STRATEGIC DISTRIBUTION INC
8-K, 1997-06-13
MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
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                                  UNITED STATES


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                  F O R M 8 - K

                                 CURRENT REPORT


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


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


         Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 2, 1997


                          STRATEGIC DISTRIBUTION, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                    DELAWARE
                         (State or other jurisdiction of
                         incorporation or organization)

                                     0-5228
                            (Commission file number)

                                   22-1849240
                     (I.R.S. employer identification number)

                              1635-D BUSTLETON PIKE
                           FEASTERVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                                      19047
                                   (Zip Code)

                                 (215) 396-3088
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)





<PAGE>



Item 2.   Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

On June 2, 1997, Strategic Distribution, Inc. (the "Company"), Strategic Supply,
Inc.,  a   wholly-owned   subsidiary   of  the  Company,   ("SSI")  and  Coulson
Technologies,   Inc.,  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  SSI,  ("Coulson")  sold,
conveyed,   transferred  and  assigned  to  DXP  Acquisition,   Inc.,  a  Nevada
corporation ("DXP Acquisition") and wholly-owned  subsidiary of DXP Enterprises,
Inc., a Texas corporation  ("DXP")  substantially all of the assets and business
of SSI and Coulson  (excluding,  however,  the  accounts  receivable  which were
retained by SSI and Coulson).  DXP Acquisition also assumed certain  obligations
and  liabilities  of SSI and Coulson in  connection  with the  disposition.  The
disposition  was made  pursuant  to the  terms of that  certain  Asset  Purchase
Agreement among the Company, SSI, Coulson, DXP Acquisition and DXP dated May 27,
1997. Total consideration for the acquisition (subject to adjustment)  consisted
of  $4,118,325  in cash,  promissory  notes from DXP  Acquisition  to SSI in the
aggregate  principal amount of $3,029,040 and an earn-out  (contingent  payment)
which could result in additional compensation to SSI up to $3,500,000.

                                       -2-

<PAGE>



Item 7.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a)      Exhibits.

         2.1      Asset Purchase Agreement among Strategic Supply, Inc., Coulson
                  Technologies,  Inc.,  and Strategic  Distribution,  Inc.,  DXP
                  Acquisition, Inc. and DXP Enterprises, Inc. dated May 27, 1997



                                       -3-

<PAGE>



                                    SIGNATURE

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

Date:  June 12, 1997

                                            STRATEGIC DISTRIBUTION, INC.



                                            By:   /s/ Andrew M. Bursky
                                                  -------------------------
                                                  Andrew M. Bursky
                                                  Chairman of the Board



                                            By:   /s/ Charles J. Martin
                                                  -------------------------
                                                  Charles J. Martin
                                                  Vice President, Controller and
                                                  Chief Accounting Officer




                                       -4-



                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                      AMONG

               STRATEGIC SUPPLY, INC., COULSON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
                        AND STRATEGIC DISTRIBUTION, INC.

                                       AND

                 DXP ACQUISITION, INC. AND DXP ENTERPRISES, INC.
                            (PREVIOUSLY INDEX, INC.)


                                      

<PAGE>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Page

<S>     <C>                                                                                                    <C>    

ARTICLE I
         DEFINED TERMS............................................................................................1
         1.1      Definitions.....................................................................................1
         1.2      Other Definitions...............................................................................7

ARTICLE II
         AGREEMENT OF SALE AND PURCHASE...........................................................................7
         2.1      Agreement to Purchase and Sell..................................................................7
         2.2      Purchase Price.................................................................................11
         2.3      Method of Payment..............................................................................16
         2.4      Assumption of Liabilities......................................................................16
         2.5      Instruments of Transfer: Further Assurances....................................................18
         2.6      Value Assigned to the Assets...................................................................18

ARTICLE III
         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES..........................................................................18
         3.1      Representations and Warranties of Seller.......................................................18
         3.2      Representations and Warranties of Purchaser....................................................30

ARTICLE IV
         CONDUCT AND TRANSACTIONS PRIOR TO CLOSING...............................................................32
         4.1      Access to Records and Properties...............................................................32
         4.2      Operation of Seller............................................................................33
         4.3      Consents.......................................................................................33
         4.4      No Public Announcements or Negotiation with Others.............................................33
         4.5      Reasonable Efforts to Satisfy Conditions.......................................................34
         4.6      Bulk Transfer..................................................................................34
         4.7      Change of Seller's Name........................................................................34
         4.8      Vacate Real Property...........................................................................35
         4.9      Title Policy...................................................................................35
         4.10     Accounts Receivable............................................................................35
         4.11     Cooperation on Tax Matters.....................................................................35
         4.12     Inventories....................................................................................36
         4.13     Cancellation of Certain Leases.................................................................36

ARTICLE V
         CONDITIONS OF CLOSING...................................................................................36
         5.1      Conditions of Obligations of Purchaser.........................................................36
         5.2      Conditions of Obligations of Seller and SDI....................................................38

</TABLE>
                                       -i-

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<S>     <C>                                                                                                     <C>   

ARTICLE VI
         CLOSING DATE AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT...............................................................39
         6.1      Closing Date...................................................................................39
         6.2      Termination of Agreement.......................................................................39

ARTICLE VII
         INDEMNIFICATION.........................................................................................40
         7.1      Indemnity......................................................................................40
         7.2      Notice Participation; Duration; Limitations....................................................41
         7.3      INDEMNIFICATION IF NEGLIGENCE OF INDEMNITEE....................................................42
         7.4      Reimbursement..................................................................................42
         7.5      Limited Offset.................................................................................42
         7.6      No Third Party Beneficiaries...................................................................43
         7.7      Guarantee by DXP...............................................................................43

ARTICLE VIII
         MISCELLANEOUS...........................................................................................43
         8.1      Further Actions................................................................................43
         8.2      No Broker......................................................................................43
         8.3      Expenses.......................................................................................43
         8.4      Entire Agreement...............................................................................44
         8.5      Acknowledgment Concerning Representations and Warranties.......................................44
         8.6      Limitation on Representations and Warranties...................................................44
         8.7      Descriptive Headings...........................................................................45
         8.8      Notices........................................................................................45
         8.9      Assignability..................................................................................46
         8.10     Waivers and Amendments.........................................................................46
         8.11     Third Party Rights.............................................................................46
         8.12     Illegalities...................................................................................46
         8.13     Counterparts...................................................................................47
         8.14     Employees......................................................................................47
         8.15     Access to Records..............................................................................47
         8.16     Offset to Subordinated Loan....................................................................48
         8.17     Governing Law..................................................................................48


</TABLE>



                                      -ii-

<PAGE>



                                     ANNEXES

Annex A           Seller's Disclosure Letter
Annex B           Seller's Net Tangible Asset Value as of March 31, 1997


                                    EXHIBITS

2.2(A)(1)         Consideration Note
2.3(A)                     Subordinated Note
2.5.1                      General Conveyance, Transfer and Assignment
2.5.2                      Assumption Agreement
5.1(C)                     Opinion of Counsel to Seller
5.2(C)                     Opinion of Counsel to Purchaser
5.2(D)                     Transition Services Agreement
7.7               Guaranty Agreement


                                    SCHEDULES

3.2(B)            Purchaser's Consents, Approvals, Authorizations, 
                    Waivers and Notices
3.2(F)            Purchaser's Litigation
8.14(A)           Excluded Employees


                                      -iii-

<PAGE>



                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         This Asset  Purchase  Agreement (the  "Agreement")  is made and entered
into May 27, 1997, by and among:

         STRATEGIC SUPPLY, INC. ("Seller"), a Delaware corporation, COULSON
         TECHNOLOGIES, INC. ("Coulson"), a Delaware corporation, STRATEGIC
         DISTRIBUTION, INC. ("SDI"), a Delaware corporation; and

         DXP  ACQUISITION,  INC. doing business as STRATEGIC  ACQUISITION,  INC.
         ("Purchaser" or "Newco"),  a Nevada  corporation,  and DXP ENTERPRISES,
         INC. ("DXP") (previously Index, Inc), a Texas corporation.

                                    RECITALS

         Seller desires to sell to the Purchaser the Business and the Assets (as
hereinafter defined), and Purchaser desires to purchase the Business and Assets,
upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

                                   AGREEMENTS

         In  consideration  of  the  mutual  benefits  to  be  derived  and  the
representations  and warranties,  conditions and promises herein contained,  and
other good and valuable consideration,  the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby  acknowledged,  and  intending to be legally  bound  hereby,  the parties
hereto hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINED TERMS

         1.1 Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement, unless the context
otherwise  requires,  the  following  terms shall have the  respective  meanings
ascribed to them in this Article or in the Sections referred to below:

"Accounts" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(B)(12).

"Affiliate"  means any Person  that,  directly or  indirectly,  controls,  or is
controlled by or under common control with,  another Person. For the purposes of
this  definition,  "control"  (including  the terms  "controlled  by" and "under
common control  with"),  as used with respect to any Person,  means the power to
direct or cause the  direction  of the  management  and policies of such Person,
directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities or by
contract or otherwise.

"Agreement" has the meaning set out in the first paragraph hereof.

                                                        

<PAGE>



"April Balance Sheet" has the meaning set out in Section 3.1(C)(2).

"April Financial Statements" has the meaning set out in Section 3.1(C)(2).

"Assets" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(A).

"Assumed Liabilities" has the meaning set out in Section 2.4(A).

"Assumption Agreement" has the meaning set out in Section 2.5.

"Backlog Orders" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(B)(11).

"Business"  shall mean the  distribution  of industrial and safety  supplies and
maintenance  and repair  operations  and  activities  related  thereto which are
presently conducted by Seller and Coulson.

"Claim" has the meaning set out in Section 7.2(A).

"Closing" has the meaning set out in Section 6.1(A).

"Closing Date" has the meaning set out in Section 6.1(A).

"Closing  Date  Statement  of Net  Assets"  has the  meaning  set out in Section
2.2(B).

"Closing  Inventory" shall mean the Inventory of Seller and Coulson  transferred
hereunder to Purchaser.

"Closing  Receivables" means the outstanding accounts receivable of Seller as of
the Closing Date.

"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

"Commitment" has the meaning set out in Section 4.9.

"Commonly Controlled Entity" has the meaning set out in Section 3.1(J).

"Confidentiality  Agreement" shall mean the  Confidentiality  Agreement  entered
into between  Seller and Purchaser in connection  with the  negotiation  of this
Transaction.

"Consideration Note" has the meaning set out in Section 2.2(A).

"Coulson" has the meaning set forth in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.

"Customer Data" means all of Seller's  customer  lists,  sales records and other
customer data (including credit data) relating to the Business.


                                       -2-

<PAGE>



"Damages" has the meaning set out in Section 7.1(A).

"December Balance Sheet" has the meaning set out in Section 3.1(C)(1).

"December Financial Statements" has the meaning set out in Section 3.1(C)(1).

"Deed" means the special  warranty deed, in form and substance  satisfactory  to
Purchaser,  by which  Seller  shall  transfer  title to the  Owned  Property  to
Purchaser.

"Defined  Benefit Plan" means a defined benefit plan as defined in Section 3(35)
of ERISA.

"Designated Leases" has the meaning set out in Section 4.13.

"DXP" has the meaning set out in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.

"Earn-Out Payment" has the meaning set out in Section 2.2(C)(2)(a).

"Earn-Out Period" has the meaning set out in Section 2.2(C)(2)(b).

"Earn-Out Termination Date" has the meaning set out in Section 2.2(C)(4).

"EBIT" has the meaning set out in Section 2.2(C)(2)(c).

"Effective Time of Closing" has the meaning set out in Section 6.1(B).

"Employees" has the meaning set out in Section 8.14(A).

"Environmental Laws" has the meaning set out in Section 3.1(P).

"Equipment" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(B)(5).

"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

"Estimated Net Tangible Asset Value" has the meaning set out in Section 2.2(A).

"Excluded Assets" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(C).

"Excluded Employees" has the meaning set out in Section 8.14(A).

"Final Earn-Out Period" has the meaning set out in Section 2.2(C)(2)(b).

"Final Net Tangible Asset Value" has the meaning set out in Section 2.2(B).



                                       -3-

<PAGE>



"Financial Statements" has the meaning set out in Section 3.1(C).

"Fixtures and Improvements" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(B)(2).

"GAAP" has the meaning set out in Section 3.1(C).

"General Conveyance, Transfer and Assignment" has the meaning set out in Section
2.5.

"Governmental  Body" means any court or any federal,  state,  municipal or other
governmental department,  commission,  board, bureau, agency or instrumentality,
domestic or foreign.

"HWI  Stock"  means all  shares of  capital  stock  owned by Seller in  Hardware
Wholesale, Inc.

"Indemnitee" has the meaning set out in Section 7.2(A).

"Indemnitor" has the meaning set out in Section 7.2(A).

"Instruments" has the meaning set out in Section 3.1(I).

"Intangible Assets" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(B)(7).

"Inventories" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(B)(10).

"Inventory Realized Amount" has the meaning set out in Section 4.12.

"IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.

"Known" or  "Knowledge"  means  whenever a statement  regarding the existence or
absence of facts in this  Agreement  is  qualified  by a phrase such as "to such
Person's  knowledge"  or "known to such  Person,"  it is intended by the parties
that the  only  information  to be  attributed  to such  Person  is  information
actually known to (a) the Person in the case of an individual or (b) in the case
of Seller, Andrew M. Bursky, Charles Martin, Judd Hicks, Joe Lewis, Jeff Whetzel
or Ted Rieple or (c) in the case of Purchaser  and DXP would mean David  Little,
Jerry Jones, Gary Allcorn and Michael Wappler. Unless otherwise provided in this
Agreement,  no  such  Person  is  represented  to  have  undertaken  a  separate
investigation  in  connection  with  the  transactions  contemplated  hereby  to
determine the existence or absence of facts in any statement qualified by "known
by" or "to the knowledge of" any Person.

"Lien" means all mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, security interests,  pledges,
conditional sale contracts,  claims, rights of first refusal,  options, charges,
liberties, easements, rights-of-way, limitations, reservations, restrictions and
other encumbrances of any kind.



                                       -4-

<PAGE>



"Lufkin  Debt"  means the  indebtedness  of Seller  to Lufkin  Industries,  Inc.
evidenced  by that certain  Promissory  Note dated June 14, 1994 in the original
principal balance of $600,000.

"Material   Adverse  Effect"  means  (a)  any  change,   development  or  effect
(individually or in the aggregate) in the general affairs, management, business,
results of operations,  condition (financial or otherwise),  assets, liabilities
or prospects  (whether or not the result  thereof would be covered by insurance)
that would be  material  and  adverse to Seller and its  subsidiaries,  taken as
whole,  or (b) any  fact  or  development  that  would  (individually  or in the
aggregate)  impair Seller's or Coulson's  ability or obligations to perform on a
timely basis any material obligations it has under this Agreement.

"Net Tangible Asset Value" has the meaning set out in Section 2.2(B).

"Newco" has the meaning set out in the opening  paragraph of this  Agreement and
in Section 2.2(C)(2)(d).

"Operative   Documents"   means  this   Agreement  and  all  other   agreements,
instruments,  documents, and certificates executed and delivered by or on behalf
of Seller, Coulson, SDI, or Purchaser,  DXP at or before the Closing pursuant to
this Agreement.

"Order"  means  any  order,  writ,  injunction,   decree,   judgment,  award  or
determination of any court or Governmental Body.

"Owned Property " has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(B)(1).
"Permits"   means  all   permits,   authorizations,   certificates,   approvals,
registrations,  variances, exemptions,  rights-of-way,  franchises,  privileges,
immunities,  grants,  ordinances,  licenses  and other  rights of every kind and
character (a) under any (1) federal, state, local or foreign statute,  ordinance
or  regulation,  (2) Order or (3)  contract  with any  Governmental  Body or (b)
granted by any Governmental Body.

"Permitted  Encumbrances"  means (a) Liens  described or referred to in Seller's
Disclosure  Letter,  (b) Liens for current Taxes and assessments not yet due and
payable,  including,  but not limited  to,  Liens for  nondelinquent  ad valorem
Taxes, nondelinquent statutory Liens arising other than by reason of any default
on the part of  Seller or its  subsidiaries,  (c)  Liens,  in  respect  of motor
vehicles and  transportation  equipment used in the ordinary course of business,
(d)  purchase-money  Liens if incurred in the  ordinary  course of business  and
which relate to obligations assumed hereunder by Purchaser,  (e) Liens reflected
on the Commitment, or (f) such Liens, minor imperfections of title, or easements
on real  property,  leasehold  estates,  or personalty as do not in any material
respect detract from the value thereof and do not materially  interfere with the
present use of the property subject thereto.



