SCOTT TECHNOLOGIES INC
SC 13D, 2000-04-13
SEARCH, DETECTION, NAVAGATION, GUIDANCE, AERONAUTICAL SYS
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<PAGE>

                                 UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549


                                 SCHEDULE 13D


                  Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934*
                               (Amendment No.  )



                           SCOTT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
                           -------------------------
                               (Name of Issuer)



                    Common Stock, par value $.10 per share
                        (Title of Class of Securities)



                                   810022301
                                (CUSIP Number)

                                   COPY TO:
                                Faith Pengelly
                     J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                 10 Park Place
                           London SW1A 1LP, England
                              011-44-171-222-2020
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and
                                Communications)


                                March 24, 2000
           (Dates of Events which Require Filing of this Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report
the acquisition which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this
schedule because of Rule 13d-1(b)(3) or (4), check the following box [ ]

Note:  Six copies of this statement, including all exhibits, should be filed
with the Commission.  See Rule 13d-1(a) for other parties to whom copies are to
be sent.

*The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's
initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and
for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter
disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed
to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act
but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the
Notes).
<PAGE>

- -----------------------                                  ---------------------
  CUSIP No. 810022301           SCHEDULE 13D               Page 2 of 83 Pages
- -----------------------                                  ---------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
 1    S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

      J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
      No IRS Identification Number

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
 2                                                              (a) [_]
                                                                (b) [X]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SEC USE ONLY
 3


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SOURCE OF FUNDS
 4
      WC
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
 5    ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)                                                   [_]


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 6
      England

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          SOLE VOTING POWER
                     7
     NUMBER OF            0

      SHARES       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY      8
                          866,300
     OWNED BY
                   -----------------------------------------------------------
       EACH               SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
                     9
    REPORTING             0

      PERSON       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
       WITH         10
                          866,300

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
11
      866,300

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
12
                                                                        [_]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
13
      5.1%

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
14
      IA, CO

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

- -----------------------                                  ---------------------
  CUSIP No. 810022301           SCHEDULE 13D               Page 3 of 83 Pages
- -----------------------                                  ---------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
 1    S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

      J O Hambro Capital Management (Holdings) Limited
      No IRS Identification Number

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
 2                                                              (a) [_]
                                                                (b) [X]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SEC USE ONLY
 3


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SOURCE OF FUNDS
 4
      WC
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
 5    ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)                                                   [_]


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 6
      England

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          SOLE VOTING POWER
                     7
     NUMBER OF            0

      SHARES       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY      8
                          866,300
     OWNED BY
                   -----------------------------------------------------------
       EACH               SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
                     9
    REPORTING             0

      PERSON       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
       WITH         10
                          866,300

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
11
      866,300

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
12
                                                                        [_]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
13
      5.1%

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
14
      IA, CO

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

- -----------------------                                  ---------------------
  CUSIP No. 810022301           SCHEDULE 13D               Page 4 of 83 Pages
- -----------------------                                  ---------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
 1    S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

      Growth Financial Services Limited
      No IRS Identification Number

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
 2                                                              (a) [_]
                                                                (b) [X]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SEC USE ONLY
 3


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SOURCE OF FUNDS
 4
      WC
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
 5    ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)                                                   [_]


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 6
      England

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          SOLE VOTING POWER
                     7
     NUMBER OF            0

      SHARES       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY      8
                          350,000
     OWNED BY
                   -----------------------------------------------------------
       EACH               SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
                     9
    REPORTING             0

      PERSON       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
       WITH         10
                          350,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
11
      350,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
12
                                                                        [_]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
13
      2.1%

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
14
      CO

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

- -----------------------                                  ---------------------
  CUSIP No. 810022301           SCHEDULE 13D               Page 5 of 83 Pages
- -----------------------                                  ---------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
 1    S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

      North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investement Trust plc
      No IRS Identification Number

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
 2                                                              (a) [_]
                                                                (b) [X]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SEC USE ONLY
 3


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SOURCE OF FUNDS
 4
      WC
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
 5    ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)                                                   [_]


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 6
      England

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          SOLE VOTING POWER
                     7
     NUMBER OF            0

      SHARES       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY      8
                          350,000
     OWNED BY
                   -----------------------------------------------------------
       EACH               SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
                     9
    REPORTING             0

      PERSON       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
       WITH         10
                          350,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
11
      350,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
12
                                                                        [_]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
13
      2.1%

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
14
      IV, CO

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

- -----------------------                                  ---------------------
  CUSIP No. 810022301           SCHEDULE 13D               Page 6 of 83 Pages
- -----------------------                                  ---------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
 1    S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

      American Opportunity Trust plc
      No IRS Identification Number

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
 2                                                              (a) [_]
                                                                (b) [X]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SEC USE ONLY
 3


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SOURCE OF FUNDS
 4
      WC
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
 5    ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)                                                   [_]


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 6
      England

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          SOLE VOTING POWER
                     7
     NUMBER OF            0

      SHARES       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY      8
                          200,000
     OWNED BY
                   -----------------------------------------------------------
       EACH               SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
                     9
    REPORTING             0

      PERSON       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
       WITH         10
                          200,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
11
      200,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
12
                                                                        [_]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
13
      1.2%

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
14
      IV, CO

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

- -----------------------                                  ---------------------
  CUSIP No. 810022301           SCHEDULE 13D               Page 7 of 83 Pages
- -----------------------                                  ---------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
 1    S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

      Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills
      No IRS Identification Number

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
 2                                                              (a) [_]
                                                                (b) [X]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SEC USE ONLY
 3


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SOURCE OF FUNDS
 4
      WC
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
 5    ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)                                                   [_]


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 6
      England

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          SOLE VOTING POWER
                     7
     NUMBER OF            0

      SHARES       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY      8
                          866,300
     OWNED BY
                   -----------------------------------------------------------
       EACH               SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
                     9
    REPORTING             0

      PERSON       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
       WITH         10
                          866,300

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
11
      866,300

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
12
                                                                        [_]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
13
      5.1%

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
14
      IN

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

- -----------------------                                  ---------------------
  CUSIP No. 810022301           SCHEDULE 13D               Page 8 of 83 Pages
- -----------------------                                  ---------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
 1    S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

      Oryx International Growth Fund Limited
      No IRS Identification Number

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
 2                                                              (a) [_]
                                                                (b) [X]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SEC USE ONLY
 3


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SOURCE OF FUNDS
 4
      WC
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
 5    ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)                                                   [_]


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 6
      Guernsey (Channel Islands)

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          SOLE VOTING POWER
                     7
     NUMBER OF            0

      SHARES       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY      8
                          125,000
     OWNED BY
                   -----------------------------------------------------------
       EACH               SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
                     9
    REPORTING             0

      PERSON       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
       WITH         10
                          125,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
11
      125,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
12
                                                                        [_]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
13
      0.7%

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
14
      IV, CO

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

- -----------------------                                  ---------------------
  CUSIP No. 810022301           SCHEDULE 13D               Page 9 of 83 Pages
- -----------------------                                  ---------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
 1    S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

      Consulta (Channel Islands) Limited
      No IRS Identification Number

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
 2                                                              (a) [_]
                                                                (b) [X]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SEC USE ONLY
 3


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SOURCE OF FUNDS
 4
      WC
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
 5    ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)                                                   [_]


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 6
      Guernsey (Channel Islands)

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          SOLE VOTING POWER
                     7
     NUMBER OF            0

      SHARES       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY      8
                          125,000
     OWNED BY
                   -----------------------------------------------------------
       EACH               SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
                     9
    REPORTING             0

      PERSON       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
       WITH         10
                          125,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
11
      125,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
12
                                                                        [_]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
13
      0.7%

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
14
      IA, CO

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

- -----------------------                                  ---------------------
  CUSIP No. 810022301           SCHEDULE 13D               Page 10 of 83 Pages
- -----------------------                                  ---------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
 1    S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

      Trident North Atlantic Fund
      No IRS Identification Number

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
 2                                                              (a) [_]
                                                                (b) [X]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SEC USE ONLY
 3


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SOURCE OF FUNDS
 4
      WC
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
 5    ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)                                                   [_]


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 6
      Cayman Islands

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          SOLE VOTING POWER
                     7
     NUMBER OF            0

      SHARES       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY      8
                          50,000
     OWNED BY
                   -----------------------------------------------------------
       EACH               SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
                     9
    REPORTING             0

      PERSON       -----------------------------------------------------------
                          SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
       WITH         10
                          50,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
11
      50,000

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
12
                                                                        [_]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
13
      0.3%

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
14
      IV, CO

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

Item 1.  Security Issuer.

     The class of equity securities to which this Statement on Schedule 13D (the
"Statement") relates is the Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Common
Stock") of Scott Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Issuer").  The
principal executive offices of the Issuer are located at 5875 Landerbrook Drive,
Suite 250, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124.

Item 2.  Identity and Background.

     2 (a-c,f).

     I.   Filing Parties:
          --------------

     This Statement is filed on behalf of the following nine persons, who are
collectively referred to as the "Filing Parties":

1.   J O Hambro Capital Management (Holdings) Limited ("Holdings") is a
     corporation organized under the laws of England with its principal office
     and business at 10 Park Place, London SW1A 1LP England.  Holdings functions
     as the ultimate holding company for J O Hambro Capital Management Limited.

2.   J O Hambro Capital Management Limited ("J O Hambro Capital Management"),
     formerly named J O Hambro & Partners Limited, is a corporation organized
     under the laws of England with its principal office and business at 10 Park
     Place, London SW1A 1LP England.  J O Hambro Capital Management is
     principally engaged in the business of investment management and advising.
     It serves as co-investment adviser to NASCIT and as investment adviser to
     Oryx as well as private clients.

3.   Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills is a British citizen whose business
     address is 10 Park Place, London SW1A 1LP England.  His principal
     employment includes service as executive director of NASCIT, as a director
     of J O Hambro Capital Management and Oryx, and as co-investment adviser to
     NASCIT.

4.   Growth Financial Services Limited ("GFS"), formerly named Growth Investment
     Management Limited, is a corporation organized under the laws of England
     with its principal office at 77 Middle Street, Brockham, Surrey RH3 7HL
     England and with its principal business at 10 Park Place, London SW1A 1LP
     England.  GFS has undertaken to provide the services of Christopher Mills
     to NASCIT.

5.   North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc ("NASCIT"), formerly
     named Consolidated Venture Trust plc, is a corporation organized under the
     laws of England with its principal office and business at 10 Park Place,
     London SW1A 1LP England. NASCIT is a publicly-held investment trust
     company.  Christopher Harwood Bernard

                                      11
<PAGE>

     Mills and J O Hambro Capital Management serve as co-investment advisers to
     NASCIT.

6.   American Opportunity Trust plc ("American Opportunity Trust"), formerly
     named Leveraged Opportunity Trust plc, is a corporation organized under the
     laws of England with its principal office and business at 10 Park Place,
     London SW1A 1LP England. American Opportunity Trust is a publicly-held
     investment trust company.  Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills and J O Hambro
     Capital Management serve as co-investment advisers to American Opportunity
     Trust.

7.   Oryx International Growth Fund Limited ("Oryx") is a corporation organized
     under the laws of the Island of Guernsey with its principal office and
     business at Bermuda House, St. Julian's Avenue, St. Peter Port, Guernsey.
     Oryx is a closed-end investment company.  J O Hambro Capital Management and
     Consulta serve as investment advisers to Oryx.

8.   Consulta (Channel Islands) Limited ("Consulta") is a corporation organized
     under the laws of the Island of Guernsey with its principal office and
     business at Bermuda House, St. Julian's Avenue, St. Peter Port, Guernsey.
     Consulta is principally engaged in the business of investment management
     and advising and serving as investment manager of Oryx.

