indemnified Liability (as such term is hereinafter defined),  PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that such  agreement  shall be of no force or effect  if such  delay or  payment
method  would  have a  Material  Adverse  Effect  on  the  Sole  Stockholder  as
determined  in his sole  discretion.  To the extent  payments  due to or for the
benefit of the Sole  Stockholder  pursuant to SECTION 14.4 are not made promptly
after such payments become due, Quick & Reilly shall pay to the Sole Stockholder
interest on the amount of the Indemnified Liability at a per annum rate equal to
the Prime Rate in effect when payment for the Indemnified  Liability  became due
and payable  pursuant to SECTION  14.4 of this  Agreement.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  if it shall be determined by the Internal Revenue Service that Quick
& Reilly is not eligible to claim such tax deductions, credits or other benefits
attributable to the payment of an Indemnified  Liability,  the Sole  Stockholder
agrees to the extent permitted by law, as determined in his sole discretion,  to
claim,  utilize  and  recognize  such  deductions,  credits or  benefits  and to
determine  whether  such tax  deductions,  credits or benefits had or could have
resulted  in any  Indemnification  Tax  Benefits  being  realized  by  the  Sole
Stockholder in the form of actual net cash proceeds or savings  (calculated on a
"with and  without"  basis  with  respect to such  deductions,  credits or other
benefits).  The Sole Stockholder  further agrees to negotiate in good faith with
Quick & Reilly to determine  the method and time of payment to Quick & Reilly to
transfer to Quick & Reilly any such Indemnification Tax Benefit and to make such
appropriate  payment(s) within ten (10) days after the date on which the parties
mutually agree the payment is to be made.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
parties are unable to reach a mutual agreement with respect to the form and time
of payment,  the Sole  Stockholder  agrees to make payment,  in cash, to Quick &
Reilly  within  thirty  (30) days  after the date on which the Sole  Stockholder
actually receives such Indemnification Tax Benefits.

         SECTION 13.5. GOVERNMENTAL AND REGULATORY APPROVALS AND COMPLIANCE.  As
promptly  as  practicable  after the  Closing  Date,  each of Quick & Reilly and
Surviving  Corporation  shall  file or cause to be  filed  with the  appropriate
Governmental Authority and Regulatory Agency any notifications,  applications or
other  documents   required  to  be  filed  with  respect  to  the  transactions
contemplated  hereby and in connection  with the  registration  of the Surviving
Corporation as a registered  broker-dealer in the States of Illinois, New Jersey
and Florida,  a member in good  standing of the NASD and will  promptly  file an
Uniform Application for Broker-Dealer Registration on Form BD with the NASD. The
Sole  Stockholder  agrees to make  available  to each of Quick & Reilly  and the
Surviving Corporation such information as each of them may reasonably request to
enable  each of them  to file  the  required  applications,  notices  and  other
requisite  documents with such Governmental  Authorities and Regulatory Agencies
and to provide any additional information requested by such agencies.

         SECTION 13.6. FURTHER ASSURANCES. (a) Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions  provided herein,  each of Quick & Reilly, the Surviving  Corporation
and the Sole  Stockholder  shall use  commercially  reasonable  efforts to take,
cause to be taken,  all action or do, or cause to be done, all things or execute
or cause to be executed  any  documents  necessary,  proper or  advisable  under
applicable Laws to consummate and make effective the  transactions  contemplated
by this Agreement, and the other agreements contemplated hereby.



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<PAGE>



                  (b) On and after the Closing Date, each of Quick & Reilly, the
Surviving  Corporation  and the Sole  Stockholder  shall  take all  commercially
reasonable appropriate action and execute any additional documents,  instruments
or  conveyances  of any kind  (not  containing  additional  representations  and
warranties) which may be reasonably necessary to carry out any of the provisions
of this Agreement.

         SECTION 13.7.  PARTICIPATION IN STOCK SPLIT. On the Stock Split Payment
Date,  Quick & Reilly shall issue to the Sole Stockholder  additional  shares of
Quick & Reilly  Common Stock in such number which will be equal to the Aggregate
Quick & Reilly Conversion Shares.

         SECTION 13.8. EXPENSES. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
the Sole  Stockholder  will pay the legal and other  expenses  incurred by or on
behalf of himself and Nash Weiss and Quick & Reilly will pay the legal and other
expenses  incurred by or on behalf of itself and Acquiror in connection with the
negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the transactions  contemplated
herein  whether or not such  transactions  are  completed  or this  Agreement is
terminated.


                                  ARTICLE XIV.