                                       -5-

<PAGE>



"Person" means an individual,  partnership,  joint venture,  corporation,  bank,
trust, unincorporated organization or a Governmental Body.

"Prime Rate" means the prime lending rate  charged,  from time to time, by Texas
Commerce Bank, National Association, to its commercial customers.

"Products" means all products marketed or distributed by Seller or Coulson.

"Purchase Price" has the meaning set out in Section 2.2(A).

"Purchaser" has the meaning set out in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.

"Purchaser April Balance Sheet" has the meaning set out in Section 3.2(E)(2).

"Purchaser  April  Financial  Statements"  has the  meaning  set out in  Section
3.2(E)(2).

"Purchaser December Balance Sheet" has the meaning set out in Section 3.2(E)(1).

"Purchaser  December  Financial  Statements"  has the meaning set out in Section
3.2(E)(1).

"Purchaser Financial Statements" has the meaning set out in Section 3.2(E).

"Purchaser Indemnitees" has the meaning set out in Section 7.1(A).

"Real Property" means the Owned Property and the Fixtures and  Improvements  and
Realty Rights pertaining thereto.

"Realty Rights" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(B)(3).

"Records" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(B)(13).

"Scheduled Contracts" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(B)(9).

"Scheduled Leases" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(B)(8).

"SDI" has the meaning set out in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.

"Seller" has the meaning set out in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.

"Seller 401(K) Plan" means the Strategic Distribution, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan.

"Seller Indemnitees" has the meaning set out in Section 7.1(B).



                                       -6-

<PAGE>



"Seller's  Disclosure Letter" means the disclosure letter, in the form set forth
in Annex A hereto,  delivered  by  Seller  and  Coulson  to  Purchaser  upon the
execution and delivery of this  Agreement,  and a  "Supplement"  thereto means a
supplemental  disclosure  letter  delivered  pursuant to Section  5.1(H) of this
Agreement.

"Subordinated Note" has the meaning set out in Section 2.3(A)(2).

"Supplier  Data" means all of Seller's  supplier  lists and other  supplier data
relating to the purchase of raw materials,  utilities and other supplies used in
connection with the Business.

"Tax Obligations" means, collectively,  Taxes which are attributable or relating
to the assets or the business of Seller or Coulson for any periods  ending on or
before the  Effective  Time of Closing,  or which may be  applicable  because of
Seller's or Coulson's sale of the Business or any of the Assets to Purchaser.

"Taxes" means, collectively, any federal, state, local or foreign income, sales,
real or personal property or other taxes,  assessments,  fees, levies,  imposts,
duties,  deductions or other charges of any nature whatsoever (including without
limitation interest and penalties) imposed by any law, rule or regulation.

"TBCA" means the Texas Business Corporation Act, as amended.

"Title Policy" has the meaning set out in Section 4.9.

"Transaction"  means  the  sale  and  purchase  of the  Assets,  assignment  and
assumption of certain liabilities, and performance of covenants, in each case as
contemplated by this Agreement.

"Vehicles" has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(B)(4).

         1.2      Other Definitions.

                  A.       All terms  defined in this  Agreement  shall have the
                           above-defined  meanings  when  used  in  any  of  the
                           documents described herein, certificates,  reports or
                           other  documents  made or delivered  pursuant to this
                           Agreement, unless the context therein shall otherwise
                           require.

                  B.       Defined  terms  used  herein  in the  singular  shall
                           import the plural and vice
                           versa.

                  C.       The words "hereof", "herein", "hereunder" and similar
                           terms when used in this Agreement shall refer to this
                           Agreement  as a  whole  and  not  to  any  particular
                           provision of this Agreement.



                                       -7-

<PAGE>



                  D.       Unless  specifically  otherwise noted,  references to
                           statutes  by  popular  names  are  references  to the
                           United   States   Code   Annotated,   including   the
                           regulations   promulgated    thereunder,    and   all
                           amendments thereof.

                                   ARTICLE II
                         AGREEMENT OF SALE AND PURCHASE
                         ------------------------------

         2.1      Agreement to Purchase and Sell.

                  A.       On and  subject to the terms and  conditions  of this
                           Agreement,  Seller and Coulson agree to sell, convey,
                           transfer,   assign  and  deliver  to  Purchaser,  and
                           Purchaser agrees to purchase from Seller and Coulson,
                           the  assets,   rights,   franchises   and  properties
                           described in Section 2.1(B) (all such assets, rights,
                           franchises and properties  being herein  collectively
                           referred to as the "Assets" and individually referred
                           to as an  "Asset")  free and clear of all Liens other
                           than Permitted Encumbrances;  provided, however, that
                           the Assets shall not include the Excluded Assets.
                                                  
                           
                  B.       Subject to Section  2.1(C),  the Assets shall consist
                           of all assets of Seller and Coulson at the  Effective
                           Time of Closing  described in the  following  clauses
                           (1) through (20):

                           (1)      Owned Property. The parcels of real property
                                    described  (by  metes and  bounds  calls) in
                                    Appendix    2.1(B)(1)    to   the   Seller's
                                    Disclosure  Letter (the  "Owned  Property").

                           (2)      Fixtures and Improvements. All estates,
                                    rights,  titles and  interests  of Seller in
                                    and to all warehouses,  storage  facilities,
                                    buildings,   works,  structures,   fixtures,
                                    landings,    construction    in    progress,
                                    improvements, betterments, installations and
                                    additions constructed, erected or located on
                                    or attached or affixed to the Owned Property
                                    (the "Fixtures and Improvements").

                           (3)      Realty Rights. All estates,  rights,  titles
                                    and  interests  of  Seller  in  and  to  all
                                    tenements,     hereditaments,     easements,
                                    rights-of-way,  rights,  licenses,  patents,
                                    rights of ingress and  egress,  reversionary
                                    interests,  privileges,   appurtenances  and
                                    other    related    interest,     belonging,
                                    pertaining   or   relating   to  the   Owned
                                    Property,  any and all rights to the present
                                    or  future  use  of  wastewater,  wastewater
                                    capacity,  drainage,  water or other utility
                                    facilities  relating to the Owned  Property,
                                    including,     without    limitation,    all
                                    reservations  of or  commitments  or letters
                                    covering any such use in the future, whether
                                    now  owned or  hereafter  acquired,  and the
                                    entire right,  title and interest of Seller,
                                    if


                                       -8-

<PAGE>

                                    any,  in, to and under  all  streets,  ways,
                                    alleys,  passages,   strips,  gores,  pipes,
                                    pipelines,  sewers,  sewer rights,  ditches,
                                    waters,  water  courses,  water  rights  and
                                    powers,   air  rights,   railroad   sidings,
                                    minerals,   mineral   rights   and   mineral
                                    interests adjoining,  upon, above, in, under
                                    or  pertaining  to the Owned  Property,  all
                                    currently  existing  options  and  rights to
                                    purchase or otherwise  acquire real property
                                    that is  contiguous  to the Owned  Property,
                                    and all  claims  or  demands  whatsoever  of
                                    Seller,  either  in law or in  equity,  with
                                    respect  to the Owned  Property,  including,
                                    without limitation,  any unpaid awards to be
                                    made relating thereto,  including any unpaid
                                    awards  or  damages  payable  by  reason  of
                                    damage thereto or by reason of a widening of
                                    any adjoining streets or roads or a changing
                                    of the  grade  with  respect  to  same  (the
                                    "Realty Rights").

                           (4)      Vehicles. All the trucks, trailers and other
                                    certificated  vehicles described in Appendix
                                    2.1(B)(4) to the Seller's  Disclosure Letter
                                    of Seller and Coulson (the "Vehicles").

                           (5)      Equipment.  All of  Seller's  and  Coulson's
                                    furniture,  equipment, machinery, apparatus,
                                    tools,    dies,    appliances,     vehicles,
                                    implements,  spare  parts,  supplies and all
                                    other  tangible  personal  property of every
                                    kind  and   description   (other   than  the
                                    Vehicles and the Inventories) located either
                                    on the Owned  Property or elsewhere  insofar
                                    as  any  of  the  foregoing  relates  to the
                                    Business  (the  "Equipment").  The Equipment
                                    includes,  without  limitation,  all  of the
                                    items  listed in Appendix  2.1(B)(5)  to the
                                    Seller's Disclosure Letter.

                           (6)      Permits.  All right,  title and  interest of
                                    Seller  and  Coulson  in,  to and  under all
                                    Permits  relating  to the  Business  (to the
                                    extent  same  are   assignable)   including,
                                    without limitation, those listed in Appendix
                                    2.1(B)(6) to the Seller's Disclosure Letter.

                           (7)      Intangible  Assets.  All  right,  title  and
                                    interest  of Seller and  Coulson  in, to and
                                    under all patents,  trademarks,  technology,
                                    know-how,  data,  copyrights,  trade  names,
                                    service marks, licenses, covenants by others
                                    not to compete,  rights and privileges  used
                                    exclusively  in the conduct of the  Business
                                    (the  "Marks")  and the right to recover for
                                    infringement   thereon   and  all   goodwill
                                    associated  with the Business in  connection
                                    with which the Marks are used, all as listed
                                    in  Appendix   2.1(B)(7)   to  the  Seller's
                                    Disclosure Letter (the "Intangible Assets").



                                       -9-

<PAGE>



                           (8)      Scheduled  Leases.   All  right,  title  and
                                    interest  of Seller and  Coulson  in, to and
                                    under  the  lease  agreements  described  in
                                    Appendix    2.1(B)(8)    to   the   Seller's
                                    Disclosure  Letter (the "Scheduled  Leases")
                                    and all rights  (including  rights of refund
                                    and offset),  privileges,  deposits, claims,
                                    causes of action  and  options  relating  or
                                    pertaining  to the  Scheduled  Leases or any
                                    thereof.

                           (9)      Scheduled  Contracts.  All right,  title and
                                    interest  of Seller and  Coulson  in, to and
                                    under the contracts and agreements described
                                    in  Appendix   2.1(B)(9)   to  the  Seller's
                                    Disclosure     Letter    (the     "Scheduled
                                    Contracts") and all rights (including rights
                                    of refund and offset), privileges, deposits,
                                    claims,   causes  of  action   and   options
                                    relating  or  pertaining  to  the  Scheduled
                                    Contracts or any thereof.

                           (10)     Inventories.  All of Seller's and  Coulson's
                                    inventories  located  either  at  the  Owned
                                    Property or elsewhere  insofar as any of the
                                    foregoing    relates   to   the    Business,
                                    including,   without  limitation,   finished
                                    goods,   work-in-progress,   raw  materials,
                                    supply  inventories,  and other  inventories
                                    (the "Inventories").

                           (11)     Backlog   Orders.   All  of   Seller's   and
                                    Coulson's  backlog  of orders  for  Products
                                    which are accepted by Seller in the ordinary
                                    course of  business  prior to the  Effective
                                    Time of Closing and not  invoiced or shipped
                                    or canceled  prior to the Effective  Time of
                                    Closing    (collectively,    the    "Backlog
                                    Orders").

                           (12)     Cash and Bank  Accounts.  The bank  accounts
                                    described  on  Appendix  2.1(B)(12)  to  the
                                    Seller's  Disclosure  Letter  (including all
                                    cash  on  deposit  in  such   accounts   and
                                    uncleared deposits in such accounts) and the
                                    petty  cash of Seller  and  Coulson  in each
                                    case as of the Closing  Date  (collectively,
                                    the "Accounts").

                           (13)     Books  and  Records.  All  of  Seller's  and
                                    Coulson's   books,   records,   papers   and
                                    instruments of whatever  nature and wherever
                                    located  that relate to the  Business or the
                                    Assets or which are required or necessary in
                                    order for  Purchaser to conduct the Business
                                    from and after the Effective Time of Closing
                                    in the manner in which it is presently being
                                    conducted,  including,  without  limitation,
                                    blueprints,   specifications,  plats,  maps,
                                    surveys,  building and  machinery  diagrams,
                                    accounting     and    financial     records,
                                    maintenance    and    production    records,
                                    personnel  and  labor   relations   records,
                                    environmental records and reports, sales and
                                    property  Tax  records  and  returns,  sales
                                    records, the Customer


                                      -10-

<PAGE>



                                    Data and the Supplier  Data,  but  excluding
                                    income Tax records and returns and corporate
                                    minute   book   and   stock   records   (the
                                    "Records").

                           (14)     Prepaid  Expenses  and Current  Assets.  All
                                    right,  title and  interest  of  Seller  and
                                    Coulson in and to all prepaid rentals, other
                                    prepaid expenses,  bonds, deposits and other
                                    current assets relating to any of the Assets
                                    or   the   Business,    including,   without
                                    limitation,  all  prepaid  expenses  of  the
                                    nature  described in the April Balance Sheet
                                    but excluding any deferred  income Taxes and
                                    prepaid insurance premiums.

                           (15)     Stock Ownership. All shares of capital stock
                                    owned by Seller in Hardware Wholesale, Inc.

                           (16)     Computers.  All right, title and interest of
                                    Seller and Coulson in computer equipment and
                                    hardware  located at the Owned  Property  or
                                    any  property   subject  to  the   Scheduled
                                    Leases, including,  without limitation,  all
                                    central  processing units,  terminals,  disk
                                    drives,   tape  drives,   electronic  memory
                                    units,   printers,    keyboards,    screens,
                                    peripherals    (and    other    input/output
                                    devices),  modems  and  other  communication
                                    controllers,  and  any  and  all  parts  and
                                    appurtenances  thereto,  together  with  all
                                    intellectual  property used by Seller in the
                                    operation  of such  computer  equipment  and
                                    hardware (to the extent same is assignable),
                                    including, without limitation, all software,
                                    all of Seller's  rights  under any  licenses
                                    related to  Seller's  use,  at any time,  of
                                    such   computer   equipment,   hardware   or
                                    software, and all assignable leases pursuant
                                    to  which   Seller   leases   any   computer
                                    equipment,  hardware or  software;  insofar,
                                    and only  insofar,  as any of the  foregoing
                                    relates  to  the  Business,  provided  in no
                                    event shall  Purchaser  acquire any interest
                                    in or right to use any computer  software or
                                    intellectual  property  which is an Excluded
                                    Asset.

                           (17)     Other  Intangibles.  All  right,  title  and
                                    interest  of Seller and  Coulson  in, to and
                                    under all rights, privileges, claims, causes
                                    of  action,  and  options  relating  to  the
                                    Business or the foregoing Assets,  including
                                    any Customer Data.

                           (18)     Other  Property.  All  other  or  additional
                                    privileges,  rights,  interests,  properties
                                    and  assets of Seller  and  Coulson of every
                                    kind and  description  and wherever  located
                                    that are used exclusively in the Business as
                                    presently being conducted.



                                      -11-

<PAGE>



                           (19)     Names.  The names  Strategic  Supply,  Inc.,
                                    SafetyMaster Corporation,  and Lewis Supply,
                                    Inc.

                           (20)     Goodwill.   Goodwill   associated  with  the
                                    transferred Assets and Business.

                  C.       The  Assets  shall not  include  any of the assets of
                           Seller  or  Coulson,  as of  the  Effective  Time  of
                           Closing, set forth on Appendix 2.1(C) to the Seller's
                           Disclosure   Letter   (collectively,   the  "Excluded
                           Assets").

                  D.       Seller agrees to assign to  Purchaser,  and Purchaser
                           agrees to assume,  perform and  discharge  all of the
                           liabilities,  duties and  obligations of Seller which
                           arise after the  Effective  Time of Closing under the
                           Scheduled Leases as identified in Appendix  2.1(B)(8)
                           to the Seller's  Disclosure Letter to the extent such
                           leases are assignable to Purchaser.

