MAXCO INC
8-K, 1997-01-17
MISCELLANEOUS NONDURABLE GOODS
Previous: PENN VIRGINIA CORP, SC 13D/A, 1997-01-17
Next: CAPSTONE GROWTH FUND INC, NSAR-B/A, 1997-01-17



<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549


                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT


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

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported)       January 3, 1997
                                                  ------------------------------


                                 MAXCO, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           (exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)




              MICHIGAN                  0-2762                   38-1792842
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (State or other jurisdiction     (Commission                (IRS Employer
         of incorporation)           File Number)            Identification No.)





                1118 CENTENNIAL WAY, LANSING, MICHIGAN  48917
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            (Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)



Registrant's telephone number, including area code         (517) 321-3130
                                                  ------------------------------
<PAGE>   2


MAXCO, INC.
FORM 8-K



Item 2.  Acquisition or Disposition of Assets

January 3, 1997, Maxco completed an agreement and announced that effective   
January 1, 1997 it acquired the business and substantially all of the assets
(consisting principally of accounts receivable, inventory and fixed assets) of
Lansing, Michigan based Atmosphere Annealing, Inc. Atmosphere Annealing, which
was privately owned by four individuals, including a 25% ownership by the 
spouse of Maxco Chairman, Max A. Coon, provides metal heat treating to 
Midwestern industrial users.  It employs approximately 370 people at facilities
in Lansing, Michigan; Canton, Ohio and North Vernon, Indiana.

The assets were acquired for approximately $13 million subject to the audited  
financial statements of the seller as of December 31, 1996 which have not been
issued at this date.  The determination of the final purchase price will be 
made by February 28, 1997.

The consideration to be paid for these assets will consist of the assumption 
of funded debt of approximately $6.5 million, cash and the issuance of a 
subordinated note.  Once the final purchase price is determined, the sellers
will have received one half of the purchase price, net of funded debt assumed,
in cash with the balance in the form of a subordinated note.  At the 
preliminary closing of this transaction $3.0 million was paid to the seller.

Cash used for this transaction was provided by proceeds from the sale of some
of the Company's marketable securities.

Agreement on the purchase price was reached based on an arms length negotiation.

Item 7.  Financial Statements and Exhibits

7(a)    Completed financial statements of Atmosphere Annealing, Inc. will be
        filed within 60 days.

7(b)    Proforma financial data is not presented as the acquisition will be
        fully reflected in Form 10-Q to be filed for the quarter ended 
        December 31, 1996.

7(c)    Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
- -------

10.11   Asset purchase agreement for the purchase of Atmosphere Annealing, Inc.

<PAGE>   3


                                   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.


                                        MAXCO, INC.
                                        (Registrant)



DATE:     January 17, 1997              By: /S/VINCENT SHUNSKY
      -----------------------               --------------------------
                                            Vincent Shunsky,
                                            Vice President-Finance and Treasurer
                                            (Principal Financial and Accounting 
                                            Officer)




<PAGE>   1
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
  No.                   Description                     Page
- -------                 -----------                     ----
<S>                     <C>                           <C>
 10.11                  ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   2
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.11

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         AGREEMENT made this 27th day of December, 1996 between Atmosphere
Annealing, Inc., a Michigan corporation, of 209 W. Mt. Hope, Lansing, Michigan
48910 ("Seller") and Michael W. Wisti of 908 Shawano, Mason, Michigan 48854;
Elden E. Gustafson of 2200 Almond Road, Williamston, Michigan 48895; Joanne L.
Coon of 3 Locust Lane, Lansing, Michigan 48910 and Robert D. Bilby of 4557
Commanche Drive, Okemos, Michigan 48864 ("Shareholders") (Seller and
Shareholders collectively the "Sellers") and Atmosphere Acquisition, Inc., a
Michigan Corporation, of 1118 Centennial Way, Lansing, Michigan 48917,
(hereinafter called "Buyer").
                                    RECITALS
         WHEREAS, except as otherwise disclosed in this Agreement, Seller owns,
and will own at the First Closing, as defined herein, all right and title to
all assets in its ongoing business; and
         WHEREAS, Shareholders own, and will own at the time of the First
Closing, 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of stock of Seller; and
         WHEREAS, Sellers desire to sell to Buyer substantially all of the
assets of Seller, including the goodwill and ongoing business associated with
the coating and heat treating business of Seller ("Business"), and Buyer
desires to purchase the same from Seller;
         NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed between the parties as follows:
I.       Sale of Business Assets.  On the terms and conditions set forth in
         this Agreement, Seller shall sell and Buyer shall purchase, free from
         all liability, liens, debts or encumbrances (except as provided
         herein), all of Seller's interest in the following described property
         ("Purchased Assets"):
         A.      Inventory.  The inventory of steel, coatings and supplies of
                 the Business as of the First Closing Date ("Inventory").
                 Seller agrees to deliver to Buyer all Inventory at its
                 business location(s) at Canton, Ohio; North Vernon, Indiana;
                 1801 Bassett St., Lansing, Michigan and 209 W. Mt. Hope,
                 Lansing, Michigan.
         B.      Accounts Receivable.  All accounts receivable of the business
                 of Seller as reflected