                     SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES
                         AND COVENANTS; INDEMNIFICATION


         SECTION 14.1.  SURVIVAL OF  REPRESENTATIONS,  WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS.
Except  for the  Unlimited  Representations  and  Covenants  (as such  terms are
defined below), the other representations,  warranties, agreements and covenants
of the parties  contained in this  Agreement (the "Limited  Representations  and
Covenants")  shall  survive the  execution,  delivery  and  performance  of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby until the
fifth anniversary of the Closing,  or if the Closing shall not have taken place,
for a period of six (6) months following the date hereof.  The  representations,
warranties,  covenants and agreements of the parties  contained in Sections 3.1,
3.10, 3.12, 3.15,  3.17(a),  4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 15.7, 15.8, Article VIII and Article
XIII  (collectively,   the  "Unlimited  Representations  and  Covenants")  shall
continue in full force after the Closing  Date, or if the Closing shall not have
taken place,  following the date hereof without any time  limitation  other than
under applicable  statutes of limitation.  No suit,  action or proceeding may be
commenced by a party with respect to any claim arising out of or relating to the
Limited  Representations  and  Covenants  after  the  fifth  anniversary  of the
Closing.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing  sentence  and  subject  to the  other
provisions  of this ARTICLE XIV, the parties  shall have the right to commence a
suit,  action or  proceeding  after the fifth  anniversary  of the Closing  with
respect to the Unlimited Representations and Covenants.

         SECTION 14.2.  INDEMNIFICATION  BY QUICK & REILLY.  Subject to SECTIONS
14.1 AND 14.4.  Quick & Reilly shall indemnify Nash Weiss (prior to the Closing)
and the affiliates,  directors and officers of Nash Weiss (prior to the Closing)
and the Sole Stockholder for, and shall hold each of them harmless from, any and
all  damages,   claims,   suits,   actions,   causes  of  action,   proceedings,
investigations,  losses,  liabilities,  assessments, judgments, deficiencies and


                                       46

<PAGE>



expenses (including, without limitation,  reasonable legal, accounting and other
professional expenses) ("Indemnified  Liabilities") asserted against or incurred
or sustained by any of them relating to,  associated  with or arising out of any
breach  of any of the  warranties  or  representations  of  Quick &  Reilly  and
Acquiror set forth in ARTICLE V or ARTICLE VI of this Agreement or the covenants
and  agreements of Quick & Reilly and Acquiror set forth in this  Agreement.  In
addition,  if a voucher,  coupon or other similar  payment method  constitutes a
part of any settlement to the Lawsuit, any discount between the amount otherwise
payable  to the  Surviving  Corporation  or Quick & Reilly and the face value of
such voucher,  coupon or other similar  payment  method shall be deemed to be an
Indemnified Liability for purposes of this Agreement.

         SECTION  14.3.  INDEMNIFICATION  BY THE SOLE  STOCKHOLDER.  Subject  to
SECTIONS 14.1 AND 14.4, the Sole Stockholder  shall indemnify Quick & Reilly and
its directors and officers for, and shall hold each of them harmless  from,  any
and all Indemnified  Liabilities asserted against or incurred or sustained by it
or its Affiliates  relating to,  associated with or arising out of any breach of
any of the warranties or representations  set forth in ARTICLE III or ARTICLE IV
of this  Agreement or the  covenants  and  agreements  of Nash Weiss or the Sole
Stockholder set forth in this Agreement. In addition, the Sole Stockholder shall
indemnify Quick & Reilly and its directors and officers for, and shall hold each
of them or its Affiliates  harmless from,  any and all  Indemnified  Liabilities
asserted against,  incurred and sustained by any of them relating to, associated
with or arising  out of the NASDAQ  Proceedings,  the Tax  Dispute and all other
liabilities  or  obligations  of Nash Weiss other than:  (i)  obligations  fully
reserved  for on the  balance  sheet  of  Nash  Weiss  included  in the  Interim
Financial  Statements  and (ii)  liabilities  incurred  in  connection  with the
operation of the Business  after the Closing Date.  Notwithstanding  anything to
the contrary,  the maximum liability of the Sole Stockholder arising pursuant to
this Agreement for Indemnified Liabilities shall not exceed the Purchase Price.