9.   The Trident North Atlantic Fund ("Trident North Atlantic") is an open-ended
     investment Company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with its principal
     office and business at P. O. Box 309, Ugland House, George Town, Grand
     Cayman, Cayman Islands.  Trident North Atlantic is a publicly-held
     regulated Mutual Fund.  Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills serves as a
     director of Trident North Atlantic and J O Hambro Capital Management serves
     as an investment adviser to Trident North Atlantic.



                                      12
<PAGE>

II.  Control Relationships:
     ---------------------

     J O Hambro Capital Management is a wholly-owned subsidiary of J O Hambro
Capital Management (Holdings) Limited.

     Christopher Mills owns 99% of the equity of GFS, and serves as a director
of J O Hambro Capital Management and as executive director of NASCIT and
American Opportunity Trust.

III. Executive Officers and Directors:
     --------------------------------

     In accordance with the provisions of General Instruction C to Schedule 13D,
information concerning the executive officers and directors of the Filing
Parties is included in Schedule A hereto and is incorporated by reference
herein.

     (d)   Criminal Proceedings
           --------------------

     During the last five years, neither the Filing Parties (or a controlling
entity thereof) nor any executive officer or director of any of the Filing
Parties (or a controlling entity thereof) has been convicted in a criminal
proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).

     (e)   Civil Securities Law Proceedings
           --------------------------------

     During the last five years, neither the Filing Parties (or a controlling
entity thereof) nor any executive officer or director of any of the Filing
Parties (or a controlling entity thereof) has been a party to a civil proceeding
of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result
of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order
enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject
to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to
such laws.

Item 3.  Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.

     The Filing Parties used their working capital funds to purchase the shares
of Common Stock of the Company (the "Shares") to which this statement relates.

     The amount of funds used to date to acquire the Shares is approximately
$11,191,868 (exclusive of brokerage fees and commissions).

Item 4.  Purpose of Transaction.

     The Reporting Person has no present plans or proposals which relate to or
would result in any of the actions specified in clauses (a) through (j) of Item
4 of Schedule 13D.


                                      13
<PAGE>

Item 5.  Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

     (a)-(b) The aggregate number and percentage of the outstanding Common Stock
of the Company beneficially owned (i) by each of the Filing Parties, and (ii) to
the knowledge of the Filing Parties, by each other person who may be deemed to
be a member of the Group, is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Number of          Number of
                                                  Number of         Shares:          Shares: Sole
                                  Aggregate      Shares: Sole       Shared            or Shared
        Filing                    Number of        Power to        Power to            Power to           Approximate
        Party                      Shares:           Vote            Vote               Dispose           Percentage/*/
- -----------------------          ------------    ------------     ----------         ------------       ---------------
<S>                             <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
Holdings                             866,300                 0        866,300            866,300                5.1%

J O Hambro                           866,300                 0        866,300            866,300                5.1%
Capital Management

Christopher H.B. Mills               866,300                 0        866,300            866,300                5.1%

American Opportunity                 200,000                 0        200,000            200,000                1.2%
 Trust

GFS                                  350,000                 0        350,000            350,000                2.1%

NASCIT                               350,000                 0        350,000            350,000                2.1%

Oryx                                 125,000                 0        125,000            125,000                0.7%

Consulta                             125,000                 0        125,000            125,000                0.7%

Trident North Atlantic                50,000                 0         50,000             50,000                0.3%
</TABLE>

     /*/ Based on 16,918,122 shares of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share,
outstanding as of February 15, 2000, which is based on information reported in
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1999.

     (c) In the 60 days prior to the date of the filing of this Statement, the
Filing Parties effected no transactions in the Common Stock other than those set
forth in the fillowing table:



                                      14
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                Scott Technologies, Inc.        Trades in 60 days prior to filing

Date                                          No of shares   Price       Broker
                                                             (US$)
<S>           <C>                             <C>            <C>      <C>
14/03/00      J O Hambro Capital Management         20,000   10.93    Legg Mason

28/01/00      Trident North Atlantc                  1,500   15.98    Raymond James
31/01/00      Trident North Atlantic                48,500    16.5    Raymond James

13/03/00      J O Hambro Capital Management            500   11.21    Raymond James
</TABLE>

     All of the above transactions were effected on the open market and were
purchases.

     (d) The private clients of J O Hambro Capital Management have an economic
interest in the dividends from, and the proceeds of sales of, Common Stock
beneficially owned by J O Hambro Capital Management.  The shareholders of NASCIT
and American Opportunity Trust have an economic interest in the dividends from,
and the proceeds of sales of, Common Stock beneficially owned by NASCIT and
American Opportunity Trust, respectively.

Item 6.  Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect
to Securities of the Issuer.

     As co-investment advisers to NASCIT, Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills and
J O Hambro Capital Management share the right to transfer and vote the shares of
Common Stock of the Company pursuant to an agreement entered into among NASCIT,
GFS and Christopher Mills and an agreement entered into between NASCIT and J O
Hambro Capital Management, each dated as of January 7, 1993, respectively.

     As co-investment advisers to American Opportunity Trust, Christopher
Harwood Bernard Mills and J O Hambro Capital Management share the right to
transfer and vote the shares of Common Stock of the Company pursuant to an
agreement dated as of January 7, 1993 between American Opportunity Trust and J O
Hambro Capital Management.

Item 7.  Material to be Filed as Exhibits.

     The following documents are filed herewith:

     (a) Secondment Services Agreement dated as of January 7, 1993 among NASCIT,
         GFS and Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills.

     (b) Administration, Management and Custody Agreement dated as of January 7,
         1993 between NASCIT and J O Hambro Capital Management (formerly named J
         O Hambro & Partners Limited).



                                      15
<PAGE>

     (c) Administration, Management and Custody Management Agreement dated as of
         January 7, 1993 between J O Hambro Capital Management (formerly named
         J O Hambro & Partners Limited) and American Opportunity Trust.

     (d) Power of Attorney of Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills dated July 9,
         1997.

     (e) Joint Filing Agreement dated as of April 13, 2000 among J O Hambro
         Capital Management (Holdings) Limited, J O Hambro Capital Management
         Limited, American Opportunity Trust plc, Christopher Mills, The Trident
         North Atlantic Fund, Growth Financial Services Limited, North Atlantic
         Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc, Oryx International Growth Fund
         Limited and Consulta (Channel Islands) Limited.


                                      16
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

     After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I
certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and
correct.

Dated: April 13, 2000

                         J O HAMBRO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED



                         By: /s/ R.G. Barrett
                            ----------------------------
                            Name:   R.G. Barrett
                            Title:  Director
                            Executed on behalf of the parties hereto pursuant
                            to the Joint Filing Agreement filed herewith.

                                       17
<PAGE>

                                   Schedule A


The following table sets forth certain information concerning each of the
directors and executive officers of J O Hambro Capital Management (Holdings)
Limited ("Holdings") as of the date hereof.


Name:                                   James Daryl Hambro
                                        (Chairman)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Chairman, J O Hambro Capital Management
                                        Limited

Name:                                   Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Executive Director, NASCIT
                                        Executive Director, American
                                        Opportunity Trust
                                        Director, J O Hambro Capital Management
                                        Limited

Name:                                   Nichola Pease
                                        (Director and Chief Executive)

Citizenship:                            British




                                       18
<PAGE>

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Director and Chief Executive, J O Hambro
                                        Capital Management Limited

Name:                                   Basil Postan
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Director, J O Hambro Capital Management
                                        Limited

Name:                                   Malcolm Robert King
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Director, J O Hambro Capital Management
                                        Limited

Name:                                   Lisa Marie Rowland
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            American

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England




                                       19
<PAGE>

Principal Occupation:                   Director, J O Hambro Capital Management
                                        Limited

Name:                                   Robert George Barrett
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Director, J O Hambro Capital Management
                                        Limited

Name:                                   Claudia Margaret Cecil Perkins
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Director, J O Hambro Capital Management
                                        Limited





                                       20
<PAGE>

The following table sets forth certain information concerning each of the
directors and executive officers of J O Hambro Capital Management Limited ("J O
Hambro Capital Management") as of the date hereof.


Name:                                   James Daryl Hambro
                                        (Managing Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Managing Director, J O Hambro Capital
                                        Management Limited

Name:                                   Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Executive Director, NASCIT
                                        Executive Director, American
                                        Opportunity Trust
                                        Director, J O Hambro Capital Management

Name:                                   Claudia Margaret Cecil Perkins
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Director, J O Hambro Capital Management




                                       21
<PAGE>

Name:                                   Malcolm Robert King
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Director, J O Hambro Capital Management

Name:                                   Nichola Pease
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Director and Chief Executive, J O Hambro
                                        Capital Management

Name:                                   Basil Postan
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Director, J O Hambro Capital Management

Name:                                   Lisa Marie Rowland
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            American



                                       22
<PAGE>

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Director, J O Hambro Capital Management

Name:                                   Robert George Barrett
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Director, J O Hambro Capital Management




                                       23
<PAGE>

The following table sets forth certain information concerning each of the
directors and executive officers of North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment
Trust plc ("NASCIT") as of the date hereof.


Name:                                   Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills
                                        (Executive Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       North Atlantic Smaller Companies
                                        Investment Trust plc
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Executive Director, NASCIT
                                        Executive Director, American
                                        Opportunity Trust plc
                                        Director, J O Hambro Capital Management

Name:                                   Enrique Foster Gittes
                                        (Chairman)

Citizenship:                            USA

Residence:                              4 East 82nd Street
                                        New York, New York 10028
                                        USA

Principal Occupation:                   Director, NASCIT

Name:                                   Brian Roger Adams

Citizenship:                            British

Residence:                              Hill House
                                        Church Lane
                                        Debden, NR. Saffron Walden
                                        Essex CB11 3LD



                                       24
<PAGE>

Principal Occupation                    Director, NASCIT

Name:                                   Robert D. Power
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       115 East 90th Street
                                        New York, New York 10022
                                        USA

Principal Occupation:                   Non-executive director

Name:                                   Douglas P C Nation
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       Bear Stearns Co. Inc./1/
                                        245 Park Avenue
                                        New York, NY 10167

Principal Occupation:                   Managing Director, Bear Stearns Co. Inc.

Name:                                   The Hon. Peregrine D E M Moncreiffe
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       Easter Moncreiffe
                                        Bridge of Earn
                                        Perthshire
                                        Scotland
                                        PH2 8 QA

Principal Occupation:                   Non-executive director





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

     /1/ Bear Stearns Co. Inc. principally engages in the brokerage business.




                                       25
<PAGE>

The following table sets forth certain information concerning each of the
directors and executive officers of Growth Financial Services Limited ("GFS") as
of the date hereof.


Name:                                   Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Executive Director, NASCIT
                                        Executive Director, American
                                        Opportunity Trust
                                        Director, J O Hambro Capital Management

Name:                                   Ivan Alexander Shenkman
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Residence:                              34 Royal Crescent, London W11
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Consultant

GFS is controlled by Christopher Mills who owns 99% of the share capital.




                                       26
<PAGE>

The following table sets forth certain information concerning each of the
directors and executive officers of American Opportunity Trust plc ("American
Opportunity Trust") as of the date hereof.



Name:                                   R. Alexander Hammond-Chambers
                                        (Chairman)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       29 Rutland Square
                                        Edinburgh
                                        EH1 2BW

Principal Occupation:                   Non-executive director

Name:                                   Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills
Citizenship:                            British
Business Address:                       10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Executive Director, American
                                        Opportunity Trust
                                        Executive Director, NASCIT
                                        Director, J O Hambro Capital Management

Name:                                   John Gildea
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            USA

Business Address:                       Gildea Management Company/2/
                                        115 East Putnam Avenue
                                        3rd Floor
                                        Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

Principal Occupation:                   President, Gildea Management Company


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

     /2/ Gildea Management Company is principally engaged in the investment
management business.

