ARMCO INC
8-K, 1995-03-29
STEEL WORKS, BLAST FURNACES & ROLLING MILLS (COKE OVENS)
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                        SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


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


                                    FORM 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):      March 14, 1995
                                                           -------------



                                     Armco Inc.
                  ------------------------------------------------
                 (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)



             Ohio                    1-873-2             31-0200500
--------------------------------    -----------         -------------
(State or other jurisdiction        (Commission         (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)   File Number)        Identification No.)



One Oxford Centre, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania   15219-1415
-------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
         (Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)



     Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  412/255-9800
                                                          ------------



------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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<PAGE>
ITEM 2.   ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS.


On March 14, 1995, pursuant to an Asset Sale Agreement, dated as of February 
9, 1995, among Armco Inc. ("Armco"), Eastern Stainless Corporation 
("Eastern"), an 84%-owned subsidiary of Armco, Avesta Sheffield Holding Co. 
("Avesta Sheffield") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Avesta Sheffield East, 
Inc. ("ASE"), substantially all of the assets of Eastern were sold to ASE 
for consideration consisting of approximately $10.1 million in cash and the 
assumption by ASE of approximately $45.5 million of certain liabilities of 
Eastern (the "Asset Sale").  The consideration is subject to certain post-
closing adjustments.  In the third quarter of 1994, Armco recorded a special 
charge of $15 million related to this disposition.

The purchase price had been established through arm's length negotiations 
between representatives of Armco, Eastern, Avesta Sheffield and ASE.  The 
assets sold included Eastern's Baltimore, Maryland stainless steel cut plate 
production facility which contained three hot and cold reduction mills, 
associated conditioning, annealing, pickling and finishing operations and a 
melt shop facility.

In connection with the Asset Sale, Armco entered into an Assumption 
Agreement dated as of February 9, 1995, with Eastern, whereby Armco agreed 
to assume all liabilities of Eastern that were not assumed by Avesta 
Sheffield or were not satisfied by application of the proceeds of the Asset 
Sale.  The net liabilities assumed by Armco, pursuant to the Assumption 
Agreement, are estimated to be $51 million and consist primarily of long 
term employee benefit obligations.  These obligations were included in 
Armco's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1994.

Upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated under the Asset Sale 
Agreement and the Assumption Agreement, Eastern had no remaining net assets.  
In accordance with Eastern's Plan of Complete Liquidation and Dissolution, 
Eastern was dissolved and its corporate existence terminated without any 
distributions being made to the Class A common stockholders or Class B 
common stockholders.  Armco held all of the Class A common stock of Eastern, 
representing about 84 percent of the outstanding voting shares.  The 
remaining voting shares consisted of Eastern's Class B common stock, which 
was publicly traded.  The Asset Sale and the Plan of Dissolution were 
approved by the requisite vote of the shareholders of Eastern on March 14, 
1995.

ITEM 5.  OTHER EVENTS.

One of the holders of Eastern's Class B common stock filed a complaint 
against Armco and Eastern asserting derivative claims on behalf of Eastern 
and class action claims on behalf of the holders of the Class B common 
stock.  The complaint seeks various relief based upon Armco's relationship 
with Eastern.  The Class B common stock had a total liquidation value of 
approximately $13 million.

ITEM 7.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS.


b.  Pro Forma Financial Information

The transaction involved the sale of substantially all of the assets of 
Eastern, as described above.  

Because of the limited number of pro forma adjustments to Armco's Statement 
of Consolidated Financial Position, a narrative description of the pro forma 
effects of the transaction is furnished in lieu of a full pro forma 
financial statement.  The pro forma balance sheet for Armco as of December 
31, 1994, assuming the disposition occurred on 
                                         2
<PAGE>

that date, would have reflected an increase of approximately $23 million in 
Cash and cash equivalents and a decrease of the same amount in Net assets 
held for sale.

The unaudited pro forma Condensed Statement of Consolidated Operations is 
presented for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 1994, as if the 
transaction had occurred on January 1, 1994, and is based on Armco's 
historical Statement of Consolidated Operations for the twelve-month period 
ended December 31, 1994.  

The unaudited pro forma Condensed Statement of Consolidated Operations has 
been prepared by Armco based upon available information and upon certain 
assumptions that Armco believes are reasonable in the circumstances.  The 
unaudited pro forma statement does not purport to be indicative of what the 
results of operations would have been if the transaction had, in fact, 
occurred on January 1, 1994, or Armco's results of operations for any future 
date or period.

             PRO FORMA CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
                   for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1994
                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars and shares in millions,
  except per share amounts)

                          Armco                     Pro forma
                        Historical   Disposition    Adjustments     Pro forma
                        ----------   -----------    -----------     ---------

<S>                    <C>             <C>         <C>           <C>
Net sales               $ 1,437.6       $(52.8)     $ 30.1(a)    $ 1,414.9

Cost of products sold    (1,267.0)         51.7      (30.1)(a)    (1,245.4)

Selling and 
administrative expenses     (96.4)          4.3                      (92.1)
Special charges             (35.0)         15.0                      (20.0)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit             39.2          18.2        0.0            57.4

Interest income              10.5                                     10.5
Interest expense            (33.8)          1.2       (0.2)(b)       (32.8)
Gain on sale of 
   investments in
   joint ventures            62.6                                     62.6
Sundry other - net          (44.8)          1.0                      (43.8)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes   33.7          20.4       (0.2)           53.9

Credit for income taxes      28.7                                     28.7
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from Armco and 
   consolidated 
   subsidiaries              62.4          20.4       (0.2)           82.6

Equity in income of 
  equity companies           15.3                                     15.3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from continuing 
   operations           $    77.7        $ 20.4     $ (0.2)      $    97.9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Weighted average number
   of common and common 
   equivalent shares 
   outstanding - primary    104.7                                    104.7
Income from continuing 
   operations applicable 
   to common stock      $    59.9                                $    80.1
Per share of common 
   stock - primary:
  Income from cont-
   inuing operations    $    0.57(c)                                $ 0.77(c)


<FN>
See Notes to unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Statement of Consolidated 
Operations.
</TABLE>
                                       3
<PAGE>
Notes to unaudited Pro forma Condensed Statement of Consolidated Operations



(a)	Represents the reclassification to Net sales of Armco's intercompany 
sales to Eastern during 1994.  


(b)	Represents the elimination of intercompany interest between Armco and 
Eastern during the period January 1, 1994 through September 30, 1994.


(c)	In the income from continuing operations per share calculations, 
income is decreased by Armco's preferred stock dividends of $17.8.  Fully 
diluted per share amounts are not presented because they are antidilutive or 
because dilution is less than 3%.


                                         4
<PAGE>
                                     SIGNATURES




       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 hereunto duly authorized.


                                           ARMCO INC.



Date:   March 29, 1994	             By:    /s/ Gary R. Hildreth
                                        --------------------------------
                                               Gary R. Hildreth
                                                Vice President
                                       5


<PAGE>
                                                     Exhibit 2


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

                              ASSET SALE AGREEMENT

                               By and Among

                               ARMCO INC.

                       EASTERN STAINLESS CORPORATION

                        AVESTA SHEFFIELD EAST, INC.

                                    and

                        AVESTA SHEFFIELD HOLDING CO.

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

                              February 9, 1995

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

<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------

                                                                        Page
                                                                        ----

ARTICLE I.    DEFINITIONS  ..........................................   1

ARTICLE II.   ASSETS PURCHASED AND LIABILITIES ASSUMED  .............   1

Section 2.1.  Purchase of Assets and Property  ......................   1
Section 2.2.  Property and Assets Not Transferred  ..................   4
Section 2.3.  Assumption of Debts, Liabilities and Obligations  .....   4
Section 2.4.  Retained Non-Environmental Liabilities  ...............   5
Section 2.5.  Retained Environmental Liabilities  ...................   6
Section 2.6.  Allocation of the Purchase Price  .....................   8

ARTICLE III.  CONSIDERATION AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS                      8

Section 3.1.  Consideration for Purchased Assets  ...................   8
Section 3.2.  Valuation  ............................................   9
Section 3.3.  Statements of Adjustment Items  .......................   9
Section 3.4.  Disputes Relating to Adjustment  ......................   9
Section 3.5.  Adjustment  ...........................................  10

ARTICLE IV.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER AND ARMCO . 10

Section 4.1.  Organization...........................................  10
Section 4.2.  Authority; Consents  ..................................  11
Section 4.3.  Financial Statements ..................................  11
Section 4.4.  No Equity Interests  ..................................  12
Section 4.5.  Title to the Purchased Assets  ........................  12
Section 4.6.  All Assets Necessary for Business  ....................  12
Section 4.7.  Real Property  ........................................  12
Section 4.8.  Equipment  ............................................  12
Section 4.9.  Contracts  ............................................  13
Section 4.10. Permits  ............................................    13
Section 4.11. Intellectual Property  ..............................    13
Section 4.12. Debt  ...............................................    14
Section 4.13. Undisclosed Liabilities  ............................    14
Section 4.14. Compliance with Laws  ...............................    14
Section 4.15. Litigation  .........................................    15
Section 4.16. Environmental Matters ("Environmental Matters")  ....    15
Section 4.17. Labor Relations; Employees    .......................    18

                                   - i-
<PAGE>

Section 4.18. Insurance  ..........................................    19
Section 4.19. Employee Benefit Plans  .............................    19
Section 4.20. Tax Matters  ........................................    20
Section 4.21. Absence of Changes or Events  .......................    21
Section 4.22. Customers and Suppliers  ............................    23
Section 4.23. Financing Ability to Perform  .......................    23
Section 4.24. Fair Consideration  .................................    23
Section 4.25. Brokers' or Finders'Fees  ...........................    23

ARTICLE V.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER AND AVESTA.    23

Section 5.1.  Organization  .......................................    23
Section 5.2.  Authority; Consents  ................................    23
Section 5.3.  Litigation  .........................................    24
Section 5.4.  Financial Ability to Perform  .......................    24
Section 5.5.  Brokers' or Finders' Fees  ..........................    24

ARTICLE VI.   PRECLOSING COVENANTS OF THE SELLER AND ARMCO  .......    24

Section 6.1.  Maintenance of Corporate Status  ....................    24
Section 6.2.  Operation of the Business  ..........................    24
Section 6.3.  Tax Matters  ........................................    25
Section 6.4.  Legal Compliance  ...................................    25
Section 6.5.  Preservation of the Business  .......................    25
Section 6.6.  Access to the Purchased Business  ...................    25
Section 6.7.  Environmental Investigation  ........................    25
Section 6.8.  Governmental Actions  ...............................    26
Section 6.9.  Approvals  ..........................................    26
Section 6.10. Exclusivity  ........................................    26
Section 6.11. Survey  .............................................    26
Section 6.12. Evidence of Title  ..................................    26

ARTICLE VII.  PRECLOSING COVENANTS OF THE BUYER AND AVESTA  .......    26

Section 7.1.  Development of Environmental Work Plan  .............    27
Section 7.2.  Governmental Action  ................................    27
Section 7.3.  Inconsistent Actions  ...............................    27

ARTICLE VIII. CONDITIONS OF THE BUYER AND AVESTA TO CLOSING  ......    27

Section 8.1.  Representations and Warranties  .....................    27
Section 8.2.  Performance of Covenants  ...........................    27
Section 8.3.  Governmental Actions  ...............................    28
                                       - ii -
<PAGE>

Section 8.4.  Environmental Permit Transfer  ......................    28
Section 8.5.  Approvals  ..........................................    28
Section 8.6.  Third-Party Consents  ...............................    28
Section 8.7.  Adverse Change  .....................................    28
Section 8.8.  Taking or Casualty  .................................    28
Section 8.9.  Union Agreements  ...................................    28
Section 8.10. Litigation  .........................................    28
Section 8.11. Armco Assumption  ...................................    28
Section 8.12. Closing Actions  ....................................    29

ARTICLE IX.   CONDITIONS OF SELLER AND ARMCO TO CLOSING  ..........    29

Section 9.1.  Representations and Warranties  .....................    29
Section 9.2.  Performance of Covenants  ...........................    29
Section 9.3.  Governmental Actions  ...............................    29
Section 9.4.  Union Agreement  ....................................    29
Section 9.5.  Work Plan  ..........................................    29
Section 9.6.  MDE Acknowledgment and Approval  ....................    29
Section 9.7.  Agreements Relating to Former Employees .............    30
Section 9.8.  Stockholder Approvals  ..............................    31
Section 9.9.  Litigation  .........................................    31
Section 9.10. Closing Actions  ....................................    31

ARTICLE X.    CLOSING  ............................................    31

Section 10.1. Closing  ............................................    31
Section 10.2. Documents to be Delivered by the Seller and Armco  ..    31
Section 10.3. Documents to be Delivered by the Buyer and Avesta  ..    33
Section 10.4. Payment of Cash Consideration  ......................    33
Section 10.5. Possession of Purchased Assets  .....................    33
Section 10.6. Other Actions  ......................................    34

ARTICLE XI.    INDEMNIFICATION FOR DAMAGES  .......................    34

Section 11.1.  Indemnification by the Seller and Armco ............    34
Section 11.2.  Indemnification by the Buyer and Avesta  ...........    35
Section 11.3.  Legal Proceedings  .................................    36

ARTICLE XII.   TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT  ...........................   37

Section 12.1.  Termination by Parties  .............................   37
Section 12.2.  Obligations Upon Termination; Cure  .................   39

                            - iii -
<PAGE>

ARTICLE XIII.  CERTAIN POST-CLOSING COVENANTSA-30

Section 13.1.   Employment of the Seller's Employees  ..............   39
Section 13.2.   Environmental Remediation Plan  ....................   39
Section 13.3.   Duty to Cooperate on Environmental Matters  ........   40
Section 13.4.   Non-Competition  ...................................   40
Section 13.5.   Toll Finishing of Sheet  ...........................   41
Section 13.6.   Plan of Reorganization and Dissolution  ............   41
Section 13.7.   Guaranties of Parent Companies  ....................   41
Section 13.8.   Confidentiality  ...................................   42
Section 13.9.   Use of Name  .......................................   42
Section 13.10.  Repurchase of Receivables  .........................   42
Section 13.11.  Expenses  ..........................................   42
Section 13.12.  Power of Attorney  .................................   43
Section 13.13.  Access to Information and Documents  ...............   43
Section 13.14.  Further Assurances  ................................   43
Section 13.15.  Certain Tax Matters  ...............................   44

ARTICLE XIV.    MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS  ..........................   44

Section 14.1.   Governing Law  .....................................   44
Section 14.2.   Dispute Resolution  ................................   44
Section 14.3.   Schedule Update  ...................................   45
Section 14.4.   Press Release  .....................................   45
Section 14.5.   Bulk Sales Law  ....................................   45
Section 14.6.   Notices  ...........................................   45
Section 14.7.   Assignment; Amendments; Waivers  ...................   47
Section 14.8.   Counterparts  ......................................   47
Section 14.9.   Headings  ..........................................   48
Section 14.10.  Entire Agreement  ..................................   48
Section 14.11.  Appendices, Exhibits and Schedules  ................   48

Appendices

Appendix 1   Definitions
Appendix 2   Valuations 
Appendix 3   Valuation Methodologies
Appendix 3A  Inventory Valuation
Appendix 3B  Future Retiree Medical Benefits Obligation Valuation
               Methodologies
Appendix 4   Preliminary Statement of Adjustment Items

                                 - iv -
<PAGE>

                             ASSET SALE AGREEMENT
                             --------------------

     THIS ASSET SALE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of February 9, 
1995, by and among Armco Inc., an Ohio corporation ("Armco"); Eastern 
Stainless Corporation, a Virginia corporation and majority-owned subsidiary of 
Armco (the "Seller"); Avesta Sheffield East, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the 
"Buyer"); and Avesta Sheffield Holding Co., a Delaware corporation and sole 
parent of the Buyer ("Avesta");

                             W I T N E S S E T H :
                             - - - - - - - - - -

     WHEREAS, the Seller is engaged in the business of the production and 
distribution of stainless steel cut plate and stainless steel cut plate 
products (the "Business"); and

     WHEREAS, the Seller wishes to sell, and the Buyer wishes to purchase, 
substantially all of the assets and properties of the Seller, and the Buyer is 
willing to assume certain liabilities and obligations of the Seller, all upon 
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein; and

     WHEREAS, to induce the Seller and Armco to enter into this Agreement, 
Avesta has agreed to guaranty the obligations of the Buyer hereunder; and, to 
induce the Buyer and Avesta to enter into this Agreement, Armco has agreed to 
guaranty the obligations of the Seller hereunder; 

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the mutual covenants 
contained herein and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency 
of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                      ARTICLE I.
                                     DEFINITIONS

     Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set 
forth in Appendix 1.

                                     ARTICLE II.
                       ASSETS PURCHASED AND LIABILITIES ASSUMED

     Section 2.1.  Purchase of Assets and Property.  
     ------------  -------------------------------

     (a)  At the Closing, the Seller shall sell, convey, transfer, assign and 
deliver to the Buyer, and the Buyer shall purchase, acquire, accept transfer 
or assignment and take delivery from the Seller of, all the Seller's right, 
title and interest in, to and under, all assets, properties, interests, rights 
and claims owned, legally or beneficially, as of the Closing Date, by the 
Seller, of every kind, character and description; tangible or intangible; 
real, personal or mixed; choate or inchoate; absolute or contingent; accrued 
or unaccrued; reflected or not reflected on the books of account of the 
Seller; and wherever located, except for such assets, properties, interests, 
<PAGE>

rights and claims as are expressly set forth in Section 2.2, including without
                                                -----------
limitation the following (collectively, the "Purchased Assets" and, 
individually, a "Purchased Asset"):

     (i)  Real property, including land, production facilities, buildings, 
structures and other improvements; appurtenances; fixtures, including fixed 
machinery and fixed equipment; and all leaseholds, licenses, easements, rights 
of way and other interests in and rights to real property, including without 
limitation those items set forth in Schedule 2.1(a)(i) (the "Real Property").

    (ii)  Tangible personal property (other than Inventories and Records, 
which are separately listed under subparagraphs (iii) and (vi) below), 
including machinery, equipment, tools, computer hardware, office equipment, 
furniture, vehicles and accessories, parts (including, without limitation, 
rolls and other spare parts), accessories and supplies (including, without 
limitation, consumable supplies), and leaseholds, licenses and other interests 
in and rights to tangible personal property, including without limitation 
those items set forth in Schedule 2.1(a)(ii) (hereinafter, tangible personal 
property, exclusive of Inventories and Records, is referred to as the 
"Equipment," and tangible personal property, inclusive of Inventories and 
Records, is referred to as the "Personal Property").

     (iii)   Inventories of stainless steel, including finished products 
(including all finished products in transit, held for shipment or on 
consignment at customers' locations), work-in-process (including inventory at 
converters for external processing) and raw materials, including without 
limitation those items set forth in Schedule 2.1(a)(iii) (the "Inventories").

     (iv)  Accounts receivable, notes receivable and other interests in and 
rights to payment for products sold or services rendered and interests in and 
rights to goods sold, including without limitation security interests, 
guaranties and rights of stoppage in transit, including without limitation 
those items set forth in Schedule 2.1(a)(iv) (the "Receivables"). 

     (v)  Subject to paragraph (b), rights in, for and under contracts, lease 
agreements, license agreements, purchase orders, commitments, work orders and 
other arrangements, regardless of when arising, including without limitation 
those items set forth in Schedule 2.1(a)(v) (the "Contracts").

     (vi)  Books, records and documents (or copies thereof, which copies shall 
be certified as complete and accurate by the Secretary of the Seller), 
including without limitation books, records and documents relating to legal, 
financial, accounting, tax (other than income or franchise tax), property, 
engineering, maintenance, operation, production, environmental (including all 
documents, records, data and written information, in whatever form or format, 
relating to Environmental Conditions at or on the Real Property, and any 
Environmental Claims or Environmental Expenses related to 
                                       - 2 -
<PAGE>

the Real Property or the Baltimore Facility), personnel, payroll, credit, 
sales, marketing and strategic matters; written Contracts; business forms; 
customer, supplier and price lists; computer data bases; written manufacturer 
warranties and guaranties; and correspondence (the "Records").

     (vii)  Subject to paragraph (b), permits, approvals, licenses, 
registrations, qualifications and other governmental franchises, including 
without limitation those items set forth in Schedule 2.1(a)(vii) (the 
"Permits"). 