         SECTION 14.4.  INDEMNIFICATION PROCEDURE. (a) Reasonably promptly after
obtaining  knowledge  thereof,  a Person who may be entitled to  indemnification
hereunder (the "Indemnitee")  shall promptly give the party who may be obligated
to  provide  such  indemnification  (the  "Indemnitor")  written  notice  of any
Indemnified  Liability  which the  Indemnitee  has determined has given or could
give  rise to a claim for  indemnification  hereunder  (a  "Notice  of  Claim");
PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that no failure or delay in giving any such Notice of Claim
shall relieve the Indemnitor of its obligations  except, and only to the extent,
that it is  prejudiced  thereby.  A Notice of Claim shall  specify in reasonable
detail the nature and all known particulars related to an Indemnified Liability.
The Indemnitor  shall perform its  indemnification  obligations in respect of an
Indemnified Liability described in a Notice of Claim under SECTIONS 14.2 or 14.3
hereof,  as the case may be,  within 30 days  after the  Indemnitor  shall  have
received  such Notice of Claim;  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  such  obligation  shall be
suspended so long as the Indemnitor is in good faith  performing its obligations
under SECTION 14.4(B) hereof with respect to such Indemnified Liability.

                  (b) The Indemnitor shall (i) promptly inform the Indemnitee of
all  material  developments  with  respect to a matter which is the subject of a
Notice of Claim and (ii) inform the Indemnitee promptly after the Indemnitor has
made a good faith  determination,  based on the facts  alleged in such Notice of
Claim or which have otherwise  become known to the  Indemnitor,  either that the
Indemnitor acknowledges that it has  an  indemnification obligation hereunder in


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<PAGE>



respect of such  Indemnified  Liability or that the  Indemnitor  has made a good
faith  determination  that it has no  indemnification  obligation  hereunder  in
respect of such Indemnified  Liability.  Except as set forth in SECTION 14.4(C),
the Indemnitee shall have the right, but not the obligation, to participate,  at
its own cost and expense,  in the defense,  contest or other  opposition  of any
such third party claim, demand, suit, action or proceeding through legal counsel
selected by it and shall have the right,  but not the obligation,  to assert any
and  all  cross-claims  or  counterclaims  which  it may  have.  So  long as the
Indemnitor  is in good faith  performing  its  obligations  under  this  SECTION
14.4(B), the Indemnitee shall (i) at Indemnitor's cost and expense, cooperate in
all  reasonable  ways with,  make its relevant  files and records  available for
inspection  and copying  by,  make its  employees  reasonably  available  to and
otherwise render  reasonable  assistance to the Indemnitor upon request and (ii)
not  compromise  or settle any such claim,  demand,  suit,  action or proceeding
without  the  prior  written  consent  of the  Indemnitor.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  the Indemnitee shall (x) make its employees  reasonably available to
the  Indemnitor  without cost and expense to the  Indemnitor  provided  that the
Indemnitor is in good faith performing its obligations under Section 14.4(b) and
the  availability of such employee to the Indemnitor does not materially  impair
the  performance of such employee's  duties to the Indemnitee,  and (y) bear all
costs and expenses  which it would have  incurred in  connection  with any third
party action, demand, claim, suit or proceeding involving the Indemnitee without
regard for the  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement.  If the Indemnitor
fails  to  perform  its  obligations  under  this  SECTION  14.4(B),  or if  the
Indemnitor shall have informed the Indemnitee in writing in accordance  herewith
that the Indemnitor  does not have an  indemnification  obligation  hereunder in
respect of such Liability, then the Indemnitee shall have the right, but not the
obligation, to take the actions which the Indemnitor would have had the right to
take in  connection  with  the  performance  of  such  obligations  and,  if the
Indemnitee is entitled to  indemnification  hereunder in respect of the event or
circumstance as to which the Indemnitee takes such actions,  then the Indemnitor
shall, in addition to indemnifying  Indemnitee for the Liability,  indemnify the
Indemnitee for all of the legal,  accounting and other costs,  fees and expenses
reasonably  and actually  incurred in connection  therewith.  If the  Indemnitor
proposes to settle or  compromise  any such third party action,  demand,  claim,
suit or  proceeding,  the  Indemnitor  shall give written  notice to that effect
(together  with a statement in reasonable  detail of the terms and conditions of
such  settlement or  compromise)  to the  Indemnitee a reasonable  time prior to
effecting such  settlement or  compromise.  Notwithstanding  anything  contained
herein to the  contrary,  the  Indemnitee  shall have the right to object to the
settlement or compromise of any such third party action,  demand, claim, suit or
proceeding  whereupon  (A) the  Indemnitee  will assume the defense,  contest or
other  opposition  of any  such  third  party  action,  demand,  claim,  suit or
proceeding  for its own  account  and as if it were the  Indemnitor  and (B) the
Indemnitor shall be released from any and all liability with respect to any such
third party action,  demand,  claim,  suit or proceeding to the extent that such
liability  exceeds the liability which the Indemnitor  would have had in respect
of such a settlement or compromise.