                                       27
<PAGE>

Name:                                   The Hon. James J. Nelson
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       Foreign & Colonial Ventures/3/
                                        4th Floor
                                        Berkeley Square House
                                        Berkeley Square
                                        London W1X 5PA
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Director, Foreign & Colonial Ventures

Name:                                   Iain Tulloch
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       Murray Johnstone Ltd./4/
                                        7 West Nile Street
                                        Glasgow G2 2PX
                                        Scotland

Principal Occupation:                   Director, Murray Johnstone Ltd.

Name:                                   Philip Ehrman
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British


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

     /3/ Foreign & Colonial Ventures is principally engaged in the investment
management business.

     /4/ Murray Johnstone Ltd. is principally engaged in the investment
management business.





                                       28
<PAGE>

Business Address:                       Gartmore Investment Management Ltd./5/
                                        Gartmore House
                                        16-18 Monument Street
                                        London EC3R 8AJ
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Investment Manager, Gartmore Investment
                                        Management Ltd.





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

     /5/ Gartmore Investment Management Limited is principally engaged in the
investment management business.



                                       29
<PAGE>

The following table sets forth certain information concerning each of the
directors and executive officers of Oryx International Growth Fund Limited
("Oryx") as of the date hereof.



Name:                                   Nigel Kenneth Cayzer
                                        (Chairman)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       Kinpurnie Estate
                                        Smiddy Road
                                        Newtyle
                                        Perthshire
                                        PH12 8TB

Principal Occupation:                   Non-executive director

Name:                                   His Excellency Salim Hassan Macki
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            Omani

Business Address:                       P.O. Box 4160
                                        Postal Code 112
                                        Ruwi
                                        Sultanate of Oman

Principal Occupation:                   Non-executive director

Name:                                   Patrick John McAfee
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       Deutche, Morgan Grenfell/6/
                                        4 Eagle Valley
                                        Power Court
                                        Ennis Kerry County
                                        Wicklow
                                        Ireland




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

     /6/ Deutche, Morgan Grenfell is a merchant bank.



                                       30
<PAGE>

Principal Occupation:                   Company Director

Name:                                   Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Executive Director, NASCIT
                                        Executive Director, American
                                        Opportunity Trust
                                        Director, J O Hambro & Partners
                                        Director, Oryx

Name:                                   Harald Lungershausen
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            German

Business Address:                       Seestrasse 240
                                        P.O. Box 0802
                                        Kilchberg
                                        Zurich
                                        Switzerland

Principal Occupation:                   Company Director

Name:                                   Mohamed Hassan Ghurlam Habib
                                        (Director)
Citizenship:                            Omani

Business Address:                       Oman National Insurance Company/7/
                                        PO Box 2254
                                        Postal Code 112
                                        Ruwi
                                        Sultanate of Oman




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

     /7/ Oman National Insurance Company is principally engaged in the insurance
business.


                                       31
<PAGE>

Principal Occupation:                   Chief Executive, Oman National Insurance
                                        Company, SAOG

Name:                                   Rupert Arthur Rees Evans
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       Ozannes/8/
                                        PO Box 186
                                        1 Le Marchant Street
                                        St. Peter Port
                                        Guernsey
                                        Channel Islands

Principal Occupation:                   Guernsey Advocate
                                        Partner, Ozanne van Leuven Perrot &
                                        Evans

Name:                                   Hussan Al Nowais

Citizenship:                            United Arab Emirates

Business Address:                       Emirate Holdings
                                        P.O. Box 984
                                        Abu Dhabi
                                        United Arab Emirates

Principal Occupation:                   Chairman and Managing Director, Emirate
                                        Holdings




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

     /8/ Ozannes is a law firm.



                                       32
<PAGE>

The following table sets forth certain information concerning each of the
directors and executive officers of Consulta (Channel Islands) Limited
("Consulta") as of the date hereof.


Name:                                   Gary Michael Brass
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       20 St. James's Street
                                        London SW1A 1ES
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Managing Director, Consulta

Name:                                   Jeremy Caplan
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       1 Britannia Place
                                        Bath Street
                                        St. Helier
                                        Jersey

Principal Occupation:                   English Solicitor

Name:                                   Barry Carroll
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       Management International (Guernsey)
                                        Limited/9/
                                        Bermuda House
                                        St. Julian's Avenue
                                        St. Peter Port
                                        Guernsey

Principal Occupation:                   Managing Director
                                        Management International (Guernsey)
                                        Limited




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

     /9/ Management International (Guernsey) Limited is principally engaged in
the investment management business.




                                       33
<PAGE>

Name:                                   Rupert Arthur Rees Evans
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       P.O. Box 186
                                        1 Le Marchant Street
                                        St. Peter Port
                                        Guernsey

Principal Occupation:                   Guernsey Advocate
                                        Partner, Ozanne van Leuven
                                        Perrot & Evans


                                       34
<PAGE>

The following table sets forth certain information concerning each of the
directors and executive officers of Consulta Limited, the parent of Consulta
(Channel Islands) Limited.

Name:                                   Harald Alejandro Lamotte
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       20 St. James's Street
                                        London SW1A 1ES
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Investment Fund Manager,
                                        Consulta Limited

Name:                                   Gary Michael Brass
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       20 St. James's Street
                                        London SW1A 1ES
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Investment Fund Manager,
                                        Consulta Limited

Name:                                   Paul David Ashburner Nix
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       20 St. James's Street
                                        London SW1A 1ES
Principal Occupation:                   Investment Fund Manager
                                        Consulta Limited



                                       35
<PAGE>

The following table sets forth certain information concerning each of the
directors and executive officers of Trident North Atlantic Fund ("Trident North
Atlantic") as of the date hereof.

Name:                                   Niamh Meenan
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            Irish

Business Address:                       RSM Robson Rhodes
                                        Fitzwilton House
                                        Wilton Place
                                        Dublin 2

Principal Occupation:                   Senior Manager, RSM Robson Rhodes

Name:                                   Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
                                        10 Park Place
                                        London SW1A 1LP
                                        England

Principal Occupation:                   Executive Director, NASCIT
                                        Executive Director, American
                                        Opportunity Trust
                                        Director, J O Hambro Capital Management
                                        Limited

Name:                                   David Sargison
                                        (Director)

Citizenship:                            British

Business Address:                       Caledonian Bank & Trust Limited
                                        Caledonian House
                                        George Town, Grand Cayman
                                        Cayman Islands

Principal Occupation:                   Managing Director, Caledonian Bank &
                                        Trust Limited

                                       36
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Index
                                 -------------

Document
- --------

     The following documents are filed herewith:

     (a) Secondment Services Agreement dated as of January 7, 1993 among NASCIT,
         GFS and Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills.

     (b)  Administration, Management and Custody Agreement dated as of January
          7, 1993 between NASCIT and J O Hambro Capital Management (formerly
          named J O Hambro & Partners Limited).

     (c)  Administration, Management and Custody Management Agreement dated as
          of January 7, 1993 between J O Hambro Capital Management (formerly
          named J O Hambro & Partners Limited) and American Opportunity Trust.

     (d) Power of Attorney of Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills dated July 9,
         1997.

     (e) Joint Filing Agreement dated as of April 13, 2000 among J O Hambro
         Capital Management (Holdings) Limited, J O Hambro Capital Management
         Limited, American Opportunity Trust PLC, Christopher Mills, The Trident
         North Atlantic Fund, Growth Financial Services Limited, North Atlantic
         Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc, Oryx International Growth Fund
         Limited and Consulta (Channel Islands) Limited.


<PAGE>

                         SECONDMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

                                     AMONG
                                NASCIT, GFS AND
                               CHRISTOPHER MILLS

                                     -38-
<PAGE>

                            DATED 7th January, 1993
                            -----------------------


                        CONSOLIDATED VENTURE TRUST PLC


                                      and


                     GROWTH INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED


                                      and


                       CHRISTOPHER HARWOOD BERNARD MILLS


                         -----------------------------
                         SECONDMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
                         -----------------------------


                                 Allen & Overy
                                     London

                                     -39-
<PAGE>

THIS AGREEMENT is made on 7th January, 1993.

BETWEEN:

(1)  CONSOLIDATED VENTURE TRUST PLC of 11 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YR
     (the "Company");
           -------

(2)  GROWTH INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED of 10 Clivedon Place, London SW1W 6LA
     ("GIM"); and
       ---

(3)  CHRISTOPHER HARWOOD BERNARD MILLS of 10 Clivedon Place, London SW1W 6LA
     (the "Executive").
           ---------

NOW IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:

10.  Interpretation
     --------------

     a.   In this Agreement:

     "Administration, Management and Custody Agreement"
      ------------------------------------------------

     means an administration, management and custody agreement made on or about
     the same date as this Agreement between the Company and JO Hambro &
     Partners Limited;

     "Associated Company" means:
      ------------------

               i.   a company which is not a subsidiary of the Company but whose
                    issued equity share capital (as defined in  section 744 of
                    the Companies Act 1985) is owned as to at least 20 per cent.
                    by the Company or one of its  Subsidiary Companies; and

               ii.  a Subsidiary Company of a company within (a) above;

     "Board of Directors"
      ------------------

     means the board of directors of the Company or a committee of the board of
     directors of the Company;

     "the Company"
      -----------

                                     -40-
<PAGE>

     includes each of its branches if any;

     "Group"
      -----

     means the Company, and its Subsidiary Companies and Associated Companies
     for the time being and "Group Company" means any one of them;
                             -------------

     "Investments"
      -----------

     includes any asset, right or interest falling within Part I of Schedule 1
     of the Financial Services Act 1986 and any other asset, right or interest
     in respect of property of any kind wherever situate whether or not
     producing income;

     "Shareholders' Funds"
      -------------------

     means the amount of the nominal capital of the Company for the time being
     issued and paid up or credited as paid up, the amount repayable by the
     Company in respect of any borrowings repayable more than three years after
     initially made (but excluding convertible debt) and the amounts standing to
     the credit of the consolidated capital and revenue reserves (including
     without limitation share premium account, capital redemption reserve and
     profit and loss account) of the Company and its Subsidiary Companies
     properly reflected in an audited balance sheet of the Company prepared in
     accordance with recognised accounting principles but after making such
     adjustments as may be necessary to reflect:

     (a)  the Board of Directors' valuation of all unquoted investments in
          accordance with a statement of value prepared for and approved by the
          Board of Directors in accordance with procedures and on a basis
          reviewed by the Company's auditors; and

     (b)  the payment of any dividend or the making of any other distribution to
          shareholders of the Company.

     "Subsidiary Company" means a subsidiary as defined by section 736 of the
      ------------------
     Companies Act 1985; and

     "Working Day" means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday or
      -----------
     other public holiday in England.

     b.   References to persons include bodies corporate and unincorporated
          associations and references to companies include any bodies corporate.

     c.   Any reference to a statutory provision includes any statutory
          modification or re-enactment of it for the time being in force.

                                     -41-
<PAGE>

     d.   Subclauses (1) to (3) above apply unless the contrary intention
          appears.

     e.   The headings in this Agreement do not affect its construction.

     f.   References to amounts payable shall be exclusive of value added tax
          thereon so that value added tax shall be payable in addition if and to
          the extent chargeable.

11.  Services
     --------

     a.   GIM shall provide the services of the Executive to the Company as
          described and on the terms set out in this Agreement ("the Services").
                                                                 ------------
          The parties intend the Services to be provided by secondment of the
          Executive from GIM to the Company.

     b.   GIM shall employ the Executive for the purposes of enabling it to
          provide the Services.

     c.   The provision of the Services by GIM shall be deemed to take effect
          from the date of execution of this Agreement ("the Commencement
                                                         ----------------
          Date").
          ----

     d.   GIM and the Executive warrant to the Company that by entering into
          this Agreement and performing the Services they will not be in breach
          of any contract or other obligation binding on them.