     (viii)  Claims and choses in action to the extent related to the 
Purchased Assets, including without limitation those items set forth in 
Schedule 2.1(a)(viii).

     (ix)  All Intellectual Property owned by the Seller (the "Seller's 
Intellectual Property") and all licenses and other interests in and rights to 
Intellectual Property owned by others (including without limitation the right 
to use Intellectual Property owned by others) (the "Seller's Third-Party 
Intellectual Property Rights").  "Intellectual Property" shall mean all 
domestic and foreign patents and patent applications, registered and 
unregistered copyrights and copyright applications (including without 
limitation copyrights in computer software and databases), trademarks, service 
marks, trade dress, logos, tradenames and similar business identifiers, 
including, in each case, all registrations and applications therefor and the 
goodwill of the business symbolized by any of the foregoing, and trade 
secrets, know-how, formulas, processes, inventions and all other technical 
information, whether patentable or not ("Intellectual Property").  Seller's 
Intellectual Property and Seller's Third-Party Intellectual Property Rights 
shall include without limitation the items listed in Schedule 2.1(a)(ix) but 
shall not include any rights whatsoever to the "Armco" name and logos in any 
form.

     (x)  The Seller's goodwill.  

     (b)  To the extent that the sale, conveyance, transfer, assignment or 
delivery of any Purchased Asset (i) requires any consent, action, approval, 
authorization, registration, notice, clearance or other action or inaction 
(including the expiration of any waiting period) ("Governmental Action") from, 
by or with any foreign, federal, state or local court, administrative or 
regulatory agency, department, commission, board, bureau or other governmental 
body, foreign or domestic (a "Governmental Authority"); (ii) requires any 
approval, consent or waiver from any third-party (other than the Seller, 
Armco, the Buyer, Avesta or a Governmental Authority) (including any approval, 
consent or waiver as may be necessary to avoid a default or acceleration of 
any obligation) (a "Third-Party Consent"); or (iii) is prohibited under 
applicable law and such Governmental Action, Third-Party Consent or 
prohibition is disclosed in a schedule to this Agreement, this Agreement shall 
not constitute an absolute obligation to effect such sale, conveyance, 
transfer or assignment unless and until any required Governmental Action or 
Third-Party Consent has been obtained or legal prohibition no longer applies. 

                                        - 3 -
<PAGE>

     Section 2.2.  Property and Assets Not Transferred.  Notwithstanding the
     ------------  -----------------------------------
provisions of Section 2.1, the Seller shall not sell, convey, transfer, assign
              -----------
or deliver to the Buyer; the Buyer shall not purchase, acquire, accept 
transfer or assignment or take delivery from the Seller of; and the Purchased 
Assets shall not include, the following and only the following:

     (a)  Cash and cash equivalents.

     (b)  Minute books and stock transfer records and any books, documents, 
records, data and written information related to any retained liabilities or 
retained assets. 

     (c)  Rights in, for and under policies of liability, theft, fidelity, 
life, fire, product liability, workers' compensation, vehicular, medical, 
environmental and other forms of insurance (the "Insurance Policies"), 
collective bargaining agreements, employee benefit plans and employment 
contracts.

     (d)  Any claims and choses in action not related to the Purchased Assets, 
including without limitation all claims against Armco or any of its affiliates 
or predecessors as holders of Class A Common Stock or otherwise by or on 
behalf of the Seller.

     (e)  The receivables of the Seller as set forth in Schedule 2.2(e).

     (f)  Other Current Assets (as defined in the Seller's financial 
statements) as set forth in Schedule 2.2(f).

   (g)  Contracts, agreements and other arrangements of the Seller as set 
forth in Schedule 2.2(g).

     Section 2.3.  Assumption of Debts, Liabilities and Obligations.  At the
     ------------  -------------------------------------------------
Closing, the Buyer shall assume and covenant to pay, perform and discharge as 
and when due the following and only the following debts, liabilities, 
obligations and responsibilities of the Seller, now existing or hereafter 
arising, whether based in common law or statute (the "Assumed Liabilities"):

     (a)  Those current liabilities of the Seller set forth in Schedule 2.3(a) 
(the "Current Liabilities").  

     (b)  The Seller's 8% Subordinated Notes due 2003, with a list of holders 
and amounts thereof as set forth in Schedule 2.3(b) (the "Debentures"). 

     (c)  Except as provided in Section 2.5, any and all claims, obligations, 
                                -----------
liabilities, penalties, costs, charges, encumbrances, deficiencies, losses, 
damages and expenses (including legal and investigation fees and expenses) of 
whatever kind or nature (whether based in common law, statute, contract or 
otherwise, fixed or contingent, known or unknown) asserted or arising under 
any Environmental Requirement (collectively, the "Environmental Liabilities"), 
resulting or arising from any action, grievance or arbitration or the business 
or operations of the Seller at the Baltimore Facility or the Seller's assets 
on the Real Property, whether asserted or arising 
                                       - 4 -
<PAGE>

in connection with events occurring or Environmental Conditions existing prior 
to, on or after the Closing Date.

    (d)  Liabilities, obligations and responsibilities that are due and 
payable or to be performed after the Closing Date under any Contract or Permit 
assigned or transferred to the Buyer and set forth in Schedules 2.1(a)(v) and 
(vii).

    (e)  Obligations existing at the Closing Date to provide retiree medical 
benefits for Former Employees to the extent that and only to the extent that 
such obligations are fulfilled by providing the benefits described in Section 
                                                                      -------
9.7 (the "Future Retiree Medical Benefit Obligation").
---

     (f)  Rights in, for and under contracts, lease agreements, license 
agreements, purchase orders, commitments, work orders and other arrangements, 
regardless of when arising, set forth in Schedule 2.1(a)(v).

     Section 2.4.  Retained Non-Environmental Liabilities.  The Seller shall
     -----------   --------------------------------------
retain and the Buyer shall not assume or be in any way responsible, liable or 
obligated for any debts, liabilities or obligations of the Seller that are not 
set forth in Section 2.3, regardless of whether such debts, liabilities or
             -----------
obligations are based in common law or statute, known or unknown, fixed or 
contingent, or now existing or hereafter arising, including without limitation 
the following (collectively, together with the Retained Environmental 
Liabilities set forth in Section 2.5, the "Retained Liabilities"):
                         -----------

  (a)  Notes payable and any other debts, liabilities or obligations (other 
than the Debentures) of the Seller to its stockholders, in their capacity as 
such, as are not assumed by the Buyer as set forth on Schedule 2.3(a). 

  (b)  Liabilities and obligations under Insurance Policies, collective 
bargaining agreements, employee benefit plans, employment contracts and 
Employment Costs.

  (c)  Obligations to provide medical, pension and any other employment-
related benefits (including, but not limited to any and all benefits to Former 
Employees (or their covered dependents) of the Seller required by COBRA, 
arising from any qualifying event as defined under Code Section 4980B(f)(3) 
and ERISA Section 603 occurring on or before the Closing Date) other than or 
in excess of the Future Retiree Medical Benefit Obligation.

  (d)  Except as set forth in Section 13.11, all Taxes owed by the Seller or
                              -------------
 Armco (including all Taxes of another entity for which the Seller or Armco 
may be liable by law), including without limitation Taxes resulting from the 
operation of the Business prior to the Closing Date and Taxes imposed by any 
Governmental Authority in connection with this Agreement, the sale, assignment 
or delivery of the Purchased Assets pursuant to this Agreement or the 
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                                      - 5 -
<PAGE>
  (e)  Rent, fuel, utilities, telephone and like charges allocable to the 
period prior to the Closing Date to the extent not included in the Assumed 
Liabilities.

  (f)  Liabilities and obligations (additional to those already excluded under 
paragraphs (a) through (e) above) resulting from the Seller's management, 
control, ownership or operation of the Purchased Assets and/or the Business 
prior to the Closing Date, including without limitation (i) any product 
liability or failure of any service completed or product completed and shipped 
prior to the Closing Date to conform to any representation or warranty, 
expressed or implied, or as a result of the negligence, breach of duty or 
other violation of law by the Seller, except that the Seller shall retain all 
liability resulting from a failure to identify correctly and accurately the 
grade of any product completed prior to the Closing Date, regardless of 
whether shipped; (ii) any liability resulting from an employment tort, 
including any discrimination, harassment, wrongful or constructive discharge 
or invasion of privacy including without limitation those claims or matters 
set forth on Schedules 4.17(a), 4.17(b) and 4.17(e); (iii) any liability for 
workplace injury or occupational illness; (iv) any liability for infringement 
of any Intellectual Property right; (v) any liability resulting from third 
party personal injury or property damage; (vi) any liability to the Pension 
Benefit Guaranty Corporation; and (vii) any liability resulting from any 
claims by a stockholder or creditor of either the Seller or Armco.

  (g)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Seller and Armco shall be liable and 
obligated under this Section 2.4 only to the extent the liabilities and
                     -----------
obligations described in this Section 2.4 are based on, or arise from or as a
                              -----------
result of conditions existing and acts, omissions or events occurring prior 
to, the Closing Date and not arising or resulting from any act or omission of 
the Buyer or Avesta on or after the Closing Date.

     Section 2.5.  Retained Environmental Liabilities.  Subject to the 
     -----------   ----------------------------------
provisions of Section 2.5(g), the Seller shall retain and the Buyer shall not
              --------------
assume or be in any way responsible, liable or obligated for the following 
Environmental Liabilities:

     (a)  Regardless of when arising or asserted, for (i) Offsite matters 
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act 
of 1980, as amended ("CERCLA"), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization 
Act, as amended ("SARA"), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as 
amended ("RCRA"), any analogous laws that have been promulgated, or in the 
future are promulgated, by any Governmental Authority and any future 
amendments to the foregoing laws; (ii) Offsite oil and groundwater 
contamination; (iii) Natural Resource Damages imposed pursuant to CERCLA 
Section 107(f)(1) (42 USC Section 9607(f)(1)), as amended, or any analogous 
provision of any law promulgated by any Governmental Authority for Offsite 
Environmental Conditions (the "Natural Resource Damages"); (iv) fines and 
penalties (however denominated) arising from acts and omissions occurring 
prior to the Closing Date (including but not limited to any failure to comply 
with the Consent Judgment approved on April 7, 1992, among the Seller, Armco 
and the Maryland Department of the Environment ("MDE") (the "Consent 
Judgment") or any permit); and (v) contamination of the marsh adjacent to the 
north and east side of the  Real Property, the Back River, the Chesapeake Bay, 
the old outfall 

                                       -6-
<PAGE>
001 and the Offsite portions of the creek/ditch which runs along the north 
side of the Real Property.  

     (b)  Asserted prior to the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, for 
removal or remedial actions not addressed in the Remediation Plan under 
CERCLA, SARA and any comparable laws (except for RCRA and any comparable law) 
based on the Environmental Conditions of the Onsite Real Property that have 
been promulgated or in the future are promulgated by any Governmental 
Authority and any future amendments to the foregoing laws.

     (c)  Asserted prior to the tenth anniversary of the Closing Date, for 
Natural Resource Damages imposed pursuant to CERCLA Section 107(f)(1) (42 USC 
Section 9607(f)(1)) and any comparable laws (except for RCRA and any 
comparable law)occurring on the Onsite Real Property that have been 
promulgated or in the future are promulgated by any Governmental Authority and 
any future amendments to the foregoing laws.

     (d)  Asserted prior to the earlier of (i) the fifth anniversary of the 
Closing Date or (ii) the first anniversary of the date upon which the MDE 
certifies that all work described in the Remediation Plan has been 
successfully completed, for Environmental Expenses of remediating the 
Environmental Conditions, as required by the MDE, United States Environmental 
Protection Agency ("EPA") or any other Governmental Authority, related to (A) 
the slag pile, (B) the lime sludge landfill, (C) the acid ponds and (D) the 
emission dust landfill located on the Real Property, and which is in addition 
to remediation action that is provided in the Remediation Plan as finally 
approved by the MDE, provided that the Seller and Armco shall only be liable 
and obligated for that portion of the Environmental Expenses of the work 
required by the MDE, EPA or any Governmental Authority to be taken by the 
Buyer and Avesta to remediate such Environmental Conditions of the above-
listed four units that is in addition to the corrective action set forth in 
the Remediation Plan which is finally approved by the MDE and under no 
circumstances shall the Seller and Armco be responsible for any Environmental 
Expenses under this Section 2.5(d) until the following Environmental Expenses
                    --------------
 are first incurred or contracted to be incurred by the Buyer and Avesta: (A) 
$144,000 for the emission dust landfill; (B) $750,000 for the lime sludge 
landfill; (C) $1,320,000 for the slag dump; and (D) $0.00 for the acid ponds.  
The Buyer and Avesta remain responsible for and shall pay the Environmental 
Expenses for any corrective action to remediate the Environmental Conditions 
of the above-listed four units required by the Remediation Plan that is 
finally approved by the MDE, as provided for under Section 13.2.
                                                   ------------

     For purposes of this paragraph (d), "Offsite" shall mean outside the 
configuration of a slurry wall to be built by the Buyer and Avesta at and 
substantially around the 88-acre parcel of land upon which the Seller's 
Baltimore, Maryland, production facility (the "Baltimore Facility") is located 
(the "Baltimore Site") (or, until such slurry wall is built, outside the legal 
boundaries of such parcel), and "Onsite" shall mean inside the configuration 
of such slurry wall (or, until such slurry wall is built, inside the legal 
boundaries of such parcel).  

                                        - 7 -
<PAGE>

     (e)  Asserted prior to the 7 1/2 anniversary of the Closing Date by the 
MDE or EPA (for remediation in addition to that proposed to be taken under the 
Work Plan or required under the Remediation Plan as finally approved by the 
MDE) in relation to either RCRA post-closure or Hazardous Solid Waste 
Amendments ("HSWA") permitting, or both, of the emission dust landfill for 
Environmental Conditions in existence on or prior to the Closing Date ("Post-
closure and HSWA Liability"), provided, however, that the Seller and Armco 
shall only be responsible for 50% of the Environmental Expenses incurred by 
the Buyer and Avesta in connection with such Post-closure and HSWA Liability 
and provided further that the Buyer and Avesta have provided evidence 
reasonably satisfactory to the Seller and Armco that the Buyer has incurred 
Environmental Expense (which Environmental Expenses have not been or are not 
otherwise required to be reimbursed by the Seller or Armco), whether or not 
such incurred expenses have actually been paid, of no less than $14.6 million 
for remediation of Environmental Conditions in existence at Closing or 
compliance with Environmental Requirements relating to Environmental 
Conditions in existence at the Closing, but only to the extent such compliance 
is specified in the Work Plan or in the Remediation Plan as finally approved 
by MDE (excluding Environmental Expenses incurred in connection with the Melt 
Shop and the grinding facility). Seller's and Armco's obligation under this 
subsection shall not exceed $5,000,000.

     (f)  Any liability resulting from third party personal injury or property 
damage arising from or relating to Environmental Conditions on the Onsite Real 
Property before the Closing Date; 

     (g)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Seller and Armco shall be liable 
and obligated under this Section 2.5 only to the extent the liabilities and
                         -----------
obligations described in this Section 2.5 are based on, or arise from or as a
                              -----------
result of, Environmental Conditions existing and acts, omissions or events 
occurring prior to the Closing Date and not arising or resulting from any act 
or omission of the Buyer or Avesta on or after the Closing Date.

     Section 2.6.  Allocation of the Purchase Price.  The parties intend and
     -----------   --------------------------------
 agree that the transaction described in this Agreement is a taxable 
transaction (and not a reorganization within the meaning of Code Section 368).  
The Cash Consideration, plus the value of the Assumed Liabilities, plus the 
value of any additional consideration provided by the Buyer or Avesta, shall 
be allocated among the Purchased Assets in the manner required by Code Section 
1060.  In making such allocation, the fair market values set forth and 
allocated on Schedule 2.6 shall apply. The parties agree that this allocation 
is reasonable.  The parties further agree that no party shall take a position 
on any Return, including any Form 8594 and any amendments thereto, before any 
Governmental Authority or in any proceeding that is inconsistent with such 
allocation (taking into account any subsequent amendments required by law) or 
that is otherwise inconsistent with this Section 2.6 without the prior written
                                         -----------
consent of the other party.  The parties shall make such portions of their 
Returns (and any amendments thereof) available for inspection by each other as 
are necessary for the purpose of verifying compliance with this Section 2.6.
                                                                -----------

                                  ARTICLE III.
                       CONSIDERATION AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS

     Section 3.1.  Consideration for Purchased Assets.  The consideration
     -----------   ----------------------------------
(the "Consideration") for the sale, conveyance, transfer, assignment and 
delivery of the Purchased Assets by the Seller to the Buyer and undertaking by 
the Seller and Armco of the covenant not 
                                         - 8 -
<PAGE>

to compete pursuant to Section 13.4
                       ------------
shall consist of (a) assumption of the Assumed Liabilities pursuant to Section
                                                                       -------
2.3 (which Assumed Liabilities are subject to the adjustment set forth in
---
Section 3.5) and (b) payment by the Buyer to the Seller of an amount in cash
-----------
equal to $10,100,000 (the "Cash Consideration").  (Collectively, Receivables, 
Inventories, Current Liabilities and the Future Retiree Medical Benefit 
Obligation are referred to as the "Adjustment Items.")

     Section 3.2.  Valuation.  For purposes of determining the amount of the
     -----------   ---------
Adjustment Items, the parties have employed and hereby affirm their agreement 
upon and acceptance of the valuations set forth in Appendix 2 and the 
valuation methodologies set forth in Appendices 3, 3A and 3B.

     Section 3.3.  Statements of Adjustment Items.  
     -----------   ------------------------------

     (a)  Set forth in Appendix 4 is a statement of the value of the 
Adjustment Items at December 31, 1994, or as otherwise agreed to by the 
parties (the "Preliminary Statement of Adjustment Items").

     (b)  The Seller, at its sole expense, shall prepare and deliver to the 
Buyer an updated Preliminary Statement of Adjustment Items (the "Interim 
Statement"), which Interim Statement shall be stated as of a date no more than 
45 days prior to the Closing Date and delivered to the Buyer at least 5 days 
prior to the Closing Date. 

     (c)  As soon as is reasonably practicable (but in no event more than 45 
days) after the Closing Date, the Buyer, at its sole expense, shall prepare 
and deliver to the Seller an updated Interim Statement (the "Closing 
Statement"), which Closing Statement shall be stated as of the Closing Date.  
(Collectively, the Preliminary Statement of Adjustment Items, Interim 
Statement and Closing Statement are referred to herein as the "Statements.") 

     (d)  The Buyer shall permit the Seller and its legal counsel, accountants 
and other representatives reasonable access during normal business hours to 
all properties, documents, employees and records relating to the Purchased 
Assets and Assumed Liabilities and shall furnish the Seller with such copies 
and information and other assistance as the Seller may reasonably request for 
purposes of reviewing the Closing Statement. 

     Section 3.4.  Disputes Relating to Adjustment.  
     -----------   -------------------------------

     (a)  The Closing Statement shall be final and binding upon the parties 
for purposes of determining any adjustment under Section 3.5 unless the Seller
                                                 -----------
shall comply with the terms and conditions of paragraph (b), except that 
nothing herein shall affect the Seller's or Armco's liability for breaches of 
representations and warranties with respect to Purchased Assets.

     (b)  The Seller shall determine in good faith whether the Closing 
Statement is correct and deliver notice (a "Notice of Dispute") to the Buyer 
of any disputed items (the "Disputed 
                                         - 9 -
<PAGE>

Items") within 45 days after the date of receipt of the Closing Statement.  
The parties shall attempt in good faith to agree upon the value of any 
Disputed Items for a period of 30 days after the date of receipt of the Notice 
of Dispute.   If resolution of all Disputed Items has not occurred within 30 
days after the date of receipt of the Notice of Dispute, at the option of any 
party, the Disputed Items shall be submitted for final resolution to a 
nationally recognized firm of independent accountants designated jointly by 
the Buyer and the Seller (the "Accountants").  The Accountants shall determine 
the value of the Disputed Items (determined in accordance with GAAP) within 30 
days after the date of engagement, and such determination shall be final and 
binding.  All fees and expenses of the Accountants shall be borne equally by 
the Buyer and Armco.