         2.2      Purchase Price.

                  A.       The  purchase  price for the  Assets  (the  "Purchase
                           Price")  shall  be the sum of the  (i)  Net  Tangible
                           Asset  Value (as  defined in Section  2.2(B)  below),
                           (ii) an  amount  equal  to the  cash  transferred  to
                           Purchaser  by  Seller  and   referenced   in  Section
                           2.1(B)(12) hereof plus $50,000,  (iii) the promissory
                           note  in  the  amount  of the  outstanding  principal
                           balance,  as of the Closing  Date, of the Lufkin Debt
                           in  the  form  of  Exhibit   2.2(A)(1)   hereto  (the
                           "Consideration  Note")  and (iv) the total  amount of
                           Earn-Out Payments (as defined in Section 2.2(C)(2)(a)
                           below).  At the Closing,  Purchaser  and Seller shall
                           complete  and  execute a  certificate  setting  forth
                           their best  estimate of the Net Tangible  Asset Value
                           based on the April Balance Sheet (the  "Estimated Net
                           Tangible Asset Value").

                  B.       (1) Seller  shall cause KPMG Peat  Marwick to prepare
                           in accordance  with GAAP an audited  statement of net
                           assets  acquired as of the Closing Date (the "Closing
                           Date  Statement of Net  Assets").  Not later than the
                           sixtieth  day after the Closing  Date,  the final Net
                           Tangible  Asset Value (the "Final Net Tangible  Asset
                           Value") as of the Effective  Time of Closing shall be
                           determined  from such Closing  Date  Statement of Net
                           Assets.  The Seller shall deliver to Purchaser a copy
                           of the  Closing  Date  Statement  of Net Assets and a
                           certificate  setting  forth the  Final  Net  Tangible
                           Asset Value. Purchaser shall within 20 days following
                           receipt from Seller of the  calculation  of the Final
                           Net Tangible  Asset Value accept or provide a written
                           objection to the Final Net Tangible  Asset Value.  If
                           Purchaser  objects  to the Final Net  Tangible  Asset
                           Value,  then Purchaser and Seller shall  cooperate in
                           good  faith to reach a  mutual  agreement  as to such
                           amount. If Purchaser and Seller are unable to


                                      -12-

<PAGE>



                           agree on any  component of Final Net  Tangible  Asset
                           Value  within  20  days  after  Purchaser's   written
                           objection,  then such dispute  shall be resolved by a
                           nationally  recognized  independent  accounting  firm
                           mutually  agreed upon by Purchaser and Seller,  whose
                           determination  shall  be  final  and  binding.   Such
                           independent accounting firm will not be the principal
                           accounting  firm used by either  Seller or Purchaser.
                           All  costs  and fees of such  independent  accounting
                           firm shall be shared equally by Purchaser and Seller.
                           Not later  than (i) the 80th day  after  the  Closing
                           Date or (ii) if the Final Net Tangible Asset Value is
                           disputed within five (5) days following resolution of
                           such  dispute,  Purchaser and Seller shall adjust the
                           principal  amount  of  the  Subordinated  Note  by an
                           amount  necessary to  compensate  for the increase or
                           decrease,  respectively,  in the Final  Net  Tangible
                           Asset Value from the  Estimated  Net  Tangible  Asset
                           Value.

                           (2)      "Net  Tangible  Asset  Value"  shall  be the
                                    value of Seller's and Coulson's net tangible
                                    assets at the Closing Date, such value being
                                    calculated as follows:

                                    (a)      net   inventory   (inventory   less
                                             applicable reserves) at the Closing
                                             Date; plus

                                    (b)      property,  plant and equipment (net
                                             of  depreciation)  at  the  Closing
                                             Date; plus

                                    (c)      prepaid expenses and other tangible
                                             assets (including  deposits and the
                                             HWI  Stock)  at the  Closing  Date;
                                             minus

                                    (d)      accrued   expenses   and   accounts
                                             payable; minus

                                    (e)      the   principal   amount   of   the
                                             Consideration Note.

                           The  Closing  Date  Statement  of Net Assets  will be
                           prepared in accordance  with GAAP. By way of example,
                           if the Net  Tangible  Asset  Value were to be derived
                           from the  Seller's  March  31,  1997  financials  and
                           calculated  as of March 31,  1997,  the Net  Tangible
                           Asset  Value  would be  calculated  in the manner set
                           forth in Annex B attached hereto.

                  C.       (1) Subject to the provisions of subsections  (3) and
                           (4)  below,  and  except  with  regard  to the  Final
                           Earn-Out  Period,  Purchaser shall on the 15th day of
                           April next  succeeding  each  Earn-Out  Period pay to
                           Seller  the  Earn-Out  Payment   applicable  to  such
                           Earn-Out Period.  The first Earn-Out Payment shall be
                           due and  payable  on  April  15,  1998.  Pursuant  to
                           Section 2.2(C)(2)(a) herein, the Earn-Out Payment for
                           the

                                      -13-
<PAGE>



                           Final  Earn-Out  Period  shall be due and  payable on
                           September 30, 2002 and any  adjustment  thereto shall
                           be due and payable or refundable, as the case may be,
                           on April 15, 2003.

                           (2)      For  purposes of this  Section  2.2(C),  the
                                    following  terms  shall  have  the  meanings
                                    herein set forth:

                                    (a)     "Earn-Out   Payment"  shall  be  the
                                            amount  by which  EBIT of Newco  for
                                            the   applicable   Earn-Out   Period
                                            exceeds  3% of Newco  net  sales for
                                            such Earn-Out  Period.  The Earn-Out
                                            Payment   for  the  Final   Earn-Out
                                            Period  shall  be  calculated   from
                                            interim     financial     statements
                                            prepared in accordance  with GAAP as
                                            of May 30, 2002.

                                    (b)      "Earn-Out    Period"    means   the
                                             respective  periods,  including the
                                             Final Earn-Out Period, (i) from the
                                             Effective  Time of Closing  through
                                             December   31,   1997,   (ii)  from
                                             January  1, 1998  through  December
                                             31,  1998,  (iii)  from  January 1,
                                             1999  through  December  31,  1999,
                                             (iv) from  January 1, 2000  through
                                             December 31, 2000, (v) from January
                                             1, 2001 through  December 31, 2001,
                                             and  (vi)  from   January  1,  2002
                                             through  May 30,  2002 (the  "Final
                                             Earn-Out Period").

                                    (c)      "EBIT"  means the earnings of Newco
                                             before    interest    and    taxes,
                                             calculated in accordance with GAAP.
                                             The   calculation   of  EBIT  shall
                                             exclude (i) the impact,  if any, of
                                             the  amortization  of goodwill  and
                                             transaction    costs   created   in
                                             connection  with  the  Transaction,
                                             and (ii)  the  impact,  if any,  of
                                             fair value  adjustments  created in
                                             connection with the Transaction. In
                                             calculating Newco's EBIT, Purchaser
                                             may  include  an annual  charge for
                                             corporate   overhead   which   will
                                             include the direct overhead expense
                                             of  Newco  and  an   allocation  of
                                             overhead  from DXP.  The  amount of
                                             overhead  allocated  from  DXP will
                                             not  exceed  two   percent  of  the
                                             revenue  of  Newco.  To the  extent
                                             overhead of Newco is transferred to
                                             DXP, the  percentage  allocation of
                                             DXP   overhead  to  Newco  will  be
                                             increased by an amount equal to the
                                             annualized   portion  of   overhead
                                             transferred    divided    by    the
                                             annualized  revenue  of DXP.  Newco
                                             and DXP  agree  that  the  overhead
                                             allocation   to   Newco   will   be
                                             consistent with the manner in which
                                             overhead  is   allocated  to  other
                                             direct and indirect subsidiaries of
                                             DXP.



                                      -14-

<PAGE>



                                    (d)     "Newco" for purposes of this Section
                                            2.2 means Purchaser and the business
                                            of Seller and  Coulson  acquired  by
                                            Purchaser,  as  the  same  shall  be
                                            developed  and operated by Purchaser
                                            and   which    business   shall   be
                                            accounted  for  by  Purchaser  on  a
                                            stand alone basis.

                           (3)      Earn-Out Payments are due on each April 15th
                                    following  an  Earn-Out  Period  (except  as
                                    otherwise provided above with respect to the
                                    Final Earn-Out  Period) subject to extension
                                    if the  amount of the  Earn-Out  Payment  is
                                    objected  to  by  Seller   pursuant  to  the
                                    procedures set forth in this subsection (3).
                                    Purchaser   shall   calculate   the   annual
                                    Earn-Out Payment and will deliver to Seller,
                                    within  90  days  following  the  end of the
                                    applicable   Earn-Out  Period,  a  statement
                                    setting    forth   the   Earn-Out    Payment
                                    calculation in sufficient  detail to provide
                                    Seller  an   opportunity   to  evaluate  and
                                    analyze such calculation.  If Seller objects
                                    to the calculation, the Purchaser and Seller
                                    shall  cooperate  in good  faith  to reach a
                                    mutual agreement as to such calculation.  If
                                    Purchaser  and Seller are unable to agree on
                                    the  calculation   within  20  days  of  the
                                    Seller's objection,  then such dispute shall
                                    be  resolved  by  a  nationally   recognized
                                    independent  accounting firm mutually agreed
                                    upon by  Purchaser  and  Seller,  other than
                                    those  principally  used  by  Purchaser  and
                                    Seller,  whose  determination shall be final
                                    and  binding.  In the  event an  independent
                                    accounting firm is engaged for this purpose,
                                    the  Earn-Out  Payment  shall not be overdue
                                    for  purposes of charging  penalty  interest
                                    until five days  following  the  independent
                                    accounting  firm's final  resolution  of the
                                    dispute.   In  the  event  that  such  final
                                    resolution   reflects   that  the   Earn-Out
                                    Payment for the subject  Earn-Out Period was
                                    underestimated  by Purchaser by an amount in
                                    excess of five percent (5%),  then Purchaser
                                    will  be  required  to  bear  the  costs  of
                                    engaging such  independent  accounting firm.
                                    Otherwise,  such  costs  will  be  borne  by
                                    Seller.  The additional  amount,  if any, of
                                    Earn-Out  Payment  payable by  Purchaser  to
                                    Seller due to Purchaser's underestimation of
                                    the  Earn-Out   Payment  shall  be  paid  by
                                    Purchaser  to  Seller  within  five (5) days
                                    following  receipt by Purchaser of the final
                                    resolution.

                           (4)      The obligation of Purchaser to make Earn-Out
                                    Payments to Seller hereunder shall terminate
                                    on the  earlier  of (i) the date  Seller has
                                    received    Earn-Out    Payments    totaling
                                    $3,500,000  (exclusive of interest payments)
                                    and  (ii)  April  15,  2003  (the  "Earn-Out
                                    Termination   Date"),   provided   that  the
                                    Earn-Out Termination Date shall not prohibit
                                    Seller  from   thereafter   collecting  from
                                    Purchaser  any and all amounts which accrued
                                    on or before such date.


                                      -15-

<PAGE>



                           (5)      If  Purchaser  fails  to  pay  any  Earn-Out
                                    Payment  on the  applicable  due date,  then
                                    such  Earn-Out   Payment  shall   thereafter
                                    accrue  interest  at a  rate  equal  to  the
                                    lesser  of (i)  the  Prime  Rate  plus  four
                                    percent  (4%) per annum and (ii) the highest
                                    applicable rate chargeable  under applicable
                                    law until paid by Purchaser.

                           (6)      In  connection  with the Earn-Out  Payments,
                                    each  of  Purchaser  and DXP  covenants  and
                                    agrees  that: 

                                    (a)  Purchaser  and DXP  shall  operate  the
                           transferred  Business  in the  ordinary  course; 

                                    (b)  Purchaser  and DXP shall keep  adequate
                           records  and  books  of  account  in  which  complete
                           entries  will  be  made to the  extent  necessary  to
                           enable Seller to fully review the  calculation of the
                           Earn-Out Payments for each Earn-Out Period;

                                    (c)  Purchaser  and DXP shall not, and shall
                           not permit  any of their  respective  Affiliates  to,
                           enter  into  any  agreement,   arrangement  or  other
                           transaction   which   precludes  or  results  in  any
                           material   adverse   conditions  or  restrictions  on
                           Purchaser's  obligation to make any Earn-Out Payment;
                           and

                                    (d)  Purchaser  and DXP shall not, and shall
                           not permit  any of their  respective  Affiliates  to,
                           take any  action,  the  purpose of which is to reduce
                           the  amount of any  Earn-Out  Payment  or  materially
                           adversely  affect any of the other rights or benefits
                           of Seller under the Earn-Out.

         2.3      Method of Payment.

                  A.       The  Estimated  Net  Tangible  Asset  Value  shall be
                           payable to Seller at the Closing as follows:

                           (1)      Purchaser  shall  deliver  to  Seller a wire
                                    transfer of immediately  available  funds in
                                    the  amount  of FOUR  MILLION  FIVE  HUNDRED
                                    THOUSAND  AND NO/100  DOLLARS  ($4,500,000);
                                    and

                           (2)      the  remainder of the Estimated Net Tangible
                                    Asset  Value  by  Purchaser's   delivery  to
                                    Seller of a subordinated  promissory note in
                                    the  amount of the  Estimated  Net  Tangible
                                    Asset    Value    less    $4,500,000    (the
                                    "Subordinated  Note"). The Subordinated Note
                                    will  be in the  form  attached  as  Exhibit
                                    2.3(A) hereto and will pay interest  monthly
                                    at the rate of seven percent (7%) per annum.
                                    Principal on the  Subordinated  Note will be
                                    paid $250,000 in year 1, $250,000 in


                                      -16-

<PAGE>



                                    year 2 and no  principal  payment in year 3.
                                    Remaining principal will be paid in 24 equal
                                    monthly  installments in years four and five
                                    after  the  Closing  Date.  In the event the
                                    difference  between the Net  Tangible  Asset
                                    Value   and    $4,500,000   is   less   than
                                    $2,500,000,  the amount of the wire transfer
                                    amount   referenced   in   the   immediately
                                    preceding  clause  will be  reduced  in such
                                    amount as necessary  to bring the  principal
                                    amount   of   the   Subordinated   Note   to
                                    $2,500,000.

                  B.       In addition,  at Closing,  Purchaser  will (i) pay to
                           Seller a cash amount by wire transfer of  immediately
                           available  funds equal to the cash amounts  delivered
                           by Seller to Purchaser  hereunder pursuant to Section
                           2.1(B)(12)  plus  $50,000 and (ii)  deliver to Seller
                           the Consideration Note.

         2.4      Assumption of Liabilities.

                  A.  The only  liabilities  assumed  by  Purchaser  hereunder 
        ("Assumed Liabilities") are:

                           (1)      the  rights  and  obligations  of Seller and
                                    Coulson  under (i) the  Scheduled  Contracts
                                    specifically set forth in Appendix 2.1(B)(9)
                                    to the  Seller's  Disclosure  Letter  to the
                                    extent the Scheduled Contracts have not been
                                    performed at the  Effective  Time of Closing
                                    and (ii) the Scheduled  Leases  specifically
                                    set  forth  in  Appendix  2.1(B)(8)  to  the
                                    Seller's Disclosure Letter to the extent the
                                    Scheduled  Leases  remain  in  effect at the
                                    Effective Time of Closing;

                           (2)      the  accounts  payable of Seller and Coulson
                                    at the  Effective  Time of Closing;

                           (3)      the  liabilities  of Seller and Coulson,  if
                                    any,   represented   by   accrued   expenses
                                    (including,   without  limitation,   accrued
                                    expenses for  utilities,  professional  fees
                                    (other than fees related to the Transaction,
                                    which shall be subject to Section  8.3),  in
                                    each case to the  extent  that such  accrued
                                    expense items are (i) reflected in the April
                                    Balance   Sheet  or  (ii)  incurred  in  the
                                    ordinary course of business between the date
                                    of the April Balance Sheet and the Effective
                                    Time of  Closing  and  are  not  paid at the
                                    Effective Time of Closing;

                           (4)      ad valorem or similar  Taxes to be  prorated
                                    pursuant to Section 2.4(C); and

                           (5)      any  and  all  obligations   related  to  or
                                    arising  from  the  return  of  products  or
                                    merchandise   of   Seller  or   Coulson   by
                                    customers, whether


                                      -17-

<PAGE>



                                    or not such  products  or  merchandise  were
                                    defective and regardless of fault,  provided
                                    the  cost  of  replacing  such  products  or
                                    merchandise or refunding the cost thereof is
                                    not in excess of $200,000  in the  aggregate
                                    per calendar year.

                  B.       Except  as  otherwise  provided  in  Section  2.4(A),
                           Purchaser does not assume or agree to pay, perform or
                           discharge,  and shall  not be  responsible  for,  any
                           other  liabilities  or  obligations of Seller whether
                           accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise.