                  (c) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary,
the Sole Stockholder shall have the right, but not the obligation, to direct the
defense of all matters relating to the Lawsuit.  The Sole Stockholder shall also
have the right, at his sole expense, to settle or compromise any matter relating
to the Lawsuit for monetary damages or monetary equivalent damages. For purposes
hereof,  monetary  equivalent  damages  shall mean  services  performed  for the
benefit of class  plaintiffs  of the Lawsuit  without  compensation  or at a fee
below the  standard  established  rate for such  service  pursuant to a voucher,
coupon or other similar payment method. If  the  Sole  Stockholder  proposes to 


                                       48

<PAGE>



settle or compromise any third party action,  demand,  claim, suit or proceeding
relating to the Lawsuit for other than monetary  damages or monetary  equivalent
damages, the Sole Stockholder shall give written notice to that effect (together
with a  statement  in  reasonable  detail of the terms  and  conditions  of such
settlement or compromise) to the Indemnitee a reasonable time prior to effecting
such settlement or compromise.  The Indemnitee shall have the right to object to
the  settlement or compromise of the Lawsuit other than for monetary  damages or
monetary  equivalent  damages if the terms thereof would have a Material Adverse
Effect on the conduct or economics of the Business.


                                   ARTICLE XV.

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS


         SECTION 15.1. AMENDMENT. No addition to, and no cancellation,  renewal,
extension,  modification or amendment of, or approval under this Agreement shall
be binding upon a party unless such addition, cancellation,  renewal, extension,
modification,  amendment or approval is set forth in a written  instrument which
states that it adds to,  amends,  cancels,  renews or extends this  Agreement or
grants an approval  hereunder  and which is executed and  delivered on behalf of
each  party,  and for each  party  which  is an  entity  by an  officer  of,  or
attorney-in-fact for, such party.

         SECTION  15.2.  WAIVER.  No waiver of any  provision of this  Agreement
shall be binding  upon a party  unless such waiver is  expressly  set forth in a
written  instrument which is executed and delivered on behalf of such party, and
for each party which is an entity by an officer of, or attorney-in-fact for such
party. Such waiver shall be effective only to the extent  specifically set forth
in such written  instrument.  Neither the exercise  (from time to time or at any
time)  nor the  delay  or  failure  (at any time or for any  period  of time) to
exercise any right,  power or remedy shall  operate as a waiver of, the right to
exercise,  or impair, limit or restrict the exercise of part of any party of any
such  right,  power or remedy any other  right,  power or remedy at any time and
from time to time thereafter. No waiver of any right, power or remedy of a party
shall be deemed to be a waiver of any other right, power or remedy of such party
or shall, except to the extent so waived, impair, limit or restrict the exercise
of such right, power or remedy.

         SECTION  15.3.  INVESTIGATIONS.   The  respective  representations  and
warranties  of the  parties  contained  herein or in any  certificates  or other
documents  delivered  prior to or at the Closing  shall not be deemed  waived or
otherwise affected by any investigation made by any party hereto.

         SECTION 15.4.   HEADINGS.  The  article  and section headings contained
in this Agreement  are  for references purposes only and shall not affect in any
way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

         SECTION 15.5.   NOTICES.  All  notices,  requests,  demands  and  other
communications  required or permitted to be given  hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be deemed to have been given as follows: on the day established by the


                                       49

<PAGE>



sender as having been delivered personally or by telecopier (with confirmation);
on the day  delivered  by a private  courier  as  established  by the  sender by
evidence  obtained  from the  courier;  or on the third (3rd) day after the date
mailed,  by certified or registered  mail,  return  receipt  requested,  postage
prepaid. Such communications, to be valid, must be addressed as follows:

                  (a)      IF TO NASH WEISS OR THE SOLE STOCKHOLDER:

                           Mr. Lee S. Casty
                           French American Securities, Inc.
                           200 West Adams Street, Suite 1500
                           Chicago, Illinois  60606
                           Telecopy No.:  (312) 407-5746

                           WITH A COPY TO:

                           Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
                           Two North LaSalle Street
                           Chicago, Illinois  60602
                           Attention: Scott J. Bakal
                           Telecopy No.:  (312) 269-1747


                  (b)      IF TO THE PARENT OR ACQUIROR:

                           The Quick & Reilly Group, Inc.
                           230 County Road
                           Palm Beach, Florida 33480
                           Attention: President
                           Telecopy No.:  (561) 655-9010

                           WITH A COPY TO:

                           U.S. Clearing Corp.
                           26 Broadway
                           New York, New York 10004
                           Attention:  President
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 747-5291

                           Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
                           Two Stamford Plaza
                           281 Tresser Boulevard
                           Stamford, Connecticut 06901
                           Attention: Jay R. Schifferli
                           Telecopy No.:  (203) 327-2669



                                       50

<PAGE>



or to such  other  address  or to the  attention  of  Person or  Persons  as the
recipient  party has specified by prior written  notice to the sending party (or
in the case of counsel, to such other readily ascertainable  business address as
such counsel may hereafter maintain). If more than one method for sending notice
as set forth above is used,  the earliest  notice date  established as set forth
above shall control.