     Section 3.5.  Adjustment.  Within 30 days following final determination
     -----------   ----------
of the value of the Adjustment Items at the Closing Date, the following 
adjustment (the "Closing Adjustment") shall be made:

     (a)  In the event that the net value of the Adjustment Items as reflected 
on the Closing Statement shall be greater than the net value of the Adjustment 
Items stated in the Interim Statement, the Buyer shall pay to the Seller in 
cash the amount of the increase. 

     (b)  In the event that the net value of the Adjustment Items as reflected 
on the Closing Statement shall be less than the net value of the Adjustment 
Items stated in the Interim Statement, the Seller or Armco shall pay to the 
Buyer in cash the amount of the decrease.

     (c)  The total amount of the Assumed Liabilities (which shall include the 
current liabilities to be assumed) as such amounts are set forth in the 
Closing Statement, plus the amount, if any, of the Closing Adjustment made 
pursuant to Subection 3.5(a), plus the Cash Consideration, shall be equal to 
the amount of Total Assets (being the sum of the amount of Purchased Assets 
and the Payment for Covenant not to Compete, goodwill and going concern value) 
as set forth in the Closing Statement, plus the amount, if any, of the Closing 
Adjustment made pursuant to Subsection 3.5(b).

                                    ARTICLE IV.
               REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER AND ARMCO

     The Seller and Armco, jointly and severally, hereby represent and warrant 
to the Buyer and Avesta as set forth below.  THE REPRESENTATIONS AND 
WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE IV ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, 
WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, 
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

     Section 4.1.  Organization.  The Seller and Armco are corporations duly 
     -----------   ------------
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the 
Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Ohio, respectively.  The Seller is 
qualified to transact business and in good standing as a foreign corporation 
in each jurisdiction set forth in Schedule 4.1 and, except as set forth in 
Schedule 4.1, is not required to be so qualified in any other jurisdiction. 
                                         - 10 -
<PAGE>

     Section 4.2.  Authority; Consents.  The Seller has the corporate power to
     -----------   -------------------
own all of its properties and assets and carry on its business as now 
conducted, and each of the Seller and Armco has the corporate power to 
execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all other agreements, 
instruments, certificates and documents contemplated hereby.  Each of the 
Seller and Armco has taken all corporate action required by its articles or 
certificate of incorporation and its bylaws or regulations, as the case may 
be, to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and all other 
agreements, instruments, certificates and documents contemplated hereby, and 
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and this Agreement has 
been duly executed and delivered by the Seller and Armco.  This Agreement and 
the other agreements, instruments, certificates and documents contemplated 
hereby are, or will when executed be, valid and binding obligations of the 
Seller and Armco, enforceable against the Seller and Armco in accordance with 
their terms and conditions.  Neither the execution and delivery of this 
Agreement and the other agreements, instruments, certificates and documents 
contemplated hereby, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated 
hereby, nor compliance by the Seller or Armco with the terms and conditions 
hereof, will (a) conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of the 
Seller's or Armco's articles or certificate of incorporation or bylaws or 
regulations, as the case may be; (b) result in a default (or give rise to any 
right of termination, cancellation or acceleration), require a Third-Party 
Consent under the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, lien, bond, 
mortgage, indenture, license, lease, contract, agreement, consent order, 
permit or other instrument or obligation to which the Seller or Armco is a 
party or by which the Seller or Armco or any of their properties or assets may 
be bound other than to the extent that such defaults or failures to obtain 
such Third-Party Consents, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a 
material adverse effect on the Seller, the Purchased Assets or the Business, 
or otherwise breach any obligation or duty, actual or constructive, of the 
Seller or Armco to any stockholder, creditor or other third party; (c) violate 
any judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority; 
or (d) require any Governmental Action except for (i) filing of a notification 
and report form (the "Notification and Report Form") and expiration of the 
waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, 
as amended (the "HSR Act"), (ii) any consent, waiver or approval of the 
stockholders or Debentureholders of the Seller, (iii) the Governmental Actions 
relating to Permits set forth in Schedule 4.2(d)(iii) and (iv) the Third-Party 
Consents set forth in Schedule 4.2(d)(iv).

     Section 4.3.  Financial Statements.  The audited financial statements of
     -----------   --------------------
the Seller included in its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal years 
ended December 31, 1992 and 1993, and the unaudited interim financial 
statements of the Seller included in its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended September 30, 1994 (the "Seller's Form 10-Q"), all as filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission (collectively, the "Financial 
Statements"), fairly present, in conformity with GAAP applied on a basis 
consistent with past practice (except as indicated in the notes thereto and 
except that the interim financial statements are prepared on an interim 
accounting basis), the financial condition of the Seller as of the dates 
thereof and its results of operations and its cash flows for the periods then 
ended (subject to normal year-end adjustments in the case of interim financial 
statements). Upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this 
Agreement and the Armco Assumption Agreement, which is 
                                         - 11 -
<PAGE>

substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B, the Seller will transact no 
business other than in connection with the dissolution and winding up of the 
Seller and there shall be no liabilities of the Seller other than liabilities 
(a) that have been assumed by the Buyer and Avesta pursuant to this Agreement, 
(b) that will be satisfied by the application of the proceeds of the sale 
contemplated hereby or (c) that have been assumed by Armco under the Armco 
Assumption Agreement.

     Section 4.4.  No Equity Interests.  The Seller does not own, legally or
     -----------   -------------------
beneficially, or have the power to vote any securities or equity investments 
of any kind.

     Section 4.5.  Title to the Purchased Assets.  The Seller has, and at the
     ------------  -----------------------------
Closing the Buyer will have, good and marketable title to the Purchased Assets 
that are not Real Property and good, marketable and indefeasible fee simple 
title to the Purchased Assets that are Real Property, free and clear of any 
mortgages, security interests, hypothecations, liens, encumbrances, easements, 
encroachments, options, licenses, sublicenses or other interests, rights, 
charges and claims of any kind or character ("Liens"), except for Liens for 
property taxes not yet due and payable, Liens set forth in Schedule 4.5 and 
Liens that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material 
adverse effect on the Seller, the Purchased Assets or the Business.  

     Section 4.6.  All Assets Necessary for Business.  Except as set forth in
     -----------   ---------------------------------
Schedule 4.6, the Purchased Assets include all of the assets, properties, 
interests and rights used in or held for use in the conduct of the Business as 
conducted on June 30, 1994, except for adjustments in Inventories and 
Receivables occurring since June 30, 1994, in the ordinary course of the 
Business.
 
     Section 4.7.  Real Property.  Schedule 2.1(a)(i) includes an accurate and
     -----------   -------------
complete list and legal description of all Real Property owned, used or held 
for use by the Seller.  No taking by condemnation or power of eminent domain 
of such Real Property is pending or, to the best Knowledge of the Seller and 
Armco, threatened.  The zoning classification of the Real Property permits the 
current use of the Real Property by the Seller, and the Seller is not in 
violation of any zoning ordinances or restrictions applicable to the Baltimore 
Site.  There are no liens or, to the Knowledge of the Seller and Armco, claims 
which may ripen into liens against the Real Property, and no valuation notices 
have been issued or, to the Knowledge of the Seller and Armco, are pending.  
Except as set forth in Schedule 4.7, there has been no change in the items of 
Real Property owned by the Seller since the report of the American Appraisal 
Associates dated July 1, 1994.

     Section 4.8.  Equipment.  Schedule 2.1(a)(ii) includes the most accurate
     ----------    ---------
and complete list available to the Seller of all Equipment owned, used or held 
for use by the Seller as of July 1, 1994, and except as set forth in Schedule 
4.8, there has been no change in the items of Equipment owned by the Seller 
since July 1, 1994, including without limitation the Equipment scheduled in 
the report of the American Appraisal Associates dated July 1, 1994, as well as 
Equipment not so listed and located at sites other than the Baltimore 
Facility.
                                         - 12 -
<PAGE>

     Section 4.9.  Contracts.  Schedule 4.9 includes an accurate and complete 
     -----------   ---------
list of all executory Contracts to which the Seller is a party that have a 
payment obligation of $25,000 or more or are otherwise material to the Seller, 
the Purchased Assets or the Business.  All the Contracts are valid and binding 
obligations of the parties thereof, enforceable in accordance with their 
respective terms and conditions.  Neither the Seller nor any third party, to 
the best Knowledge of the Seller or Armco, is in default under the Contracts 
other than to the extent that such defaults, individually or in the aggregate, 
would not have a material adverse effect on the Seller, the Purchased Assets 
or the Business, nor, to the Knowledge of the Seller or Armco, has any event 
occurred which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a 
default by the Seller or any party to the Contracts or adversely affect the 
Seller's rights or obligations under the Contracts.

     Section 4.10.  Permits.  Schedule 2.1(a)(vii) includes an accurate and
     ------------   -------
complete list of all Permits owned, used or held for use by the Seller and a 
brief description of the subject matter and recitation of the termination date 
of each Permit.  The Seller is in compliance with all material terms and 
conditions of, and all obligations relating to, the Permits; to the best 
Knowledge of the Seller and Armco, no event has occurred which, after notice 
or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or adversely affect the 
Seller's rights or obligations under any Permit. Other than as set forth in 
Schedule 4.10, each Permit is valid and in full force and effect and, to the 
Knowledge of the Seller and Armco, there has been no action taken or 
threatened to revoke or limit any such Permit.

     Section 4.11.  Intellectual Property.  
     ------------   ---------------------

     (a)  The Seller owns all right, title and interest in and to the Seller's 
Intellectual Property, free and clear of all mortgages, liens, claims and 
encumbrances.  All of the Seller's Intellectual Property and the Seller's 
Third-Party Intellectual Property Rights are in good standing and are not the 
subject of any challenge, and no person has a right to receive a royalty or 
similar payment in respect of any of the Seller's Intellectual Property and/or 
the Seller's Third-Party Intellectual Property Rights.  The Seller has the 
complete and unrestricted power and unqualified right to sell, convey, assign, 
transfer and deliver the Seller's Intellectual Property and the Seller's 
Third-Party Intellectual Property Rights to the Buyer, and the bills of sale 
and other instruments of assignment and transfer to be executed and delivered 
by the Seller to the Buyer at the Closing will be valid and binding 
obligations of the Seller, enforceable in accordance with their terms, will 
vest effectively in the Buyer good title and ownership to the Seller's 
Intellectual Property free and clear of all mortgages, liens, claims and 
encumbrances, will transfer to the Buyer all of the Seller's right, title and 
interest in and to the Seller's Third-Party Intellectual Property Rights free 
and clear of all mortgages, liens, claims and encumbrances and will give the 
Buyer the free and unrestricted right to use the Seller's Third-Party 
Intellectual Property Rights after the Closing.  All filings or recordations 
necessary or appropriate to protect the interests of the Seller in any of the 
Seller's Intellectual Property and the Seller's Third-Party Intellectual 
Property Rights have been duly made and are in full force and effect.
                                         - 13 -
<PAGE>


     (b)  The Purchased Assets include all proprietary rights, including 
without limitation all Intellectual Property rights, necessary for the Buyer 
to operate the Business as conducted during 1994, and Schedule 2.1(a)(ix) sets 
forth a true and complete list of all of the Seller's patents and applications 
therefor; registered trademarks and service marks and applications therefor; 
material unregistered trademarks, service marks, tradenames and logos; and 
licenses held by the Seller.

     (c)  The Seller has the right, and the Buyer shall have the right after 
the Closing, to use the Purchased Assets, including without limitation the 
Seller's Intellectual Property in the Business, consistent with past practice, 
and the Seller's Third-Party Intellectual Property Rights, and such use does 
not and shall not infringe any rights owned by third parties, including 
without limitation Intellectual Property rights.

     (d)  To the Knowledge of Seller and Armco no claim has been made or 
threatened by any third party that the Seller's use of any of the Purchased 
Assets infringes on any Intellectual Property right or that the use by the 
Buyer after the Closing of any of the Purchased Assets pursuant to or in a 
manner consistent with Contracts that have been assumed by the Buyer will 
infringe upon any Intellectual Property right. 

     (e)  No product made, used or sold by the Seller prior to the Closing 
infringes upon any Intellectual Property right.

     Section 4.12.  Debt.  The Debentures constitute indebtedness of the
     ------------   ----
Seller and the full principal amount thereof (and the discount applicable 
thereto) is reflected in the financial statements included in the Seller's 
Form 10-Q. The Debentures are a valid and binding obligation of the Seller, 
enforceable in accordance with their terms. The Seller is not in default under 
any of the terms and conditions of the Debentures, and no event has occurred 
that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default by the 
Seller or, to the Knowledge of the Seller and Armco, any other party to the 
Debentures or adversely effect the Seller's rights or obligations in 
connection with the Debentures.

     Section 4.13.  Undisclosed Liabilities.  The Seller has no debts,
     ------------   -----------------------
liabilities or obligations (direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, 
liquidated or unliquidated, or required or not required under GAAP to be 
reflected in its financial statements) that are not fully reflected on the 
Financial Statements or the notes thereto included in the Seller's Form 10-Q 
or are or will be reflected in the Statements or the schedules hereto, except 
to such extent that such undisclosed liabilities, individually or in the 
aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the Seller, the 
Purchased Assets or the Business.

     Section 4.14.  Compliance with Laws.  Other than as set forth in Schedule
     ------------   --------------------
4.14, the Seller is in compliance with all statutes, laws, regulations, rules, 
ordinances, orders, writs, judgments, stipulations, injunctions, decrees or 
determinations of any Governmental Authority ("Laws") applicable to the 
Seller, the Business or the Purchased Assets, except to the extent that 

                                         - 15 -
<PAGE>
such noncompliance would not have a material adverse effect on the Seller, the 
Purchased Assets or the Business.

     Section 4.15.  Litigation.  
     ------------   ----------

     (a)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.15(a), there is no outstanding 
order, writ, judgment, stipulation, injunction, decree or determination before 
or by any Governmental Authority against the Seller or Armco, and there are no 
claims, actions, suits, investigations or proceedings of any kind pending, or 
in progress, or threatened, to the Knowledge of the Seller or Armco, before 
any Governmental Authority that seek to restrain, enjoin or otherwise prevent 
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except 
with respect to investigations as may be threatened, pending or commenced 
pursuant to the HSR Act.  

     (b)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.15(b), there are no claims, 
actions, suits, investigations or proceedings (including without limitation 
any such matters alleging noncompliance with any law) before or by any 
Governmental Authority or arbitral body pending, or in progress, to the 
Knowledge of the Seller or Armco, threatened relating to the Seller, the 
Business or the Purchased Assets.

     Section 4.16.  Environmental Matters ("Environmental Matters"). 
     ------------   -----------------------------------------------
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article IV, the representations 
and warranties contained in this Section 4.16 are the sole representations and
                                 ------------
warranties made herein with respect to Environmental Matters (the 
"Environmental Representations and Warranties").

     (a)  The Seller and Armco have heretofore made available to the Buyer and 
Avesta, or their counsel or environmental consultants and engineers, complete 
and correct copies (or in the case of any of the following that have been oral 
in nature, summaries thereof) of all environmental reports, filings, 
notifications, investigations, assessments, audits and such evaluations, and 
all remedial action plans heretofore filed or furnished by the Seller or Armco 
to any Person or that the Seller or Armco have prepared or caused to be 
prepared with respect to any Environmental Liability or any potential 
Environmental Liability relating to the Seller or the Business, and all 
material correspondence and communications between the Seller and Armco and 
any Person relating to any Environmental Liability or any potential 
Environmental Liability.

     (b)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16, there are no existing, or, to 
the Knowledge of the Seller or Armco, pending or threatened Environmental 
Claims relating to the Real Property or any facility or operations thereon, 
and the Seller has not received any notification or Knowledge of alleged or 
actual Environmental Claims for any disposal, release or threatened release at 
any location of any Hazardous Material generated at or transported from the 
Real Property.

    (c)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16, to the Knowledge of Seller or 
Armco, no  underground storage tank or other underground storage receptacle 
(or associated equipment or 
                                         - 15 -
<PAGE>

piping) for Hazardous Materials regulated by Environmental Requirements in 
force at the Closing is currently located on the Real Property.

     (d)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16, to the Knowledge of Seller or 
Armco, there are no PCBs or friable asbestos located at or on the Real 
Property.

     (e)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16, to the Knowledge of the Seller 
and Armco, no lien or other encumbrance has been imposed on the Real Property 
by any Governmental Authority due to either the presence of any Hazardous 
Material on or off the Real Property or a violation of any Environmental 
Requirement.

     (f)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16, there are no notices issued 
pursuant to the citizen's suit provision of any Environmental Requirements 
relating to the Real Property or any facility or operations thereon.

     (g)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16, to the Knowledge of the Seller 
and Armco, the Seller and Armco have not received any written request for 
information, notice, demand, letter, administrative inquiry, formal or 
informal complaint or claim with respect to any Environmental Conditions or 
violation of any Environmental Requirements relating to the Real Property or 
any facility or operations thereon for which requested work has not been 
completed or which has not otherwise been resolved.

    (h)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16, the Seller currently has all 
permits, licenses, registrations or other authorizations required pursuant to 
any Environmental Requirements as currently enforced to operate the Baltimore 
Facility as currently operated by the Seller and such permits, licenses, 
registrations or other authorities are in full force and effect.

    (i)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16, to the Knowledge of the Seller 
and Armco, there are no facts known and undisclosed related to Environmental 
Conditions at the Baltimore Site which would reasonably be expected to 
interfere materially with the Buyer's and Avesta's operation of the Business 
or use of the Purchased Assets as currently conducted or used.

    (j)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16, to the Knowledge of Seller or 
Armco the Real Property does not contain and has not contained (i) any 
landfills or dumps; (ii) any hazardous waste or Special Waste management units 
as regulated by RCRA or any analogous state law; or (iii) any area or site on 
or nominated for the National Priority List promulgated pursuant to CERCLA.  

    (k)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16, to the Knowledge of the Seller 
and Armco, there are no outstanding consent decrees, consent judgments, 
compliance orders, agreed orders or administrative or judicial orders with 
respect to the Real Property relating to any Environmental Requirements.
                                         - 16 -
<PAGE>

    (l)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16, to the Knowledge of Seller or 
Armco there are no wetlands currently regulated by Section 404 of the Clean 
Water Act on the Onsite Real Property.

    (m)  With regard to Environmental Matters, the following definitions shall 
apply:

  (i)  "Environmental Claims" shall mean all accusations, allegations, 
investigations, warnings, notice letters, notices of violation, liens, orders, 
claims, demands, suits or administrative or judicial actions for any 
injunctive relief, fines, penalties or any damage, including without 
limitation personal injury, property damage (including any depreciation of 
property values), lost use of property, Natural Resource Damages or 
environmental response or removal costs arising out of Environmental 
Conditions on the Real Property or under any Environmental Requirements.

     (ii)  "Environmental Conditions" shall mean the state of the environment, 
including natural resources (e.g., flora and fauna), soil, surface water, 
ground water, any present or potential drinking water supply, subsurface 
strata or ambient air, relating to or arising out of the use, handling, 
storage, treatment, recycling, generation, transportation, spilling, leaking, 
pumping, pouring, injecting, emptying, discharging, emitting, escaping, 
leaching, dumping, disposal, release or threatened release of Hazardous 
Materials, whether or not yet discovered which could or does result in 
Environmental Claims.  With respect to Environmental Claims by third parties, 
Environmental Conditions also include the exposure of persons to Hazardous 
Materials at the work place or the exposure of persons or property to 
Hazardous Materials migrating or otherwise emanating from, to, or located at, 
under or on the Real Property.

     (iii)  "Environmental Expenses" shall mean any liability (including 
strict liability), loss, cost, penalty, fine, punitive damages, encumbrance or 
expense relating to any Environmental Claim or Environmental Conditions or 
incurred in compliance with any Environmental Requirements, including without 
limitation the costs of investigation; cleanup; remedial, monitoring, 
corrective, removal or other responsive action; compliance costs; settlement 
costs; and related legal and consulting fees and expenses.