                  C.       Seller and  Purchaser  shall each pay its  respective
                           pro rata  portion  of all 1997 ad  valorem or similar
                           Taxes  under any Real  Property  or  Scheduled  Lease
                           included in the Assets. Seller shall pay to Purchaser
                           at the Closing  estimated ad valorem or similar Taxes
                           for the  current  year  (based  on the  prior  year's
                           Taxes)  prorated to the date of the  Closing.  Seller
                           shall  make  available  to  Purchaser  copies  of all
                           statements  and  assessments  reflecting  such  prior
                           year's  Taxes.  Purchaser  shall pay such sums to the
                           appropriate  taxing  authorities  when due,  prior to
                           becoming delinquent. Purchaser shall promptly forward
                           to Seller after  receipt by  Purchaser  copies of all
                           1997  Tax  assessments  under  any such  property  or
                           lease.  If the 1997 Taxes  shall be  readjusted  such
                           that the amounts  payable are greater  than the prior
                           year's Taxes,  Seller shall pay its pro rata share of
                           any  difference  promptly  upon  notice of such Taxes
                           having  been paid by  Purchaser.  If such 1997  Taxes
                           shall be readjusted such that the amounts payable are
                           less than the prior  years'  Taxes,  Purchaser  shall
                           refund to Seller its pro rata share of such reduction
                           upon  notice  of  such  Taxes  having  been  paid  by
                           Purchaser.  Except  as  provided  in this  Agreement,
                           Purchaser  shall  have no other  liability  for Taxes
                           payable by Seller  (including  income Taxes) relating
                           to Business or the Transaction.

         2.5 Instruments of Transfer: Further Assurances. In order to consummate
the transactions  contemplated  hereby,  at the Closing Seller shall execute and
deliver  to  Purchaser  the Deed  covering  the Real  Property,  and  Seller and
Purchaser  shall  deliver  to each  other (a) a  completed  General  Conveyance,
Transfer and Assignment,  in the form attached as Exhibit 2.5.1 hereto ("General
Conveyance, Transfer and Assignment"), covering all of the Assets other than the
Real Property,  and (b) an Assumption  Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit
2.5.2  hereto  ("Assumption  Agreement").  At the  Closing,  and  at  all  times
thereafter  as may be  necessary,  Seller shall execute and deliver to Purchaser
(1) such other  instruments  of transfer  as shall be  reasonably  necessary  or
appropriate to vest in Purchaser good and  indefeasible  title to the Assets and
to comply  with the  purposes  and intent of this  Agreement  and (2) such other
instruments  as shall be  reasonably  necessary or  appropriate  to evidence the
assignment by Seller and assumption by Purchaser of the Scheduled Contracts, the
Scheduled Leases and certain other liabilities to the extent provided in Section
2.4(A).


                                      -18-

<PAGE>



         2.6 Value  Assigned  to the  Assets.  On or before  the  Closing  Date,
Purchaser and Seller shall agree on the  proportion of the  consideration  to be
allocated to each of the Assets  purchased  pursuant to this  Agreement as shall
have been proposed by Purchaser and reasonably approved by Seller, and Purchaser
and Seller  agree that they shall not  thereafter  take any  position  or action
inconsistent  with such  allocation  in the  filing of any  federal  income  Tax
returns.

                                   ARTICLE III
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                         ------------------------------

         3.1  Representations  and Warranties of Seller.  Seller  represents and
warrants to Purchaser  that the  following are true and correct on and as of the
date of this Agreement  (except with respect to matters which are stated as of a
particular date or time) and will be true and correct through the Effective Time
of Closing as if made on and as of that date:

                  A.       Organization and Good Standing of Seller. Seller is a
                           corporation  duly organized,  validly existing and in
                           good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
                           and is qualified to transact  business and is in good
                           standing   as   a   foreign    corporation   in   the
                           jurisdictions (which are listed in Appendix 3.l(A) to
                           Seller's  Disclosure  Letter) where it is required to
                           qualify  in  order  to  conduct  its   businesses  as
                           presently  conducted  except  where the failure to be
                           qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                           Seller has the corporate  power and authority to own,
                           lease or operate all properties and assets now owned,
                           leased  or  operated  by  it  and  to  carry  on  its
                           businesses as now conducted.

                           Seller will,  prior to Closing,  deliver to Purchaser
                           true  and   correct   copies  of  the   Articles   of
                           Incorporation and Bylaws of Seller.

                  B.       Consents, Authorizations and Binding Effect.

                           (1)      Seller  and SDI  may  execute,  deliver  and
                                    perform this  Agreement  (including  without
                                    limitation    execution,     delivery    and
                                    performance  of the  Operative  Documents to
                                    which each of them is a party)  without  the
                                    necessity  of  the  Seller   obtaining   any
                                    consent,  approval,  authorization or waiver
                                    or giving  any notice or  otherwise,  except
                                    for      such      consents,      approvals,
                                    authorizations, waivers and notices:

                                    (a)      which  have been  obtained  and are
                                             unconditional and are in full force
                                             and effect and such  notices  which
                                             have been given;

                                    (b)      which  are  described  on  Appendix
                                             3.1(B)   to   Seller's   Disclosure
                                             Letter; or


                                      -19-

<PAGE>



                                    (c)      which  if not  obtained  would  not
                                             have a material  adverse  impact on
                                             the  Transaction or Purchaser's use
                                             of the Assets or the Business.

                           (2)      Seller has the corporate power to enter into
                                    this  Agreement and the Operative  Documents
                                    and to carry out its respective  obligations
                                    hereunder and thereunder. This Agreement has
                                    been  and the  Operative  Documents  will be
                                    duly  authorized,  executed and delivered by
                                    Seller and constitute  the legal,  valid and
                                    binding  obligations of Seller,  enforceable
                                    against  it in  accordance  with its  terms,
                                    except  as may  be  limited  by  bankruptcy,
                                    reorganization,    fraudulent    conveyance,
                                    insolvency   and  similar  laws  of  general
                                    application  relating  to or  affecting  the
                                    enforcement of rights of creditors.

                           (3)      The execution,  delivery and  performance of
                                    this  Agreement  by Seller does not and will
                                    not:

                                    (a)      constitute   a  violation   of  its
                                             Articles   of   Incorporation,   as
                                             amended, or its Bylaws, as amended,

                                    (b)      constitute   a  violation   of  any
                                             statute, judgment, order, decree or
                                             regulation    or    rule   of   any
                                             Governmental   Body  applicable  or
                                             relating  to  Seller  or SDI or the
                                             Assets or the Business,

                                    (c)      to   the   knowledge   of   Seller,
                                             constitute  a  material  breach  or
                                             material  default  under,  or  give
                                             rise  to  any  material   right  of
                                             termination,     cancellation    or
                                             acceleration  under,  any  term  or
                                             provision    of    any    contract,
                                             agreement, lease, mortgage, deed of
                                             trust,     commitment,     license,
                                             franchise, Permit, authorization or
                                             any other  instrument or obligation
                                             to  which  Seller  is a party or by
                                             which the Assets  are bound,  or an
                                             event which with  notice,  lapse of
                                             time, or both,  would result in any
                                             such conflict,  breach,  default or
                                             right  other than  those  breaches,
                                             defaults or violations which Seller
                                             shall  have  cured on or before the
                                             Effective   Time  of  Closing   and
                                             except where such breach or default
                                             would not have a  material  adverse
                                             effect or  materially  restrict  or
                                             impair  Newco's  acquisition of the
                                             Assets, or

                                    (d)      result in a Lien against the Assets
                                             except any Lien arising out of this
                                             Agreement    or    the    Operative
                                             Documents.



                                      -20-

<PAGE>



                           (4)      Without   limiting   the   foregoing,    the
                                    execution,  delivery and  performance of the
                                    Operative Documents, and consummation of the
                                    transactions contemplated thereby, have been
                                    duly authorized and approved by the Board of
                                    Directors  of Seller  and by SDI as the sole
                                    shareholder of Seller.

                  C.       Financial Statements,  Etc. The following audited and
                           unaudited  financial  statements  of Seller have been
                           delivered to  Purchaser  and are attached as Appendix
                           3.1(C) to the Seller's Disclosure Letter:

                           (1)      the audited  consolidated  balance  sheet of
                                    Seller and its  subsidiaries  as of December
                                    31, 1996 (the "December  Balance Sheet") and
                                    the   related    audited    statements    of
                                    operations,  of stockholder's  equity and of
                                    cash flows for the  three-year  period ended
                                    December  31, 1996,  (together  with related
                                    notes   and   Schedules)   which   financial
                                    statements  contain  a report  of KPMG  Peat
                                    Marwick,   independent  auditors,  reporting
                                    thereon  (such  balance  sheet,  the related
                                    statements of operations,  of  stockholder's
                                    equity and of cash  flows,  and the  related
                                    footnotes   being    hereinafter    together
                                    referred  to  as  the  "December   Financial
                                    Statements"); and

                           (2)      the unaudited  consolidated balance sheet of
                                    Seller and its  subsidiaries as of April 30,
                                    1997 (the  "April  Balance  Sheet")  and the
                                    related unaudited  statements of operations,
                                    of  stockholder's  equity  and of cash flows
                                    for  the   four-month   period   then  ended
                                    (together  with  related   footnotes)  (such
                                    balance  sheet,  the related  statements  of
                                    operations,  of stockholder's  equity and of
                                    cash flows, and the related  footnotes being
                                    hereinafter  together  referred  to  as  the
                                    "April Financial Statements").

                           The  December  Financial  Statements  (including  the
                           related notes and schedules) and the April  Financial
                           Statements     (collectively,      the     "Financial
                           Statements"),  have been  prepared from the books and
                           records  of  Seller  in  conformity   with  generally
                           accepted  accounting  principles  applied  on a basis
                           consistent  with  preceding  years and throughout the
                           periods  involved  ("GAAP")  and  present  fairly the
                           financial  position of Seller as of the dates of such
                           statements,  subject  to  year-end  adjustments  made
                           consistently  with  GAAP  with  respect  to the April
                           Financial  Statements,  and  provided  that the April
                           Financial  Statements do not comply with GAAP in that
                           such  financial  statements  do not  include  related
                           footnotes  required for such financial  statements to
                           comply with GAAP.



                                      -21-

<PAGE>



                           At the  Effective  Time of Closing,  the  outstanding
                           Lufkin  Debt will not  exceed the  principal  balance
                           shown  in  the  April  Balance  Sheet,  plus  accrued
                           interest thereon.

                  D.       Title and  Condition  of Assets.  Seller has good and
                           indefeasible title to the Owned Property and tangible
                           and  intangible  personal  property  owned by it that
                           comprise the Assets,  free and clear of Liens,  other
                           than:

                           (1)      Permitted Encumbrances, or

                           (2)      Liens which will be  released or  discharged
                                    at  or  prior  to  the  Effective   Time  of
                                    Closing.

                           To the knowledge of Seller,  the tangible  Assets are
                           capable of being used in the  Business  as  presently
                           being  conducted  without  present need for repair or
                           replacement  except  in the  ordinary  course  of the
                           Business.

                           Since the date of the December Balance Sheet,  Seller
                           has not sold,  transferred,  leased,  distributed  or
                           otherwise disposed of any of its assets, or agreed to
                           do so except for sales of  Products  and  services in
                           the ordinary course of business or the disposition of
                           immaterial  assets in the ordinary course of business
                           or which in the reasonable judgment of management are
                           not   necessary  or   advisable   to  the   efficient
                           operations of Seller.

                           All  real  and  tangible  personal  property  held by
                           Seller under the Scheduled Leases is held under valid
                           and  binding  lease  agreements  in  full  force  and
                           effect.  Seller is not in  material  default,  and to
                           Seller's  knowledge  no  notice of  alleged  material
                           default has been  received by Seller,  under any such
                           Scheduled Leases and, to the knowledge of Seller,  no
                           lessor is in  material  default  or  alleged to be in
                           material default thereunder.

                           The  Assets   constitute  all  material   assets  and
                           properties,  real, personal, tangible and intangible,
                           that are necessary  for the continued  conduct of the
                           Business as presently being conducted.

                           Appendix 2.1(B)(12) to the Seller's Disclosure Letter
                           contains a true and correct list of the names of each
                           bank, savings and loan or other financial institution
                           in  which  Seller  or  subsidiaries  has an  account,
                           including cash  contribution  accounts,  safe deposit
                           boxes and lock box arrangements, and the names of all
                           Persons  authorized to draw thereon or to have access
                           thereto.

                  E.       Insurance.  Appendix  3.1(E) to  Seller's  Disclosure
                           Letter  contains a list of all  policies of insurance
                           maintained  as of  the  date  of  this  Agreement  by
                           Seller,


                                      -22-

<PAGE>



                           or  maintained  by SDI in respect of the Business and
                           Assets,   including  without   limitation   insurance
                           providing benefits for employees, in effect as of the
                           date of this Agreement.

         F.       Litigation and Compliance With Laws, Etc. There are no claims,
                  actions, suits or proceedings, whether in equity or at law, or
                  governmental or administrative  investigations  pending or, to
                  the  knowledge  of Seller,  threatened  against  Seller or any
                  Asset,  except (1) as described on Appendix 3.1(F) to Seller's
                  Disclosure  Letter, or as may arise with respect to any of the
                  matters described thereon, (2) for any claims,  actions, suits
                  or  proceedings  which  pertain to  routine  claims by Persons
                  other than  Governmental  Bodies that are covered by insurance
                  (subject to the applicable insurance  deductibles) and (3) for
                  other claims,  actions,  suits or proceedings which, singly or
                  in the  aggregate,  would not have,  if prosecuted to judgment
                  against  Seller or the  Assets,  a  Material  Adverse  Effect.

                  Except as described on Appendix 3.1(F) to Seller's  Disclosure
                  Letter, as of the date of this Agreement,
                          
                           (1)      Seller  in  all  material   respects  is  in
                                    compliance under any law, regulation,  writ,
                                    injunction,  decree or order  applicable  to
                                    Seller  or  its  Assets,  including  without
                                    limitation all safety and health, antitrust,
                                    consumer     protection,     labor,    equal
                                    opportunity or  discrimination  laws,  rules
                                    and    regulations,    except   where   such
                                    non-compliance would have a Material Adverse
                                    Effect, and

                           (2)      there  are  no  judgments   outstanding  and
                                    unsatisfied against the Seller or the Assets
                                    that would impair Seller's ability to comply
                                    with its obligations under this Agreement.

                  G.       Taxes.  Seller has duly filed when due, including any
                           extensions, all Tax reports and returns in connection
                           with and in respect of the  Business  and the Assets,
                           and  has   timely   paid  and   discharged   all  Tax
                           Obligations shown thereon.  Seller has made available
                           to Purchaser,  to the extent  requested by Purchaser,
                           all Tax reports and returns of Seller for all periods
                           ending prior to the date hereof.

                           Seller  has not  received  written  notice of any Tax
                           deficiency outstanding,  proposed or assessed against
                           or allocable to Seller,  nor has Seller  executed any
                           waiver  of  any   statute  of   limitations   on  the
                           assessment  or  collection  of any Tax or executed or
                           filed with the IRS or any other Governmental Body any
                           agreement  now in effect  extending  the  period  for
                           assessment or collection of any Taxes against Seller.


                                      -23-

<PAGE>


                           There are no Tax Liens upon,  pending  against or, to
                           the  knowledge  of  Seller,  threatened  against  any
                           Asset.

                  H.       Intangible  Assets.   Except  for  intangible  assets
                           included in the Excluded  Assets,  Appendix 3.1(H) to
                           Seller's Disclosure Letter sets forth:

                           (1)      all    patents,     patent     applications,
                                    trademarks,     trademark     registrations,
                                    applications  for  trademark  registrations,
                                    trade names and  copyrights (i) which Seller
                                    owns or in which Seller has any  proprietary
                                    interest or (ii) which are necessary for the
                                    conduct of the Business, and

                           (2)      all license  agreements  with respect to any
                                    of  the  foregoing  as to  which  Seller  is
                                    licensor or licensee.

                           There are no pending or, to the  knowledge of Seller,
                           threatened  infringement claims against Seller by any
                           Person  with  respect  to any of the items  listed on
                           Appendix 3.1(H) to Seller's  Disclosure  Letter,  nor
                           has any  such  item  been  declared  invalid  or been
                           limited by any court or  agreement.  To the knowledge
                           of Seller, the use of the Intangible Assets by Seller
                           and  the  conduct  of  the   Business  as   presently
                           conducted  does not  infringe  on the  rights  of any
                           other Person.