12.  Services of the Executive
     -------------------------

     a.   GIM shall, and shall procure that the Executive shall, use their best
          endeavours to protect and further the interests of the Company giving
          the full benefit of the Executive's knowledge and expertise.

     b.   GIM shall procure that the Executive shall serve as chief executive
          and director of the Company, subject to the Company appointing the
          Executive as such.

     c.   The Executive shall perform the functions from time to time assigned
          to or vested in him by the Board of Directors and in particular he
          shall be responsible (subject to such authorisation procedures as the
          Board of Directors may specify and except to the extent that the Board
          shall not require the services of the Executive in respect of all or
          part of the Investments of the Company) for:

               i.   keeping under review the investments from time to time held
                    by the Company;

                                     -42-
<PAGE>

               ii.  deciding upon purchases and sales and other transactions in
                    respect of investments and subscriptions to issues of
                    investments, including underwriting commitments on behalf of
                    the Company and otherwise determining when the Company
                    should invest, realise and re-invest its assets and exercise
                    all rights attaching to its assets;

               iii  searching out and evaluating investment opportunities
                    for the Company;

               iv.  analysing the progress of companies in which the
                    Company has invested;

               v.   submitting to the Board of Directors such reports and
                    information regarding investments as the Board of Directors
                    shall reasonably require; and

               vi.  recommending to the Board of Directors any future
                    developments or changes to the investment policy of the
                    Company.

     d.   The Executive shall faithfully serve the Company, and GIM shall
          procure that the Executive shall devote 50 per cent. of his time
          during normal business hours to the provision of the services and at
          such additional times as are necessary for the proper fulfilment of
          those services, but the Executive shall not be required to provide
          such services at such times as he is on holiday (as provided for in
          Clause 7), nor at such times (being not more than 90 Working Days in
          any period of 12 consecutive months) when the Executive is
          incapacitated by reason of illness or injury.

     e.   GIM shall, and shall procure that the Executive shall, accept
          appointments to such offices and enter into such agreements as the
          Company shall deem reasonably necessary for the proper provision of
          the Services.

     f.   GIM shall, and shall procure that the Executive shall, disclose
          forthwith to the Board of Directors any conflict of interest which may
          arise in connection with the performance of the Services as a result
          of any other present or future appointment, employment or interest of
          GIM or the Executive (other than that which concerns a Group Company).

     g.   The Executive shall provide the Services at such place or places as
          the Board of Directors may reasonably require.

                                     -43-
<PAGE>

5.   Fee
     ---

(1)  The Company shall pay to GIM a fee to be agreed from time to time ("the
                                                                         ---
     Fee") but so that the maximum fee payable under this sub-clause (exclusive
     ---
     of Value Added Tax) when aggregated with the Management Fee (exclusive of
     Value Added Tax) payable under the Administration, Management and Custody
     Agreement (or any administration, management and custody agreement with
     whomsoever made superseding that agreement) shall not in any financial
     period of the Company exceed one per cent. of Shareholders' Funds of the
     Company and its Subsidiary Companies on the last day of the preceding
     financial period of the Company.

(2)  For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall not be obliged to provide the
     Executive with, or reimburse GIM for the cost of providing the Executive
     with medical insurance, life assurance, pension benefits, accident
     insurance, permanent health assurance or other benefits except as expressly
     provided for in this Agreement.

(3)  The Fee shall accrue from day to day and be payable quarterly in advance on
     31st January, 30th April, 31st July and 31st October in each year.  The
     first payment shall be a pro rata part of the quarterly fee for the period
     from the date of this Agreement to the next quarter date.  GIM shall
     reimburse the Company for a pro rata part of any quarterly fee paid in
     advance in respect of any period after termination of this Agreement.

(4)  The Fee shall be exclusive of any fees receivable by the Executive as a
     director of any Group Company.

(5)  In addition to the Fee the Company shall pay to GIM a performance fee in
     the amount and payable in the manner set out in the Schedule to this
     Agreement ("the Performance Fee").
                 -------------------

(6)  The Company shall pay to the Executive (Pounds)1 per annum (if demanded) as
     consideration for his obligations under this Agreement.

6.   Expenses
     --------

(1)  In addition to the Fee and Performance Fee the Company shall reimburse GIM
     (on production of such vouchers or other evidence as the Company may
     require) the amount of all travelling and other expenses properly and
     reasonably incurred by the Executive in the provision of the Services.

(2)  The Company shall provide the Executive with reasonably suitable office
     accommodation and secretarial assistance at the offices of the Company or
     such Group Company as may be appropriate so as to enable the Executive
     properly to provide the

                                     -44-
<PAGE>

     Services but nothing in this Agreement shall be construed or have effect as
     constituting any relationship of landlord or tenant between the Company and
     GIM or the Executive and any use of such office accommodation by GIM or the
     Executive shall be as bare licensee of the Company.

7.   Holidays
     --------

     a.   The Company acknowledges that the Executive is entitled to a maximum
          of 30 Working Days' holiday in every calendar year under his service
          agreement with GIM.

     b.   GIM and the Executive agree that the Executive will take his holidays
          at such times as are convenient to the Company.

8.   Confidential Information
     ------------------------

     a.   GIM and the Executive acknowledge that to enable them to provide the
          Services and to discharge their responsibilities under this Agreement
          the Company, and the Group, will provide them with information
          relating to the Group of a highly confidential nature (any and all
          information relating to the Company, the Group, and each Group
          Company, their respective businesses, activities or customers,
          including but without limitation all and any analyses, compilations,
          forecasts, studies or other documents, is referred to in this
          Agreement as "Information").

     b.   GIM and the Executive agree that they will adopt all such procedures
          as the Company may require and that they will keep confidential all
          Information and shall not, without the prior written consent of the
          Board of Directors (save as required by law) disclose the Information
          in whole or in part other than to the Board of Directors and to the
          Company's professional advisers.  GIM and the Executive shall not use
          the Information other than in connection with the provision of the
          Services.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, GIM and the Executive agree
          not to disclose the Information (save as required by law) to any
          person except to the extent necessary to discharge their
          responsibilities under this Agreement.

     c.   Any document, including without limitation notes, memoranda, diaries,
          correspondence, computer disks or copies thereof created by GIM or the
          Executive in providing the Services shall be and remain the property
          of the Company or such Group Company as appropriate and the Company or
          such Group Company shall be the absolute beneficial owner of the
          copyright in any such document.

     d.   GIM and the Executive shall at any time during the continuance of this
          Agreement if so required by the Company or any Group Company and in
          the

                                     -45-
<PAGE>

          event of the termination of this Agreement (whether lawfully or
          otherwise) surrender to the Company or such Group Company all original
          and copy documents in their possession custody or control belonging to
          the Company or Group Company or relating to the business of the
          Company or any Group Company together with any other property
          belonging to the Company or any Group Company.

     e.   The obligations of GIM and the Executive under this Agreement apply to
          all and any Information whether the Information was in or comes into
          their possession prior to or following this Agreement and such
          obligations shall be continuing obligations throughout the continuance
          of this Agreement and at all times following its termination.

     f.   GIM and the Executive agree to observe the laws and regulations which
          may apply in the jurisdictions where the Company and the Group
          Companies are located.

     g.   GIM and the Executive understand and agree that any breach of their
          obligations under this Clause 8 will cause the Company irreparable
          injury and that monetary damages will not be an adequate remedy for
          any such breach.  In the event of any breach or threatened breach by
          GIM or the Executive, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive
          relief in any court of competent jurisdiction restraining GIM or the
          Executive from such breach.

9.   Gratuities and Codes of Conduct
     -------------------------------

     a.   GIM and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly accept any
          commission, rebate or other financial benefit from any person who has
          or is likely to have a business relationship with any Group Company
          without the consent of the Board of Directors.

     b.   GIM and the Executive shall comply with all codes of conduct from time
          to time adopted by the Company, and with all applicable rules and
          regulations of the London Stock Exchange and any other relevant
          regulatory authority including (without limitation) the Model Code for
          Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Companies.

10.  Termination of Appointment
     --------------------------

     a.   This Agreement shall be for a period of 12 months from the
          Commencement Date and shall continue for successive periods of 12
          months provided that GIM or the Company may terminate this Agreement
          at any time by giving to the other of them at least 12 months' notice
          in writing expiring at any time (whether or not on the anniversary of
          this Agreement).

                                     -46-
<PAGE>

     b.  If:

               i.   the Executive ceases for any reason to be an employee of
                    GIM;

               ii.  the Executive becomes of unsound mind or is, or may be,
                    suffering from mental disorder and either:

          (i)  he is admitted to hospital for treatment under the Mental Health
               Act 1983; or

          (ii) an order is made by any competent court for his detention or for
               the appointment of a receiver, curator bonis or other person to
               exercise powers with respect to his property or affairs;

               iii. the Executive is unable properly to perform his duties
                    under his service agreement with GIM by reason of ill-
                    health, accident or otherwise for a period or periods
                    aggregating at least 180 Working Days in any period of 12
                    consecutive months;

               iv.  GIM or the Executive fails or neglects efficiently and
                    diligently to discharge its duties, or GIM or the Executive
                    is guilty of any breach of their obligations under this
                    Agreement or any other agreement with a Group Company
                    (including any consent granted under any of them);

               v.   GIM or the Executive is guilty of misconduct or suffers any
                    matter which (by reason of its effect on the Executive's
                    reputation or otherwise) affects or is likely to affect
                    prejudicially the interests of the Company or the Group, or
                    the Executive is convicted of an arrestable offence (other
                    than a road traffic offence for which a non-custodial
                    penalty is imposed);

               vi.  the Executive becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement
                    or composition with his creditors (other than as a result of
                    losses relating to his underwriting affairs in the Lloyds
                    insurance market);

                                     -47-
<PAGE>

               vii.  GIM becomes unable to pay its debts as they fall due or
                     makes any arrangement or composition with its creditors or
                     an order is made or any effective resolution is passed for
                     winding-up GIM; or

               viii. the Executive is disqualified from being a director of
                     any company by reason of an order made by any competent
                     court

     the Company may by written notice to GIM terminate this Agreement with
     immediate effect but:

     (i)  any such termination shall be without prejudice to any other rights of
          the Company; and

     (ii) a notice under sub-clause (c) may be given by the Company to GIM only
          within 90 days after the end of any period or periods of disability
          referred to in that sub-clause.

     c.   On the termination of this Agreement in any way (whether lawfully or
          otherwise) the Executive shall immediately resign all offices held by
          him in any Group Company (without prejudice to the rights of any party
          arising out of this Agreement or the termination of this Agreement)
          and if he fails to do so the Company is irrevocably authorised to
          appoint some person in his name and on his behalf to do all such
          things and execute all such documents as may be necessary, or
          incidental to, to give effect to his resignation.

11.  Executive not an employee of the Company nor carrying on separate
     -----------------------------------------------------------------
     investment business
     -------------------

     a.   Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed or have effect
          as constituting any relationship of employer and employee between the
          Company and the Executive save that, for the purposes of Clause 8
          only, the Executive agrees to be subject to the same status as the
          employees of the Company.

     b.   The Executive shall at all times be an employee of GIM.

     c.   GIM shall be responsible for the payment of any wages, Employers'
          National Insurance and any other contributions required by law to be
          paid by it as employer in relation to the Executive and shall make all
          appropriate deductions from the Executive's wages in respect of Income
          Tax (PAYE) and Employers' National Insurance contributions and shall
          indemnify the Company in respect thereof.

                                     -48-
<PAGE>

     d.   Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed or have effect
          as either the Executive or GIM carrying on investment business within
          the meaning of the Financial Services Act 1986, in particular in
          relation to the functions described in Clause 3(3) of this Agreement.
          The intent of the parties is that GIM will provide the services of the
          Executive but neither GIM nor the Executive shall be treated as
          providing independent investment management or advisory services to
          the Company.