                                      1
<PAGE>   3

                 on the books and records of Seller on the First Closing Date,
                 except as excluded in I below, subject to the provisions of
                 Section X.  At the First Closing, Seller shall provide Buyer
                 with an accurate schedule of the accounts receivable as of the
                 First Closing shall be attached hereto as Exhibit I B.  In
                 addition, at the First Closing, Seller shall provide Buyer
                 with complete detail for all accounts receivable being
                 purchased.
         C.      Fixed Assets.  All furniture, fixtures, machines, equipment,
                 land and buildings including, but not limited to, the
                 furniture, fixtures, machines, equipment, land and buildings
                 described in Exhibit I C attached hereto.  Exhibit I C shall
                 also disclose the description and location of any furniture,
                 fixtures, machines or equipment located at any place other
                 than Sellers' business locations described in I A above.
                 Exhibit I C reflects all furniture, fixtures, machines and
                 equipment of Seller except as excluded in I below.  Seller
                 represents that the furniture, fixtures, machines, equipment,
                 land and buildings are in good working order.  As to all land
                 being purchased herein, Seller shall provide title insurance
                 commitments at least 20 days prior to the First Closing.  The
                 cost of such title insurance shall be borne by Seller as well
                 as the cost of any state or local transfer tax payable as a
                 result of this transaction.  Buyer shall pay the sales tax
                 payable upon vehicle title transfers.
         D.      Goodwill.  All goodwill of the Seller's Business as a going
                 concern, including the names "Atmosphere Annealing, Inc." and
                 "Advanced Bar Technology, Inc." and the telephone number(s):
                 (517) 482-1831, (517) 485-5090, (517) 482-7240, (517)
                 482-1374, (517) 485-1809, (517) 485-5246, (517) 485-5422,
                 (330) 478-0314, (330) 478-1096, (812) 346-1275 and (812)
                 346-4534, which telephone numbers shall be assigned to Buyer
                 to the extent of Seller's right to do so.  Seller shall change
                 its name within five (5) business days of the First Closing.
         E.      Records and Files.  All current customer lists and credit
                 records, supplier lists, customer agreements and
                 correspondence, price lists including special pricing





                                       2
<PAGE>   4

                 arrangements, and sales tax exemption information which relate
                 to the Business of Seller and all other records of the
                 Business ("Business Records").  At the First Closing, Seller
                 shall deliver the same to Buyer.  From and after the First
                 Closing and so long as they shall remain in Seller's
                 possession, Seller shall make available for copying (at
                 Buyer's expense), during reasonable business hours, all other
                 business records and files of Seller which are or may be
                 relevant to:  (i) any claim or defense Seller may have against
                 third persons or one another in any action or proceeding
                 concerning the conduct of the Business by Seller or (ii)
                 Seller's liability for taxes in connection with or arising out
                 of its conduct or ownership of the Business.  Any such
                 information provided to Buyer will be maintained as
                 confidential except as required by any such action or
                 proceeding.  Seller shall have reasonable access to material
                 records and files sold to Buyer herein for tax purposes and
                 such other reasonable purposes as Buyer deems appropriate.
                 For a period of two (2) years after the First Closing Buyer
                 shall not dispose of such records and files without fifteen
                 (15) days notice to Seller and Seller shall have the right to
                 inspect and copy any such records and files.
         F.      Intellectual Property.  All intellectual property of Seller,
                 including but not limited to trade names, trade marks, service
                 marks, copyrights and patents or rights in or to any of the
                 foregoing.  Sellers intellectual property is listed on Exhibit
                 I F.
         G.      Selected Contracts.  All of Seller's interest in and to the
                 contracts listed on Exhibit I G.  All life insurance policies
                 on the life of Max A. Coon and Michael W. Wisti shall be
                 included, whether or not such policies are prepaid.
         H.      Prepaid Accounts.  All of Seller's prepaid accounts listed on
                 Exhibit I H.
         I.      Excluded Assets.  The Purchased Assets shall not include cash
                 or cash equivalents, deposits, capitalized acquisition costs,
                 prepaid accounts not included in I H above, land and buildings
                 located in Lansing, Michigan, life insurance policies on the
                 lives of Elden E. Gustafson and Robert D. Bilby, and any other
                 assets of Seller not





                                       3
<PAGE>   5

                 specifically listed in Paragraphs I A-H, above.
II.      Purchase Price/Allocation.  The purchase price for the assets
         specified in Section I shall be the net book value of such assets as
         of December 31, 1996 plus $4,500,000 (less amount paid pursuant to the
         non-compete in Section IV) and allocated as set forth on Exhibit II
         attached hereto.
III.     Payment of Purchase Price.  The purchase price for the assets
         specified in Section I shall be paid in the following manner:
         A.      Down Payment.  Buyer shall pay to Seller the sum of Three
                 Million and no/100 ($3,000,000.00) Dollars ("Down Payment"),
                 which shall be paid and credited to the purchase price at the
                 First Closing.  The Down Payment shall be made in the form of
                 a cashier's check or wire transfer.  Provided, in no event
                 shall the aggregate amounts paid and payable by Buyer under
                 this Agreement exceed the purchase price plus the amount
                 payable for the covenants not to compete in Section IV below.
         B.      Assumption of Accounts and Notes Payable/Contracts.  At the
                 First Closing, Buyer shall assume the gross accounts payable
                 of Seller incurred in the normal course of business, prior to
                 discount, and notes payable which are stated on the audited
                 financial statements of Seller as of December 31, 1996.  The
                 accounts payable shall be assumed at full value and not
                 discounted.  To the extent that the First Closing occurs after
                 December 31, 1996 and accounts payable and notes payable have
                 increased, Buyer may, in its discretion, agree to assume the
                 additional payables, subject to the adjustments described in E
                 below.  The accounts payable and notes payable to be assumed
                 will be listed on Exhibit III B and attached at the First
                 Closing.  Buyer agrees to pay said accounts payable in the
                 ordinary course and by their due date, except as may be agreed
                 between Buyer and the creditor.  Further, Buyer shall assume
                 all contract obligations listed on Exhibit I G.