                  I.       Instruments  in Full  Force  and  Effect:  Possession
                           under  Leases.   The  Scheduled   Contracts  and  the
                           Scheduled  Leases  constituting  a part of the Assets
                           ("Instruments") are valid,  binding and in full force
                           and effect,  have not been amended or supplemented in
                           any manner or respect except as disclosed on Appendix
                           2.1(B)(9) to Seller's Disclosure Letter and Appendix.
                           2.1(D)  to  Seller's   Disclosure  Letter,  and  upon
                           assignment and assumption,  with applicable consents,
                           if  necessary,  will be  enforceable  by Purchaser in
                           accordance with their respective terms.  There are no
                           material  defaults  by Seller  thereunder  and Seller
                           knows of no material defaults thereunder by any other
                           party  thereto,  and, to the knowledge of Seller,  no
                           event  has  occurred  that  with the lapse of time or
                           action or inaction by any party  thereto would result
                           in a material violation thereof or a material default
                           thereunder.  Seller enjoys  peaceful and  undisturbed
                           possession under all leases included in the Scheduled
                           Leases.

                  J.       Employee Plans and Agreements.

                           (1)      The Seller does not contribute to or have an
                                    obligation to contribute  to, and has not at
                                    any  time  within  six  years  prior  to the
                                    Closing Date

                                      -24-

<PAGE>

                                    contributed  to  or  had  an  obligation  to
                                    contribute to, a multi-employer  plan within
                                    the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA.

                           (2)      With respect to any employee  benefit  plan,
                                    within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA,
                                    which   is    sponsored,    maintained    or
                                    contributed   to,  or  has  been  sponsored,
                                    maintained  or  contributed  to  within  six
                                    years  prior  to the  Closing  Date,  by the
                                    Seller or any corporation,  trade,  business
                                    or  entity  under  common  control  with the
                                    Seller,   within  the   meaning  of  Section
                                    414(b),  (c) or (m) of the  Code or  Section
                                    4001   of   ERISA   ("Commonly    Controlled
                                    Entity"),   (i)  no  withdrawal   liability,
                                    within the meaning of Section 4201 of ERISA,
                                    has   been   incurred,    which   withdrawal
                                    liability  has not been  satisfied,  (ii) no
                                    liability  to the Pension  Benefit  Guaranty
                                    Corporation  has been incurred by the Seller
                                    or any  Commonly  Controlled  Entity,  which
                                    liability has not been  satisfied,  (iii) no
                                    accumulated  funding   deficiency,   whether
                                    waived or not waived,  within the meaning of
                                    Section  302 of ERISA or Section  412 of the
                                    Code   has  been   incurred   and  (iv)  all
                                    contributions,  including  installments,  to
                                    such plan  required  by Section 302 of ERISA
                                    and Section 412 of the Code have been timely
                                    made.

                  K.       Labor and Employee Relations.

                           (1)      Except  as  listed  in  Appendix  3.1(K)  to
                                    Seller's Disclosure Letter,  there exists no
                                    collective  bargaining  agreement  or  other
                                    labor  union  contract   applicable  to  any
                                    employee of Seller and no such  agreement or
                                    contract has been  requested by any employee
                                    or group of  employees  of  Seller,  nor has
                                    there  been  any  discussion   with  respect
                                    thereto  by  management  of  Seller  or  its
                                    subsidiaries  with any  employees of Seller.
                                    Neither Seller nor subsidiaries has received
                                    any written notification of any unfair labor
                                    practice   charges  or  complaints   pending
                                    before   any  agency   having   jurisdiction
                                    thereof  nor are  there  any  current  union
                                    representation  claims  involving any of the
                                    employees of Seller. Further, neither Seller
                                    nor its  subsidiaries  is  aware of any such
                                    threatened charges or claims.

                           (2)      Except  as set forth in  Appendix  3.1(K) to
                                    Seller's  Disclosure Letter,  neither Seller
                                    nor its  subsidiaries are aware of any union
                                    organizing    activities   or    proceedings
                                    involving,  or  any  pending  petitions  for
                                    recognition of, a labor union or association
                                    as the  exclusive  bargaining  agent for, or
                                    where the purpose is to organize,  any group
                                    or groups of employees  of Seller.  There is
                                    not currently pending, with regard to any of
                                    its  facilities,  any proceeding  before the
                                    National


                                      -25-

<PAGE>



                                    Labor  Relations  Board,  wherein  any labor
                                    organization  is seeking  representation  of
                                    any employees of Seller.

                           (3)      Except  as set forth in  Appendix  3.1(K) to
                                    Seller's  Disclosure Letter,  neither Seller
                                    nor  its   subsidiaries   is  aware  of  any
                                    strikes,  work stoppages,  work slowdowns or
                                    lockouts,  nor of any threats thereof, by or
                                    with  respect  to any of  the  employees  of
                                    Seller.  Since  January  1, 1993  there have
                                    been no labor disputes,  strikes, slowdowns,
                                    work stoppages,  lockouts or similar matters
                                    involving employees of Seller.

                           (4)      Except as set forth in  Appendix  3. l(K) to
                                    Seller's  Disclosure  Letter,  there are not
                                    pending any grievances filed by employees of
                                    Seller within any collective bargaining unit
                                    or by  representatives  of employees  within
                                    any  collective  bargaining  unit.  Further,
                                    there   are   no   arbitration    decisions,
                                    settlement agreements,  injunctions, consent
                                    decrees  or  conciliation  agreements  which
                                    affect the  operation of the Business  other
                                    than those  specifically  listed in Appendix
                                    3.1(K) to Seller's Disclosure Letter.

                           (5)      Except  as set forth in  Appendix  3.1(K) to
                                    Seller's Disclosure Letter, there exists (i)
                                    no  pending  charges  of  discrimination  or
                                    lawsuits involving alleged violations of any
                                    fair   employment  law,  wage  payment  law,
                                    occupational  safety and health law, (ii) no
                                    pending,  or  to  the  knowledge  of  Seller
                                    threatened,   litigation   arising   out  of
                                    employment    relationships,     or    other
                                    employment-related   law,  whether  federal,
                                    state or local, and (iii) no pending,  or to
                                    the   knowledge   of   Seller    threatened,
                                    litigation   arising   out   of   employment
                                    relationships,   presently   threatened   or
                                    pending,  by  any  applicant,   employee  or
                                    former    employee    of   Seller   or   any
                                    representative   of  any  such   Person   or
                                    Persons.  No charges or claims involving any
                                    of the facilities or employees of Seller are
                                    pending  before any  administrative  agency,
                                    local,  state or  federal,  and no  lawsuits
                                    involving   any  of   such   facilities   or
                                    employees  are pending with respect to equal
                                    employment opportunity,  age discrimination,
                                    occupational  safety,  or any other  form of
                                    alleged employment  practice or unfair labor
                                    practice.

                           (6)      Seller  complies  in all  material  respects
                                    with  all   applicable   laws,   rules   and
                                    regulations  relating to the  employment  of
                                    labor,  including,  but without  limitation,
                                    those  relating to wages,  hours,  concerted
                                    activity,  non-discrimination,  occupational
                                    health  and  safety  and  the   payment  and
                                    withholding of employment related Taxes.



                                      -26-

                  <PAGE>   



                  L.       Real Property. Except as set forth in Appendix 3.1(L)
                           to Seller's Disclosure Letter:

                           (1)      Seller has and will convey to Purchaser good
                                    and indefeasible title to the Owned Property
                                    free and  clear of any and all  Liens  other
                                    than Permitted Encumbrances.

                           (2)      To  the   knowledge  of  Seller,   the  Real
                                    Property does not violate any  provisions of
                                    any applicable  building code, fire,  health
                                    or safety regulations, or other governmental
                                    ordinances, orders or regulations. Seller is
                                    unaware of any  condition  that  exists with
                                    respect  to the Real  Property  which  would
                                    prevent,  or require repair or  modification
                                    thereof  as  a  prerequisite  to,  Purchaser
                                    using  the  Real  Property  in the  ordinary
                                    conduct of the Business  except with respect
                                    to  ordinary  wear and  tear  and  scheduled
                                    maintenance and repair.

                           (3)      There are no  parties in  possession  of any
                                    portion of the Owned  Property  as  lessees,
                                    tenants at sufferance or trespassers.

                           (4)      There is no pending  condemnation or similar
                                    proceeding or assessment  affecting the Real
                                    Property,  or any part  thereof,  nor to the
                                    best  knowledge  and belief of Seller is any
                                    such  proceeding or assessment  contemplated
                                    by any Governmental Body.

                  M.       Absence of Certain Changes,  Etc. Except as disclosed
                           in  Financial  Statements  or on  Appendix  3.1(M) to
                           Seller's Disclosure Letter,  since December 31, 1996,
                           there has been no  adverse  change  in the  Business,
                           financial  condition  or  results  of  operations  of
                           Seller from that reflected in the December  Financial
                           Statements  in each case which  would have a Material
                           Adverse Effect.

                           Since  December  31, 1996 and except as  disclosed on
                           Appendix 3.1(M) to Seller's Disclosure Letter, Seller
                           has:

                           (1)      conducted  its  operations  in the  ordinary
                                    course,

                           (2)      not   entered   into  any   transaction   or
                                    contract,   or  amended  or  terminated  any
                                    transaction   or  contract,   except  normal
                                    transactions  or  contracts   consistent  in
                                    nature and scope with  prior  practices  and
                                    entered  into  in  the  ordinary  course  of
                                    business,

                           (3)      not    mortgaged,     sold,     transferred,
                                    distributed or otherwise  disposed of any of
                                    its Assets, except in the ordinary course of
                                    business,


                                      -27-

<PAGE>



                           (4)      not   experienced   any   material   damage,
                                    destruction  or  loss  to or of  any  of its
                                    Assets  except  in the  ordinary  course  of
                                    business  and except to the extent  that any
                                    Asset  damaged,  destroyed  or lost has been
                                    repaired or replaced,

                           (5)      not  made  or  agreed  to make  any  capital
                                    expenditures   for  additions  to  property,
                                    plant or equipment,  except for expenditures
                                    and commitments not exceeding $50,000 in the
                                    aggregate,

                           (6)      not made or agreed to make any change in the
                                    compensation payable to any employee, except
                                    for   increases  in   compensation   in  the
                                    ordinary  course of  business  substantially
                                    consistent with past practices of Seller, or

                           (7)      not  granted   credit  to  any  customer  or
                                    distributor on terms more favorable than the
                                    terms on which  credit has been  extended to
                                    such customer or distributor in the past nor
                                    changed  the terms of any credit  previously
                                    extended  except in the  ordinary  course of
                                    business.

                  N.       Material Contracts,  Etc. Appendix 3.1(N) to Seller's
                           Disclosure   Letter  lists  all  contracts,   leases,
                           agreements and  instruments  material to the Business
                           or  requiring  the   performance  by  Seller  of  any
                           material  obligations of Seller after the date hereof
                           except the following:

                           (1)      purchase orders and contracts with suppliers
                                    and  customers  entered into in the ordinary
                                    course of business, and

                           (2)      miscellaneous contracts,  leases, agreements
                                    and instruments  (with Persons  unaffiliated
                                    with Seller) involving liabilities under any
                                    such   contract,    lease,   agreement   and
                                    instrument  of not more than  $25,000 in any
                                    twelve month period.

                           Seller has heretofore  delivered,  or made available,
                           to  Purchaser or its counsel  complete  copies of all
                           contracts,  leases, agreements and instruments listed
                           on Appendix 3.1(N) to Seller's Disclosure Letter.

                           Except as set forth in  Appendix  3.1(N) to  Seller's
                           Disclosure  Letter,  Seller  is  not a  party  to any
                           agreement,  contract or covenant limiting the freedom
                           of the Seller or any party  contracting  with  Seller
                           from  competing  in any line of  business or with any
                           Person in any geographic area.

                  O.       Permits.  Seller  possesses all the Permits listed in
                           Appendix  2.1(B)(6)  to Seller's  Disclosure  Letter,
                           copies of all of which have been delivered to


                                      -28-

<PAGE>

                           Purchaser.  Such Permits  constitute  all the Permits
                           necessary  under  law  or  otherwise  for  Seller  to
                           conduct the  Business as now being  conducted  and to
                           construct,  own, operate, maintain and use the Assets
                           in  the   manner   in  which   they  are  now   being
                           constructed,  operated,  maintained and used. Each of
                           such Permits and Seller's rights with respect thereto
                           is valid and  subsisting,  in full force and  effect,
                           and enforceable by Seller. Seller is in compliance in
                           all material respects with the terms of such Permits.
                           None of such Permits have been,  or to the  knowledge
                           of Seller,  are threatened to be, revoked,  canceled,
                           suspended or modified.

                  P.       Environmental Matters.

                           (1)      Except  as set forth in  Appendix  3.1(P) to
                                    Seller's   Disclosure   Letter  and  to  the
                                    knowledge of Seller:

                                    (a)     Seller  is not in  violation  of any
                                            Environmental   Laws  in  connection
                                            with the  conduct  of the  Business,
                                            where     such      violation     or
                                            non-compliance would have a Material
                                            Adverse Effect, and

                                    (b)      there  are no  underground  storage
                                             tanks     (as     defined     under
                                             Environmental  Laws)  located under
                                             the Owned Property;

                           (2)      Seller has not received any written  notices
                                    of any violation of, non-compliance with, or
                                    remedial  obligation  under,   Environmental
                                    Laws,   relating   to  the  conduct  of  the
                                    Business,  which violation or non-compliance
                                    would have a Material Adverse Effect; and

                           (3)      there  are no writs,  injunctions,  decrees,
                                    orders   or   judgments   outstanding,    or
                                    lawsuits,     claims,     proceedings     or
                                    investigations,  pending or to the knowledge
                                    of  Seller   threatened,   relating  to  the
                                    conduct of the Business.

                           As used in this Agreement, "Environmental Laws" means
                           any applicable federal,  state, or local laws, rules,
                           or  regulations,   common  law  or  strict  liability
                           provisions,   and  any  judicial  or   administrative
                           interpretations  thereof,  including  any judicial or
                           administrative  orders  or  judgments,   relating  to
                           health,  safety,  industrial  hygiene,  pollution  or
                           environmental matters.

                  Q.       Customers and Suppliers.  Appendix 3.1(Q) to Seller's
                           Disclosure  Letter  sets forth (1) a true and correct
                           list of (i) the ten (10) largest  customers of Seller
                           in  terms of  sales  during  the  fiscal  year  ended
                           December  31,  1996,  and (ii)  the ten (10)  largest
                           customers of Seller in terms of sales during the four


                                      -29-

<PAGE>



                           (4)  months  ended  April  30,   1997,   showing  the
                           approximate  total sales to each such customer during
                           each of such periods; and (2) a true and correct list
                           of the ten (10) largest  suppliers of Seller in terms
                           of  purchases  during the four (4) months ended April
                           30, 1997,  showing the  approximate  total  purchases
                           from  each  such  supplier   during  such  respective
                           periods.  Except to the extent set forth in  Appendix
                           3.1(Q) to Seller's  Disclosure Letter,  there has not
                           been any  material  adverse  change  in the  business
                           relationship  of Seller with any customer or supplier
                           so named in the disclosure statement.  Except for the
                           customers and suppliers  named in Appendix  3.1(Q) to
                           Seller's  Disclosure  Letter,  Seller has not had any
                           customer  which  accounted  for  more  than 5% of the
                           sales  during the period from January 1, 1996 through
                           and including  the date hereof,  or any supplier from
                           whom it purchased  more than 5% of the total goods or
                           services purchased by it during such period.

         3.2 Representations and Warranties of Purchaser.  Purchaser  represents
and warrants to Seller that the  following are true and correct on and as of the
date of this  Agreement and will be true and correct  through the Effective Time
of Closing as if made on and as of that date:

                  A.       Purchaser is a corporation  duly  organized,  validly
                           existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the
                           State of Nevada and is qualified to transact business
                           and is in good standing as a foreign  corporation  in
                           the jurisdictions  where it is required to qualify in
                           order  to  conduct  its   businesses   as   presently
                           conducted.

                           Purchaser  has the  corporate  power and authority to
                           own,  lease or operate all  properties and assets now
                           owned,  leased or  operated by it and to carry on its
                           businesses as now conducted.

