INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES INC
8-K, 1997-07-11
SKILLED NURSING CARE FACILITIES
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    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)       July 6, 1997
                                                 ----------------------


                        INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

       Delaware                  1-12306                    23-2428312
(State or Other Jurisdiction   (Commission                   (IRS Employer
     of Incorporation)         File Number)               Identification No.)

 10065 Red Run Boulevard, Owings Mills, Maryland                      21117
- -------------------------------------------------                    ----------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                             (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:       (410) 998-8400

                                 Not Applicable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)


<PAGE>




ITEM 5.  OTHER EVENTS

         On  July  6,  1997,  Integrated  Health  Services,  Inc.  ("IHS"),  IHS
Acquisition  XXIV,  Inc., a wholly-owned  subsidiary of IHS ("Merger Sub"),  and
RoTech Medical  Corporation  ("RoTech") entered into a definitive  agreement and
plan of merger  (the  "Agreement")  providing  for the merger of Merger Sub into
RoTech,  with RoTech becoming a wholly-owned  subsidiary of IHS. RoTech provides
comprehensive home healthcare and primary care physician  services,  principally
to patients in non-urban  areas.  RoTech's home healthcare  business  provides a
diversified  range of products and services,  with emphasis on  respiratory  and
home infusion services. RoTech currently operates over 600 home health locations
and approximately 26 primary care physicians  practices. 

         Under the terms of the  Agreement,  which was  approved by the Board of
Directors of both IHS and RoTech, holders of RoTech common stock ("RoTech Common
Stock") will receive for each share of RoTech  Common Stock 0.5806 of a share of
IHS Common Stock (the "Exchange  Ratio"),  having a market value of $22.61 based
on the closing  price of the IHS Common Stock on the last  business day prior to
the signing of the  Agreement.  Options to purchase  RoTech Common Stock will be
converted  at the closing into options to purchase IHS Common Stock based on the
Exchange  Ratio. At June 30, 1997 RoTech had  outstanding  26,362,269  shares of
RoTech  Common Stock and options to purchase  3,469,706  shares of RoTech Common
Stock ("RoTech Options").  IHS will issue approximately 15,306,000 shares of IHS
Common Stock under the  Agreement,  and will reserve for issuance  approximately
2,014,000  shares of IHS Common Stock issuable upon exercise of RoTech  Options.
In  addition,  RoTech's  outstanding  $110 million of  subordinated  convertible
debentures (the "RoTech  Debentures") will become convertible into approximately
2,433,000 shares of IHS Common Stock following the closing at a conversion price
of $45.21 per share of IHS Common Stock.  At June 30, 1997, IHS had  outstanding
25,428,319  shares of IHS Common  Stock and  options  and  warrants  to purchase
approximately  9,513,000  shares  of IHS  Common  Stock,  and had  reserved  for
issuance  7,989,275  shares upon conversion of $258,750,000  principal amount of
outstanding convertible  debentures.  IHS will assume approximately $300 million
of debt in the transaction, including $110 million of the RoTech Debentures.

         The merger is  intended  to qualify  as a tax free  reorganization,  as
permitted by the Internal  Revenue  Code,  and will be treated as a purchase for
accounting  and financial  reporting  purposes.  Completion of the  transaction,
which is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 1997,  is subject to,  among
other  things,  approval  by each  company's  stockholders,  receipt of required
regulatory  approvals,  consent  of senior  bank  lenders  and  other  customary
conditions.  Each party may terminate the Agreement if the average trading price
of the IHS Common Stock over the 10 trading days ending on the fifth trading day
prior to the RoTech  stockholders  meeting  to  approve  the merger is less than
$33.00.  The  Agreement  also  provides  for the payment of break-up  fees under
certain circumstances.

         Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette  Securities  Corporation acted as financial
advisor to IHS in the transaction.

                                       2

<PAGE>

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

         (C)  EXHIBITS.

          2    Agreement  and Plan of Merger  entered  into as of July 6,  1997,
               among  Integrated  Health Services,  Inc., IHS Acquisition  XXIV,
               Inc. and RoTech Medical Corporation.







                                       3

<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.

                                           INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES, INC.

Date: July 10, 1997                        By: /s/ W. Bradley Bennett
                                               ----------------------
                                               Name: W. Bradley Bennett
                                               Title: Executive Vice President -
                                                        Chief Accounting Officer


                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                            DATED AS OF JULY 6, 1997

                                      AMONG

                        INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES, INC.

                                       AND

                           IHS ACQUISITION XXIV, INC.

                                       AND

                           ROTECH MEDICAL CORPORATION


<PAGE>


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            PAGE

ARTICLE I:  THE MERGER.  ..................................................   1
         1.1      The Merger  .............................................   1
         1.2      Effective Time of the Merger  ...........................   1
         1.3      Closing  ................................................   1
         1.4      Surviving Corporation  ..................................   2

ARTICLE II: EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THE CONSTITUENT
CORPORATIONS; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES  ...................................   2
         2.1      Shares of the Constituent and the Surviving Corporations    2
         2.2      Exchange of Certificates  ...............................   3
         2.3      Corporate Acts of Merger Sub  ...........................   5

ARTICLE III:  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ROTECH  ...................   5
         3.1      Organization and Standing of Rotech .....................   5
         3.2      Rotech Capital Stock  ...................................   5
         3.3      Subsidiaries.............................................   5
         3.4      Foreign Qualifications  .................................   6
         3.5      Power and Authority  ....................................   6
         3.6      Consents  ...............................................   6
         3.7      Assets  .................................................   6
         3.8      Trademarks  .............................................   7
         3.9      Reports and Financial Statements  .......................   7
         3.10     Accounts Receivable  ....................................   8
         3.11     Employee Benefit Plans; Employment Matters  .............   8
         3.12     Medicare and Medicaid Programs  .........................   9
         3.13     Contracts, etc  .........................................   9
         3.14     Subsequent Events  ......................................  10
         3.15     Licenses; Permits; Certificates of Need  ................  11
         3.16     Title, Condition of Personal Property  ..................  12
         3.17     Title, Condition of the Rotech Real Property  ...........  13
         3.18     Legal Proceedings  ......................................  14
         3.19     Insurance and Surety Agreements  ........................  14
         3.20     Compliance with Laws in General  ........................  14
         3.21     Commissions and Fees.....................................  14
         3.22     Opinion of Financial Advisor  ...........................  14
         3.23     Vote Required  ..........................................  15
         3.24     Inventory  ..............................................  15
         3.25     Equipment  ..............................................  15
         3.26     Tax Returns  ............................................  15
         3.27     Encumbrances Created by this Agreement  .................  15
         3.28     No Untrue Statement  ....................................  15
         3.29     Leasehold Interests  ....................................  15
         3.30     Binding Effect  .........................................  16
         3.31     Questionable Payments  ..................................  16
         3.32     Compliance with Healthcare Laws  ........................  16


                                      (i)

<PAGE>

         3.33     Environmental Matters  ..................................  16

ARTICLE IV:  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MERGER SUB  ................  16
         4.1      Organization, Existence, and Capital Stock  .............  17
         4.2      Power and Authority  ....................................  17
         4.3      Commissions and Fees  ...................................  17
         4.4      No Subsidiaries  ........................................  17
         4.5      Legal Proceedings  ......................................  17
         4.6      No Contracts or Liabilities  ............................  17

ARTICLE V:  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF IHS  ........................  17
         5.1      Organization and Standing of IHS  .......................  17
         5.2      IHS Capital Stock  ......................................  17
         5.3      Subsidiaries  ...........................................  18
         5.4      Foreign Qualifications  .................................  18
         5.5      Power and Authority  ....................................  18
         5.6      Consents  ...............................................  18
         5.7      Reports and Financial Statements   ......................  18
         5.8      Medicare and Medicaid Programs  .........................  19
         5.9      Contracts, etc  .........................................  20
         5.10     Subsequent Events  ......................................  20
         5.11     Legal Proceedings  ......................................  20
         5.12     Compliance with Laws in General  ........................  20
         5.13     Commissions and Fees  ...................................  21
         5.14     Fairness Opinion  .......................................  21
         5.15     Vote Required  ..........................................  21
         5.16     No Untrue Statement  ....................................  21
         5.17     Binding Effect  .........................................  21
         5.18     Questionable Payments  ..................................  21
         5.19     Compliance with Healthcare Laws  ........................  21
         5.20     Insurance Coverage  .....................................  22
         5.21     Merger Sub Common Stock  ................................  22
         5.22     Regulatory Approvals  ...................................  22
         5.23     Accounts Receivable  ....................................  22
         5.24     Retirement or Re-Acquisition of IHS Common Stock  .......  22
         5.25     Trademarks  .............................................  23
         5.26     Employee Benefit Plans; Employment Matters  .............  23
         5.27     Environmental Matters  ..................................  23
         5.28     IHS Common Stock  .......................................  23

ARTICLE VI:  INFORMATION AND RECORDS CONCERNING ROTECH AND ITS
SUBSIDIARIES  .............................................................  24

         6.1      Access to Rotech Information and Records before Closing..  24
         6.2      Access to IHS Information and Records  ..................  24
         6.3      Return of Records  ......................................  25
         6.4      Effect of Access  .......................................  25


                                      (ii)

<PAGE>

ARTICLE VII: COVENANTS  ...................................................  25
         7.1      Preservation of Business  ...............................  25
         7.2      Material Transactions by Rotech  ........................  25
         7.3      Meetings of Stockholders  ...............................  26
         7.4      Registration Statement  .................................  27
         7.5      Exemption from State Takeover Laws  .....................  28
         7.6      HSR Act Compliance  .....................................  28
         7.7      Public Disclosures  .....................................  28
         7.8      Resignation of Rotech Directors and Executive Officers  .  29
         7.9      Interim Financial Statements; Exchange Act Reports  .....  29
         7.10     No Solicitations  .......................................  29
         7.11     Other Actions  ..........................................  30
         7.12     Accounting Methods  .....................................  30
         7.13     Cooperation  ............................................  30
         7.14     Stock Options; Warrants  ................................  31
         7.15     Notice of Subsequent Events  ............................  32
         7.16     Cooperation Regarding SEC Filings  ......................  32
         7.17     Distributions  ..........................................  32
         7.18     Tax Opinions  ...........................................  32
         7.19     Material Transactions by IHS  ...........................  32
         7.20     Cooperation Regarding Rotech Debentures  ................  32

ARTICLE VIII: TERMINATION, AMENDMENT, AND WAIVER  .........................  32
         8.1      Termination  ............................................  33
         8.2      Effect of Termination  ..................................  34
         8.3      Amendment  ..............................................  34
         8.4      Extension; Waiver  ......................................  34
         8.5      Procedure for Termination, Amendment, Extension or Waiver  35
         8.6      Expenses; Breakup Fees  .................................  35

ARTICLE IX: CONDITIONS TO CLOSING  ........................................  35
         9.1      Mutual Conditions  ......................................  36
         9.2      Conditions to Obligations of IHS and Merger Sub  ........  36
         9.3      Conditions to Obligations of Rotech  ....................  38

ARTICLE X: MISCELLANEOUS  .................................................  38
         10.1     Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties  ..........  38
         10.2     Notices  ................................................  39
         10.3     Further Assurances  .....................................  39
         10.4     Indemnification  ........................................  40
         10.5     Governing Law  ..........................................  40
         10.6     "Including"  ............................................  40
         10.7     "Knowledge"  ............................................  40
         10.8     "Material adverse change" or "material adverse effect"...  40
         10.9     Captions  ...............................................  40
         10.10    Integration of Exhibits  ................................  41
         10.11    Entire Agreement  .......................................  41
         10.12    Counterparts  ...........................................  41


                                      (iii)

<PAGE>

         10.13    Binding Effect  .........................................  41
         10.14    No Rule of Construction  ................................  41




                                      (iv)

<PAGE>


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

                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

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


                  This  Agreement  and Plan of Merger  (the "Plan of Merger") is
made as of the 6th day of July, 1997, among INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES,  INC., a
Delaware  corporation  ("IHS"),  and  IHS  ACQUISITION  XXIV,  INC.,  a  Florida
corporation   ("Merger  Sub"),  and  ROTECH  MEDICAL   CORPORATION,   a  Florida
corporation ("Rotech").

                  WHEREAS,  the respective  Boards of Directors of Rotech,  IHS,
and Merger Sub have  approved the merger of Merger Sub with and into Rotech (the
"Merger"),  upon the terms  and  subject  to the  conditions  set forth  herein,
whereby each share of Common Stock,  par value $.0002 per share,  of Rotech (the
"Rotech Common Stock" and the issued and outstanding shares thereof, the "Rotech
Shares"), not owned directly or indirectly by Rotech, will be converted into the
right to receive the Merger Consideration (as herein defined); and

                  WHEREAS,  each of Rotech,  IHS, and Merger Sub desires to make
certain  representations,  warranties,  covenants,  and agreements in connection
with the Merger and also to prescribe various conditions to the Merger; and

                  WHEREAS,  it is  intended  that the Merger  shall  qualify for
federal  income tax purposes as a  reorganization  within the meaning of Section
368(a) of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,  as amended,  and, for  accounting
purposes, as a purchase and not as a pooling of interests.

                  NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of the premises and mutual
covenants contained herein, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as
follows:

                              ARTICLE I: THE MERGER

                  1.1 THE MERGER.  Upon the terms and subject to the  conditions
set forth in this Plan of Merger and in accordance with the General  Corporation
Law of the State of Florida  (the  "FBCA"),  at the  Effective  Time (as defined
herein),  Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Rotech in accordance with the
provisions of Section  607.1101 of the FBCA.  Following the Effective  Time, the
separate  existence of Merger Sub shall cease,  and Rotech shall continue as the
surviving  corporation in the Merger  (hereinafter  sometimes referred to as the
"Surviving  Corporation") as a business corporation  incorporated under the laws
of the State of Florida under the name "Rotech Medical  Corporation",  and shall
succeed to and assume all the rights and obligations of Merger Sub and Rotech in
accordance with the FBCA.

                  1.2  EFFECTIVE  TIME OF THE MERGER.  The Merger  shall  become
effective at such time (the "Effective Time") as a duly executed  Certificate of
Merger (the "Certificate of Merger") is filed with the Secretary of State of the
State of Florida.

                  1.3 CLOSING.  The closing (the  "Closing")  of the Merger will
take  place at the New York  offices of Blass & Driggs on a date and at the time
to be agreed upon by the parties  (the  "Closing  Date") which is not later than
the second business day after satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth
in this Plan of Merger,  but,  subject to Section  8.4,  in no event  later than
September 30, 1997, or such other date,  time, and place as shall be agreed upon
among the parties hereto.


<PAGE>


                  1.4      SURVIVING CORPORATION. 

                           (A) CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION.  The Certificate of
Incorporation of Merger Sub as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be the Certificate of  Incorporation of the Surviving  Corporation,  until
duly amended in accordance with the terms thereof and of the FBCA.

                           (B)  BY-LAWS.  The By-laws of Merger Sub as in effect
immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time shall be the By-laws of the Surviving
Corporation until duly amended in accordance with their terms and as provided by
the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation and the FBCA.

                           (C)  DIRECTORS.  The  directors  of Merger Sub at the
Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, be the directors of the
Surviving  Corporation until their respective  successors have been duly elected
or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation, or removal
in accordance with the Surviving Corporation's  Certificate of Incorporation and
By-laws.

                           (D)  OFFICERS.  The  officers  of  Merger  Sub at the
Effective Time shall,  from and after the Effective Time, be the officers of the
Surviving Corporation until their successors have been duly elected or appointed
and  qualified  or  until  their  earlier  death,  resignation,  or  removal  in
accordance with the Surviving  Corporation's  Certificate of  Incorporation  and
By-laws.

                           (E)  FURTHER  ACTION.   If  at  any  time  after  the
Effective  Time,  IHS  shall  consider  that  any  further  deeds,  assignments,
conveyances,  agreements,  documents,  instruments,  or assurances in law or any
other things are necessary or desirable to vest, perfect,  confirm, or record in
the Surviving Corporation the title to any property, rights, privileges, powers,
and  franchises  of Merger Sub by reason of, or as a result of, the  merger,  or
otherwise to carry out the  provisions  of this Plan of Merger,  the officers of
Merger Sub shall execute and deliver,  upon IHS's  request,  any  instruments or
assurances,  and do all other  things  necessary  or  proper  to vest,  perfect,
confirm,  or record title to such  property,  rights,  privileges,  powers,  and
franchises  in the  Surviving  Corporation,  and  otherwise  to  carry  out  the
provisions of this Plan of Merger.

          ARTICLE II: EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THE
               CONSTITUENT CORPORATIONS; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES

                  2.1 SHARES OF THE CONSTITUENT AND THE SURVIVING CORPORATIONS. 
At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger:

                           (A) Each share of capital  stock of Merger Sub issued
and outstanding  immediately prior to the Effective Time,  without any action on
the part of the  holder  thereof,  shall be  converted  into one fully  paid and
nonassessable  share of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Surviving
Corporation.

                           (B) Each share of Rotech  Common  Stock that is owned
by Rotech or any  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of Rotech  shall  automatically  be
canceled and retired and shall cease to exist.


                                       2

<PAGE>


                           (C) Each other share of Rotech  Common  Stock  issued
and outstanding at the Effective Time,  without any further action by the holder
thereof,  shall be converted into the right to receive,  and become exchangeable
for a merger consideration (the "Merger Consideration") consisting of. 5806 (the
"Exchange Ratio") validly issued,  fully paid and nonassessable shares of common
stock,  $.001 par value,  of IHS (the "IHS Common Stock," shares  thereof,  "IHS
Shares"  and the IHS  Shares  to be  issued  pursuant  hereto,  the "IHS  Merger
Shares").

                           (D)  If  after  the  date  hereof  and  prior  to the
Effective Time IHS shall have declared a stock split (including a reverse split)
of IHS Common  Stock or a dividend  payable  in IHS Common  Stock,  or any other
distribution  of  securities  or dividend  (in cash (other  than  ordinary  cash
dividends)  or  otherwise)  to holders of IHS Common Stock with respect to their
IHS Common Stock (including  without  limitation such a distribution or dividend
made  in  connection   with  a   recapitalization,   reclassification,   merger,
consolidation,   reorganization   or  similar   transaction)   then  the  Merger
Consideration  shall be  appropriately  adjusted  to reflect  such stock  split,
dividend or other distribution of securities.

                  2.2      EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES. 

                           (A) EXCHANGE AGENT.  Prior to the Effective Time, IHS
shall  designate a bank or trust company or similar entity that is authorized to
exercise corporate trust or stock powers, and which is reasonably  acceptable to
Rotech,  to act as  Exchange  Agent with  respect to the Merger  (the  "Exchange
Agent").  At the Effective  Time, IHS will deposit with the Exchange  Agent,  in
trust for the holders of certificates  which  immediately prior to the Effective
Time represented  outstanding  Rotech Shares (the  "Certificates")  certificates
representing  the aggregate  number of IHS Merger Shares,  into which the Rotech
Shares were converted in the Merger in accordance with Section 2.1(c) hereof (as
adjusted in accordance with subsection (c), below,  with respect to dividends or
distributions  and in accordance with  subsection  (e),  below,  with respect to
fractional shares).

                           (B)  EXCHANGE  PROCEDURES.   As  soon  as  reasonably
practicable,  but no later than ten (10) business days after the Effective Time,
IHS  shall  cause  the  Exchange  Agent to mail to each  holder  of  record of a
Certificate  whose  shares  were  converted  into the  right to  receive  Merger
Consideration  pursuant to Section  2.1(c),  (i) a letter of transmittal  (which
shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the
Certificates  shall pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange
Agent, and shall be in such form and have such representations and warranties as
to ownership and authority,  and shall contain such other  provisions as IHS may
reasonably  specify) and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the surrender of
the Certificates in exchange for certificates representing the IHS Merger Shares
into which  Rotech  Shares  previously  represented  by such  Certificates  were
converted in accordance with Section 2.1 (as adjusted in respect of dividends or
distributions  and fractional  shares in accordance with subsections (c) and (e)
below).  Upon  surrender of any  Certificate  for  cancellation  to the Exchange
Agent, together with such letter of transmittal,  duly executed,  and such other
documents as may  reasonably  be required by the Exchange  Agent,  the holder of
such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a certificate
representing  that number of whole IHS Merger  Shares  which such holder has the
right to receive pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.1 (as adjusted pursuant
to subsections  (c) and (e) below),  and the  Certificate  so surrendered  shall
forthwith be canceled.  In the event of a transfer of ownership of Rotech Shares
which is not  registered  in the  transfer  records  of  Rotech,  a  certificate
representing  the proper number of IHS Merger Shares required by Section 2.1 (as
adjusted  pursuant to subsections (c) and (e) below) may be issued and delivered
to a person other than the person in whose name the  Certificate  so surrendered
is registered, if such Certificate shall be properly endorsed

                                       3

<PAGE>

or  otherwise  be in proper form for  transfer  and the person  requesting  such
payment shall pay any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance
of shares of IHS Common  Stock to a person other than the  registered  holder of
such Certificate or shall establish to the satisfaction of IHS that such tax has
been  paid or is not  applicable.  Until  surrendered  as  contemplated  by this
Section 2.2, each  Certificate  shall be deemed at all times after the Effective
Time to  represent  only the right to receive  the IHS Merger  Shares into which
Rotech Shares represented by such Certificate were converted and cash in lieu of
any  fractional  shares of IHS Common  Stock.  No interest  will be paid or will
accrue on any cash dividends or distributions payable with respect to IHS Merger
Shares. To the extent permitted by law, former  stockholders of record of Rotech
shall be  entitled  to vote  after  the  Effective  Time at any  meeting  of IHS
stockholders  the number of whole IHS Merger Shares into which their  respective
Rotech Shares are  converted,  regardless of whether such holders have exchanged
their Certificates in accordance with this Section 2.2.

                           (C) DISTRIBUTIONS WITH RESPECT TO UNEXCHANGED SHARES.
No  dividends  or other  distributions  with  respect to IHS Common Stock with a
record  date  after  the  Effective  Time  shall  be paid to the  holder  of any
unsurrendered  Certificate  with  respect to the IHS Merger  Shares  represented
thereby and no cash payment shall be paid to any such holder until the surrender
of such Certificate in accordance with this Article II. Subject to the effect of
applicable laws,  following  surrender of any such  Certificate,  there shall be
paid to the holder of the  certificate  representing  whole shares of IHS Common
Stock issued in exchange  therefor,  without interest,  in addition to the other
amounts payable under this Section 2.2, (i) at the time of such  surrender,  the
amount of any cash payable in lieu of a fractional  share of IHS Common Stock to
which such  holder is  entitled  pursuant  to  Section  2.3(e) and the amount of
dividends or other  distributions  with a record date after the  Effective  Time
theretofore  paid with respect to such whole shares of IHS Common Stock and (ii)
at the appropriate  payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions
with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to such surrender and with
a payment date  subsequent to such surrender  payable with respect to such whole
shares of IHS Common Stock.

                           (D) NO FURTHER OWNERSHIP RIGHTS IN ROTECH SHARES. All
IHS Merger  Shares issued upon the  surrender  for exchange of  Certificates  in
accordance with the terms of this Article II shall be deemed to have been issued
(and  paid) in full  satisfaction  of all  rights  pertaining  to Rotech  Shares
theretofore  represented  by such  Certificates.  If, after the Effective  Time,
Certificates  are presented to the Surviving  Corporation  or the Exchange Agent
for any reason, they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article
II, except as otherwise provided by applicable law.

                           (E) NO FRACTIONAL  SHARES.  No  certificates or scrip
representing  fractional  shares of IHS Common  Stock  shall be issued  upon the
surrender for exchange of Certificates, and such fractional share interests will
not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any rights of a stockholder  of IHS.
Notwithstanding  any other  provision of this  Agreement,  each holder of Rotech
Shares  exchanged  pursuant to the Merger who would otherwise have been entitled
to receive a fraction of a share of IHS Common Stock (after  taking into account
all Certificates  delivered by such holder) shall receive, in lieu thereof, cash
(without  interest) in an amount equal to such fractional part of a share of IHS
Common Stock  multiplied by the Average IHS Trading Price.  "Average IHS Trading
Price" means the average closing New York Stock Exchange price of such stock for
the thirty (30)  trading day period  ending on the date which is two (2) trading
days prior to the Effective Time.

                           (F)   TERMINATION   OF  EXCHANGE   FUND.   Any  stock
certificates  that remain  undistributed  to the holders of the Certificates for
six (6) months after the Effective Time shall be delivered by the Exchange Agent
to  IHS,  upon  demand,  and  any  holders  of the  Certificates  who  have  not
theretofore  complied with this Article II shall thereafter look only to IHS for
payment of Merger  Consideration and any dividends or distributions with respect
to IHS Merger Shares.

                                       4

<PAGE>


                           (G) NO LIABILITY.  None of IHS, Merger Sub, Rotech or
the  Exchange  Agent  shall be liable to any person in respect of any IHS Merger
Shares (or  dividends  or  distributions  with respect  thereto)  delivered to a
public  official  pursuant  to any  applicable  abandoned  property,  escheat or
similar law. If any Certificates  shall not have been  surrendered  prior to the
end of the  applicable  period after the  Effective  Time under escheat laws (or
immediately  prior to such earlier date on which any IHS Merger  Shares,  or any
cash in respect of such  Certificates  would otherwise  escheat to or become the
property of any governmental entity), any such shares or cash in respect of such
Certificates  shall,  to the extent  permitted  by  applicable  law,  become the
property of the Surviving Corporation,  free and clear of all claims or interest
of any person previously entitled thereto.

                  2.3 CORPORATE ACTS OF MERGER SUB.  All corporate acts,  plans,
policies,  approvals and  authorizations  of Merger Sub, its  stockholders,  its
Board of Directors,  committees  elected or appointed by the Board of Directors,
and all officers and agents, valid immediately prior to the Effective Time shall
be those of the  Surviving  Corporation  and shall be as  effective  and binding
thereon as they were with  respect to Merger Sub to the extent not  inconsistent
with those of this Plan of Merger.

              ARTICLE III: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ROTECH

                  Rotech hereby represents and warrants to IHS as follows:

                  3.1  ORGANIZATION  AND  STANDING  OF  ROTECH.    Rotech  is  a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of  Florida.  Copies of  Rotech's  Articles  of  Incorporation  and
By-Laws,  and all amendments thereof to date, have been delivered to IHS and are
complete and correct. Rotech has the power and authority to own the property and
assets now owned by it and to conduct the business  presently being conducted by
it.

                  3.2  ROTECH  CAPITAL  STOCK.    Rotech's   authorized  capital
consists of 50,000,000  shares of Common Stock,  par value $.0002 per share,  of
which  26,152,744  shares are issued and  outstanding  as of April 30,  1997 and
41,771  shares are held in treasury.  All of the issued and  outstanding  Rotech
Shares are duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.  Except as set
forth on Exhibit 3.2 to the  Disclosure  Schedule  delivered to IHS by Rotech at
the time of the  execution  and  delivery  of this Plan of Merger  (the  "Rotech
Disclosure Schedule"), there are no options, warrants, or similar rights granted
by Rotech or any other  agreements to which Rotech is a party  providing for the
issuance or sale by it of any additional  securities.  There is no liability for
dividends  declared or accumulated but unpaid with respect to any Rotech Shares.
Except as set forth on Exhibit 3.2 to the Rotech Disclosure Schedule, and except
as  permitted  by this Plan of  Merger,  since the date of the  "Rotech  Balance
Sheet" (as defined in Section 3.9, below) except pursuant to options,  warrants,
conversion rights or other contractual  rights existing on such date, Rotech has
not  issued  any  shares of its  capital  stock,  effected  any  stock  split or
otherwise changed its capitalization as it existed on such date.

                  3.3  SUBSIDIARIES.   Except as set forth on Exhibit 3.3 to the
Rotech Disclosure  Schedule,  Rotech does not own stock in and does not control,
directly  or  indirectly,   any  other  corporation,   association  or  business
organization.  Except  as set  forth on  Exhibit  3.3 to the  Rotech  Disclosure
Schedule,  Rotech does not own,  directly or indirectly,  an equity interest in,
and Rotech does not control,  directly or indirectly,  any other operating joint
venture,  partnership  or  limited  liability  company.  Except  as set forth on
Exhibit 3.3 to the Rotech Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding options,
warrants or other agreements  pursuant to which any person or entity has a right
to  acquire  or be issued  any  capital  stock or other  interest  in any Rotech
Subsidiary.  Exhibit 3.3 to the Rotech Disclosure Schedule accurately sets forth

                                       5

<PAGE>

Rotech's percentage ownership interest in each such entity.  Except as set forth
on Exhibit 3.3 to the Rotech Disclosure Schedule,  each entity listed on Exhibit
3.3  to  the  Rotech  Disclosure   Schedule  (each  a  "Rotech  Subsidiary"  and
collectively, the "Rotech Subsidiaries") is a corporation,  partnership, limited
partnership or limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation. Except as set
forth on Exhibit 3.3 to the Rotech Disclosure  Schedule,  each Rotech Subsidiary
has  all  necessary  corporate,  partnership,  limited  partnership  or  limited
liability  company,  as the case may be, power to own its  properties and assets
and to carry on its  business  as  presently  conducted.  Except as set forth on
Exhibit  3.3 to the Rotech  Disclosure  Schedule,  Rotech is not  subject to any
contractual  obligation,  contingent or otherwise, to purchase, and there are no
rights to acquire,  any  additional  interest in any such  partnership  or joint
venture or any preemptive  rights or rights of first refusal with respect to any
outstanding interest in any such partnership or joint venture.

                  3.4  FOREIGN  QUALIFICATIONS.   Except as set forth on Exhibit
3.4  to  the  Rotech  Disclosure  Schedule,   each  of  Rotech  and  the  Rotech
Subsidiaries is qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good
standing in each  jurisdiction  where the nature or  character  of the  property
owned,  leased or operated by it or the nature of the business  transacted by it
makes such qualification necessary.

                  3.5 POWER AND AUTHORITY.  Subject to the  satisfaction  of the
conditions  precedent  set  forth  herein,  Rotech  has the  corporate  power to
execute,  deliver and perform this Plan of Merger and all  agreements  and other
documents  executed and delivered or to be executed and delivered by it pursuant
to this  Plan of  Merger  (the  "Transaction  Documents"),  and  subject  to the
satisfaction  of the conditions  precedent set forth herein has taken all action
required by its Certificate of Incorporation, by-laws or otherwise, to authorize
the execution,  delivery and performance of this Plan of Merger and such related
documents. Except as set forth on Exhibit 3.5 to the Rotech Disclosure Schedule,
the execution  and delivery of this Plan of Merger does not and,  subject to the
receipt of required  stockholder approval the consummation of the Merger and the
consummation  of the  transaction  contemplated  hereby  will not,  violate  any
provisions  of the  Certificate  of  Incorporation  or  By-laws of Rotech or any
provisions  of, or result  in the  acceleration  of any  obligation  under,  any
mortgage,  lien, lease, agreement,  instrument order arbitration award, judgment
or decree,  to which Rotech or any Rotech Subsidiary is a party, or by which any
of them is bound,  or violate any  restrictions of any kind to which any of them
are subject. The execution and delivery of this Plan of Merger has been approved
by the Board of Directors of Rotech.

                  3.6  CONSENTS.    Except as set  forth on  Exhibit  3.6 to the
Rotech  Disclosure  Schedule,  no  authorization,  consent,  approval,  license,
exemption by, filing or registration with any court or governmental  department,
commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, is or
will be necessary in connection with the execution,  delivery and performance of
this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents by Rotech.

                  3.7 ASSETS.  As of the  Closing,  the  consolidated  assets of
Rotech  will  include all of the  tangible  and  intangible  assets of Rotech as
presently  constituted,   including,   without  limitation,  cash  and  accounts
receivable,  and will be  sufficient  to carry on the business of Rotech and the
Rotech  Subsidiaries  in  the  ordinary  course  as it is  presently  conducted;
provided,  however,  that such assets shall not include inventory,  supplies and
other assets disposed of in the ordinary course of business, consistent with the
prior practice of Rotech's business.

                                       6

<PAGE>


                  3.8 TRADEMARKS.  Exhibit 3.8 to the Rotech Disclosure Schedule
sets forth a complete and accurate list of all  trademarks,  service  marks,  or
applications  for any of the same,  copyrights,  and other items of intellectual
property that are owned,  possessed, or used by and which are material to Rotech
or any of the Rotech  Subsidiaries.  There are no claims or proceedings  pending
or, to the knowledge of Rotech,  overtly threatened against Rotech or any of the
Rotech  Subsidiaries  asserting  that  the  use of  any  of  the  aforementioned
properties  or rights  infringes  the rights of any other  person,  and,  to the
knowledge of Rotech,  Rotech is not  infringing  in any material  respect on the
intellectual property rights of any other person.

                  3.9 REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                      (A) Rotech has timely  filed all  reports  required  to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to and in
accordance with the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended  (together with
the rules and regulations  promulgated  thereunder,  the "Exchange Act") and the
applicable rules of the NASD, since January 1, 1995 (collectively, as heretofore
amended, the "Rotech SEC Reports"), and has previously furnished to IHS true and
complete  copies of all such Rotech SEC  Reports.  None of such  reports,  as of
their  respective  dates,  contained any untrue  statement of a material fact or
omitted to state a material fact  required to be stated  therein or necessary to
make the statements  therein,  in light of the  circumstances in which they were
made, not misleading.  Each of the balance sheets  (including the related notes)
included in the Rotech SEC Reports presents fairly in all material  respects the
consolidated  financial position of Rotech and the Rotech Subsidiaries as of the
respective  dates  thereof,  and  the  other  related   consolidated   financial
statements  (including the related notes) included therein present fairly in all
material  respects  the results of  operations  and cash flows of Rotech and the
Rotech Subsidiaries for the respective periods or as of the respective dates set
forth therein,  all in conformity with generally accepted accounting  principles
consistently applied ("GAAP") except as otherwise noted therein.

                      (B) Each of the  balance  sheets  included  in the "Rotech
Quarterly  Financial  Statements"  (as defined in Section 7.9)  presents or will
present fairly in all material  respects,  as the case may be, the  consolidated
financial  position of Rotech and the Rotech  Subsidiaries  as of the respective
dates thereof, and the other related consolidated  financial statements included
therein present or will present fairly in all material respects, as the case may
be,  the  consolidated  results of  operations  and cash flows of Rotech and the
Rotech  Subsidiaries,  taken as a whole, for the periods reflected therein.  The
balance  sheets  and  statements  of income  included  in the  Rotech  Quarterly
Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.

                      (C)  Except as set forth on  Exhibit  3.9(c) to the Rotech
Disclosure  Schedule,  there  are  no  liabilities  of  Rotech  and  the  Rotech
Subsidiaries  on a consolidated  basis which exceed  $250,000 in any one case or
$500,000 in the aggregate and which are not reserved against or disclosed in the
balance  sheet  dated as of April 30,  1997,  included in the Rotech SEC Reports
(the "Rotech  Balance  Sheet"),  as of the date thereof  whether or not they are
required to be so reserved or disclosed under GAAP.

                      (D) Except as  disclosed  on Exhibit  3.9(d) to the Rotech
Disclosure  Schedule and in the notes to the consolidated  financial  statements
and Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition and Results of
Operations  included  in the  Rotech SEC  Reports,  the  consolidated  financial
statements  included in the Rotech SEC Reports do not reflect any  non-recurring
or  extraordinary  income or  expense  reduction  in excess of  $500,000  in the
aggregate not identified therein.

                                       7

<PAGE>


                  3.10 ACCOUNTS  RECEIVABLE.  The accounts  receivable set forth
on the Rotech Balance Sheet, and all accounts  receivable arising since the date
thereof,  in respect  of the  business  of Rotech  and the  Rotech  Subsidiaries
represent bona fide claims of Rotech and the Rotech Subsidiaries against debtors
for sales,  services  performed,  or other charges arising on or before the date
hereof,  and all the goods  delivered and services  performed which gave rise to
said  accounts  were  delivered  or performed  in material  compliance  with the
applicable orders, contracts, or customer requirements. Said accounts receivable
are subject to no material defenses, counterclaims, or rights of set-off and are
fully collectible in the ordinary course of business, except in the aggregate to
the extent of the appropriate  reserves for doubtful accounts  receivable as set
forth on the  Rotech  Balance  Sheet  and,  in the case of  accounts  receivable
arising since the date  thereof,  in the aggregate to the extent of a reasonable
reserve rate for doubtful accounts receivable which is not greater than the rate
reflected by the reserve for doubtful accounts on the Rotech Balance Sheet.

                  3.11 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS; EMPLOYMENT MATTERS.

                      (A)  Except as set  forth on  Exhibit  3.11 to the  Rotech
Disclosure Schedule, neither Rotech nor any Rotech Subsidiary has established or
maintains  or is  obligated  to make  contributions  to or  under  or  otherwise
participate  in (i) any  bonus or other  type of  incentive  compensation  plan,
program, or arrangement  (whether or not set forth in a written document),  (ii)
any pension, profit-sharing, retirement, or other plan, program, or arrangement,
or (iii) stock ownership, stock purchase,  phantom stock, retirement,  vacation,
severance,  disability,  death benefit,  hospitalization,  or any other employee
benefit plan, fund, or program,  including,  but not limited to, those described
in Section 3(3) of ERISA. All such plans listed on Exhibit 3.11 (individually, a
"Rotech  Plan" and  collectively,  the "Rotech  Plans")  have been  operated and
administered in all material respects in accordance with, as applicable,  ERISA,
the Age  Discrimination  in Employment Act of 1967, as amended,  and the related
rules and  regulations  adopted by those federal  agencies  responsible  for the
administration  of such  laws.  No act or failure to act by Rotech or any Rotech
Subsidiary has resulted in a "prohibited transaction" (as defined in ERISA) with
respect to the Rotech  Plans that is not  subject to a statutory  or  regulatory
exception.  No "reportable  event" (as defined in ERISA, but excluding any event
for which  notice is waived  under the  ERISA  regulations)  has  occurred  with
respect to any of the  Rotech  Plans  which is subject to Title IV of ERISA.  No
Rotech Plan has any accumulated  funding  deficiency or liability to the Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation.  Neither Rotech nor any of the Rotech Subsidiaries
has previously  made, is currently  making,  or is obligated in any way to make,
any  contributions  to  any  multi-employer  plan  within  the  meaning  of  the
Multi-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980.

                      (B)  Except as set  forth on  Exhibit  3.11 to the  Rotech
Disclosure Schedule,  neither Rotech nor any Rotech Subsidiary is a party to any
oral or written (i) employment or consulting agreement providing for the payment
of compensation in excess of $150,000 per year, (ii) union, guild, or collective
bargaining  agreement which agreement  covers  employees (nor is it aware of any
union  organizing  activity  currently  being conducted in respect to any of its
employees), (iii) agreement with any executive officer or other key employee the
benefits of which are contingent,  or the terms of which are materially  altered
or permit  termination,  upon the  occurrence  of a  transaction  of the  nature
contemplated  by this Plan of Merger,  or (iv) agreement or plan,  including any
stock option plan,  stock  appreciation  rights plan,  restricted stock plan, or
stock  purchase  plan,  any of the benefits of which will be  increased,  or the
vesting  of  which  will  be  accelerated,  by  the  occurrence  of  any  of the
transactions  contemplated  by this  Plan of  Merger  or the value of any of the
benefits  of which will be  calculated  on the basis of any of the  transactions
contemplated by this Plan of Merger.

                                       8

<PAGE>


                      (C) During the two years prior to the Closing Date,  there
has been no material adverse change in the  relationship  between Rotech and its
employees  nor any  strike  or  material  labor  disturbance  by such  employees
affecting  Rotech's  business  and,  to the  knowledge  of  Rotech,  there is no
indication that such a change, strike, or labor disturbance is likely.

                  3.12  MEDICARE AND MEDICAID  PROGRAMS.  Except as set forth on
Exhibit  3.12  to  the  Rotech  Disclosure  Schedule,   Rotech  and  the  Rotech
Subsidiaries,  to the extent  necessary  to conduct  their  business in a manner
consistent with past practice,  are qualified for  participation in Medicare and
Medicaid programs.  Except as set forth on Exhibit 3.12 to the Rotech Disclosure
Schedules,  Rotech and the Rotech Subsidiaries have no liability with respect to
recoupment  from the  Medicare  or  Medicaid  programs  or any other third party
reimbursement  source that would exceed the reserves or allowances made therefor
as set forth on the Rotech  Balance  Sheet,  and Rotech has no knowledge for the
assertion  of any such  recoupment  claim  that  arose  out of any  transactions
completed prior to the date hereof,  and no Medicare or Medicaid  investigation,
survey,  or audit is pending or, to the  knowledge  of Rotech,  threatened  with
respect  to the  operation  of  the  business  of  Rotech  or any of the  Rotech
Subsidiaries, except to the extent that such investigation,  survey, or audit is
routine and is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Rotech
and the  Rotech  Subsidiaries  taken  as a whole.  None of  Rotech,  the  Rotech
Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of Rotech,  their licensed  employees has been
convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any criminal  offense related
to any Medicare or Medicaid  program while such person was an employee of Rotech
or a Rotech  Subsidiary or after the termination of such person's  employment by
Rotech or such  subsidiary  for acts  committed  while  employed  by Rotech or a
Rotech Subsidiary,  and, to the knowledge of Rotech,  none of such employees has
committed any offense which may serve as the basis for suspension,  restriction,
or exclusion of Rotech or any Rotech  Subsidiary  from the Medicare and Medicaid
programs.  Since January 1, 1996,  neither Rotech nor any Rotech  Subsidiary has
received  any notice from the  Medicare or Medicaid  programs or any other third
party  reimbursement  source to the effect  that the basis on which it  receives
reimbursement for its services is to be changed.

                  3.13 CONTRACTS, ETC.

                      (A) All contracts,  leases,  agreements,  and arrangements
(other than  employment or consulting  agreements) to which Rotech or any Rotech
Subsidiary is a party which impose on Rotech or any Rotech Subsidiary, or confer
on Rotech or any Rotech Subsidiary benefits,  in any one instance,  in excess of
$250,000 per year, are legally  valid,  binding,  and  enforceable in accordance
with their terms and in full force and effect,  and Rotech has provided IHS with
the opportunity to review all such documents. Rotech and the Rotech Subsidiaries
and, to the knowledge of Rotech,  all other parties to such  contracts,  leases,
agreements and arrangements have complied with the provisions of such contracts,
leases,  agreements,  and arrangements,  and, Rotech and the Rotech Subsidiaries
are not  and,  to the  knowledge  of  Rotech,  no other  party  is,  in  default
thereunder,  and no event has occurred which, but for the passage of time or the
giving of notice or both, would constitute a default  thereunder.  Except as set
forth  on  Exhibit  3.13(a)  to the  Rotech  Disclosure  Schedule,  none of such
contracts,  leases, agreements, or arrangements will, by its terms, terminate as
a result of the transactions contemplated hereby or require any consent from any
obligor  thereto in order to remain in full force and effect  immediately  after
the Effective Time.

                      (B) Set forth on Exhibit 3.13(b) to the Rotech  Disclosure
Schedule is a list of (i) all  contracts to which Rotech or a Rotech  Subsidiary
is a party which cannot be terminated  or do not  terminate  within 12 months or
less without cause or which obligate Rotech for amounts in excess of

                                       9

<PAGE>

$250,000,  (ii) all  contracts  pursuant  to which  Rotech or any of the  Rotech
Subsidiaries  receives  reimbursement for its services in excess of $250,000 per
year, (iii) all agreements or other arrangements pursuant to which Rotech or any
Rotech  Subsidiary  is or may  become  obligated  to pay any  earn-out  or other
contingent  consideration  to any third party in connection with the acquisition
of any stock,  assets,  or business,  and (iv) all  contracts  pursuant to which
Rotech or any of the Rotech Subsidiaries receives reimbursement for its services
which  individually  or  in  the  aggregate  provide  for  a  reduction  in  the
reimbursement payable under such contracts in excess of $500,000.

                      (C) Except as set forth on  Exhibit  3.13(c) to the Rotech
Disclosure  Schedule,  neither Rotech nor any Rotech  Subsidiary is party to any
agreement for the sale of any of their respective assets,  properties, or rights
(including by means of any sale of their capital stock,  merger,  or otherwise )
in excess of $100,000,  except for sales of inventory or supplies disposed of in
the ordinary  course of business,  or has granted any right of first  refusal or
similar  right in favor of any third  party with  respect to any  portion of its
properties or assets in excess of $100,000 (excluding  Permitted Liens described
in  Section  3.16) or  entered  into any  non-competition  agreement  or similar
agreement restricting its ability to engage in any business in any location.

                      (D) True and complete  copies of the  contracts  listed on
Exhibits  3.13(a) - 3.13(c) to the  Rotech  Disclosure  Schedule  have been made
available to IHS for inspection in connection with this Agreement.

                  3.14  SUBSEQUENT  EVENTS.  Except as set forth on Exhibit 3.14
to the Rotech  Disclosure  Schedule or as  contemplated  by this Plan of Merger,
Rotech has not, since the date of the Rotech Balance Sheet:

                      (A) Incurred any material adverse change;

                      (B)   Discharged   or  satisfied   any  material  lien  or
encumbrance,   or  paid  or  satisfied  any  material  obligation  or  liability
(absolute,  accrued,  contingent, or otherwise) other than (i) liabilities shown
or reflected on the Rotech Balance Sheet or (ii) liabilities  incurred since the
date of the Rotech Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business;

                      (C) Increased or established  any reserve for taxes or any
other liability on its books or otherwise provided therefor,  except as may have
been  required  due to income from  operations  of Rotech  since the date of the
Rotech Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business;

                      (D) Mortgaged,  pledged,  or subjected to any lien, charge
or other  encumbrance any of the assets,  tangible or intangible,  other than in
the ordinary course of business;

                      (E)  Acquired any assets,  securities,  or  businesses  in
excess of $5,000,000 in any one  transaction or sold or transferred any material
assets, canceled any material debts or claims or waived any material rights;

                      (F) Granted  any general or uniform  increase in the rates
of pay of  employees or granted any  material  increase in salary  payable or to
become  payable  by Rotech to any  officer  or  employee,  consultant,  or agent
(except as  provided by  contract  or bonus  plan),  or by means of any bonus or
pension plan,  contracts,  or other commitment,  increased in a material respect
the compensation of any

                                       10

<PAGE>

Director,  officer,  employee,  consultant or agent, provided that the foregoing
shall not apply to the payment of bonuses to non-officer  employees of Rotech in
the ordinary course of business;

                      (G) Except for this Plan of Merger and any other agreement
executed  and  delivered  pursuant  to this  Plan of  Merger,  entered  into any
material transaction other than in the ordinary course of business;

                      (H) Issued any stock,  bonds,  or other  securities or any
options or rights to purchase  any of its  securities  other than in  connection
with existing agreements; provided that, prior to the Effective Time, (i) Rotech
shall be permitted to issue additional  options to employees for the purchase of
up to 100,000  shares at an exercise  price of not less than the market value of
such stock as of the  respective  dates on which such options are granted,  (ii)
Rotech shall be  permitted to issue an aggregate of up to 750,000  shares of its
capital  stock in  connection  with  acquisitions  of  assets,  securities,  and
businesses, and (iii) Rotech shall be permitted to issue up to 20,000 additional
shares of its capital stock in the aggregate for any other purpose;

                      (I)  Suffered  the loss of,  terminated  or  modified  any
contract to which Rotech or a Rotech  Subsidiary  is party  involving  more than
$250,000 of annual revenue or expense other than in accordance with their terms;

                      (J) Declared,  set aside, or paid any dividend or made any
other  distribution  or payment with respect to any shares of its capital  stock
or, directly or indirectly,  redeemed,  repurchased,  or otherwise  acquired any
shares of its capital stock or made any commitment for any such action;

                      (K) Suffered any material  casualty or loss not covered by
insurance;

                      (L) Made any  material  change  in  applicable  accounting
principles;

                      (M)  Closed  any  location  from  which  it  operated  its
business, except in the ordinary course of business; or

                      (N) Entered into any  agreement or commitment to do any of
the foregoing.

                  3.15 LICENSES; PERMITS; CERTIFICATES OF NEED.  Rotech and each
Rotech Subsidiary, as applicable,  hold all licenses,  certificates of need, and
other  governmental or other  regulatory  permits,  authorizations  or approvals
required for the operation of Rotech's  business  ("Licenses").  Exhibit 3.15 to
the Rotech Disclosure Schedule sets forth a description of all Licenses that are
material  to the  operation  of the  business  of  Rotech  or any of the  Rotech
Subsidiaries.  Rotech and the Rotech Subsidiaries own, possess or otherwise have
the  exclusive  legal  right to use the  Licenses,  free and clear of all liens,
pledges,  claims or other encumbrances of any nature whatsoever.  Rotech and the
Rotech  Subsidiaries  are not in material  default under any such  License,  and
neither Rotech nor any Rotech Subsidiary has received any notice of any material
default or any other material claim or proceeding  relating to any such License.
Each  License is in full force and  effect,  and  neither  Rotech nor any of the
Rotech  Subsidiaries  has received written notice of any proceeding to terminate
or suspend any License or of any  condition  or event which,  if uncured,  would
result  in the  termination  or  suspension  of any  License.  Any and all  past
litigation  concerning any Licenses,  and all claims and causes of action raised
therein,  have  been  finally  adjudicated,  and in the case of such  litigation
finally   adjudicated   since  the  date  of  the  Rotech  Balance  Sheet,  such
adjudication  has not had a  material  adverse  effect on  Rotech or any  Rotech
Subsidiary.  Except  as set  forth  on  Exhibit  3.15 to the  Rotech  Disclosure
Schedule, no License has been revoked,  conditioned (except as

                                       11

<PAGE>

may  be  customary)  or  restricted,   and  no  action  (equitable,   legal,  or
administrative),  arbitration  or  other  process  is  pending,  or to the  best
knowledge of Rotech, threatened, which in any way challenges the validity of, or
seeks to revoke, condition, or restrict any License.


                  3.16     TITLE, CONDITION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

                           (A) Rotech and the Rotech  Subsidiaries have good and
marketable title to, or valid and subsisting  leasehold interests in, all of the
personal property located at their places of business or used in connection with
the operation of their businesses,  subject to no mortgage,  security  interest,
pledge, lien, claim,  encumbrance or charge, or restraint on transfer whatsoever
other than Permitted Liens (as defined below).  No other person has any right to
the use or  possession of any of such  property  which is owned and,  except for
those  which  evidence  Permitted  Liens,  Rotech has not  signed any  financing
statement or any security agreement  authorizing any secured party thereunder to
file any such  financing  statement.  All of such personal  property  comprising
equipment,  improvements,  furniture and other tangible personal property in use
by Rotech,  whether owned or leased, is in good operating  condition and repair,
subject to normal wear and tear,  and is  sufficient to enable Rotech to operate
its business in a manner  consistent  with its operation  during the immediately
preceding twelve (12) months.

                           (B)  Except as set forth on  Exhibit  3.16(b)  to the
Rotech Disclosure Schedule,  no tangible personal property used by Rotech or any
of the Rotech  Subsidiaries  in connection with the operation of its business is
subject to a lease,  conditional sale,  security interest or similar arrangement
which requires  annual  payments in excess of $100,000.  Rotech has delivered to
IHS a complete  and  correct  copy of each of the  leases  and other  agreements
listed  on  Exhibit  3.16(b)  to the  Rotech  Disclosure  Schedule.  All of said
personal  property leases are valid,  binding and enforceable in accordance with
their  respective  terms  and are in full  force  and  effect.  Rotech is not in
default (defined as the occurrence of an event under the applicable lease which,
when added to  defaults  under any other such lease,  would cause  Rotech or any
Rotech  Subsidiary to suffer  liability in an amount in excess of $500,000 on an
aggregate  basis)  under any of such  leases  and  there has not been  asserted,
either by or against  Rotech  under any of such  leases,  any written  notice of
default,  set-off,  or claim of default.  To the best  knowledge of Rotech,  the
parties to such leases other than Rotech are not in default of their  respective
obligations under any of such leases, and there has not occurred any event which
with the passage of time or giving of notice (or both) would  constitute  such a
default or breach under any of such leases.

                           (C)      "Permitted Liens" shall mean:

                                    (i)  carriers',  warehouseman's,  mechanics,
materialmen's, repairmen's or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of
business  which  are (i) not  overdue  for a period of more than 30 days or (ii)
which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, provided
that if such contest shall  continue for more than 30 days,  the amount  thereof
shall be bonded or properly reserved against at the end of such 30-day period;

                                    (ii) deposits to secure the  performance  of
bids,  trade  contracts  (other  than for  borrowed  money),  leases,  statutory
obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of
like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;

                                    (iii) pledges or deposits in connection with
worker's  compensation,   unemployment  insurance,  and  other  social  security
legislation;

                                       12

<PAGE>

                                    (iv) liens securing obligations of less than
$100,000 and which in the aggregate are not material and which do not materially
affect the continued used of the property to which such liens attach; and

                                    (V) liens  described  on Exhibit  3.16(c) to
the Rotech Disclosure Schedule.


                  3.17     TITLE, CONDITION OF THE ROTECH REAL PROPERTY. 

                           (A) Exhibit  3.17 to the Rotech  Disclosure  Schedule
identifies  all real  property  owned or leased  by Rotech or any of the  Rotech
Subsidiaries (the "Rotech Real Property").  Rotech and the Rotech  Subsidiaries,
as the case may be, have good and marketable  title to the Rotech Real Property,
free and clear of all liens, claims, charges, easements, encumbrances, and title
exceptions of any kind whatsoever except for Permitted Liens.

                           (B) Except as set forth on Exhibit 3.17, there are no
leases  or other  agreements  granting  to any  third  party the right to use or
occupy any of the Rotech Real Property and no person has any ownership  interest
or option or right of first  refusal  (which has not been waived) to acquire any
ownership  interest  in any of the  Rotech  Real  Property  or any  building  or
improvements thereon;

                           (C) No written  notices of violation have been issued
by any  governmental  authority and remain in effect which prohibit the existing
use of the structures presently comprising the Rotech Real Property;

                           (D) To the  knowledge  of  Rotech,  there is no plan,
study,  or effort by any  governmental  authority  or agency  which would in any
material way affect the present use or zoning of any of the Rotech Real Property
or any part thereof.  To the knowledge of Rotech,  there are no  assessments  or
proposed assessments and there is no existing,  proposed or contemplated plan to
widen,  modify, or realign any street or highway or any existing,  proposed,  or
contemplated  eminent domain  proceedings  that would in any material way affect
any of the Rotech Real Property;

                           (E) The buildings and other  improvements  comprising
the Rotech Real Property and all of their systems, including without limitation,
the  heating,  ventilating,  and air  conditioning  systems,  and the  plumbing,
electrical,  mechanical,  and drainage systems,  and roofs are in good operating
condition, repair, and working order, normal wear and tear excepted;

                           (F) No assessment  for public  improvements  has been
made against any of the Rotech Real Property that remains unpaid;

                           (G) All public  utilities  required for the operation
of any  parcel  of Rotech  Real  Property  either  enter  the  property  through
adjoining public streets,  or if they pass through  adjoining private land do so
in  accordance  with valid  easements.  Each parcel of Rotech  Real  Property is
adjacent to or has access to an abutting street;

                           (H) There are no easements  traversing  or contiguous
to any of the Rotech Real Property which interfere in any material  respect with
the use and operation of the Rotech Real Property; and

                                       13

<PAGE>

                      (I) Neither Rotech nor any of the Rotech  Subsidiaries has
received  any written  notice of material  noncompliance  from any  governmental
authority  regarding  any of the  improvements  constructed  at the Rotech  Real
Property or the use or occupancy thereof which remains uncured.