         C.      Promissory Note.  At the Second Closing Buyer shall execute
                 and deliver to Seller
        




                                       4
<PAGE>   6

                 a promissory note ("Promissory Note") for the balance of the
                 purchase price up to one-half (1/2) of the purchase price.
                 The Promissory Note shall be substantially in the form
                 attached as Exhibit III C.   The Promissory Note shall include
                 a guaranty by Buyer's parent corporation, Maxco, Inc., owner
                 of 100% of the shares of Buyer ("Shares").   Any balance of
                 purchase price will be paid by cashier's check at the Second
                 Closing.
         D.      Liabilities Not Assumed.  Buyer does not assume any
                 liabilities or obligations of Seller of any type except as
                 specifically provided in Paragraph III B above.  Sellers shall
                 indemnify Buyer from and against all liabilities of Seller not
                 specifically assumed herein, pursuant to Section IX.
         E.      Closing Adjustments.  At the Second Closing, an adjustment in
                 the purchase price will be made to take into account any
                 increase in accounts payable and/or notes payable and any
                 change in assets being purchased.  To the extent that the
                 accounts/notes payable assumed, pursuant to B above, at the
                 First Closing increase or decrease from the amount of such
                 payables shown on the audited financial statements dated
                 12-31-96, the amount of cash and the amount of the Promissory
                 Note would be correspondingly be reduced or increased by such
                 amount of change.  To the extent that the assets purchased
                 increase or decrease from the amount reflected on the books at
                 December 31, 1996, the purchase price would be likewise
                 increased or decreased by such amount, as the case may be.
IV.      Agreement Not to Compete.  At First Closing, Buyer and Sellers shall
         execute and cause to be executed, and deliver the Non-Competition
         Agreement attached as Exhibit IV.
V.       Closings and Announcement.  Two closings are contemplated by this
         transaction.  The First Closing shall be held on January 3, 1997.  The
         Second Closing shall be on or before February 28, 1997.  Each closing
         shall be held at the offices of Warren, Price, Cameron, Faust &
         Asciutto, P.C. or at such place as the parties shall agree, at 10:00
         a.m. on the stated date.





                                       5
<PAGE>   7

         A.      First Closing.  At the First Closing all documents
                 contemplated by this Agreement shall be executed and delivered
                 to the respective parties with the exception of the Promissory
                 Note.  At the First Closing, Buyer shall deliver the Down
                 Payment and Seller shall deliver to Buyer paid receipts and
                 appropriate UCC Terminations and discharges required by
                 Paragraph VII L, the vehicle titles, and the deeds required by
                 Section XIV H.
         B.      Second Closing.  At or prior to the Second Closing, Buyer
                 shall deliver to Seller the Promissory Note and any balance
                 due in the form of a cashier's check after adjustments
                 pursuant to III E above.
         C.      Confidentiality.  Sellers agree that they will make no public
                 statement, release or announcement concerning the transactions
                 contemplated herein without the prior written consent of Buyer
                 except as may be required by law and except for disclosure to
                 its attorneys, bankers and accountants in confidence.  Unless
                 otherwise required by law, neither Sellers nor their
                 representatives will, without Buyer's prior written consent,
                 disclose to any person (other than those representatives
                 actively and directly participating in this transaction) any
                 information about Buyer or the terms, conditions or other
                 facts relating to this Agreement, including the fact that
                 discussions are taking place or the status of such
                 discussions.  Additionally, Sellers, their officers,
                 employees, agents or controlling person(s) will maintain
                 complete confidentiality with regard to this transaction or
                 any discussions relative thereto, and further agree to refrain
                 from trading in Buyer's stock pending a public disclosure or
                 termination of this agreement between the parties for failure
                 of a contingency.
VI.      Possession.  Buyer shall have possession of the Purchased Assets at
         the open of business on the day following the First Closing.  However,
         any risk of loss of the Purchased Assets prior to Buyer receiving
         actual possession (or seven (7) days after the First Closing,
         whichever occurs first), shall be borne by Seller and Seller agrees to
         maintain its existing insurance on said Purchased Assets until
         transfer of actual possession to Buyer, but not later





                                       6
<PAGE>   8

         than seven (7) days after the First Closing.
VII.     Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Sellers.  As of the date
         of this Agreement and as of the First Closing, Seller and Shareholders
         jointly and severally represent and warrant to and covenant with Buyer
         as follows:
         A.      Title.  That Seller is the owner of and has, or will have at
                 the time of the First Closing, good and marketable title to
                 all of the Purchased Assets, free and clear of all debts,
                 claims, liens, encumbrances or security interests except the
                 obligations of Seller being assumed pursuant to Paragraph III
                 B or otherwise disclosed on Exhibit VII A.
         B.      Existence.  That Seller is a corporation organized, existing
                 and in good standing under and by virtue of the laws of the
                 State of Michigan.
         C.      Authorization.  That Seller has full legal authority to enter
                 into this Agreement and consummate the transactions
                 contemplated herein and this Agreement will constitute the
                 legally valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable in
                 accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by
                 bankruptcy or other laws affecting creditors rights generally
                 or by equitable principles, and its Board of Directors and
                 Shareholders have authorized the execution of this Agreement
                 as evidenced by attached Exhibit VII C.
         D.      Compliance with Laws, etc.  Except as disclosed on Exhibit VII
                 D, Seller and its agents have materially complied with all
                 statutes, laws, rules/regulations and ordinances of local,
                 state and federal governments and their respective agencies.
         E.      Contract for Sale.  Seller has not entered into any other
                 outstanding or enforceable contract (including, but not
                 limited to, any option or right of first refusal) to sell its
                 business, assets or any portion thereof except pursuant to
                 this Agreement and the sale of inventory in the ordinary
                 course of business.
         F.      Litigation.  Except as disclosed on Exhibit VII F, there are
                 no actions, suits, labor disputes or other legal,
                 administrative, or other governmental proceedings,