                  B.       Purchaser  may  execute,  deliver  and  perform  this
                           Agreement (including, without limitation,  execution,
                           delivery and  performance of the Operative  Documents
                           to which  it is a party)  without  the  necessity  of
                           Purchaser    obtaining    any   consent,    approval,
                           authorization  or  waiver  or  giving  any  notice or
                           otherwise,  except  for  such  consents,   approvals,
                           authorizations,  waivers and notices as  described on
                           Schedule 3.2(B) hereto.

                  C.       The  execution,  delivery  and  performance  of  this
                           Agreement do not and will not:

                           (1)      constitute  a violation  of the  Articles of
                                    Incorporation, as amended, or the Bylaws, as
                                    amended, as the case may be, of Purchaser,



                                      -30-

<PAGE>



                           (2)      constitute   a  violation  of  any  statute,
                                    judgment,  order,  decree or  regulation  or
                                    rule of any court, governmental authority or
                                    arbitrator   applicable   or   relating   to
                                    Purchaser, or

                           (3)      to the knowledge of Purchaser,  constitute a
                                    default   under   any   contract   to  which
                                    Purchaser  is  a  party  except  where  such
                                    default  would not have a  material  adverse
                                    effect  upon the  ability  of  Purchaser  to
                                    perform   its    obligations    under   this
                                    Agreement.

                  D.       Purchaser has the corporate  power to enter into this
                           Agreement  and the  Operative  Documents and to carry
                           out  its  respective  obligations   hereunder.   This
                           Agreement  and  each of the  Operative  Documents  to
                           which Purchaser is a party has been duly  authorized,
                           executed and delivered by Purchaser.  This  Agreement
                           and  each  of  the   Operative   Documents  to  which
                           Purchaser is a party constitutes the legal, valid and
                           binding  obligation  of  Purchaser,   enforceable  in
                           accordance  with its terms,  except as may be limited
                           by bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency and similar
                           laws of general application  relating to or affecting
                           the enforcement of rights of creditors.

                  E.       Financial Statements,  Etc. The following audited and
                           unaudited financial statements of Purchaser have been
                           delivered to Seller:

                           (1)      the audited  consolidated  balance  sheet of
                                    Purchaser  as  of  December  31,  1996  (the
                                    "Purchaser  December Balance Sheet") and the
                                    related audited statements of operations, of
                                    stockholder's  equity  and of cash flows for
                                    the  three-year  period  ended  December 31,
                                    1996   (together   with  related  notes  and
                                    schedules),   which   financial   statements
                                    contain  a report of  Arthur  Andersen  LLP,
                                    independent   auditors,   reporting  thereon
                                    (such balance sheet, the related  statements
                                    of operations,  of stockholder's  equity and
                                    of cash  flows,  and the  related  footnotes
                                    being  hereinafter  together  refereed to as
                                    the    "Purchaser     December     Financial
                                    Statements"); and

                           (2)      the unaudited  consolidated balance sheet of
                                    Seller as of April 30, 1997 (the  "Purchaser
                                    April   Balance   Sheet")  and  the  related
                                    unaudited   statements  of  operations,   of
                                    stockholder's  equity  and of cash flows for
                                    the four-month  period then ended  (together
                                    with related footnotes) (such balance sheet,
                                    the related  statements  of  operations,  of
                                    stockholder's  equity and of cash flows, and
                                    the  related   footnotes  being  hereinafter
                                    together referred to as the "Purchaser April
                                    Financial Statements").



                                      -31-

<PAGE>



                           Except   as  set  forth  in   Purchaser's   Financial
                           Statements   set  out  in  Section   3.2(E)(1),   the
                           Purchaser  December  Financial   Statements  and  the
                           Purchaser April Financial  Statements  (collectively,
                           the "Purchaser Financial Statements"),  including the
                           related notes and schedules,  have been prepared from
                           the books and records of Purchaser in conformity with
                           generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
                           basis  consistent  with GAAP and  present  fairly the
                           financial  position of  Purchaser  as of the dates of
                           such statements.

                  F.       Litigation and Compliance  With Laws,  Etc. There are
                           no claims, actions, suits or proceedings,  whether in
                           equity or at law, or governmental  or  administrative
                           investigations   pending  or,  to  the  knowledge  of
                           Purchaser,  threatened against Purchaser,  except (1)
                           as described  on Schedule  3.2(F)  hereto,  or as may
                           arise with  respect to any of the  matters  described
                           thereon,  and (2) for any claims,  actions,  suits or
                           proceedings   which  pertain  to  routine  claims  by
                           persons  other  than  Governmental  Bodies  that  are
                           covered  by  insurance  (subject  to  the  applicable
                           insurance deductibles).

                           Purchaser in all material  respects is in  compliance
                           under any law, regulation,  writ, injunction,  decree
                           or  order  applicable  to  Purchaser  or its  assets,
                           including  without  limitation all safety and health,
                           antitrust,    consumer   protection,   labor,   equal
                           opportunity  or   discrimination   laws,   rules  and
                           regulations,  and there are no judgments  outstanding
                           and unsatisfied  against  Purchaser that would have a
                           material  adverse  effect on  Purchaser  or otherwise
                           impair   Purchaser's   ability  to  comply  with  its
                           obligations under this Agreement.

                  G.       Taxes.  Purchaser has duly filed when due,  including
                           any  extensions,  all  Tax  reports  and  returns  in
                           connection   with  and  in  respect  of   Purchaser's
                           business,  assets and employees,  and has timely paid
                           and  discharged  all Tax  Obligations  shown thereon.
                           Purchaser has made available to Seller, to the extent
                           requested  by Seller,  all Tax reports and returns of
                           Purchaser  for all periods  ending  prior to the date
                           hereof.

                           Purchaser   has  not  received   notice  of  any  Tax
                           deficiency outstanding,  proposed or assessed against
                           or allocable to Purchaser, nor has Purchaser executed
                           any  waiver  of any  statute  of  limitations  on the
                           assessment  or  collection  of any Tax or executed or
                           filed with the IRS or any other Governmental Body any
                           agreement  now in effect  extending  the  period  for
                           assessment   or   collection  of  any  Taxes  against
                           Purchaser.



                                      -32-

<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE IV
                    CONDUCT AND TRANSACTIONS PRIOR TO CLOSING
                    -----------------------------------------

                  4.1      Access to Records and Properties. Between the date of
                           this  Agreement  and the  Effective  Time of Closing,
                           Seller shall give to Purchaser  and its advisors such
                           access to the premises,  books and records of Seller,
                           and  shall   cause  the   officers,   employees   and
                           accountants  of Seller to furnish such  financial and
                           operating data and other  information with respect to
                           Seller  as   Purchaser   shall   from  time  to  time
                           reasonably  request.  Without limiting the generality
                           of the foregoing,  Seller shall give to Purchaser and
                           its  representatives  access during  normal  business
                           hours to the  facilities  and operations of Seller so
                           that  Purchaser  may (1)  obtain  evaluations  of the
                           Assets  and  (2)  perform  any  and  all   assessing,
                           testing,  monitoring and investigating that Purchaser
                           and  Seller  mutually  agree  to  be  necessary  with
                           respect to environmental  matters  concerning Seller,
                           its assets and the  operation  of the  Business.  Any
                           investigation  pursuant to this  Section 4.1 shall be
                           conducted at  Purchaser's  cost (other than the usual
                           salary of employees of Seller,  overhead  expenses of
                           Seller  and the  fees and  expenses  of  counsel  and
                           independent  public  accountants  for  Seller) and in
                           such manner as not to interfere unreasonably with the
                           business and operations of Seller. Purchaser shall be
                           subject to the Confidentiality Agreement with respect
                           to all  information  and data gathered as a result of
                           access granted under this Section 4.1,  provided that
                           the Confidentiality  Agreement shall terminate on the
                           Closing Date.

         4.2 Operation of Seller. Between the date hereof and the Effective Time
of Closing,  except as  contemplated  herein or except with the prior consent of
Purchaser, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, Seller shall:

                  A.       conduct  the  Business  in  the  ordinary  course  of
                           business consistent with past practices;

                  B.       not  dispose  of, or commit to dispose of, any Assets
                           (other  than  the   liquidation   and  settlement  of
                           Accounts and the sale and  delivery of Inventory  and
                           products  covered  by  Backlog  Orders,  all  in  the
                           ordinary and customary course of Seller's  business);
                           and

                  C.       use all  reasonable  efforts  to  continue  in effect
                           until  immediately  following the  Effective  Time of
                           Closing all present  insurance  coverage with respect
                           to the Assets, the Business and the Employees.

         Seller shall not effect any amendment to the articles of  incorporation
or the  bylaws of Seller  and shall  not  cause or permit  the  issuance  of any
additional shares of the capital stock or equity interests (or options, warrants
or other rights to acquire capital stock or equity interests) of Seller.

         Each party shall make  reasonable  efforts to advise the other promptly
in writing of any condition or circumstance, known to such party, occurring from
the date hereof up to and including


                                      -33-

<PAGE>



the Effective  Time of Closing that would cause the  respective  representations
herein to become untrue in any material respect.

         4.3  Consents.  Seller shall use its  reasonable  efforts to obtain any
consents of  Governmental  Bodies,  suppliers,  distributors,  and other Persons
required  in order for  Seller to sell and  transfer  the  Assets  and  Business
pursuant to this Agreement.

         4.4      No Public Announcements or Negotiation with Others.

                  A.       The parties  hereto shall not issue any press release
                           or  make   any   public   statement   regarding   the
                           transactions  contemplated by this Agreement  without
                           obtaining the prior consent of the other party, which
                           consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

                  B.       Unless  and  until  this  Agreement  shall  have been
                           terminated by Purchaser or Seller pursuant to Section
                           6.2,  neither SDI,  Seller nor any of the officers or
                           directors  of Seller,  nor any  Affiliates  of any of
                           them whom they are able to  influence,  shall (except
                           to the extent  required in the  exercise of fiduciary
                           duties or under applicable law):

                           (1)      directly or indirectly,  encourage, solicit,
                                    initiate or participate  in any  discussions
                                    or   negotiations   with  any   corporation,
                                    partnership, Person or other entity or group
                                    (other than to  Purchaser or an Affiliate or
                                    an associate of  Purchaser)  concerning  any
                                    merger, sale of substantial assets, business
                                    combination, sale of shares of capital stock
                                    or  similar   transactions   involving   the
                                    business of Seller or any Asset,  whether by
                                    providing    non-public    information    or
                                    otherwise; or

                           (2)      disclose,   directly  or   indirectly,   any
                                    information not customarily disclosed to any
                                    Person  concerning   Seller's  business  and
                                    properties,   afford  to  any  other  Person
                                    access  to  Seller's  properties,  books  or
                                    records or otherwise assist or encourage any
                                    Person  in   connection   with  any  of  the
                                    foregoing.

In the event Seller shall receive a written offer for a transaction  of the type
referred to in this Section 4.4,  Seller shall promptly  inform  Purchaser as to
any such offer.

         4.5  Reasonable  Efforts to Satisfy  Conditions.  Seller  shall use its
reasonable  efforts to cause the  conditions  to the  obligations  of  Purchaser
contained in Section 5.1 to be satisfied to the extent that the  satisfaction of
such conditions is in the control of Seller.  Purchaser shall use its reasonable
efforts to cause the  conditions to the  obligations of Seller and SDI contained
in Section  5.2 to be  satisfied  to the extent  that the  satisfaction  of such
conditions is in the control of Purchaser.



                                      -34-

<PAGE>



         4.6 Bulk Transfer.  Seller agrees to and does hereby indemnify and hold
Purchaser  harmless  from and  against  all claims,  losses,  demands,  damages,
liabilities,   losses,   costs  and  expenses  resulting  from  or  relating  to
non-compliance  by Purchaser or Seller with the bulk transfer  provisions of the
Uniform  Commercial  Code (or any similar law) in  connection  with the sale and
transfer  of the  Assets to  Purchaser  other  than the  liabilities  assumed by
Purchaser hereunder and Purchaser and Seller hereby waive compliance therewith.

         4.7 Change of Seller's Name. Immediately following the Closing,  Seller
shall cease to use the name "STRATEGIC SUPPLY,  INC." or any similar name and as
soon as practical thereafter will file with the office of the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware all documents necessary to change the name of Seller to
a name reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser. Pending the effectiveness under the
Delaware  Corporation  Laws of  Seller's  name  change,  Seller  shall  file all
necessary  documentation  with  the  appropriate   governmental  authorities  to
evidence  its doing  business  as an entity  using a name other than  "STRATEGIC
SUPPLY,  INC." Seller shall take the equivalent action with respect to such name
in any other jurisdiction where it has been, is or is licensed to be used.

         4.8 Vacate Real Property.  Seller shall vacate all of the Real Property
at the Effective Time of Closing.

         4.9 Title Policy. Seller shall cooperate with Purchaser in Purchaser is
obtaining an Owners Title Policy Commitment (the "Commitment") issued by a title
company  satisfactory to Purchaser  committing and binding said title company to
issue to Purchaser a title policy,  which shall show good and indefeasible title
to the Real Property to be vested in Seller ("Title Policy").

         4.10  Accounts  Receivable.  All  accounts  receivable  of Seller shall
remain with Seller provided Purchaser agrees (at no cost to Seller) for a period
of twelve months  following the Closing Date to serve as a collection agent with
respect to the Closing Receivables. In this connection,  Purchaser agrees to use
commercially  reasonable efforts to collect all Closing  Receivables.  Purchaser
agrees  not to settle or  compromise  or  attempt  to settle or  compromise  any
Closing  Receivables  without the prior written  consent and approval of Seller.
Purchaser  further agrees that the payments made by customers of Purchaser which
are also obligors  under the Closing  Receivables  shall be applied first to the
Closing  Receivables  and then to  receivables  of such  customers  to Purchaser
unless the customers directs in writing that payments be applied in a particular
manner. To the extent that Closing  Receivables  remain outstanding on the first
day of each month during the third through twelfth month after the Closing Date,
Purchaser  agrees on the first day of each month to pay to Seller a cash payment
equal to .58% of the then outstanding  balance of Closing  Receivables.  Each of
Purchaser and Seller shall promptly pay to the other any amounts  received by it
or any  Affiliate on account of a Closing  Receivable  (or any portion  thereof)
which is, at such time, the property of the other.

         4.11 Cooperation on Tax Matters.  Purchaser and Seller agree to furnish
or cause to be  furnished  to each  other,  as  promptly  as  practicable,  such
information and assistance relating to the


                                      -35-

<PAGE>



Business  as is  reasonably  necessary  for the  preparation  and  filing of any
return,  claim for refund or other required or optional  filings relating to Tax
matters,  for the preparation  for and proof of facts during any Tax audit,  for
the preparation for any Tax protest,  for the prosecution or defense of any suit
or  other  proceeding  relating  to  Tax  matters  and  for  the  answer  to any
governmental or regulatory inquiry relating to Tax matters.

         Purchaser  agrees to retain  possession  of all  accounting,  business,
financial  and Tax  records and  information  (i)  relating  to the  Business in
existence on the Closing Date transferred to Purchaser hereunder and (ii) coming
into  existence  after the Closing Date which relate to the Business  before the
Closing Date, for a period of six years from the Closing Date. In addition, from
and after the  Closing  Date,  Purchaser  agrees  that it will not  unreasonably
withhold   access  by  Seller   and  its   attorneys,   accountants   and  other
representatives  (after  reasonable  notice and during normal business hours and
with reasonable charge), to such personnel, books, records, documents and any or
all other  information  relating to the Business as Seller may  reasonably  deem
necessary to properly prepare for, file, prove, answer,  prosecute and/or defend
any  such  return,  filing,  audit,  protest,  claim,  suit,  inquiry  or  other
proceeding.  Such  access  shall  include,  without  limitation,  access  to any
computerized information retrieval systems relating to the Business.