12.  Guarantee
     ---------

     a.   The Executive hereby unconditionally guarantees and undertakes to the
          Company that GIM shall duly and punctually observe and perform all the
          undertakings, covenants and obligations whatsoever of GIM under this
          Agreement to the intent that if GIM shall fail for whatever reason so
          to observe and perform any of such undertakings, covenants and
          obligations the Executive shall be liable to perform the same in all
          respects as if the Executive were principally bound thereby.

     b.   No time or other indulgence given by the Company to GIM nor any
          neglect failure or forbearance on the part of the Company to enforce
          the performance or observance of any of GIM's undertakings, covenants
          and obligations under this Agreement shall in any way release or
          affect the liability of the Executive hereunder.

13.  Indemnity
     ---------

     The Company shall, insofar as it is permitted by any applicable law,
     indemnify GIM and the Executive against any costs, claims or liabilities
     incurred as a result of the Executive being a director or an officer of any
     Group Company or his being held out to any person as a director or officer
     of any such company.

14.  General
     -------

     a.   Neither GIM nor the Executive shall assign or otherwise transfer any
          of its or his rights nor sub-contract or otherwise transfer any of its
          or his obligations under this Agreement.  If the Company transfers the
          whole or a substantial part of its undertaking and property to another
          company as part of a reconstruction or amalgamation, the Company may
          by written notice to GIM transfer all its rights and obligations under
          this Agreement to that other company.

     b.   This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
          English law.  The parties irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of
          the English courts.

15.  Notices
     -------

                                     -49-
<PAGE>

     Any notice to be served under this Agreement may, in the case of the
     Company be delivered or sent by first class post to the Company at its
     registered office for the time being and, and in the case of GIM or the
     Executive, may be delivered to the Executive or sent by first class post to
     the Executive's usual or last known place of residence.  Notices served by
     first class post shall be deemed duly served twenty-four hours after
     posting and proof of posting shall be proof of delivery.

IN WITNESS of which each of the parties has executed this Agreement on the date
first mentioned on page 1.

                                     -50-
<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE
                                   --------

                              The Performance Fee
                              -------------------


The Performance Fee referred to in Clause 5(5) of the Agreement shall be
calculated and payable as follows:

1.   As further consideration for the performance of the Services, GIM shall be
     entitled to receive on 1st July in each year a Performance Fee which shall
     be calculated as the amount equivalent to a percentum of Funds (as
     calculated below) of the Company as at 31st March each year (an in respect
     of any period, to which this Agreement applies, of less or more than twelve
     months the Performance Fee shall be decreased or (as the case may be)
     increased in proportion to the amount by which the period in question is
     less than 365 days or exceeds 365 days, as the case may be).

2.   In the event of any change in the financial year end of the Company from
     31st January in any year, the period covered by this Schedule shall be
     altered so that any current period the subject of this Schedule shall
     expire on the date falling two calendar months after the date of the new
     financial year end of the Company and so that:

     (a) any such new period covered by this Schedule shall always commence on
         the date falling two calendar months and one day after the expiry of
         the financial period of the Company;

     (b) payment pursuant to paragraph 1 above shall be made on the date falling
         six calendar months and one day after the new financial year end date
         of the Company;

     (c) all references to 31st March in this Schedule shall then be deemed to
         apply to the date falling two months after the new financial year end
         of the Company; and

     (d) in the event of any further change in the financial year end of the
         Company the provisions of this sentence shall apply "mutatis mutandis".

3.   In addition, if the appointment of GIM under this Agreement terminates
     otherwise than on 31st March (or such date on which the relevant twelve
     month period ends) GIM shall be entitled to a proportionate part of the fee
     which would have been payable to it if the appointment had been effective
     during the whole of the twelve month period in question.

                                     -51-
<PAGE>

4.   Such percentum will be calculated from the fraction arising in accordance
     with the following formula:

(A - 1) x 0.1
- --
(B    )

Where

A -  Funds at 31st March in any calendar year ("Relevant Year Date")

     ___________________________________________________________________

     Funds at 31st March in the immediately preceding calendar year ("Preceding
     Year Date")

     the Standard & Poors'               rate of exchange of
     Composite Index at                  US$ per (Pounds)1 at the
B -  the Relevant Year End               Preceding Year Date
     ---------------------               -------------------

                                x

     the Standard & Poors'               rate of exchange of
     Composite Index at                  US$ per (Pounds)1 at the
     the Preceding Year Date             Relevant Year Date

     Provided always that the percentum shall not be less than nil and not
     greater than 0.5 per cent.

5.   In the event of the issue of new shares, debentures or other loan capital
     by the Company for value or in the event of any shares, debentures or other
     loan capital of the Company being repaid during the relevant period, item A
     shall be adjusted as the Board of Directors may determine and the Company's
     auditors shall confirm as fair and reasonable.

6.   In the event of any dispute between GIM and the Board of Directors as to
     the value to be attributed to the Investments or any of them pursuant to
     these provisions the value shall be determined by the auditors of the
     Company acting as experts and not as arbitrators and their valuation shall
     be final and binding upon the parties and the provisions of paragraph 7
     below shall apply to the calculation of the Performance Fee.

7.   For the purposes of this Schedule the expression "Funds" shall mean the
     amount of the nominal capital of the Company for the time being issued and
     paid up or credited as paid up and the amounts standing to the credit of
     the consolidated

                                     -52-
<PAGE>

     capital and revenue reserves (including without limitation share premium
     account, capital redemption reserve fund and profit and loss account) of
     the Company and its subsidiaries at the dat on which the calculation is
     required to be made based on the last audited balance sheet of the Company
     but after making such adjustments as may be necessary to reflect:

     (a) realised profits or losses arising in respect of the period from the
         date of the last audited balance sheet to the date of the calculation;

     (b) the Board of Directors' valuation of all unquoted investments on such
         date of calculation in accordance with a statement of value prepared
         for and approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with
         procedures and on a basis reviewed by the Company's auditors;

     (c) the payment of any dividend or the making of any other distribution to
         shareholders of the Company.

8.   Subject to the provisions of this Schedule the Performance Fee shall be
     paid on 1st July in respect of the twelve month period commencing on 1st
     April in the preceding calendar year and ending on 31st March in the
     current calendar year.

                                     -53-
<PAGE>

SIGNED by  H. Gittes          )     /s/ H. Gittes
on behalf of CONSOLIDATED     )
VENTURE TRUST PLC             )
in the presence of:           )



SIGNED by C.H.B. Mills        )     /s/ Christopher Mills
on behalf of GROWTH INVESTMENT)
MANAGEMENT LIMITED            )
in the presence of:           )



SIGNED by CHRISTOPHER HARWOOD )     /s/ Christopher Mills
BERNARD MILLS                 )
in the presence of:           )


                                     -54-

<PAGE>

                          ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT
                             AND CUSTODY AGREEMENT

                                    BETWEEN
                       NASCIT AND J O HAMBRO & PARTNERS

                                     -55-
<PAGE>

                            DATED 7th January 1993
                            ----------------------


                        CONSOLIDATED VENTURE TRUST PLC


                                      and


                         J O HAMBRO & PARTNERS LIMITED


         _____________________________________________________________

               ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT AND CUSTODY AGREEMENT
        ______________________________________________________________



                                 Allen & Overy
                                    London

                                     -56-
<PAGE>

THIS AGREEMENT is made on 7th January 1993 BETWEEN:

(1)  CONSOLIDATED VENTURE TRUST PLC of 11 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YR
     (the "Company"); and
           -------

(2)  J O HAMBRO & PARTNERS LIMITED of 30 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AL (the
     "Manager").
      -------

NOW IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:

1.  Interpretation
    --------------

(1)  In this Agreement:

     "Board"
      -----

     means the Board of Directors of the Company, or a committee thereof or
     (where the context so admits) a Director of the Company, duly authorised;

     "IMRO"
      ----

     means the Investment Management Regulatory Organisation Limited or its
     successors from time to time;

     "IMRO Rules"
      ----------

     means the rules of IMRO from time to time applicable;

     "Investments"
      -----------

     includes any asset, right or interest falling within any paragraph in Part
     I of Schedule I to the Financial Services Act 1986 and any other asset,
     right or interest in respect of property of any kind and, without prejudice
     to the foregoing, wherever situate and whether or not producing income;

     "Portfolio"
      ---------

     means the Investments from time to time owned by the Company;

     "Secondment Services Agreement"
      -----------------------------

     means an Agreement made on or about the same date as this agreement between
     the Company, Growth Investment Management Limited ("GIM") and Christopher
     Harwood Bernard Mills;

                                     -57-
<PAGE>

     "Stock Exchange"
      --------------

     means The International Stock Exchange of the United Kingdom and the
     Republic of Ireland Limited;

     "subsidiary"
      ----------

     shall have the meaning ascribed thereto by Section 736 of the Companies Act
     1985.

(2)  References to persons include bodies corporate and unincorporated
     associations and references to companies include any bodies corporate.

(3)  Any reference to a statutory provision includes any statutory modification
     or re-enactment of it for the time being in force.

(4)  Subclauses (1) to (3) above apply unless the contrary intention appears.

(5)  The headings in this Agreement do not affect its construction.

(6)  References to amounts payable by the Company shall be exclusive of value
     added tax thereon so that value added tax shall be payable in addition if
     and to the extent chargeable.

2.   Appointment
     -----------

     The Company hereby appoints the Manager to be the investment manager and
     administrator of the Company to provide the services and facilities
     mentioned below with effect from the date of execution of this Agreement,
     such appointment to continue (unless previously terminated under Clause 11
     below) until terminated by either party upon the expiry of not less than 12
     months' written notice given to the other.

3.   Investment Management
     ---------------------

(1)  The Manager shall undertake with regard to such Investments as may from
     time to time be notified to and agreed with the Manager (the "Relevant
     Investments"), the duties normally performed by investment managers,
     subject to the policy directions and overall guidelines from time to time
     notified to the Manager by the Board, and in particular but without in any
     way prejudicing the generality of the foregoing shall on behalf of the
     Company:

     (a)  keep under constant review the Relevant Investments from time to time
          held by the Company;

                                     -58-
<PAGE>

     (b)  be entitled (at its absolute discretion and without obtaining the
          prior written permission of the Company) to withdraw deposits, to
          effect purchases and sales and other transactions in respect of
          Relevant Investments and subscriptions to issues of Relevant
          Investments, to enter into underwriting commitments in relation to
          Relevant Investments on behalf of the Company and otherwise to invest,
          realise and re-invest the Portfolio in relation to Relevant
          Investments and exercise all rights attaching to Relevant Investments
          comprised therein and in each such case to charge the amounts payable
          to the Portfolio;

     (c)  search out and evaluate investment opportunities in Relevant
          Investments for the Company;

     (d)  analyse the progress of companies in which the Company has made
          Relevant Investments;

     (e)  submit to the Board such reports and information regarding Relevant
          Investments as the Board shall reasonably require; and

     (f)  recommend to the Board any future developments or changes to the
          investment policy of the Company which the Manager may consider to be
          advisable.

(2)  The Board shall procure that Christopher Mills consults with the Manager
     prior to making investment decisions on behalf of the Company relating to
     unlisted investments. If the Manager objects to any such investment
     decision by Christopher Mills it may notify the Board and the Board shall
     use reasonable endeavours to convene a Board Meeting to consider the matter
     prior to the proposed investment decision being implemented.