                                       7
<PAGE>   9

                 investigation or litigation pending or, to the best of
                 Seller's knowledge, threatened against or affecting Seller
                 relative to, or which would affect, the Purchased Assets.
         G.      No Breach.  Except as disclosed on Exhibit VII G, the
                 performance of this Agreement and the transfer and sale of the
                 Purchased Assets will not result in any breach of, constitute
                 a default under, or result in the creation of any lien, charge
                 or penalty upon any assets or property which is being
                 transferred hereunder or under any material agreement to which
                 Seller is a party or in which Seller or Seller's property may
                 be bound or adversely affected.
         H.      Contracts.  There are no outstanding agreements, leases or
                 contracts to which Seller is a party which could materially
                 adversely affect the value of the Purchased Assets except as
                 specifically disclosed on Exhibit VII H.
         I.      Warranty Claims.  To the knowledge of Seller and Shareholders,
                 there are no warranty claims pending against Seller.
         J.      Taxes.  Seller has paid, or will pay in a timely manner as
                 required by law including proper extensions, all real and
                 personal property taxes, all social security, withholding,
                 sales, use and unemployment insurance taxes and other business
                 taxes which Seller owed or owes to the local, state and
                 federal governments as of the date hereof and as of the First
                 Closing.  Seller and Shareholder agree to indemnify Buyer with
                 respect to any and all tax liability Buyer shall incur as a
                 result of Seller's failure to pay any such taxes or
                 withholding incurred through the date of the First Closing.
                 In the event Seller shall breach this warranty, Buyer shall
                 have the right to withhold all payments on any sum or sums due
                 under the Promissory Note in Section III and the Non-Compete
                 Agreement in Section IV until Sellers pay the taxes and
                 withholding owing.  Further, in the event Seller's breach
                 shall cause damage or expense to Buyer, including attorney
                 fees and expenses, Buyer may credit such damage or expense
                 against the Promissory Note and/or Non-Compete amounts.
                 Seller shall disclose its taxpayer identification number and
                 provide certification by





                                       8
<PAGE>   10

                 delivering a completed IRS form W-9 (see Exhibit VII J) to
                 Seller at the First Closing.
         K.      Environmental Protection.  (i) Sellers have, with respect to
                 the Business or any property owned, leased, or used by Seller
                 in the Business ("Property"), complied with all applicable and
                 material provisions of the Environmental Protection Act, the
                 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive
                 Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of
                 1980, the Toxic Substance Control Act, the Clean Water Act and
                 all other federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and
                 regulations currently in effect which relate in any way to the
                 protection of the environment (collectively the "Environmental
                 Laws");  (ii)  Sellers have no knowledge of any claim and have
                 not received notice of any claim against Seller or
                 Shareholders or the Property, alleging any damage to the
                 environment or violation of the Environmental Laws;  (iii)  No
                 facts exist which would give rise to any claim, public or
                 private, of violation of the Environmental Laws or damage to
                 the environment emanating from, occurring on, or in any way
                 related to the Purchased Assets or the Property;  (iv)
                 Sellers have not disposed of any hazardous materials or toxic
                 chemicals on or from the Property in violation of
                 Environmental Laws and have no knowledge of such disposal by
                 any other person or entity on or from the Property;  (v)
                 Sellers have not stored, and are not presently storing any
                 hazardous materials or toxic wastes on the Property in
                 violation of Environmental Laws.
         L.      MESC Form 1027.  Seller has delivered to Buyer, at least 2
                 days prior to the date of this Agreement, a completed MESC
                 Form 1027.
         M.      Financial Representations.  The compiled annual financial
                 statements for the years 1993 through 1995, in each case
                 ending on December 31, provided by Seller to Buyer were
                 prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
                 principals and fairly present the results of the operations
                 and financial position of Seller on the respective dates and
                 for the respective periods indicated.  The year to date
                 internal





                                       9
<PAGE>   11

                 statement through September 30, 1996 provided to Buyer was not
                 prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
                 principals but was prepared consistent with prior financial
                 statements and does accurately reflect the results of the
                 operations and financial position of Seller on the respective
                 dates and for the respective periods indicated.
         N.      Conduct of Business Pending Closing.  Seller warrants that
                 from the date of the last financial statement referenced in M
                 above until the First Closing, the Business was conducted only
                 in the ordinary course, diligently and in the same manner as
                 the normal course of Seller's business, except as otherwise
                 agreed between the parties and no significant events (other
                 than general economic events which are common knowledge) have
                 occurred which have or will affect, in a material and adverse
                 manner, the financial condition of the Seller or the Business
                 being sold to Buyer.
         O.      Successor Liability/COBRA.  Sellers warrant to Buyer that
                 Buyer shall not incur any liability ("successor liability") as
                 successor in interest to Seller except for the accounts
                 payable and contract obligations (if any) expressly assumed by
                 Buyer pursuant to paragraph III and except for COBRA liability
                 for (i) employees and qualified beneficiaries of Seller that
                 Buyer hires as its own employees; (ii) employees and qualified
                 beneficiaries of Seller that are not hired by Buyer who become
                 entitled to COBRA coverage as a result of their termination of
                 employment in connection with the sale; and (iii) those
                 current or former employees and qualified beneficiaries listed
                 on Exhibit VII O who may elect or have elected COBRA
                 continuation coverage under Seller's group health plan
                 (collectively, "Limited Obligations").  Successor liability
                 shall include but not be limited to any liability for wages,
                 salaries or benefits owed to any of Seller's employees; any
                 liability under any collective bargaining agreement between
                 Seller and any labor organization representing any Seller
                 employee; any liability to any customer of Seller, or any
                 other person, for events occurring prior to the First Closing,
                 or related to the sale of any products sold





                                       10
<PAGE>   12

                 by Seller; liability for taxes or withholding; any liability
                 of Seller to any trade or other creditor which Buyer has not
                 specifically assumed; and any employment tax or expense
                 incurred due to Seller's employees under Michigan, Ohio or
                 Indiana law, respectively.
                          Sellers specifically warrant and agree that Buyer
                 will not be deemed to be a "successor employer" for purposes
                 of continuation coverage under Section 4980B of the Internal
                 Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the "Code") and 29 USC
                 1161-1169, as amended, ("ERISA") except as to Limited
                 Obligations. Buyer warrants that it will, or will cause its
                 plan administrator, to provide any and all required COBRA or
                 ERISA notices required by the Code and ERISA (as they may
                 apply to any group health plan provided by or for Buyer or
                 Seller) in connection with this sale.  Such notices will be
                 provided in a timely fashion and will be given to all persons
                 and will contain all information necessary to avoid failure to
                 comply with the Code or ERISA, and demonstrate compliance.
         Sellers acknowledge that Buyer is relying on the foregoing
representations made by Sellers, in spite of any independent investigation made
by Buyer.  No such investigation by Buyer or its representatives shall affect
the representations and warranties of Sellers or Buyer's reliance on them.
VIII.    Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Buyer.  Buyer represents
         and warrants to and covenants with Seller as follows:
         A.      Corporate Existence.  That Buyer is a corporation organized,
                 existing and in good standing under and by virtue of the laws
                 of the State of Michigan and is, or will be at the time of the
                 First Closing, qualified to do business in the States of Ohio
                 and Indiana.
         B.      Board Approval.  That upon receiving approval of its Board of
                 Directors, Buyer will have full legal authority to consummate
                 the transactions contemplated herein and this Agreement, the
                 Promissory Notes and other obligations hereunder will upon
                 execution constitute the legally valid and binding obligations
                 of Buyer, enforceable