         SECTION 15.6.  BINDING  EFFECT;  ASSIGNMENT.  This  Agreement  shall be
binding  upon and inure to the  benefit  of the  parties  and  their  respective
successors  and  permitted  assigns.  No party shall assign any of its rights or
delegate  any of its duties  hereunder  (in whole or in part and by operation of
law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto.
Any assignment of rights or delegation of duties under this Agreement by a party
without the prior written consent of the other parties shall be void.

         SECTION 15.7.  GOVERNING LAW. THIS  AGREEMENT  SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE
LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AS TO ALL MATTERS,  INCLUDING,  BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
MATTERS OF VALIDITY, CONSTRUCTION,  EFFECT AND PERFORMANCE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT
TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF.

         SECTION 15.8.  CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.

                  (a)  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO, TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH PARTY
MAY LAWFULLY DO SO, HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE  JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED STATES  DISTRICT  COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN
DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AS WELL AS TO THE  JURISDICTION  OF ALL COURTS TO WHICH AN
APPEAL MAY BE TAKEN FROM SUCH  COURTS,  FOR THE  PURPOSE OF ANY SUIT,  ACTION OR
OTHER PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF ANY OF ITS OR HIS OBLIGATIONS  ARISING HEREUNDER
OR WITH RESPECT TO THE TRANSACTIONS  CONTEMPLATED  HEREBY,  AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES
ANY  AND  ALL  OBJECTIONS  IT OR HE MAY  HAVE AS TO  VENUE,  INCLUDING,  WITHOUT
LIMITATION, THE INCONVENIENCE OF SUCH FORUM, IN ANY OF SUCH COURTS. IN ADDITION,
TO THE EXTENT THAT IT OR HE MAY  LAWFULLY DO SO, EACH PARTY  HERETO  CONSENTS TO
THE SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PersonAL SERVICE OR U.S. CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL,
RETURN RECEIPT  REQUESTED,  ADDRESSED TO SUCH AT THE ADDRESS PROVIDED HEREIN. TO
THE EXTENT ANY PARTY HAS OR HEREAFTER MAY ACQUIRE ANY IMMUNITY FROM JURISDICTION
OF ANY COURT OR FROM ANY LEGAL  PROCESS  (WHETHER  THROUGH  SERVICE  OR  NOTICE,
ATTACHMENT  PRIOR TO JUDGMENT  ATTACHMENT IN AID OF EXECUTION OR OTHERWISE) WITH
RESPECT TO ITSELF,  HIMSELF OR ITS OR HIS PROPERTY,  IT OR HE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES SUCH IMMUNITY IN RESPECT OF ITS OR HIS, OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.

                  (b)  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH OF THE  PARTY  HERETO HEREBY 
VOLUNTARILY  AND  IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION  BROUGHT ON OR
WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE  TRANSACTIONS  CONTEMPLATED  HEREBY  OR ANY 


                                       51

<PAGE>




OTHER AGREEMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH.

                  (c)  The provisions  of  this  SECTION 15.8  shall survive any
 termination of this Agreement for any reason.

         SECTION  15.9.  COUNTERPARTS.  This  Agreement  may be  executed by the
parties  in any  number of  counterparts,  each of which  when so  executed  and
delivered shall  constitute an original  instrument,  but all such  counterparts
shall together  constitute  one and the same  instrument.  This Agreement  shall
become  effective  and deemed to have been  executed and delivered by all of the
parties at such time as  counterparts  shall have been executed and delivered by
each of the parties,  regardless of whether each of the parties has executed the
same counterpart.  It shall not be necessary when making proof of this Agreement
to account for any counterparts  other than a sufficient  number of counterparts
which, when taken together, contain signatures of each of the parties.

         SECTION 15.10.  NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES.  This Agreement shall not
confer  any  rights on any  Persons  other than  parties  to this  Agreement  as
provided herein.