         4.12  Inventories.  Seller  agrees that at any time within  thirty (30)
days  after  the  third  anniversary  of the  Closing  Date and  subject  to the
provisions  of this Section 4.12,  Purchaser  shall have the right and option to
cause Seller to purchase,  and if such option is executed,  Seller will purchase
the Closing  Inventory  which then remains unsold by Purchaser.  Such put option
may be exercised  by  Purchaser's  delivery to Seller of written  notice of such
election which identifies the Closing Inventory to be purchased and the purchase
price thereof.  The purchase price payable by Seller for such Closing  Inventory
shall be the  amount by which the  appropriate  net book  value of such  Closing
Inventories less applicable reserves (as reflected on the Closing Date Statement
of Net  Assets)  is  greater  than the  Inventory  Realized  Amount.  "Inventory
Realized  Amount"  shall mean the proceeds  received by Purchaser  from sales of
Closing Inventory,  provided, that in calculating such proceeds, the sales price
received by Purchaser for sales of inventory shall be deemed to be the lesser of
(i) the sales price  actually  received for such Closing  Inventory and (ii) the
cost at which such  Closing  Inventory  was carried on the books of Seller as of
the Closing  Date,  such costs to be reflected on a schedule  prepared by Seller
and  Purchaser  at or  immediately  following  Closing.  If the  put  option  is
exercised,  Purchaser  agrees  that  Seller  may effect  its  purchase  first by
reducing the principal amount of the Subordinated Note.

         4.13 Cancellation of Certain Leases.  Purchaser and Seller  acknowledge
that Purchaser may desire to cancel or terminate certain of the Scheduled Leases
after twelve months following the Closing Date, such Scheduled Leases consisting
of the  leases in  Borger,  Pampa and Dumas  which  are  reflected  in  Appendix
2.1(B)(8)  to the  Seller's  Disclosure  Letter  (collectively  the  "Designated
Leases").  In the event that Purchaser elects to terminate all or part of any of
the Designated  Leases after twelve months  following the Closing Date but prior
to the end of the stated term (without taking into  consideration  any extension
thereof),  Seller  agrees to reimburse  Purchaser an amount equal to one half of
any amounts which are required to be paid to the lessors of the Designated


                                      -36-

<PAGE>



Leases in connection with such early  termination (up to an aggregate payment of
$120,487)  net of  proceeds  from  sublessees  and  other  amounts  received  by
Purchaser which are related to such  termination.  The amounts payable hereunder
by Seller,  if any, may at Seller's  election be paid through a reduction of the
principal  payments  payable to Seller under the  Subordinated  Note.  Purchaser
agrees to use all  commercially  reasonable  efforts to sublet  such  Designated
Leases or  otherwise  to mitigate  the  payments  to the  lessors  upon any such
termination.

                                    ARTICLE V
                              CONDITIONS OF CLOSING

         5.1  Conditions  of  Obligations  of  Purchaser.   The  obligations  of
Purchaser to consummate  the purchase and sale under this  Agreement are subject
to the satisfaction of the following conditions,  each of which may be waived in
writing by Purchaser:

                  A.       Representations   and   Warranties:   Performance  of
                           Obligations.

                           (1)      The representations and warranties of Seller
                                    set forth in Section  3.1 hereof  shall have
                                    been and  shall be true and  correct  in all
                                    material  respects  on and as of the date of
                                    this Agreement and shall be true and correct
                                    in all  material  respects  on and as of the
                                    Closing  Date,  as though  made on and as of
                                    the Closing Date.

                           (2)      Seller shall have  performed in all material
                                    respects  the   covenants,   agreements  and
                                    obligations  required to be  performed by it
                                    under  this  Agreement  prior  to and on the
                                    Closing Date.

                           (3)      Seller shall have delivered to Purchaser its
                                    certificate  confirming the  satisfaction of
                                    the  conditions  set forth in  subparagraphs
                                    (1) and (2)  above  and such  other  matters
                                    that Purchaser may reasonably request.
                  B.       Delivery of Instruments.  Seller shall have delivered
                           to Purchaser the duly  authorized  and executed Deed,
                           the General Conveyance,  Transfer and Assignment, and
                           such other  conveyance  documents  that Purchaser may
                           reasonably   request  to  effect  the   transfer  and
                           conveyance of the Business to Purchaser.

                  C.       Opinion of Counsel  to Seller.  Purchaser  shall have
                           received the opinion of Seller's  counsel,  Andrews &
                           Kurth L.L.P.,  dated the Closing Date, in the form of
                           Exhibit 5.1(C) hereto.

                  D.       Environmental  Review  Report.  Purchaser  shall have
                           received,  at Purchaser's  expense,  an environmental
                           review report from a Person satisfactory to Purchaser
                           as to the absence of any  evidence of  non-compliance
                           with


                                      -37-

<PAGE>



                           Environmental Laws that would have a Material Adverse
                           Effect on the Business or Assets to be acquired.

                  E.       Consents,  Notices and  Approvals.  All  consents and
                           approvals   of  all   Persons   necessary   for   the
                           consummation  of  the   Transaction   under  Seller's
                           articles of incorporation or bylaws or any agreement,
                           permit,  law or  regulation  shall have been received
                           and delivered to Purchaser, all notices to any Person
                           required  by any  of the  foregoing  to be  given  in
                           respect  of the  Transaction  shall  have  been  duly
                           given, and all necessary action shall have been taken
                           to assign to Purchaser the Scheduled  Contracts,  the
                           Scheduled  Leases and any other  material  agreements
                           between  Seller  and  its  shareholders,   suppliers,
                           customers and other third parties.

                  F.       Change of Corporate Name.  Seller shall have approved
                           and shall have  executed and  delivered to Purchaser,
                           an  amendment  to  its  articles  of   incorporation,
                           pursuant to the Delaware Corporation Laws and in form
                           suitable  for filing with the  Secretary  of State of
                           Delaware  pursuant to the Delaware  Corporation Laws,
                           changing its  corporate  name to a name that does not
                           include the word "Strategic Supply" or any other name
                           under which Seller presently conducts business.

                  G.       "Net   Tangible   Asset   Value   Certificate".   The
                           Certificate  of Estimated  Net  Tangible  Asset Value
                           shall have been delivered by Seller to Purchaser.

                  H.       "Supplemental Disclosure Statement". The Seller shall
                           have delivered the Supplemental  Disclosure Statement
                           to Purchaser.

         5.2  Conditions of  Obligations  of Seller and SDI. The  obligations of
Seller to consummate  the sale and purchase  under this Agreement are subject to
the  satisfaction  of the following  conditions,  each of which may be waived in
writing by Seller:
                  A.       Representations   and   Warranties:   Performance  of
                           Obligations.  The  representations  and warranties of
                           Purchaser  set forth in Section 3.2 hereof shall have
                           been and be true and correct in all material respects
                           on and as of the date of this Agreement and as of the
                           Closing  Date as though made on and as of the Closing
                           Date.

                           Purchaser   shall  have  performed  in  all  material
                           respects the covenants,  agreements  and  obligations
                           necessary to be performed by it under this  Agreement
                           prior to the Closing Date and such other matters that
                           Seller may reasonably request.



                                      -38-

<PAGE>



                  B.       Purchase Price and Other  Payments.  Purchaser  shall
                           have  delivered  to Seller  the cash  portion  of the
                           Purchase   Price,   the   Subordinated    Note,   the
                           Consideration Note and any other payments required to
                           be made as of the Closing Date.

                  C.       Opinion of Counsel to  Purchaser.  Seller  shall have
                           received the opinion of Fouts & Moore,  L.L.P., dated
                           the  Closing  Date,  in the  form of  Exhibit  5.2(C)
                           hereto.

                  D.       Transition Services  Agreement.  Seller and Purchaser
                           shall  have  entered   into  a  Transition   Services
                           Agreement  with  respect to SDI Mexico in the form of
                           Exhibit 5.2(D) hereof.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                    CLOSING DATE AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
                    -----------------------------------------

         6.1      Closing Date.

                  A.       Subject to the right of (1) Seller and (2)  Purchaser
                           to terminate this  Agreement  pursuant to Section 6.2
                           hereof,  the  closing  of  the  consummation  of  the
                           purchase and sale contemplated by this Agreement (the
                           "Closing")  shall,  unless  another  date or place is
                           agreed to in writing by Seller  and  Purchaser,  take
                           place  at the  offices  of  Andrews  & Kurth  L.L.P.,
                           Houston, Texas, at 10:00 a.m., Houston, Texas time on
                           May 30,  1997,  or such other date as the parties may
                           agree upon (the "Closing Date").

                  B.       For all purposes hereof, the term "the Effective Time
                           of  Closing"  shall  occur upon (i) the  delivery  to
                           Purchaser  of  the  Deed,  the  General   Conveyance,
                           Transfer  and  Assignment,  and the  other  Operative
                           Documents as contemplated  herein on the Closing Date
                           and (ii) the payment of the Purchase Price, including
                           the delivery to Seller of the  Subordinated  Note the
                           Consideration Note, and the delivery to Seller of the
                           other Operative Documents.

         6.2      Termination of Agreement.

                  A.       This  Agreement  may, by written  notice  given at or
                           prior  to  the  Closing  in  the  manner  hereinafter
                           provided, be terminated or abandoned:

                           (1)      in the  event  that  the  Effective  Time of
                                    Closing shall not have occurred on or before
                                    May  30,  1997  (or  such   extension   date
                                    pursuant to Section 6.1(A)), by Seller or by
                                    Purchaser;



                                      -39-

<PAGE>



                           (2)      by Purchaser if a material default or breach
                                    shall be made by Seller with  respect to the
                                    due  and  timely  performance  of any of its
                                    covenants and agreements  contained  herein,
                                    or with respect to the correctness of or due
                                    compliance  with any of its  representations
                                    and  warranties  and such default  cannot be
                                    cured and has not been waived;

                           (3)      by Seller if a  material  default  or breach
                                    shall be made by  Purchaser  with respect to
                                    the due and timely performance of any of its
                                    covenants and agreements  contained  herein,
                                    or with respect to the correctness of or due
                                    compliance  with any of its  representations
                                    and  warranties  and such default  cannot be
                                    cured and has not been waived;

                           (4)      by mutual  consent of Seller and  Purchaser;
                                    or

                           (5)      by  Purchaser  if  any   supplement  to  the
                                    Seller's  Disclosure Letter contains updated
                                    or supplemental  disclosure which indirectly
                                    or in the  aggregate  would  have a Material
                                    Adverse Effect.

                  B.       No termination of this Agreement, whether pursuant to
                           this  Section 6.2 or  otherwise,  shall  terminate or
                           impair  any claim by Seller or by  Purchaser  against
                           the  other  based  upon any  breach  of  Section  4.5
                           hereof.

                                   ARTICLE VII
                                 INDEMNIFICATION
                                 ---------------

         7.1      Indemnity.

                  A.       Subject to  Section  7.2(B)  hereof,  Seller and SDI,
                           jointly and  severally,  agree to indemnify  and hold
                           Purchaser  and   Purchaser's   officers,   directors,
                           shareholders,   Affiliates,  and  agents  ("Purchaser
                           Indemnitees")  harmless  from  any and  all  damages,
                           losses,    liabilities,     payments,    obligations,
                           penalties,  claims,  litigation,  demands,  defenses,
                           judgments,  suits, proceedings,  costs, disbursements
                           or   expenses    (including,    without   limitation,
                           reasonable  fees,   disbursements   and  expenses  of
                           attorneys,   accountants   and   other   professional
                           advisors  and  of  expert   witnesses  and  costs  of
                           investigation  and preparation) of any kind or nature
                           whatsoever (collectively  "Damages"),  resulting from
                           or arising out of:

                           (1)      any   breach   of  or   inaccuracy   in  any
                                    representation   or   warranty   of   Seller
                                    contained in this Agreement; and

                           (2)      any  breach or  non-performance,  partial or
                                    total,   by  Seller  of  any   covenant   or
                                    agreement   of  Seller   contained  in  this
                                    Agreement.


                                      -40-

<PAGE>



                  B.       Subject to Section 7.2(B) hereof,  Purchaser and DXP,
                           jointly and  severally,  agree to indemnify  and hold
                           Seller    and    Seller's    officers,     directors,
                           shareholders,   Affiliates,   and   agents   ("Seller
                           Indemnitees")  harmless  from,  any and  all  Damages
                           resulting from or arising out of:

                           (1)      any breach of any representation or warranty
                                    of Purchaser  contained  in this  Agreement;
                                    and

                           (2)      the  non-performance,  partial or total,  of
                                    any   covenant  or  agreement  of  Purchaser
                                    contained in this Agreement.

         7.2      Notice Participation; Duration; Limitations.

         A.       If  a  claim  by  a  third  party  is  made  against  a  party
                  indemnified  pursuant to this Article VII ("Indemnitee"),  and
                  if such  Indemnitee  intends to seek  indemnity  with  respect
                  thereto  under  this  Article  VII,  such   Indemnitee   shall
                  promptly,  and in any event within 30 days of the assertion of
                  any  claim  or the  discovery  of any  fact  upon  which  such
                  Indemnitee intends to base a claim for  indemnification  under
                  this  Agreement  ("Claim"),  notify the party or parties  from
                  whom  indemnification is sought  ("Indemnitor") of such Claim.
                  Delay on the part of the Indemnitee in providing the notice of
                  Claim shall not relieve the  Indemnitor  from its  obligations
                  hereunder  unless (and then only to the extent) the Indemnitor
                  is  prejudiced  or damaged by such delay.  In the event of any
                  Claim,  Indemnitor,  at its  option,  may assume  (with  legal
                  counsel  reasonably  acceptable to the Indemnitee) the defense
                  of  any  claim,   demand,   lawsuit  or  other  proceeding  in
                  connection  with the  Indemnitee's  Claim,  and may assert any
                  defense of Indemnitee or Indemnitor;  provided that Indemnitee
                  shall have the right at its own expense to participate jointly
                  with Indemnitor in the defense of any claim,  demand,  lawsuit
                  or other proceeding in connection with the Indemnitee's Claim.
                  In the event that  Indemnitor  elects to undertake the defense
                  of  any  Claim  hereunder,  Indemnitee  shall  cooperate  with
                  Indemnitor  to the  fullest  extent  possible in regard to all
                  matters relating to the Claim (including,  without limitation,
                  corrective  actions  required by applicable law,  assertion of
                  defenses and the  determination,  mitigation,  negotiation and
                  settlement of all amounts, costs, actions, penalties,  damages
                  and the like  related  thereto)  so as to permit  Indemnitor's
                  management  of same  with  regard  to the  amount  of  Damages
                  payable by the  Indemnitor  hereunder.  Neither  Purchaser nor
                  Seller shall be entitled to settle any Claim without the prior
                  written  consent  of  the  other,   which  consent  shall  not
                  unreasonably be withheld.

         B.       The  representations  and  warranties  of  the  parties  shall
                  survive the Closing for a period of two years  (except for the
                  representations and warranties under

                                      -41-

<PAGE>



                           Sections  3.1(G) and 3.2(G)  which shall  survive for
                           the  applicable   statute  of  limitations   and  the
                           representations  and  warranties  in  Section  3.1(P)
                           which  shall  survive  for  three  years),   and  the
                           indemnification  procedures in this Article VII shall
                           be the  exclusive  remedy  available  to the  parties
                           hereto.  No  claim  for  indemnification  under  this
                           Section 7.2 may be made after the second  anniversary
                           of the Effective Time of Closing,  except that claims
                           for  indemnification  in respect of  breaches  of the
                           representations  and warranties  contained in Section
                           3.1(G)  or 3.2(G)  hereof  may be made so long as any
                           claim is made in  respect of such  matters  under any
                           applicable  statute  of  limitations  and  claims for
                           indemnification   in  respect  of   breaches  of  the
                           representations  and warranties  contained in Section
                           3.1(P)  may be made so long as any  claim  is made in
                           respect of such matter prior to the third anniversary
                           of the Closing; provided, however, that the foregoing
                           shall  not  affect  any claim  made  with  sufficient
                           detail  in  good  faith  prior  to the  date  of such
                           expiration.

                           C.       The  obligations  of  Purchaser  and DXP and
                                    Seller  and  SDI  to  indemnify  any  Person
                                    pursuant  to  this  Article  VIII  shall  be
                                    subject to the following limitations:

                                    (1)     Neither the Seller  Indemnitees  nor
                                            the Purchaser  Indemnitees  shall be
                                            entitled  to  indemnification  under
                                            this Article VII for any  individual
                                            Claim unless the Damages incurred by
                                            the   party   or   parties   seeking
                                            indemnification with respect to such
                                            Claim exceed $10,000;

                                    (2)     Neither the Seller  Indemnitees  nor
                                            the Purchaser  Indemnitees  shall be
                                            entitled  to  indemnification  under
                                            this    Article   VII   unless   the
                                            aggregate  Damages  incurred  by the
                                            party     or     parties     seeking
                                            indemnification  are  in  excess  of
                                            $150,000 and then only to the extent
                                            of such excess;

                                    (3)      the  aggregate  liability of Seller
                                             and  SDI  to  indemnify   Purchaser
                                             Indemnitees  shall  not  exceed  an
                                             amount equal to $9,000,000; and

                                    (4)     no party  shall have  liability  for
                                            any  lost  business   opportunities,
                                            loss  of  revenue,   speculative  or
                                            prospective  profits  or  any  other
                                            special, incidental,  consequential,
                                            exemplary,   punitive   or  indirect
                                            damages.