 (iv)  "Environmental Requirements" shall mean all present and future laws, 
all rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, policies, guidance documents, 
approvals, plans, authorizations, licenses, permits issued by any Governmental 
Authority and all judicial, administrative and regulatory decrees, judgments 
and orders relating to human health, pollution or protection of the 
environment (including ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface 
or surface strata), including (A) Laws relating to emissions, discharges, 
releases or threatened releases of Hazardous Materials, and (B) Laws relating 
to the identification, generation, manufacture, processing, distribution, use, 
treatment, storage, disposal, removal, cleanup, recovery, transport or other 
handling of industrial materials, wastes, or other handling of Hazardous 
Materials.  Environmental Requirements shall include CERCLA; SARA; the Toxic 
Substances Control Act, 
                                         - 17 -
<PAGE>

as amended; the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended; RCRA; the 
Clean Water Act, as amended; the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended; the 
Clean Air Act, as amended; the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; and all 
analogous laws promulgated or issued by any Governmental Authority.

    (v)  "Hazardous Materials" shall mean any substance that is or becomes 
defined as a "hazardous substance," "hazardous waste," "hazardous material," 
pollutant or contaminant under any Environmental Requirements, including 
CERCLA, SARA, RCRA and any analogous Law; petroleum (including crude oil and 
any fraction thereof); and any natural or synthetic gas (whether in liquid or 
gaseous state).

     (vi)  "Special Waste" shall mean any solid waste from a nonresidential 
source that is: (A) a waste containing free liquids; (B) a sludge waste; (C) 
an industrial process waste; (D) a pollution control waste; or (E) 
contaminated soil, residue, debris and articles from the cleanup of a release 
of Hazardous Materials.

     Section 4.17.  Labor Relations; Employees.  The Seller currently
     ------------   ---------------------------
employs a total of 375 employees.  With respect to such employees:

     (a)  Other than as set forth on Schedule 4.17(a), the Seller has paid in 
full all due and owing wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, fringe benefit 
payments and all other direct and indirect compensation of any kind for all 
services performed by them ("Employment Costs") to the date hereof.

     (b)  Other than as set forth on Schedule 4.17(b) there are no actions, 
suits, investigations or claims of any kind pending, in progress or, to the 
best Knowledge of the Seller or Armco, threatened before the National Labor 
Relations Board, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Equal 
Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Labor or any court or other 
Governmental Authority alleging against the Seller any unfair labor practice, 
job-related discrimination, safety or wage or hour violation or violation of 
any Law dealing with employment and employment practices, terms and conditions 
of employment and wage and hours requirements.

     (c)  There is not currently, and has not been during the last two years, 
any strike, work stoppage, interference with production or slowdown in 
progress involving or, to the Knowledge of the Seller and Armco, threatened 
against the Seller.  

     (d)  There is not currently, and has not been during the last two years, 
any question of representation under the National Labor Relations Act, as 
amended, or any state equivalent thereof, raised or, to the Knowledge of the 
Seller and Armco, threatened with respect to any employees of the Seller.  
                                         - 18 -
<PAGE>

     (e)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.17(e), there is not currently, and 
has not been during the last two years, any grievance pending or, to the 
Knowledge of the Seller and Armco, threatened against the Seller. 

     Section 4.18.  Insurance.  Set forth in Schedule 4.18 is an accurate and
     ------------   ---------
complete list of all Insurance Policies held or participated in by the Seller 
and the insurer, type of insurance, policy number for each policy and all 
self-insurance or captive insurance programs, any pending claims under each 
policy and program, and all claims, cost and cost experience under each policy 
and program in respect of the Seller since May 1, 1992.  Each Insurance Policy 
is in full force and effect and free from any matured rights of termination on 
the part of the carriers; the Seller is in full compliance with the terms 
therewith; and no notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of any Insurance Policy 
has been received.  The Seller is not in default and has not failed to give 
any notice of claim thereunder in due and timely fashion.  The Seller has not, 
during the past two fiscal years, been denied or had revoked or rescinded by 
any carrier any policy of insurance.  

     Section 4.19.  Employee Benefit Plans.  
     ------------   ----------------------

     (a)  Set forth in Schedule 4.19(a) is a true and accurate list of each 
"employee welfare benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) and each 
fringe benefit plan or program or other similar employee benefit plan, 
program, arrangement or agreement, whether insured or uninsured, funded or 
unfunded, maintained by the Seller, or to which the Seller contributes or is 
legally obligated to contribute, for its employees (collectively, the "Welfare 
Benefit Plans" and, individually, a "Welfare Benefit Plan").

     (b)  Set forth in Schedule 4.19(b) is a true and accurate list of each 
"employee pension benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) and each 
other employee pension plan, program, arrangement or agreement, whether 
insured or uninsured, funded or unfunded, including but not limited to each 
deferred compensation plan, bonus or other incentive compensation plan, stock 
option plan, employee stock purchase plan, severance plan or policy, and each 
other similar employee benefit plan, agreement, arrangement or commitment 
maintained  or promised by the Seller, or to which the Seller contributes or 
is legally obligated to contribute, for its employees (collectively the 
"Pension Benefit Plans" and, individually, a "Pension Benefit Plan").

     (c)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.19(c), there is no "accumulated 
funding deficiency" (as defined in Section 302(a)(2) of ERISA or Section 
412(a) of the Code) (whether or not waived) that exists, asserted or 
unasserted, with respect to any plan year of any Pension Benefit Plan subject 
to the minimum funding requirements of ERISA and the Code.

     (d)  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.19(d), there are no liabilities of 
the Seller, contingent or otherwise, accrued or unaccrued, asserted or 
unasserted, with respect to any Pension Benefit Plan or Welfare Benefit Plan, 
for which Buyer could, because of this Agreement 
                                         - 19 -
<PAGE>

or the transaction contemplated hereby, become obligated, or that have or will 
result in any lien or other incumbrance on any Purchased Asset.

     (e)  Set forth in Schedule 4.19(e) is a true and accurate list of the 
amount of each contribution made with respect to each Welfare Benefit Plan for 
the fiscal year ending December 31, 1993.

     (f)  Set forth in Schedule 4.19(f) is a true and accurate list of each 
separate administrative services agreement and each separate insurance or 
annuity contract or policy associated with or related to each Welfare Benefit 
Plan.

     (g)  True and complete copies of the Welfare Benefit Plans and the 
Pension Benefit Plans listed on Schedules 4.19(a) and (b), the summary plan 
descriptions and other written descriptions of such plans, the Forms 5500 and 
actuarial reports (if applicable) with respect to all such plans for the two 
most recent plan years, all separate administrative service agreements and 
insurance or annuity contracts or policies related to any Welfare Benefit Plan 
and all amendments thereto have heretofore been delivered to the Buyer.  All 
such plans, agreements, contracts and policies are in full force and effect.

     (h)  The Seller does not have any obligation to provide any medical or 
health benefits to any former employees or retired employees, except as 
provided in Schedule 4.19(h) or to the extent required by Title X of the 
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 ("COBRA"), and, except 
as provided in Schedule 4.19(h), the Seller does not have any obligation to 
provide benefits (other than benefits provided pursuant to qualified 
retirement plans) with respect to any former or retired employees of the 
Seller or with respect to any current employee of the Seller after the 
employee's retirement or other termination of employment.

	(i)  The Seller has complied in all material respects with the 
requirements of Title X of COBRA and the rules and regulations thereunder.

     Section 4.20.  Tax Matters.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this
     ------------   -----------
Article IV, the representations and warranties contained in this Section 4.20
                                                                 ------------
are the sole representations and warranties made herein with respect to Taxes.

     (a)  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.20, the Seller and Armco have 
timely paid in full all Taxes which are due and payable by or on behalf of the 
Seller or claimed by any Governmental Authority to be due and payable by or on 
behalf of the Seller (whether or not shown on any Return) (the "Taxes"), 
except for Taxes which are being contested in good faith by appropriate 
proceedings as described in Schedule 4.20.  The Seller and Armco have complied 
in all respects with all applicable Laws relating to the payment and 
withholding of Taxes by or on behalf of the Seller (including, without 
limitation, withholding of Taxes pursuant to Code Sections 1441 and 1442 or 
similar provisions under any foreign Laws) and have, within the time and 
within the manner prescribed by Law, withheld from employee wages and paid 
over to the 
                                         - 20 -
<PAGE>

proper Governmental Authorities all amounts required to be withheld and paid 
over under all applicable Laws.

     (b)  The Seller and Armco have timely filed all federal, state, county, 
local, foreign and other Tax returns, declarations, estimates, information 
statements, reports, claims for refund and similar documents relating to, or 
required to be filed in respect of, any Taxes (including any information 
returns or reports required to be filed by the Seller or Armco with respect to 
payments to (or from) third parties (including backup withholding)) 
(collectively, the "Returns") required to be filed by or on behalf of the 
Seller, and all such Returns are true, correct and complete in all respects 
and accurately reflect all income, deductions, credits and liability for Taxes 
of the Seller.

     (c)  The Seller and Armco have not been delinquent in the payment of any 
Tax of Seller and have no Tax deficiency or claim outstanding, threatened, 
proposed or assessed against either of them with respect to the Taxes of 
Seller, and there is no basis for any such deficiency or claim.  No federal, 
state, local or foreign audits or other administrative proceedings or court 
proceedings are presently pending with regard to any Taxes or Returns of the 
Seller.  There is not now in force any extension of time with respect to the 
date on which any Return was or is due to be filed by or on behalf of the 
Seller, or any waiver, consent or agreement by either of them for the 
extension of time for the assessment of any Tax of the Seller.  No other Taxes 
of the Seller are due or payable. There are no liens or encumbrances for Taxes 
of the Seller or on the Purchased Assets, except for Taxes not yet due and 
payable.

     (d)  None of the Purchased Assets (i) is property which is required to be 
treated as being owned by any other person pursuant to the "safe harbor lease" 
provisions of former Code Section 168(f)(8); (ii) directly or indirectly 
secures any debt, the interest on which is exempt from Tax under Code Section 
103(a); or (iii) is "tax-exempt use property" within the meaning of Code 
Section 168(h).  Neither the Seller nor Armco is a "foreign person" within the 
meaning of Code Section 1445(f)(3).  The transactions contemplated by this 
Agreement are not subject to the Tax withholding provisions of Code Section 
3406 or of Subchapter A of Chapter 3 of the Code, or of any other comparable 
provision of Law.

     Section 4.21.  Absence of Changes or Events.  Other than as set forth in
     ------------   ----------------------------
Schedule 4.21, since June 30, 1994 (except as to Section 4.21(a) which shall
                                                 ---------------
be since January 1, 1994), the Seller has conducted the Business only in the 
ordinary course consistent with past practice and has not done or suffered to 
occur or continue any of the following except as the following, individually 
or in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the Seller, 
the Purchased Assets or the Business:

     (a)  Made any change in accounting principles.

     (b)  Incurred or assumed any obligations or liabilities, absolute or 
contingent, except for current liabilities of the Seller incurred in the 
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. 
                                         - 21 -
<PAGE>

     (c)  Mortgaged, granted a security interest in or otherwise hypothecated, 
granted or suffered to attach any lien, encumbrance, claim, charge or 
restriction to any asset, property, interest, right or claim.

     (d)  Acquired, accepted transfer or assignment or taken delivery of or 
sold, transferred, assigned, granted any option or right to purchase, leased, 
licensed, sublicensed, abandoned or otherwise disposed of any assets, 
property, interests, rights or claims other than in the ordinary course of 
business consistent with past practice.

    (e)  Received any notice of termination or amendment of any Permit, 
Contract or Insurance Policy.

    (f)  Experienced any labor union organizing activity, actual or threatened 
employee strikes, work stoppages, slow-downs, lock-outs or other adverse 
changes in its relationship with any employees or independent contractors.

    (g)  Made any change in the rate of compensation, commission, bonus or 
other direct or indirect remuneration, paid or promised to pay any bonus, 
advance, pension, severance or vacation pay, other than in the ordinary course 
of business consistent with past practice or pursuant to the termination plan, 
a copy of which shall be provided by the Seller to the Buyer at least 5 days 
prior to the Closing, (the "Termination Plan"), or made any loan to any 
director, officer or employee.

    (h)  Commenced, settled or agreed to settle any litigation, action, 
proceeding or arbitration; cancelled or compromised any debt or claim; or 
waived or released any right or consented to nonperformance of any obligation.

    (i)  Failed to repair, restore, replace or replenish any Real Property or 
Equipment in a normal and customary manner, consistent with prior practice; 
made any purchase commitment in excess of the normal and ordinary requirements 
of the Business at any price in excess of the then current market price or 
upon terms and conditions more onerous than those prevailing in the industry; 
or engaged in any marketing, purchasing, sales, personnel or other practices 
inconsistent with prior practice.

    (j)  Suffered any damage or destruction by fire, other casualty or other 
occurrence or any taking by eminent domain or other Governmental Action, 
whether or not reimbursed by insurance proceeds or any other award or payment, 
with respect to any assets or properties.

    (k)  Accelerated or delayed collection of any Receivables, incurrence or 
payment of any liabilities beyond the due date or performance of any services 
or other obligations.

    (l)  Entered into, amended, terminated, abandoned or suffered to be 
terminated or revoked any transaction or Contract, or made any change in the 
terms of any Permits. 
                                     - 22 -
<PAGE>

    (m)  Suffered a material adverse change in the Business or the Purchased 
Assets of the Seller (other than such changes as are attributable to 
developments or conditions affecting the stainless steel plate business 
generally).

     Section 4.22.  Customers and Suppliers.  Set forth in Schedule 4.22 is a
     ------------   -----------------------
list of the twenty largest customers and the ten largest suppliers of the 
Seller by dollar volume of business for the twelve months ending December 31, 
1993, and the twelve months ending December 31, 1994. 

     Section 4.23.  Financing Ability to Perform.  The Seller and Armco have,
     -------------  -----------------------------
and at the Closing will have, available the resources to satisfy the Retained 
Liabilities and fulfill their other obligations pursuant to this Agreement, 
including Armco's obligations under Section 13.7(a).
                                    ---------------

     Section 4.24.  Fair Consideration.  The Consideration represents
     ------------   ------------------
 reasonably equivalent value for the Purchased Assets and was negotiated by 
the Seller and Armco in good faith.

     Section 4.25.  Brokers' or Finders' Fees.  No agent, broker, investment
     ------------   -------------------------

banker or other Person acting on behalf of the Seller or Armco is or will be 
entitled, directly or indirectly, to any broker's or finder's fee or any other 
commission or similar fee from any of the parties hereto in connection with 
any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

                               ARTICLE V.
         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER AND AVESTA

     The Buyer and Avesta, jointly and severally, hereby represent and warrant 
to the Seller and Armco as set forth below.

     Section 5.1.  Organization.  The Buyer and Avesta are corporations duly
     ------------  ------------
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State 
of Delaware.

     Section 5.2.  Authority; Consents.  Each of the Buyer and Avesta has the
     -----------   -------------------
corporate power to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all other 
agreements, instruments, certificates and documents contemplated hereby.  Each 
of the Buyer and Avesta has taken all corporate action required by its 
certificate of incorporation and its bylaws to authorize the execution and 
delivery of this Agreement and all other agreements, instruments, certificates 
and documents contemplated hereby and to consummate the transactions 
contemplated hereby, and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered 
by the Buyer and Avesta.  This Agreement and the other agreements, 
instruments, certificates and documents contemplated hereby are, or will when 
executed be, valid and binding obligations of the Buyer and Avesta, 
enforceable against the Buyer and Avesta in accordance with their terms and 
conditions.  Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the 
other agreements, instruments, certificates and documents contemplated hereby, 
nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance 
by the Buyer or Avesta with the terms and conditions hereof, will (a) conflict 
with or result in a breach of any provision of the Buyer's or Avesta's 
certificate of incorporation or bylaws, (b) result in a default (or give rise 
to any right of termination, cancellation or 
                                         - 23 -
<PAGE>

acceleration) or require a Third-Party Consent under the terms, conditions or 
provisions of any note, lien, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, lease, 
contract, consent order, permit or other instrument or obligation to which the 
Buyer or Avesta is a party or by which the Buyer or Avesta or any of their 
properties or assets may be bound, other than the consent of certain lenders 
of Avesta Sheffield AB (the "Lenders' Consent"), (c) violate any judgment, 
order, writ, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority or (d) require 
any Governmental Action except for filing of a Notification and Report Form 
and expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act.

     Section 5.3.  Litigation.  There is no outstanding order, writ, judgment,
     -----------   ----------
stipulation, injunction, decree or determination of any Governmental Authority 
against the Buyer or Avesta and are no claims, actions, suits, investigations 
or proceedings of any kind pending, in progress or, to the best Knowledge of 
the Buyer or Avesta, threatened before any Governmental Authority which seek 
to restrain, enjoin or otherwise prevent the consummation of the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement, except with respect to investigations pending 
or commenced pursuant to the HSR Act.  

     Section 5.4.  Financial Ability to Perform.  The Buyer and Avesta
     -----------   ----------------------------

have, and at the Closing will have, available funds to pay the Cash 
Consideration and resources to satisfy the Assumed Liabilities and fulfill 
their other obligations pursuant to this Agreement, including Avesta's 
obligations under Section 13.7(b).
                  ---------------

     Section 5.5.  Brokers' or Finders' Fees.  No agent, broker, investment 
     -----------   -------------------------

banker or other Person acting on behalf of the Buyer or Avesta is or will be 
entitled, directly or indirectly, to any broker's or finder's fee or any other 
commission or similar fee from any of the parties hereto in connection with 
any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

                                     ARTICLE VI.
                     PRECLOSING COVENANTS OF THE SELLER AND ARMCO

     The Seller and Armco, jointly and severally, covenant that between the 
date hereof and the Closing:

     Section 6.1.  Maintenance of Corporate Status.  The Seller and Armco
     -----------   -------------------------------

shall at all times be corporations, validly existing and in good standing 
under the laws of their states of incorporation.

     Section 6.2.  Operation of the Business.  The Seller shall operate the
     -----------   -------------------------

Business diligently and in the ordinary course of business, consistent with 
past practice, shall not take any action in breach of any term or condition of 
this Agreement and shall notify promptly the Buyer or Avesta upon becoming 
aware of any breach of any representation, warranty, term or condition of this 
Agreement.

                                         - 24 -
<PAGE>

     Section 6.3.  Tax Matters.  Neither the Seller nor Armco shall make any
     -----------   -----------

election or take any action outside the ordinary course of business with 
respect to the Taxes of the Seller without the Buyer's written consent, 
whether relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or 
otherwise, if such election or action will adversely affect the Buyer.

     Section 6.4.  Legal Compliance.  The Seller shall operate the Business
     -----------   ----------------
consistent with past practice, in compliance, in all material respects, with 
all Laws and any other existing consent judgments or other similar 
requirements and with all Permits.

     Section 6.5.  Preservation of the Business.  The Seller shall use
     -----------   ----------------------------

reasonable efforts consistent with past practice to (a) preserve the Business 
and its goodwill, (b) maintain the services of employees, agents and 
representatives on existing terms and conditions (except as provided for under 
the Termination Plan or pursuant to any arrangement between the Seller and the 
Unions), (c) preserve good business relationships with suppliers and customers 
on existing terms and conditions, and (d) provide service to each customer 
consistent with past practice.

     Section 6.6.  Access to the Purchased Business.  The Seller and Armco
     -----------   --------------------------------

shall supply the Buyer and Avesta with all information concerning the Seller, 
the Purchased Assets and the Business that the Buyer and Avesta shall 
reasonably request; permit, at such reasonable times and intervals as the 
parties may determine, the Buyer, Avesta and their legal counsel, accountants 
and other authorized representatives, during normal business hours, to (a) 
enter upon the Seller's office and production sites and inspect the Purchased 
Assets, (b) examine the books and records, (c) investigate the operations and 
(d) consult with and receive assistance from the officers, employees, legal 
counsel, accountants and other authorized representatives of the Seller and 
Armco; and cooperate with the Buyer and Avesta in taking such actions, 
carrying out any tests and examinations of the Purchased Assets and otherwise 
conducting a business, financial, accounting and legal investigation of the 
Seller, the Purchased Assets and the Business.