                                       11
<PAGE>   13

                 in accordance with their terms, except as may be limited by
                 bankruptcy or other similar laws affecting creditors' rights
                 generally or by equitable principles.  Buyer's Board of
                 Directors must authorize this transaction as set forth in
                 Exhibit VIII B.
         C.      Compliance with Laws, etc.  That Buyer and its agents have
                 materially complied with all laws, rules and regulations of
                 the local, state and federal governments and their respective
                 agencies.
         D.      Litigation.  That there are no actions, suits, labor disputes
                 or other legal, administrative, or other governmental
                 proceedings, investigation or litigation pending or, to the
                 best of Buyer's knowledge, threatened against or affecting
                 Buyer relative to, or which would affect, Buyer's obligations
                 hereunder.
IX.      Indemnification.
         A.      Indemnification by Sellers.  During the period in which any
                 representation or warranty shall survive,  Sellers shall
                 indemnify and hold Buyer harmless against and in respect of:
                 1.       Liabilities and Obligations.  All liabilities and
                          obligations of or claims against Seller not expressly
                          assumed by Buyer and all costs and expenses incurred
                          by Buyer if Seller fails to cure the same promptly
                          upon notice.
                 2.       Noncompliance with Agreement.  Any damage or
                          deficiency resulting from any misrepresentation,
                          breach of warranty, or nonfulfillment of any
                          agreement on the part of Sellers under this
                          Agreement, or from any misrepresentation in, or
                          omission from any certificate or other instrument
                          furnished or to be furnished to Buyer under this
                          Agreement.
                 3.       Warranty Claims.  Liability or expense to Buyer as a
                          result of any claims made by customers of Seller
                          and/or users of, or persons affected by, products
                          and/or services of Seller which were sold or disposed
                          of prior to the date of the First Closing.
                 4.       Environmental Matters.  All expense, liability,
                          damage or obligation of every





                                       12
<PAGE>   14

                          nature which Buyer incurs as a result of acts or
                          failure to act of Sellers, their agents, employees,
                          predecessors in interest and all others, relative to
                          the operation of the Business, the Purchased Assets,
                          or the Property and which acts or failure to act
                          violate any federal, state or local statute, law,
                          ordinance, rule or regulation relating to protection
                          of the environment.
                 5.       COBRA.   Sellers specifically agree to indemnify
                          Buyer for any liability, interest, cost, penalties,
                          taxes or expenses and attorney fees incurred by or
                          assessed against Buyer: 1) if Buyer is deemed a
                          "successor" employer to Seller for purposes of COBRA
                          and ERISA, except as to Limited Obligations; 2) which
                          arise by reason of or relative to any failure to
                          comply with section 4980B of the Code and section 601
                          through 608 of ERISA, as a result of cessation of
                          Seller's business due to this sale except as to
                          Limited Obligations or 3) any other omission or
                          violation of COBRA or ERISA requirements by Sellers
                          prior to the First Closing.
                 6.       Litigation.  All actions, suits, proceedings,
                          demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses,
                          including reasonable attorneys fees, incident to any
                          of the foregoing subparagraphs, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
         B.      Indemnification by Buyer.  During the period in which any
                 representation or warranty shall survive, Buyer shall
                 indemnify and hold Seller harmless against and in respect of:
                 1.       Liabilities and Obligations.  All liabilities and
                          obligations of, or claims against, Buyer and from any
                          misrepresentation, breach of warranty, or
                          nonfulfillment of this Agreement and all cost and
                          expenses incurred by Seller if Buyer fails to cure
                          the same promptly upon notice.
                 2.       Noncompliance with Agreement.  Any damage or
                          deficiency resulting from any misrepresentation,
                          breach of warranty, or nonfulfillment of any
                          agreement on the part of Buyer under this Agreement,
                          or from any





                                       13
<PAGE>   15

                          misrepresentation in, or omission from any
                          certificate or other instrument furnished or to be
                          furnished to Seller under this Agreement.
                 3.       Warranty Claims.  Liability or expense to Seller as a
                          result of any claims made by customers of Buyer
                          and/or users of, or persons affected by, products
                          and/or services of Buyer which were sold or disposed
                          of by Buyer after the date of the First Closing.
                 4.       Environmental Matters.  All expense, liability,
                          damage or obligation of every nature which Seller
                          incurs as a result of acts or failure to act of
                          Buyer, its agents and employees, relative to the
                          operation of the Business, the Purchased Assets, or
                          the Property and which acts or failure to act
                          violate any federal, state or local statute, law,
                          ordinance, rule or regulation relating to protection
                          of the environment.
                 5.       Litigation.  All actions, suits, proceedings,
                          demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses,
                          including reasonable attorneys fees, incident to
                          subparagraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4 above.
         C.      Notice of Claim.  Each person entitled to indemnification
                 under this Section IX (the "Indemnified Party") shall give
                 notice (including a detailed description of the claim and
                 copies of any accompanying documents) to the party required to
                 provide indemnification (the "Indemnifying Party") promptly
                 after such Indemnified Party has actual knowledge of any claim
                 as to which indemnity may be available or sought, and shall
                 permit the Indemnifying Party to participate in the defense of
                 any such claim or any resulting litigation, and the
                 Indemnifying Party may participate in such defense at such
                 party's expense.  The failure of any Indemnified Party to give
                 the notice required by this Agreement shall not relieve the
                 Indemnifying Party of its obligations unless such failure
                 results in actual detriment to the Indemnifying Party.  In the
                 event that a claim or litigation is partially, but not wholly
                 covered by an indemnity set forth in this Section IX, the
                 Indemnified and the Indemnifying Parties