4.   Administration and other facilities
     -----------------------------------

     The Manager shall provide the Company with the following services and
     facilities:

     (a)  office facilities at 30 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AL or such
          other office as may be agreed by the Company with the Manager and such
          office shall be used as the registered and principal office of the
          Company and there shall be available there a suitable room (upon the
          giving of not less than five days' prior notice or such shorter notice
          as may be agreed from time to time) for the holding of meetings of the
          Board but nothing in this Agreement shall be construed, or have effect
          as constituting the relationship of landlord and tenant between the
          Manager and the Company and the Company shall be a bare licensee of
          the Manager;

     (b)  all financial, accountancy, secretarial, clerical and other
          administrative services of any kind necessary for the conduct of the
          affairs of the Company;

                                     -59-
<PAGE>

     (c)  keeping on behalf of the Company such books, records and statements to
          give a complete record of all transactions carried out by the Company
          in relation to the investment, realisation and re-investment of the
          Portfolio and such other books, records and statements as may be
          required to give a complete record of all other transactions carried
          out by the Company and as will enable the Company to publish yearly
          and half-yearly the report and accounts of the Company as required by
          the regulations of The Stock Exchange;

     (d)  acting as Secretary to the Company, attending all meetings of the
          Board and performing all the duties reasonably expected of a Company
          Secretary including liaison with The Stock Exchange, preparation and
          delivery of returns of The Registrar of Companies and the maintenance
          of all statutory books other than the register of members;

     (e)  all necessary equipment and personnel with a proper and adequate
          standard of proficiency and experience to enable the Manager to carry
          out its functions under this Agreement; and

     (f)  the Manager shall permit such of its employees (if any) as the Company
          may reasonably request to be Directors of the Company.

5.   Ancillary Powers of Manager
     ---------------------------

     The Manager may on behalf of the Company in respect of Relevant
Investments:

     (a)  issue orders and instructions to the Company's bankers and custodians
          with respect to the disposition of securities and moneys of the
          Company provided always that any such disposition shall at all times
          be subject to and effected in accordance with the arrangements for the
          time being in force between the Company and its bankers and
          custodians;

     (b)  exercise any voting rights attached to the securities included in the
          Investments in pursuance of the policy agreed and established by the
          Board from time to time; and

     (c)  issue instructions to and consult the auditors and legal advisers of
          the Company regarding any matter or thing relating to Investments
          including (where the Board thinks fit) institution of legal
          proceedings.

6.   Further obligations of the Manager
     ----------------------------------

(1)  The Manager shall, and shall procure that its representatives, employees
     and delegates shall, obey and comply with all lawful orders and directions
     in relation to the Manager's obligations under this Agreement given to it
     or them from time to time by

                                     -60-
<PAGE>

     the Board and shall observe and comply with the Memorandum and Articles of
     Association of the Company as from time to time amended and with all
     resolutions of the Board or the Company of which they are informed.

(2)  In particular, all activities engaged in by the Manager or any
     representative, employee or delegate of the Manager on behalf of the
     Company shall at all times be subject to the overall control of and review
     by the Board and without limiting the generality of the foregoing the Board
     shall set out the investment policy of the Company specifying the manner in
     which it wishes the Manager to give effect to such policies.

(3)  The Board shall instruct the Manager as to the exercise of the voting
     rights attached to the securities in the Portfolio and may:

     (a)  prohibit the Manager from investing for the account of the Company in
          any particular security or class of securities;

     (b)  require the Manager to sell any security or class of securities or
          (subject to the availability of funds) to purchase any security or
          class of securities; and

     (c)  withdraw any part of the assets of the Company from the management of
          the Manager (but without thereby reducing the fee payable to the
          Manager under this Agreement) for any reason whatsoever.

7.   Custody
     -------

     (1)  Unless it receives contrary instructions from the Company, the Manager
          shall make arrangements for the safekeeping of all cash, securities or
          other assets in the Portfolio for the account of the Company in
          accordance with this Clause 7 provided that the obligations of the
          Manager under this Clause 7 shall not apply in relation to any cash or
          other assets of the Company until the cash or assets concerned have
          been made available to the Manager following execution of this
          Agreement. Insofar as the Manager holds assets comprised in the
          Portfolio (or documents of title relating to such assets), it shall do
          so separately from its own assets and on trust for the Company.

(2)  The Manager shall arrange for (i) any uninvested cash to be held in the
     Company's name in one or more accounts with Bank of Scotland or other first
     class banks approved by the Company and (ii) all securities to be held in
     custody accounts in the Company's name at Bank of Scotland or other
     reputable custodians approved by the Company.

(3)  The Manager shall make arrangements for:

     (a)  the collection of all income and principal with respect to the
          Portfolio and credit cash receipts to the bank accounts referred
          to above;

                                     -61-
<PAGE>

     (b)  the exchange of securities where the exchange is purely ministerial
          (including the exchange of temporary securities for those in
          definitive form and the exchange of warrants for, or other documents
          of entitlement to securities for, the securities themselves);

     (c)  the surrender of securities at maturity or when called for redemption
          against payment therefor.

(4)  The Manager shall notify any bank or custodian holding property comprised
     in the Portfolio that it is not the Manager's property.

(5)  The Manager shall have no right of lien or set-off or any right of
     retention with respect to any Investments held in the Portfolio.

(6)  All proxies or similar requests for consent and all notices (other than of
     a routine or immaterial nature) received by the manager relating to
     securities held in the Portfolio are to be forwarded to the Company or are
     to be dealt with in accordance with instructions given by the Company from
     time to time.

8.   Management charge and expenses
     ------------------------------

(1)  The Company shall pay to the Manager in respect of each financial period of
     the Company a fee for its services the amount of which shall be equal to
     the difference between (a) 1% of Shareholders Funds (as defined in the
     Secondment Services Agreement in its original form) of the Company and its
     subsidiaries on the last day of the preceding financial period of the
     Company and (b) the amount of the Fee payable to GIM pursuant to Clause
     5(1) of the Secondment Services Agreement in respect of that financial
     period provided that the amount of the fee payable to the Manager pursuant
     to this sub-clause in respect of any financial period of the Company shall
     not be less than (Pounds)75,000.

(2)  In addition, the Company shall pay to the Manager a transaction fee of
     (Pounds)200 per transaction effected for the Portfolio by the Manager, as
     evidenced by a contract note.

(3)  The Company shall bear the expenses of any kind incurred by or on behalf of
     the Manager in the carrying out of its duties and the provision of services
     and facilities hereunder, save for telex, telephone and other routine
     communication charges and the costs of providing normal office
     accommodation and secretarial and clerical staff for the normal performance
     of those duties.

(4)  The fee payable pursuant to sub-clause (1) of this Clause 8 shall be paid
     to the Manager by the Company (unless otherwise agreed) in quarterly
     instalments in arrears on 30th April, 31st July, 31st October and 31st
     January in each year (in this sub-clause referred to as "Payment Dates")
     but if the amount of the fee in respect of any financial period is

                                     -62-
<PAGE>

     not ascertained by 30th April in that financial period, the Company shall
     pay to the Manager (Pounds)18,750 on each of the Payment Dates and upon the
     amount of the fee being ascertained the Company shall pay any further
     amount due to the Manager in equal instalments on the Payment Dates
     provided that any instalment in respect of a Payment Date that has already
     passed shall be immediately payable to the Manager (and a pro rata fee
     shall be payable for any part of a quarter for which this Agreement is in
     force).

(5)  The Manager shall also be entitled to additional fees, calculated on a time
     basis, for services provided in connection with any transactions involving
     the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries outside the ordinary course of
     business including in particular any issue of shares, debentures or other
     securities or any reorganisation, redemption, consolidation, sub-division
     or other alteration of capital or any takeover, acquisition or disposal of
     or by the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries.

(6)  An amount equal to any amount payable to the Manager pursuant to this
     Clause shall be paid by the Company to the Manager promptly after delivery
     to the Company by the Manager of an invoice giving reasonable details in
     respect thereof.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager shall be
     entitled, without delivery of an invoice as aforesaid, to charge any such
     amount to the Portfolio subject to notifying the Company in writing of the
     amount thereof promptly thereafter.

9.   Subsidiaries
     ------------

     If the Company has at any time one or more subsidiaries then, unless
     otherwise directed by the Board, the Manager shall in addition provide the
     same services to such subsidiaries as it provides hereunder to the Company.

10.  Freedom to act
     --------------

     The services of the Manager to the Company under this Agreement shall not
     be exclusive and the Manager shall be free to render similar services to
     others and nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Manager from having
     dealings with or on behalf of the Company either on its own account or on
     account of its clients or others or make it accountable to the Company in
     respect of any product or commission from any such dealings.

11.  Termination
     -----------

(1)  If:

     (a)  either party shall commit any substantial or continuing material
          breach of this Agreement and (where such breach is capable of remedy)
          fail to remedy such a breach within thirty days of being given written
          notice of it by the other party; or
<PAGE>

     (b)  either party shall have a receiver or administrator appointed over the
          whole or any party of their assets or a resolution is passed or an
          order made for the winding-up of such party other than as mentioned in
          sub-clause (2) below;

     the other party shall be entitled to terminate the appointment under this
     Agreement forthwith by giving written notice of termination to such party.

(2)  On termination of the appointment of the Manager, the Manager shall be
     entitled to receive all fees and other money accrued due up to the date of
     such termination but shall not be entitled to compensation in respect of
     termination (except where such appointment is terminated by the Manager in
     accordance with sub-clause (1)(a) of this Clause or by the Company in
     breach of Clause 2) and the Manager shall deliver to the Company or as it
     shall direct, all books of account, records, registers, correspondence,
     documents and assets belonging to the Company or any subsidiary in
     possession of or under the control of the Manager and take all necessary
     steps to vest in the Company any assets previously held in the name of or
     to the order of the Manager on behalf of the Company or any subsidiary.

(3)  The Manager shall also be entitled to terminate its appointment on giving
     four months' notice to the Company if either the Board fails to procure
     that Christopher Mills consults with the Manager in accordance with Clause
     3(2) or if the Manager has objected to an investment proposed by
     Christopher Mills and has given notice to the Board under Clause 3(2), but
     the Board has approved the proposal.

12.  Confidentiality and records
     ---------------------------

(1)  Neither party shall during the continuance of this Agreement or after its
     termination disclose to any person, firm or company whatsoever (except with
     the authority of the other party or unless ordered to do so by The Stock
     Exchange, the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers or by a regulatory body or
     court of competent jurisdiction) any information relating to the business,
     Portfolio, finances or other matters of a confidential nature of the other
     party of which it may in the course of its duties under this Agreement or
     otherwise become possessed and each party shall use all reasonable
     endeavours to prevent any such disclosure.

(2)  All books, statistical records, accounts, contract notes, correspondence
     and other documents relating to the business and affairs of the Company
     shall be the exclusive property of the Company and the Manager shall when
     reasonably requested produce the same to the Company or its employees,
     agents or auditors together with any information within the knowledge of
     the Manager in relation thereto.

13.  Reports and valuations
     ----------------------

                                     -64-
<PAGE>

(1)  The Manager shall provide the Company with regular monthly statements and
     valuations in respect of the Portfolio as at dates selected by the Company
     provided that the Company shall supply valuations to the Manager in respect
     of unlisted investments (not being Relevant Investments).  The valuations
     provided by the manager shall be in accordance with procedures and on a
     basis reviewed by the Company's auditors and as required by law or the
     regulations of The Stock Exchange.  The reference currency will be pounds
     sterling for such documents.

(2)  Statements of the contents of the Portfolio prepared in accordance with the
     IMRO Rules will be provided on a quarterly basis in respect of quarterly
     periods of account.

14.  Notices
     -------

     Any notice to be given under this Agreement may be served personally or by
     post at the registered office of the party to be served and in the case of
     service of first class post shall be deemed duly served twenty-four hours
     after posting and proof of posting shall be proof of delivery.

15.  Liability and Indemnity
     -----------------------

(1)  Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Manager shall be under no
     liability to the Company for any loss, costs or damages which may arise in
     connection with the conduct of its duties hereunder or the custody of the
     Investments or for any depreciation in the value of any Investments or
     their safe custody unless due to wilful default or negligence on its part.