     Section 6.7.  Environmental Investigation.  The Seller and Armco shall
     -----------   ---------------------------
provide to the Buyer and Avesta such access to the Real Property, the 
Baltimore Site and the Baltimore Facility as is reasonably necessary to 
conduct such environmental investigations as are deemed appropriate by the 
Buyer and Avesta, which access shall be at reasonable times and upon 
reasonable notice and shall include, without limitation, the following:

     (a)  Conduct of soil borings, groundwater sampling and sampling of 
suspected asbestos-containing or PCB-containing materials;

     (b)  A physical inspection of the Real Property, the Baltimore Site and 
the Baltimore Facility; and

     (c)  Examination of all documents pertaining or relating to any 
Environmental Conditions or compliance with Environmental Requirements.
                                         - 25 -
<PAGE>

     Section 6.8.  Governmental Actions.   The Seller and Armco shall prepare
     -----------   --------------------
and make all filings (in addition to the Notification and Report Form 
heretofore filed under the HSR Act) and take all other actions as may be 
required to be taken by the Seller or Armco to obtain any Governmental Action 
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 

     Section 6.9.  Approvals.  The Seller and Armco shall use their reasonable
     -----------   ---------
efforts to obtain all Third-Party Consents that are required to be obtained by 
Seller or Armco and all approvals, consents and waivers required from the 
stockholders and Debentureholders of the Seller and to deliver all required 
notices to such persons.  Armco shall vote all stock in the Seller held by 
Armco in favor of approval of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement 
and the Plan of Reorganization and Dissolution.

     Section 6.10.  Exclusivity.  The Seller and Armco shall not solicit,
     -------------  -----------
directly or indirectly, any inquiries or proposals or enter into or continue 
any discussions, negotiations or agreements with any third party relating to 
any sale or disposition of any assets or ownership interest in the Seller or 
any business combination relating to the Seller or any part of the Business 
(other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business) from the 
date hereof to the date of termination of this Agreement.

     Section 6.11.  Survey.  As soon as possible after the date hereof, the
     ------------   ------
Seller, at its sole expense, shall obtain and deliver to Buyer an as-built 
survey of the Real Property (the "Survey"), which Survey shall be prepared in 
accordance with ALTA Minimum Standard Detail Requirements.  The Survey shall 
be certified by a registered engineer or surveyor satisfactory to the Buyer as 
to (a) the exact location of all improvements, building setback lines, 
easements, rights-of-way and encroachments affecting the Real Property, if 
any, and other matters apparent thereon, (b) the relation of the Real Property 
to all adjacent public thoroughfares and (c) whether or not the Real Property 
lies in an "area of special flood hazard" for purposes of the National Flood 
Insurance Program.  The Survey shall be sufficient to cause the standard 
survey exceptions to be deleted from the title policy referred to in 
Section 10.2(l).
---------------

     Section 6.12.  Evidence of Title.  As soon as possible after the date
     -----------    -----------------
hereof, the Buyer, at the Buyer's expense, shall procure an ALTA 1970 Form B 
standard title insurance commitment (the "Title Commitment"), which Title 
Commitment shall be issued by a title insurance company of national reputation 
satisfactory to the Buyer and show the condition of the Seller's title to the 
Real Property.  The Buyer, at the Buyer's expense, shall cause such title 
insurance company to provide copies of all documents creating exceptions to 
title, endorsements for access, zoning, and such other matters as the Buyer 
may reasonably require.

                                   ARTICLE VII.
                   PRECLOSING COVENANTS OF THE BUYER AND AVESTA

     The Buyer and Avesta, jointly and severally, covenant that between the 
date hereof and the Closing: 
                                        - 26 -
<PAGE>


     Section 7.1.  Development of Environmental Work Plan.  The Buyer and
     -----------   --------------------------------------
 Avesta shall develop and deliver a copy to the Seller and Armco of a work 
plan for remediation of the Baltimore Site (the "Work Plan"), which Work Plan 
shall address the following subjects:  construction of a slurry wall or other 
equivalent barrier system (including ground water monitoring); the emission 
dust landfill; the acid ponds; removal of underground storage tanks; design of 
an oil recovery system; remediation of the lime sludge landfill, the slag 
pile, the effluent basin, the oil and grease pad, the acid pad and the 
emission dust silo; removal of PCBs originating from transformers/oils; 
control of stormwater (including soil stabilization); modification of the 
wastewater treatment plant; transfer or modification of air permits; and 
control of emissions to the air (including emissions from the cold anneal and 
pickle line).  The Work Plan shall be in the form delivered by the Buyer and 
accepted by the Seller on or prior to the date hereof.

     Section 7.2.  Governmental Action.  The Buyer and Avesta shall prepare
     -----------   -------------------

and make all filings (in addition to the Notification and Report Form 
heretofore filed under the HSR Act) and take all other actions as may be 
required to obtain any Governmental Action in connection with the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that the Buyer and Avesta 
shall not be obligated hereby to commence, prosecute or defend any legal 
proceeding, enter into any consent decree, accept any restriction or 
limitation upon their future operations or business or agree to any change in 
the terms of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

     Section 7.3.  Inconsistent Actions.  Neither the Buyer nor Avesta shall
     -----------   --------------------

take any action or omit to take any action that would or could result in a 
breach of any term or condition of this Agreement or result in any 
representation or warranty contained in this Agreement being inaccurate or 
incorrect in any respect as of the Closing Date and shall notify promptly the 
Seller or Armco of any act, omission or occurrence that constitutes or, with 
the giving of notice or passage of time, would constitute a breach of any 
representation, warranty, term or condition.

                                   ARTICLE VIII.
                   CONDITIONS OF THE BUYER AND AVESTA TO CLOSING

     The obligations of the Buyer and Avesta to consummate the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement at the Closing shall be subject to the 
satisfaction, on or before the Closing Date, of the following conditions (any 
of which may be waived, in whole or in part, by the Buyer and Avesta):

     Section 8.1.  Representations and Warranties.  The representations and
     -----------   ------------------------------
warranties of the Seller and Armco set forth in this Agreement and any other 
agreements, instruments, certificates or documents delivered to the Buyer or 
Avesta pursuant hereto shall be accurate and complete in all material respects 
as if made on and as of the Closing Date.

     Section 8.2.  Performance of Covenants.  The Seller and Armco shall have
     ------------  ------------------------
duly performed and complied, in all material respects, with all covenants and 
conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by the 
Seller and Armco at or before the Closing. 
                                         - 27 -
<PAGE>

     Section 8.3.  Governmental Actions.  All Governmental Actions required
     ------------  --------------------
for consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including expiration 
of the waiting period under the HSR Act) shall have occurred or been obtained.

     Section 8.4.  Environmental Permit Transfer.  All Permits that are
     ------------  -----------------------------
mandated by Environmental Requirements shall have been transferred or assigned 
to the Buyer and Avesta in accordance with applicable Laws except to the 
extent that the Buyer and Avesta and the Seller and Armco agree that such a 
transfer or assignment is not required.

     Section 8.5.  Approvals.  All approvals, consents and waivers, including
     ------------  ---------
the Lenders' Consent, required for the consummation of the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement shall have been obtained.

     Section 8.6.  Third-Party Consents.  The Seller and Armco shall have
     ------------  --------------------
obtained all Third-Party Consents required for consummation of the 
transactions contemplated hereby.

     Section 8.7.  Adverse Change.  There has been no material adverse change
     ------------  --------------
in the Purchased Assets or the Business (other than such changes as are 
attributable to developments or conditions affecting the stainless steel plate 
business generally).

     Section 8.8.  Taking or Casualty.  No taking by condemnation or pursuant
     ------------  ------------------
to any power of eminent domain or other governmental act shall have occurred 
or been threatened and no casualty affecting the Real Property, the Equipment 
or any substantial part thereof shall have occurred.

     Section 8.9.  Union Agreements.  The Buyer shall have entered into a
     ------------  ----------------
collective bargaining agreement or agreements with the United Steelworkers of 
America (acting on behalf of Locals 1245 and 8020 (the "Union")) governing the 
terms and conditions of employment of Former Represented Employees, which 
agreement or agreements shall be to the satisfaction of the Buyer and Avesta, 
and the Union shall have ratified such agreement in accordance with any 
procedures required to render it effective.

     Section 8.10.  Litigation.  No action or proceeding shall have been
     ------------   ----------
commenced or overtly threatened by any Governmental Authority (other than in 
any such entity's capacity as a shareholder of Eastern) that would restrain, 
enjoin or otherwise prevent consummation of any of the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement on the terms set forth herein or could have a 
material adverse effect on the Purchased Assets or the Business.  No action or 
proceeding shall have been commenced before any Governmental Authority that 
restrains, enjoins or otherwise prevents consummation of any of the 
transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the terms set forth herein or 
would reasonably be expected to impair materially the use of the Purchased 
Assets by the Buyer.

     Section 8.11.  Armco Assumption.  Armco and the Seller shall have
     ------------   ----------------
entered into the Armco Assumption Agreement substantially in the form set 
forth in Exhibit B.
                                         - 28 -
<PAGE>

     Section 8.12.  Closing Actions.  The Seller and Armco shall have executed
     ------------   ---------------
and delivered all documents and taken all other actions provided under Article 
X to be taken by them at the Closing.

                                     ARTICLE IX.
                   CONDITIONS OF SELLER AND ARMCO TO CLOSING

     The obligations of the Seller and Armco to consummate the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement at the Closing shall be subject to the 
satisfaction, on or before the Closing Date, of the following conditions (any 
of which may be waived, in whole or in part, by the Seller and Armco):

    Section 9.1.  Representations and Warranties.  The representations and
    -----------   ------------------------------
warranties of the Buyer and Avesta set forth in this Agreement and any other 
agreements, instruments, certificates or documents delivered to the Seller or 
Armco pursuant hereto shall be accurate and complete as if made on and as of 
the Closing Date. 

    Section 9.2.  Performance of Covenants.  The Buyer and Avesta shall have
    ------------  ------------------------
duly performed and complied with all covenants and conditions required by this 
Agreement to be performed or complied with by the Buyer and Avesta at or 
before the Closing. 

     Section 9.3.  Governmental Actions.  All Governmental Actions required
     ------------  --------------------
for consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including expiration 
of the waiting period under the HSR Act) shall have occurred or been obtained.

    Section 9.4.  Union Agreement.  The Seller and Armco shall have entered
    ------------  ---------------
into a closing agreement with the Union relating to the termination of the 
collective bargaining agreement between the Seller and the Union, which 
agreement shall be satisfactory to the Seller and Armco, and the Union shall 
have ratified such closing agreement in accordance with any procedures 
required to render it effective.

     Section 9.5.  Work Plan.  The Buyer and Avesta shall have developed the
     -----------   ---------
Work Plan and furnished a copy thereof to the Seller. 

    Section 9.6.  MDE Acknowledgment and Approval.  The MDE shall have
    -----------   -------------------------------
acknowledged and approved to the satisfaction of the Buyer and Avesta and the 
Seller and Armco the transfer to the Buyer and Avesta, as of the Closing Date, 
of the Seller's and Armco's obligations and liabilities under the Consent 
Judgment that arise or may arise after the Closing Date and shall have agreed 
to look solely to the Buyer and Avesta for any actions required to be taken 
under the Consent Judgment after the Closing Date or for any violations of the 
Consent Judgment that arise or occur after the Closing Date.
                                     - 29 -
<PAGE>

     Section 9.7.  Agreements Relating to Former Employees.  
     -----------   ---------------------------------------

    (a)  The Buyer shall have entered into a collective bargaining agreement 
or agreements with the Union that provide(s), in part, for the Buyer to 
provide the following benefits to Former Represented Employees:

     (i)  Medical benefits for Former Represented Employees similar to those 
medical benefits provided for such employees on September 30, 1994, under 
applicable written plan documents (the "Plans") of the Seller or, at the 
Buyer's discretion, under the Buyer's medical Plan for employees represented 
by a union at its New Castle, Indiana, production facility (the "New Castle 
Plant"); provided, however, that the Buyer shall not be obligated to provide 
retiree medical benefits with respect to any Former Represented Employee who 
either retires or whose employment is terminated for any reason by the Buyer 
prior to the second anniversary of the Closing Date.

     (ii)  Pension benefits for Former Represented Employees similar to the 
benefits provided under the Buyer's retirement Plan for employees represented 
by a union at the New Castle Plant or as otherwise agreed to between the Buyer 
and the Union.

    (b)  The Buyer shall have taken all actions as are necessary to effect the 
following benefits for Former Non-Represented Employees:

     (i)  The Buyer shall provide medical benefits for Former Non-Represented 
Employees that are similar to those medical benefits provided on September 30, 
1994, for employees of the Seller that are not represented by a union under 
the Seller's Plans or, at the Buyer's discretion, similar to benefits provided 
under the Buyer's medical Plan for salaried employees at the New Castle Plant; 
provided, however, that the Buyer shall not be obligated to provide retiree 
medical benefits to any Former Non-Represented Employee who either retires or 
whose employment is terminated for any reason by the Buyer prior to the second 
anniversary of the Closing Date.

    (ii)  The Buyer shall provide pension benefits for Former Non-Represented 
Employees similar to the benefits provided under the Buyer's pension Plan for 
salaried employees at the New Castle Plant.

    (c)  For purposes of this Agreement, "Former Employee" means a Former 
Represented Employee or a Former Non-Represented Employee, as such terms are 
defined in this paragraph.   "Former Represented Employee" means an employee 
(i) who is on active status with the Seller at the Baltimore Site on the 
Closing Date (which includes any employee of the Seller who is on lay-off 
status, short-term medical or disability leave or vacation on such date), (ii) 
whom the Buyer determines is needed for operation of the Business and (iii) 
who is employed by the Buyer to work at the Baltimore Site following the 
Closing Date; provided, however, that an employee shall be considered a Former 
Represented Employee only if he or she retains seniority under a collective 
bargaining agreement between the Seller and the Union 
                                     - 30 -
<PAGE>

on the Closing Date and is covered by a collective bargaining agreement 
between the Buyer and the Union on the first business day following the 
Closing Date on which he or she is employed by the Buyer.  "Former Non-
Represented Employee" means an employee (i) who is on active status and with 
the Seller at the Baltimore Site as of the Closing Date (which includes any 
employee of the Seller who is on lay-off status, short term medical or 
disability leave or vacation on such dates), (ii) who is not a Former 
Represented Employee, (iii) whom the Buyer determines is needed for operation 
of the Business and (iv) who is employed by the Buyer to work at the Baltimore 
Site as of the first business day following the Closing Date. 

     Section 9.8.  Stockholder Approvals.  The Seller shall have received all
     -----------   ---------------------
stockholder approvals required for the consummation of the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement.

     Section 9.9.  Litigation.  No action or proceeding shall have been
     ----------    ----------
commenced or overtly threatened by any Governmental Authority (other than in 
any such entity's capacity as a shareholder of Eastern) that would restrain, 
enjoin or otherwise prevent consummation of any of the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement on the terms set forth herein or could have a 
material adverse effect on the Purchased Assets or the Business.  No action or 
proceeding shall have been commenced before any Governmental Authority that 
restrains, enjoins or otherwise prevents the consummation of any of the 
transactions contemplated by this Agreement upon the terms set forth herein.

    Section 9.10.  Closing Actions.  The Buyer and Avesta shall have executed
    ------------   ---------------
and delivered all documents and taken all other actions provided under Article 
X to be taken by them at the Closing.

                                     ARTICLE X.
                                      CLOSING

     Section 10.1.  Closing.  The consummation of the transactions
     ------------   -------
contemplated hereby (the "Closing") shall be held at the offices of Ice Miller 
Donadio & Ryan at 10:00 A.M., Indianapolis time, on a date as soon as 
practicable after the conditions to the Closing have been satisfied or such 
other place, time and date as the parties may mutually determine ( the 
"Closing Date").  Time is of the essence of this Agreement.

     Section 10.2.  Documents to be Delivered by the Seller and Armco.  On or
     ------------   -------------------------------------------------
before the Closing and effective as of the Closing Date, the Seller and Armco 
shall deliver to the Buyer and Avesta the following, all of which shall be in 
a form that is reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer and Avesta:

     (a)  Duly executed confirmatory special warranty deeds and (if 
appropriate) articles of transfer and certificates of conveyance for all of 
the Purchased Assets, which deeds and articles of transfer shall employ the 
legal descriptions included in the Survey.

     (b)  Duly executed bills of sale for all Personal Property.

     (c)  Duly executed assignments of all Contracts and Permits, the Seller's 
Intellectual Property and the Seller's Third-Party Intellectual Property 
Rights and such duly executed Third-Party Consents as are required for the 
Seller to make such assignments.
                                     - 31 -
<PAGE>

     (d)  Duly endorsed documents of title and such other instruments of 
conveyance and other documents as the Buyer shall request for the purpose of 
transferring the Purchased Assets, including but not limited to a duly 
executed seller's affidavit relating to the Real Property (if required to 
remove any standard exception in the title insurance policy referred to under 
paragraph (1)) and an affidavit stating that the Seller is not a "foreign 
person" as such term is used in Code Section 1445.

     (e)  A duly executed Tolling Agreement substantially in the form set 
forth in Exhibit A.

     (f)  Articles or certificates of incorporation, as the case may be, and 
all amendments thereto, of the Seller and Armco, duly certified by appropriate 
officials of their respective jurisdictions of incorporation. 

     (g)  Certificates of good standing or existence, as available, dated as 
of a date no earlier than five business days prior to the Closing and executed 
by appropriate officials of the respective jurisdictions of incorporation of 
the Seller and Armco. 

     (h)  Bylaws of the Seller and regulations of Armco, and all amendments 
thereto, duly certified by the Secretaries of the Seller and Armco, 
respectively. 

     (i)  Resolutions of the Board of Directors and stockholders of the Seller 
and the Board of Directors of Armco authorizing the transactions contemplated 
by this Agreement, duly certified by the Secretaries of the Seller and Armco, 
respectively.  

     (j)  Certificates of officers of the Seller and Armco to the effect that 
all conditions to the Closing to be performed or satisfied by the Seller and 
Armco have been performed or satisfied. 

     (k)  Opinion of Arnold & Porter, counsel to the Seller and Armco, in a 
form reasonably satifactory to the Buyer and its Counsel;

     (l)  An owner's policy of title insurance in accordance with the Title 
Commitment in the amount of the value of the Real Property set forth in 
Appendix 2 and showing the Buyer to have good and marketable title in the Real 
Property, subject only to current taxes and assessments not yet due and 
payable.

     (m)  The Survey. 

     (n)  A release by Armco, of any lien, claim or encumbrance to the 
Purchased Assets or the Business in favor of the Buyer and Avesta (except for 
(i) any rights of Armco and obligations and liabilities of the Buyer and 
Avesta arising out of or relating to this Agreement, (ii) any rights of 
subrogation Armco may have with respect to its guaranty of the Debentures and

                                     - 32 -
<PAGE>
 (iii) any trade payables assumed by the Buyer and Avesta payable to Armco or 
any of its affiliates) in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer and its 
Counsel.

     Section 10.3.  Documents to be Delivered by the Buyer and Avesta.  On or
     ------------   -------------------------------------------------
before the Closing and effective as of the Closing Date, the Buyer and Avesta 
shall deliver to the Seller and Armco the following, all of which shall be in 
a form that is satisfactory to the Seller and Armco:

     (a)  Duly executed instruments, agreements and all other documents 
necessary for  assumption of all Assumed Liabilities, including, without 
limitation, the Buyer's assumption of the Debentures. 

     (b)  A duly executed Tolling Agreement substantially in the form set 
forth in Exhibit A.

     (c)  Certificates of incorporation and all amendments thereto of the 
Buyer and Avesta, duly certified by appropriate officials of the State of 
Delaware.

     (d)  Certificates of good standing dated as of a date no earlier than 
five business days prior to the Closing Date, executed by appropriate 
officials of the State of Delaware. 

     (e)  Bylaws of the Buyer and Avesta, and all amendments thereto, 
certified by the Secretaries of the Buyer and Avesta, respectively. 

     (f)  Resolutions of the Boards of Directors of the Buyer and Avesta, 
authorizing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, duly certified by 
the Secretaries of the Buyer and Avesta, respectively. 

     (g)  Certificates of officers of the Buyer and Avesta to the effect that 
all conditions of the Seller and Armco to the Closing to be performed or 
satisfied by Buyer and Avesta have been performed or satisfied. 

     (h)  An opinion of Ice Miller Donadio & Ryan, counsel to the Buyer and 
Avesta, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Seller and its Counsel.

      Section 10.4.  Payment of Cash Consideration.  On or before the
      ------------   -----------------------------
Closing, the Buyer shall pay the Cash Consideration to the Seller by wire 
transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to wire transfer instructions 
to be delivered by the Seller to the Buyer at least one day prior to the 
Closing.

     Section 10.5.  Possession of Purchased Assets.  On or before the
     ------------   -------------------------------
Closing, the Seller shall deliver to the Buyer possession of all the Purchased 
Assets.
                                     - 33 -
<PAGE>

     Section 10.6.  Other Actions.  The Seller and Armco, on the one hand, and
     ------------   -------------
the Buyer and Avesta, on the other hand, shall execute and deliver such other 
documents and take such other actions as shall be reasonably requested by the 
other parties for the purpose of or in connection with consummation of the 
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                                    ARTICLE XI.
                          INDEMNIFICATION FOR DAMAGES

     Section 11.1.  Indemnification by the Seller and Armco.  
     ------------   ---------------------------------------

     (a)  Subject to paragraph (b), the Seller and Armco, jointly and 
severally, shall be liable for, indemnify the Buyer and Avesta for, hold the 
Buyer and Avesta harmless from and reimburse the Buyer and Avesta for all 
damages, losses, liabilities, obligations, penalties, claims, litigation, 
demands, defenses, encumbrances, judgments, suits, proceedings, costs, 
disbursements or expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys' and 
experts' fees and other costs, expenses and disbursements) of any kind or of 
any nature whatsoever (whether based in common law, statute or contract; fixed 
or contingent; known or unknown), including specifically any Environmental 
Expenses or Environmental Claims, but excluding any incidental or 
consequential damages (the "Damages") sustained by the Buyer, Avesta or any 
successor, subsidiary, affiliate, director, officer, employee or agent 
thereof, arising or resulting from any of the following:

     (i)  Any claim which, if true, would constitute a breach of a 
representation or warranty of the Seller or Armco contained in this Agreement 
or any other agreement, instrument, certificate or other document delivered to 
the Buyer or Avesta by or on behalf of the Seller or Armco in connection with 
this Agreement, except in each case to the extent disclosed in writing to the 
Buyer or Avesta prior to the Closing in which event Buyer or Avesta shall have 
the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Article
                                                                    -------
XII.
----

     (ii)  Any default in the performance of any of the covenants or 
obligations of the Seller or Armco pursuant to or in connection with this 
Agreement or any other agreement, instrument, certificate or other document 
contemplated hereby. 

     (iii)  Any Retained Liability.

     (iv)  Any claim affecting the Purchased Assets arising out of any actions 
(A) brought by any stockholder of the Seller against the Seller, Armco, the 
Buyer or Avesta or (B) brought by any creditor of the Seller under any 
fraudulent conveyance law or similar laws against the Seller, Armco, the Buyer 
or Avesta.

     (b)  Neither the Seller nor Armco shall be obligated to the Buyer or 
Avesta for matters set forth under paragraph (a)(i) (other than matters 
relating to the Environmental Representations and Warranties set forth in 
Section 4.16 and the tax representations and warranties set forth in
------------
Section 4.20) to the extent that (i) the aggregate amount in Damages resulting
------------
from such matters 
                                     - 34 -
<PAGE>

(without regard, for the purpose of determining compliance with the following 
basket and caps, for any Knowledge or materiality exception) shall be (A) less 
than $250,000 or (B) greater than (x) $8,000,000 during the first year after 
the Closing Date or (y) $4,000,000 during the second year after the Closing 
Date or (ii) except as otherwise provided in Section 11.1(c), (d) and (e)
                                             ---------------  ---     ---
 below, such Damages shall occur, or a claim therefor shall have been made, 
after the second anniversary of the Closing Date.

     (c)  Nothing set forth in paragraph (b) (which relates only to 
limitations on indemnification for breaches of representations and warranties) 
shall limit the Seller's and Armco's obligations for the matters set forth in 
paragraphs (a)(ii) (indemnification for defaults in performance of covenants), 
(a)(iii) (indemnification for Retained Liabilities) and (a)(iv) 
(indemnification for fraudulent conveyances), even if a matter set forth in 
paragraphs (a)(ii), (a)(iii) and (a)(iv) shall be the subject of a 
representation or warranty.  The fact that a matter which constitutes a 
Retained Liability is also the subject of a representation or warranty by the 
Seller and Armco to the Buyer and Avesta shall not expand the indemnification 
obligations of the Seller and Armco for such Retained Liability beyond the 
scope of the indemnification in Section 11.1(a)(iii).
                                --------------------

     (d)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Seller's and Armco's liability 
with respect to the representations and warranties of the Seller and Armco 
contained in Section 4.20 relating to Taxes shall continue for so long as any
             ------------
Governmental Authority may make a claim with respect to the subject matter of 
such Section 4.20.
     ------------

     (e)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Seller's and Armco's liability 
with respect to the Environmental Representations and Warranties contained in 
Section 4.16(b), (e), (f), (g), (i), (k), and (l) shall continue for the
---------------  ---  ---  ---  ---  ---      ---
lesser of five (5) years or for so long as any Governmental Authority may make 
a claim with respect to the subject matter of those Environmental 
Representations and Warranties.  The Seller's and Armco's Environmental 
Representations and Warranties contained in Section 4.16(c), (d), (h) and (j)
                                            ---------------  ---  ---     ---
shall continue until the Remediation Plan is approved by the MDE.

     (f)  The remedies provided for under this Article XI constitute the 
exclusive remedy for any loss or damages suffered by Avesta or the Buyer 
arising out of the matters addressed by subsections 11.1(a)(i) - 11.1(a)(iv).

     Section 11.2.  Indemnification by the Buyer and Avesta.  
     ------------   ---------------------------------------

     (a)  Subject to paragraph (b), the Buyer and Avesta, jointly and 
severally, shall be liable for, indemnify the Seller and Armco for, hold the 
Seller and Armco harmless from, and reimburse the Seller and Armco for, all 
Damages, but excluding any incidental or consequential damages, sustained by 
the Seller, Armco or any successor, subsidiary, affiliate, director, officer, 
employee or agent thereof, arising or resulting from any of the following:

     (i)  Any claim which, if true, would constitute a breach of a 
representation or warranty of the Buyer or Avesta contained in this Agreement 
or any other agreement, instrument, certificate or other document delivered to 
the Seller or Armco by or on behalf of the Buyer or Avesta in connection with 
this Agreement.

     (ii)  Any default in the performance of any of the covenants or 
obligations of the Buyer or Avesta pursuant to this Agreement or any other 
agreement, 
                                     - 35 -
<PAGE>

instrument, certificate or other document contemplated hereby.

     (iii)   Any Assumed Liability.

     (b)  Neither the Buyer nor Avesta shall be obligated to the Seller or 
Armco for matters set forth under paragraph (a)(i) to the extent that (i) the 
aggregate amount in Damages resulting from such matters (without regard, for 
purposes of determining compliance with the following basket and caps, for any 
Knowledge or materiality exception) shall be (A) less than $250,000 or (B) 
greater than (x) $8,000,000 during the first year after the Closing Date or 
(y) $4,000,000 during the second year after the Closing Date or (ii) such 
Damages shall occur, or a claim therefor shall have been made, after the 
second anniversary of the Closing Date.

     (c)  Nothing set forth in paragraph (b) (which relates only to 
limitations on indemnification for breaches of representations and warranties) 
shall limit the Buyer's and Avesta's obligations for the matters set forth in 
paragraphs (a)(ii) (indemnification for defaults) and (a)(iii) 
(indemnification for Assumed Liabilities), even if a matter set forth in 
paragraphs (a)(ii) and (a)(iii) shall be the subject of a representation or 
warranty.

     (d)  The remedies provided for under this Article XI constitute the 
exclusive remedy for any loss or damages suffered by Armco or the Seller 
arising out of the matters addressed by subsections 11.2(a)(i) through (iii).

      Section 11.3.  Legal Proceedings.
      ------------   -----------------

     (a)    If any legal proceeding shall be commenced, or any claim or demand 
otherwise made, against a party (the "Indemnified Party") in respect of which 
other parties hereto may be liable under Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 (the
                                         ------------    ------------
"Indemnifying Parties"), such party shall give prompt notice thereof (the 
"Notice of Claim") to such Indemnifying Parties.  Except as provided in 
paragraph (f) below, the Indemnifying Parties shall be entitled (but are not 
obligated) to assume the defense, negotiation or settlement (the "Defense") of 
any such matter.  

     (b)  Other than for matters covered in paragraph (f), in cases where the 
Indemnifying Parties have elected to assume the Defense of a matter, the 
Indemnifying Parties shall be entitled to engage counsel of their own 
choosing, and the Indemnified Party and its counsel shall be entitled to 
participate at the Indemnified Parties' own cost in all related proceedings 
and negotiations; and the Indemnifying Parties shall not settle, compromise, 
decline to appeal, or otherwise dispose of the matter without the consent of 
the Indemnified Party.  If consent by the Indemnified Party should be 
withheld, the Indemnifying Parties' indemnification obligation shall be 
limited to the amount for which the Indemnifying Parties would have been 
obligated if 
                                     - 36 -
<PAGE>

consent had not been withheld and the nonconsenting Indemnified Party shall be 
responsible for all other Damages in connection with the matter. 
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, no party shall, without the 
consent of the other parties, settle any matter on terms which provide for (i) 
a criminal sanction or fine against the other party, (ii)  injunctive or other 
nonmonetary relief against the other party or (iii) a material adverse impact 
on the continuing operations of the other party as determined reasonably by 
such affected other party.

     (c)  The Indemnifying Parties shall deliver notice of their intent to 
assume the Defense of a matter (the "Defense Notice") within 10 days of 
receipt of the Notice of Claim to the Indemnified Party.  If the Indemnifying 
Parties fail to deliver timely a Defense Notice to the Indemnified Party, the 
Indemnified Parties may pursue the Defense of the matter and the Indemnifying 
Parties shall remain liable and responsible for all Damages in connection 
therewith, including the Indemnified Parties' reasonable costs, attorneys' 
fees and expenses.

     (d)  If the amount of any Indemnified Party's Damages at any time 
subsequent to payment should be reduced by any Tax benefit, recovery, 
settlement or otherwise, the amount of such reduction, less any expense 
incurred by the Indemnified Party for obtaining such recovery, promptly shall 
be repaid to the Indemnifying Parties.

     (e)  Failure by an Indemnified Party to give the Notice of Claim provided 
for in paragraph (a) shall not diminish the Indemnified Party's right to 
indemnification unless and to the extent that the Indemnifying Parties are 
prejudiced by such failure.

     (f)  With regard to the Onsite Environmental Liabilities retained by 
Seller and Armco described in Section 2.5, the Seller and Armco and the Buyer
                              -----------
and Avesta shall participate jointly in all litigation, meetings, negotiations 
and settlement activities and shall each have the right to consent to any 
final settlement reached.  Each party shall bear its own costs related to this 
joint defense and any settlement or judgment cost shall be the responsibility 
of the Seller and Armco.  With regard to Offsite Environmental Liabilities 
retained by the Seller and Armco, described in Section 2.5, the Seller and
                                               -----------
Armco shall retain the right to control the defense, negotiation and 
settlement of any claims, but the Buyer and Avesta shall have the right to 
participate fully in all defense-related activities.  The Buyer's and Avesta's 
consent to settlement shall not be required if the terms of any settlement are 
approved by the responsible Governmental Authority or Authorities.  The Seller 
and Armco shall cooperate with the Buyer and Avesta to ensure that the terms 
of any settlement will not adversely affect the Buyer's and Avesta's 
operations at the Baltimore Facility.
 
                                    ARTICLE XII.
                             TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

     Section 12.1.  Termination by Parties.  Any party may terminate this
     ------------   ----------------------
Agreement, if the Closing has not occurred on or before March 31, 1995, by 
giving notice to the other party.  Subject to Section 12.2(b), this Agreement
                                              ---------------
may be terminated and the transactions contemplated 
                                     - 37 -
<PAGE>

hereby abandoned at any time (except as set forth under paragraph (g)) before 
the Closing as follows:

     (a)  By written agreement of the parties. 

     (b)  By notice from the Buyer or Avesta to the Seller and Armco, if 
Article IV contains a material misrepresentation or omission or the Seller or 
Armco is in material breach of any of the covenants set forth in Article VI.

     (c)  By notice of the Seller or Armco to the Buyer and Avesta, if Article 
V contains a material misrepresentation or omission or the Buyer or Avesta is 
in material breach as to a covenant set forth in Article VII.

     (d)  By notice of the Buyer or Avesta to the Seller and Armco or the 
Seller or Armco to the Buyer and Avesta if any of the conditions set forth in 
Article VIII or Article IX, respectively, shall not have been fulfilled or 
shall be incapable of being fulfilled on or before March 31, 1995, for any 
reason other than the failure of the party seeking to terminate this Agreement 
to perform its obligations hereunder.

     (e)  By notice of the Buyer or Avesta to the Seller and Armco if any 
material portion of the Purchased Assets is damaged or destroyed as a result 
of fire, other casualty or other similar occurrences or is taken by eminent 
domain or other governmental act.

     (f)  By notice of the Buyer or Avesta to the Seller and Armco at any time 
prior to 4:59 p.m. on February 10, 1995, if the Buyer's due diligence pursuant 
to Section 6.7 shall not be to the Buyer's reasonable satisfaction.
   -----------

     (g)  By notice of the Seller or Armco to the Buyer and Avesta or the 
Buyer or Avesta to the Seller and Armco if (i) the transactions contemplated 
by this Agreement shall violate any nonappealable final order, decree or 
judgment of any court or other Governmental Authority having competent 
jurisdiction or (ii) there shall be a Law which makes the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement illegal or otherwise prohibited.

     For purposes of this Section 12.1 only, a matter shall be deemed material
                          ------------
if it, alone or in the aggregate with all other matters, related or unrelated, 
would reasonably be expected to (i) result in Damages in excess of $500,000, 
(ii) prevent or interfere with the operations of the Baltimore Facility or 
Baltimore Site or (iii) prevent or interfere with the conduct of the Business.  
If a party elects to consummate the transactions contemplated in this 
Agreement notwithstanding the occurrence of events giving rise to a right in 
favor of such party to terminate this Agreement under this Section 12.1, such
                                                           ------------
 party shall be deemed to have waived any claim for damages in connection with 
such events or conditions under this Section 12.1 and Article XI.
                                     ------------
                                     - 38 -
<PAGE>

     Section 12.2.  Obligations Upon Termination; Cure.
     ------------   ----------------------------------  

	(a)	If this Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to Sections 12.1(a) 
                                                              ----------------
or 12.1(g), neither party shall have any further obligation to the other,
   -------
except as set forth in paragraph (d).

	(b)	If any party shall deliver notice of its intent to terminate this 
Agreement pursuant to Sections 12.1(b), (c), (d), (e) or (f), (the
                      ----------------  ---  ---  ---    ---
"Terminating Party") the other parties (the "Nonterminating Parties") shall 
have a right to cure the matter giving rise to such notice, which right shall 
be exercisable by notice of the Nonterminating Party to the Terminating Party.  
If the Nonterminating Party does not cure the misstatement, omission or 
breach, this Agreement shall terminate on March 31, 1995, unless the 
Terminating Party waives its right to terminate and proceeds to consummate the 
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  If such right to terminate is 
exercised, neither party shall have any further obligation to the other, 
except as set forth in Sections 12.2(c) and (d).
                       ----------------     ---

  (c)  In the event that a Terminating Party shall terminate this Agreement by 
reason of breach of a covenant set forth in Article VI, in the case of the 
Buyer or Avesta, or by reason of breach of a covenant set forth in Article 
VII, in the case of the Seller or Armco, the Nonterminating Party shall 
reimburse promptly the Terminating Party for all out-of-pocket costs and 
expenses, including without limitation attorney and other professional fees, 
up to an aggregate of $1,000,000, for any and all matters in connection with 
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

     (d)  Sections 12.2(c), 13.8, 13.9, 13.12, 14.2 and 14.4 shall survive
          ----------------  ----  ----  -----  ----     ----
expiration or termination of this Agreement.

                                     ARTICLE XIII.
                           CERTAIN POST-CLOSING COVENANTS

     Section 13.1.  Employment of the Seller's Employees.  
     ------------   ------------------------------------

     (a)  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 13.1 or
                                                         ------------
elsewhere in this Agreement, the Buyer shall not be obligated to employ any 
employee or former employee of the Seller or assume any liability or have any 
obligation or responsibility with respect to former employees of the Seller 
and shall have no responsibility whatsoever with respect to employees or 
former employees of the Seller who are not Former Employees.

     (b)  As of the first business day following the Closing Date, the Buyer 
shall employ at least the following minimum level of the Seller's former 
employees:  90 Former Employees in production and maintenance services, 10 
Former Employees in office and technical services and 25 Former Employees in 
salaried positions ("Minimum Employment Levels").  Notwithstanding the 
preceding sentence, if the Buyer extends offers of employment to such number 
of employees of the Seller as would satisfy the Minimum Employment Levels and 
fewer than the number of employees as would satisfy the Minimum Employment 
Levels accept the 
                                     - 39 -
<PAGE>

Buyer's offer of employment, the Minimum Employment Levels shall be the number 
of employees in each category who accept the Buyer's offer of employment and 
begin to work for Buyer as of the first business day following the Closing 
Date.  The Buyer shall have no obligation with respect to Former Employees 
terminated by the Buyer during the first two years after the Closing Date so 
long as the Buyer continues to employ the Minimum Employment Levels. If the 
number of Former Employees in any class should fall below the Minimum 
Employment Level for such class during the 24 consecutive month period 
beginning on the Closing Date (as further reduced by the number of any Former 
Employees who resign or retire voluntarily after accepting an offer of 
employment from the Buyer), the Buyer shall reimburse the Seller for the 
following costs to the Seller (as determined by the Buyer's actuaries, which 
determination shall be satisfactory to Armco and the Seller) with respect to 
each additional Former Employee in such class that thereafter is involuntarily 
terminated without cause at a time when the Buyer does not satisfy the Minimum 
Employment Levels:  supplemental unemployment benefits, severance benefits for 
Non-Represented Employees, medical benefits for those Former Represented 
Employees who are receiving supplemental unemployment benefits, subsidized 
early retirement benefits and retiree medical benefits pursuant to Plans that 
are effective on September 30, 1994 (or such lesser amounts as are paid 
pursuant to agreements between the Seller and the Union, in the case of Former 
Represented Employees, or between the Seller and Former Non-Represented 
Employees).  The Buyer shall have no obligation to pay the Seller for any 
costs related to Former Employees whose employment is terminated more than two 
years after the Closing Date.

     (c)  Subject to agreement with the Union, reductions in the Buyer's 
workforce during the first two years after the Closing Date shall be offered 
to all Former Represented Employees first in order of seniority through and 
including the Rule of 70-80 group of Former Represented Employees on a 
voluntary basis and then, if the desired reductions are not thereby attained, 
in reverse order of seniority on an involuntary basis.

     Section 13.2.  Environmental Remediation Plan.  The Buyer shall prepare a
     -------------  ------------------------------ 
plan or plans for environmental remediation of the Baltimore Site (the 
"Remediation Plan") and submit such Remediation Plan to the MDE (with a copy 
to the Seller and Armco) as the basis for entering into a new consent judgment 
to replace the present Consent Judgment relating to the Baltimore Site, and 
such Remediation Plan shall be consistent in all material respects with the 
Work Plan and shall address with corrective measures all the subjects listed 
in Section 7.1.  The Buyer shall use best efforts through implementation of
   -----------
the Remediation Plan to bring the Baltimore Site into material compliance with 
all applicable Environmental Requirements and/or the new consent judgment as 
approved by MDE as applicable.  The Buyer shall use best efforts to comply 
with the terms of the Consent Judgment until such time as a new consent 
judgment is approved by MDE; the Buyer shall be responsible for any fines and 
penalties imposed by the MDE for non-compliance with the Consent Judgment by 
the Buyer after the Closing.  Payment of all costs and expenses related to the 
Remediation Plan as finally approved by MDE and the work performed thereunder 
shall be the responsibility of the Buyer and Avesta.

     Section 13.3.  Duty to Cooperate on Environmental Matters.  The parties
     ------------   ------------------------------------------
agree to provide such reasonable access to information relating to 
Environmental Conditions or to 
                                     - 40 -
<PAGE>

personnel who have been or are charged with responsibility for Environmental 
Matters as may be reasonably necessary to address any Environmental Matter. If 
the Seller or Armco receives any written notice or other documentation from 
any Governmental Authority or any written notice or other documentation of any 
third party claim relating to any Assumed Environmental Liability described in 
Section 2.3(c), the Seller and Armco
-------------
shall provide copies of such notices or documentation to the Buyer and Avesta 
as soon as reasonably possible.  