                                       14
<PAGE>   16

                 shall share in the resulting losses in proportion to their
                 respective liabilities.  Neither party may settle or
                 compromise a claim for which indemnity is being sought without
                 the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which
                 consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
         D.      Set Off.  Buyer shall be entitled, but not required, to
                 set-off against the amounts owing to Seller and Shareholder
                 pursuant to the Promissory Note in Section III C and the
                 Non-Compete Agreement, the Leases attached hereto or any other
                 sum due to Seller or Shareholder under this Agreement, any
                 claim of Buyer against Seller and/or Shareholder under this
                 Paragraph according to the following procedures:
                 1.       Buyer shall first provide notice to Seller in writing
                          setting forth in detail the basis for the claimed
                          set-off and the amount of the claimed set-off (the
                          "Set-Off Notice") and the breakdown of the amount set
                          off against the amounts due to Seller and
                          Shareholder.
                 2.       If Seller disagrees with the basis for, or the amount
                          of, the proposed set-off as contained in the Set-Off
                          Notice, then Seller shall provide notice in writing
                          to Buyer of such disagreement, setting forth in
                          detail the basis for such disagreement and the amount
                          thereof, on or before the twentieth (20th) day
                          following delivery of the Set-Off Notice.
                 3.       Within the thirty (30) day period following the date
                          on which Buyer receives the notice of Seller, Buyer
                          or Seller may submit the dispute with respect to the
                          claimed set-off to arbitration, as set forth in
                          Section XVIII. The amounts claimed to be due from
                          Seller and/or Shareholders and proposed to be set-off
                          pursuant to this Paragraph shall be applied against
                          any sums due Seller or Shareholders under this
                          Agreement, against the first due payment(s) in any
                          case.
                 4.       Any amount of Set-Off claimed by Buyer which is
                          disputed by Seller shall be remitted to an
                          institutional Escrow Agent of Buyer's choosing,
                          subject to





                                       15
<PAGE>   17

                          Seller's approval which shall not be unreasonably
                          withheld, within five days of when such Set-Off
                          amount would otherwise be due to Seller or
                          Shareholders.  The amounts set-off and all earnings
                          thereon shall be held pursuant to a written Escrow
                          Agreement in reasonable form proscribed by the Escrow
                          Agent and subject to the reasonable approval of the
                          parties.  If the parties are unable to agree, the
                          matter shall be resolved by arbitration.  The failure
                          of the parties to agree shall not excuse the
                          necessity of the payment being made into escrow.  The
                          amounts in escrow shall be disbursed in accordance
                          with the direction of the parties, and if they do not
                          agree, then pursuant to arbitration under Section
                          XVIII.
         E.      Limitation as to Amount.  Sellers shall have no liability for
                 indemnification (or unintentional breach of warranty) with
                 respect to the matters described in Section IX A (1), (2), (3)
                 or (5) and that portion of (6) relating to the foregoing,
                 until the total of damages with respect thereto exceeds
                 $100,000.00.  Provided, this limitation shall not apply to
                 Section IX A (4) and such portion of (6) relating to (4) and
                 all warranties and representations with respect to
                 environmental matters.  Buyer shall have no liability for
                 indemnification with respect to the matters described in
                 Section IX B (1), (2), (3) or (5) and that portion of (6)
                 relating to the foregoing, until the total of damages with
                 respect thereto exceeds $100,000.00.  Provided, this
                 limitation shall not apply to Section IX B (4) and such
                 portion of (6) relating to (4).
         F.      Exclusive Remedy.  If the First Closing shall occur, the
                 indemnification provided in this Section shall be the sole and
                 exclusive remedy for any inaccuracy or breach of warranty or
                 representation made by any party in the Agreement or in any
                 certificate or document delivered pursuant to or in connection
                 with the Agreement; provided, however, no party shall be
                 precluded from seeking any remedy available for (i) any
                 inaccuracy or breach which constitutes fraud; or (ii) failure
                 by any other party to comply with any covenant or agreement
                 contained in this Agreement to be performed





                                       16
<PAGE>   18

                 or complied with after the First Closing.
X.       Guaranty of Accounts Receivable.  Sellers agree to guaranty the
         Accounts Receivable purchased by Buyer as follows:
         A.      There shall be a complete guarantee by Seller and Shareholders
                 of all receivables as of the First Closing.  If such
                 receivables are not paid within 120 days after the First
                 Closing, during which period Buyer will make reasonable
                 efforts to effect collection (Buyer need not bring a lawsuit),
                 Buyer may, by notice to Seller within 180 days of the First
                 Closing, require immediate repurchase as described in B below.
                 Otherwise, the right to require repurchase shall be deemed
                 waived.
         B.      Any receivable to be repurchased pursuant to Subparagraph A
                 above shall be paid by crediting those amounts against the
                 next payments due Sellers pursuant to the Promissory Note in
                 Section III C and the Non-Compete Agreement in Section IV.
                 Such accounts receivable shall be reassigned, free and clear
                 of all liens or security interests, to Seller or Shareholder
                 as appropriate when Buyer requires the repurchase.  If Seller
                 fails to direct the reassignment, Buyer shall reassign the
                 receivable based upon which obligation(s) under Sections III
                 and IV was credited.
         C.      While Seller is subject to the repurchase requirement of A and
                 B above, payments received by Buyer on accounts shall be
                 credited first against the oldest invoice(s) unless payment is
                 accompanied by direction to apply the payment against a
                 specific invoice and Buyer will provide to Seller such
                 information regarding such accounts as Seller shall reasonably
                 request.
XI.      Bulk Transfer Act.  In connection with the transfer of property
         contemplated in this Agreement, Seller has requested that it not be
         required to comply with the Bulk Transfer Provisions of the Michigan
         Uniform Commercial Code as well as those of Ohio and Indiana, if
         applicable, and Buyer has consented to this request in exchange for
         Seller indemnifying Buyer against all claims made by creditors of
         Seller (other than those obligations assumed by Buyer pursuant to
         Section III), which Seller has agreed to,