         SECTION 15.11.  SEVERABILITY.  If any provision of this Agreement shall
hereafter be held to be invalid,  unenforceable or illegal, in whole or in part,
in any jurisdiction  under any circumstances for any reason,  (i) such provision
shall be reformed to the minimum extent  necessary to cause such provision to be
valid,  enforceable  and legal  while  preserving  the intent of the  parties as
expressed  in, and the benefits to the parties  provided  by, this  Agreement or
(ii) if such provision  cannot be so reformed,  such provision  shall be severed
from this Agreement and an equitable  adjustment shall be made to this Agreement
(including, without limitation, addition of necessary further provisions to this
Agreement)  so as to give effect to the intent as so expressed  and the benefits
so   provided.   Such  holding   shall  not  affect  or  impair  the   validity,
enforceability or legality of such provision in any other  jurisdiction or under
any other circumstances.  Neither such holding nor such reformation or severance
shall affect or impair the  legality,  validity or  enforceability  of any other
provision of this Agreement.

         SECTION  15.12.  ENTIRE  AGREEMENT.   This  Agreement   (including  the
Schedules and Exhibits  attached  hereto) and the agreements  referred to herein
contain the entire agreement and understanding among the parties with respect to
the  subject  matter  hereof,   and  cancels  and  supersedes  all  previous  or
contemporaneous  written or verbal  negotiations,  representations,  warranties,
commitments,  offers, bids, bid solicitations,  and other understandings between
or among Acquiror,  Quick & Reilly,  Nash Weiss and the Sole Stockholder.  There
are no agreements, covenants,  representations or warranties with respect to the
transactions  contemplated hereby other than those expressly set forth herein or
in any agreement or other instrument contemplated hereby.





                                       52

<PAGE>



         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the day and year first written above.

                                           NASH, WEISS & CO.



                                            By:  /S/ RONALD WEISS
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                 Ronald Weiss
                                                 Vice President




                                                  /S/ LEE S. CASTY
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                  Lee S. Casty



                                              THE QUICK & REILLY GROUP, INC.



                                              By: /S/ LESLIE C. QUICK, III
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                  Leslie C. Quick, III
                                                  Vice President

                                               NW ACQUISITION CORP.



                                               By: /S/ LESLIE C. QUICK, III
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                   Leslie C. Quick, III
                                                   Secretary

As to Section 7.7 only:



/S/ RONALD S. NASH
- ---------------------------------
Ronald S. Nash



/S/ RONALD M. WEISS
- ---------------------------------
Ronald M. Weiss



                                       53

<PAGE>






                                       54

<PAGE>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                        Page No.

ARTICLE I.   DEFINITIONS...................................................  2
         SECTION 1.1. Definitions..........................................  2
         SECTION 1.2. Knowledge........................... ................  7

ARTICLE II.  THE MERGER....................................................  7
         SECTION 2.1.  Merger..............................................  7
         SECTION 2.2.  Filing and Effective Time...........................  7
         SECTION 2.3.  Effects of the Merger...............................  7
         SECTION 2.4.  Conversion Formula..................................  8
         SECTION 2.5.  Conversion of Nash Weiss Common Stock...............  8
         SECTION 2.6.  Exchange of Certificates; Escrow of Quick & Reilly
                        Common Stock.......................................  8
         SECTION 2.7.  Net Book Value......................................  9
         SECTION 2.8.  No Fractional Shares................................ 10
         SECTION 2.9.  Tax-Free Reorganization............................. 10

ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NASH WEISS.................. 10
         SECTION 3.1.  Organization, Qualification and Authority of
                         Nash Weiss ....................................... 10
         SECTION 3.2.    Capitalization.................................... 11
         SECTION 3.3.    Corporate Organizational Documents................ 11
         SECTION 3.4.    No Conflict....................................... 11
         SECTION 3.5.    Consents.......................................... 12
         SECTION 3.6.    Financial Statements................ ............. 12
         SECTION 3.7.    No Undisclosed Liabilities........................ 12
         SECTION 3.8.    Absence of Certain Changes........................ 12
         SECTION 3.9.    Reports........................................... 13
         SECTION 3.10.   Title to Real Property............................ 13
         SECTION 3.11.   Real Property Leases.............................. 13
         SECTION 3.12.   Title and Condition of Certain Personal Property.. 14
         SECTION 3.13.   Contracts......................................... 14
         SECTION 3.14.   Litigation........................................ 15
         SECTION 3.15.   Tax Matters....................................... 15
         SECTION 3.16.   Compliance with Law; Permits...................... 17
         SECTION 3.17.   Intellectual Property............................. 18
         SECTION 3.18.   Benefit Plans of Nash Weiss....................... 18
         SECTION 3.19.   Environmental and Health/Safety Matters........... 21
         SECTION 3.20.   Corporate Records................................. 22
         SECTION 3.21.   Depositories...................................... 22
         SECTION 3.22.   Insurance......................................... 22
         SECTION 3.23.   True and Complete Copies.......................... 22
         SECTION 3.24.   Brokerage......................................... 22
         SECTION 3.25.   Transactions with Affiliates...................... 23
         SECTION 3.26.   Securities and Exchange Commission Broker-Dealer
                          Registration..................................... 23