     If the Buyer or Avesta receives any written notice from any governmental 
or regulatory authority or any notice of any third party claim relating to any 
Retained Environmental Liability, the Buyer and Avesta shall provide copies of 
such notice to the Seller and Armco as soon as reasonably possible.

     To the extent that a party indemnified under Article XI with respect to a 
claim relating to any Environmental Matter has written information relating to 
such Environmental Matter that is material to the defense of such claim, such 
Indemnified Party shall, at the request of the Indemnifying Party, provide the 
Indemnifying Party with reasonable access to such information or personnel who 
possess such information for use in the defense of any such claim.

     Section 13.4.  Non-Competition.  The Seller and Armco, jointly and
     ------------   ---------------
severally, agree not at any time within the five-year period immediately 
following the Closing Date, directly or indirectly, to engage in, or own any 
interest in any firm, corporation, partnership, proprietorship or other 
business entity that is engaged in, the business of the production and 
distribution of stainless steel cut plate and stainless steel cut plate 
products in the United States; provided, however, that the Seller or Armco may 
acquire, directly or indirectly, any Person or any interest in any Person so 
long as (a) such Person did not, for the fiscal year preceding such 
acquisition, and does not, for any other fiscal year during such five-year 
period, have sales in excess of 3% of the total stainless steel cut plate 
market in the United States or (b) the Seller or Armco divests, discontinues 
or reduces to the level set forth in paragraph (a) the stainless steel plate 
business of such Person within 18 months following such acquisition.  For 
purposes of this Section 13.4, the Business shall not include the business of
                 ------------
manufacturing, processing or selling coil.

     Section 13.5.  Toll Finishing of Sheet.  The Buyer shall toll finish
     ------------   -----------------------
stainless steel sheet for Armco upon the terms and conditions set forth in the 
form of a tolling agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Tolling 
Agreement").  

     Section 13.6.  Plan of Reorganization and Dissolution.  The Buyer and
     ------------   --------------------------------------
Avesta hereby consent to a transfer by the Seller to Armco and assumption by 
Armco of all rights, obligations and liabilities of the Seller under this 
Agreement after the Closing Date and upon the completion of the Plan of 
Reorganization and Dissolution. 
                                     - 41 -
<PAGE>

     Section 13.7.  Guaranties of Parent Companies.  
     ------------   ------------------------------
     (a)  Armco hereby unconditionally guaranties to the Buyer and Avesta the 
Seller's performance of each and every obligation set forth in this Agreement 
and any other agreements, instruments, certificates and other documents 
executed by the Seller or its officers in connection with the transactions 
contemplated hereby and covenants to cause the Seller to perform fully its 
obligations hereunder and thereunder.  To the extent Armco assumes or pays any 
liabilities of or claims made against the Seller, Armco shall be subrogated to 
the rights of the Seller with respect to such liability or claim.  Armco shall 
retain all rights to any claims it may have against the Seller on account of 
any liabilities of the Seller assumed by Armco or any liabilities retained by 
Armco hereby.

     (b)  Avesta hereby unconditionally guaranties to the Seller and Armco the 
Buyer's performance of each and every obligation set forth in this Agreement 
and any other agreements, instruments, certificates and other documents 
executed by the Buyer or its officers in connection with the transactions 
contemplated hereby and covenants to cause the Buyer to perform fully its 
obligations hereunder and thereunder.

     (c)  The guaranties set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) shall remain in 
full force and effect despite any change in the obligations undertaken by the 
Seller or the Buyer after the date of this Agreement or any grace or cure 
period allowed or waiver granted by the Seller, Armco, the Buyer or Avesta. 

     Section 13.8.  Confidentiality.  The parties acknowledge that they are
     ------------   ---------------
parties to a Confidentiality Agreement, dated February 21, 1994, and a Joint 
Defense Agreement, dated July 1994, confirm that such agreements remain in 
full force and effect and agree that all information obtained by the Buyer or 
Avesta pursuant to Section 6.6 shall be subject to the terms and conditions 
thereof.           ------------  

     Section 13.9.  Use of Name.  Promptly upon Closing, the Seller shall
     ------------   -----------
 change its name to a name that is dissimilar to "Eastern Stainless 
Corporation," and the Seller, Armco and their affiliates shall refrain 
thereafter from using any name confusingly similar to "Eastern Stainless 
Corporation."

     Section 13.10.  Repurchase of Receivables.  The Buyer shall use
     ------------    -------------------------
commercially reasonable efforts to collect the Receivables.  The Seller or 
Armco shall repurchase any Receivables listed on Schedule 2.1(a)(iv) and that 
have not been paid to or collected by the Buyer within 180 days after the 
Closing Date at a price equal to the aggregate value of such Receivables on 
the books of account of the Seller as of the Closing Date, which price shall 
be paid to the Buyer within five business days after notice by the Buyer to 
the Seller or Armco of the amount due.

    Section 13.11.  Expenses.  Except as provided otherwise in Sections
    ------------    ---------                                  --------
11.1, 11.2, 12.2(c), and 14.2 each party shall pay its own expenses in
----  ----  -------      ----
connection with the preparation and performance of the terms of this Agreement 
and the transactions contemplated by this 

                                     - 42 -
<PAGE>

Agreement, including all fees and expenses of its legal counsel, accountants 
and actuaries, except that the Seller shall pay all costs incurred in 
connection with the preparation of the deeds and the Survey, the Buyer shall 
pay all costs of title insurance for the Real Property and the Buyer and 
Seller shall pay equal shares of all sales and transfer Taxes, including any 
Taxes imposed upon the transfer of the Real Property and Personal Property, 
and filing, recording and registration fees payable in connection with the 
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     Section 13.12.  Power of Attorney.  Effective as of the Closing Date, the
     -------------   -----------------
Seller hereby appoints the Buyer its attorney-in-fact, with full power of 
substitution, in the name of the Seller to commence and prosecute all 
proceedings and other actions that the Buyer may deem proper in order to 
collect, assert or enforce any claim, right or title of any kind in or to the 
Purchased Assets; to defend and compromise any action, suit or proceeding in 
respect of any of the Assumed Liabilities; and to do all such acts and things 
in relation to the Business as the Buyer shall deem advisable.  The Buyer 
shall retain for its own account any amount collected pursuant to the 
foregoing powers, including any sum payable in respect thereof, and the Seller 
promptly shall pay to the Buyer any amount which shall be received by the 
Seller in respect of any of the Purchased Assets following the Closing Date. 

     Section 13.13.  Access to Information and Documents.  Until the later of
     -------------   -----------------------------------
(a) the seventh anniversary of the Closing Date (and permanently for 
personnel-related records) or (b) the completion of any Internal Revenue 
Service or state tax audits of the Seller or Armco, the Buyer shall maintain 
for and on behalf of the Seller or Armco, or tender to the Seller or Armco, 
the Records in such manner and at such location as shall make such Records 
reasonably accessible to the Seller and Armco, their counsel and accountants 
during normal business hours. During such period, the Seller and Armco, their 
counsel and accountants shall have the right to examine and make copies, at 
the expense of the Seller or Armco, whichever the case may be, of the Records.  
In addition, during such period, the Seller or Armco, their legal counsel and 
accountants shall have the right to remove and take possession of the Records 
as reasonably may be requested; provided, that (a) the Buyer shall have the 
right to make copies thereof at the expense of the Seller or Armco before such 
removal and (b) the Seller or Armco promptly shall return such Records upon 
the request of the Buyer.  The Buyer shall not destroy or dispose of any 
Records without notifying the Seller and Armco thereof at least three months 
in advance of such destruction or disposition.  Within 30 calendar days 
following the receipt of such notice, the Seller or Armco may notify the Buyer 
of the Seller's or Armco's desire to retain one or more of the items to be 
destroyed or disposed of, whereupon the Buyer shall, at the expense of the 
Seller or Armco, whichever the case may be, deliver or cause to be delivered 
such items to the Seller or Armco.  

     Section 13.14.  Further Assurances.  From time to time, pursuant to the
     -------------   ------------------
request of the Buyer, the Seller and Armco shall execute and deliver such 
instruments of conveyance and other documents and take such other actions as 
the Buyer reasonably may request in order to sell, convey, transfer, assign 
and deliver the Purchased Assets to the Buyer, to evidence, perfect or record 
the Buyer's interest in or title to or to enable the Buyer to use any of the 
Purchased Assets, to conduct the Business or otherwise to carry out the 
purposes and intent of this 
                                     - 43 -
<PAGE>

Agreement; and pursuant to the request of the Seller, the Buyer and Avesta 
shall execute and deliver such instruments and documents as the Seller 
reasonably may request in order to cause the Buyer to assume the Assumed 
Liabilities or otherwise carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.

     Section 13.15.  Certain Tax Matters. The Seller and Armco shall timely
     -------------   --------------------
pay, before the same shall become delinquent and before penalties accrue 
thereon, all Taxes (a) shown (or required to be shown) on any Return (or 
amendment thereto) filed (or required to be filed) by the Seller or Armco 
after the Closing Date or (b) that become due or payable after the Closing 
Date.  The Seller and Armco shall prepare and file all such Returns required 
by Law in connection with the foregoing.  The Seller and Armco shall 
cooperate, and shall cause their respective officers, employees, agents, 
auditors and representatives to cooperate, with respect to any audit or other 
administrative or court proceedings with respect to Taxes and Returns of the 
Seller or Armco for periods ending on, before or after the Closing Date, in 
each case including maintaining and making available to the Buyer all records 
necessary in connection with Taxes payable with respect to such Returns and in 
resolving all disputes and audits and refunds with respect to such Returns and 
Taxes and any earlier Returns and Taxes of the Seller or Armco.  Any refunds 
of or credits for Taxes of the Seller with respect to any taxable period 
ending on, before or after the Closing Date shall be for the account of the 
Seller and if received or utilized by the Buyer or Avesta shall be paid to the 
Seller within five business days after the Buyer or Avesta receives such 
refund or utilizes such credit. Neither the Seller nor Armco shall make any 
election or take any action outside the ordinary course of business with 
respect to the Taxes of the Seller or Armco without the Buyer's written 
consent, whether relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement 
or otherwise, if such election or action will adversely affect the Buyer.  The 
Buyer and Avesta shall cooperate, and shall cause their respective officers, 
employees, agents, auditors and representatives to cooperate, with respect to 
any audit or other administrative or court proceedings with respect to Taxes 
and Returns of the Seller or Armco for periods ending on or before the Closing 
Date, in each case including maintaining and making available to Armco all 
available records necessary in connection with Taxes payable with respect to 
such Returns and in resolving all disputes, audits and refunds with respect to 
such Returns and Taxes and any earlier Returns and Taxes of the Seller or 
Armco.

                                       ARTICLE XIV.
                                MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     Section 14.1.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be construed and
     ------------   -------------
enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland without giving 
effect to the conflict of law rules thereof.

     Section 14.2.  Dispute Resolution.  The parties shall attempt in good
     ------------   ------------------
faith to resolve  by negotiation any claim or controversy arising out of or 
relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Whenever, 
in any aggrieved party's opinion, negotiation has failed, except for 
circumstances as to which an accountant's determination has been provided for 
under Section 3.4(b), such dispute shall be referred, in the first instance,
      --------------
for a nonbinding 
                                     - 44 -
<PAGE>

determination through arbitration conducted in Baltimore, Maryland, in 
accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association before a 
single arbitrator; provided, however, that the expenses for the arbitration 
and all other fees and expenses in connection with the dispute, including 
attorneys' fees, shall be allocated by the arbitrator based upon the relative 
merits of the parties positions and shall be binding upon the parties and be 
final and nonappealable, otherwise the arbitration shall be non-binding.  
Thereafter, any litigation brought in connection with this Agreement shall be 
commenced and maintained in the United States Federal District Court for the 
District of Maryland or the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, 
having jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of the dispute.

     Section 14.3.  Schedule Update.  From the date hereof to the Closing
     ------------   ---------------
Date, the Seller and Armco shall have the right to revise and update any of 
the schedules hereto and such updates shall be deemed accepted by the Buyer 
and Avesta unless within 15 days of notice any such revision and update 
(including a copy of the revised schedule marked to show changes) the Buyer 
and Avesta object in writing to such revised and updated schedule.

     Section 14.4.  Press Release.  None of the parties hereto shall issue any
     ------------   ---------------

 press release or public announcement with respect to this Agreement or the 
transactions contemplated hereby without obtaining the prior approval of all 
of the other parties hereto. 

     Section 14.5.  Bulk Sales Law.  The Buyer and Avesta agree to waive
     ------------   --------------

compliance by the Seller with the provisions of any bulk sales law, if and to 
the extent applicable.  The Seller and Armco, jointly and severally, agree to 
indemnify and hold harmless the Buyer and Avesta against any liabilities or 
losses arising from such noncompliance.

     Section 14.6.  Notices.  All notices, consents, requests, approvals and
     ------------   -------

 other communications provided for herein shall be deemed validly given, made 
or served if and when in writing and delivered personally, sent by registered 
or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or sent by 
facsimile transmission and voice confirmed:

     (a)  If to the Seller, at:

          Eastern Stainless Corporation
          c/o Armco Inc.
          One Oxford Centre, 14th Fl.
          301 Grant Street
          Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  15219
          Attention:  R.M. Visokey
          Facsimile:  (412) 255-9805
                                        - 45 -
<PAGE>

          with a copy to:

          Carlos M. Hernandez, Esq.
          Armco Inc.
          One Oxford Centre, 14th Fl.
          301 Grant Street
          Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  15219
	          Facsimile:	(412) 255-9985

     (b)  If to Armco, at:

          Armco Inc.
          One Oxford Centre, 14th Fl.
          301 Grant Street
          Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
          Attention:  David G. Harmer
          Facsimile:	(412) 255-9805

          with a copy to:

          Carlos M. Hernandez, Esq.
          Armco Inc.
          One Oxford Centre, 14th Fl.
          301 Grant Street
          Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  15219
          Facsimile:	(412) 255-9805

     (c)  If to the Buyer after the Closing Date, at:

          Avesta Sheffield East, Inc.
          7700 Rolling Mill Road
          Baltimore, Maryland  21224
          Attention:  E. Wayne Pokorney

          If to the Buyer prior to the Closing date, at:

          Avesta Sheffield East, Inc.
          549 West State Road 38
          New Castle, Indiana  47362
          Attention:  E. Wayne Pokorney
          Facsimile:  (317) 529-8177
                                        - 46 -
<PAGE>

          with a copy to:

          Harry L. Gonso, Esq.
          Ice Miller Donadio & Ryan
          One American Square
          Box 82001
          Indianapolis, Indiana  46282-0002
          Facsimile:  (317) 236-2219

     (d)  if to Avesta, at:

          Avesta Sheffield Holding Co.
          549 West State Road 38
          New Castle, Indiana  47362
          Attention:  President
          Facsimile: (317) 529-8177

          with a copy to:

          Harry L. Gonso, Esq.
          Ice Miller Donadio & Ryan
          One American Square
          Box 82001
          Indianapolis, Indiana  46282-0002
          Facsimile: (317) 236-2219

or such other address as shall be furnished by any party to another party in 
accordance with this Section 14.6.
                     ------------

     Section 14.7.  Assignment, Amendments, Waivers.  
     ------------   -------------------------------

     (a)  This Agreement may not be assigned and no right or obligation 
hereunder may be assigned or delegated by any party hereto without the prior 
consent of the other parties.

     (b)  This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit 
of the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and no 
other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this 
Agreement.

     (c)  No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified or waived 
except by written agreement duly executed by each of the parties.

     Section 14.8.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or 
     ------------   ------------
more counterparts and shall become effective when one or more counterparts 
have been signed by each of the parties.
                                        - 47 -
<PAGE>


     Section 14.9.  Headings.  The Section headings and Table of Contents 
     ------------   --------
hereof are provided for convenience of reference only and do not constitute a 
part of this Agreement.

     Section 14.10.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire
     -------------   ----------------
agreement between the parties hereto and cancels and supersedes all prior oral 
and written agreements, term sheets and understandings relating to the subject 
matter hereof.

     Section 14.11.  Appendices, Exhibits and Schedules.  The appendices,
     -------------   ----------------------------------
exhibits and schedules to this Agreement hereby are incorporated by reference 
and made a part hereof.

	IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the parties 
hereto as of the day and year first above written.

                                            EASTERN STAINLESS CORPORATION


                                            By /s/ Robert M. Visokey
                                              ----------------------------
                                                Name:  Robert M. Visokey
                                                Title: President


                                            ARMCO INC.


                                            By /s/ James F. Will
                                              -------------------------------
                                               Name:  James F. Will
                                               Title: President and Chief
                                                      Executive Officer


                                            AVESTA SHEFFIELD EAST, INC.


                                            By /s/ Milvin T. Hart
                                               ------------------------------
                                               Name:  Melvin T. Hart
                                               Title:  President


                                             AVESTA SHEFFIELD HOLDING CO.


                                             By /s/ E. Wayne Pokorney
                                             ------------------------------
                                               Name:  E. Wayne Pokorney
                                               Title:  President
<PAGE>
                                  Appendix 1
                           To Asset Sale Agreement

                                 DEFINITIONS

"Accountants" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(b).
------------                                      --------------

"Adjustment Items" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
-----------------                                      -----------

"Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
----------

"Armco" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
------

"Assumed Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
--------------------                                      -----------

"Avesta" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
-------

"Baltimore Facility" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(d).
-------------------                                      -------------

"Baltimore Site" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(d).
---------------                                      --------------

"Business" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
---------

"Buyer" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
---------

"CERCLA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).
-------                                      -------------

"COBRA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.19(h).
------                                      --------------

"Cash Consideration" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
-------------------                                      -----------

"Closing" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.
--------                                      ------------

"Closing Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.
-------------                                      ------------

"Closing Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(c).
------------------                                      -------------

"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
----- 

"Consent Judgment" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).
-----------------                                      --------------

"Consideration" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
--------------                                      -----------

"Contracts" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(v).
-----------                                     ----------------

"Current Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).
--------------------                                      --------------
<PAGE>

"Damages" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(a).
--------                                      --------------

"Debentureholders" shall mean the holders of the Debentures.
----------------- 

"Debentures" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(b).
-----------                                      -------------

"Defense" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(a).
--------                                      --------------

"Defense Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(c).
----------------                                     ---------------

"Disputed Items" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(b).
---------------                                      -------------

"ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as 
------
amended.

"Employment Costs" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.17(a).
-----------------                                      ---------------

"Environmental Claims" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.16(m)(i).
---------------------                                      -----------------

"Environmental Conditions" shall have the meaning set forth in
-------------------------
Section 4.16(m)(ii).
------------------

"Environmental Expenses" shall have the meaning set forth in 
-----------------------
Section 4.16(m)(iii).
--------------------

"Environmental Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
--------------------------                                      -------
2.3(c).
------

"Environmental Matters" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.16.
----------------------                                      ------------

"Environmental Representations and Warranties" shall have the meaning set
---------------------------------------------
forth in Section 4.16.
         ------------

"Environmental Requirements" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
---------------------------                                      -------
4.16(m)(iv).
----------

"EPA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(d).
----                                      --------------

"Equipment" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(ii).
----------                                      ------------------

"Financial Statements" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3.
---------------------                                      -----------

"Former Employees" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.7(c).
-----------------                                      --------------

"Former Non-Represented Employees" shall have the meaning set forth in 
---------------------------------
Section 9.7(c).
--------------

"Former Represented Employees" shall have the meaning set forth in
-----------------------------
Section 9.7(c).
--------------

"Future Retiree Medical Benefit Obligation" shall have the meaning set forth
------------------------------------------
in Section 2.3(e).
   --------------
                                       - 2 -
<PAGE>

"GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles.
-----

"Governmental Action" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).
--------------------                                      ---------------

"Governmental Authority" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).
-----------------------                                      --------------

"Hazardous Materials" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.16(m)(v).
--------------------                                      ------------------

"HSR Act" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(d)(i).
--------                                      -----------------

"HSWA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(e).
------                                     --------------

"Indemnified Party" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(a).
------------------                                      ---------------

"Indemnifying Parties" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(a).
---------------------                                      ---------------

"Insurance Policies" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(c).
-------------------                                      --------------

"Intellectual Property" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
----------------------                                      -------
2.1(a)(ix).
---------

"Interim Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
------------------                                      --------------

"Inventories" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(iii).
------------                                      -------------------

"Knowledge," as to the Seller and Armco with respect to any matter, shall mean
----------
known by an officer of Armco charged with responsibility for such matters, the 
President of the Seller, the plant manager of the Baltimore Site, any person 
that reports directly to the plant manager of the Baltimore Site who is 
charged with the responsibility for such matters or the environmental 
compliance officer with responsibility for the Baltimore Site and, as to Buyer 
and Avesta, shall mean known by an officer of Avesta charged with 
responsibility for such matters.