                                       17
<PAGE>   19

         including but not limited to any losses, reasonable expenses and
         attorney fees which are incurred by Buyer as the result of any action
         taken against the Purchased Assets or any levies on the Purchased
         Assets by creditors of Seller (other than those obligations assumed by
         Buyer in Section III).
XII.     Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants.  All
         representations, warranties and covenants made by each party for the
         benefit of the other party shall survive the Closing for a period of
         three (3) years, with the exception of environmental warranties and
         covenants which shall survive indefinitely.  All indemnification
         claims must be asserted by giving notice as provided in Section IX C
         ("Notice").  Anything in this Agreement notwithstanding, a party shall
         not be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement unless
         the Notice is given to the party from whom indemnity is sought within
         the survival period specified in this Section XII.
XIII.    Conditions Precedent to Obligation of Buyer.  Except as waived in
         writing by Buyer, the obligation of Buyer to close is conditioned upon
         satisfaction at or prior to the First Closing of each of the following
         conditions:
         A.      Representations.  The representations and warranties of
                 Sellers shall be true as of the First Closing.
         B.      Covenants.  Sellers shall have performed and complied in all
                 material respects with all agreements, terms, conditions and
                 covenants required by this Agreement, and shall not be in
                 default hereunder.
         C.      No Injunctions.  No action or proceeding by any governmental
                 body or agency shall have been threatened, asserted or
                 instituted to restrain or prohibit, and no order shall have
                 been entered by any court having jurisdiction of the subject
                 matter of this Agreement restraining or prohibiting the
                 carrying out of any material transaction contemplated by this
                 Agreement.
         D.      Delivery of Documents.  Sellers deliver to Buyer all documents
                 required to be delivered by Sellers according to this
                 Agreement.





                                       18
<PAGE>   20

         E.      Fairness Opinion.  The receipt and acceptance by Buyer of a
                 "fairness opinion" by an investment banking firm chosen by
                 Buyer.  The acceptance of such opinion is in the sole
                 discretion of Buyer's board of directors.
         F.      Due Diligence Review.  Buyer's completion of such due
                 diligence as it shall require, including, but not limited to
                 review, investigation and examination of such legal, physical,
                 environmental, operational, future prospects and financial
                 matters of Seller as Buyer shall require.  The results of such
                 review, investigation and examination must be satisfactory to
                 Buyer.  Seller and Shareholders agree to cooperate with Buyer
                 in facilitating such due diligence by Buyer and be given
                 access to all information necessary for Buyer to make an
                 informed decision regarding the purchase of Sellers assets.
         G.      Execution of Lansing Leases/Lease Assignments.  At the First
                 Closing, Seller and Shareholders shall execute the real estate
                 leases attached as Exhibits XIV G-1 and XIV G-2.
         H.      Title Insurance/Deeds.  As to all real property being
                 purchased by Buyer, Seller shall provide and pay the premium
                 for title insurance relative thereto, in the amount of each
                 respective purchase price.  Seller shall provide a commitment
                 for title insurance on each such parcel, at least 20 days
                 prior to the First Closing.  The title insurance commitments
                 must be satisfactory to Buyer.  At the First Closing, Seller
                 shall deliver to Buyer, deeds in the form of Exhibits XIV H-1
                 and XIV H-2.
         I.      Removal of Excluded Assets.  Prior to, or within 3 days after,
                 the First Closing Seller shall have removed from the locations
                 occupied by Seller, all of the assets not being purchased by
                 Buyer, if any.  This provision includes removal and disposal
                 by Seller, at its expense, of all waste materials, and other
                 rubbish in compliance with all laws, statutes and regulations
                 of applicable governmental authorities.
         J.      Confidentiality.  Sellers shall have not breached their
                 obligation of confidentiality hereunder.





                                       19
<PAGE>   21

         K.      Board Approval.  Buyer's Board of Directors shall have
                 approved this transaction.
         L.      Consents.  Buyer shall have received all consents and
                 approvals from governmental authorities and third parties as
                 it deems necessary.
         M.      Employment of Michael Wisti.  Buyer shall have received such
                 assurances as it shall require that Buyer will be able to
                 employ Michael Wisti for a minimum of two (2) years after the
                 First Closing.
         N.      Absence of Change.  No material adverse change in the
                 financial condition, business, assets or prospects of the
                 Seller shall have occurred between September 30, 1996 and the
                 First Closing.
         O.      Payment of Obligations. Seller shall have paid by the First
                 Closing, all of its obligations of every nature except for
                 those being assumed by Buyer herein as set forth on Exhibit
                 III C and except for taxes which are not yet due.
         P.      MESC Form 1027.  Buyer shall have received from Seller MESC
                 form 1027 two (2) days prior to the date of this Agreement.
         Q.      Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent.  If the First Closing
                 shall occur, then all conditions precedent to the obligations
                 of Buyer to Close shall be deemed to have been met.
         R.      No Acceleration.  Bank indebtedness of Seller will not be
                 accelerated as a result of this transaction.
XIV.     Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Sellers.  Except as may be
         waived in writing by Sellers, the obligation of Sellers to close is
         conditioned upon satisfaction at or prior to the First Closing of each
         of the following conditions:
         A.      Representations.  The representations and warranties of Buyer
                 shall be true as of the First Closing.
         B.      Covenants.  Buyer shall have performed and complied in all
                 material respects with all agreements, terms, conditions and
                 covenants required by this Agreement and shall not be in
                 default hereunder.