                                        i

<PAGE>



         SECTION 3.27.   NASD Matters...................................... 23
         SECTION 3.28.   SIPC/CRD Registration............................. 23
         SECTION 3.29.   State Broker-Dealer Registrations................. 23
         SECTION 3.30.   Employees......................................... 23
         SECTION 3.31.   Registered Principals and Representatives......... 23
         SECTION 3.32.   Brokers' Bond..................................... 23
         SECTION 3.33.   Intercompany Liabilities.......................... 23
         SECTION 3.34.   Full Disclosure................................... 24

ARTICLE IV.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE
              SOLE STOCKHOLDER............................................. 24
         SECTION 4.1.    Record and Beneficial Ownership of Nash Weiss
                          Common Stock..................................... 24
         SECTION 4.2.    Due Execution.... ................................ 24
         SECTION 4.3.    No Conflict....................................... 24
         SECTION 4.4.    Consents.......................................... 25
         SECTION 4.5.    Brokerage......................................... 25
         SECTION 4.6.    Investment Representations........................ 25
         SECTION 4.7.    Full Disclosure................................... 26

ARTICLE V.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
              QUICK & REILLY............................................... 26
         SECTION 5.1.     Organization, Qualification and Authority
                           of Quick & Reilly............................... 26
         SECTION 5.2.     No Conflict...................................... 26
         SECTION 5.3.     Consents......................................... 27
         SECTION 5.4.     Brokerage........................................ 27
         SECTION 5.5.     Quick & Reilly Common Stock............ ......... 27
         SECTION 5.6.     Filings with the Commission...................... 27
         SECTION 5.7.     Recapitalizations................................ 27

ARTICLE VI.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF QUICK
              & REILLY AND ACQUIROR........................................ 28
         SECTION 6.1.     Organization and Authority....................... 28
         SECTION 6.2.     No Conflict...................................... 28
         SECTION 6.3.     Consents......................................... 28
         SECTION 6.4.     Acquiror Capitalization.......................... 29
         SECTION 6.5.     Business Activity; Indebtedness.................. 29

ARTICLE VII. COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES PENDING CLOSING...................... 29
         SECTION 7.1.     Regulatory Approvals and Compliance.............. 29
         SECTION 7.2.     Conduct of Business.............................. 30
         SECTION 7.3.     Conduct of Business of Acquiror.................. 31
         SECTION 7.4.     Approvals........................................ 31
         SECTION 7.5.     Actions with Respect to the Merger............... 31
         SECTION 7.6.     Access to Information............................ 31
         SECTION 7.7.     Exclusivity...................................... 32


                                       ii

<PAGE>



         SECTION 7.8.     Notification of Certain Matters.................. 32

ARTICLE VIII.  CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLICITY............................... 32
         SECTION 8.1.     Confidentiality.................................. 32
         SECTION 8.2.     Publicity........................................ 33
         SECTION 8.3.     Return of Confidential Information............... 34
         SECTION 8.4.     Injunctive Relief................................ 34

ARTICLE IX.    CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF QUICK & REILLY
                AND ACQUIROR............................................... 34
         SECTION 9.1.     Representations and Warranties; Performance...... 34
         SECTION 9.2.     Approvals........................................ 35
         SECTION 9.3.     No Proceeding or Litigation...................... 35
         SECTION 9.4.     Escrow Agreement................................. 35
         SECTION 9.5.     Employment Agreements............................ 35
         SECTION 9.6.     Consulting Agreement............................. 35
         SECTION 9.7.     Other Documents.................................. 35
         SECTION 9.8.     Opinion of Counsel............................... 35
         SECTION 9.9.     Corporate Action................................. 35

ARTICLE X.     CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF NASH WEISS
                AND THE SOLE STOCKHOLDER................................... 35
         SECTION 10.1.    Representations and Warranties; Performance...... 36
         SECTION 10.2.    Approvals........................................ 36
         SECTION 10.3.    No Proceeding or Litigation...................... 36
         SECTION 10.4.    Escrow Agreement................................. 36
         SECTION 10.5.    Employment Agreements............................ 36
         SECTION 10.6.    Consulting Agreement............................. 36
         SECTION 10.7.    Other Documents.................................. 37
         SECTION 10.8.    Opinion of Counsel............................... 37
         SECTION 10.9.    Corporate Action ................................ 37

ARTICLE XI.    CLOSING..................................................... 37
         SECTION 11.1.    Closing.......................................... 37
         SECTION 11.2.    Delivery of Documents by Nash Weiss.............. 37
         SECTION 11.3.    Delivery of Documents by Quick & Reilly
                           and Acquiror ................................... 38
         SECTION 11.4.    Filing of Certificate of Merger.................. 38

ARTICLE XII.   TERMINATION AND REMEDIES.................................... 38
         SECTION 12.1.    Methods of Termination........................... 39
         SECTION 12.2.    Opportunity to Cure.............................. 39
         SECTION 12.3.    Procedure Upon Termination....................... 39

ARTICLE XIII.  COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES SUBSEQUENT
                TO THE CLOSING............................................. 40
         SECTION 13.1.    Shelf Registration of Quick & Reilly Common Stock;
                           Availability of Rule 144........................ 40


                                       iii

<PAGE>



         SECTION 13.2.    Access and Cooperation........................... 41
         SECTION 13.3.    Contribution of Net Capital and Repayment 
                           of the Nash Weiss Subordinated Loan Due
                           to Sole Stockholder ............................ 41
         SECTION 13.4.     Tax Matters..................................... 42
         SECTION 13.7.     Participation in Stock Split.................... 46
         SECTION 13.8.     Expenses........................................ 46

ARTICLE XIV.   SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES
                AND COVENANTS; INDEMNIFICATION............................. 46
         SECTION 14.1.     Survival of Representations, Warranties
                            and Covenants ................................. 46
         SECTION 14.2.      Indemnification by Quick & Reilly.............. 46
         SECTION 14.3.      Indemnification by the Sole Stockholder........ 47
         SECTION 14.4.      Indemnification Procedure...................... 47

ARTICLE XV.    MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.................................... 49
         SECTION 15.1.       Amendment..................................... 49
         SECTION 15.2.       Waiver........................................ 49
         SECTION 15.3.       Investigations................................ 49
         SECTION 15.4.       Headings...................................... 49
         SECTION 15.5.       Notices....................................... 49
         SECTION 15.6.       Binding Effect; Assignment.................... 51
         SECTION 15.7.       GOVERNING LAW................................. 51
         SECTION 15.8.       CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF
                              JURY TRIAL .................................. 51
         SECTION 15.9.       Counterparts.................................. 52
         SECTION 15.10.      No Third Party Beneficiaries.................. 52
         SECTION 15.11.      Severability.................................. 52
         SECTION 15.12.      Entire Agreement.............................. 52




                                       iv

<PAGE>


                                    EXHIBITS

A        Certificate of Merger
B        Letter of Transmittal
C        Escrow Agreement
D-1      Employment Agreement of Ronald S. Nash
D-2      Employment Agreement of Ronald M. Weiss
E        Consulting Agreement of Lee S. Casty
F        Opinion of Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
G        Opinion of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP



                                    SCHEDULES


3.1(a)            States in Which Licensed
3.1(b)            Ownership of Other Securities or Indebtedness
3.2               Outstanding Rights for Nash Weiss Capital Stock
3.4               Conflicts
3.5               Company Consents
3.6               Financial Statements and Adjustments Thereto
3.7               Liabilities and Obligations
3.8               Certain Changes
3.10              Owned Real Property and Encumbrances Thereon
3.11              Real Property Leases
3.12              Equipment and Fixtures and Encumbrances Thereon
3.13              Contracts
3.14              Litigation
3.15              Tax Matters
3.16              Compliance; Permits
3.17              Intellectual Property
3.18              Benefit Plans
3.19              Environmental and Health/Safety Matters
3.21              Depositories
3.22              Insurance Policies
3.25              Transactions with Affiliates
3.30              Employees
3.31              Registered Principals and Representatives
3.33              Commission Rates
4.3               Conflicts
4.4               Required Consents
5.2               Conflicts
5.3               Required Consents
6.2               Conflicts
6.3               Required Consents



                                        v

<PAGE>




                              ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



            As  independent  public  accountants,   we  hereby  consent  to  the
incorporation  by reference in this  registration  statement of our report dated
April 17, 1996 on the consolidated  financial  statements (and schedules) of The
Quick & Reilly Group, Inc.  incorporated by reference in the Company's Form 10-K
for the year ended  February 29, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included
in this registration statement.



                                           ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


May 5, 1997




<PAGE>





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