(2)  The Company shall indemnify the Manager and keep it indemnified against any
     costs, claims, demands or proceedings made by any person and in any way
     arising from its appointment hereunder unless due to wilful default or
     negligence on its part.  The Manager agrees promptly to inform the Company
     in writing of any event which comes to its notice as a result of which the
     Company might become liable to indemnify the Manager under this Clause.

16.  Assignment
     ----------

     Neither party hereto shall be entitled to assign or otherwise part with any
     interest in this Agreement unless the prior written consent of the other
     has been obtained except that, if either party transfers the whole or a
     substantial part of its undertaking and property to another company as part
     of a reconstruction or amalgamation, that party may by written notice to
     the other transfer all its rights and obligations under this Agreement to
     that other company.

17.  Governing law
     -------------

                                     -65-
<PAGE>

     This Agreement is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the
     laws of England to the jurisdiction of whose Courts the parties irrevocably
     submit.

IN WITNESS of which each of the parties has executed this Agreement on the date
first mentioned on page 1.

SIGNED by H. Gittes      )
                         )   /s/ H. Gittes
on behalf of CONSOLIDATED)
VENTURE TRUST PLC in the )
presence of:             )

SIGNED by R.C.O. Hellyer )
                         )   /s/ R.C.O. Hellyer
on behalf of J O HAMBRO &)
PARTNERS LIMITED         )
in the presence of:      )

                                     -66-

<PAGE>

                          ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT
                             AND CUSTODY AGREEMENT

                                    BETWEEN
                          AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY TRUST
                           AND J O HAMBRO & PARTNERS

                                      -67-
<PAGE>

                            Dated 7th January 1993
                            ----------------------



                        LEVERAGED OPPORTUNITY TRUST PLC

                                      and

                         J O HAMBRO & PARTNERS LIMITED



               ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT AND CUSTODY AGREEMENT



                                 Allen & Overy
                                    London

                                      -68-
<PAGE>

THIS AGREEMENT is made on 7th January 1993 BETWEEN:

(1)  LEVERAGED OPPORTUNITY TRUST PLC of 11 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YR
     (the "Company"); and
           -------

(2)  J O HAMBRO & PARTNERS LIMITED of 30 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AL (the
     "Manager").
      -------

NOW IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:

1.   Interpretation
     --------------

(1)  In this Agreement:

     "Board"
      -----

     means the Board of Directors of the Company, or a committee thereof or
     (where the context so admits) a Director of the Company, duly authorized;

     "IMRO"
      ----

     means the Investment Management Regulatory Organization Limited or its
     successors from time to time;

     "IMRO Rules"
      ----------

     means the rules of IMRO from time to time applicable;

     "Investments"
      -----------

     includes any asset, right or interest falling within any paragraph in Part
     I of Schedule I to the Financial Services Act 1986 and any other asset,
     right or interest in respect of property of any kind and, without prejudice
     to the foregoing, wherever situate and whether or not producing income;

     "Portfolio"
      ---------

     means the Investments from time to time owned by the Company;

     "Stock Exchange"
      --------------

     means The International Stock Exchange of the United Kingdom and the
     Republic of Ireland Limited;

                                      -69-
<PAGE>

     "subsidiary"
      ----------

     shall have the meaning ascribed thereto by Section 736 of the Companies Act
     1985.

(2)  References to persons include bodies corporate and unincorporated
     associations and references to companies include any bodies corporate.

(3)  Any reference to a statutory provision includes any statutory modification
     or re-enactment of it for the time being in force.

(4)  Subclauses (1) to (3) above apply unless the contrary intention appears.

(5)  The headings in this Agreement do not affect its construction.

(6)  References to amounts payable by the Company shall be exclusive of value
     added tax thereon so that value added tax shall be payable in addition if
     and to the extent chargeable.

2.   Appointment
     -----------

     The Company hereby appoints the Manager to be the investment manager and
     administrator of the Company to provide the services and facilities
     mentioned below with effect from the date of execution of this Agreement,
     such appointment to continue (unless previously terminated under Clause 11
     below) until terminated by either party upon the expiry of not less than
     two years' written notice given to the other.

3.   Investment Management
     ---------------------

(1)  The Manager shall undertake with regard to such Investments as may from
     time to time be notified to and agreed with the Manager (the "Relevant
     Investments"), the duties normally performed by investment managers,
     subject to the policy directions and overall guidelines from time to time
     notified to the Manager by the Board, and in particular but without in any
     way prejudicing the generality of the foregoing shall on behalf of the
     Company:

     (a)  keep under constant review the Relevant Investments from time to time
          held by the Company;

     (b)  be entitled (at its absolute discretion and without obtaining the
          prior written permission of the Company) to withdraw deposits, to
          effect purchases and sales and other transactions in respect of
          Relevant Investments and subscriptions to issues of Relevant
          Investments, to enter into underwriting commitments in relation to
          Relevant Investments on behalf of the Company and otherwise to invest,
          realise and re-invest the Portfolio in relation to Relevant
          Instruments and

                                      -70-
<PAGE>

          exercise all rights attaching to Relevant Investments comprised
          therein and in each such case to charge the amounts payable to the
          Portfolio;

     (c)  search out and evaluate investment opportunities in Relevant
          Investments for the Company;

     (d)  analyse the progress of companies in which the Company has made
          Relevant Investments;

     (e)  submit to the Board such reports and information regarding Relevant
          Investments as the Board shall reasonably require; and

     (f)  recommend to the Board any future developments or changes to the
          investment policy of the Company which the Manager may consider to be
          advisable.

(2)  The Board shall procure that Christopher Mills consults with the Manager
     prior to making investment decisions on behalf of the Company relating to
     unlisted investments. If the Manager objects to any such investment
     decisions proposed by Christopher Mills it may notify the Board and the
     Board shall use reasonable endeavours to convene a Board meeting to
     consider the matter prior to the proposed investment decision being
     implemented.

4.   Administration and other facilities
     -----------------------------------

     The Manager shall provide the Company with the following services and
     facilities:

     (a)  office facilities at 30 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AL or such
          other office as may be agreed by the Company with the Manager and such
          office shall be used as the registered and principal office of the
          Company and there shall be available there a suitable room (upon the
          giving of not less than five days' prior notice or such shorter notice
          as may be agreed from time to time) for the holding of meetings of the
          Board but nothing in this Agreement shall be construed or have effect
          as constituting the relationship of landlord and tenant between the
          Manger and the Company and the Company shall be a bare licensee of the
          Manager;

     (b)  all financial, accountancy, secretarial, clerical and other
          administrative services of any kind necessary for the conduct of the
          affairs of the Company;

     (c)  keeping on behalf of the Company such books, records and statements to
          give a complete record of all transactions carried out by the Company
          in relation to the investment, realisation and re-investment of the
          Portfolio and such other books, records and statements as may be
          required to give a complete record of all other transactions carried
          out by the Company and as will enable the Company to

                                      -71-
<PAGE>

          publish yearly and half-yearly the report and accounts of the Company
          as required by the regulations of The Stock Exchange;

     (d)  acting as Secretary to the Company, attending all meetings of the
          Board and performing all the duties reasonably expected of a Company
          Secretary including liaison with The Stock Exchange, preparation and
          delivery of returns of The Registrar of Companies and the maintenance
          of all statutory books other than the register of members;

     (e)  all necessary equipment and personnel with a proper and adequate
          standard of proficiency and experience to enable the Manger to carry
          out its functions under this Agreement; and

     (f)  the Manager shall permit such of its employees (if any) as the Company
          may reasonably request to be Directors of the Company.

5.   Ancillary Powers of Manager
     ---------------------------

     The Manager may on behalf of the Company in respect of Relevant
     Investments:

     (a)  issue orders and instructions to the Company's bankers and custodians
          with respect to the disposition of securities and moneys of the
          Company provided always that any such disposition shall at all times
          be subject to and effected in accordance with the arrangements for the
          time being in force between the Company and its bankers and
          custodians;

     (b)  exercise any voting rights attached to the securities included in the
          Investments in pursuance of the policy agreed and established by the
          Board from time to time; and

     (c)  issue instructions to and consult the auditors and legal advisers of
          the Company regarding any matter or thing relating to Investments
          including (where the Board thinks fit) institution of legal
          proceedings.

6.   Further obligations of the Manager
     ----------------------------------

(1)  The Manager shall, and shall procure that its representatives, employees
     and delegates shall, obey and comply with all lawful orders and directions
     in relation to the Manager's obligations under this Agreement given to it
     or them from time to time by the Board and shall observe and comply with
     the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company as from time to
     time amended and with all resolutions of the Board or the Company of which
     they are informed.

                                      -72-
<PAGE>

(2)  In particular, all activities engaged in by the Manager or any
     representative, employee or delegate of the Manager on behalf of the
     Company shall at all times be subject to the overall control of and review
     by the Board and without limiting the generality of the foregoing the Board
     shall set out the investment policy of the Company specifying the manner in
     which it wishes the Manger to give effect to such policies.

(3)  The Board shall instruct the Manager as to the exercise of the voting
     rights attached to the securities in the Portfolio and may:

     (a)  prohibit the Manager from investing for the account of the Company in
          any particular security or class of securities;

     (b)  require the Manager to sell any security or class of securities or
          (subject to the availability of funds) to purchase any security or
          class of securities; and

     (c)  withdraw any part of the assets of the Company from the management of
          the Manager (but without thereby reducing the fee payable to the
          Manager under this Agreement) for any reason whatsoever.

7.   Custody
     -------

(1)  Unless it receives contrary instructions from the Company, the Manager
     shall make arrangements for the safekeeping of all cash, securities or
     other assets in the Portfolio for the account of the Company in accordance
     with this Clause 7 provided that the obligations of the Manager under this
     Clause 7 shall not apply in relation to any cash or other assets of the
     Company until the cash or assets concerned have been made available to the
     Manager following execution of this Agreement.  Insofar as the Manager
     holds assets comprised in the Portfolio (or documents of title relating to
     such assets), it shall do so separately from its own assets and on trust
     for the Company.

(2)  The Manager shall arrange for (i) any uninvested cash to be held in the
     Company's name in one or more accounts with Bank of Scotland or other first
     class banks approved by the Company and (ii) all securities to be held in
     custody accounts in the Company's name at Bank of Scotland or other
     reputable custodians approved by the Company.

(3)  The Manager shall make arrangements for:

     (a)  the collection of all income and principal with respect to the
          Portfolio and credit cash receipts to the bank accounts referred to
          above;

     (b)  the exchange of securities where the exchange is purely ministerial
          (including the exchange of temporary securities for those in
          definitive form and the exchange of warrants for, or other documents
          of entitlement to securities for, the securities themselves);

                                      -73-
<PAGE>

     (c)  the surrender of securities at maturity or when called for redemption
          against payment therefor.

(4)  The Manager shall notify any bank or custodian holding property comprised
     in the Portfolio that it is not the Manager's property.

(5)  The Manager shall have no right of lien or set-off or any right of
     retention with respect to any Investments held in the Portfolio.

(6)  All proxies or similar requests for consent and all notices (other than of
     a routine or immaterial nature) received by the Manager relating to
     securities held in the Portfolio are to be forwarded to the Company or are
     to be dealt with in accordance with instructions given by the Company from
     time to time.

8.   Management charge and expenses
     ------------------------------

(1)  The Company shall pay to the Manager as remuneration for the provision of
     its services hereunder a fee payable annually in arrears on 31st December
     in each year and calculated at the rate of 0.25 per cent per annum (plus
     value added tax) by reference to the Net  Asset Value (calculated on a
     gross assets basis) as at 30th September, the first such payment, being a
     pro rata part of the annual fee, to be made on 31st December 1993 in
     respect of the period from the date of this Agreement to 30th September,
     1993. On termination of this Agreement a pro rata fee shall be payable for
     any part of the year to 30th September for which this Agreement is in
     force, payable on the 31st December next following termination.