                  3.18  LEGAL  PROCEEDINGS.   Other than as set forth on Exhibit
3.18 to the Rotech Disclosure Schedule,  there are no claims,  actions, suits or
proceedings or arbitrations,  either administrative or judicial, pending, or, to
the knowledge of Rotech,  overtly  threatened against or affecting Rotech or any
of the Rotech  Subsidiaries,  or Rotech's ability to consummate the transactions
contemplated herein, at law or in equity or otherwise, before or by any court or
governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, or before an arbitrator of any
kind.

                  3.19  INSURANCE  AND SURETY  AGREEMENTS.   Exhibit 3.19 to the
Rotech Disclosure Schedule contains a true and correct list of: (a) all material
policies of fire, liability and other forms of insurance held or owned by Rotech
(including  but not  limited to  medical  malpractice  insurance,  and any state
sponsored  plan or program  for  worker's  compensation);  and (b) all  material
bonds,  indemnity agreements and other agreements of suretyship made for or held
by  Rotech,  including  a brief  description  of the  character  of the  bond or
agreement and the name of the surety or  indemnifying  party.  Exhibit 3.19 sets
forth for each such  insurance  policy  the name of the  insurer,  the amount of
coverage,  the type of insurance,  the policy  number,  the annual premium and a
brief description of the nature of insurance included under each such policy and
of any claims made thereunder during the past two years. Such policies are owned
by and payable  solely to Rotech or a Rotech  Subsidiary,  and said  policies or
renewals or  replacements  thereof will be outstanding  and duly in force at the
Closing Date.  All insurance  policies  listed on Exhibit 3.19 are in full force
and effect,  all premiums due on or before the Closing Date have been or will be
paid,  financed  or accrued on or before the Closing  Date,  Rotech has not been
advised by any of its insurance  carriers of an intention to terminate or modify
any such  policies  other than under  circumstances  where Rotech has received a
commitment for a replacement policy, nor has Rotech failed to comply with any of
the material conditions contained in any such policies.

                  3.20  COMPLIANCE  WITH LAWS IN GENERAL.  Rotech is in material
compliance with all Governmental  Requirements  (as defined herein).  Except for
notices  of  non-compliance  as to which  Rotech  has  taken  corrective  action
acceptable to the applicable  governmental  agency,  and as set forth in Exhibit
3.20 to the Rotech  Disclosure  Schedule,  neither  Rotech nor any of the Rotech
Subsidiaries  has, within the period of twelve months preceding the date of this
Agreement,  received any written notice that Rotech or such subsidiary  fails to
comply in any material  respect with any  applicable  Federal,  state,  local or
other  governmental  laws  or  ordinances,  or any  applicable  order,  rule  or
regulation  of any Federal,  state,  local or other  governmental  agency having
jurisdiction over their businesses ("Governmental  Requirements").  Rotech shall
report to IHS, within ten (10) business days after receipt thereof,  any written
notices  that  Rotech  or any  Rotech  Subsidiary  is not in  compliance  in any
material respect with any of the foregoing.

                  3.21  COMMISSIONS  AND FEES.  Except for fees payable to Smith
Barney Inc. ("Smith Barney") pursuant to the engagement letter dated January 30,
1997, there are no valid claims for brokerage commissions or finder's or similar
fees in connection  with the  transactions  contemplated  by this Plan of Merger
which  may be now or  hereafter  asserted  against  IHS,  Rotech  or any  Rotech
Subsidiary resulting from any action taken by Rotech or its officers, directors,
or agents, or any of them.

                  3.22 OPINION OF FINANCIAL  ADVISOR.  The Board of Directors of
Rotech has received an opinion of Smith Barney dated the date of this

                                       14

<PAGE>

Agreement, to the effect that, as of such date, the Exchange Ratio is fair, from
a financial  point of view,  to the holders of Rotech  Common  Stock (the "Smith
Barney Opinion").

                  3.23 VOTE REQUIRED.  The affirmative  vote of the holders of a
majority of the  outstanding  Rotech Shares entitled to vote thereon is the only
vote of the  holders  of any class or series  of Rotech  capital  stock or other
securities (including debt securities) necessary to approve this Plan of Merger,
the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  3.24 INVENTORY.  Rotech  has  recorded  its  inventory  on the
Rotech  Balance  Sheet  in  accordance   with  generally   accepted   accounting
principles,  consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments.
The  inventory  reflected in the Rotech  Balance Sheet and not disposed of since
such  date is of good  and  merchantable  quality,  of a  quantity  and  quality
saleable  in  the  ordinary   course  of  business  of  Rotech  and  the  Rotech
Subsidiaries in accordance  with past practices,  and is adequate as of the date
hereof for the business of Rotech and the Rotech Subsidiaries as conducted as of
such date.

                  3.25 EQUIPMENT.  Equipment  used  by  Rotech  and  the  Rotech
Subsidiaries  in the conduct of their business is, as of the date hereof,  taken
as a whole in good operating  condition  (reasonable wear and tear excepted) and
is sufficient to carry on the business of Rotech and the Rotech  Subsidiaries in
the ordinary course as it is presently conducted.

                  3.26 TAX RETURNS.

                       (A)  Except as set forth on  Exhibit  3.26 to the  Rotech
Disclosure Schedule, (i) all Tax (as defined below) returns, statements, reports
and forms or  extensions  with  respect  thereto  required  to be filed with any
Federal,  state,  local  or  other  governmental  department  or  court or other
authority having  jurisdiction over it  ("Governmental  Authority") on or before
the  Closing  Date  by  or  on  behalf  of  Rotech  or  any  Rotech   Subsidiary
(collectively,  the "Tax  Returns"),  have  been or will be  timely  filed on or
before  the  Closing  Date in  accordance  in all  material  respects  with  all
applicable   Governmental   Requirements;   and  (ii)   Rotech  and  the  Rotech
Subsidiaries  have  timely  paid  all  Taxes  payable  by them,  except  for Tax
obligations  which in any one  instance  do not exceed  $50,000 and which do not
exceed $250,000 in the aggregate.

                       (B) For purposes of this  Agreement,  "Tax" means any net
income, gross income, sales, use, franchise, personal, or real property tax.

                  3.27 ENCUMBRANCES  CREATED BY THIS  AGREEMENT.  Execution  and
delivery of this Agreement, or any of Rotech's Transaction Documents,  does not,
and the  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby or thereby will
not,  create any liens or other  encumbrances  on any assets of Rotech or any of
the Rotech Subsidiaries in favor of third parties.

                  3.28 NO  UNTRUE  STATEMENT.  None of the  representations  and
warranties  made  pursuant to this  Agreement  contains any untrue  statement of
material  fact or omits  to state a  material  fact  necessary,  in light of the
circumstance  under which it was made, in order to make any such  representation
not misleading in any material respect.

                  3.29 LEASEHOLD   INTERESTS.   Exhibit   3.29  to  the   Rotech
Disclosure  Schedule  sets  forth a  complete  and  correct  list of all  leases
pursuant to which Rotech or any of the Rotech Subsidiaries leases

                                       15

<PAGE>

real  property.  Except as set forth on Schedule  3.29, the change of control of
Rotech or any of the Rotech  Subsidiaries  as a result of the Merger will not be
deemed an assignment or other  transfer of the tenant's  interest under any such
lease which would require consent of the landlord thereunder. Each of Rotech and
the Rotech  Subsidiaries has valid leasehold interests in all such real property
free and  clear of all  liens,  claims,  charges  and  encumbrances  of any kind
whatsoever,  except for  Permitted  Liens.  Rotech has provided to IHS access to
complete and correct copies of the leases identified in Exhibit 3.29.

                  3.30 BINDING  EFFECT.   This  Agreement  and  all  Transaction
Documents executed by Rotech constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations
of such party,  enforceable  against Rotech in accordance with their  respective
terms,  subject to applicable  bankruptcy and insolvency laws and laws affecting
creditors' rights and the enforcement thereof generally.

                  3.31 QUESTIONABLE PAYMENTS. Rotech and the Rotech Subsidiaries
have not made, and no employee,  agent, or other  representative of any of them,
and no affiliate of Rotech,  (a) has used any corporate  funds of Rotech to make
any illegal or unlawful payment to any officer, employee, representative,  agent
of any  government,  or to any political party or official  thereof,  including,
without limitation, any of same that would violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act of 1977, as amended; or (b) has made or received any illegal payment, bribe,
kickback,  political  contribution or other similar questionable payment for any
referrals or  recommendations  or otherwise in connection  with the operation of
Rotech's business, and no director, officer, or controlling person of Rotech has
done any of the  foregoing,  whether or not in connection  with the operation of
Rotech's business.

                  3.32 COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTHCARE  LAWS.  Except as set forth on
Exhibit 3.32 to the Rotech Disclosure Schedule,  Rotech, the Rotech Subsidiaries
and  each of their  licensed  employees  is in  compliance  with all  applicable
statutes,  laws, ordinances,  rules, orders, and regulations of any governmental
authority  with  respect to  regulatory  matters  primarily  relating to patient
healthcare (including without limitation Section 1128B(b) of the Social Security
Act,  as  amended,  42 U.S.C.  Section  WP-7(b)  (Criminal  Penalties  Involving
Medicare or State  Health Care  Programs)  commonly  referred to as the "Federal
Anti-Kickback Statute" and The Social Security Act, as amended, Section 1877, 42
U.S.C. Section WP (Prohibition Against Certain Referrals),  commonly referred to
as "Stark Statute")  (collectively,  "Healthcare  Laws").  Rotech and the Rotech
Subsidiaries  have maintained all records  required to be maintained by the Food
and Drug  Administration,  Drug Enforcement  Agency and State Boards of Pharmacy
and the  Medicare  and Medicaid  programs as required by  applicable  Healthcare
Laws,  and,  to  the  knowledge  of  Rotech,  there  are no  presently  existing
circumstances  which  would  result or likely  would  result  in  violations  of
Healthcare  laws which could  reasonably be expected to have a material  adverse
effect on Rotech and the Rotech  Subsidiaries taken as a whole.  Exhibit 3.32 to
the  Rotech  Disclosure  Schedule  includes  a copy  of the IHS  healthcare  law
questionnaire which has been accurately completed by Rotech and does not contain
any material misstatement of any fact and does not omit any fact that would have
to be  stated  in  order  not to  render  any  response  to  such  questionnaire
materially misleading.

                  3.33 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Rotech and the Rotech Subsidiaries
are  in  compliance  in  all  material  respects  with  all  environmental  laws
applicable to them and their business and assets, including, without limitation,
the  Resource   Conversation  and  Recovery  Act  of  1976,  the   Comprehensive
Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the Federal Water
Pollution  Control Act (as amended by the Clean  Water Act),  the Federal  Toxic
Substances Act and the Clean Air Act, each as amended to date.

                                       16

<PAGE>

            ARTICLE IV: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MERGER SUB

         Merger Sub and IHS, jointly and severally, hereby represent and warrant
to Rotech as follows:

                  4.1  ORGANIZATION, EXISTENCE, AND CAPITAL STOCK. Merger Sub is
a corporation  duly organized and validly existing and is in good standing under
the laws of the State of Florida.  Merger Sub's  authorized  capital consists of
1,000 shares of Common Stock,  par value $.01 per share, all of which shares are
issued and registered in the name of IHS.

                  4.2  POWER AND AUTHORITY.  Merger Sub has the corporate  power
to execute,  deliver,  and perform  this Plan of Merger and all  agreements  and
other documents executed and delivered,  or to be executed and delivered,  by it
pursuant  to this  Plan of  Merger,  and,  subject  to the  satisfaction  of the
conditions  precedent set forth herein,  has taken all actions  required by law,
its  Certificate of  Incorporation,  its By-laws or otherwise,  to authorize the
execution  and  delivery  of this Plan of  Merger  and such  related  documents.
Execution  and  delivery  of this Plan of Merger  does not and,  subject  to the
receipt of required  regulatory  approvals  and any other  required  third-party
consents or approvals,  the consummation of the merger  contemplated hereby will
not,  violate any provisions of the Certificate of  Incorporation  or By-laws of
Merger Sub, or any  agreement,  instrument,  order,  judgment or decree to which
Merger Sub is a party or by which it is bound,  violate any  restrictions of any
kind to which  Merger Sub is  subject,  or result in the  creation  of any lien,
charge or encumbrance upon any of the property or assets of Merger Sub.

                  4.3  COMMISSIONS  AND FEES.  There are no claims for brokerage
commissions,  investment  bankers' fees or finder's fees in connection  with the
transaction  contemplated by this Plan of Merger resulting from any action taken
by Merger Sub or any of its officers, Directors, or agents.

                  4.4  NO  SUBSIDIARIES.  Merger  Sub does not own stock in, and
does not control directly or indirectly,  any other corporation,  association or
business  organization.  Merger  Sub is not a  party  to any  joint  venture  or
partnership.

                  4.5  LEGAL  PROCEEDINGS.  There  are  no  actions,  suits,  or
proceedings  pending or  threatened  against  Merger  Sub,  at law or in equity,
relating to or affecting Merger Sub, including the Merger.

                  4.6  NO CONTRACTS OR  LIABILITIES.  Other than the obligations
created under this Plan of Merger,  Merger Sub has no obligations or liabilities
(contingent  or  otherwise)  under any  contracts,  claims,  leases,  loans,  or
otherwise.

                ARTICLE V: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF IHS

         IHS represents and warrants to Rotech as follows:

                  5.1  ORGANIZATION  AND STANDING OF IHS.  IHS is a  corporation
duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the
State of Delaware.  Copies of IHS's Articles of Incorporation  and By-Laws,  and
all amendments  thereof to date,  have been delivered to Rotech and are complete
and correct.  IHS has the power and authority to own the property and assets now
owned by it and to conduct the business presently being conducted by it.

                                       17

<PAGE>


                  5.2  IHS CAPITAL STOCK.  IHS's authorized  capital consists of
(i)  150,000,000  shares of Common  Stock,  par value $.001 per share,  of which
24,665,489  shares are issued and  outstanding as of March 31, 1997, and none of
which  shares are held in  treasury,  and (ii)  15,000,000  shares of  Preferred
Stock, par value $.01 per share,  none of which are issued and outstanding.  All
of the issued and outstanding IHS Shares are duly and validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable. Except as set forth on Exhibit 5.2 to the Disclosure Schedule
delivered  to Rotech by IHS at the time of the  execution  and  delivery of this
Plan of Merger (the "IHS Disclosure  Schedule"),  as of May 31, 1997, there were
no options,  warrants,  or similar rights granted by IHS or any other agreements
to  which  IHS is a  party  providing  for  the  issuance  or  sale by it of any
additional  securities.   There  is  no  liability  for  dividends  declared  or
accumulated  but unpaid with  respect to any IHS Shares.  Except as set forth on
Exhibit 5.2 to the IHS Disclosure  Schedule,  since the date of the "IHS Balance
Sheet" (as defined in Section 5.9, below), except pursuant to options, warrants,
conversion rights or other contractual rights existing on such date, IHS has not
issued any shares of its capital  stock,  effected  any stock split or otherwise
changed its capitalization as it existed on such date.

                  5.3  SUBSIDIARIES.  Each operating  subsidiary of IHS (each an
"IHS Subsidiary" and  collectively,  the "IHS  Subsidiaries")  is a corporation,
partnership,  limited  partnership or limited  liability company duly organized,
validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of its  jurisdiction  of
incorporation.  Each IHS  Subsidiary has all necessary  corporate,  partnership,
limited  partnership or limited liability company,  as the case may be, power to
own its  properties  and  assets  and to  carry  on its  business  as  presently
conducted.  There are no  outstanding  options,  warrants,  or other  agreements
pursuant  to which any  person or entity has a right to acquire or be issued any
material  portion of the  capital  stock or other  material  interest in any IHS
Subsidiary  the  revenues  or assets of which are  material  to the  revenues or
assets of IHS and the IHS Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

                  5.4  FOREIGN   QUALIFICATIONS.    Each  of  IHS  and  the  IHS
Subsidiaries is qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good
standing in each  jurisdiction  where the nature or  character  of the  property
owned,  leased or operated by it or the nature of the business  transacted by it
makes such qualification necessary.

                  5.5  POWER AND AUTHORITY.  Subject to the  satisfaction of the
conditions  precedent set forth herein,  IHS has the corporate power to execute,
deliver and perform this Plan of Merger and all agreements  and other  documents
executed and  delivered  or to be executed and  delivered by it pursuant to this
Plan of Merger, and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions  precedent set
forth herein has taken all action required by its Certificate of  Incorporation,
by-laws or otherwise,  to authorize the execution,  delivery and  performance of
this Plan of Merger and such related  documents.  Except as set forth on Exhibit
5.5 to the IHS Disclosure  Schedule,  the execution and delivery of this Plan of
Merger does not and, subject to the receipt of required stockholder approval the
consummation of the Merger and the consummation of the transaction  contemplated
hereby will not,  violate any provisions of the Certificate of  Incorporation or
By-laws  of IHS or any  provisions  of,  or result  in the  acceleration  of any
obligation  under, any mortgage,  lien,  lease,  agreement,  instrument,  order,
arbitration award,  judgment, or decree, to which IHS or any IHS Subsidiary is a
party, or by which any of them is bound, or violate any restrictions of any kind
to which any of them are subject.  Execution and delivery of this Plan of Merger
has been approved by the Board of Directors of IHS.

                  5.6  CONSENTS.  Except as set forth on Exhibit  5.6 to the IHS
Disclosure Schedule, no authorization, consent, approval, license, exemption by,
filing or registration  with any court or governmental  department,  commission,
board,  bureau,  agency or  instrumentality,  domestic or foreign, is or will be
necessary in connection  with the  execution,  delivery and  performance of this
Agreement  or any

                                       18

<PAGE>

of the  Transaction  Documents  by IHS,  other than as may be  required by or on
behalf of Rotech or any  Rotech  Subsidiary  by reason of the  change of control
resulting from the Merger.

                  5.7  REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                           (A) IHS has timely  filed all reports  required to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to and in
accordance with the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended  (together with
the rules and regulations  promulgated  thereunder,  the "Exchange Act") and the
applicable rules of the NYSE, since January 1, 1995 (collectively, as heretofore
amended, the "IHS SEC Reports"), and has previously furnished to Rotech true and
complete copies of all such IHS SEC Reports.  None of such reports,  as of their
respective  dates,  contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted
to state a material fact required to be stated  therein or necessary to make the
statements  therein,  in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not
misleading. Each of the balance sheets (including the related notes) included in
the IHS SEC Reports fairly presents the consolidated  financial  position of IHS
and the IHS  Subsidiaries  as of the  respective  dates  thereof,  and the other
related consolidated financial statements (including the related notes) included
therein  fairly  present the results of operations and cash flows of IHS and the
IHS  Subsidiaries  for the respective  periods or as of the respective dates set
forth therein, all in conformity with GAAP except as otherwise noted therein.

                           (B) Each of the balance  sheets  included in the "IHS
Quarterly  Financial  Statements" (as defined in Section 7.9) fairly presents or
will present, as the case may be, the consolidated financial position of IHS and
the IHS Subsidiaries as of the respective  dates thereof,  and the other related
consolidated  financial  statements  included  therein  fairly  present  or will
present,  as the case may be, the  consolidated  results of operations  and cash
flows  of IHS  and the IHS  Subsidiaries,  taken  as a  whole,  for the  periods
reflected  therein.  The balance sheets and statements of income included in the
IHS Quarterly  Financial  Statements  have been prepared in accordance with GAAP
except for the notes thereto (if any).

                           (C) There are no material  liabilities of IHS and the
IHS  Subsidiaries  on a  consolidated  basis which are not  reserved  against or
disclosed in the balance  sheet dated as of March 31, 1997,  included in the IHS
SEC Reports (the "IHS  Balance  Sheet"),  as of the date thereof  whether or not
they are required to be so reserved or disclosed under GAAP.

                           (D) The consolidated financial statements included in
the IHS SEC Reports do not reflect any material  non-recurring  or extraordinary
income not identified therein.

                  5.8  MEDICARE  AND  MEDICAID   PROGRAMS.    IHS  and  the  IHS
Subsidiaries,  to the extent  necessary  to conduct  their  business in a manner
consistent with past practice,  are qualified for  participation in Medicare and
Medicaid  programs.  IHS and the IHS Subsidiaries have no liability with respect
to  recoupment  from the Medicare or Medicaid  programs or any other third party
reimbursement  source that would  materially  exceed the reserves or  allowances
made  therefor  as set forth on the  financial  Statements  included  in the IHS
Balance Sheet, and IHS has no knowledge for the assertion of any such recoupment
claim that arose out of any transactions completed prior to the date hereof, and
no material Medicare or Medicaid investigation,  survey, or audit is pending or,
to the  knowledge  of IHS,  threatened  with  respect  to the  operation  of the
business of IHS or any of the IHS  Subsidiaries,  except to the extent that such
investigation,  survey, or audit is routine and is not reasonably likely to have
a material adverse effect on IHS and the IHS Subsidiaries.  None of IHS, the IHS
Subsidiaries  or, to the  knowledge of IHS,  their  licensed  employees has been
convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any criminal  offense related
to any Medicare or Medicaid  program while such person was an employee of IHS or
an IHS Subsidiary or after the termination of such person's employment by IHS or
such  subsidiary for acts committed  while employed by IHS or an IHS Subsidiary,
and, to the knowledge of IHS,  none of such  employees has committed any offense

                                       19

<PAGE>


which  may  serve as the basis for  suspension  or  exclusion  of IHS or any IHS
Subsidiary  from the  Medicare  and Medicaid  programs.  Since  January 1, 1996,
neither IHS nor any IHS  Subsidiary has received any notice from the Medicare or
Medicaid  programs or any other third party  reimbursement  source to the effect
that the basis on which it  receives  reimbursement  for its  services  is to be
changed.

                  5.9  CONTRACTS,   ETC.    All  material   contracts,   leases,
agreements,  and  arrangements to which IHS or any IHS Subsidiary is a party are
legally valid,  binding,  and  enforceable in accordance with their terms and in
full force and  effect,  and IHS has  provided  Rotech with the  opportunity  to
review and copy all such  documents.  IHS and the IHS  Subsidiaries  and, to the
knowledge of IHS, all other parties to such  contracts,  leases,  agreements and
arrangements  have complied in all material respects with the provisions of such
contracts,   leases,  agreements,   and  arrangements,   and  IHS  and  the  IHS
Subsidiaries are not and, to the knowledge of IHS, no other party is, in default
thereunder,  and no event has occurred which, but for the passage of time or the
giving of notice or both, would constitute a default thereunder, except, in each
case, when the invalidity of the lease, contract,  agreement, or arrangement, or
the default or breach thereunder,  would not,  individually or in the aggregate,
have a  material  adverse  effect  on IHS and the IHS  Subsidiaries,  taken as a
whole.

                  5.10 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS. Except as set forth on Exhibit 5.10 to
the IHS Disclosure  Schedule or as contemplated by this Plan of Merger,  IHS has
not, since the date of the IHS Balance Sheet:

                           (A) incurred any material adverse change;

                           (B)  Through  the date of this  Plan of  Merger,  and
except for this Plan of Merger and any other  agreement  delivered  pursuant  to
this Plan of Merger,  entered  into any material  transaction  other than in the
ordinary course of business;

                           (C) Through  the date of this Plan of Merger,  issued
in any material amount any stock,  bonds, or other  securities or any options or
rights to purchase any of its securities  other than in connection with existing
agreements;

                           (D)  Suffered  any  material  casualty  or  loss  not
covered by insurance;

                           (E) Made any material change in applicable accounting
principles;

                           (F) Closed any  location  from which it operated  any
material part of its business; or

                           (G) Entered into any  agreement or  commitment  to do
any of the  foregoing.

                  5.11 LEGAL  PROCEEDINGS.  Other  than as set forth on  Exhibit
5.11 to the IHS  Disclosure  Schedule,  there are no claims,  actions,  suits or
proceedings or arbitrations,  either administrative or judicial, pending, or, to
the knowledge of IHS, overtly  threatened against or affecting IHS or any of the
IHS Subsidiaries,  or IHS's ability to consummate the transactions  contemplated
herein, at law or in equity or otherwise, before or by any court or governmental
agency or body, domestic or foreign, or before an arbitrator of any kind.

                  5.12 COMPLIANCE  WITH  LAWS  IN  GENERAL.  IHS is in  material
compliance with all Governmental  Requirements  (as defined herein).  Except for
notices of non-compliance as to which IHS has taken corrective action acceptable
to the applicable governmental agency, neither IHS nor any of the

                                       20

<PAGE>

IHS  Subsidiaries  has, within the period of twelve months preceding the date of
this Agreement, received any written notice that IHS or such subsidiary fails to
comply in any material  respect with any  applicable  Federal,  state,  local or
other  governmental  laws  or  ordinances,  or any  applicable  order,  rule  or
regulation  of any Federal,  state,  local or other  governmental  agency having
jurisdiction  over their  businesses  ("Governmental  Requirements").  IHS shall
report to Rotech,  within five (5)  business  days after  receipt  thereof,  any
written  notices  that IHS or any IHS  Subsidiary  is not in  compliance  in any
material respect with any of the foregoing.

                  5.13 COMMISSIONS   AND  FEES.   Except  for  fees  payable  to
Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette  Securities  Corporation  pursuant to the engagement
letter dated July 2, 1997,  there are no valid claims for brokerage  commissions
or finder's or similar fees in connection with the transactions  contemplated by
this Plan of Merger  which may be now or hereafter  asserted  against IHS or any
IHS  Subsidiary  resulting  from  any  action  taken  by IHS  or  its  officers,
directors, or agents, or any of them.

                  5.14 FAIRNESS  OPINION.  The  Board  of  Directors  of IHS has
received from Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation an opinion (the
"IHS Fairness  Opinion")  dated of even date herewith that the Exchange Ratio is
fair to the stockholders of IHS from a financial point of view.

                  5.15 VOTE REQUIRED.  The affirmative  vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding IHS Shares entitled to vote thereon is the only vote
of the holders of any class or series of IHS capital stock  necessary to approve
this Plan of Merger, the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  5.16 NO UNTRUE  STATEMENT.   None of the  representations  and
warranties  made  pursuant to this  Agreement  contains any untrue  statement of
material  fact or omits  to state a  material  fact  necessary,  in light of the
circumstance  under which it was made, in order to make any such  representation
not misleading in any material respect.

                  5.17 BINDING  EFFECT.   This  Agreement  and  all  Transaction
Documents executed by IHS constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of
such party, enforceable against IHS in accordance with their respective terms.

                  5.18 QUESTIONABLE PAYMENTS.  IHS and the IHS Subsidiaries have
not made, and no employee, agent, or other representative of any of them, and no
affiliate of IHS, (a) has used any corporate funds of IHS to make any illegal or
unlawful  payment  to  any  officer,  employee,  representative,  agent  of  any
government,  or to any political party or official thereof,  including,  without
limitation,  any of same that would violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of
1977,  as amended;  or (b) has made or  received  any  illegal  payment,  bribe,
kickback,  political  contribution or other similar questionable payment for any
referrals or  recommendations  or otherwise in connection  with the operation of
IHS's business, and no director,  officer, or controlling person of IHS has done
any of the foregoing,  whether or not in connection  with the operation of IHS's
business.

                  5.19 COMPLIANCE   WITH   HEALTHCARE   LAWS.   IHS,   the   IHS
Subsidiaries,  and each of their  licensed  employees is in compliance  with all
applicable  statutes,  laws,  ordinances,  rules, orders, and regulations of any
governmental  authority with respect to regulatory matters primarily relating to
patient healthcare  (including without limitation Section 1128B(b) of the Social
Security Act, as amended, 42

                                       21

<PAGE>

U.S.C.  Section WP-7(b) (Criminal  Penalties  Involving Medicare or State Health
Care Programs) commonly referred to as the "Federal  Anti-Kickback  Statute" and
The  Social  Security  Act,  as  amended,  Section  1877,  42 U.S.C.  Section WP
(Prohibition  Against  Certain  Referrals),   commonly  referred  to  as  "Stark
Statute")  (collectively,  "Healthcare Laws"). IHS and the IHS Subsidiaries have
maintained  all  records  required  to  be  maintained  by  the  Food  and  Drug
Administration,  Drug  Enforcement  Agency and State  Boards of Pharmacy and the
Medicare and Medicaid  programs as required by applicable  Healthcare Laws, and,
to the knowledge of IHS,  there are no presently  existing  circumstances  which
would result or likely would result in violations of Healthcare laws which could
reasonably  be  expected  to have a material  adverse  effect on IHS and the IHS
Subsidiaries.  Exhibit 5.19 to the IHS Disclosure  Schedule sets forth a copy of
the Rotech healthcare law questionnaire  which has been accurately  completed by
IHS and does not contain any material misstatement of any fact and does not omit
any fact that  would have to be stated in order not to render  any  response  to
such questionnaire materially misleading.

                  5.20 INSURANCE COVERAGE.  All insurance policies of IHS are in
full force and effect,  contain  coverage in amounts and against such losses and
risks as are generally maintained by comparable businesses,  all premiums due on
or before the Closing Date have been or will be paid,  financed or accrued on or
before  the  Closing  Date,  IHS has not been  advised  by any of its  insurance
carriers of an intention to  terminate  or modify any such  policies  other than
under  circumstances  where IHS has  received  a  commitment  for a  replacement
policy,  nor has IHS  failed  to  comply  with  any of the  material  conditions
contained in any such policies.

                  5.21 MERGER SUB COMMON STOCK.  IHS owns,  beneficially  and of
record, all of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock, par value $.01
per share,  of Merger Sub (the  "Merger  Sub Common  Stock")  which are  validly
issued  and  outstanding,  fully paid and  nonassessable,  free and clear of all
liens and  encumbrances.  IHS has the  corporate  power to endorse and surrender
such hares of Merger Sub Common  Stock for  conversion  pursuant to this Plan of
Merger.  IHS has, or will by the Effective Time have,  taken all such actions as
may be required in its capacity as the sole stockholder of Merger Sub to approve
the Merger.

                  5.22 REGULATORY  APPROVALS.  IHS and each IHS Subsidiary holds
all licenses,  permits,  certificates  of need, and other  regulatory  approvals
required or  necessary  to be applied for or  obtained  in  connection  with its
business  as  presently  conducted  or as  proposed  to be  conducted.  All such
licenses, permits, certificates of need, and other regulatory approvals relating
to the business,  operations, and facilities of IHS and the IHS Subsidiaries are
in full force and effect. Except as may be disclosed on Schedule 5.11 to the IHS
Disclosure  Schedule,  any and all past  litigation  concerning  such  licenses,
permits,  certificates  of need,  and regulatory  approvals,  and all claims and
causes of action raised therein have been finally adjudicated.  No such license,
permit,   certificate  of  need,  or  regulatory   approval  has  been  revoked,
conditioned  (except as may be customary)  or  restricted in any manner,  and no
action (equitable,  legal, or  administrative),  arbitration or other process is
pending,  or to the  best  knowledge  of  IHS,  threatened,  which  in  any  way
challenges the validity of, or seeks to revoke,  condition, or restrict any such
license,  permit,  certificate  of need,  or  regulatory  approval.  Subject  to
compliance with applicable securities laws and the  Hart-Scott-Rodino  Antitrust
Improvements  Act of 1976 (the "HSR Act"),  the  consummation of the Merger will
not violate any legal restriction to which IHS or an IHS Subsidiary is subject.

                  5.23 ACCOUNTS  RECEIVABLE.  Since the date of the IHS  Balance
Sheet,  IHS has not  changed  any  principle  or  practice  with  respect to the
recordation of accounts  receivable,  calculation of reserves  therefor,  or any
material collection, discount or write-off policy or procedure. IHS is in

                                       22

<PAGE>

substantial  compliance with the terms and conditions of all  third-party  payer
arrangements relating to its accounts receivable.

                  5.24 RETIREMENT OR  RE-ACQUISITION  OF IHS COMMON STOCK.  None
of IHS and the IHS  Subsidiaries  has agreed directly or indirectly to retire or
re-acquire  all or part of the shares of IHS Common  Stock  issued  pursuant  to
Section 2.1 hereof.

                  5.25 TRADEMARKS.  There are no claims or  proceedings  pending
or, to the knowledge of IHS,  overtly  threatened  against IHS or any of the IHS
Subsidiaries asserting that the use of any of the trademarks,  service marks, or
applications  for any of the same,  copyrights,  and other items of intellectual
property  that are owned,  possessed  or used by and which are  material  to IHS
infringes the rights of any other  person,  and, to the knowledge of IHS, IHS is
not infringing in any material  respect on the  intellectual  property rights of
any other person.

                  5.26 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS; EMPLOYMENT MATTERS.

                       (A) Any (i) bonus or other type of incentive compensation
plan, program, or arrangement  (whether or not set forth in a written document),
(ii)  pension,   profit-sharing,   retirement,   or  other  plan,   program,  or
arrangement,   and  (iii)  stock  ownership,   stock  purchase,  phantom  stock,
retirement, vacation, severance, disability, death benefit, hospitalization,  or
any other employee  benefit plan, fund, or program,  including,  but not limited
to, those  described in Section 3(3) of ERISA,  established or maintained by IHS
or which  IHS is  obligated  to make  contributions  to or  under  or  otherwise
participate in (individually,  a "IHS Plan" and  collectively,  the "IHS Plans")
has been operated and administered in all material  respects in accordance with,
as  applicable,  ERISA,  the Age  Discrimination  in Employment  Act of 1967, as
amended, and the related rules and regulations adopted by those federal agencies
responsible for the administration of such laws. No act or failure to act by IHS
or any IHS Subsidiary has resulted in a "prohibited  transaction" (as defined in
ERISA)  with  respect to the IHS Plans that is not  subject  to a  statutory  or
regulatory exception.  No "reportable event" (as defined in ERISA, but excluding
any event for which notice is waived under the ERISA  regulations)  has occurred
with  respect to any of the IHS Plans which is subject to Title IV of ERISA.  No
IHS Plan has any  accumulated  funding  deficiency  or  liability to the Pension
Benefit  Guaranty  Corporation.  Neither IHS nor any of the IHS Subsidiaries has
previously  made, is currently  making,  or is obligated in any way to make, any
contributions   to  any   multi-employer   plan   within  the   meaning  of  the
Multi-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980.

                       (B)  During  the two  years  prior to the  Closing  Date,
except to the extent that any of the foregoing would not have a material adverse
effect  on IHS and the IHS  Subsidiaries  taken  as a whole,  there  has been no
material  adverse change in the  relationship  between IHS and its employees nor
any strike or material  labor  disturbance  by such  employees  affecting  IHS's
business  and,  to the  knowledge  of IHS,  there is no  indication  that such a
change, strike, or labor disturbance is likely.

                  5.27 ENVIRONMENTAL  MATTERS.  IHS and the IHS Subsidiaries are
in compliance with all environmental  laws applicable to them and their business
and  assets,  including,  without  limitation,  the  Resource  Conversation  and
Recovery Act of 1976, the Comprehensive  Environmental Response Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980,  the Federal Water  Pollution  Control Act (as amended by
the Clean Water Act),  the Federal Toxic  Substances  Act and the Clean Air Act,
each as amended to

                                       23

<PAGE>

date, except where the failure to be in compliance with such laws would not have
a material adverse effect on IHS and the IHS Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

                  5.28 IHS COMMON STOCK.  On the Closing  Date,  IHS will have a
sufficient  number of  authorized  but unissued  and/or  treasury  shares of its
Common  Stock  available  for  issuance  to the  holders  of  Rotech  Shares  in
accordance  with the provisions of this Plan of Merger.  The IHS Common Stock to
be issued pursuant to this Plan of Merger will,  when so delivered,  be (i) duly
and validly  issued,  fully paid and  nonassessable,  (ii) issued pursuant to an
effective  registration  statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and (iii) listed on the NYSE, upon official notice of issuance.


          ARTICLE VI: INFORMATION AND RECORDS CONCERNING ROTECH AND ITS
                                  SUBSIDIARIES

                  6.1 ACCESS TO ROTECH  INFORMATION  AND RECORDS BEFORE CLOSING.
Prior to the Closing Date, IHS may make, or cause to be made, such investigation
of Rotech's  (it being  understood  that,  for the  purpose of this  Article VI,
"Rotech"  shall be  deemed  to  refer  collectively  to  Rotech  and the  Rotech
Subsidiaries  listed on Schedule 3.3) financial and legal condition as IHS deems
necessary or advisable to familiarize itself with Rotech and/or matters relating
to its  history  or  operation.  Rotech  shall  permit  IHS and  its  authorized
representatives  (including legal counsel and accountants),  to have full access
to Rotech's books and records upon reasonable  notice and during normal business
hours, and Rotech will furnish, or cause to be furnished,  to IHS such financial
and operating data and other information and copies of documents with respect to
Rotech's  products,  services,  operations  and assets as IHS shall from time to
time reasonably request. Documents to which IHS shall have access shall include,
but not be limited to,  Rotech's tax returns and related work papers since their
inception;  and Rotech shall make, or cause to be made,  extracts thereof as IHS
or their  representatives  may request from time to time to enable IHS and their
representatives  to  investigate  the affairs of Rotech and the  accuracy of the
representations and warranties made in this Agreement.  Rotech shall cause their
accountants to cooperate with IHS and to disclose the results of audits relating
to Rotech and to produce the working papers relating  thereto.  Without limiting
any of the foregoing, it is agreed that IHS will have full access to any and all
agreements  between and among the  previous and current  shareholders  regarding
their  ownership of shares or the  management or operation of Rotech.  Access of
IHS pursuant to the foregoing  shall be initiated and  coordinated  only through
William P. Kennedy,  Stephen P. Griggs,  Rebecca R. Irish,  Janet L. Ziomek,  or
such other  persons as Rotech may from time to time  designate.  All such access
shall be granted at a reasonable time and upon reasonable notice.

                  6.2 ACCESS TO IHS  INFORMATION  AND  RECORDS  BEFORE  CLOSING.
Prior  to the  Closing  Date,  Rotech  may  make,  or  cause  to be  made,  such
investigation  of IHS's (it  being  understood  that,  for the  purpose  of this
Article  VI,  "IHS"  shall be  deemed to refer  collectively  to IHS and the IHS
Subsidiaries)  financial  and legal  condition  as  Rotech  deems  necessary  or
advisable to familiarize  itself with IHS and/or matters relating to its history
or  operation.  IHS  shall  permit  Rotech  and its  authorized  representatives
(including  legal counsel and  accountants),  to have full access to IHS's books
and records upon reasonable  notice and during normal  business  hours,  and IHS
will furnish,  or cause to be furnished,  to Rotech such financial and operating
data and  other  information  and  copies of  documents  with  respect  to IHS's
products,  services,  operations  and  assets as Rotech  shall from time to time
reasonably  request.  Documents to which Rotech shall have access shall include,
but not be limited to,  IHS's tax

                                       24

<PAGE>

returns and related work papers since their  inception;  and IHS shall make,  or
cause to be made,  extracts  thereof  as  Rotech  or their  representatives  may
request  from  time  to time to  enable  Rotech  and  their  representatives  to
investigate  the  affairs of IHS and the  accuracy  of the  representations  and
warranties  made in  this  Agreement.  IHS  shall  cause  their  accountants  to
cooperate with Rotech and to disclose the results of audits  relating to IHS and
to produce the working  papers  relating  thereto.  Without  limiting any of the
foregoing,  it is  agreed  that  Rotech  will  have  full  access to any and all
agreements  between and among the  previous and current  shareholders  regarding
their  ownership of shares or the  management  or  operation  of IHS.  Access of
Rotech pursuant to the foregoing shall be initiated and coordinated only through
Taylor Pickett,  Brian K. Davidson,  Marshall A. Elkins,  Brad Bennett,  or such
other persons as IHS may from time to time  designate.  All such access shall be
granted at a reasonable time and upon reasonable notice.

                  6.3  RETURN  OF  RECORDS.   If the  transactions  contemplated
hereby are not consummated and this Plan of Merger terminates, each party agrees
promptly to return upon request all documents, contracts, records, or properties
of the other party and all copies thereof furnished  pursuant to this Article VI
or  otherwise.  All  information  disclosed  by any  party or any  affiliate  or
representative  of any party shall be deemed to be "Evaluation  Material"  under
the terms of the  Confidentiality  Agreements,  dated June 12, 1997 and June 16,
1997, respectively, between Rotech and IHS (the "Confidentiality Agreements").

                  6.4  EFFECT OF ACCESS.

                       (A) Nothing  contained in this Article VI shall be deemed
to create any duty or  responsibility on the part of either party to investigate
or evaluate the value,  validity,  or enforceability of any contract,  lease or,
other asset included in the assets of the other party.

                       (B) With  respect  to  matters  as to which any party has
made express representations or warranties herein, the parties shall be entitled
to rely upon such express  representations  and warranties  irrespective  of any
investigations made by such parties.

                             ARTICLE VII: COVENANTS

                  7.1  PRESERVATION OF BUSINESS.  Prior to the Effective Time or
the  termination  of this  Agreement,  Rotech will  conduct its  business in the
ordinary  course.  Rotech will use its  commercially  reasonable best efforts to
preserve the business  organization  of Rotech intact,  to keep available to IHS
and the Surviving  Corporation the services of the present  employees of Rotech,
and to  preserve  for IHS and the  Surviving  Corporation  the  goodwill  of the
suppliers, customers and others having business relations with Rotech.

                  7.2  MATERIAL  TRANSACTIONS BY ROTECH.  Prior to the Effective
Time,  without first  obtaining the written consent of IHS, Rotech will not, and
will not  permit  any  Rotech  Subsidiary  to (in each  case  other  than (i) as
contemplated  by the  terms  of the  Plan  of  Merger  and the  other  documents
contemplated  hereby,  (ii) with  respect to  transactions  for which there is a
binding commitment existing prior to the date hereof and disclosed in the Rotech
Disclosure Schedules,  (iii) transactions described on Exhibit 7.2 to the Rotech
Disclosure  Schedule  which do not vary  materially  from the terms set forth on
such Exhibit 7.2 or as otherwise disclosed herein):

                                       25

<PAGE>

                           (A) Encumber any asset or enter into any  transaction
or make any  contract  or  commitment  relating  to the  properties,  assets and
business of Rotech, other than in the ordinary course of business;

                           (B) Acquired any assets, securities, or businesses in
excess of $5,000,000 in any one transaction;

                           (C) Enter into any  employment  contract which is not
terminable  upon notice of 90 days or less, at will, and without  penalty except
as provided herein and except in the ordinary course of Rotech's business;

                           (D) Enter into any  contract or  agreement  which (i)
cannot be  terminated  or does not  terminate  within 12 months or less  without
cause or (ii) obligates Rotech for amounts in excess of $250,000;

                           (E) Make any payment or  distribution  to the trustee
under any bonus, pension,  profit-sharing or retirement plan or arrangement,  or
incur any  obligation to make any such payment or  contribution  which is not in
accordance   with  Rotech's  usual  past  practice,   or  make  any  payment  or
contributions  or incur any  obligation  pursuant  to or in respect of any other
plan or  contract or  arrangement  providing  for  bonuses,  options,  executive
incentive compensation,  pensions,  deferred compensation,  retirement payments,
profit-sharing or the like,  establish or enter into any such plan,  contract or
arrangement, or terminate or modify any plan;

                           (F) Guarantee the obligations of any person,  firm or
corporation,  except in the ordinary  course of business  consistent  with prior
practices;

                           (G)  Amend  its   Certificates  of  Incorporation  or
By-laws;

                           (H) Except pursuant to options, warrants,  conversion
rights or other  contractual  rights  disclosed  on  Exhibit  3.2 to the  Rotech
Disclosure  Schedule,  issue any shares of its capital  stock,  effect any stock
split or  otherwise  change its  capitalization,  provided  that Rotech shall be
permitted to issue  additional  options to  employees  for the purchase of up to
100,000  shares at an exercise  price of not less than the market  value of such
stock as of the respective dates on which such options are granted;

                           (I) Take  any  action  of a  character  described  in
Section 3.14(b) to 3.14(n), inclusive, other than 3.14(h).

                  7.3      MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS. 

                           (A)  Rotech   will  take  all  steps   necessary   in
accordance  with its  Certificate  of  Incorporation  and By-laws to call,  give
notice  of,  convene  and  hold a  meeting  of  its  stockholders  (the  "Rotech
Stockholders  Meeting") as soon as practicable  after the  effectiveness  of the
Registration  Statement  (as defined in Section 7.4 hereof),  for the purpose of
approving  this Plan of Merger and for such other  purposes as may be necessary.
Unless  this Plan of Merger  shall  have been  validly  terminated  as  provided
herein,  the Board of Directors of Rotech  (subject to the provisions of Section
8.1(d) hereof) will (i) recommend to its  stockholders the approval of this Plan
of Merger,  the  transactions  contemplated  hereby and any other  matters to be
submitted to the stockholders of Rotech in connection  therewith,  to the extent
that such  approval is required by  applicable  law in order to  consummate  the
Merger,  and (ii) use its reasonable,  good faith efforts to obtain the approval
by its  stockholders  of this Plan of Merger and the  transactions  contemplated
hereby.

                                       26

<PAGE>

                           (B) IHS will take all steps  necessary in  accordance
with its  Certificate  of  Incorporation  and By-laws to call,  give notice of ,
convene and hold a meeting of its stockholders (the "IHS Stockholders  Meeting")
as soon as practicable after the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (as
defined in Section  7.4  hereof),  for the  purposes of  approving  this Plan of
Merger and for such other  purposes  as may be  necessary.  Unless  this Plan of
Merger  shall have been  validly  terminated  as provided  herein,  the Board of
Directors of IHS (subject to the  provisions of Section  8.1(f) hereof) will (i)
recommend  to its  stockholders  the  approval  of  this  plan  or  Merger,  the
transactions  contemplated  hereby and any other  matters to be submitted to the
stockholders of IHS in connection therewith, to the extent that such approval is
required by applicable law in order to consummate  the Merger,  and (ii) use its
reasonable,  good faith  efforts to obtain the approval by its  stockholders  of
this Plan of Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby.


                  7.4      REGISTRATION STATEMENT. 

                           (A) IHS shall  prepare  and file with the SEC and any
other  applicable  regulatory  bodies,  as  soon  as  reasonably  practicable  a
Registration  Statement  on Form S-4 with  respect  to the  shares of IHS Common
Stock to be  issued  in the  Merger  (the  "Registration  Statement"),  and will
otherwise  proceed  promptly to satisfy the  requirements of the Securities Act.
Such  Registration  Statement  shall contain a joint proxy  statement of IHS and
Rotech  (the  "Proxy  Statement")  containing  the  information  required by the
Exchange Act.  Rotech shall  cooperate with IHS in the preparation and filing of
the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement, and promptly will provide to IHS
all such  information,  including pro forma  financial  information,  as IHS may
reasonably request for inclusion in such filings.  IHS shall take all reasonable
steps to cause  the  Registration  Statement  to be  declared  effective  and to
maintain such  effectiveness  until all of the shares covered  thereby have been
distributed.  IHS shall promptly amend or supplement the Registration  Statement
to the extent  necessary in order to make the statements  therein not misleading
or to correct any misstatements which have become false or misleading;  provided
that if such statements or misstatements accurately reflect information supplied
for inclusion in the  Registration  Statement by Rotech,  such obligation  shall
adhere only upon Rotech's supplying to IHS corrective information,  which Rotech
hereby  agrees to provide  promptly.  IHS and Rotech shall use their  respective
reasonable,  good faith efforts to have the Proxy Statement  approved by the SEC
under the  provisions of the Exchange Act. IHS shall provide  Rotech with copies
of all filings made  pursuant to this Section 7.4 and shall  consult with Rotech
on responses to any comments made by the Staff of the SEC with respect thereto.

                  (B) Rotech  covenants that the information  supplied by Rotech
for  inclusion  in  the  Registration  Statement  shall  not,  at the  time  the
Registration  Statement  is declared  effective,  at the time any  amendment  or
supplement  thereto is declared  effective,  at the time the Proxy  Statement is
first  mailed to holders of Rotech  Common  Stock and IHS Common  Stock,  at the
respective  times  of the  IHS  and  Rotech  Stockholders  Meetings,  and at the
Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material  fact  required to be stated  therein or necessary in order to make
the statements  therein not  misleading.  Rotech  covenants that the information
supplied by Rotech for inclusion in the Proxy  Statement  shall not, at the date
the Proxy  Statement (or any amendment  thereof or supplement  thereto) is first
mailed to holders of Rotech Common Stock and IHS Common  Stock,  at the time any
amendment or supplement thereto is declared  effective,  at the respective times
of the IHS and Rotech  Stockholders  Meetings and at the Effective Time, contain
any untrue  statement  of a  material  fact or omit to state any  material  fact
required  to be stated  therein  or  necessary  in order to make the  statements
therein,  in  light  of  the  circumstances  under  which  they  are  made,  not
misleading. If at any time prior to the Effective Time any event or circumstance
relating to Rotech, or its officers or Directors, should be discovered by Rotech
which  should be set forth in an amendment  to the  Registration  Statement or a
supplement to the Proxy  Statement,  Rotech shall  promptly  inform IHS.  Rotech
covenants that all documents, if any, that Rotech

                                       27

<PAGE>

is  responsible  for filing  with the SEC in  connection  with the  transactions
contemplated  herein  will  comply  as to form  and  substance  in all  material
respects with the  applicable  requirements  of the Securities Act and the rules
and  regulations  thereunder and the Exchange Act and the rules and  regulations
thereunder.

                  (C) IHS  covenants  that the  information  supplied by IHS for
inclusion in the Registration  Statement shall not, at the time the Registration
Statement is declared effective, at the time any amendment or supplement thereto
is  declared  effective,  at the time the  Proxy  Statement  is first  mailed to
holders of Rotech Common Stock and IHS Common Stock, at the respective  times of
the IHS and Rotech Stockholders  Meetings and at the Effective Time, contain any
untrue  statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated  therein or necessary in order to make the  statements  therein not
misleading. The information supplied by IHS for inclusion in the Proxy Statement
to be sent to the  holders  of  Rotech  Common  Stock  and IHS  Common  Stock in
connection with the IHS and Rotech Stockholders  Meetings shall not, at the date
the Proxy  Statement (or any amendment  thereof or supplement  thereto) is first
mailed to holders of Rotech Common Stock and IHS Common Stock, at the respective
times of the IHS and  Rotech  Stockholders  Meeting  or at the  Effective  Time,
contain any untrue  statement  of a material  fact or omit to state any material
fact  required to be stated  therein or necessary in order to make the statement
therein,  in  light  of the  circumstances  under  which  they  were  made,  not
misleading.  If  at  any  time  prior  to  the  Effective  Time,  any  event  or
circumstance  relating to IHS or its officers or directors  should be discovered
by IHS which should be set forth in an amendment to the  Registration  Statement
or a supplement to the Proxy  Statement,  IHS shall  promptly  inform Rotech and
shall promptly file such amendment to the Registration Statement.  All documents
that  IHS is  responsible  for  filing  with  the  SEC in  connection  with  the
transactions  contemplated  herein will comply as to form and  substance  in all
material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the
rules  and  regulations  thereunder  and the  Exchange  Act and  the  rules  and
regulations thereunder.

                  (D) Prior to the Closing Date,  IHS shall use its  reasonable,
good faith efforts to cause the shares of IHS Common Stock to be issued pursuant
to the Merger to be registered or qualified  under all applicable  securities or
Blue Sky laws of each of the states and territories of the United States, and to
take any other  actions which may be necessary to enable the IHS Common Stock to
be issued pursuant to the Merger to be distributed in each such jurisdiction.

                  (E) Prior to the  Closing  Date,  IHS shall file a  Subsequent
Listing  Application with the NYSE relating to the shares of IHS Common Stock to
be issued in connection with the Merger, and shall use its best efforts to cause
such  shares of IHS Common  Stock to be approved  for listing on the NYSE,  upon
official notice of issuance, prior to the Closing Date.

                  (F) Rotech shall furnish all  information  to IHS with respect
to Rotech as IHS may reasonably  request for inclusion in or in connection  with
the  Registration  Statement and Proxy Statement and shall  otherwise  cooperate
with IHS in the preparation and filing of such documents

                  7.5 EXEMPTION FROM STATE TAKEOVER LAWS.  Rotech shall take all
reasonable  steps  necessary  and within its power to exempt the Merger from the
requirements  of any state  takeover  statute or other  similar  state law which
would  prevent  or impede  the  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated
hereby, by action of Rotech's Board of Directors.

                  7.6 HSR ACT  COMPLIANCE.  IHS and Rotech shall  promptly  make
their respective filings, and shall thereafter use their reasonable,  good faith
efforts to promptly make any required

                                       28

<PAGE>

submissions,  under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended  (the  "HSR  Act")  with  respect  to the  Merger  and the  transactions
contemplated hereby. IHS and Rotech will use their respective  reasonable,  good
faith  efforts  to  obtain  all  other  permits,  authorizations,  consents  and
approvals  from  third  parties  and  governmental   authorities   necessary  to
consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  7.7  PUBLIC DISCLOSURES. IHS and Rotech will consult with each
other before issuing any press release or otherwise  making any public statement
with respect to the transaction  contemplated by this Plan of Merger,  and shall
not issue any such press release or make any such public statement prior to such
consultation  except as may be required by applicable law or requirements of the
NYSE and  NASDAQ.  The  parties  shall  issue a joint  press  release,  mutually
acceptable to IHS and Rotech,  promptly upon execution and delivery of this Plan
or Merger.

                  7.8  RESIGNATION OF ROTECH  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE  OFFICERS.
On or  prior  to  the  Closing  Date,  Rotech  shall  deliver  to  IHS  evidence
satisfactory to IHS of the  resignation of the Directors and executive  officers
of Rotech, such resignations to be effective on the Closing Date.

                  7.9  INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; EXCHANGE ACT REPORTS.

                           (A) Rotech covenants that prior to the Effective Time
or  earlier  termination  of this  Agreement,  it will  deliver to IHS a balance
sheet,  income  statement  and  statement  of  cash  flow  as of and for (i) the
one-month  period  ending the last day of each month  subsequent  to the date of
this  Agreement  that is not the  last  month  of a  fiscal  quarter  that  such
consolidated financial statements will be delivered within 30 days following the
end of each such month,  and (ii) the three-month  period ending on the last day
of each fiscal  quarter (the "Rotech  Quarterly  Financial  Statements"),  which
quarterly  statement will be delivered  within 30 days following the end of each
such quarter.

                           (B) IHS covenants that prior to the Effective Time or
earlier  termination  of this  Agreement,  it will  deliver  to Rotech a balance
sheet, income statement and statement of cash flow as of and for the three-month
period  ending  on the last  day of each  fiscal  quarter  (the  "IHS  Quarterly
Financial  Statements"),  which quarterly  statement will be delivered within 30
days following the end of each such quarter.

                           (C)  Rotech  covenants  that  from and after the date
hereof,  it will file all periodic  reports required to be filed by it under the
Exchange  Act and will  promptly  deliver to IHS copies of all such  reports and
supporting internal management reports relating thereto.

                           (D) IHS  covenants  that  from  and  after  the  date
hereof,  it will file all periodic  reports required to be filed by it under the
Exchange Act and will promptly deliver to Rotech copies of all such reports.

                  7.10 NO  SOLICITATIONS.  From the date of this Agreement until
the Effective  Time or until this  Agreement is  terminated  in accordance  with
Article VIII hereof, Rotech shall not initiate,  solicit or encourage (including
by way of furnishing assistance or proprietary  information),  or take any other
action to facilitate,  any inquiries or the making of any proposal  relating to,
or that may reasonably be expected to lead to any Rotech  Competing  Transaction
(as defined  below),  or enter into any discussions or negotiate with any person
or entity  in  furtherance  of such  inquiries  or to obtain a Rotech  Competing
Transaction,

                                       29

<PAGE>

or agree to or endorse any Rotech  Competing  Transaction or authorize or permit
any of the officers, directors or employees of Rotech or the Rotech Subsidiaries
or any  investment  banker,  financial  advisor,  attorney,  accountant or other
representative  retained  by Rotech or any  Rotech  Subsidiary  to take any such
action,  and Rotech shall promptly  notify IHS of all relevant terms  (including
the  identity of the  parties  involved)  of any such  inquiries  and  proposals
received  by Rotech or any  Rotech  Subsidiary  or any such  officer,  director,
investment   banker,   financial   advisor,   attorney,   accountant   or  other
representative  relating to any of such matters, and if such inquiry or proposal
is in writing,  Rotech shall promptly  deliver or cause to be delivered to IHS a
copy of such inquiry or proposal;  provided,  however that, prior to the receipt
of  the  approval  of  the  Merger  of  Rotech's   stockholders  at  the  Rotech
Stockholders Meeting,  nothing contained in this Section 7.10 shall prohibit the
Board of Directors  of Rotech from (i)  furnishing  information  to, or entering
into  discussions or negotiations  with, any person or entity in connection with
an  unsolicited  bona fide  offer by such  person or  entity to  acquire  Rotech
pursuant to a merger,  consolidation,  share exchange,  business  combination or
other  similar  transaction  or to  acquire  greater  than 50% of the  assets or
capital stock of Rotech and the Rotech  Subsidiaries,  taken as a whole,  to the
extent and only to the extent that (A) the Board of Directors  of Rotech,  after
consultation with and based upon advice of independent legal counsel, determines
in good faith that such action is advisable  for Rotech's  Board of Directors to
comply  with  its  fiduciary  duties  under  applicable  law  and (B)  prior  to
furnishing  such  information  to, or entering into  discussions or negotiations
with, such person or entity,  Rotech (x) provides notice to IHS of the person or
entity and (y)  enters  into a  confidentiality  agreement  with such  person or
entity reasonably calculated under the circumstances, in the reasonable judgment
of Rotech, to protect the confidentiality of Rotech's  proprietary  information;
or (ii) complying with Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act with regard
to a Rotech Competing Transaction.  For the purposes of this Agreement,  "Rotech
Competing  Transaction"  shall  mean  any  of  the  following  (other  than  the
transactions  contemplated by this Agreement)  involving Rotech: (i) any merger,
consolidation, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction; (ii)
any sale, lease, exchange,  mortgage,  pledge,  transfer or other disposition of
20% or more of the  assets of Rotech  and the  Rotech  Subsidiaries,  taken as a
whole;  (iii)  any  tender  offer or  exchange  offer  for more  than 20% of the
outstanding  shares of the capital  stock of Rotech;  (iv) any person  acquiring
beneficial  ownership  of, or any group (as such term is defined  under  Section
13(d) of the Exchange Act) being formed which beneficially owns or has the right
to acquire beneficial ownership of, 15% or more of the outstanding shares of the
capital stock of Rotech; or (v) any public  announcement of a proposal,  plan or
intention to do any of the  foregoing  or any  agreement to engage in any of the
foregoing.

                  7.11 OTHER ACTIONS.  Subject to the provisions of Section 7.10
hereof, none of Rotech, IHS and Merger Sub shall knowingly or intentionally take
any action,  or omit to take any action,  if such action or omission  would,  or
reasonably  might  be  expect  to,  result  in any of  its  representations  and
warranties set forth herein being or becoming untrue in any material respect, or
in any of the  conditions  to the  Merger  set forth in this Plan or Merger  not
being satisfied,  or delay the Effective Time or (unless such action is required
by applicable law) which would materially adversely affect the ability of Rotech
or IHS to obtain any consents or approvals  required for the consummation of the
Merger  without  imposition  of a condition  or  restriction  which would have a
material  adverse effect on the Surviving  Corporation or which would  otherwise
materially  impair  the  ability  of Rotech or IHS to  consummate  the Merger in
accordance  with  terms  of  this  Plan  of  Merger  or  materially  delay  such
consummation. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Rotech shall use
its reasonable best efforts to obtain all consents  required of third parties in
respect of the Merger under all material contracts to which Rotech or any Rotech
Subsidiary is a party, including lessor consents.

                  7.12 ACCOUNTING  METHODS.  Prior to  Closing,  neither IHS nor
Rotech shall  change,  in any material  respect,  its methods of  accounting  in
effect at its most recent fiscal year end, except as

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<PAGE>

required by changes in generally accepted accounting  principles as concurred by
such parties' independent accountants.

                  7.13     COOPERATION. 

                           (A) IHS and Rotech shall together,  or pursuant to an
allocation  of  responsibility  agreed to between them,  (i) cooperate  with one
another in  determining  whether any filings are required to be made or consents
required to be  obtained  in any  jurisdiction  prior to the  Effective  Time in
connection with the  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby and
cooperate  in making any such filings  promptly and in seeking to obtain  timely
any such consents,  (ii) use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to
cause to be lifted any injunction  prohibiting the Merger,  or any part thereof,
or the other transactions contemplated thereby, and (iii) furnish to one another
and to one another's  counsel all such  information as may be required to effect
the foregoing actions.

                           (B)  Subject  to  the  terms  and  conditions  herein
provided,  and unless this Plan of Merger shall have been validly  terminated as
provided herein,  each of IHS and Rotech shall use all reasonable efforts (i) to
take, or cause to be taken,  all actions  necessary to comply  promptly with all
legal  requirements  which may be imposed on such party (or any  subsidiaries or
affiliates  of such party) with respect to the Plan of Merger and to  consummate
the transactions  contemplated  hereby,  subject to the vote of its stockholders
described  above,  and (ii) to obtain (and to cooperate  with the other party to
obtain) any consent,  authorization,  order or approval of, or any exemption by,
any governmental  entity and/or any other public or private third party which is
required  to be  obtained  or made by such party or any of its  subsidiaries  or
affiliates  in  connection  with  this  Plan  of  Merger  and  the  transactions
contemplated  hereby.  Each of IHS and Rotech will promptly  cooperate  with and
furnish information to the other in connection with any such burden suffered by,
or  requirement  imposed upon,  either of them or any of their  subsidiaries  or
affiliates in connection with the foregoing.

                  7.14     STOCK OPTIONS; WARRANTS. 

                           (A) As of the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger
and without any action on the part of the participants  therein,  each option to
purchase shares of Rotech Common Stock that is outstanding  immediately prior to
the Effective  Time ("Rotech  Options"),  whether or not  exercisable,  shall be
replaced by a substitute option (such new options being hereinafter  referred to
as "IHS Exchange Options") to purchase that number of shares of IHS Common Stock
equal to the number of shares of Rotech  Common  Stock  subject  to such  option
multiplied by. 5806 at an exercise  price per share of IHS Common Stock equal to
the option  price per share of Rotech  Common  Stock  subject to such  option in
effect  immediately  prior to the Effective Time divided by. 5806. Each such IHS
Exchange  Option  will  otherwise  contain  substantially  the  same  terms  and
conditions  as the Rotech  Option it replaces,  provided  that such IHS Exchange
Option  will  permit  "cashless  exercise"  of such  options.  IHS shall use its
reasonable  best efforts to file with the SEC a  registration  statement on Form
S-8  (or  other  appropriate   form)  or  a  post-effective   amendment  to  the
Registration  Statement  within thirty (30) days after the Effective  Time,  for
purposes of  registering  all IHS Shares  issuable after the Effective Time upon
exercise of the IHS Exchange  Options,  and use all  reasonable  efforts to have
such registration statement or post-effective  amendment become effective and to
comply,  to the extent  applicable,  with state  securities or blue sky law with
respect hereto at the Effective Time.  Unless otherwise  prohibited by law, such
Form S-8 shall also  register the reoffer and resale by affiliates of IHS of the
IHS  Shares  issuable  to such  affiliates  upon  exercise  of the IHS  Exchange
Options.  IHS shall maintain the effectiveness  under the

                                       31

<PAGE>

Securities  Act of such  Form  S-8  registration  statement  as long as any such
affiliates' options remain outstanding.

                       (B) As of the  Effective  Time,  each warrant to purchase
Rotech Shares (a "Rotech Warrant") then outstanding shall remain outstanding and
shall be deemed to be a  warrant  to  purchase,  in place of the  Rotech  Shares
previously  subject to such Rotech Warrant,  that number of shares of IHS Common
Stock equal to the product of the number of Rotech Shares subject to such Rotech
Warrant,  and not exercised prior the Effective  Time,  multiplied by. 5806 (the
"IHS  Exchange  Warrants").  The exercise  price per share shall be equal to the
exercise price per share under the Rotech Warrant divided by. 5806.

                       (C)  Rotech  will  take  such  reasonable  steps  as  are
necessary to effectuate the agreement of this Section 7.14.

                  7.15 NOTICE OF SUBSEQUENT  EVENTS.  Each party hereto promptly
shall notify the other parties of any changes, additions or events of which they
have or obtain  knowledge as to which they have  concluded or reasonably  should
have concluded  would (i) cause any material  change in or material  addition to
any Exhibit to its Disclosure  Schedule  delivered by the notifying  party under
this Plan of Merger, (ii) toll the time period for consummation of the Merger as
provided in Section 8.1(b)(iii) hereof, or (iii) otherwise would in such party's
reasonable  judgment  likely result in a breach of this  Agreement by such party
prior to the Closing Date, promptly after the occurrence of the same.

                  7.16 COOPERATION REGARDING SEC FILINGS. Prior to the Effective
Time, Rotech shall cooperate and provide all information reasonably requested by
IHS and its underwriters, including, without limitation, copies of audit reports
and  related  work  papers,  accountant's  comfort  letters,  and  responses  to
underwriters'  due diligence  requests,  in connection with any filing by IHS of
any registration statement or other document or report with the SEC.

                  7.17 DISTRIBUTIONS. Prior to the Effective Time, without first
obtaining  the written  consent of Rotech,  IHS will not pay any dividend or any
other distribution of cash or property in respect of its capital stock.

                  7.18 TAX  OPINIONS.   The  parties   hereto  shall  use  their
reasonable  best  efforts to cause  counsel for each of IHS and Rotech to render
opinions as to the federal income tax consequences of the Merger, which opinions
shall be filed as Exhibits to the Registration Statement. Each of IHS and Rotech
agrees that it shall provide certificates containing reasonable  representations
to such counsel in connection with the rendering of such opinions.

                  7.19 MATERIAL  TRANSACTIONS  BY IHS.  Prior  to the  Effective
Time, without first obtaining the written consent of Rotech, which consent shall
not be unreasonably  withheld,  IHS will not enter into any transaction pursuant
to which IHS would be  required  to issue  shares of IHS Common  Stock  having a
market  value at the time of  issuance of more than Two  Hundred  Fifty  Million
($250,000,000)  Dollars,  provided that Rotech shall be deemed to have consented
to such  transaction  if Rotech  does not give  notice  to IHS of its  objection
thereto  within  five (5)  business  days after the date on which IHS shall have
given Rotech notice of such proposed  transaction together with such information
thereon as would  reasonably  be  necessary  to enable  Rotech to  evaluate  the
business merits of such transaction.

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<PAGE>

                  7.20 COOPERATION  REGARDING  ROTECH  DEBENTURES.  Prior to the
Effective  Time,  IHS shall  cooperate and provide such  information as shall be
reasonably  requested by Rotech in connection with Rotech's  obligations arising
under its  indenture  pertaining  to Rotech's  5-1/4%  Convertible  Subordinated
Debentures  Due  2003 as a  result  of the  Merger.  IHS  acknowledges  that the
debenture  holders  under  such  Rotech  indenture  have the  right  to  require
repurchase of the debentures held by them as a result of the Merger.

                ARTICLE VIII: TERMINATION, AMENDMENT, AND WAIVER

                  8.1  TERMINATION. This Plan of Merger may be terminated at any
time prior to the Effective  Time,  either  before or after  approval of matters
presented in  connection  with the Merger by the holders of Rotech  Common Stock
and IHS Common Stock:

                       (A) by mutual  written  consent  of IHS,  Merger  Sub and
Rotech;

                       (B) by either IHS or Rotech:

                                    (I) if,  upon a vote at a duly held  meeting
         of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, any approval of the holders
         of Rotech  Common  Stock  necessary  to  consummate  the Merger and the
         transactions contemplated hereby shall not have been obtained;

                                    (II) if, upon a vote at a duly held  meeting
         of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, any approval of the holders
         of IHS  Common  Stock  necessary  to  consummate  the  Merger  and  the
         transactions contemplated hereby shall not have been obtained;

                                    (III) if the  Merger  shall  not  have  been
         consummated  on or before  November  30,  1997,  unless the  failure to
         consummate the Merger is the result of a willful and material breach of
         this  Plan of Merger by the party  seeking  to  terminate  this Plan of
         Merger,  provided,  however,  that the passage of such period  shall be
         tolled  for  any  part  thereof  (but  not  exceeding  60  days  in the
         aggregate) during which any party shall be subject to a nonfinal order,
         decree,   filing  or  action   restraining,   enjoining   or  otherwise
         prohibiting the consummation of the Merger or the calling or holding of
         a meeting of stockholders;

                                    (IV) if any court of competent  jurisdiction
         or other  governmental  entity  shall have  issued an order,  decree or
         ruling or taken any other action permanently enjoining,  restraining or
         otherwise  prohibiting  the Merger and such  order,  decree,  ruling or
         other action shall have become final and nonappealable;

                                    (V) in the  event of a breach  by the  other
         party of any  representation,  warranty,  covenant  or other  agreement
         contained  in this Plan of Merger which exists on the Closing Date that
         (A) would give rise to the failure of a condition  set forth in Section
         9.2(a) or (b) or Section 9.3(a) or (b), as  applicable,  and (B) cannot
         be or has not been  cured  within 30 days  after the  giving of written
         notice to the  breaching  party of such  breach (a  "Material  Breach")
         (provided that the terminating  party is not then in Material Breach of
         any representation,  warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in
         this Plan of Merger);

                                    (VI) in the event of (i) notice  pursuant to
         Section  7.15 of a breach  by the  other  party of any  representation,
         warranty,  covenant or other agreement contained in this Plan of Merger
         or (ii) notice from such party to the other party of such other party's
         breach of any

                                       33

<PAGE>

         representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in this
         Plan of Merger,  in either  case which  cannot be or has not been cured
         within 30 days after the giving of written  notice of such breach to or
         by the other party (provided that the terminating  party is not then in
         Material  Breach of any  representation,  warranty,  covenant  or other
         agreement contained in this Plan of Merger); or

                                    (VII) if the  average  of the last per share
         sale prices of IHS common  stock,  as  reported  on the NYSE  Composite
         Tape,  for the ten (10)  consecutive  trading  days ending on the fifth
         trading  day  immediately   preceding  the  date  set  for  the  Rotech
         Stockholders Meeting is equal to or less than $33.00.

                           (C) by either IHS or Rotech in the event that (i) all
of the conditions to the obligation of such party to effect the Merger set forth
in  Section  9.1  shall  have  been  satisfied  and  (ii) any  condition  to the
obligation  of such party to effect the Merger set forth in Section  9.2 (in the
case of IHS) or  Section  9.3 (in the case of  Rotech)  is not  capable of being
satisfied prior to the end of the period referred to in Section 8.1(b) (iii);

                           (D) by Rotech,  if Rotech's Board of Directors  shall
have (i) determined,  in the exercise of its fiduciary  duties under  applicable
law, not to recommend  the Merger to the holders of Rotech  Shares or shall have
withdrawn  such  recommendation  or (ii)  approved,  recommended or endorsed any
Rotech Competing Transaction other than this Plan of Merger;

                           (E) By IHS if (i) the  Board of  Directors  of Rotech
fails to make or withdraws its  recommendation of the adoption of this Agreement
or the Merger;  (ii) the Board of Directors of Rotech shall have  recommended to
Rotech's  stockholders  any Rotech  Competing  Transaction  or  entered  into an
agreement  with  respect to a Rotech  Competing  Transaction;  or (iii) a tender
offer or  exchange  offer for 20% or more of the  outstanding  shares of capital
stock of Rotech is commenced,  and the Board of Directors of Rotech  recommends,
within the time period  specified  under Rule 14e-2 under the Exchange Act, that
Rotech's stockholders tender their shares into such tender or exchange offer;

                           (F) by IHS,  if IHS's Board of  Directors  shall have
determined in the exercise of its fiduciary  duties under applicable law, not to
recommend the Merger to the holders of IHS Shares or shall have  withdrawn  such
recommendation;

                           (G) by Rotech if the Board of  Directors of IHS fails
to make or withdraws its recommendation of the adoption of this Agreement or the
Merger.

                  8.2 EFFECT OF  TERMINATION.   In the event of  termination  of
this  Plan of Merger as  provided  in  Section  8.1,  this Plan of Merger  shall
forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability or obligation on
the part of any party,  other than to the extent  provided in  Sections  6.3 and
8.6,  and except to the extent that such  termination  results from the material
breach by a party of any of its representations,  warranties, covenants or other
agreements set forth in this Plan of Merger.

                  8.3  AMENDMENT.   This Plan of Merger  may be  amended  by the
parties at any time before or after any required  approval of matters  presented
in  connection  with the Merger by the  holders of Rotech  Shares or IHS Shares;
provided,  however,  that  after  any  such  approval,  there  shall  be made no
amendment  that  pursuant  to  the  FBCA  requires   further  approval  by  such
stockholders.  This Plan of Merger may not be amended except by an instrument in
writing signed on behalf of each of the parties.

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<PAGE>

                  8.4  EXTENSION;  WAIVER.  At any time  prior to the  Effective
Time,  the  parties  may (a) extend the time for the  performance  of any of the
obligations or other acts of the other parties,  (b) waive any  inaccuracies  in
the  representations  and warranties  contained in this Plan of Merger or in any
document  delivered  pursuant  to this  Plan of  Merger  or (c)  subject  to the
provision  of  Section  8.3,  waive  compliance  with any of the  agreements  or
conditions  contained  in this Plan of Merger.  Any  agreement  on the part of a
party to any such  extension  or waiver  shall be valid  only if set forth in an
instrument  in writing  signed on behalf of such  party.  Without  limiting  the
generality of the  foregoing,  if the Merger is not  consummated  on or prior to
September  30, 1997, as a result of the  Registration  Statement not having been
declared  effective by the SEC by August 15, 1997, and the Registration has been
declared  effective  by September  30, 1997,  or Rotech and IHS are in bona fide
discussions  with the SEC regarding the  Registration  Statement and  diligently
pursuing the effectiveness of the Registration  Statement with the SEC, then the
date set forth in Section  8.1(b)  (iii)  shall be  extended  to the  earlier of
November 30, 1997,  and the date that is thirty (30) days  following the date on
which the Registration Statement is declared effective. The failure of any party
to this Plan of Merger to assert any of its rights  under this Plan of Merger or
otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of such rights.