"Laws" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.14.
-----                                      ------------

"Lenders' Consent" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(b).
------------------                                     --------------

"Liens" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.
-------                                     ------------

"Material" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.1.
----------                                     ------------

"MDE" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).
----                                      --------------

"Minimum Employment Levels" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
--------------------------                                      -------
13.1(b).
-------

"National Priority List" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.16(j)
-----------------------                                      --------------
                                  - 3 -
<PAGE>

"Natural Resources Damages" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
--------------------------                                      -------
2.5(a).
------

"New Castle Plant" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.7(a)(i).
-----------------                                      ------------------

"Nonterminating Party" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.2(b).
---------------------                                      --------------

"Notice of Claim" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(a).
----------------                                      --------------

"Notice of Dispute" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(b).
------------------                                      -------------

"Notification and Report Form" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
-----------------------------                                      -------
4.2(d)(i).
----------

"Offsite" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(d).
--------                                      -------------

"Onsite" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(d).
--------                                     -------------

"Other Current Assets" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(f).
----------------------                                     --------------

"Pension Benefit Plan(s)" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.19(b).
------------------------                                      ---------------

"Permits" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(vii).
---------                                     ------------------

"Person" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
-------
association, trust, unincorporated organization, entity or any government, 
agency or political subdivision thereof.

"Personal Property" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(ii).
------------------                                      ------------------

"Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.7(a)(i).
------                                      ----------------

"Post-Closure and HSWA Liability" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
--------------------------------                                      -------
2.5(e).
------

"Preliminary Statement of Adjustment Items" shall have the meaning set forth
-----------------------------------------
in Section 3.3(a).
   ---------------

"Purchased Asset(s)" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
-------------------                                      ------------

"RCRA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).
-----                                      --------------

"Real Property" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(i).
--------------                                      ----------------

"Receivables" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(iv).
------------                                      -----------------

"Records" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(vi).
--------                                      ------------------
                                    - 4 -
<PAGE>

"Remediation Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.2.
------------------                                     ------------

"Retained Environmental Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in 
-----------------------------------
Section 2.5.
-----------

"Retained Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.
---------------------                                      -----------

"Return" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.20(b).
-------                                      ---------------

"SARA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).
-----                                      --------------

"Schedule" shall refer to one of the schedules forming a part of the Schedules
---------
as defined herein.

"Schedules" shall mean the schedules separately delivered by the Seller and
----------
Armco to the Buyer and Avesta in connection with this Agreement simultaneously 
with the execution hereof, as such schedules may be amended in accordance with 
Section 14.3 of this Agreement.
------------

"Seller" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
-------

"Seller's Form 10-Q" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3.
-------------------                                      -----------

"Seller's Intellectual Property" shall have the meaning set forth in
------------------------------
Section 2.1(a)(ix).
------------------

"Seller's Third-Party Intellectual Property Rights" shall have the meaning set
-------------------------------------------------
forth in Section 2.1(a)(ix).
         ------------------

"Special Waste" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.16(m)(vi).
--------------                                      -------------------

"Statements" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(c).
------------                                     --------------

"Survey" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.11.
--------                                     ------------

"Taxes" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.20(a).
-------                                     --------------

"Terminating Party" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.2(b).
------------------                                      --------------

"Termination Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.21(g).
-----------------                                      --------------

"Third-Party Consent" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).
-------------------                                       --------------

"Title Commitment" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.12.
-----------------                                      ------------

"Tolling Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.5.
------------------                                      ------------

"Union" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.9. 
-------                                     -----------
                                    - 5 -
<PAGE>

"Welfare Benefit Plan(s)" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.19(a).
------------------------                                      ---------------

"Work Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.
----------                                      ------------
                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>

                                    Appendix 2
                              To Asset Sale Agreement

                                    Valuations
                                   ($ Millions)


Purchased Assets
-----------------

Accounts Receivable (1)                                 $13.0

Inventories (2)                                         $23.2

Property, Plant and Equipment
   "Stainless Steel Production Assets" (3)    $28.1
    Assumed Environmental Liabilities" (6)    $14.6
                                              -----

       Market Value of Stainless 
         Steel Production Assets                        $13.5

         "Liquidation Value Assets" (4)                  $4.9

Payment for Covenant Not to Compete.                     $1.0
-----------------------------------                     -----
   Good Will and Going Concern Values (5)
   --------------------------------------

      Total Assets                                              $55.6    $55.6
                                                                         -----
                                                                         -----

Assumed Liabilities

   Debentures(7)                                         $15.5

   Future Retiree Medical Benefit Obligation (8)         $10.0
                                                         -----

   Subtotal                                                    ($25.5)

Less Cash Consideration (9)                                    ($10.1)
---------------------------

Current Liabilities to be Assumed (10)                         ($20.0)
--------------------------------------                         -------
                                                               -------


     Total Liabilities Assumed and Cash Consideration                   $55.6
                                                                        -----
                                                                        -----

1.  The value of the Accounts Receivable of the Seller as of December 31, 1994 
(a list of which is set forth in Schedule 2.1(a)(iv)).
2.  The value of the Inventories of the Seller as of December 31, 1994 (a list 
of which is set forth in Schedule 2.1(a)(iii)).
3.  The value of the "Stainless Steel Production Assets" of the Seller (a list 
of which is specifically identified in Schedules 2.1(a)(i) and 2.1(a)(ii)).    
4.  The value of the "Liquidation Value Assets" of the Seller (a list of which 
is specifically identified in Schedules 2.1(a) (i) and 2.1(a) (ii)).
5.  The agreed to value of the non-compete agreement set forth in Section 
13.4.
6.  The agreed to value of the Assumed Environmental Liabilities.
7.  The outstanding principal amount of the Debentures of the Seller as of 
December 31, 1994.
8.  The estimated value of the Future Retiree Medical Benefit Obligation 
assumed by Buyer in accordance with Section 3.5
9.  The cash portion of the consideration paid by Buyer to Seller in 
accordance with Section 3.1.
10.  The value of the Current Liabilities to be assumed by Buyer in accordance 
with Section 2.3(a).
<PAGE>

                                     Appendix 3
                               To Asset Sale Agreement

                              Valuation Methodologies



1.  The Accounts Receivable shall be valued at the recorded book values and 
are subject to adjustment in accordance with Article III.

2.  The Inventories shall be valued in accordance with the provisions 
contained in Appendix 3A and are subject to adjustment in accordance with 
Article IIl.

3.  The value of the Property, Plant and Equipment was determined in 
accordance with an appraisal by American Appraisal Associates, Inc. dated July 
1,1994, and is not subject to adjustment.

4.  The value of the Covenant Not To Compete was determined by negotiation of 
the parties and is not subject to adjustment.

5.  The value of the Assumed Environmental Liabilities was determined by 
negotiation of the parties and is not subject to adjustment.

6.  The Debentures are valued at the outstanding principal amount, which value 
is not subject to adjustment.

7.  The value of the Future Retiree Medical Benefit Obligation was estimated 
by agreement of the parties and shall be determined as of the Closing Date as 
set forth in Appendix 3B and is subject to adjustment in accordance with 
Article III.

8.  The Cash Consideration represents 75% of the fair value of the "stainless 
steel production assets" that are part of the Property, Plant and Equipment.  
The fair value of such assets takes into account the Assumed Environmental 
Liabilities associated with such assets.  The cash consideration as so 
calculated is $10.1 million (this amount has been rounded from $10.125 million 
which will be the amount to be delivered at closing) and is not subject to 
adjustment. 

9.  The Current Liabilities (a list of which is set forth in Schedule 2.3 (a)) 
shall be valued at the recorded book values and reflected in the Closing 
Statement in accordance with Article III.

<PAGE>

                                 Appendix 3A
                            To Asset Sale Agreement

                             INVENTORY VALUATION


I.    PHYSICAL QUANTITIES

      Physical quantities of inventories shall be determined by a physical 
count taken on December 3, 1994. Inventories on hand at outside locations and 
at processors shall be submitted for confirmation or inventoried and 
reconciled. Material weight will be determined from the billing weight, 
weighing the material or by the "theoretical billing weight" based on the 
product dimensions.

      Inventory quantities shall be brought forward from the December 3, 1994 
physical inventory to the Closing Date provided that the Closing Date occurs 
on or before February 28, 1995.  If a new inventory is not taken, it may be 
necessary to have test counts actually performed.  If the Closing Date is to 
occur subsequent to February 28,1995, a second physical inventory may be taken 
on or about the Closing Date as determined solely by Eastern Stainless 
Corporation or Armco Inc.  Inventory value shall be determined based on the 
Valuation Principles indicated below; in applying these Valuation Principles, 
the parties shall value inventory based on the generally accepted accounting 
principles of the lower of cost or market.

            Inventory shall be audited by Deloitte and Touche and Avesta 
Sheffield personnel

            Avesta Sheffield Holding Company shall review the inventory 
instructions prior to the physical inventory

II.   VALUATION PRINCIPLES

A.  Slabs and Ingots

Full Slabs and Ingots, defined as slabs and ingots in their "as cast" 
condition without additional processing other than grinding, and which meet 
the grades as established per Schedule A, will be valued at cost based on 
actual weight or reported weights as supplied by melt shop source. Cost shall 
be determined from the most current invoices which quantities equal the 
quantity of material on hand.

Processed Slabs and Ingots, defined as full slabs or ingots which have been 
burned to mults or ingots which have been broken down to slabs, and which, in 
each case, 
                                 Page 1 of 5

<PAGE>
meet the grades as established per Schedule A, shall be valued at cost of the 
slab using the actual or estimated weight, adjusted to add to the slab cost 
the processing of the slab including slab burning and ingot breakdown and the 
related yield loss from processing (slabbing or burning) the slab.
Slabs and ingots of grades not included on Schedule A, but which are 
considered by Avesta Sheffield usable for the production of plate, shall be 
valued based upon the same valuation method as those grades included on 
Schedule A.  In the event Avesta Sheffield considers the slabs or ingots not 
usable, such slabs or ingots shall be valued as scrap in accordance with 
Section D or returned to Armco, at Armco's election.
 
Non Prime Slabs and Ingots, defined as slabs, ingots or mult cuts of slabs 
which cannot be used in the production of plate due to out of specification 
chemistries or other reasons (including sizes under l ,000 pounds) shall be 
valued as scrap in accordance with Section D or returned to Armco, at Armco's 
election.

Slabs and Ingots at Converters, for which toll processing charges have not 
been submitted to Eastern by the converter shall be valued in accordance with 
section A, otherwise such slabs and ingots shall be valued in accordance with 
Section C.  Avesta Sheffield shall assume responsibility for payment of such 
conversion charges when billed.

B.  Finished Plate Mill Plate

Plate mill plate shall be deemed to be finished when it is 100% complete as to 
rolling, finishing and any other processes which would normally be required to 
be performed in order to sell in the market.

1.Prime Plate Mill Plate - Plate mill plate meeting the grade and dimensions 
per Schedule A shall be deemed to be Prime Plate Mill Plate.  Prime Plate Mill 
Plate will be valued at 84% (Average Sales Price less selling cost (4%), and 
carrying cost (2%) and average Avesta Sheffield profit levels (10%)) of 
Average Sales Price.  Average Sales Price shall be determined based upon 
Eastern's net sales price per pound - by grade and gauge based on the average 
of the monthly Eastern actual price (excluding surcharge) for the 60 day 
period prior to the Closing Date.

                                  Page 2 of 5
<PAGE>

2.  Any plate which is for a customer order shall be considered Prime Plate 
Mill Plate regardless of whether it meets the grade and dimensions per 
Schedule A and shall be valued in accordance with Section B.1., except the 
actual sales price of the order (excluding surcharge) will be used in place of 
the Average Sales Price amount.  Quantities of such plate which exceed 
customer order requirements and which will not be accepted by the customer as 
an overage and cannot be reasonably reapplied to another order shall be valued 
in accordance with Section B.3.

3.  Non-Prime Plate Mill Plate - Plate mill plate of the grades per Schedule A 
but with different dimensions than defined by Schedule A, and which does not 
have unfilled orders to which it can be applied shall be considered to be 
Non-Prime Plate Mill Plate (Pro-Plate) and shall be valued at 90% of the value 
as determined for Prime Plate Mill Plate.

C.  Plate Mill Plate In Process

Slab or ingot material for which processing has begun (internal) (at a minimum 
the slab must be hot rolled to plate gauge) to convert to a plate mill plate 
meeting the grade and dimensions per Schedule A or the dimension of a specific 
order, but which is not 100% complete shall be considered "in process."  In 
process material shall be valued at its theoretical billing weight based upon 
planned finished dimensions. The determined weight shall be extended by the 
Slab Cost as determined in Section A plus 10% of the slab cost to recognize 
yield costs, plus $.16 per pound for 50% of estimated total conversion cost.

Plate mill plate in process with planned finished dimensions greater than 96" 
wide will be valued as indicated above except the estimated conversion cost 
shall be increased to $.18 per pound for 50% of estimated total conversion 
cost.

D.  Scrap

All inventory determined to be unsalable or unusable for the production of 
plate whether prime or non prime shall be valued at Scrap Value.  Scrap Value 
shall be determined based upon average scrap transaction prices during the 90 
day period prior to closing.

                                   Page 3 of 5
<PAGE>

Material with metallurgical problems which cannot be used for the production 
of plate shall be considered scrap and valued as indicated above.

E.  Finished Plate At Converters

Value the same as Section B.

F.  Coils

Grade 409 is Armco Material

G.  Supplies will be valued at zero

                                    Page 4 of 5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                                                  Schedule A

                                    Prime Material


STD               STD                     STD                     STD
Gauges           Widths                  Length                 Grades
-----            ------                  ------                 ------
<S>             <C>                     <C>                     <C>
0.1875           48                      >216"                   304
0.25             60                                              304L
0.3125           72                                              309S
0.3750           84                                              310S
0.5000           96                                              316
0.6250           120                                             316L
0.7500           132                                             317L
0.8750                                                           317LMN
1.0000                                                           347
1.2500                                                           410
1.5000                                                           410S
1.7500                                                           904L
2.0000                                                    EZ4 9 (Value as 304)
2.2500                                                    EZ4L (VaIue as 304L)
2.5000                                                    EZ6L (Value as 316L)
2.7500                                                            409
3.0000                                                         Nitronic 30
3.2500                                                           317LM
3.5000                                                           2205
3.7500                                                           321
4.0000                                                           308M
                                                                 303
                                                                 304LN
                                                                 304N
                                                                 316LN
                                                                 405
                                                                 409M

Diamond Floor Plate which does not meet the specifications indicated above 
shall be considered prime material so long as on hand quantities reflect sizes 
shipped to customers in the normal course of business.
</TABLE>
                                     Page 5 of 5
<PAGE>
                                      Appendix 3B
                              To Asset Sale Agreement

                     Future Retiree Medical Benefits Obligation
                               Valuation Methodologies


The value of the Future Retiree Medical Benefit Obligation was estimated by 
agreement of the parties and shall be determined as of the Closing Date as set 
forth below and is subject to adjustment in accordance with Article III.

The Future Retiree Medical Benefit Obligation will be the sum of the 
actuarially determined obligation as of the Closing Date for each of the 
Former Employees.  Such actuarial calculation will be based upon the following 
actuarial assumptions:


                                 Actuarial Assumptions
                                 --------------------


Discount Rate                            8.0%

Mortality                                1983 Group Annuity Tables

Turnover                                 A rate of termination of employment
                                         will be assumed.  Such rate varies by
                                         sex and attained age thereafter.  A
                                         sample of rates, showing the
                                         percentage of participants assumed to
                                         terminate in the next year, is as
                                         follows:
<TABLE>
Salaried Employees
------------------


During First Five Years of Service*                   Thereafter
----------------------------------                    ----------

Yrs. of Svc.     Males    Females              Age      Males     Females
------------     -----    -------              ---      -----     -------
<S>            <C>        <C>                <C>       <C>         <C>
0                12.9%      20.9%              25        5.0%       13.2%
1                10.9%      17.5%              30        3.6%        8.1%
2                 8.9%      14.6%              35        2.4%        4.3%
3                 7.0%      12.7%              40        1.5%        2.2%
4                 5.5%      11.9%              45        0.9%        1.3%
                                               50+         0%          0%

<FN>
*  Such service includes time employed by ESC, Avesta Sheffield East and any 
predecessor company.
</TABLE>
                                  Page 1 of 3
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
Hourly Employees
----------------

During First Five Years of Service*                     Thereafter
----------------------------------                      ----------

Yrs. of Svc.     Males    Females              Age      Males     Females
------------     -----    -------              ---      -----     -------
<S>             <C>       <C>                 <C>       <C>       <C>
0                 14.3%     20.9%               25       4.3%      13.2%
1                 11.5%     17.5%               30       3.1%       8.1%
2                  8.9%     14.6%               35       2.0%       4.3%
3                  6.7%     12.7%               40       1.2%       2.2%
4                  5.0%     11.9%               45       0.8%       1.3%
                                                50+        0%         0%
<FN>
*  Such service includes time employed by ESC, Avesta Sheffield East and 
any predecessor company.
</TABLE>

Retirement                               The average assumed early retirement
                                         age is 62.

Dependents of Future Retirees            For current active employees, males
                                         are assumed to be three years older
                                         than females, and 87 1/2% of the
                                         eligible males and 75% of the
                                         eligible females are assumed to be 
                                         married at retirement

Spouse Age Difference                    Males assumed to be three years older
                                         than females

Coverage                                 It is assumed that 100% of all
                                         eligible retirees will participate in
                                         the plan

Measurement Date                         Closing Date

<TABLE>
Retiree Medical Claim Costs                                     Assumed 
                                                                 1995
                                         Enrollment             Monthly
                                         Category              Claim Cost
                                         ----------            ----------
                                       <S>                    <C>
                                        Retiree under 65           $275
                                        Retiree & Spouse 
                                          under 65                 $550
                                        Retiree 65 and over        $116
                                        Retiree & Spouse 65 
                                          and over                 $232


Healthcare Trend Rates	                  Year        Pre-65       Post
                                          ---         ------       ----
                                        <S>           <C>         <C>
                                         1995          11.0%       9.5%
                                         1996          10.0%       9.5%
                                         1997           9.5%       9.0%
                                         1998           9.0%       9.0%
                                         1999           8.5%       8.5%
                                         2000           8.0%       8.0%
                                         2001           7.5%       7.5%
                                         2002           7.0%       7.0%
                                         2003+          6.5%       6.5%
</TABLE>
                                Page 2 of 3
<PAGE>
                             Subsequent Adjustments


At the time the Future Retireee Medical Benefit Obligation is determined, the 
amount of the Future Retiree Medical Benefit Obligation attributable to each 
Former Employee shall be determined by Avesta's actuaries based on the 
foregoing assumptions and communicated to Armco in writing, which 
determination shall be satisfactory to Armco. ASE will refund to Armco the 
amount determined with respect to any Former Employee who is terminated, 
retired, resigns, or otherwise ceases to be an employee of ASE between the 
Closing Date and the second anniversary of the Closing Date.  Payment to Armco 
will be made within 60 days of the end of the month in which employment 
ceased.  Following the second anniversary of the Closing Date, Armco will have 
the right to audit ASE's employment records to confirm that all refunds 
required by this paragraph have been made.
                              Page 3 of 3
<PAGE>

                                    Appendix 4
                              To Asset Sale Agreement
<TABLE>
                       Preliminary Statement of Adjustment Items
                                  ($ Millions)


                                                           Preliminary
                                                             Statement
                                                             12/31/94
                                                           ----------
<S>                                                           <C>
Accounts Receivable                                            $13.0

Inventory                                                      $23.2

Current Liabilities                                           ($20.0)

Future Retiree Medical Benefit Obligation                     ($10.0)
                                                            ---------

Net Value of Adjustment Items                                   $6.2 
                                                            ---------
                                                            ---------
</TABLE>


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