(2)  The Company shall bear the expenses of any kind incurred by or on behalf of
     the Manager in the carrying out of its duties and the provision of services
     and facilities hereunder, save for telex, telephone and other routine
     communication charges and the costs of providing normal office
     accommodation and secretarial and clerical staff for the normal performance
     of those duties.

(3)  The Manager shall also be entitled to additional fees, calculated on a time
     basis, for services provided in connection with any transactions involving
     the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries outside the ordinary course of
     business including in particular any issue of shares, debentures or other
     securities or any reorganization, redemption, consolidation, sub-division
     or other alteration of capital or any takeover, acquisition or disposal of
     or by the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries.

(4)  An amount equal to any amount payable to the Manager pursuant to this
     Clause shall be paid by the Company to the Manager promptly after delivery
     to the Company by the Manager of an invoice giving reasonable details in
     respect thereof.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager shall be
     entitled, without delivery of an invoice as aforesaid, to

                                      -74-
<PAGE>

     charge any such amount to the Portfolio subject to notifying the Company in
     writing of the amount promptly thereafter.

(5)  For the purpose of this Clause 8 "Net Asset Value" shall mean the amount of
     the fixed and current tangible assets of the Company (other than shares in
     its subsidiaries) and its subsidiaries after deducting therefrom an amount
     equal to the current liabilities and the borrowings or other indebtedness
     in the nature of borrowings (except for borrowings repayable after an
     initial term of more than three years) of the Company and its subsidiaries
     as reasonably determined by the Manager.

9.   Subsidiaries
     ------------

     If the Company has at any time one or more subsidiaries then, unless
     otherwise directed by the Board, the Manager shall in addition provide the
     same services to such subsidiaries as it provides hereunder to the Company.

10.  Freedom to act
     --------------

     The services of the Manager to the Company under this Agreement shall not
     be exclusive and the Manager shall be free to render similar services to
     others and nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Manager from having
     dealings with or on behalf of the Company either on its own account or on
     account of its clients or others or make it accountable to the Company in
     respect of any profit or commission from any such dealings.

11.  Termination
     -----------

(1)  If:

     (a)  either party shall commit any substantial or continuing material
          breach of this Agreement and (where such breach is capable of remedy)
          fail to remedy such a breach within thirty days of being given written
          notice of it by the other party; or

     (b)  either party shall have a receiver or administrator appointed over the
          whole or any part of their assets or a resolution is passed or an
          order made for the winding-up of such party other than as mentioned in
          sub-clause (2) below,

     the other party shall be entitled to terminate the appointment under this
     Agreement forthwith by giving written notice of termination to such party.

(2)  On termination of the appointment of the Manager, the Manager shall be
     entitled to receive all fees and other money accrued due up to the date of
     such termination but shall not be entitled to compensation in respect of
     termination (except where such

                                      -75-
<PAGE>

     appointment is terminated by the Manager in accordance with sub-clause
     (1)(a) of this Clause or by the Company in breach of Clause 2) and the
     Manager shall deliver to the Company or as it shall direct, all books of
     account, records, registers, correspondence, documents and assets belonging
     to the Company or any subsidiary in possession of or under the control of
     the Manager and take all necessary steps to vest in the Company any assets
     previously held in the name of or to the order of the Manager on behalf of
     the Company or any subsidiary.

(3)  The Manager shall also be entitled to terminate its appointment on giving
     four months' notice to the Company if either the Board fails to procure
     that Christopher Mills consults with the Manager in accordance with Clause
     3(2) or if the Manager has objected to an investment proposed by
     Christopher Mills and has given notice to the Board under Clause 3(2), but
     the Board has approved the proposal.

12.  Confidentiality and records
     ---------------------------

(1)  Neither party shall during the continuance of this Agreement or after its
     termination disclose to any person, firm or company whatsoever (except with
     the authority of the other party or unless ordered to do so by The Stock
     Exchange, the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers or by a regulatory body or
     court of competent jurisdiction) any information relating to the business,
     Portfolio, finances or other matters of a confidential nature of the other
     party of which it may in the course of its duties under this Agreement or
     otherwise become possessed and each party shall use all reasonable
     endeavors to prevent any such disclosure.

(2)  All books, statistical records, accounts, contract notes, correspondence
     and other documents relating to the business and affairs of the Company
     shall be the exclusive property of the Company and the Manager shall when
     reasonably requested produce the same to the Company or its employees,
     agents or auditors together with any information within the knowledge of
     the Manager in relation thereto.

13.  Reports and valuations
     ----------------------

(1)  The Manager shall provide the Company with regular monthly statements and
     valuations in respect of the Portfolio as at dates selected by the Company
     provided that the Company shall supply valuations to the Manager in respect
     of unlisted investments (not being Relevant Investments).  The valuations
     provided by the Manager shall be in accordance with procedures and on a
     basis reviewed by the Company's auditors and as required by law or the
     regulations of The Stock Exchange.  The reference currency will be pounds
     sterling for such documents.

(2)  Statements of the contents for the Portfolio prepared in accordance with
     the IMRO Rules will be provided on a quarterly basis in respect of
     quarterly periods of account.

                                      -76-
<PAGE>

14.  Notices
     -------

     Any notice to be given under this Agreement may be served personally or by
     post at the registered office of the party to be served and in the case of
     service of first class post shall be deemed duly served twenty-four hours
     after posting and proof of posting shall be proof of delivery.

15.  Liability and Indemnity
     -----------------------

(1)  Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Manager shall be under no
     liability to the Company for any loss, costs or damages which may arise in
     connection with the conduct of its duties hereunder or the custody of the
     Investments or for any depreciation in the value of any Investments or
     their safe custody unless due to wilful default or negligence on its part.

(2)  The Company shall indemnify the Manager and keep it indemnified against any
     costs, claims, demands or proceedings made by any person and in any way
     arising from its appointment hereunder unless due to wilful default or
     negligence on its part.  The Manager agrees promptly to inform the Company
     in writing of any event which comes to its notice as a result of which the
     Company might become liable to indemnify the Manager under this Clause.

                                      -77-
<PAGE>

16.  Assignment
     ----------

     Neither party hereto shall be entitled to assign or otherwise part with any
     interest in this Agreement unless the prior written consent of the other
     has been obtained except that, if either party transfers the whole or a
     substantial part of its undertaking and property to another company as part
     of a reconstruction or amalgamation, that party may by written notice to
     the other transfer all its rights and obligations under this  Agreement to
     that other company.

17.  Governing law
     -------------

     This Agreement is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the
     laws of England to the jurisdiction of whose Courts the parties irrevocably
     submit.

IN WITNESS of which each of the parties has executed this Agreement on the date
first mentioned on page 1.

SIGNED by  J.J. Nelson           )
                                 )    /s/ James J. Nelson
on behalf of                     )
LEVERAGED OPPORTUNITY TRUST PLC  )
in the presence of:              )




SIGNED by R.C.O. Hellyer         )
                                 )    /s/ R.C.O. Hellyer
on behalf of                     )
J O HAMBRO & PARTNERS LIMITED    )
in the presence of:              )

                                      -78-

<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


                                     -79-
<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------

This general Power of Attorney is made this ninth day of July 1997 by
Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills.

I hereby appoint Claudia Margaret Cecil Perkins of 10 Park Place, London SW1A
1LP to be my attorney whereby she is empowered to sign on my behalf all
documents required for the proper conduct of the businesses of J O Hambro &
Partners Limited, North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust Plc and its
subsidiaries, American Opportunity Trust PLC and its subsidiaries, Growth
Financial Services Limited and Eveswise Ltd Retirement & Death Scheme.  This
Power shall include but not be limited to authorising all statutory, regulatory
and other legal submissions which may be required to be made by any of the above
companies.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first
above written:



Signed, Sealed and Delivered     )
By the above named               )   /s/ Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills
CHRISTOPHER HARWOOD BERNARD MILLS)
in the presence of:              )

                                 Maureen O'Hara
                                 10 Park Place
                                 London
                                 SW1A 1LP

                                     -80-

<PAGE>

                            JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

                                     -81-
<PAGE>

                            JOINT FILING AGREEMENT
                            ----------------------


     The undersigned hereby agree to the Statement on Schedule 13D dated April
13, 2000 with respect to the shares of common stock, par value $.10, of Scott
Technologies, Inc. and any further amendments thereto executed by each or any of
us shall be filed on behalf of each of us pursuant to and in accordance with the
provisions of Rule 13d-1(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

     This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same
instrument.


Date:  April 13, 2000         J O HAMBRO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
                              (HOLDINGS) LIMITED

                              By: /s/ R.G. Barrett
                                 ________________________________________
                                 Name:   R.G. Barrett
                                 Title:  Director

Date:  April 13, 2000         J O HAMBRO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
                              LIMITED

                              By: /s/ R.G. Barrett
                                 ________________________________________
                                 Name:   R.G. Barrett
                                 Title:  Director

Date:  April 13, 2000         AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY TRUST PLC

                              By:  J O Hambro Capital Management Limited,
                                            Its investment advisor


                              By: /s/ R.G. Barrett
                                 ________________________________________
                                 Name:   R.G. Barrett
                                 Title:  Director

Date:  April 13, 2000         CHRISTOPHER MILLS


                              By: /s/ C.H.B. Mills
                                 ________________________________________
                                 Name:  C.H.B. Mills

                                      82
<PAGE>

Date:  April 13, 2000         THE TRIDENT NORTH ATLANTIC FUND

                              By:  J O Hambro Capital Management Limited,
                                            Its investment advisor


                              By: /s/ R.G. Barrett
                                 -------------------------------
                                 Name:   R.G. Barrett
                                 Title:  Director

Date:  April 13, 2000         GROWTH FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITED


                              By: /s/ C.H.B. Mills
                                 -------------------------------
                                 Name:   C.H.B. Mills
                                 Title:  Director

Date:  April 13, 2000         NORTH ATLANTIC SMALLER COMPANIES
                              INVESTMENT TRUST plc

                              By:  J O Hambro Capital Management Limited,
                                             Its investment advisor


                              By: /s/ R.G. Barrett
                                 -------------------------------
                                 Name:   R.G. Barrett
                                 Title:  Director

Date:  April 13, 2000         ORYX INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
                              LIMITED

                              By:  J O Hambro Capital Management Limited,
                                            Its investment advisor


                              By: /s/ R.G. Barrett
                                 -------------------------------
                                 Name:   R.G. Barrett
                                 Title:  Director

Date:  April 13, 2000         CONSULTA (CHANNEL ISLANDS) LIMITED


                              By: /s/ Barry Carroll
                                 -------------------------------
                                 Name: Barry Carroll
                                 Title:  Director
<PAGE>

                              April 13, 2000



Securities and Exchange Commission
50 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549

     Re:  Scott Technologies, Inc.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     Transmitted herewith for filing pursuant to Rule 13d-1 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is initial filing of the Schedule 13D of J O
Hambro Capital Management (Holdings) Limited, J O Hambro Capital Management
Limited, Christopher Harwood Bernard Mills, American Opportunity Trust plc, The
Trident North Atlantic Fund, Growth Financial Services, North Atlantic Smaller
Companies Investment Trust plc, Oryx International Growth Fund Limited, and
Consulta (Channel Islands) Limited relating to the Common Stock, par value $.10,
of Scott Technologies, Inc.

     If you have any questions about this filing, please contact the undersigned
of Steven A. Wilcox (617-951-7319) of this office.

                              Very truly yours,


                              /s/ Paul S. Bavier
                              Paul S. Bavier

cc:  Scott Technologies, Inc.
     National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (via EDGAR)
     Steven A. Wilcox, Esq.


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