                  8.5 PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATION,  AMENDMENT, EXTENSION OR WAIVER
 . A termination of this Plan of Merger  pursuant to Section 8.1, an amendment of
this Plan of Merger  pursuant to Section 8.3, or an extension or waiver pursuant
to Section  8.4  shall,  in order to be  effective,  require in the case of IHS,
Merger Sub or Rotech,  action by its Board of Directors  or the duly  authorized
designee of the Board of Directors.

                  8.6      EXPENSES; BREAKUP FEES. 

                           (A) All costs and  expenses  incurred  in  connection
with this Plan of Merger and the transactions  contemplated hereby shall be paid
by the party incurring such expense,  it being  understood that if the Merger is
consummated,  by reason thereof,  IHS will indirectly bear the expenses incurred
by Rotech.

                           (B) If the Merger is not  consummated  as a result of
termination  of this  Agreement  pursuant to Section  8.1(d)(ii),  8.1(e)(ii) or
8.1(e)(iii)  hereof,  Rotech  shall  pay to IHS a breakup  fee in the  amount of
Twenty-Five Million  ($25,000,000) Dollars plus all expenses reasonably incurred
by IHS in  connection  with  this  Plan of Merger  and  collection  of such fee.
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  if this  Agreement is  terminated  pursuant to
Section  8.1(e)(iii)  and the tender  offer or  exchange  offer  referred  to in
Section  8.1(e)(iii)  is for at least 20% but less  than 50% of the  outstanding
shares of capital stock of Rotech,  the breakup fee payable by Rotech under this
Section 8.6(b) shall be in the amount of Fifteen Million ($15,000,000)  Dollars,
rather than Twenty-Five Million  ($25,000,000) Dollars plus the said expenses of
IHS. If any breakup fee is paid as set forth above,  such  payment  shall be the
sole and exclusive remedy of IHS against Rotech hereunder.

                           (C) If the Merger is not  consummated  as a result of
the  termination  of this Agreement  pursuant to Section  8.1(d)(i) or 8.1(e)(i)
(except as a result of the  withdrawal  of the Smith Barney  Opinion for reasons
other than the existence of a Rotech Competing Transaction), Rotech shall pay to
IHS a breakup fee in the amount of Five Million  ($5,000,000)  Dollars,  and, in
such event,  such payment shall be the sole and exclusive  remedy of IHS against
Rotech hereunder.  Notwithstanding  anything

                                       35

<PAGE>

contained in this Plan of Merger to the contrary,  under no circumstances  shall
IHS be entitled to receive both the breakup fee described in this Section 8.6(c)
and the breakup fee described in Section 8.6(b).

                           (D) If the Merger is not  consummated  as a result of
the  termination  of this Agreement  pursuant to Section  8.1(f) or 8.1(g),  IHS
shall pay to Rotech a breakup  fee in the  amount of Ten  Million  ($10,000,000)
Dollars, and, in such event, such payment shall be the sole and exclusive remedy
of Rotech against IHS hereunder.

                        ARTICLE IX: CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

                  9.1  MUTUAL  CONDITIONS.  The  respective  obligations of each
party to effect the Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction,  at or prior to
the Closing  Date, of the  following  conditions  (any of which may be waived in
writing by IHS, Merger Sub or Rotech):

                           (A)  None of IHS,  Merger  Sub or  Rotech  nor any of
their  respective  subsidiaries  shall  be  subject  to  any  order,  decree  or
injunction by a court of competent jurisdiction which (i) prevents or materially
delays  the  consummation  of the  Merger  or (ii)  would  impose  any  material
limitation  on the  ability  of IHS  effectively  to  exercise  full  rights  of
ownership  of the common  stock of the  Surviving  Corporation  or any  material
portion of the assets of business of Rotech, taken as a whole.

                           (B) No statute,  rule or  regulation  shall have been
enacted by the government (or any  governmental  agency) of the United States or
any state,  municipality or other Political  subdivision  thereof that makes the
consummation  of the Merger or any other  significant  transaction  contemplated
hereby illegal.

                           (C) The holders of shares of Rotech  Common Stock and
the  holders  of the shares of IHS Common  Stock  each shall have  approved  the
adoption of this Plan of Merger.

                           (D) The  shares of IHS  Common  Stock to be issued in
connection  with the Merger  shall have been  approved  for listing on the NYSE,
upon  official  notice of issuance,  and shall have been issued in  transactions
qualified or exempt from  registration  under applicable  securities or Blue Sky
laws of such states and territories of the United States as may be required.

                           (E)  The  Registration   Statement  shall  have  been
declared effective and no stop order with respect to the Registration  Statement
shall be in effect.

                           (F) IHS,  Merger Sub and Rotech  shall have  received
all consents, approvals and authorizations of third parties that are required of
such  third  parties  prior  to the  consummation  of the  Merger,  in form  and
substance  reasonably  acceptable  to IHS or Rotech,  as the case may be, except
where the failure to obtain any such consent,  approval,  or authorization would
not have a material adverse effect on the business of the Surviving Corporation.

                           (G) All  approvals of the Merger  required  under the
HSR Act shall have been obtained or the waiting  periods  thereunder  shall have
expired.

                                       36

<PAGE>

                           (H) The parties  shall have  obtained  consents  from
their senior bank lenders to the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby
not later than four (4) weeks following the date of this Agreement.

                  9.2  CONDITIONS  TO  OBLIGATIONS  OF IHS AND  MERGER SUB.  The
obligations  of IHS and  Merger  Sub to  consummate  the  Merger  and the  other
transactions  contemplated  hereby shall be subject to the  satisfaction,  at or
prior to the Closing  Date,  of the  following  conditions  (any of which may be
waived by IHS and Merger Sub):

                           (A) Each of the  agreements of Rotech to be performed
at or prior to the Closing  Date  pursuant to the terms  hereof  shall have been
duly performed in all material respects, and Rotech shall have performed, in all
material  respects all of the acts required to be performed by it at or prior to
the Closing Date by the terms hereof.

                           (B) The  representations and warranties of Rotech set
forth in  Article  III hereof  shall be true and  correct as of the date of this
Plan  of  Merger  and  as of  the  Closing  Date,  except  to  the  extent  such
representations  and  warranties  expressly  relate to a specific date (in which
case such  representations  and warranties  shall be true and correct as of such
date); provided, however, that Rotech shall not be deemed to be in breach of any
such   representations   or  warranties  (i)  where  the   inaccuracies  of  all
representations  contained  in Article III hereof  would not, in the  aggregate,
have a material adverse effect on Rotech and the Rotech Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole,  or (ii) as a result of the  consequences  that IHS knew or  should  have
known would arise from the taking of any action  permitted to be taken by Rotech
(or otherwise approved by IHS) under Section 7.2 or otherwise  permitted herein.
IHS and Merger Sub shall have been furnished  with a certificate,  executed by a
duly authorized  officer of Rotech,  dated the Closing Date,  certifying in such
detail as IHS and Merger Sub may reasonably request as to the fulfillment of the
foregoing conditions.

                           (C)  IHS and  Merger  Sub  shall  have  obtained,  or
obtained the transfer of, any licenses and other regulatory  approvals necessary
prior to the  Effective  Time to allow  the  Surviving  Corporation  to  operate
Rotech's business,  unless the failure to obtain such transfer or approval would
not have a material adverse effect on the Surviving Corporation.

                           (D)  IHS  shall  have   received   an  opinion   from
Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, P.A. substantially to the effect set forth
in Exhibit 9.2(d) hereto.

                           (E)  All   consents,   authorizations,   orders   and
approvals of (or filings or  registrations  with) any  governmental  commission,
board or other  regulatory  body  required  in  connection  with the  execution,
delivery  and  performance  of this Plan of Merger  shall have been  obtained or
made,

                                       37

<PAGE>

except  for  filings  in  connection  with the  Merger  and any other  documents
required to be filed after the Effective Time.

                           (F)  The  opinion  of  Donaldson  Lufkin  &  Jenrette
Securities  Corporation  referred  in Section  5.14  hereof  shall not have been
adversely  modified  or  withdrawn  as of the Date of the  mailing  of the Proxy
Statement.

                           (G)  William  P.  Kennedy,  Stephen  P.  Griggs,  and
Rebecca R. Irish  shall have  agreed in writing to  terminate  their  respective
employment agreement with Rotech, and (i) William P. Kennedy shall have executed
and delivered the Severance and Noncompetition Agreement with Rotech in the form
of Exhibit  9.2(g)(i)  hereto,  (ii) Stephen P. Griggs  shall have  executed and
delivered an Employment  Agreement with Rotech in the form of Exhibit 9.2(g)(ii)
hereto,  and (iii)  Rebecca  R. Irish  shall have  executed  and  delivered  the
Severance  and  Noncompetition  Agreement  with  Rotech  in the form of  Exhibit
9.2(g)(iii) hereto.

                           (H) IHS shall have received a "cold  comfort"  letter
from  Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP,  Rotech's  independent  accountants,  dated  the
Effective Time and addressed to IHS, as to such matters reasonably  requested by
IHS.

                           (I) IHS shall have  received an opinion  from its tax
counsel to the effect that the Merger will  constitute a  reorganization  within
the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
which opinion may be based upon reasonable  representations  of fact provided by
officers of IHS, Rotech, and Merger Sub.

                  9.3 CONDITIONS TO  OBLIGATIONS OF ROTECH.  The  obligations of
Rotech to consummate the Merger and the other transactions  contemplated  hereby
shall be subject to the  satisfaction,  at or prior to the Closing  Date, of the
following conditions (any of which may be waived by Rotech):

                           (A) Each of the  agreements  of IHS and Merger Sub to
be performed at or prior to the Closing Date  pursuant to the terms hereof shall
have been duly performed, in all material respects, and IHS and Merger Sub shall
have  performed,  in all  material  respects,  all of the  acts  required  to be
performed by them at or prior to the Closing Date by the terms hereof.

                           (B) The  representations  and  warranties  of IHS and
Merger Sub set forth in Articles IV and V hereof shall be true and correct as of
the date of this  Plan of  Merger,  and as of the  Closing  Date,  except to the
extent such  representations and warranties  expressly relate to a specific date
(in which case such  representations and warranties shall be true and as of such
date);  provided,  however,  that IHS shall not be deemed to be in breach of any
such representations or warranties where the inaccuracies of such representation
and warranties  would not, in the aggregate,  have a material  adverse effect on
IHS and the IHS Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Rotech shall have been furnished
with a  certificate,  executed by a duly  authorized  officer of IHS,  dated the
Closing Date,  certifying in such detail as Rotech may reasonably  request as to
the fulfillment of the foregoing conditions.

                           (C) Rotech shall have  received an opinion from Blass
& Driggs substantially to the effect set forth in Exhibit 9.3(c) hereto.


                                       38

<PAGE>

                           (D) The  Smith  Barney  Opinion  shall  not have been
adversely modified or withdrawn as of the date of the joint proxy statement.

                           (E)  All   consents,   authorizations,   orders   and
approvals of (or filings or  registrations  with) any  governmental  commission,
board or other  regulatory  body  required  in  connection  with the  execution,
delivery  and  performance  of this Plan of Merger  shall have been  obtained or
made,  except for filing in connection  with the Merger and any other  documents
required to be filed after the Effective Time.

                           (F)  Rotech  shall have  received a letter  from KMPG
Peat Marwick LLP, IHS's  independent  accountants,  dated the Effective Time and
addressed to Rotech, as to such matters reasonably requested by Rotech.

                           (G) Rotech  shall have  received an opinion  from its
tax  counsel to the effect  that the Merger  will  constitute  a  reorganization
within the meaning of Section  368(a) of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,  as
amended,  which  opinion may be based upon  reasonable  representations  of fact
provided by officers of IHS, Rotech, and Merger Sub.

                            ARTICLE X: MISCELLANEOUS

                  10.1 NONSURVIVAL OF  REPRESENTATIONS  AND WARRANTIES.  None of
the  representations  and warranties in this Plan of Merger or in any instrument
delivered pursuant to this Plan of Merger shall survive the Effective Time.

                  10.2  NOTICES.  Any  communications  required or desired to be
given  hereunder  shall be deemed to have  been  properly  given if sent by hand
delivery or by  facsimile  and  overnight  courier or  overnight  courier to the
parties  hereto at the following  addresses,  or at such other address as either
party may advise the other in writing from time to time:

If to IHS:                          Integrated Health Services, Inc.
                                    10065 Red Run Boulevard
                                    Owings Mills, MD 21117
                                    Attention: Taylor Pickett

With copies to:                     Integrated Health Services, Inc.
                                    10065 Red Run Boulevard
                                    Owings Mills, MD 21117
                                    Attention: Marshall A. Elkins, Esq.

                                       and

                                    Integrated Health Services, Inc.
                                    10065 Red Run Boulevard
                                    Owings Mills, MD 21117
                                    Attention: Brian K. Davidson

                                       and


                                       39

<PAGE>

                                    Blass & Driggs, Esqs.
                                    461 Fifth Avenue, 19th Floor
                                    New York, NY 10017
                                    Facsimile: (212) 447-5428
                                    Attention: Michael S. Blass, Esq.

If to Rotech:                       Rotech Medical Corporation
                                    4506 L.B. McLeod Road, Suite F
                                    Orlando, Florida 32811
                                    Attention: Stephen P. Griggs

With a copy to:                     Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, P.A.
                                    Barnett Bank Center
                                    390 North Orange Avenue, 14th Floor
                                    Post Office Box 1391
                                    Orlando, Florida 32802-1391
                                    Attention: Thomas A. Simser, Jr., Esq.


All such  communications  shall be deemed to have been  delivered on the date of
hand  delivery or facsimile or on the next business day following the deposit of
such communication with the overnight courier.

                  10.3 FURTHER  ASSURANCES.  Each party hereby agrees to perform
any  further  acts  and to  execute  and  deliver  any  documents  which  may be
reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this Plan of Merger.

                  10.4     INDEMNIFICATION. 

                           (A) IHS and Merger Sub shall  advance  legal fees and
expenses and indemnify current or former directors or officers of Rotech for all
acts or omissions  occurring prior to the Effective Time as provided in Rotech's
Certificate of Incorporation of bylaws or  indemnification  agreements in effect
as of the date hereof,  and such obligations  shall survive the Merger and shall
continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms. The provisions
of this  Section  10.4 are  intended  to be for the  benefit  of,  and  shall be
enforceable by, each such indemnified  party and each such  indemnified  party's
heir and representatives.

                           (B) IHS shall cause to be  maintained in effect for a
period  ending not  sooner  than the fifth  anniversary  of the  Effective  Time
directors'  and  officers'  liability  insurance  providing  at  least  the same
coverage  with  respect to  Rotech's  officers  and  directors  as the  policies
maintained  on behalf of directors and officers of Rotech as of the date hereof,
and containing terms and conditions which are no less advantageous, with respect
to matters  occurring  on or prior to the  Effective  Time (to the  extent  such
insurance is available  with respect to such  matters);  provided that IHS shall
not be  obligated  to provide any greater  officers'  and  directors'  liability
insurance  than that  generally  afforded to officers and directors of IHS under
policies maintained by IHS with respect to its directors and officers.

                                       40

<PAGE>

                  10.5 GOVERNING LAW.  This Plan of Merger shall be interpreted,
construed  and  enforced in  accordance  with the laws of the State of Delaware,
applied without giving effect to any conflicts-of-law principles.

                  10.6  "INCLUDING".  The word  "including",  when following any
general  statement,  term or  matter,  shall  not be  construed  to  limit  such
statement,  term  or  matter  to the  specific  terms  or  matters  as  provided
immediately  following  the word  "including,,  or to similar  items or matters,
whether or not  non-limiting  language (such as "without  limitation",  "but not
limited  to",  or words of similar  import) is used with  reference  to the word
"including" or the similar items or matters, but rather shall be deemed to refer
to all other items or matters  that could  reasonably  fall within the  broadest
possible scope of the general statement, term or matter.

                  10.7 "KNOWLEDGE".  "To the knowledge", "to the best knowledge,
information  and belief",  or any similar phrase shall be deemed to refer to the
knowledge of the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial
Officer,  Chief  Operating  Officer,  General  Counsel,  or any  Executive  Vice
President or Senior Vice  President of a party and to include the assurance that
such  knowledge  is based  upon a  reasonable  investigation,  unless  otherwise
expressly provided.

                  10.8 "MATERIAL  ADVERSE CHANGE" OR "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT". 
"Material  adverse  change" or "material  adverse  effect"  means,  when used in
connection with Rotech or IHS, any change, effect, event or occurrence that has,
or is reasonably  likely to have,  individually or in the aggregate,  a material
adverse impact on the assets, business, financial position revenues, or earnings
of such party and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

                  10.9  CAPTIONS.   The  captions  or  headings  in this Plan of
Merger are made for  conveniences  and general  reference  only and shall not be
construed to describe,  define or limit the scope or intent of the provisions of
this Plan of Merger.

                  10.10  INTEGRATION OF EXHIBITS.  All Exhibits to the Schedules
attached to this Plan of Merger are integral  parts of this Plan of Merger as if
fully set forth herein.

                  10.11  ENTIRE  AGREEMENT.    This  instrument,  including  all
Exhibits attached hereto and the  Confidentiality  Agreements contain the entire
agreement  of the parties  and  supersede  any and all prior or  contemporaneous
agreements   between  the  parties,   written  or  oral,  with  respect  to  the
transactions   contemplated  hereby.  Such  agreement  may  not  be  changed  or
terminated  orally, but may only be changed by an agreement in writing signed by
the  party  or  parties  against  whom   enforcement  of  any  waiver,   change,
modification, extension, discharge or termination is sought.

                  10.12  COUNTERPARTS.   This Plan of Merger may be  executed in
several counterparts,  each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed to be an
original, and such counterparts shall,  together,  constitute and be one and the
same instrument.

                  10.13  BINDING  EFFECT.  This Plan of Merger  shall be binding
on, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto,  and their respective
successors  and assigns,  and no other  person  shall  acquire or have any right
under or by virtue  of this Plan of  Merger.  No party may  assign  any right or
obligation hereunder without the prior written consent of the other parties.

                                       41

<PAGE>

                  10.14  NO RULE  OF  CONSTRUCTION.   The  parties  agree  that,
because  all parties  participated  in  negotiating  and  drafting  this Plan of
Merger,  no rule of  construction  shall  apply  to this  Plan of  Merger  which
construes  ambiguous language in favor of or against any party by reason of that
party's role in drafting this Plan of Merger.

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                  IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,  each of the  parties  hereto and in the
capacity  indicated  below has  executed  this  Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.

                                          ROTECH MEDICAL CORPORATION:

                                          By:/s/ Stephen P. Griggs
                                             ------------------------------
                                          Its:     President

                                          INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES, INC.

                                          By:/s/ Brian Davidson
                                             ------------------------------
                                          Executive Vice President - Development

                                          IHS ACQUISITION XXIV, INC.

                                          By:/s/ Brian Davidson
                                             ------------------------------


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