                                      -42-

<PAGE>



         7.3      INDEMNIFICATION IF NEGLIGENCE OF INDEMNITEE. THE
INDEMNIFICATION PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE APPLICABLE WHETHER
OR NOT NEGLIGENCE OF THE INDEMNITEE IS ALLEGED OR PROVEN.

         7.4  Reimbursement.  In the event that the Indemnitor  shall undertake,
conduct  or  control  the  defense  or  settlement  of any Claim and it is later
determined  that such Claim was not a Claim for which the Indemnitor is required
to  indemnify  the  Indemnitee  under this Article  VII,  the  Indemnitee  shall
reimburse  the  Indemnitor  for all its costs and expenses  with respect to such
settlement or defense, including reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements.

         7.5 Limited Offset.  Except under the provisions of this Section 7.5 or
as specifically provided for in this Agreement, Purchaser shall have no right to
offset any  amounts  under this  Article  VII  against  any  amounts  payable by
Purchaser  pursuant to any  Operative  Document  except in  accordance  with the
following  procedures.  Purchaser  must  assert any claim of offset to Seller by
written notice and offset shall only be permitted against the Subordinated Note,
if any. If Seller  agrees in writing to such  offset,  Purchaser  may offset the
amount  which is so accepted by Seller  against the balance of the  Subordinated
Note. If Seller does not accept such claim,  Seller and  Purchaser  will have 30
days in which to resolve any disagreement. If an agreement is not reached within
the 30 day period,  unless both  parties  agree to extend the period in which to
reach an  agreement,  the  claim  for  offset  shall  be  submitted  to  binding
arbitration in accordance with the Commercial  Arbitration Rules of the American
Arbitration  Association  as such rules may be modified  herein or as  otherwise
agreed by the parties in such  controversy.  The forum for arbitration  shall be
Houston,  Texas and the governing law for such arbitration  shall be the laws of
the State of Texas,  without  reference to the conflicts of laws rules  thereof.
Except for offsets against the  Subordinated  Note as specifically  permitted in
this Agreement, there shall be no rights of offset available to Purchaser.

         7.6 No Third Party  Beneficiaries.  The  foregoing  indemnification  is
given solely for the purpose of protecting the parties to this Agreement and the
Purchaser  Indemnitees  and shall not be deemed extended to, or interpreted in a
manner to confer any benefit, right or cause of action upon, any other Person.

         7.7 Guarantee by DXP. In addition, at the Closing DXP will enter into a
Guaranty  Agreement in  substantially  the form of Exhibit 7.7  attached  hereto
unconditionally  guaranteeing  payment of (i) the  Consideration  Note, (ii) the
Subordinated Note, and (iii) the Earn-Out Payments.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                                  MISCELLANEOUS
                                  -------------

         8.1  Further  Actions.  From  time to time,  as and when  requested  by
Purchaser or Seller,  Seller or Purchaser shall execute and deliver, or cause to
be executed and  delivered,  such documents and  instruments  and shall take, or
cause to be taken, such further or other actions as may be reasonably  necessary
to effectuate the Transaction  and transfer,  assign and deliver to Purchaser or
its  permitted  assigns the  Business  (or to  evidence  the  foregoing)  and to
consummate  and to  effect  the other  transactions  expressly,  required  to be
performed by Seller hereunder.


                                      -43-

<PAGE>



         8.2 No Broker. Except for the fees payable to Hanifen, Imhoff Inc., and
Interlaken  Capital,  Inc.  by Seller or its  Affiliates,  Seller and  Purchaser
represent  and warrant to the other that they have no obligation or liability to
any broker or finder by reason of the Transactions which are the subject of this
Agreement.  Each of Seller and Purchaser  agree to indemnify the other  against,
and to hold the other harmless from, at all times after the date hereof, any and
all  liabilities  and  expenses  (including,  without  limitation,  legal  fees)
resulting  from,  related  to or  arising  out of any  claim by any  Person  for
brokerage  commissions or finder's fees, or rights to similar  compensation,  on
account of services  purportedly  rendered on behalf of Seller or Purchaser,  as
the  case  may  be,  in  connection  with  this  Agreement  or the  Transactions
contemplated hereby.

         8.3 Expenses.  Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, Seller
and Purchaser  shall each bear their own legal fees,  accounting  fees and other
costs and expenses with respect to the  negotiation,  execution and the delivery
of this Agreement and the  consummation of the  Transactions  hereunder.  Seller
shall pay all sales,  transfer and documentary Taxes incident to the sale of the
Assets.

         8.4 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Exhibits hereto, the Seller's
Disclosure  Letter and any Supplement  thereto contain,  and are intended by the
parties  as a final  expression  of,  the entire  agreement  between  Seller and
Purchaser with respect to the  Transactions  contemplated  by this Agreement and
supersede all prior oral or written  agreements,  arrangements or understandings
with respect  thereto  (other than the  Confidentiality  Agreement,  which shall
terminate  on the  Closing  Date),  including,  without  limitation,  the letter
agreement, dated May 5, 1997, executed by DXP Enterprises, Inc. and SDI.

         8.5 Acknowledgment Concerning Representations and Warranties. Purchaser
acknowledges  and affirms  that it has had the  opportunity  to complete its own
independent  investigation,  analysis and  evaluation of Seller and the Business
and Assets.

         8.6      Limitation on Representations and Warranties.

                  (A)      Except as and to the  extent  expressly  set forth in
                           this Agreement,  or included on any Schedule  hereto,
                           Seller makes no other  representation or warranty and
                           disclaims all liability  and  responsibility  for any
                           representation,  warranty,  statement or  information
                           (financial or otherwise) made or communicated (orally
                           or in writing) to Purchaser or any of its Affiliates,
                           employees,  agents,  consultants  or  representatives
                           (including,    without   limitation,   any   opinion,
                           information,   projection,   financial  statement  or
                           advice that may have been  provided to  Purchaser  by
                           any officer, director, employee, agent, consultant or
                           representative   of  Seller   or  of  any   Affiliate
                           thereof).

                  (B)      WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, AND
                           WITHOUT  DIMINISHING  IN ANY  MANNER THE SCOPE OF THE
                           REPRESENTATIONS  AND  WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN ARTICLE
                           III,  EXCEPT  TO THE  EXTENT  EXPRESSLY  SET FORTH IN
                           ARTICLE III, SELLER MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR


                                      -44-

<PAGE>



                           WARRANTY,  EXPRESS OR  IMPLIED,  AS TO THE  FOLLOWING
                           MATTERS: THE MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, CONDITION, QUALITY,
                           SUITABILITY,  DESIGN OR  MARKETABILITY  OF ANY OF THE
                           ASSETS,    INCLUDING,    WITHOUT   LIMITATION,    ANY
                           REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO  MERCHANTABILITY  OR
                           FITNESS  FOR  ANY  PARTICULAR  PURPOSE  OF ANY OF THE
                           ASSETS,  IT BEING EXPRESSLY  UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED BY
                           THE PARTIES THAT  PURCHASER  IS ACQUIRING  THE ASSETS
                           AND  BUSINESS  "AS  IS",  "WHERE  IS" AND  "WITH  ALL
                           FAULTS."

                  (C)      Seller   furthermore   makes  no   representation  or
                           warranty to Purchaser  regarding the probable success
                           or future  profitability of the Business or of any of
                           the Assets.

         8.7 Descriptive  Headings.  The descriptive  headings of this Agreement
are for  convenience  only and  shall  not  control  or affect  the  meaning  or
construction of any provision of this
Agreement.

         8.8 Notices.  All notices or other communications which are required or
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered either personally
or by telegram,  telex,  telecopy or similar  facsimile  means, by registered or
certified  mail (postage  prepaid and return receipt  requested),  or by express
courier or delivery service, addressed as follows:

                           If to Seller or SDI:

                           STRATEGIC SUPPLY, INC.
                           Interlaken Capital, Inc.
                           165 Mason Street
                           Greenwich, CT 06830
                           Attention: Chairman
                           Facsimile No:  203-629-8554

                           With a copy to:

                           STRATEGIC DISTRIBUTION, INC.
                           c/o Interlaken Capital, Inc.
                           165 Mason Street
                           Greenwich, CT 06830
                           Attention: General Counsel
                           Facsimile No:  203-629-8554



                                      -45-

<PAGE>



                           With a copy to:

                           Andrews & Kurth L.L.P.
                           4200 Texas Commerce Tower
                           600 Travis
                           Houston, Texas 77002
                           Attention:  Christopher S. Collins, Esquire
                           Facsimile No:  713/220-4285

                           If to Purchaser:

                           DXP ENTERPRISES, INC.
                           580 Westlake Park Blvd., Suite 1100
                           Houston, Texas 77079
                           Attention: Gary A. Allcorn, Senior Vice
                             President - Finance
                           Facsimile No: (713) 531-9644

                           With a copy to:

                           Fouts & Moore, L.L.P.
                           5555 San Felipe 17th Floor
                           Houston, Texas 77056
                           Attention:  Gary A. Messersmith
                           Facsimile No: (713) 622-1045

         or at such  other  address  and  number  as  either  party  shall  have
         previously designated by written notice given to the other party in the
         manner  hereinabove  set  forth.  Notices  shall be deemed  given  when
         received,  if sent by  telegram,  telecopy or similar  facsimile  means
         (confirmation of such receipt by confirmed facsimile transmission being
         deemed receipt of  communications  sent by telecopy or other  facsimile
         means);  and  when  delivered  and  receipted  for (or upon the date of
         attempted delivery where delivery is refused), if hand-delivered,  sent
         by  express   courier  or  delivery   service  or  sent  by   Certified
         Mail--Return Receipt Requested.

         8.9  Assignability.  This Agreement  shall not be assignable  otherwise
than by operation of law by any party without the prior  written  consent of the
other  parties,  and any  purported  assignment  by any party  without the prior
written consent of the other parties shall be void.

         8.10  Waivers and  Amendments.  Any waiver of any term or  condition of
this Agreement, or any amendment or supplementation of this Agreement,  shall be
effective  only if in writing.  A waiver of any breach or failure to enforce any
of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not in any way affect,  limit
or waive a party's  rights  hereunder at any time to enforce  strict  compliance
thereafter with every term or condition of this Agreement.



                                      -46-

<PAGE>



         8.11 Third Party Rights.  Notwithstanding  any other  provision of this
Agreement,  this Agreement shall not create benefits on behalf of any Person who
is not a party to this Agreement  (including without  limitation,  any broker or
finder,  notwithstanding  the  provisions  of  Section  8.2  hereof),  and  this
Agreement  shall  be  effective  only  as  between  the  parties  hereto,  their
successors and permitted assigns;  provided,  however that Purchaser Indemnitees
are intended third party beneficiaries hereof to the extent provided in Sections
7.1 and 7.6.

         8.12  Illegalities.  In the event that any provision  contained in this
Agreement  shall be determined to be invalid,  illegal or  unenforceable  in any
respect for any reason,  the validity,  legality and  enforceability of any such
provision in every other respect and the remaining  provisions of this Agreement
shall not, at the election of the party for whose benefit the provision  exists,
be in any way impaired.

         8.13  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be  executed in any number of
counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original
instrument,  but  all  such  counterparts  together  shall  constitute  but  one
Agreement.

         8.14     Employees.

                  A.       Purchaser  agrees to and shall  offer  employment  to
                           substantially all of the employees of Seller involved
                           in the Business  ("Employees") on  substantially  the
                           same terms as disclosed to Purchaser herein, provided
                           that  Purchaser   shall  not  be  required  to  offer
                           employment  to  any  of  the  Persons   specified  on
                           Schedule 8.14(A) hereto (the "Excluded Employees").

                  B.       Seller  and   Purchaser   shall   promptly  take  the
                           necessary  steps to provide for a plan  transfer  (as
                           such  transfer is described in Section  414(1) of the
                           Code) of  account  balances  (in  cash and  including
                           outstanding  loans)  of  Employees  from  the  Seller
                           401(K)  Plan.  Such  transfers  shall not take  place
                           until Purchaser  provides Seller a written opinion of
                           its counsel that such  Purchaser  savings  plans,  in
                           form,  are  qualified  plans as  described in Section
                           401(a) of the Code,  which meet the  requirements  of
                           Section  401(K)  of the  Code,  and that any  related
                           trust  meets  the  requirements  for  exemption  from
                           income  taxability of Section  501(a) of the Code, or
                           Purchaser  provides  a  favorable  IRS  determination
                           letter with  respect to each such  Purchaser  savings
                           plan and  associated  trust.  If such amounts are not
                           transferable,  each  such  Employee  who is  hired by
                           Purchaser will continue to be subject to the Seller's
                           plan with  respect to the 401(K)  account  balance in
                           accordance with the terms thereof.

                  C.       Seller  shall be  solely  responsible  for  severance
                           benefits  liability,  if  any,  with  respect  to any
                           termination by Seller of the Excluded Employees.

                  D.       Nothing  expressed or implied in this Agreement shall
                           confer upon any Employee, or any legal representative
                           thereof, any rights or remedies,  including any right
                           to employment, whether directly or as a third party

                                      -47-

<PAGE>



                           beneficiary,   or   continued   employment   for  any
                           specified  period,  of any nature or kind whatsoever.

             8.15 Access to Records.

                  A.       Following  the Effective  Time of Closing,  Purchaser
                           shall give to Seller free and unrestricted  access to
                           (and  the  right to make  copies  at the  expense  of
                           Seller)  the  Records,  to the extent  that such were
                           purchased  by Purchaser  hereunder  and relate to the
                           business,  operations, income, expenses and assets of
                           Seller  existing on,  accruing or arising prior to or
                           occurring prior to Effective Time of Closing, but any
                           access   pursuant  to  this  Section  8.15  shall  be
                           conducted   in  such  manner  as  not  to   interfere
                           unreasonably  with  the  operations  of the  Business
                           following the Effective Time of Closing.

                  B.       Following the Effective Time of Closing, Seller shall
                           give to  Purchaser  free and  unrestricted  access to
                           (and  the  right to make  copies  at the  expense  of
                           Purchaser) the books, files,  records and Tax returns
                           and supporting schedules and work papers of Seller to
                           the  extent  that  such   relate  to  the   business,
                           operations,  income,  expenses  and  assets of Seller
                           existing  on,   accruing  or  arising   prior  to  or
                           occurring prior to the Effective Time of Closing, but
                           any access  pursuant  to this  Section  8.15 shall be
                           conducted   in  such  manner  as  not  to   interfere
                           unreasonably  with the  operations of the business of
                           Seller following the Effective Time of Closing.

         8.16  Offset to  Subordinated  Loan.  Purchaser  and Seller  agree that
whenever this Agreement  calls for or permits a reduction in principal under the
Subordinated  Note,  such  reduction  shall  be  made  50% to the  most  current
principal and 50% to the backend principal.

         8.17  Governing  Law.  Agreement  shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.



                                      -48-

<PAGE>



         In witness whereof,  the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.

                             PURCHASER:

                             DXP ACQUISITION, INC. d/b/a
                             STRATEGIC ACQUISITION, INC.


                             By:   /s/ Gary A. Allcorn
                                   -----------------------------
                             Name:    Gary A. Allcorn
                             Title: Senior Vice President - Finance

                             DXP:

                             DXP ENTERPRISES, INC. (Previously
                               INDEX, INC.)


                             By:   /s/ Gary A. Allcorn
                                   ------------------------------
                             Name:    Gary A. Allcorn
                             Title: Senior Vice President - Finance

                             SELLER:

                             STRATEGIC DISTRIBUTION, INC.


                             By:   /s/ Andrew M. Bursky
                                   ------------------------------
                             Name:  Andrew M. Bursky
                             Title:    Chairman

                             STRATEGIC SUPPLY, INC.


                             By:   /s/ Andrew M. Bursky
                                   ------------------------------
                             Name:  Andrew M. Bursky
                             Title:    Chairman

                             COULSON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


                             By:
                                   ------------------------------
                             Name:
                                   ------------------------------
                             Title:
                                   ------------------------------

                                      -49-





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