                                       20
<PAGE>   22

         C.      No Injunctions.  No action or proceeding by any governmental
                 body or agency shall have been threatened, asserted or
                 instituted to restrain or prohibit, and no order shall have
                 been entered by any court having jurisdiction of the subject
                 matter of this Agreement restraining or prohibiting the
                 carrying out of any material transaction contemplated by this
                 Agreement.
         D.      Delivery.  Buyer shall deliver to Seller all documents
                 required to be delivered by Buyer according to this Agreement.
         E.      Board Approval.  Seller's Board of Directors shall have
                 approved this transaction.
         F.      Shareholder Approval.  Seller's Shareholders shall have
                 approved this transaction.
         G.      Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent.  If the First Closing
                 shall occur, then all conditions precedent to the obligations
                 of Sellers to Close shall be deemed to have been met.
         H.      No Acceleration.  Bank indebtedness of Seller will not be
                 accelerated as a result of this transaction.
XV.      Transfer Documents.  At the First Closing Seller shall execute the
         Bill of Sale attached as Exhibit XV, the Assignment attached as
         Exhibit XV A, all vehicle titles and such other instruments of
         transfer as may be necessary or appropriate to the sale or delivery of
         Seller's business and assets pursuant to this Agreement.  From time to
         time, at Buyer's or Seller's request and expense, but without further
         consideration, Seller and Buyer shall take such other action as Buyer
         or Seller may reasonably request, to convey and transfer more
         effectively to Buyer any of the Purchased Assets.  Each party agrees
         to cooperate to conclude the transaction contemplated herein in a
         complete and expeditious fashion.
XVI.     Michigan Law.  This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with
         the laws of the State of Michigan.
XVII.    Arbitration.
         A.      Demand for Arbitration.  Except regarding a claim for an
                 injunction or equitable relief or a claim regarding
                 environmental matters, any controversy, dispute or claim





                                       21
<PAGE>   23

                 arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to, the
                 construction, performance or breach of this Agreement,
                 including without limitation, the validity, scope and
                 enforceability of this Section XVII, shall be adjudicated by
                 arbitration conducted in accordance with the then existing
                 rules for commercial arbitration of the American Arbitration
                 Association ("AAA"), or any successor organization.  The
                 demand for arbitration ("Demand") shall be delivered in
                 accordance with the notice provision of this Agreement.
         B.      Selection of Arbitrators.  Within five (5) business days after
                 receipt of a Demand, the parties shall jointly request a list
                 of arbitrators from the AAA.  Upon receipt of arbitrators,
                 each party shall mark selections and rejections and resubmit
                 the list to the AAA.  The selections and rejections shall take
                 place within seven (7) business days after receipt of the
                 proposed arbitrators from the AAA.  The parties shall
                 cooperate with the AAA and the appointed arbitrator(s) for the
                 purpose of setting an expeditious hearing, which shall be
                 conducted in Lansing, Michigan.
         C.      Costs and Expenses.  Buyer and Seller agree that the costs of
                 the arbitration shall be borne by the non-prevailing party.
                 The fees and expenses of the arbitrator(s), hearing room and
                 court reporter, if any, shall be borne by the non-prevailing
                 party.  Each party may be represented by counsel.
         D.      Binding Nature of Decision.  The parties intend this agreement
                 to arbitrate to be valid, enforceable and irrevocable.  The
                 decision of the arbitrator(s) with respect to all matters,
                 except the validity of the Agreement, which shall be rendered
                 no later than six (6) months after the date the hearing
                 begins, shall be final and binding upon the parties and
                 judgment on the award may be entered by either party in any
                 court having jurisdiction over the person or property of the
                 party against whom the award is sought to be enforced.  The
                 parties stipulate that the arbitration provisions shall be a
                 complete defense to any suit, action or proceeding instituted
                 in any Federal, state or local court, or before any
                 administrative tribunal with respect to any dispute,





                                       22
<PAGE>   24

                 controversy or alleged breach of this Agreement.  The
                 arbitration provisions of this Agreement shall survive any
                 termination or expiration of this Agreement.
XVIII.   Effective Agreement.  This Agreement and its Exhibits set forth the
         entire understanding of the parties.  This Agreement shall not be
         changed or terminated orally.  All the terms and provisions of this
         Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be
         enforceable by the Successors and Assigns of the parties.
XIX.     Notices.  Any and all notices required to be sent pursuant to the
         terms of this Agreement shall be sent by certified or registered mail,
         return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and addressed as follows:

         Sellers:                 Michael W. Wisti
                                  908 Shawano
                                  Mason, Michigan 48854

         with a copy to:          Richard C. Lowe
                                  Fraser, Trebilcock, Davis & Foster, P.C.
                                  1000 Michigan National Tower
                                  Lansing, Michigan 48933

         Buyer:                   Vincent Shunsky
                                  Atmosphere Acquisition, Inc.
                                  1118 Centennial Way
                                  Lansing, Michigan 48917

         with a copy to:          Owen J. Faust
                                  Warren, Price, Cameron, Faust & Asciutto, P.C.
                                  P.O. Box 26067
                                  Lansing, Michigan  48909

         Notice served in the above fashion shall be deemed effective on the
earlier of receipt or the third (3rd) business day after mailing.
XX.      Brokerage Fees.  The parties shall indemnify each other and hold each
         other harmless against expense incurred by an indemnitee from a claim
         for brokerage fees, commissions or other compensation by any person,
         firm or corporation introduced by the indemnitor in connection with
         the transactions contemplated hereby for brokerage or other
         commissions relative to this Agreement, or to the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement, including all expenses of any
         character incurred by the indemnitee in connection therewith.





                                       23
<PAGE>   25

XXI.     Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more
         counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
         which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, that the parties have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the date and year first above written.

SELLER:                                           BUYER:
Atmosphere Annealing, Inc.,                       Atmosphere Acquisition, Inc., 
a Michigan corporation                            a Michigan corporation



S/Michael W. Wisti                                S/Vincent Shunsky
- ------------------                                -----------------
Michael W. Wisti, President                       Vincent Shunsky, President

SHAREHOLDERS:


S/Michael W. Wisti                       S/Joanne L. Coon
- ------------------                       ----------------
Michael W. Wisti                         Joanne L. Coon
                                        
                                        
S/Elden E. Gustafson                     S/Robert D. Bilby
- --------------------                     -----------------
Elden E. Gustafson                       Robert D. Bilby





                                       24


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission