CRYENCO SCIENCES INC
PREM14A, 1997-05-22
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS, NEC
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                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (RULE 14A-101)
                    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
          PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
                     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO.  )
 
Filed by the Registrant  [x]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
 
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<S>                                                                                 <C>
[x]  Preliminary Proxy Statement                                                    [ ]  Confidential, for Use of the
[ ]  Definitive Proxy Statement                                                          Commission Only (as permitted by
[ ]  Definitive Additional Materials                                                     Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
</TABLE>
 
                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                (NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    (NAME OF PERSON(S) FILING PROXY STATEMENT, IF OTHER THAN THE REGISTRANT)
 
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
[ ]  No fee required
[x]  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
 
    (1) Title  of each class of securities to which transaction applies: Class A
        Common Stock,  Options to  Purchase Class  A Common  Stock, Warrants  to
        purchase  Class  B Convertible  Non-Voting Common  Stock which  stock is
        convertible into Class A Common Stock on a share for share basis ('Class
        B Common Stock'), and Series A Preferred Stock
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    (2) Aggregate number of securities  to which transaction applies:  6,996,997
        shares  of Class A  Common Stock, Options to  purchase 164,000 shares of
        Class A Common  Stock, Warrants to  purchase 341,434 shares  of Class  B
        Common Stock, and 68,517 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    (3) Per  unit  price  or  other  underlying  value  of  transaction computed
        pursuant to Exchange Act  Rule 0-11 (set forth  the amount on which  the
        filing  fee is  calculated and state  how it was  determined): $2.75 per
        share of Class A Common Stock, value of in the money options to purchase
        164,000 shares of Class A Common  Stock at exercise prices ranging  from
        $1.81  to  $2.50, value  of in  the money  Warrants to  purchase 341,434
        shares of  Class B  Common Stock  at an  exercise price  of $0.8352  per
        share,  and $10.00 per share (plus  accumulated but unpaid dividends) of
        Series A Preferred Stock
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: $20,715,700
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    (5) Total fee paid: $4,143
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
[ ]  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
[ ]  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
     0-11(a)(2) and identify the  filing for which the  offsetting fee was  paid
     previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
     or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
 
    (1) Amount Previously Paid:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    (3) Filing Party:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Date Filed:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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                    FOR INFORMATION ONLY -- PRELIMINARY COPY
 
                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                               3811 JOLIET STREET
                             DENVER, COLORADO 80239
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
To the Stockholders of
CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.:
 
     NOTICE  IS HEREBY  GIVEN that  a Special  Meeting of  the Stockholders (the
'Special Meeting') of CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC. (the 'Company') will be held at the
Princeton Club, 15 West 43rd Street, New York, New York 10036, on July   ,  1997
at      a.m. local time, for the following purposes:
 
     1.  To consider and vote upon a proposal  to approve and adopt the Plan and
Agreement  of  Merger  dated  as  of  April  30,  1997,  and  the   transactions
contemplated  thereby, pursuant to which,  among other things, Chart Acquisition
Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
Chart Industries, Inc. ('Chart'),  a Delaware corporation,  will be merged  with
and  into  the  Company  (the  'Merger').  The  Company  will  be  the surviving
corporation in the Merger and the entire equity interest in the Company will  be
owned  by Greenville Tube Corporation,  an Arkansas corporation and wholly-owned
subsidiary of Chart. As a result of the Merger, each outstanding share of  Class
A  Common Stock, par value $.01 per  share, of the Company (the 'Common Stock'),
other than  those  held  by  stockholders  of  the  Company  who  perfect  their
dissenters' rights in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law, will
be converted into the right to receive $2.75 in cash, without interest, and each
outstanding  share of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Company will be  converted into the  right to  receive $10.00 in  cash plus  any
accumulated  but  unpaid  dividends  with respect  thereto,  all  as  more fully
described in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
 
     2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the  Special
Meeting or at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof.
 
     The  Board of Directors has fixed the close  of business on June 9, 1997 as
the record date for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and  to
vote  at,  the Special  Meeting. Only  stockholders  of record  at the  close of
business on such date will be entitled to  notice of and to vote at the  Special
Meeting or at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof.
 
     All  stockholders who are entitled to vote, even if they plan to attend the
Special Meeting, are requested to execute the enclosed proxy card and return  it
without  delay in the enclosed postage-paid  envelope. You may revoke your proxy
at any time before it is voted by  giving written notice to the Company. If  you
attend  the Special Meeting  and vote in  person, your vote  will supersede your
proxy.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,

                                          /s/ Alfred Schechter
 
                                          ALFRED SCHECHTER
                                          Chairman of the Board, President
                                          and Chief Executive Officer
 
Denver, Colorado
June   , 1997
 
     YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT REGARDLESS OF  THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON  STOCK
YOU  OWN. YOU ARE EARNESTLY REQUESTED, WHETHER OR  NOT YOU PLAN TO BE PRESENT AT
THE SPECIAL MEETING, TO  MARK, DATE, SIGN AND  RETURN PROMPTLY THE  ACCOMPANYING
PROXY  IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE TO WHICH NO POSTAGE NEED BE AFFIXED IF MAILED IN
THE UNITED STATES.
 
     PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY CERTIFICATES FOR YOUR SHARES AT THIS TIME.


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                    FOR INFORMATION ONLY -- PRELIMINARY COPY
 
                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                               3811 JOLIET STREET
                             DENVER, COLORADO 80239
 
                       ---------------------------------
 
                                PROXY STATEMENT
                       ---------------------------------
 
                        SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                       OF
                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                          TO BE HELD ON JULY   , 1997
 
                                  INTRODUCTION
 
     This  Proxy Statement  is being  furnished to  the stockholders  of Cryenco
Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation  (the 'Company'), in connection with  the
solicitation  of proxies by the Board of  Directors (the 'Board') of the Company
from holders of outstanding shares of Class  A common stock, par value $.01  per
share,  of the  Company ('Common  Stock') to  be voted  at a  special meeting of
stockholders (the 'Special Meeting') of the Company to be held at the  Princeton
Club,  15 West 43rd Street, New York, New York 10036, on July   , 1997 at
a.m. local time,  and at  any adjournment  or adjournments  thereof. This  Proxy
Statement  and the  accompanying proxy  card are  being mailed  to the Company's
stockholders (the 'Common Stockholders') on or about June   , 1997.
 
     At the Special  Meeting, the  Common Stockholders  on the  Record Date  (as
defined)  will consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt a Plan and
Agreement of Merger dated as of April 30, 1997 (the 'Merger Agreement'), and the
transactions contemplated thereby, pursuant to which, among other things,  Chart
Acquisition  Company,  Inc.  ('CAC'),  a Delaware  corporation  and  an indirect
wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  Chart  Industries,  Inc.  ('Chart'),  a   Delaware
corporation,  will  be merged  with  and into  the  Company (the  'Merger'). The
Company will be the  surviving corporation in the  Merger and the entire  equity
interest in the Company will be owned by Greenville Tube Corporation ('GTC'), an
Arkansas  corporation and wholly-owned  subsidiary of Chart. As  a result of the
Merger, each  outstanding  share of  Common  Stock,  other than  those  held  by
stockholders  of the Company who perfect  their dissenters' rights in accordance
with the Delaware General Corporation Law,  will be converted into the right  to
receive  $2.75 in cash, without interest, and each outstanding share of Series A
Preferred Stock,  par value  $.01  per share,  of  the Company  (the  'Preferred
Stock')  will be  converted into the  right to  receive $10.00 in  cash plus any
accumulated but  unpaid  dividends  with  respect thereto,  all  as  more  fully
described in this Proxy Statement.
 
     All  proxies in the accompanying form  which are properly executed and duly
returned will be voted in accordance with the instructions specified therein. If
no instructions  are  given, such  proxies  will  be voted  'FOR'  approval  and
adoption  of the Merger Agreement and the Merger.  A proxy may be revoked at any
time prior to its exercise  by written notice to  the Company, by submission  of
another  proxy  bearing a  later  date or  by voting  in  person at  the Special
Meeting. Such  revocation will  not affect  a vote  on any  matters taken  prior
thereto.  The mere presence  at the Special  Meeting of the  person appointing a
proxy will not revoke the appointment.
 
     Only holders of record of the Common Stock at the close of business on June
9, 1997 (the 'Record Date') will be  entitled to vote at the Special Meeting  or
any  adjournment or adjournments thereof. There  were 6,996,997 shares of Common
Stock outstanding on the Record Date. Each share of Common Stock outstanding  on
the Record Date entitles the holder thereof to one vote.
 
     Consummation  of the Merger is subject to a number of conditions, including
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement by the holders of the majority  of
the  outstanding shares of Common Stock. It  is anticipated that the Merger will
be consummated shortly after such stockholder approval is obtained and the other
conditions with  respect to  the  Merger are  satisfied or,  where  permissible,
waived.
 
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     Pursuant  to a  voting agreement  dated as of  April 30,  1997 (the 'Voting
Agreement'), 12 record and/or beneficial holders who have sole voting power with
respect to 3,303,714 shares of Common  Stock, or approximately 47.2% of all  the
issued and outstanding Common Stock, have agreed, among other things, to vote in
favor of the Merger.
 
     All  information in this Proxy Statement  concerning Chart, GTC and CAC has
been supplied  by Chart  for inclusion  herein and  has not  been  independently
verified by the Company.
 
     This Proxy Statement is being sent to the Common Stockholders together with
a  copy of the  Company's Annual Report on  Form 10-K for  the fiscal year ended
August 31, 1996 and a  copy of the Company's Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q  for
the  fiscal quarter ended February  28, 1997, both of  which were filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'Commission').
 
     NO PERSONS HAVE  BEEN AUTHORIZED  TO GIVE ANY  INFORMATION OR  TO MAKE  ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT IN CONNECTION
WITH  THE  SOLICITATION OF  PROXIES MADE  HEREBY,  AND, IF  GIVEN OR  MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR ANY OTHER PERSON.
 
                                       2
 
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                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
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                                                                                                          PAGE NO.
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<S>                                                                                                       <C>
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................          1
SUMMARY................................................................................................          5
     The Parties.......................................................................................          5
     The Special Meeting...............................................................................          5
     Special Factors...................................................................................          6
     The Merger........................................................................................          8
     Appraisal.........................................................................................         11
THE PARTIES............................................................................................         13
     The Company.......................................................................................         13
     Chart.............................................................................................         13
     GTC...............................................................................................         13
     CAC...............................................................................................         13
THE SPECIAL MEETING....................................................................................         13
     Date, Time and Place..............................................................................         14
     Record Date; Quorum...............................................................................         14
     Required Vote.....................................................................................         14
     Proxies...........................................................................................         14
     Manner and Expense of Solicitation................................................................         14
SPECIAL FACTORS........................................................................................         15
     Background of the Merger..........................................................................         15
     Purpose and Structure of the Merger...............................................................         16
     Recommendation of the Board.......................................................................         17
     Opinion of Financial Advisor......................................................................         18
     Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger........................................................         20
     Certain Effects of the Merger.....................................................................         22
     Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences...........................................................         22
THE MERGER.............................................................................................         23
     General...........................................................................................         23
     Effective Time of Merger..........................................................................         23
     Treatment of Common Stock in the Merger...........................................................         23
     Treatment of Preferred Stock, Options and Warrants in the Merger..................................         23
     Surrender of Common Stock Certificates............................................................         24
     Sources and Uses of Funds.........................................................................         25
     Conditions to the Merger..........................................................................         25
     Termination and Amendment.........................................................................         26
     Conduct of Business Pending the Merger............................................................         26
     No Solicitations..................................................................................         27
     Officers' and Directors' Insurance; Indemnification...............................................         27
     Fees and Expenses.................................................................................         27
     Accounting Treatment..............................................................................         27
     Regulatory Approvals..............................................................................         28
APPRAISAL..............................................................................................         28
     Rights of Dissenting Stockholders; Waiver of Notice...............................................         28
     Waiver of Appraisal Rights by Certain Stockholders................................................         29
MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS............................................................................         29
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA...................................................................         30
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS......................         31
     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners...................................................         33
     Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers............................................         33
     Voting Agreement..................................................................................         34
VOTING PROCEDURES......................................................................................         34
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.........................................................................         34
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS..................................................................................         34
</TABLE>
 
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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE........................................................         35
AVAILABLE INFORMATION..................................................................................         35
ANNEX A
     Plan and Agreement of Merger......................................................................        A-1
ANNEX B
     Opinion of Houlihan, Lokey, Howard & Zukin, Inc...................................................        B-1
ANNEX C
     Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law...............................................        C-1
</TABLE>
 
                                       4


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                                    SUMMARY
 
     The  following is a  summary of certain  information contained elsewhere in
this Proxy Statement and does not purport  to be complete. Reference is made  to
and  this summary is qualified in its  entirety by the more detailed information
contained elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement and the
Annexes hereto. Stockholders  are urged  to read  this Proxy  Statement and  the
Annexes  hereto in their  entirety. Except as  otherwise noted, as  used in this
Proxy Statement the  term 'Company'  refers to  Cryenco Sciences,  Inc. and  its
consolidated subsidiaries, and the term 'Chart' refers to Chart Industries, Inc.
and its consolidated subsidiaries.
 
THE PARTIES
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
The Company..................................  The  Company manufactures vacuum  jacketed containment systems and
                                                 related products for the transportation, storage and  dispensing
                                                 of  liquefied natural  gas ('LNG'), compressed  natural gas from
                                                 LNG ('LCNG'),  and liquefied  argon,  oxygen and  nitrogen.  The
                                                 Company's  products include cryogenic  transport trailers, large
                                                 cryogenic  storage  tanks,   cryogenic  intermodal   containers,
                                                 LNG/LCNG  fueling stations,  fuel gas modules  and cryostats for
                                                 magnetic resonance imaging ('MRI') and low temperature research.
                                                 The Company's principal  executive offices are  located at  3811
                                                 Joliet  Street, Denver, Colorado 80239, and its telephone number
                                                 is (303) 371-6332.
Chart........................................  Chart manufactures  standard and  custom-built industrial  process
                                                 equipment   primarily   for   low   temperature   and  cryogenic
                                                 applications. Chart also manufactures other industrial equipment
                                                 such as  structural pipe  supports, stainless  steel tubing  and
                                                 high-vacuum  systems.  Chart's principal  executive  offices are
                                                 located at 35555 Curtis Boulevard, Eastlake, Ohio 44095, and its
                                                 telephone number is (216) 946-2525.
GTC..........................................  GTC, a wholly-owned  subsidiary of  Chart, manufactures  specialty
                                                 stainless  steel tubing.  GTC's principal  executive offices are
                                                 located at 35555 Curtis Boulevard, Eastlake, Ohio 44095, and its
                                                 telephone number is (216) 946-2525.
CAC..........................................  CAC was incorporated  in Delaware in  April 1997 to  serve as  the
                                                 vehicle  through which  GTC is to  acquire the  Company. CAC has
                                                 conducted no activities to date except for those incident to the
                                                 Merger. CAC's principal executive  offices are located at  35555
                                                 Curtis Boulevard, Eastlake, Ohio 44095, and its telephone number
                                                 is (216) 946-2525.
THE SPECIAL MEETING
Date, Time and Place.........................  The  Special Meeting will  be held at the  Princeton Club, 15 West
                                                 43rd Street,  New York,  New York  10036 on  July    ,  1997  at
                                                       a.m. local time.
Purpose of the Special Meeting...............  The  purpose of the Special Meeting is to consider and vote upon a
                                                 proposal to  approve  and adopt  the  Merger Agreement  and  the
                                                 transactions contemplated thereby,
</TABLE>
 
                                       5
 
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<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
                                                 pursuant   to  which,  among  other  things,  CAC,  an  indirect
                                                 wholly-owned subsidiary of Chart, will  be merged with and  into
                                                 the  Company.  As  a  result of  the  Merger,  the  Company will
                                                 continue as  the surviving  corporation  and as  a  wholly-owned
                                                 subsidiary  of GTC.  See 'The  Special Meeting.'  A copy  of the
                                                 Merger Agreement is attached hereto as Annex A.
Record Date; Quorum..........................  The  Record  Date  for  the  Special  Meeting  is  June  9,  1997.
                                                 Accordingly,  holders of record of Common Stock as of the Record
                                                 Date will be entitled  to notice of and  to vote at the  Special
                                                 Meeting.  Each share of  Common Stock outstanding  on the Record
                                                 Date is entitled to one vote at the Special Meeting. There  were
                                                 6,996,997 shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date.
                                                 The  presence,  in  person or  by  proxy,  of the  holders  of a
                                                 majority of the  Common Stock  entitled to vote  at the  Special
                                                 Meeting  is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction
                                                 of  business   at  the   Special  Meeting.   See  'The   Special
                                                 Meeting -- Record Date; Quorum.'
Required Vote................................  Pursuant  to the  Delaware General  Corporation Law  (the 'DGCL'),
                                                 assuming a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of holders of
                                                 a majority of all  of the outstanding  Common Stock entitled  to
                                                 vote  at the Special Meeting is  required to approve the Merger.
                                                 See 'The Special Meeting  -- Required Vote'  and 'The Merger  --
                                                 Conditions  to the Merger.' Pursuant to the Voting Agreement, 12
                                                 record and/or beneficial holders who have sole voting power with
                                                 respect to 3,303,714  shares of Common  Stock, or  approximately
                                                 47.2%  of  all the  issued  and outstanding  Common  Stock, have
                                                 agreed, among other things, to vote in favor of the Merger.  See
                                                 'Appraisal   --   Waiver   of   Appraisal   Rights   by  Certain
                                                 Stockholders' and  'Security  Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial
                                                 Owners, Directors and Executive Officers -- Voting Agreement.'
Proxies......................................  A  proxy card is enclosed for use  at the Special Meeting. A proxy
                                                 may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise at the  Special
                                                 Meeting.  Common Stock represented  by properly executed proxies
                                                 received at or prior to the  Special Meeting and which have  not
                                                 been  revoked will be voted  in accordance with the instructions
                                                 specified therein. If  no instructions are  given, such  proxies
                                                 will  be  voted  'FOR'  approval  and  adoption  of  the  Merger
                                                 Agreement. See 'The Special Meeting -- Proxies.'
SPECIAL FACTORS
Background of the Merger.....................  For a  description  of the  events  leading to  the  approval  and
                                                 adoption  of  the Merger  Agreement by  the Board,  see 'Special
                                                 Factors -- Background of the Merger.'
Purpose and Structure of the Merger..........  The  Company's  purpose  for  the  Merger  is  to  enhance  Common
                                                 Stockholder  value  by  permitting  the  inherent  value  of the
                                                 Company currently held by the Common
</TABLE>
 
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<S>                                            <C>
                                                 Stockholders in the form  of Common Stock  to be converted  into
                                                 cash  at a price  which the Board  has unanimously determined is
                                                 fair to, and in the best interests of, all Common  Stockholders.
                                                 Chart's  purpose for consummating  the Merger is  to acquire all
                                                 the equity interest in the Company for the reasons described  in
                                                 'Special  Factors -- Purpose and Structure of the Merger.' As of
                                                 the date of this Proxy Statement, Chart and its affiliates owned
                                                 6,000 shares  of Common  Stock. The  acquisition of  the  equity
                                                 interest  represented by the Common  Stock outstanding as of the
                                                 Effective Time  (as defined)  from  the Common  Stockholders  is
                                                 structured  as a cash  merger in order  to transfer ownership of
                                                 that equity  interest  to  Chart in  a  single  transaction  and
                                                 provides  the Common Stockholders with prompt payment in cash in
                                                 exchange for the Common Stock.  See 'Special Factors --  Purpose
                                                 and Structure of the Merger.'
Recommendation of the Board..................  The  Board concluded that the terms of the Merger are fair to, and
                                                 in the best interests of, the Common Stockholders.  Accordingly,
                                                 the  Board  has  unanimously  approved  and  adopted  the Merger
                                                 Agreement. The Board recommends a vote FOR approval and adoption
                                                 of the  Merger  Agreement.  For  a  discussion  of  the  factors
                                                 considered  by  the  Board  in  making  its  recommendation, see
                                                 'Special Factors -- Recommendation of the Board.'
Opinion of Financial Advisor.................  Houlihan, Lokey, Howard & Zukin, Inc. ('Houlihan Lokey') delivered
                                                 its opinion to the Board on April 21, 1997 to the effect that as
                                                 of such date, the Merger is fair to the Common Stockholders from
                                                 a financial point of view. The full text of the written  opinion
                                                 of  Houlihan Lokey,  which sets forth  assumptions made, matters
                                                 considered  and  limitations   on  the   review  undertaken   in
                                                 connection  with the opinion, is attached  hereto as Annex B and
                                                 is incorporated  herein by  reference. Common  Stockholders  are
                                                 urged  to, and  should, read such  opinion in  its entirety. See
                                                 'Special Factors -- Opinion of Financial Advisor.'
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger...  In considering the recommendation of the Board with respect to the
                                                 Merger, the  Common Stockholders  should be  aware that  certain
                                                 officers,  directors  and  stockholders  have  certain interests
                                                 summarized below that may present actual or potential  conflicts
                                                 of  interest in connection with the  Merger. For a more detailed
                                                 discussion of such interests, see 'Special Factors --  Interests
                                                 of  Certain Persons in  the Merger.' The Board  was aware of the
                                                 potential or actual  conflicts of interest  and considered  them
                                                 along    with   other    matters   described    under   'Special
                                                 Factors -- Recommendation of the Board.'
Certain Effects of the Merger................  Upon consummation of the Merger, each share of Common Stock, other
                                                 than shares as to which dissenters' rights
</TABLE>
 
                                       7
 
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<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
                                                 have been perfected under the  DGCL, will be converted into  the
                                                 right to receive $2.75 in cash, without interest, and each share
                                                 of  Preferred Stock will be converted  into the right to receive
                                                 $10.00 in  cash  plus any  accumulated  but unpaid  (as  of  the
                                                 Effective  Time)  dividends  with  respect  thereto.  The Common
                                                 Stockholders will cease  to have any  ownership interest in  the
                                                 Company  or rights  as stockholders  of the  Company. The Common
                                                 Stockholders will no  longer benefit from  any increases in  the
                                                 value  of the Company  and will no  longer bear the  risk of any
                                                 decreases  in   the  value   of   the  Company.   See   'Special
                                                 Factors -- Certain Effects of the Merger.'
                                               Following  the Merger,  GTC, a  wholly-owned subsidiary  of Chart,
                                                 will own 100% of the capital stock of the surviving corporation.
                                                 Chart will have complete control over the management and conduct
                                                 of the Company's business, all  income generated by the  Company
                                                 and any future increases in the value of the Company. Similarly,
                                                 Chart  will  also bear  the risk  of any  losses sustained  as a
                                                 result of the operation of the Company and any decreases in  the
                                                 value of the Company.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences......  The  receipt  of  cash for  Common  Stock pursuant  to  the Merger
                                                 Agreement will be a taxable  transaction for Federal income  tax
                                                 purposes  and may also  be taxable for  foreign, state and local
                                                 income tax purposes.  Common Stockholders  should consult  their
                                                 own  tax advisors regarding the  Federal income tax consequences
                                                 of the Merger, as well as any tax consequences under the laws of
                                                 any state or other jurisdiction. The Company will not  recognize
                                                 any  gain or loss as  a result of the  Merger for Federal income
                                                 tax purposes. See 'Special Factors -- Certain Federal Income Tax
                                                 Consequences.'
THE MERGER
General......................................  Upon consummation of the Merger, CAC will be merged with and  into
                                                 the  Company and the  Company will be  the surviving corporation
                                                 (the 'Surviving  Corporation'). The  Surviving Corporation  will
                                                 succeed  to all  the rights and  obligations of  the Company and
                                                 CAC. See 'The Merger -- General.'
Effective Time of the Merger.................  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the effective time of the Merger
                                                 (the  'Effective  Time')  will  occur  upon  the  filing  of   a
                                                 certificate  of merger with the Secretary  of State of the State
                                                 of  Delaware   in   accordance   with   the   DGCL.   See   'The
                                                 Merger -- Effective Time of the Merger.'
Treatment of Common Stock in the Merger......  At  the  Effective Time,  each share  of Common  Stock outstanding
                                                 immediately prior to the Effective  Time, except for (i)  Common
                                                 Stock owned by Chart, (ii) Common Stock owned by the Company and
                                                 (iii)    Common    Stock    owned    by    Common   Stockholders
</TABLE>
 
                                       8
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
                                                 who perfect  their dissenters'  rights  in accordance  with  the
                                                 DGCL,  shall be  converted into  the right  to receive  $2.75 in
                                                 cash, without  interest, payable  to  the holder  thereof,  upon
                                                 surrender of the certificate representing such Common Stock. See
                                                 'The  Merger --  Treatment of  Common Stock  in the  Merger' and
                                                 'Appraisal --  Rights  of  Dissenting  Stockholders;  Waiver  of
                                                 Notice.'
                                               Each  share of CAC  common stock outstanding  immediately prior to
                                                 the Effective Time shall,  by virtue of  the Merger and  without
                                                 action  on the part of the holder thereof, be converted into and
                                                 exchangeable for one fully paid  and nonassessable share of  the
                                                 Surviving Corporation.
Treatment of Preferred Stock, Options and
  Warrants in the Merger.....................  At  the Effective Time, each  share of Preferred Stock outstanding
                                                 immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be converted into
                                                 the right to  receive $10.00  in cash plus  any accumulated  but
                                                 unpaid  (as  of  the  Effective  Time)  dividends  with  respect
                                                 thereto. There are  currently 68,517 shares  of Preferred  Stock
                                                 outstanding.  See  'Special  Factors  --  Interests  of  Certain
                                                 Persons in the Merger' and 'The Merger -- Treatment of Preferred
                                                 Stock, Options and Warrants in the Merger.'
                                               As of the Record Date, there were outstanding options to  purchase
                                                 279,000 shares of Common Stock with exercise prices ranging from
                                                 $1.81  to  $6.38. 271,500  of such  options  were issued  in the
                                                 ordinary course pursuant to  the Company's various stock  option
                                                 plans  from March 1992 through June 1997. The Company has agreed
                                                 to use its reasonable best efforts to: (i) cause all individuals
                                                 whose employment will not continue after the Effective Time (the
                                                 'Non-Continuing Employees') who hold options to purchase  Common
                                                 Stock to either (A) exercise such options prior to the Effective
                                                 Time  or (B) agree to sell such options to Chart in exchange for
                                                 cash equal to  the excess  of $2.75  per share  of Common  Stock
                                                 issuable  upon exercise thereof over the exercise price for such
                                                 options; (ii) cause all  individuals who are not  Non-Continuing
                                                 Employees  (the  'Continuing  Employees')  who  hold  options to
                                                 purchase Common Stock to either  (A) exchange their options  for
                                                 options to purchase Chart Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
                                                 ('Chart Common Stock'), on a pro rata basis or (B) agree to sell
                                                 such  options to Chart in exchange  for cash equal to the excess
                                                 of $2.75  per  share  of Common  Stock  issuable  upon  exercise
                                                 thereof  over  the exercise  price for  such options;  and (iii)
                                                 cause all non-employee  directors who hold  options pursuant  to
                                                 the Company's 1993 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (each
                                                 a  'Non-Employee  Director') to  agree to  sell such  options to
                                                 Chart prior to the Effective Time in exchange for cash equal  to
                                                 the  excess of  $2.75 per  share of  Common Stock  issuable upon
                                                 exercise thereof  over  the  exercise price  for  such  options.
</TABLE>
 
                                       9
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
                                                 See  'Special  Factors --  Interests of  Certain Persons  in the
                                                 Merger' and 'The Merger -- Treatment of Preferred Stock, Options
                                                 and Warrants in the Merger.'
                                               The Company has also agreed to use its reasonable best efforts  to
                                                 cause  all holders  of warrants ('Warrants')  to purchase Common
                                                 Stock or Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of  the
                                                 Company (the 'Class B Common Stock') to agree to either (i) sell
                                                 to  Chart any Warrants having an  exercise price less than $2.75
                                                 per share for a cash payment per Warrant equal to the excess  of
                                                 $2.75  over  the  exercise price  for  such Warrant  or  (ii) to
                                                 exchange such  Warrants for  warrants to  purchase Chart  Common
                                                 Stock  on  a pro  rata basis.  See 'The  Merger --  Treatment of
                                                 Preferred Stock, Options and Warrants in the Merger.'
Surrender of Common Stock Certificates.......  Promptly after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall
                                                 cause National City Bank (the 'Exchange Agent') to mail to  each
                                                 holder  of record  as of  the Effective  Time of  an outstanding
                                                 certificate  or  certificates  of  Common  Stock,  a  letter  of
                                                 transmittal  and instructions for use in effecting the surrender
                                                 of such certificates for payment  in accordance with the  Merger
                                                 Agreement.   Upon  surrender   to  the   Exchange  Agent   of  a
                                                 certificate,  together   with   a  duly   executed   letter   of
                                                 transmittal,  the holder  thereof shall  be entitled  to receive
                                                 cash in an amount equal to  the product of the number of  shares
                                                 of  Common Stock represented by such certificate and $2.75, less
                                                 any applicable withholding  tax, and such  certificate shall  be
                                                 cancelled.
                                               Until surrendered pursuant to the procedures set forth above, each
                                                 certificate shall represent for all purposes solely the right to
                                                 receive  $2.75  in  cash, without  interest,  multiplied  by the
                                                 number of shares of Common Stock evidenced by such  certificate.
                                                 See 'The Merger -- Surrender of Common Stock Certificates.'
                                               COMMON  STOCKHOLDERS  OF THE  COMPANY SHOULD  NOT SEND  ANY COMMON
                                                 STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THEIR PROXY CARDS. TRANSMITTAL MATERIALS
                                                 AND INSTRUCTIONS RELATING TO  COMMON STOCK CERTIFICATES WILL  BE
                                                 MAILED  TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS AS  SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE
                                                 EFFECTIVE TIME. See  'The Merger  -- Surrender  of Common  Stock
                                                 Certificates.'
Conditions to the Merger; Termination and
  Amendment..................................  The  obligations  of  the  parties to  consummate  the  Merger are
                                                 subject to certain conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement.
                                                 In certain circumstances, the Merger Agreement may be terminated
                                                 at any time prior  to the Effective  Time. The Merger  Agreement
                                                 may be amended
</TABLE>
 
                                       10
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
                                                 by  the parties  in writing at  any time prior  to the Effective
                                                 Time; provided, however,  that after approval  of the Merger  by
                                                 the  Common Stockholders,  no amendment,  which under applicable
                                                 law  may  not  be  made  without  the  approval  of  the  Common
                                                 Stockholders,  may  be  made  without  such  approval.  See 'The
                                                 Merger -- Conditions  to the  Merger' and '  -- Termination  and
                                                 Amendment.'
Sources and Uses of Funds....................  It  is currently anticipated that  $19,241,741.75 will be required
                                                 to pay  the purchase  price for  the Common  Stock (assuming  no
                                                 Common  Stockholder exercises dissenters' rights), approximately
                                                 $685,170 will  be required  to pay  the purchase  price for  the
                                                 Preferred  Stock and approximately $776,000  will be required to
                                                 purchase the 'in  the money'  options to  purchase Common  Stock
                                                 (assuming  no exercise thereof) and Warrants to purchase Class B
                                                 Common Stock (assuming no exercise  thereof), and that all  such
                                                 funds  will be funded from Chart's credit facility and available
                                                 cash. It is currently expected that approximately $400,000  will
                                                 be  required to  pay the expenses  of the Company  and that such
                                                 funds will  be furnished  from available  general funds  of  the
                                                 Company.  See 'The Merger -- Sources  and Uses of Funds.' If the
                                                 Merger Agreement  is terminated  prior  to the  Effective  Time,
                                                 under certain circumstances, the Company will be required to pay
                                                 Chart $850,000. See 'The Merger -- Termination and Amendment.'
Accounting Treatment.........................  The  Merger will be accounted for as a 'purchase', as such term is
                                                 used  under   generally  accepted   accounting  principles   for
                                                 accounting   and   financial   reporting   purpose.   See   'The
                                                 Merger -- Accounting Treatment.'
APPRAISAL
Rights of Dissenting Stockholders; Waiver of
  Notice.....................................  Under the  DGCL, all  Common Stockholders  who file  the  required
                                                 written demand for appraisal for their Common Stock prior to the
                                                 date  of  the Special  Meeting, and  who do  not consent  to the
                                                 Merger, will have the right to be paid the 'fair value' of their
                                                 Common Stock, together with a fair rate of interest, if any,  as
                                                 determined  by the Delaware Court of  Chancery, in lieu of $2.75
                                                 per share  of  Common  Stock, all  pursuant  to  the  applicable
                                                 provisions of the DGCL. SUCH APPRAISAL RIGHTS WILL BE FORFEITED,
                                                 HOWEVER,  IF  THE PROCEDURAL  REQUIREMENTS OF  THE DGCL  ARE NOT
                                                 FULLY  AND  PRECISELY  SATISFIED.  Common  Stockholders   should
                                                 consult  their own legal advisors  regarding such appraisal. See
                                                 'The Merger -- Conditions  to the Merger,'  for a discussion  of
                                                 the closing condition relating to appraisal rights of dissenting
                                                 stockholders;  'Appraisal -- Rights  of Dissenting Stockholders;
                                                 Waiver of Notice' and Section 262 of the DGCL attached hereto as
                                                 Annex C.
</TABLE>
 
                                       11
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
Waiver of Appraisal Rights by Certain
  Stockholders...............................  Pursuant to  the Voting  Agreement,  12 record  and/or  beneficial
                                                 holders   who  have  sole  dispositive  power  with  respect  to
                                                 3,306,214 shares of Common Stock, or approximately 47.3% of  all
                                                 the  issued  and outstanding  Common  Stock, have  agreed, among
                                                 other things, to  waive any  and all appraisal  rights to  which
                                                 they may be entitled under Section 262 of the DGCL in connection
                                                 with the Merger. See 'Appraisal -- Waiver of Appraisal Rights by
                                                 Certain   Stockholders'  and  'Security   Ownership  of  Certain
                                                 Beneficial Owners, Directors  and Executive  Officers --  Voting
                                                 Agreement.'
</TABLE>
 
                                       12


<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                                  THE PARTIES
 
THE COMPANY
 
     The  Company manufactures  vacuum jacketed containment  systems and related
products for  the  transportation, storage  and  dispensing of  LNG,  LCNG,  and
liquefied  argon, oxygen and nitrogen.  The Company's products include cryogenic
transport  trailers,  large  cryogenic   storage  tanks,  cryogenic   intermodal
containers,  LNG/LCNG fueling stations,  fuel gas modules  and cryostats for MRI
and low temperature  research. The Company  was incorporated in  1986 under  the
name  Gulf  &  Mississippi  Corporation.  The  Company's  operating  subsidiary,
Cryenco, Inc., a Colorado  corporation, was organized in  1978. In August  1991,
the   Company  and  a  group  of   investors  organized  by  Charterhouse  Group
International, Inc.  ('Charterhouse') acquired  all  of the  outstanding  equity
capital  of  Cryenco  Holdings,  Inc.  ('CHI'),  which  simultaneously  acquired
Cryenco, Inc. In February 1992, CHI  was merged into the Company, which  changed
its name to Cryenco Sciences, Inc. The Company's principal executive offices are
located  at 3811 Joliet Street, Denver, Colorado 80239, and its telephone number
is (303) 371-6332.
 
CHART
 
     Chart manufactures standard and  custom-built industrial process  equipment
primarily   for  low   temperature  and   cryogenic  applications.   Chart  also
manufactures other  industrial  equipment  such  as  structural  pipe  supports,
stainless steel tubing and high-vacuum systems. Chart was organized in June 1992
as  a  Delaware  corporation to  serve  as  a holding  company  for  its various
operating units, including GTC. Chart's principal executive offices are  located
at  35555 Curtis  Boulevard, Eastlake, Ohio  44095, and its  telephone number is
(216) 946-2525.
 
GTC
 
     GTC, a wholly-owned subsidiary  of Chart, manufactures specialty  stainless
steel  tubing. GTC's  principal executive  offices are  located at  35555 Curtis
Boulevard, Eastlake, Ohio  44095, and  its telephone number  is (216)  946-2525.
Chart  is using GTC  to serve as  a vehicle through  which it is  to acquire the
Company.
 
CAC
 
     CAC was incorporated  in Delaware  in April 1997  to serve  as the  vehicle
through  which GTC is to acquire the Company. CAC has conducted no activities to
date except for those incident to the Merger. CAC's principal executive  offices
are  located at 35555 Curtis Boulevard,  Eastlake, Ohio 44095, and its telephone
number is (216) 946-2525.
 
                              THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
     This Proxy  Statement is  being  furnished to  the Common  Stockholders  in
connection  with  the  solicitation of  proxies  by  the Board  from  holders of
outstanding shares of Common Stock to be voted at the Special Meeting to be held
at the Princeton Club, 15  West 43rd Street, New York,  New York 10036, on  July
  ,  1997 at         a.m.  local time,  and at  any adjournment  or adjournments
thereof. This Proxy Statement and the  accompanying proxy card are being  mailed
to the Common Stockholders on or about June   , 1997.
 
     At  the Special  Meeting, the Common  Stockholders on the  Record Date will
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement, and
the transactions contemplated  thereby, pursuant to  which, among other  things,
CAC,  an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Chart, will be merged with and into
the Company. The Company will be the Surviving Corporation in the Merger and the
entire equity  interest in  the Company  will be  owned by  GTC, a  wholly-owned
subsidiary of Chart. As a result of the Merger, each outstanding share of Common
Stock,  other  than those  (i)  held by  Common  Stockholders who  perfect their
dissenters' rights in accordance  with the DGCL, (ii)  owned by the Company  and
(iii) owned by Chart, will be converted into the right to receive $2.75 in cash,
without  interest,  and  each  outstanding  share  of  Preferred  Stock  will be
converted into the
 
                                       13
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
right to receive $10.00 in cash  plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends  with
respect thereto, all as more fully described in this Proxy Statement.
 
DATE, TIME AND PLACE
 
     The  Special  Meeting will  be held  at  the Princeton  Club, 15  West 43rd
Street, New York, New York 10036 on July   , 1997 at      a.m. local time.
 
RECORD DATE; QUORUM
 
     The Record  Date for  the Special  Meeting is  June 9,  1997.  Accordingly,
holders  of record  of Common Stock  as of the  Record Date will  be entitled to
notice of  and to  vote  at the  Special Meeting.  Each  share of  Common  Stock
outstanding  on the Record Date is entitled  to one vote at the Special Meeting.
There were 6,996,997 shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date.  The
presence,  in person  or by proxy,  of the holders  of a majority  of the Common
Stock entitled  to vote  at the  Special Meeting  is necessary  to constitute  a
quorum for the transaction of business at the Special Meeting.
 
REQUIRED VOTE
 
     Pursuant to the DGCL, assuming a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of
holders of a majority of all of the outstanding Common Stock entitled to vote at
the  Special Meeting is required  to approve the Merger.  Pursuant to the Voting
Agreement, 12 record and/or beneficial holders  who have sole voting power  with
respect  to 3,303,714 shares of Common Stock,  or approximately 47.2% of all the
issued and outstanding Common Stock, have agreed, among other things, to vote in
favor of the  Merger. See 'Appraisal  -- Waiver of  Appraisal Rights by  Certain
Stockholders'  and 'Security  Ownership of Certain  Beneficial Owners, Directors
and Executive Officers -- Voting Agreement.'
 
PROXIES
 
     A proxy card is  enclosed for use  at the Special Meeting.  A proxy may  be
revoked  at any time prior to its  exercise at the Special Meeting. Common Stock
represented by properly  executed proxies received  at or prior  to the  Special
Meeting  and which have  not been revoked  will be voted  in accordance with the
instructions specified therein. If no instructions are given, such proxies  will
be  voted 'FOR' approval and adoption of  the Merger Agreement and the Merger. A
proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise by written notice to  the
Company,  by submission of  another proxy bearing  a later date  or by voting in
person at the Special  Meeting. Such revocation  will not affect  a vote on  any
matters  taken prior thereto.  The mere presence  at the Special  Meeting of the
person appointing a proxy will not revoke the appointment.
 
     If the Special Meeting  is adjourned or postponed  for any purpose, at  any
subsequent  reconvening of the Special Meeting, all proxies will be voted in the
same manner as such proxies would have  been voted at the original convening  of
the  Special Meeting (except for any  proxies which have theretofore effectively
been revoked or withdrawn), notwithstanding that they may have been  effectively
voted on the same or any other matter at a previous meeting.
 
     COMMON  STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD  NOT SEND ANY  CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING COMMON
STOCK WITH THEIR PROXY CARDS. IF  THE MERGER IS CONSUMMATED, THE PROCEDURES  FOR
THE  EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING COMMON STOCK  WILL BE AS SET FORTH IN
THIS  PROXY  STATEMENT.   See  'The   Merger  --  Surrender   of  Common   Stock
Certificates.'
 
MANNER AND EXPENSE OF SOLICITATION
 
     The  solicitation of proxies in the accompanying  form is made by the Board
and all  costs  thereof  will be  borne  by  the Company.  In  addition  to  the
solicitation of proxies by use of the mails, some of the officers, directors and
other  employees of the Company may also  solicit proxies personally or by mail,
telephone or telegraph, but  they will not  receive additional compensation  for
such services. The
 
                                       14
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
Company  may retain the services of a professional proxy solicitation firm if it
deems it to be necessary. Brokerage firms, custodians, banks, trustees, nominees
or other fiduciaries holding shares of Common Stock in their names are  required
under  rules  and regulations  promulgated by  the  Commission to  forward proxy
material to their principals and will be reimbursed for their reasonable out  of
pocket expenses in such connection.
 
                                SPECIAL FACTORS
 
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
 
     On  October 24,  1996, Mr. Arthur  S. Holmes, Chairman  and Chief Executive
Officer of Chart, and Mr. Charles S.  Holmes, a Director of Chart, met with  Mr.
Alfred  Schechter, Chairman of the Board,  President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company, and Mr. Jerome L. Katz,  a Director of the Company, in New  York
City.  At this  initial meeting  Messrs. A.S.  Holmes and  C.S. Holmes expressed
interest in  purchasing the  Company.  At that  meeting Mr.  Schechter  informed
Messrs.  A.S. Holmes and C.S. Holmes that the Company was not for sale, but that
the Board would review a formal offer if one was presented.
 
     During an October 30, 1996 telephone conference, Mr. A.S. Holmes  suggested
to  Mr. Schechter a two-step transaction, in  which Chart would first purchase a
controlling stock  position  from  the Company's  larger  stockholders  and  the
balance  of the  Common Stock  would be purchased  in the  future. Mr. Schechter
advised Mr.  Holmes that  such a  transaction  would not  be acceptable  to  the
Company.
 
     On  November 8, 1996, Mr. Schechter reviewed  a letter from Mr. A.S. Holmes
which contained a  proposed confidentiality  agreement together with  a list  of
requested  information. In response to the  November 8, 1996 letter, on November
11, 1996 the  Company submitted  to Chart its  own form  of confidentiality  and
standstill  agreement. On  November 18,  1996, Chart  executed and  returned the
confidentiality and standstill agreement.
 
     At various  times  during  late  November  and  early  December  1996,  Mr.
Schechter discussed with Mr. A.S. Holmes areas in which Chart could achieve cost
savings  if a  transaction were completed  between the  parties. These potential
areas of  savings included  certain salaries,  financial services  fees,  travel
expenses,  research  and  development  expenses, as  well  as  debt  service and
elimination of dividends on the Preferred Stock.
 
     On December 9, 1996,  Mr. A.S. Holmes, Mr.  Don A. Baines, Chief  Financial
Officer  and Treasurer of  Chart, Mr. Schechter  and Mr. Katz  participated in a
conference call. Mr.  Holmes stated that  a merger would  be a potentially  good
fit.  However, Mr. Holmes stated  that the Company would  need to achieve better
earnings if Chart were to pay over $2.00 per share for the Common Stock.
 
     On December 11,  1996, a conference  call was convened  among Messrs.  A.S.
Holmes,  Schechter and Katz. During this call, Messrs. Schechter and Katz stated
that a  price of  $3.50  per share,  payable in  Chart  Common Stock,  would  be
considered.   Mr.  Holmes  responded  that  such  a  price  was  too  high.  The
conversation concluded with the parties disagreeing on the price to be paid  for
the  Common Stock,  with the  understanding that  if factors  changed they would
re-open their discussions in the future.
 
     On February 14, 1997, Mr. Schechter received a telephone call from Mr. A.S.
Holmes who informed Mr. Schechter that Chart was willing to acquire the  Company
for  a price of $2.50 per share in cash and that Chart would consider paying the
purchase price  in Chart  Common Stock.  Mr. Holmes  and Mr.  Schechter made  an
appointment to meet in New York City on February 27, 1997.
 
     As  scheduled, on February 27, 1997,  Messrs. A.S. Holmes and Schechter met
in New York City  to discuss the potential  transaction. Mr. Schechter  provided
Mr.  Holmes with  a general  overview of  the Company  and its  subsidiaries and
affiliates. At this meeting, Mr. Holmes, on behalf of Chart, increased the offer
to $2.75 per share in cash or Chart Common Stock.
 
     At a special  meeting of  the Board  on March 10,  1997, at  which all  the
members of the Board were present, a general discussion was held with respect to
Chart  and the potential transaction and  numerous questions were raised. It was
agreed that a meeting between the  Board and representatives of Chart should  be
scheduled.  Later that day, Mr.  Schechter called Mr. Holmes  to schedule such a
meeting.
 
                                       15
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     On March 21, 1997,  Chart sent a  term sheet with  respect to the  proposed
transaction to Mr. Schechter for distribution to the Board and for discussion at
the meeting to be held with Chart shortly thereafter.
 
     On  March 26, 1997, Mr. A.S. Holmes met with the Board in New York City. At
the meeting  the various  terms of  the  term sheet  which had  previously  been
provided  by Chart were discussed and  resolved, including (i) setting the price
for the Common Stock at $2.75 per  share payable in cash or Chart Common  Stock,
(ii)  the conversion ratio and buyout provisions with respect to Warrants, (iii)
the conversion ratio and buyout provisions  with respect to options to  purchase
Common  Stock  and  (iv)  a  break  up  fee  of  $850,000  (Chart  had requested
$1,000,000).
 
     After the representatives of Chart  left the meeting, the Board  determined
that  the  Company should  engage  an investment  advisor  to render  a fairness
opinion with respect to the proposed transaction.
 
     On March  27, 1997,  the Company  entered into  an engagement  letter  with
Houlihan  Lokey pursuant  to which  Houlihan Lokey  would undertake  to render a
fairness opinion to the Board with respect to the Merger.
 
     On April 7, 1997,  representatives of Chart  commenced their due  diligence
review  of  the Company.  The due  diligence  review process  involved reviewing
written materials provided by the Company, touring the Company's two  facilities
in  Denver, Colorado, meeting  with various members  of the Company's management
and reviewing various matters with the Company's counsel.
 
     On or about  April 7,  1997, representatives  of Chart  indicated that,  if
acceptable  to  the Company,  a transaction  in  which Common  Stockholders were
offered only  cash, would  be easier  and less  expensive to  accomplish than  a
transaction  in which the Common Stockholders  were offered their choice of cash
or Chart  Common  Stock. The  Company's  management conferred  with  its  larger
stockholders  who indicated their  preference for cash,  and the Company advised
Chart that an all cash transaction would be acceptable.
 
     The first  draft of  a  definitive merger  agreement  was received  by  the
Company and its counsel on April 14, 1997. Negotiations of the definitive merger
agreement  between  counsel for  each of  the Company  and Chart  were conducted
during that week.
 
     On April 21, 1997, the Board held  a special meeting at which the  proposed
terms  of the Merger were fully discussed. Houlihan Lokey presented its detailed
analysis of the Merger and  rendered its opinion to the  effect that a price  of
$2.75  in cash  per share of  Common Stock was  fair, from a  financial point of
view, to the Common Stockholders. The Board discussed the conclusion rendered by
Houlihan Lokey as well as the  information considered in rendering the  fairness
opinion.  At that  point, the Board  instructed its  representatives to finalize
negotiations with Chart and to execute  a merger agreement substantially in  the
form previously delivered to the Board.
 
     On  April 30,  1997, Mr.  Schechter, Mr. Katz  and Mr.  Ajit G. Hutheesing,
constituting three members of the Board, held a telephone conference to  discuss
the status of the various open issues with respect to the transaction.
 
     Later the same day, representatives of Chart and the Company held a meeting
at which negotiations with respect to the various open issues were finalized and
the  Merger Agreement was executed. Contemporaneously  with the execution of the
Merger Agreement, Chart  delivered a  letter to  the Company,  which letter  set
forth  Chart's sources and uses of funds in connection with the Merger and which
included copies of  commitment letters from  Chart's lenders with  respect to  a
$45.0  million  senior revolving  credit facility  ($27.0  million of  which was
earmarked for the Merger).
 
PURPOSE AND STRUCTURE OF THE MERGER
 
     The Company. The  Company's purpose  for the  Merger is  to enhance  Common
Stockholder value by permitting the inherent value of the Company currently held
by the Common Stockholders in the form of Common Stock to be converted into cash
at  a price which  the Board has unanimously  determined is fair  to, and in the
best interests  of, all  Common Stockholders.  The Board  has, pursuant  to  the
Merger Agreement, called the Special Meeting in order for Common Stockholders to
consider and
 
                                       16
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
vote  upon a proposal to approve and  adopt the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
In the Merger, each share of Common  Stock, other than those (i) held by  Common
Stockholders  who perfect their dissenters' rights  in accordance with the DGCL,
(ii) owned by the Company and (iii)  owned by Chart, will be converted into  the
right to receive $2.75 in cash, without interest.
 
     The  primary benefit to the Common  Stockholders is the opportunity to sell
all of their Common Stock at a price which represents a substantial premium over
the trading  prices in  effect  immediately prior  to  the announcement  of  the
Merger.  The  structure of  the transaction  as  a cash  merger provides  a cash
payment at a premium price to all Common Stockholders and an orderly transfer of
ownership of the equity interest represented  by the Common Stock to Chart.  The
structure  of the Merger also ensures the acquisition of all of the Common Stock
by Chart. In  addition, the  Board believes,  based upon  the factors  discussed
below  under  '  -- Recommendation  of  the Board'  and  under '  --  Opinion of
Financial Advisor,' that the  Merger provides the  best opportunity to  maximize
stockholder value.
 
     Chart.  Chart's purpose  for the  Merger is  to acquire  all of  the equity
interest in the Company represented by  the outstanding Common Stock. As of  the
date  of this Proxy  Statement, Chart and  its affiliates owned  6,000 shares of
Common Stock. In determining to acquire the Common Stock at this time, Chart has
focused on  a number  of factors  including the  Company's historic  results  of
operations,  its financial condition, operation and prospects, and the potential
for revenue growth and  increased profitability. The  acquisition of the  Common
Stock  has been structured as a cash merger  because it would be easier and less
expensive to accomplish  than a  transaction in which  Common Stockholders  were
offered  their choice of cash  or Chart Common Stock, and  in order to provide a
prompt and orderly transfer of ownership  of the equity interest represented  by
the Common Stock.
 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD
 
     At  a meeting held on  April 21, 1997, the  Board unanimously determined to
approve  and  adopt  the  Merger  Agreement  and  to  recommend  to  the  Common
Stockholders  that  such  stockholders  vote to  approve  and  adopt  the Merger
Agreement and unanimously determined that the  terms of the Merger are fair  to,
and  in the best interests  of, the Common Stockholders.  See ' -- Background of
the Merger.'
 
     In  determining  to  approve  and  adopt  the  Merger  Agreement,  and   in
determining  the fairness of the  terms of the Merger,  the Board considered the
following  factors,  each  of  which,   in  the  Board's  view,  supported   the
determination to recommend the Merger:
 
          (i)  the Board's knowledge of the financial condition, assets, results
     of operations,  business  and  prospects  of the  Company,  and  the  risks
     inherent in achieving those prospects;
 
          (ii)  the terms and conditions of  the Merger Agreement, including the
     amount  and   form   of  consideration,   the   nature  of   the   parties'
     representations,  warranties, covenants and  agreements, and the conditions
     of Chart, GTC and CAC under  the Merger Agreement to consummate the  Merger
     including Chart's ability to finance the transaction;
 
          (iii)  the belief by the members of  the Board that $2.75 per share of
     Common Stock was the best price that could be obtained from Chart;
 
          (iv) the fact that the $2.75 per share price represented a substantial
     premium over the reported average closing price of the Common Stock  during
     the  past  nine months  and the  fact  that the  Company's stock  price has
     generally been declining for the past 1 1/2 years;
 
          (v) the opinion of Houlihan Lokey as to the fairness, from a financial
     point of view, of the purchase price  of $2.75 in cash per share of  Common
     Stock  to be received by the Common Stockholders and the analysis presented
     to the Board by Houlihan Lokey;
 
          (vi) the stock price  and trading volume history  of the Common  Stock
     and the fact that such Common Stock is thinly traded; and
 
          (vii)  the  availability  of  dissenters'  rights  under  the  DGCL to
     dissenting Common Stockholders in the Merger.
 
                                       17
 
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<PAGE>
     The Board was also aware of  the potential or actual conflicts of  interest
as  more fully described  below under '  -- Interests of  Certain Persons in the
Merger' and considered them along with the other factors set forth above.
 
     On the basis of the aforementioned analysis, the Board determined that  the
terms  of the Merger are fair  and in the best interests  of the Company and the
Common Stockholders.
 
OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR
 
     The Company retained  Houlihan Lokey  to act  as its  financial advisor  in
connection  with the Merger and to render an  opinion as to the fairness, from a
financial point of  view, to the  Common Stockholders of  the purchase price  of
$2.75  in cash to be paid for each share  of Common Stock. At the April 21, 1997
meeting of  the Board,  Houlihan  Lokey delivered  an  oral opinion,  which  was
confirmed  by a  written opinion dated  the same day,  that as of  such date and
based on  the  matters described  therein,  the Merger  is  fair to  the  Common
Stockholders from a financial point of view.
 
     THE COMPLETE TEXT OF HOULIHAN LOKEY'S OPINION IS ATTACHED HERETO AS ANNEX B
AND  THE SUMMARY OF THE OPINION SET FORTH  BELOW IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO  SUCH OPINION.  THE  COMMON STOCKHOLDERS  ARE  URGED TO  READ  SUCH
OPINION  CAREFULLY  AND IN  ITS  ENTIRETY FOR  A  DESCRIPTION OF  THE PROCEDURES
FOLLOWED, THE FACTORS CONSIDERED AND THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE BY HOULIHAN LOKEY.
 
     Houlihan Lokey's opinion did not recommend  to the Board that any  specific
amount  of  consideration  constituted  the  appropriate  consideration  for the
Merger. The amount  to be paid  for each share  of Common Stock  was offered  by
Chart  and  negotiated by  the Company.  Houlihan Lokey's  opinion to  the Board
addressed only the fairness from  a financial point of  view of the Merger,  and
does  not constitute a recommendation to the  Common Stockholders as to how such
Common Stockholders should vote at the Special Meeting. Houlihan Lokey expressed
no opinion  as to  the tax  consequences  of the  Merger, and  Houlihan  Lokey's
opinion as to the fairness of the purchase price of $2.75 in cash to be paid for
each  share of Common Stock does not take into account the particular tax status
or position of any Common Stockholder.
 
     In connection with the  preparation of its  opinion, Houlihan Lokey,  among
other  things: (i) reviewed the Company's  annual reports to stockholders and on
Form 10-K for  the four fiscal  years ended  August 31, 1996  and the  quarterly
report  on  Form 10-Q  for  the fiscal  quarter  ended February  28,  1997; (ii)
reviewed the  Merger  Agreement;  (iii)  met  with  certain  members  of  senior
management of the Company to discuss the operations, financial condition, future
prospects and projected operations and performance of the Company; (iv) reviewed
a  forecast prepared by the Company's management with respect to the Company for
the fiscal  year ending  August 31,  1997; (v)  reviewed the  historical  market
prices and trading volume for the Common Stock; (vi) reviewed publicly available
financial  data for certain  companies that Houlihan  Lokey deemed comparable to
the  Company,  and  publicly  available  prices  and  premiums  paid  in   other
transactions  that Houlihan  Lokey considered similar  to the  Merger; and (vii)
conducted such other studies,  analyses and inquiries  as Houlihan Lokey  deemed
appropriate.
 
     In  assessing  the  fairness  of the  Merger  to  the  Common Stockholders,
Houlihan Lokey (i) analyzed the reasonableness of the Company's unaffected stock
price, (ii) analyzed  the reasonableness  of the  premium being  offered in  the
Merger  relative to the Company's unaffected  stock price and (iii) reviewed the
valuation  implications  to   the  Common  Stockholders   of  various   relevant
alternatives to the Merger.
 
     Assessment  of the  Company's Publicly  Traded Stock  Value. Houlihan Lokey
reviewed the trading prices and values for the Common Stock for the period  from
December  30, 1994 to April  15, 1997 and applied  a market multiple approach to
arrive at an independent confirmation of the recent public trading value of  the
Common  Stock. As part of  its analysis, Houlihan Lokey  calculated the ratio of
the Company's average  daily volume (over  the 365 day  period ending April  15,
1997)  to the Company's float  and total shares outstanding,  and compared it to
similar ratios of other publicly traded companies.
 
     In the market  multiple approach, Houlihan  Lokey examined publicly  traded
companies that were selected on the basis of operational and economic similarity
with the principal business operations of
 
                                       18
 
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<PAGE>
the  Company. However,  Houlihan Lokey  noted that  none of  the pubic companies
analyzed were considered  directly comparable to  the Company. Accordingly,  for
purposes of the market multiple approach, Houlihan Lokey selected four companies
that  had  Standard  Industrial  Classifications ('SIC')  codes  similar  to the
Company's. A comparative analysis between  each of the selected publicly  traded
companies  and  the Company  formed the  basis  of Houlihan  Lokey's independent
valuation of the Company.
 
     Comparable Transaction Analysis. Houlihan Lokey analyzed publicly available
information with  respect  to  acquisition multiples  paid  in  52  acquisitions
between  January 1, 1994 and April 15, 1997 of public and private companies with
SIC codes similar to  the Company's. Of the  52 transactions analyzed, only  two
involved  publicly  traded  companies  with  meaningful  financial  information.
Multiples compared included P/E ratios,  total enterprise value ('TIC') to  EBIT
and  TIC  to  EBITDA.  Houlihan  Lokey's analysis  indicated  that  for  the two
acquisitions of publicly traded companies with meaningful financial  information
(i)  the P/E  multiples ranged  from 15.6 to  26.8, (ii)  the TIC/EBIT multiples
ranged from 16.2 to 17.5 and (iii) the TIC/EBITDA multiples ranged from 11.9  to
12.3.  The implied P/E, TIC/EBIT and  TIC/EBITDA multiples for the Company based
on the purchase price of $2.75 per share of Common Stock are 34.4, 15.6 and 9.4,
respectively. Houlihan Lokey noted  that none of the  companies acquired in  the
transactions analyzed were directly comparable to the Company.
 
     Houlihan  Lokey analyzed  the acquisition premiums  (the difference between
acquisition price and unaffected trading  price) paid in the three  transactions
involving publicly traded targets and noted that the acquisition premiums ranged
from  a low of 12.1% to a high  of 17.7%. The acquisition premium implied by the
$2.75 purchase  price  per  share  of Common  Stock  is  approximately  69%.  In
addition,  Houlihan Lokey compared the 12  month median acquisition premium paid
for all companies from December 31, 1994 to December 31, 1996, which ranged from
a low of 27.0% to  a high of 36.0%, to  the implied acquisition premium for  the
Company of 69%. Houlihan Lokey noted that the median acquisition premium paid in
the  123 completed transactions in the manufacturing industry between January 1,
1996 and December 31, 1996 was 30%.
 
     Houlihan Lokey also  analyzed the breakup  fee in 14  transactions (with  a
transaction  size of $200,000,000 or less) that occurred between January 1, 1996
and April 19, 1997 where the size of the breakup fee was publicly disclosed. The
breakup fee ranged from 0.9% to 5.5% of the transaction value, with a median  of
approximately  3.4%. The  breakup fee  relative to  the value  of the  Merger is
approximately 3.0%.
 
     Summary of Theoretical Strategic Alternatives Considered. In evaluating the
fairness of the  Merger, Houlihan  Lokey considered  the expected  value to  the
Common   Stockholders  of   completing  the   Merger  and   certain  theoretical
alternatives to the Merger. Such analysis qualitatively considered the valuation
implications  to  the  Common  Stockholders,  the  probability  of  successfully
completing  the theoretical alternatives and the cost and time to implement such
alternatives.  The  theoretical   strategic  alternatives  considered   included
maintaining  the status quo,  the sale to  Chart, the sale  to another strategic
buyer, the sale to a financial buyer and the sale by the Company of its business
units. Houlihan Lokey summarized, that of the theoretical strategic alternatives
considered, the  Merger appears  to provide  the greatest  value to  the  Common
Stockholders on a present value risk adjusted basis.
 
     Houlihan  Lokey has not been requested to, and did not, solicit third party
indications of interest with respect  to the acquisition of  all or any part  of
the Company.
 
     Houlihan   Lokey  has   relied  upon   and  assumed,   without  independent
verification, that the  financial forecast  provided to it  has been  reasonably
prepared  and  reflects  the best  currently  available estimate  of  the future
financial results  and condition  of the  Company, and  that there  has been  no
material change in the assets, financial condition, business or prospects of the
Company since the date of the most recent financial statements made available to
it.
 
     Houlihan Lokey has not independently verified the accuracy and completeness
of  the information  supplied to  it with  respect to  the Company  and does not
assume any responsibility with  respect to it. Houlihan  Lokey has not made  any
physical  inspection or independent appraisal of any of the properties or assets
of the Company. Houlihan Lokey's opinion is based on business, economic,  market
and other conditions as they exist and can be evaluated by it at the date of its
opinion.
 
                                       19
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     Houlihan  Lokey  is a  nationally recognized  investment banking  firm with
special expertise in, among other things, valuing businesses and securities  and
rendering  fairness  opinions.  Houlihan  Lokey is  continually  engaged  in the
valuation  of  businesses  and  securities   in  connection  with  mergers   and
acquisitions,   leveraged  buyouts,  private  placements  of  debt  and  equity,
corporate reorganizations, employee stock  ownership plans, corporate and  other
purposes.  The Company  selected Houlihan  Lokey because  of its  experience and
expertise in performing valuation and fairness analysis. Houlihan Lokey does not
beneficially own nor has it ever beneficially owned any interest in the Company.
 
     Fees and Expenses. Pursuant to an agreement entered into on March 27, 1997,
Houlihan Lokey was retained by the Company to analyze the fairness of the Merger
to the Common  Stockholders, from  a financial point  of view.  The Company  has
agreed to pay Houlihan Lokey a fee of $100,000 plus its reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses  incurred in connection  with the rendering of  a fairness opinion. The
Company  has  further  agreed  to  indemnify  Houlihan  Lokey  against   certain
liabilities and expenses in connection with the rendering of its services.
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
     In  considering the recommendation of the Board with respect to the Merger,
the Common Stockholders  should be  aware that certain  officers, directors  and
Common  Stockholders have  certain interests  summarized below  that may present
actual or potential  conflicts of interest  in connection with  the Merger.  The
Board  was aware of the potential or actual conflicts of interest and considered
them along with other matters described under 'Special Factors -- Recommendation
of the Board.'
 
     Ownership of Common  Stock. As  of the date  of this  Proxy Statement,  the
executive  officers and directors of the Company beneficially owned an aggregate
of 568,213 shares of  Common Stock, constituting approximately  7.8% of all  the
outstanding Common Stock.
 
     Pursuant  to the Merger Agreement, the  executive officers and directors of
the Company will be entitled to receive  $2.75 per share in cash for each  share
of  Common Stock held by them. In addition, as of the Record Date, the executive
officers and directors of  the Company held options  and Warrants to acquire  an
aggregate of 331,535 shares of Common Stock, a portion of which options required
the  Company  to  attain various  levels  of  pre-tax profit  prior  to becoming
exercisable but which Chart has agreed  to purchase as provided in (iii)  below.
Prior  to consummation of the  Merger, (i) 242,535 of  such options and Warrants
will be converted into  options and warrants to  acquire shares of Chart  Common
Stock,  (ii) 27,000  of such  options held by  Mr. Schechter  will be terminated
pursuant to the terms of the Merger  Agreement and (iii) 62,000 of such  options
will  be converted  into the  right to receive  cash in  an amount  equal to the
excess of $2.75 per  share of Common Stock  issuable upon exercise thereof  over
the  exercise price  for such  options, which  cash amount  in the  aggregate is
approximately $46,000.
 
     Ownership of Preferred Stock. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, there
are 68,517 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding. Mr. Schechter is the owner  of
26,353 shares of Preferred Stock. The balance of the Preferred Stock is owned by
Mr.  Don M. Harwell  and Mezzanine Capital  Corporation Limited (in liquidation)
('MCC'), who also are beneficial holders of an aggregate of 1,344,838 shares  of
Common  Stock, or 19.2% of all the  outstanding Common Stock. All of the holders
of Preferred Stock have entered into the Voting Agreement pursuant to which they
have agreed to vote FOR the approval  and adoption of the Merger Agreement.  See
'Security  Ownership  by  Certain  Beneficial  Owners,  Directors  and Executive
Officers -- Voting Agreement.' Chart has agreed to purchase all of the Preferred
Stock at a price of $10.00 in cash per share plus any accumulated but unpaid (as
of the Effective Date) dividends with respect thereto. The holders of  Preferred
Stock  will  receive $685,170  in exchange  for  the Preferred  Stock (excluding
accumulated but unpaid dividends).
 
     In March 1993, Mr. Schechter,  Mr. Harwell and MCC,  agreed to lend to  the
Company  an aggregate of $650,000, $325,000 of  which was advanced in March 1993
and $325,000 of which was advanced in May 1993. These loans were subordinated to
the Company's indebtedness to  its lenders, bore interest  at 12% per annum  and
were  to become due at such time as  the Company's lenders were paid the balance
of amounts which they deferred receipt of, but no later than September 30, 1997.
In consideration for the loans, the Company issued Warrants with a fair value of
$55,000 as determined by an independent appraiser, to purchase 130,000 shares of
Common Stock (50,000 to each of Messrs. Schechter and
 
                                       20
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
Harwell and 30,000 to  MCC), at an  initial exercise price  of $8.85 per  share,
such  price being the average  closing price of the  Common Stock during the ten
trading days prior to the loan advances made on March 12, 1993, which price  was
adjusted  to $7.90  per share  pursuant to  certain price  adjustment provisions
contained in the Warrants.
 
     In April 1994, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement with  Messrs.
Schechter  and Harwell and MCC to  exchange the junior subordinated indebtedness
and the  current  interest  notes  related  thereto  for  Preferred  Stock  (the
'Exchange').  At April  13, 1994, the  Company exchanged $450,000  of the junior
subordinated indebtedness for 45,000  shares of Preferred  Stock, and on  August
17,  1994 the remaining $228,000 of indebtedness was exchanged for 22,800 shares
of Preferred Stock. The  Preferred Stock has a  liquidation value of $10.00  per
share  and provides  for a dividend  of 12%  per annum through  August 31, 1995,
increasing 1% per annum thereafter to a  maximum of 18%. Dividends in excess  of
12% per annum are not paid in cash, but are paid by issuing additional shares of
Preferred  Stock. In  consideration for the  Exchange, on January  26, 1995, the
Company issued five-year Warrants to purchase 65,000 shares of Common Stock,  at
an  exercise  price of  $3.55 per  share, such  price being  the average  of the
closing prices of  the Common Stock  during the  ten trading days  prior to  the
Exchange.
 
     Charterhouse.  On August  30, 1991,  the Company  entered into  a financial
consulting services agreement with Charterhouse, pursuant to which  Charterhouse
agreed  to provide  a variety of  financial consulting services  to the Company.
These services include advice and assistance in connection with the  preparation
of  financial budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections and return on investment
analysis relating to  capital expenditures; services  relating to the  Company's
banking  relationships including  advice and  assistance in  connection with the
financing and  refinancing  of corporate  indebtedness;  analysis, from  both  a
financial  and operational standpoint, in connection with the Company's entering
into additional business areas  as well as the  consolidation or elimination  of
existing  business  operations;  and  other  miscellaneous  services  and advice
primarily of a financial nature. The agreement had an initial term of five years
and is automatically renewed on a  year-to-year basis unless either party  gives
60 days written notice prior to the end of the initial term or any renewal term.
The  agreement  provides  for  an  annual fee  of  $125,000  payable  in monthly
installments. As of the Record Date, the Company was in arrears with respect  to
these  payments in the  aggregate amount of  approximately $323,000. Pursuant to
the Merger  Agreement,  Chart  has  agreed  to  pay  Charterhouse  in  full  and
Charterhouse  has agreed to terminate  its agreement with the  Company as of the
Effective Time.
 
     Charterhouse is also a party to  the Voting Agreement pursuant to which  it
has agreed to vote the 206,650 shares of Common Stock which it beneficially owns
in  favor of the  Merger. See 'Security Ownership  of Certain Beneficial Owners,
Directors and Executive  Officers --  Security Ownership  of Certain  Beneficial
Owners' and ' -- Voting Agreement.'
 
     Employment  Agreement. Mr. Alfred Schechter  has entered into an employment
agreement with the Company with an  original term expiring August 31, 1996,  and
which provides for annual renewals thereafter unless sooner terminated by either
party.  Under  the agreement,  Mr. Schechter  may not  compete with  the Company
during the term of the agreement and  for two years after its termination  under
certain circumstances. Mr. Schechter's employment agreement also requires him to
devote  such time to the  Company and its affiliates  as the Board shall request
and as  is  reasonably  necessary to  enable  him  to fulfill  his  duties.  The
agreement provides for a minimum annual base salary of $120,000. As of September
1,  1996, Mr. Schechter's annual salary was $150,000, the same as it was for the
previous fiscal year. Mr.  Schechter is also entitled  to bonus compensation  at
the  discretion  of  the  Board,  as  well  as  participation  in  all  pension,
profit-sharing,  retirement,  health,  insurance  and  other  benefit   programs
available  to other executive management employees  of the Company. In the event
Mr. Schechter's  employment is  terminated without  'cause' (as  defined in  his
employment  agreement) by the Company or by  Mr. Schechter for 'good reason' (as
defined in his employment  agreement), then he will  be entitled to receive  his
continuing  base salary through the end of the initial term or any renewal term,
as applicable. Pursuant  to the Merger  Agreement, Chart has  agreed to pay  Mr.
Schechter's  salary and to maintain his benefits  through August 31, 1997 or the
Effective Time,  whichever  is  later,  and Mr.  Schechter  has  agreed  to  the
termination of his employment agreement as of the Effective Time.
 
     Indemnification  of Chart.  In connection  with the  Merger, Mr. Schechter,
Charterhouse and Chart have entered  into an indemnification agreement dated  as
of April 30, 1997 (the 'Indemnification
 
                                       21
 
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<PAGE>
Agreement')  pursuant to  which Mr.  Schechter and  Charterhouse have  agreed to
indemnify Chart from  and against  certain liabilities with  respect to  certain
environmental  matters and litigations to  which the Company is  or may become a
party. The  obligations of  Mr. Schechter  and Charterhouse  are limited  to  an
aggregate  of $150,000 ($42,000 for Mr. Schechter and $108,000 for Charterhouse)
and are triggered  only after  the Company  has incurred  unreimbursed costs  in
excess  of $100,000 with respect to the aforementioned matters. Such obligations
are secured by  an indemnification  fund of $150,000,  which will  be funded  by
deductions from (i) the consideration to be paid to Mr. Schechter as a result of
the  Merger;  and  (ii)  from  the  amount of  consulting  fees  to  be  paid to
Charterhouse at the Effective Time.  Pursuant to the Indemnification  Agreement,
such  funds  will be  released to  Mr. Schechter  and Charterhouse,  assuming no
claims are made thereon by Chart, on January 31, 1998.
 
CERTAIN EFFECTS OF THE MERGER
 
     As a result of the Merger, the  entire equity interest of the Company  will
be  owned by GTC,  a subsidiary of  Chart. Therefore, following  the Merger, the
Common Stockholders will no  longer benefit from any  increases in the value  of
the  Company and will on longer  bear the risk of any  decreases in the value of
the Company. As of the Effective Time, Chart and its subsidiaries will own  100%
of  the Company  and Chart  will have complete  control over  the management and
conduct of the Company's business, all  income generated by the Company and  any
future  increases in the value  of the Company. Similarly,  Chart will also bear
the risk of any losses sustained as a result of the operation of the Company and
any decreases in the value of the Company.
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
     The following  is a  general summary  of the  material Federal  income  tax
consequences  of the Merger to the holders of  the Common Stock under the law in
effect as of  the date hereof.  This discussion is  based on currently  existing
provisions  of  the Internal  Revenue  Code of  1986,  as amended  (the 'Code'),
existing and proposed Treasury Regulations thereunder and current administrative
rulings and  court decisions,  all of  which  are subject  to change.  Any  such
change, which may or may not be retroactive, could alter the tax consequences to
the  Common Stockholders  as described herein.  The following  discussion is for
general information only, and may not apply to particular categories of holders,
such as financial institutions, broker-dealers, tax-exempt entities, holders who
acquired their Common Stock pursuant to  the exercise of employee stock  options
or  other compensation  arrangements with  the Company  and holders  who are not
citizens or  residents of  the  United States.  ALL COMMON  STOCKHOLDERS  SHOULD
CONSULT  THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO THEM
WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO THEIR  PARTICULAR TAX SITUATIONS, INCLUDING SUCH  TAX
CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL, FEDERAL AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS.
 
     The  receipt of cash in  exchange for Common Stock  pursuant to the Merger,
and the receipt of cash  by a Common Stockholder who  exercises his, her or  its
dissenter's  rights under  the DGCL, will  be a taxable  transaction for Federal
income tax  purposes and  may also  be a  taxable transaction  under  applicable
state,  local and foreign tax laws.  A Stockholder will generally recognize gain
or loss for Federal  income tax purposes  in an amount  equal to the  difference
between such Common Stockholder's adjusted tax basis in the Common Stock and the
amount  of  cash  received in  exchange  therefor (other  than  amounts received
pursuant to  a  Common Stockholder's  statutory  rights of  appraisal  that  are
denominated  as interest,  which amounts would  be taxable  as ordinary income).
Such gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss if such Common Stockholder  has
held  such Common Stock as capital assets  within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the Code. Such capital gain or loss will be a long-term capital gain or loss  if
such  Common Stockholder has held such Common Stock for more than one year as of
the date of  exchange. There  are certain  limitations on  the deductibility  of
capital losses.
 
     Cash  received in exchange for Common Stock in the Merger may be subject to
a backup  withholding  tax  at  a  rate  of  31%,  unless  the  relevant  Common
Stockholder  is  an exempt  recipient  or complies  with  certain identification
procedures. Upon the consummation of the Merger, the Exchange Agent will forward
to each Common Stockholder a Form W-9 which when properly completed and returned
would fulfill such identification procedures.
 
                                       22
 
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<PAGE>
                                   THE MERGER
 
GENERAL
 
     The following is a summary of  the Merger Agreement. All references to  and
summaries of the Merger Agreement in this Proxy Statement are qualified in their
entirety  by reference  to the  Merger Agreement,  a copy  of which  is attached
hereto as Annex A. The Merger Agreement provides for the merger of CAC with  and
into  the Company.  The Company  will be the  Surviving Corporation  and it will
continue its corporate  existence under  the DGCL.  At the  Effective Time,  the
separate corporate existence of CAC shall cease. The Surviving Corporation shall
possess  all the property, rights, privileges,  powers and franchises of CAC and
the Company  and shall  assume and  become liable  for all  debts,  liabilities,
obligations, restrictions, disabilities and duties of the Company and CAC.
 
EFFECTIVE TIME OF MERGER
 
     The  Effective Time will occur  upon the filing of  a certificate of merger
(the 'Certificate  of Merger')  with the  Secretary  of State  of the  State  of
Delaware in accordance with the DGCL. The Certificate of Merger will be filed as
promptly  as practicable after the requisite approval and adoption of the Merger
Agreement and the Merger  by the Common Stockholders  at the Special Meeting  is
obtained  and the other  conditions precedent to the  consummation of the Merger
have been satisfied or, if permissible, waived.
 
TREATMENT OF COMMON STOCK IN THE MERGER
 
     At the Effective Time, each  share of Common Stock outstanding  immediately
prior  to the Effective Time,  except for (i) Common  Stock owned by Chart, (ii)
Common Stock  owned  by the  Company  and (iii)  Common  Stock owned  by  Common
Stockholders  who perfect their dissenters' rights  in accordance with the DGCL,
shall be converted into  the right to receive  $2.75 in cash, without  interest,
payable  to the holder  thereof, upon surrender  of the certificate representing
such Common Stock. Each share of  Common Stock owned by the Company  immediately
prior  to the Effective Time and each share of Common Stock owned by Chart, GTC,
CAC or any other subsidiary of Chart  will, by virtue of the Merger and  without
any action on the part of the holder thereof, be cancelled and retired and cease
to exist, without any conversion thereof and no payment or distribution shall be
made with respect thereto.
 
     Common  Stockholders who do not vote in  favor of the Merger at the Special
Meeting and who shall have properly elected to dissent in the manner provided in
Section 262 of the DGCL will be entitled  to payment of the fair value of  their
Common  Stock in accordance with, and subject  to, the provisions of Section 262
of the DGCL.
 
     Each share  of  CAC  common  stock outstanding  immediately  prior  to  the
Effective  Time shall, by virtue of the Merger and without action on the part of
the holder thereof, be  converted into and exchangeable  for one fully paid  and
nonassessable share of the Surviving Corporation.
 
TREATMENT OF PREFERRED STOCK, OPTIONS AND WARRANTS IN THE MERGER
 
     At   the  Effective  Time,  each   share  of  Preferred  Stock  outstanding
immediately prior to the  Effective Time, shall be  converted into the right  to
receive  $10.00 in  cash plus  any accumulated but  unpaid (as  of the Effective
Time) dividends  with respect  thereto.  There are  currently 68,517  shares  of
Preferred  Stock outstanding.  The Preferred Stock  does not  have voting rights
and, therefore,  will  not be  voted  at the  Special  Meeting. The  holders  of
Preferred  Stock are also  Common Stockholders and have  agreed, pursuant to the
Voting Agreement, to vote FOR adoption and approval of the Merger Agreement  and
the  Merger. Additionally, pursuant to an agreement among each of the holders of
Preferred Stock and the Company, the  holders of Preferred Stock have agreed  to
sell  all of  the Preferred Stock  to Chart for  a purchase price  of $10.00 per
share plus  any  and all  accumulated  but unpaid  (as  of the  Effective  Time)
dividends.
 
     As  of the Record Date, there were 608,042 outstanding Warrants to purchase
Common Stock and 417,032 outstanding Warrants to purchase Class B Common  Stock.
Additionally,  as of the Record Date, there were outstanding options to purchase
279,000 shares of Common Stock with exercise prices
 
                                       23
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
ranging from $1.81 to $6.38. 271,500 of such options were issued in the ordinary
course pursuant to  the Company's  various stock  option plans  from March  1992
through June 1997. The Company has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to:
(i) cause all Non-Continuing Employees who hold options to purchase Common Stock
to  either (A) exercise such options prior to the Effective Time or (B) agree to
sell such options to Chart in exchange for cash equal to the excess of $2.75 per
share of Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof over the exercise price for
such options; (ii) cause all Continuing  Employees who hold options to  purchase
Common  Stock to either (A) exchange their options for options to purchase Chart
Common Stock on a pro rata basis or  (B) agree to sell such options to Chart  in
exchange  for  cash equal  to  the excess  of $2.75  per  share of  Common Stock
issuable upon exercise  thereof over the  exercise price for  such options;  and
(iii)  cause  all  Non-Employee  Directors  who  hold  options  pursuant  to the
Company's 1993 Non-Employee  Director Stock Option  Plan to agree  to sell  such
options  to Chart in exchange for cash equal to the excess of $2.75 per share of
Common Stock issuable  upon exercise thereof  over the exercise  price for  such
options.
 
     The Company has also agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to cause all
holders  of Warrants to agree to either (i) sell to Chart any Warrants having an
exercise price less than $2.75 per share for a cash payment per Warrant equal to
the excess of $2.75 over the exercise price for such Warrant or (ii) to exchange
such Warrants for warrants to purchase Chart Common Stock on a pro rata basis. A
portion  of  the  Warrants  are  held  by  Common  Stockholders  and   Preferred
Stockholders  who have  agreed, pursuant  to the  Voting Agreement,  to vote FOR
adoption and approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
 
SURRENDER OF COMMON STOCK CERTIFICATES
 
     The Company and  Chart have  designated National City  Bank to  act as  the
Exchange Agent under the Merger Agreement. As of the Effective Time, Chart shall
deposit with the Exchange Agent cash in an aggregate amount equal to the product
of:  (x) the number of  shares of Common Stock  outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time  (other than shares  owned by the  Company, Chart and  Common
Stockholders  who have perfected their dissenters'  rights); and (y) $2.75 (such
amount together with  an amount  sufficient to pay  the purchase  price for  the
Preferred  Stock being  hereinafter referred to  as the  'Exchange Fund'). Chart
shall also deposit with the Exchange Agent an amount sufficient to purchase  the
Preferred  Stock and to pay any and all accumulated but unpaid dividends through
the  Effective  Date.  The  Exchange   Agent  shall,  pursuant  to   irrevocable
instructions,  make the payments provided for  under the Merger Agreement out of
the Exchange Fund to the holders of Common Stock and Preferred Stock.
 
     Promptly after the  Effective Time, the  Surviving Corporation shall  cause
the  Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record as of the Effective Time of
an outstanding  certificate  or  certificates  of  Common  Stock,  a  letter  of
transmittal  (which shall  specify that delivery  shall be effected  and risk of
loss and title  to certificates  shall pass, only  upon proper  delivery of  the
certificates  to the Exchange  Agent) and instructions for  use in effecting the
surrender of  such  certificates  for  payment in  accordance  with  the  Merger
Agreement.  Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of a certificate, together with
a duly executed letter of transmittal, and other documents that are  customarily
required  by letters  of transmittal,  the holder  thereof shall  be entitled to
receive cash in an amount equal to the product of the number of shares of Common
Stock represented by such certificate and $2.75, less any applicable withholding
tax, and such certificate shall be cancelled.
 
     Until  surrendered  pursuant  to  the  procedures  set  forth  above,  each
certificate  shall represent for all purposes  solely the right to receive $2.75
in cash, without interest,  multiplied by the number  of shares of Common  Stock
evidenced  by such  certificate. The  holders of  Preferred Stock  will follow a
similar procedure for  exchanging their Preferred  Stock into cash  as that  set
forth above for Common Stock.
 
     COMMON  STOCKHOLDERS  SHOULD NOT  SEND ANY  COMMON STOCK  CERTIFICATES WITH
THEIR PROXY CARDS.  TRANSMITTAL MATERIALS  AND INSTRUCTIONS  RELATING TO  COMMON
STOCK  CERTIFICATES WILL BE MAILED TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE
AFTER THE EFFECTIVE TIME.
 
                                       24
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     Any portion of the Exchange Fund  that remains undistributed to the  Common
Stockholders for 12 months after the Effective Time shall be delivered to Chart,
upon  demand, and  any Common Stockholders  who have not  exchanged their Common
Stock for their pro rata portion of the Exchange Fund shall thereafter look only
to Chart for payment of the Merger Consideration. At the time of such demand  by
Chart, the Exchange Agent's duties shall terminate.
 
SOURCES AND USES OF FUNDS
 
     It is currently anticipated that $19,241,741.75 will be required to pay the
purchase  price for the  Common Stock (assuming  no Common Stockholder exercises
dissenters' rights), approximately $685,170 will be required to pay the purchase
price for the  Preferred Stock and  approximately $776,000 will  be required  to
purchase  the  'in the  money'  options to  purchase  Common Stock  (assuming no
exercise thereof) and  Warrants to purchase  Class B Common  Stock (assuming  no
exercise  thereof). Chart also  anticipates that approximately  $200,000 will be
required to  pay  its expenses  in  connection with  the  Merger,  approximately
$325,000  will be required to pay Charterhouse and approximately $7,000,000 will
be required to retire  the Company's long-term debt.  All of the required  funds
will  be funded from Chart's bank credit  facility and available cash. Chart has
received a commitment  from National City  Bank and NBD  Bank, N.A. to  increase
such  credit facility  to $45.0  million in  connection with  the Merger.  It is
currently expected  that approximately  $400,000  will be  required to  pay  the
expenses  of the Company  and that such  funds will be  furnished from available
general funds of the Company.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
     Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the  obligations of each of the  Company,
Chart, GTC and CAC to effect the Merger are subject to the following conditions:
(a) the Merger Agreement shall have been approved and adopted by the affirmative
vote  of holders of  a majority of  the issued and  outstanding shares of Common
Stock; (b) the  Company and  Chart shall  have made  all filings  with, and  all
relevant  waiting periods shall have expired  (including all filings required to
be made  under the  Hart-Scott-Rodino  Antitrust Improvements  Act of  1976,  as
amended  (the 'HSR Act'), and waiting period in connection therewith), and given
all notices to and obtained all necessary consents, authorizations and approvals
from,  all  governmental  or  regulatory  authorities  which  are  required   to
consummate  the transactions  contemplated by the  Merger Agreement;  and (c) no
temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order,
restraint or  prohibition shall  have  been issued  by  any court  of  competent
jurisdiction preventing the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the
Merger  Agreement, and no action shall have  been taken, and no statute, rule or
regulation shall have been executed, by  any state or Federal government or  any
governmental  or regulatory authority that would prevent the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
 
     In addition, the obligations of the  Company to effect the Merger are  also
subject  to  the  satisfaction,  or  waiver by  the  Company,  of  the following
conditions: (a) each of the representations and warranties of Chart, GTC and CAC
in the Merger Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects;  and
(b)  Chart, GTC  and CAC  shall each have  performed, in  all material respects,
their obligations and agreements contained in the Merger Agreement.
 
     Additionally, the obligations of  Chart, GTC and CAC  to effect the  Merger
are  also subject to the  satisfaction, or waiver by Chart,  GTC and CAC, of the
following conditions:  (a) each  of the  representations and  warranties of  the
Company  in  the Merger  Agreement shall  be  true and  correct in  all material
respects; (b) the Company  shall have performed, in  all material respects,  its
obligations  and agreements contained  in the Merger  Agreement; (c) the Company
shall have obtained all consents, authorizations or approvals to the Merger  and
Merger  Agreement which are required to be  obtained from any third parties; (d)
the Company shall not have suffered a material adverse effect upon the business,
financial condition, results of operations or  prospects of the Company and  its
subsidiaries,  taken as a whole; (e) the  Company shall not have received demand
for appraisal from the  holders of more  than 15% of the  Common Stock; (f)  the
Company shall have terminated its agreements and arrangements with Charterhouse,
Mr.  Alfred Schechter and  the holders of  Preferred Stock; and  (g) the Company
shall have obtained and delivered to Chart agreements from holders of options to
purchase
 
                                       25
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
Common Stock and Warrants exercising such  options or warrants, agreeing to  the
cancellation  thereof, agreeing  to the  sale thereof  to Chart  pursuant to the
terms of the Merger Agreement or  agreeing to the exchange thereof for  warrants
or options to purchase shares of Chart Common Stock.
 
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
 
     The  Merger Agreement may be terminated at  any time prior to the Effective
Time: (a) by  mutual consent  of the  Company and Chart;  (b) by  Chart, upon  a
breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the
Company, or if any representation or warranty of the Company shall be untrue, in
either  case, and would be  incapable of being cured by  August 29, 1997; (c) by
the Company,  upon  a  breach  of  any  representation,  warranty,  covenant  or
agreement  on the part of  Chart, or if any  representation or warranty of Chart
shall be untrue, in either case, and would be incapable of being cured by August
29, 1997; (d)  by either Chart  or the  Company if any  permanent injunction  or
action  by any governmental or  regulatory authority preventing the consummation
of the  Merger shall  have become  final and  nonappealable; (e)  by either  the
Company or Chart if the Merger shall not have been consummated before August 29,
1997; provided, however, that the Merger Agreement may be extended to a date not
later  than September 30, 1997, if the Merger shall not have been consummated as
a direct result of either of the parties failing by August 29, 1997, to  receive
all  required approvals or consents from governmental or regulatory authorities;
(f) by the Company or Chart, if  the Merger Agreement and the Merger shall  fail
to  receive  the  requisite  vote  for  approval  and  adoption  by  the  Common
Stockholders at  the Special  Meeting; (g)  by Chart,  if: (i)  the Board  shall
withdraw,  modify or  change its recommendation  of the Merger  Agreement or the
Merger in a  manner adverse to  Chart or shall  have resolved to  do any of  the
foregoing;  (ii) the Board  shall have recommended to  the Common Stockholders a
Competing Transaction (as defined in the Merger Agreement); (iii) a tender offer
for 25% or more of the outstanding  shares of Common Stock is commenced and  the
Board recommends that the Common Stockholders tender their shares in such tender
offer  or exchange  offer; or  (iv) at  any time  after the  date of  the Merger
Agreement any person shall acquire beneficial ownership or the right to  acquire
beneficial  ownership of, or any 'group' (as  defined under Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange  Act of  1934,  as amended)  shall  have been  formed  which
beneficially  owns, more than 25%  of the then outstanding  Common Stock; (h) by
the Company,  if the  Board  (x) fails  to make  or  withdraws or  modifies  its
recommendations  that  the Common  Stockholders  approve the  Merger,  and there
exists at such  time a  Competing Transaction or  (y) recommends  to the  Common
Stockholders  approval or  acceptance of a  Competing Transaction,  in each case
only if the Board, after consultation with and based upon the advice of counsel,
determines in good faith that such action  is necessary for the Board to  comply
with  its  fiduciary duties  to stockholders  under applicable  law; and  (i) by
Chart, if the  Company shall receive  demand for appraisal  from the holders  of
more than 15% of the Common Stockholders.
 
     The  Company has  agreed that  if the  Merger Agreement  is terminated: (i)
pursuant to (b) above and at any  time prior to Chart's delivery to the  Company
of notice of termination there existed a Competing Transaction; (ii) pursuant to
(f)  above and  at any  time between the  date of  the Merger  Agreement and the
Special Meeting there  existed a  Competing Transaction; (iii)  pursuant to  (g)
above;  (iv) pursuant to (h) above; or (v) pursuant to (i) above and one or more
of the affiliates of the  Company who executed the  Voting Agreement has made  a
demand for appraisal with respect to 5% or more of the Common Stock, then in any
of such cases the Company is required to pay to Chart $850,000.
 
     The  Merger Agreement  may be  amended by the  parties thereto  at any time
prior to  the Effective  Time; provided,  however, that  after approval  of  the
Merger  Agreement and the Merger by the Common Stockholders, no amendment, which
under  applicable  law  may  not  be   made  without  approval  of  the   Common
Stockholders, may be made without such approval.
 
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
 
     Pursuant  to the terms of the Merger  Agreement, during the period from the
date of the Merger Agreement to the Effective Time, with certain exceptions, the
Company has agreed to conduct its business in the ordinary course and consistent
with past practices and use its  reasonable best efforts to preserve intact  its
business  organization and goodwill, keep available  the services of its present
officers
 
                                       26
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
and key  employees and  preserve the  goodwill and  business relationships  with
suppliers,  customers and others having  business relationships with it. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing,  the Company has agreed, with  certain
exceptions,  to  refrain  from:  (i)  declaring  or  paying  dividends  or other
distributions; (ii) issuing,  redeeming, selling  or disposing  of, or  creating
obligations  to issue,  redeem, sell  or dispose of,  any shares  of its capital
stock or any option, warrant or  security convertible into capital stock;  (iii)
taking  any action with respect to the grant of any severance or termination pay
to any  employee;  (iv)  entering into,  adopting,  accelerating,  modifying  or
amending in any other manner, any employment, collective bargaining, consulting,
bonus,  incentive  compensation, deferred  compensation, employee  stock option,
profit sharing, employee benefit,  welfare benefit or  other agreement, plan  or
arrangement;  and  (v) taking  certain other  actions  enumerated in  the Merger
Agreement.
 
NO SOLICITATIONS
 
     Between the date of the Merger Agreement and the Effective Time or  earlier
termination  of the Merger Agreement as provided therein, the Company has agreed
not  to  solicit,   encourage,  initiate  or   participate  in  discussions   or
negotiations  with any third party concerning the  sale or merger of the Company
or the sale or transfer of  the Company's assets (a 'Third Party  Transaction'),
except  that the  Company may furnish  information about the  Company and access
thereto, in each case in response to unsolicited requests therefor, to any third
party pursuant to an appropriate confidentiality agreement, and may  participate
in  discussions and  negotiate with  such third  party concerning  a Third Party
Transaction, if the Board determines in the exercise of its good faith  judgment
as  to its fiduciary duties to the  Common Stockholders and based upon advice of
counsel, that such action is required.
 
OFFICERS' AND DIRECTORS' INSURANCE; INDEMNIFICATION
 
     The Merger Agreement  provides that  Chart has  agreed that  all rights  to
indemnification  and  all  limitations of  liability  existing in  favor  of the
employees, agents, directors and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries to
the extent  provided  in the  Company's  and each  subsidiary's  certificate  of
incorporation and by-laws or in the indemnity agreements between the Company and
each  of its officers and directors, each as in effect on the date of the Merger
Agreement with respect to  matters occurring on or  prior to the Effective  Time
shall  continue in  full force  and effect without  any amendment  thereto for a
period of six years from the Effective Time; provided, however, that all  rights
of indemnification in respect of any claim asserted or made within such six-year
period  shall continue  until the  final disposition  of such  claim. The Merger
Agreement also provides that Chart has agreed that at or prior to the  Effective
Time, Chart shall continue existing officers' and directors' liability insurance
coverage  for  the Company's  officers and  directors  which shall  provide such
officers and directors with coverage for six years following the Effective Time;
provided, however, that  Chart shall  not be  obligated to  make annual  premium
payments  for such insurance in  excess of 125% of  the Company's current annual
premium for such insurance and if such annual premium for such insurance at  any
time  exceeds 125%  of the  Company's current  annual premium,  then Chart shall
cause to  be  maintained policies  of  insurance  which in  Chart's  good  faith
determination provides the maximum coverage available at an annual premium equal
to 125% of the Company's current annual premium.
 
FEES AND EXPENSES
 
     Each  party to  the Merger  Agreement has  agreed to  pay its  own fees and
expenses in connection with the Merger.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     The Merger will  be accounted for  as a  'purchase', as such  term is  used
under  generally accepted  accounting principles,  for accounting  and financial
reporting purposes.  Accordingly,  a determination  of  the fair  value  of  the
Company's  assets and liabilities will be made in order to allocate the purchase
price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.
 
                                       27
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
REGULATORY APPROVALS
 
     No Federal or state regulatory approvals  are required to be obtained,  nor
any  regulatory requirements complied with,  in connection with the consummation
of the  Merger  by  any party  to  the  Merger Agreement,  except  for  (i)  the
expiration  of the waiting  period, or early termination  thereof, under the HSR
Act, (ii)  the  requirements of  the  DGCL regarding  the  Common  Stockholders'
approval  of the Merger and the consummation thereof, and (iii) the requirements
of Federal securities law.
 
                                   APPRAISAL
 
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS; WAIVER OF NOTICE
 
     Common Stockholders who follow the  procedures specified in Section 262  of
the  DGCL ('Section 262') will be entitled  to have their Common Stock appraised
by the Delaware Court of Chancery and to receive payment of the 'fair value'  of
such  shares, exclusive of any elements of value arising from the accomplishment
or expectation of the Merger, together with a fair rate of interest, if any,  as
determined  by such  Court. THE  PROCEDURES SET FORTH  IN SECTION  262 SHOULD BE
STRICTLY COMPLIED WITH. FAILURE TO FOLLOW ANY OF SUCH PROCEDURES MAY RESULT IN A
TERMINATION OR WAIVER OF APPRAISAL RIGHTS UNDER SECTION 262.
 
     The following discussion of the provisions  of Section 262 is not  intended
to be a complete statement of its provisions and is qualified in its entirety by
reference  to the full text of that section,  a copy of which is attached hereto
as Annex C.
 
     Under Section  262, a  Common Stockholder  electing to  exercise  appraisal
rights must both:
 
          (a)  deliver to the Company, before the date of the Special Meeting, a
     written demand for appraisal  of his or her  Common Stock which  reasonably
     informs  the Company of the identity of  the stockholder of record and that
     such stockholder intends  thereby to  demand the  appraisal of  his or  her
     Common  Stock. This written demand is in  addition to and separate from any
     proxy relating to  the Merger.  Voting against, abstaining  from voting  or
     failing  to vote on the  Merger will not constitute  a demand for appraisal
     within the meaning of Section 262. Such written demand for appraisal should
     be delivered either in person  to the Secretary of  the Company or by  mail
     (certified  mail, return receipt  requested, being the  recommended form of
     transmittal) to  the  Secretary at  3811  Joliet Street,  Denver,  Colorado
     80239, prior to the date of the Special Meeting; and
 
          (b) not vote in favor of the Merger. Neither an abstention from voting
     with respect to, nor failure to vote in person or by proxy against approval
     of  the  Merger  constitutes  a  waiver  of  the  rights  of  a  dissenting
     stockholder.
 
     Within 10 days after  the Effective Time, the  Company is required to,  and
will, notify each Common Stockholder who has satisfied the conditions of Section
262  of the date on which the Merger became effective. Within 120 days after the
Effective Time, the Company or any such Common Stockholder who has satisfied the
conditions of Section 262  and is otherwise entitled  to appraisal rights  under
Section  262, may file a petition in  the Delaware Court of Chancery demanding a
determination of the value of the  Common Stock held by all Common  Stockholders
entitled  to appraisal  rights. If no  such petition is  filed, appraisal rights
will be lost for all Common  Stockholders who had previously demanded  appraisal
of  the Common Stock.  Common Stockholders seeking  to exercise appraisal rights
should not assume  that the Company  will file  a petition with  respect to  the
appraisal of the value of the Common Stock or that the Company will initiate any
negotiations  with  respect to  the 'fair  value'  of such  shares. ACCORDINGLY,
COMMON STOCKHOLDERS WHO WISH TO EXERCISE THEIR APPRAISAL RIGHTS SHOULD REGARD IT
AS THEIR  OBLIGATION TO  TAKE ALL  STEPS NECESSARY  TO PERFECT  THEIR  APPRAISAL
RIGHTS IN THE MANNER PRESCRIBED IN SECTION 262.
 
     Within  120 days after  the Effective Time, any  Common Stockholder who has
complied with the provisions of Section  262 is entitled, upon written  request,
to  receive from the Company  a statement setting forth  the aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock  not approving the Merger  with respect to which  demands
for  appraisal were received  by the Company  and the number  of holders of such
shares. Such statement must be mailed  within 10 days after the written  request
therefor has been
 
                                       28
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
received  by the  Company or  within 10  days after  expiration of  the time for
delivery of demands for appraisal under Section 262, whichever is later.
 
     If a  petition  for  an appraisal  is  timely  filed, after  a  hearing  to
determine  the Common  Stockholders entitled  to appraisal  rights, the Delaware
Court  of  Chancery  will  appraise  the  Common  Stock  owned  by  such  Common
Stockholders,  determining its  fair value,  exclusive of  any element  of value
arising from the  accomplishment or expectation  of the Merger.  The Court  will
direct  the payment of the fair value of  such Common Stock together with a fair
rate of interest, if any, on such fair value to Common
 
WAIVER OF APPRAISAL RIGHTS BY CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS
 
     Pursuant to the Voting Agreement,  12 record and/or beneficial holders  who
have sole dispositive power with respect to 3,306,214 shares of Common Stock, or
approximately 47.3% of all the issued and outstanding Common Stock, have agreed,
among  other things, to waive any and all  appraisal rights to which they may be
entitled under Section 262 in connection with the Merger.
 
                          MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS
 
     The Common Stock is traded on  the NASDAQ National Market System under  the
symbol  CSCI. The following table  sets forth the high  and low sales prices for
the Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ National Market System from September
1, 1994 to June   ,  1997. The prices set forth reflect interdealer  quotations,
without  retail  markups,  markdowns  or  commissions,  and  do  not necessarily
represent actual transactions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          HIGH            LOW
                                                                                                       -----------    -----------
 
<S>                                                                                                    <C>            <C>
Fiscal Quarter Ended
  November 30, 1994.................................................................................  $5 1/2         $3 1/8
  February 28, 1995.................................................................................   4 1/2          2 1/2
  May 31, 1995......................................................................................   4 1/2          3
  August 31, 1995...................................................................................   4 1/4          3 1/4
 
  November 30, 1995.................................................................................  $5             $3 5/8
  February 29, 1996.................................................................................   5 1/8          3 3/8
  May 31, 1996......................................................................................   4 3/8          3
  August 31, 1996...................................................................................   4 3/4          2 5/8
 
  November 30, 1996.................................................................................  $3 3/4         $1 3/8
  February 28, 1997.................................................................................   2 3/8          1 3/8
  May 31, 1997......................................................................................  [2 9/16]       [1 1/2]
  August 31, 1997 (through June   , 1997)...........................................................
</TABLE>
 
     On April  30,  1997,  the  last  full  trading  day  prior  to  the  public
announcement that the parties had entered into the Merger Agreement, the closing
bid  price and high ask and low bid prices  of the Common Stock were all $1 5/8.
On June    ,  1997, the  date of the  latest bid  price available  prior to  the
mailing of this Proxy Statement, the closing bid price was $            . COMMON
STOCKHOLDERS  ARE  URGED TO  OBTAIN A  CURRENT MARKET  QUOTATION FOR  THE COMMON
STOCK.
 
     At June     , 1997,  there were  approximately 200  Common Stockholders  of
record.  However, the Company believes that at such date there were in excess of
500 beneficial Common Stockholders.
 
     The Company has  never declared or  paid any cash  dividends on its  Common
Stock  and currently intends to retain any earnings for use in its business. The
Company's  ability  to  pay  cash  dividends  is  currently  limited  by  credit
agreements  and the Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the
foreseeable future.
 
                                       29


<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The  selected consolidated financial data at and for the fiscal years ended
August 31, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993 are derived from financial statements which
have been  audited by  Ernst &  Young LLP,  independent auditors.  The  selected
consolidated financial data at and for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1992 are
derived  from the consolidated  financial statements which  have been audited by
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent auditors. This information should be read  in
conjunction  with the  Company's consolidated  financial statements  and related
notes and other financial information  appearing in the Company's Annual  Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, a copy of which has been
provided with this Proxy Statement.
 
     The  selected  financial data  set  forth below  for  the six  months ended
February 28, 1997  and February  29, 1996 has  been derived  from the  unaudited
consolidated  financial  statements  of  the Company,  but,  in  the  opinion of
management,  reflect  all  adjustments  (consisting  only  of  normal  recurring
accruals)  considered necessary for a fair  presentation of the results for such
periods. This  information should  be  read in  conjunction with  the  Company's
unaudited  consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto appearing
in the Company's  Quarterly Report  on Form 10-Q  for the  fiscal quarter  ended
February 28, 1997, a copy of which has been provided with this Proxy Statement.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                      SIX MONTHS ENDED   SIX MONTHS ENDED    -----------------------------------------------
                                      FEBRUARY 28, 1997  FEBRUARY 29, 1996    1996      1995      1994      1993      1992
                                      -----------------  -----------------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                   <C>                <C>                 <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Statement of income data:
     Contract Revenue...............       $12,838            $16,187        $31,259   $27,215   $17,665   $13,099   $22,198
     Cost of revenue................        10,087             13,139         24,898    22,350    14,670    12,198    16,398
                                      -----------------  -----------------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
     Gross Profit...................         2,751              3,048          6,361     4,865     2,995       901     5,800
     Selling, general and
       administrative expenses......         1,486              1,539          3,288     2,867     2,834     3,396     2,366
     Research and development
       expenses.....................           330                431            792        70        86       701       319
     Amortization expense...........           121                172            346       346       338       286       321
                                      -----------------  -----------------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
     Operating income (loss)........           814                906          1,935     1,582      (263)   (3,482)    2,794
     Interest expense, net..........           491                439            943       987     1,105     1,037     1,282
     Other nonoperating expense
       (income), net................           (56)                (5)             9        40       (69)      (19)      111
                                      -----------------  -----------------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
     Income (loss) before income
       taxes and extraordinary
       item.........................           379                472            983       555    (1,299)   (4,500)    1,401
     Income tax (expense) benefit...          (140)              (174)          (363)     (194)      403     1,196      (483)
                                      -----------------  -----------------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
     Income from operations before
       extraordinary item...........           239                298            620       361      (896)   (3,304)      918
     Extraordinary item, net of
       taxes........................       --                     (93)            93     --        --        --        --
                                      -----------------  -----------------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
     Net income (loss)..............       $   239            $   205        $   527   $   361   $  (896)  $(3,304)  $   918
                                      -----------------  -----------------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                      -----------------  -----------------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
     Earnings (loss) per share(1)...       $   .03            $   .02        $   .06   $   .04   $  (.17)  $  (.62)  $   .20
                                      -----------------  -----------------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                      -----------------  -----------------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Balance sheet data:
     Total assets...................       $24,908            $23,277        $25,704   $23,377   $18,404   $20,344   $21,644
     Long-term debt, excluding
       current maturities...........         7,322              6,644          8,634     5,629     6,928     8,191     7,558
     Stockholders' equity...........        11,870             11,395         11,673    11,236     7,047     7,191    10,420
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1) Net income per share for the six months ended February 28, 1997 and February
    29,  1996 have  been calculated  based on  7,320,111 and  7,204,109 weighted
    average common and common equivalent  shares outstanding during the  period,
    respectively.  Net income (loss) per share for the fiscal years ended August
    31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992 have been calculated based on 7,230,773,
    6,620,055, 5,346,760, 5,326,936  and 4,491,392 weighted  average common  and
    common equivalent shares outstanding during the year, respectively.
 
                                       30
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS,
                        DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
 
     The  following table sets  forth certain information as  of the Record Date
(except as otherwise footnoted below) as to shares of Common Stock  beneficially
owned  by each person  known by the Company  to be the  beneficial owner of more
than five percent of the outstanding Common Stock.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      SHARES          PERCENTAGE OF
                                                                                   BENEFICIALLY        OUTSTANDING
                               NAME AND ADDRESS                                      OWNED(1)        COMMON STOCK(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ---------------    ---------------
<S>                                                                               <C>                <C>
Mezzanine Capital Corporation Limited (in liquidation)(3)(4)(5) ...............        745,645             10.6%
  c/o Capital House
  Administrators (CI) Limited
  P.O. Box 189
  Bath Street, St. Helier
  Jersey Channel Islands
Alfred Schechter(6)(7) ........................................................        200,853              2.8%
  c/o Charterhouse Group International, Inc.
  535 Madison Avenue
  New York, NY 10022-4299
Don M. Harwell(8) .............................................................        599,193              8.5%
  12 Glenmoore Circle
  Cherry Hills Village, Colorado 80110
Globe Venture Nominees Limited, on behalf of
  The Mineworkers' Pension Scheme and
  The British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme(9)..............................         55,000               *
  Hobard House, Grosvenor Place
  London, SW1X 7AD, England
Electra Investment Trust P.L.C.(9) ............................................        165,709              2.4%
  Electra House, Temple Place,
  Victoria Embankment
  London WC2R 3HP, England
Slough Parks Holdings Incorporated(9) .........................................         55,100               *
  33 West Monroe Street, Suite 2610
  Chicago, Illinois 60603-2409
Mezzanine Capital Corporation Limited(3)(9) ...................................         13,750               *
  85 Watling Street
  London EC4M 9BJ, England
Charterhouse Finance Corporation Limited(9) ...................................         22,080               *
  c/o Charterhouse Group International, Inc.
  535 Madison Avenue
  New York, NY 10022-4299
Merifin Capital N.V.(9) .......................................................        127,169              1.8%
  c/o Finabel S.A.
  254 Route de Lausanne
  CH-1292 Geneva-Chambesy
  Switzerland
Charterhouse Group International, Inc.(4)(6)(9) ...............................        206,650              3.0%
  535 Madison Avenue
  New York, NY 10022-4299
Jerome L. Katz ................................................................        126,356              1.8%
  45 Rockefeller Plaza, 20th Floor
  New York, NY 10111
Zesiger Capital Group LLC(10) .................................................      1,170,790             16.7%
  320 Park Avenue
  New York, NY 10022
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
*   Less than 1%
 
                                              (footnotes continued on next page)
 
                                       31
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
(footnotes continued from previous page)
 
 (1) Except as  otherwise indicated  in  the following  footnotes, each  of  the
     persons listed in the table owns the shares of Common Stock opposite his or
     its  name and has  sole voting and  dispositive power with  respect to such
     shares.
 
 (2) For purposes of calculating  the percentage of Common  Stock owned by  each
     stockholder  listed in this  table, shares beneficially  owned and issuable
     upon the exercise of Warrants and options to purchase Common Stock owned by
     such stockholder exercisable within  60 days of the  Record Date have  been
     deemed to be outstanding with respect to such stockholder.
 
 (3) MCC,  a Cayman Islands corporation, is  a separate and distinct corporation
     from Mezzanine Capital Corporation  Limited, a corporation organized  under
     the  laws of  England and  Wales ('Mezzanine')  (referred to  in this table
     below).
 
 (4) Charterhouse is  a  party to  an  investment advisory  agreement  with  MCC
     pursuant to which Charterhouse provides investment advice to MCC, including
     advice  as to  its investment in  the Common  Stock, but does  not have the
     power to vote or dispose of any such investment on MCC's behalf. By  reason
     of  the foregoing, Charterhouse  may be considered to  have shared power to
     vote and dispose of the shares of Common Stock held by MCC and,  therefore,
     for  purposes of Commission regulations, may be deemed to be the beneficial
     owner of those shares. Charterhouse  disclaims beneficial ownership of  the
     shares of Common Stock held by MCC.
 
 (5) Includes  45,000 shares of Common Stock  deemed to be beneficially owned by
     reason of the right  to acquire such  shares within 60  days of the  Record
     Date pursuant to Warrants.
 
 (6) Mr.  Schechter is a director of Charterhouse. He disclaims ownership of the
     shares of  Common Stock  of which  Charterhouse  may be  deemed to  be  the
     beneficial owner.
 
 (7) Includes  83,531 shares of Common Stock  deemed to be beneficially owned by
     reason of the right  to acquire such  shares within 60  days of the  Record
     Date  pursuant to Warrants and  27,000 shares of Common  Stock deemed to be
     beneficially owned by reason of the right to acquire such shares within  60
     days  of the Record Date  upon exercise of stock  options. Does not include
     200,000 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Schechter gifted to The  Schechter
     Foundation,  Inc.  (the  'Schechter  Foundation').  Mr.  Schechter  is  the
     president of the  Schechter Foundation and  retains voting and  dispositive
     power with respect to the gifted shares. Nevertheless, Mr. Schechter has no
     beneficial interest in the Schechter Foundation and he disclaims beneficial
     ownership of the gifted shares.
 
 (8) Includes  75,000 shares of Common Stock  deemed to be beneficially owned by
     reason of the right  to acquire such  shares within 60  days of the  Record
     Date  pursuant to Warrants. Does not  include 10,000 shares of Common Stock
     which Mr. Harwell  gifted to  The Harwell Family  Foundation (the  'Harwell
     Foundation').  Mr.  Harwell is  a director  of  the Harwell  Foundation and
     retains voting and dispositive power with respect to the gifted shares. Mr.
     Harwell has  no  beneficial  interest  in the  Harwell  Foundation  and  he
     disclaims beneficial ownership of the gifted shares. The foregoing is based
     upon  information  set forth  in  Amendment No.  3  to Schedule  13G, dated
     February 13, 1996, filed with the Commission by Mr. Harwell.
 
 (9) Charterhouse holds no shares of Common Stock in its own name.  Charterhouse
     is  a  party to  investment management  agreements with  Electra Investment
     Trust P.L.C. ('Electra'), Globe Venture Nominees Limited ('Globe'),  Slough
     Parks  Holdings  Incorporated ('Slough'),  Mezzanine,  Charterhouse Finance
     Corporation Limited ('CFC'), and Merifin Capital N.V. ('Merifin'), pursuant
     to which Charterhouse manages certain investments, including the investment
     in a portion of the shares of Common Stock referred to above, on behalf  of
     these   companies.  In  connection   therewith,  Charterhouse  was  granted
     authority  to  vote  and  dispose   of  these  investments.  However,   the
     above-referenced  companies also retained voting and dispositive power with
     respect to  these  investments.  For purposes  of  Commission  regulations,
     Charterhouse  may be deemed to be the  beneficial owner of those shares (an
     aggregate of 206,650 shares or 3.0% of the issued and outstanding shares of
     Common Stock). Electra,  Globe, Slough,  Merifin and CFC  (which owns  non-
     voting  stock) own, in  the aggregate, 78.5% of  the issued and outstanding
     shares of capital stock of
 
                                              (footnotes continued on next page)
 
                                       32
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
(footnotes continued from previous page)
     Charterhouse  and  each  of  Electra,  Globe,  Merifin  and  Slough  has  a
     representative who is a director of Charterhouse.
 
(10) Zesiger Capital Group LLC ('Zesiger') disclaims beneficial ownership of all
     of  these  shares. Such  shares are  held  in discretionary  accounts which
     Zesiger manages. Zesiger has sole voting power with respect to 1,168,290 of
     such shares and sole dispositive power with respect to all of such  shares.
     The  foregoing is based  upon information set  forth in Amendment  No. 2 to
     Schedule 13G, dated January 27, 1997, filed with the Commission by Zesiger.
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
     The following table sets forth certain  information as of the Record  Date,
as  to shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Company's directors, the
Chief Executive  Officer of  the Company,  the other  executive officer  of  the
Company and the directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   SHARES
                           NAME OF                              BENEFICIALLY      PERCENTAGE OF OUTSTANDING
                      BENEFICIAL OWNER                            OWNED(1)             COMMON STOCK(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------   ------------      -------------------------
 
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>
Alfred Schechter.............................................      200,853(3)(4)             2.8%
James A. Raabe...............................................       19,500(5)                 *
Russell R. Haines............................................        9,000(6)                 *
Jerome L. Katz...............................................      126,356                   1.8%
Burton J. Ahrens.............................................       52,504(7)                 *
Ajit G. Hutheesing...........................................      160,000(8)                2.3%
All directors and officers as a group (six persons)..........      568,213(9)                7.8%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
*  Less than 1%
 
(1) Except  as  otherwise  indicated in  the  following footnotes,  each  of the
    persons listed in  the table owns  the shares of  Common Stock opposite  his
    name  and has sole voting and dispositive  power with respect to such shares
    of Common Stock.
 
(2) For purposes of  calculating the percentage  of Common Stock  owned by  each
    officer  and/or  director  of  the Company,  shares  beneficially  owned and
    issuable upon the exercise of Warrants and options to purchase Common  Stock
    owned  by such individual exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date have
    been deemed to be outstanding with respect to such individual.
 
(3) See footnote  6  to  the first  table  set  forth above  under  the  heading
    'Security  Ownership of  Certain Beneficial Owners,  Directors and Executive
    Officers Security Ownership  of Certain Beneficial  Owners' with respect  to
    voting and dispositive power concerning the shares of Common Stock.
 
(4) Includes  83,531 shares of  Common Stock deemed to  be beneficially owned by
    reason of the right to acquire such shares within 60 days of the Record Date
    pursuant to  Warrants  and  27,000  shares of  Common  Stock  deemed  to  be
    beneficially  owned by reason of the right  to acquire such shares within 60
    days of the  Record Date upon  exercise of stock  options. Does not  include
    200,000  shares of Common Stock which  Mr. Schechter gifted to the Schechter
    Foundation. Mr. Schechter is the  president of the Schechter Foundation  and
    retains  voting and  dispositive power  with respect  to the  gifted shares.
    Nevertheless, Mr.  Schechter has  no beneficial  interest in  the  Schechter
    Foundation and he disclaims beneficial ownership of the gifted shares.
 
(5) Includes  18,000 shares of  Common Stock deemed to  be beneficially owned by
    reason of the right to acquire such shares within 60 days of the Record Date
    upon the exercise of stock options.
 
(6) Includes 6,500 shares  of Common Stock  deemed to be  beneficially owned  by
    reason of the right to acquire such shares within 60 days of the Record Date
    upon the exercise of stock options.
 
                                              (footnotes continued on next page)
 
                                       33
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
(footnotes continued from previous page)
 
(7) Includes  36,504 shares of  Common Stock deemed to  be beneficially owned by
    reason of the right to acquire such shares within 60 days of the Record Date
    pursuant to Warrants.  Does not  include 2,000  shares of  Common Stock  and
    Warrants to purchase 4,602 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Ahrens' sons.
    Mr.  Ahrens disclaims beneficial ownership of  the shares and Warrants owned
    by his sons.
 
(8) All these shares  of Common  Stock are deemed  to be  beneficially owned  by
    reason of the right to acquire such shares within 60 days of the Record Date
    upon exercise of Warrants.
 
(9) Includes  51,500 shares of  Common Stock deemed to  be beneficially owned by
    reason of the right to acquire such shares within 60 days of the Record Date
    upon exercise of stock options and 280,035 shares of Common Stock deemed  to
    be  beneficially owned by reason of the  right to acquire such shares within
    60 days of the  Record Date pursuant to  Warrants. Does not include  200,000
    shares  of  Common  Stock  which  Mr.  Schechter  gifted  to  the  Schechter
    Foundation (see footnote  4 above),  and 2,000  shares of  Common Stock  and
    Warrants  to purchase 4,602 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Ahrens' sons
    (see footnote 7 above).
 
VOTING AGREEMENT
 
     Pursuant to the Voting Agreement,  12 record and/or beneficial holders  who
have  sole voting  power with  respect to 3,303,714  shares of  Common Stock, or
approximately 47.2% of all the issued and outstanding Common Stock, have  agreed
to  vote in favor of  the Merger. Such 12  record and/or beneficial holders also
have sole dispositive power with respect to 3,306,214 shares of Common Stock, or
approximately 47.3% of  all the issued  and outstanding Common  Stock, and  have
agreed to waive any and all appraisal rights to which they may be entitled under
Section  262 in connection with the Merger. The obligations of the holders under
the Voting Agreement terminate  upon the earlier to  occur of (i) September  30,
1997  or (ii) the occurrence of a  Competing Transaction with a third party that
is not a signatory to the Voting Agreement or an affiliate thereof.
 
                               VOTING PROCEDURES
 
     Pursuant to Commission  rules, boxes  are provided  on the  proxy card  for
Common  Stockholders to  vote for  or against,  or to  abstain from  voting with
respect to, the approval  and adoption of the  Merger Agreement and the  Merger.
Votes  withheld  in connection  with  the approval  and  adoption of  the Merger
Agreement and the Merger will not be  counted in determining the votes cast  and
will have the effect of a vote against the Merger.
 
     Under  the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, brokers
who hold shares  in street  name for  customers have  the authority  to vote  on
certain  items when they have not  received instructions from beneficial owners.
Under the DGCL, a  broker non-vote will  have the effect of  a vote against  the
Merger.
 
                         INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
     The  consolidated financial statements of the Company as of August 31, 1996
and 1995 and for  each of the three  years in the period  ended August 31,  1996
incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement have been audited by Ernst &
Young  LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing
therein. The Company expects representatives of  Ernst & Young LLP either to  be
available  by telephone or  to be present  at the Special  Meeting at which time
they will respond to appropriate questions submitted by Common Stockholders  and
make such statements as they may desire.
 
                             STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
 
     Pursuant  to the DGCL and the By-laws of the Company, no other business may
be transacted at the Special Meeting. If  the Merger is not consummated for  any
reason, then, in accordance with
 
                                       34
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
regulations issued by the Commission, Common Stockholder proposals in respect of
matters  to be acted upon  at the Company's next  Annual Meeting of Stockholders
must be received by the Secretary of the Company on or before August 18, 1997 in
order that  they  may  be  considered  for  inclusion  in  the  Company's  proxy
materials.  Proposals  should be  mailed via  certified  mail and  addressed to:
Secretary, Cryenco Sciences, Inc., 3811 Joliet Street, Denver, Colorado 80239.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following  documents  filed by  the  Company with  the  Commission  are
incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement:
 
          1.  The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
     August 31, 1996 as provided to  each Common Stockholder together with  this
     Proxy Statement;
 
          2.  The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
     ended November 30, 1996; and
 
        3. The Company's Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q  for the fiscal  quarter
     ended  February 28,  1997 as provided  to each  Common Stockholder together
     with this Proxy Statement.
 
     All documents and reports filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant
to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the 'Exchange Act'), after the  date of this Proxy Statement and  prior
to  the  date of  the  Special Meeting  shall be  deemed  to be  incorporated by
reference into this Proxy Statement and to be a part hereof from the  respective
dates of filing of such documents or reports.
 
     Any  statement contained in a document  or report incorporated or deemed to
be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this  Proxy Statement to the  extent that a statement  contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document or report which also is or is
deemed  to  be  incorporated by  reference  herein modifies  or  supersedes such
statement. Any such  statement so modified  or superseded shall  not be  deemed,
except  as  so  modified or  superseded,  to  constitute a  part  of  this Proxy
Statement.
 
     THIS PROXY  STATEMENT INCORPORATES  DOCUMENTS BY  REFERENCE WHICH  ARE  NOT
PRESENTED  HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. SUCH  DOCUMENTS (OTHER THAN EXHIBITS TO
SUCH DOCUMENTS, UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY  REFERENCE
TO  SUCH DOCUMENTS) ARE AVAILABLE, WITHOUT  CHARGE, TO ANY PERSON, INCLUDING ANY
BENEFICIAL OWNERS, TO WHOM THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL
REQUEST TO JAMES A. RAABE, VICE  PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER,  CRYENCO
SCIENCES, INC., 3811 JOLIET STREET, DENVER, COLORADO 80239, TELEPHONE NO.: (303)
371-6332.  IN ORDER  TO ENSURE  DELIVERY OF THE  DOCUMENTS PRIOR  TO THE SPECIAL
MEETING, REQUESTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JULY   , 1997.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject  to the informational  requirements of the  Exchange
Act,  and in  accordance therewith,  files reports,  proxy statements  and other
information with  the  Commission.  Such reports,  proxy  statements  and  other
information  may be inspected and copied at  the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at Room 1024,  Judiciary Plaza, 450  Fifth Street, N.W.,  Washington,
D.C. 20549, and at the regional offices of the Commission located at Seven World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison  Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,  Illinois 60661. Copies of  all or part of
such materials  can  be  obtained  from the  Public  Reference  Section  of  the
Commission  at Room 1024,  Judiciary Plaza, 450  Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C.  20549  at   prescribed  rates.   Such  material  may   also  be   accessed
electronically by means of the Commission's Web
 
                                       35
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
Site (http://www.sec.gov). In addition, such reports, proxy statements and other
information may be inspected at the office of the NASDAQ National Market, 1735 K
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,


                                          /s/  Alfred Schechter
                                           .....................................
                                          ALFRED SCHECHTER
                                          Chairman of the Board, President and
                                          Chief Executive Officer
 
Denver, Colorado
June   , 1997
 
                                       36



<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                                                                         ANNEX A
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                          PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER

                                  DATED AS OF

                                 APRIL 30, 1997

                                     AMONG

                            CHART INDUSTRIES, INC.,
                          GREENVILLE TUBE CORPORATION,
                        CHART ACQUISITION COMPANY, INC.

                                      AND

                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
ARTICLE I -- THE MERGER...................................................................................    A-1
     1.1 The Merger.......................................................................................    A-1
     1.2 Effective Time of the Merger.....................................................................    A-1
     1.3 Effect of the Merger.............................................................................    A-1
     1.4 Continuation of Business.........................................................................    A-1
     1.5 Directors and Officers of Surviving Corporation..................................................    A-1
     1.6 No Further Rights or Transfers...................................................................    A-2
ARTICLE II -- CLOSING.....................................................................................    A-2
     2.1 Closing..........................................................................................    A-2
     2.2 Deliveries at Closing............................................................................    A-2
ARTICLE III -- MERGER CONSIDERATION AND EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE CAPITAL STOCK OF CAC AND CRYENCO;
  PAYMENT OF MERGER CONSIDERATION.........................................................................    A-2
     3.1 Effect on Capital Stock..........................................................................    A-2
          (a) Capital Stock of CAC........................................................................    A-3
          (b) Cryenco Common Stock........................................................................    A-3
          (c) Cryenco Preferred Stock.....................................................................    A-3
          (d) Distribution of Merger Consideration........................................................    A-3
     3.2 Payment of Merger Consideration..................................................................    A-3
          (a) Exchange Agent..............................................................................    A-3
          (b) Exchange Procedures.........................................................................    A-3
          (c) No Further Ownership Rights in Cryenco Common Stock and Cryenco Preferred Stock.............    A-3
          (d) Termination of Exchange Fund................................................................    A-4
          (e) Dissenting Shares...........................................................................    A-4
ARTICLE IV -- CRYENCO PROXY STATEMENT.....................................................................    A-4
     4.1 Filing of Proxy Statement........................................................................    A-4
     4.2 Cryenco Covenant.................................................................................    A-4
ARTICLE V -- ADDITIONAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS..........................................................    A-5
     5.1 Additional Covenants of All Parties..............................................................    A-5
          (a) Corporate Actions...........................................................................    A-5
          (b) Publicity...................................................................................    A-5
          (c) Notice of Certain Events....................................................................    A-5
          (d) Advice of Changes...........................................................................    A-5
          (e) Further Assurances..........................................................................    A-5
     5.2 Conduct of Business of Cryenco Until Closing Date................................................    A-5
     5.3 Additional Covenants of Cryenco..................................................................    A-7
          (a) Approval of Cryenco Stockholders............................................................    A-7
          (b) Access to Information and Confidentiality...................................................    A-7
          (c) No Solicitations............................................................................    A-8
          (d) No Acquisitions.............................................................................    A-8
          (e) Third-Party Consents........................................................................    A-8
          (f) Employee and Non-Employee Director Options..................................................    A-8
          (g) Cryenco Warrants............................................................................    A-9
          (h) Monthly Financial Information...............................................................    A-9
</TABLE>
 
                                       i
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
     5.4 Additional Covenants of Chart....................................................................    A-9
          (a) Indemnification and Insurance...............................................................    A-9
          (b) Disposition of Cryenco Options and Cryenco Warrants.........................................   A-10
ARTICLE VI -- REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES..............................................................   A-10
     6.1 Representations and Warranties of Cryenco........................................................   A-10
          (a) Due Organization............................................................................   A-10
          (b) Power and Authority; No Conflicts...........................................................   A-11
          (c) Capital Structure...........................................................................   A-11
          (d) Subsidiaries................................................................................   A-11
          (e) SEC Documents...............................................................................   A-12
          (f) Vote Required...............................................................................   A-12
          (g) Title to Assets.............................................................................   A-12
          (h) Condition of Assets.........................................................................   A-13
          (i) Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable....................................................   A-13
          (j) Insurance...................................................................................   A-13
          (k) Dividends and Distributions.................................................................   A-13
          (l) Cryenco Data................................................................................   A-13
          (m) Undisclosed Liabilities.....................................................................   A-13
          (n) Investigation or Litigation.................................................................   A-14
          (o) Certain Agreements..........................................................................   A-14
          (p) Employee Benefits...........................................................................   A-14
          (q) Labor Matters...............................................................................   A-15
          (r) Taxes.......................................................................................   A-15
          (s) Absence of Certain Changes..................................................................   A-16
          (t) Legal Compliance............................................................................   A-16
          (u) Environmental Protection....................................................................   A-16
          (v) Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Trade Names etc. ..........................................   A-17
          (w) Contracts...................................................................................   A-18
          (x) Full Disclosure.............................................................................   A-18
          (y) Brokers or Finders..........................................................................   A-18
     6.2 Representations and Warranties of Chart, GTC and CAC.............................................   A-18
          (a) Due Organization............................................................................   A-18
          (b) Power and Authority, No Conflicts...........................................................   A-18
          (c) Financing of the Merger.....................................................................   A-19
          (d) Brokers and Finders.........................................................................   A-19
          (e) Financial Condition.........................................................................   A-19
ARTICLE VII -- CONDITIONS.................................................................................   A-19
     7.1 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of All Parties...........................................   A-19
          (a) Stockholder Approvals.......................................................................   A-19
          (b) Governmental Approvals......................................................................   A-19
          (c) No Injunctions or Restraints................................................................   A-19
     7.2 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Cryenco...............................................   A-19
          (a) Representations and Warranties True.........................................................   A-19
          (b) Performance of Obligations and Agreements...................................................   A-20
          (c) Resolutions.................................................................................   A-20
          (d) Officers' Certificates......................................................................   A-20
</TABLE>
 
                                       ii
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
     7.3 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Chart, GTC and CAC....................................   A-20
          (a) Representations and Warranties True.........................................................   A-20
          (b) Performance of Obligations and Agreements...................................................   A-20
          (c) Resolutions.................................................................................   A-20
          (d) Officer's Certificate.......................................................................   A-20
          (e) Consents and Approvals......................................................................   A-20
          (f) No Cryenco Material Adverse Effect..........................................................   A-20
          (g) Dissenters Claims...........................................................................   A-20
          (h) Cryenco Arrangements with Affiliated Persons................................................   A-20
          (i) Cancellation, Exercise Sale or Exchange of Cryenco Warrants and Options.....................   A-20
ARTICLE VIII -- TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER.........................................................   A-21
     8.1 Termination......................................................................................   A-21
     8.2 Effect of Termination............................................................................   A-22
     8.3 Amendment........................................................................................   A-22
     8.4 Waiver...........................................................................................   A-22
     8.5 Fees, Expenses and Other Payments................................................................   A-22
ARTICLE IX -- GENERAL PROVISIONS..........................................................................   A-23
     9.1 Effectiveness of Representations, Warranties and Agreements......................................   A-23
     9.2 Notices..........................................................................................   A-23
     9.3 Governing Law....................................................................................   A-24
     9.4 Successors.......................................................................................   A-24
     9.5 Assignment.......................................................................................   A-24
     9.6 Counterparts.....................................................................................   A-24
     9.7 Schedules........................................................................................   A-24
     9.8 Entire Agreement.................................................................................   A-24
</TABLE>
 
                                      iii


<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                          PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER
 
     THIS  PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER (the 'Agreement'), dated as of April   ,
1997, is  among  CHART  INDUSTRIES,  INC.,  a  Delaware  corporation  ('Chart'),
GREENVILLE  TUBE CORPORATION, an Arkansas corporation ('GTC') and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Chart,  CHART ACQUISITION  COMPANY, INC.,  a Delaware  corporation
('CAC')  and a  wholly-owned subsidiary  of GTC,  and CRYENCO  SCIENCES, INC., a
Delaware corporation ('Cryenco').
 
     WHEREAS, on  the terms  and subject  to the  conditions set  forth in  this
Agreement,  Chart desires to acquire, through merger, One Hundred Percent (100%)
of the shares of  capital stock of  Cryenco issued and  outstanding on the  date
hereof (and to be outstanding on the Closing Date, as defined in Section 2.1);
 
     WHEREAS,  the respective Boards of Directors of Chart, GTC, CAC and Cryenco
deem the merger to be advisable and in the best interests of each of Chart, GTC,
CAC and Cryenco and their  respective stockholders and have adopted  resolutions
approving the acquisition by Chart of Cryenco through the merger of CAC with and
into Cryenco (the 'Merger') in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware
upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;
 
     WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Cryenco has directed that this Agreement
be  submitted for consideration at a  special meeting of the voting stockholders
of Cryenco;
 
     WHEREAS, unless the context shall otherwise require, capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto.
 
     NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of  their  respective  agreements  and
undertakings set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:
 
                                   ARTICLE I
                                   THE MERGER
 
     1.1  The Merger. On  the terms and  subject to the  conditions set forth in
this Agreement and in reliance on the representations, warranties and  covenants
set forth herein, at the Effective Time, as defined in Section 1.2, CAC shall be
merged  with  and into  Cryenco  in accordance  with the  laws  of the  State of
Delaware,  with  Cryenco  being   the  surviving  corporation  (the   'Surviving
Corporation').
 
     1.2  Effective Time  of the  Merger. The Merger  shall be  effective when a
certificate of merger in the form of Schedule 1.2 (the 'Certificate of  Merger')
shall  have  been properly  executed by  CAC  and Cryenco  and delivered  to and
accepted for  filing  by  the  Secretary  of State  of  the  State  of  Delaware
('Secretary')  in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law ('DGCL'),
which filing shall be made as promptly as practicable following the Closing,  as
defined  in Section 2.1. When used in  this Agreement, the term 'Effective Time'
shall mean the time  and the date  as of which the  Certificate of Merger  shall
have been accepted for filing in the office of the Secretary.
 
     1.3 Effect of the Merger.
 
     (a)  At  the  Effective  Time, (i)  the  separate  existence  and corporate
organization of CAC shall cease, and CAC shall be merged with and into  Cryenco;
(ii)  the Certificate of Incorporation of CAC  as in effect immediately prior to
the Effective  Time  shall  become  the  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of  the
Surviving  Corporation (except as  set forth in the  Certificate of Merger); and
(iii) the By-laws of CAC  as in effect immediately  prior to the Effective  Time
shall be the By-laws of the Surviving Corporation.
 
     (b)  At and after the Effective Time,  the Merger shall have the effect set
forth in the DGCL.
 
     1.4 Continuation of  Business. The Surviving  Corporation shall, after  the
Effective  Time, continue the businesses  of CAC and Cryenco  with the assets of
both of such constituent corporations.
 
     1.5 Directors and Officers  of Surviving Corporation.  As of the  Effective
Time,  the directors of CAC immediately prior to the Effective Time shall become
the directors  of the  Surviving Corporation.  The officers  of CAC  immediately
prior  to  the  Effective  Time  shall  become  the  officers  of  the Surviving
Corporation. Each of such directors and  officers shall hold office until  their
respective  successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified in the manner
provided in  the  Certificate of  Incorporation  and By-laws  of  the  Surviving
Corporation, or as otherwise provided by law.
 
                                      A-1
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     1.6 No Further Rights or Transfers. At and after the Effective Time.
 
     (a)  The stock transfer books of Cryenco shall be closed and there shall be
no further registration  of transfers  on the  stock transfer  books of  Cryenco
thereafter.
 
     (b) All shares of Cryenco Common Stock and Cryenco Preferred Stock shall no
longer  be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall
cease to exist, and  each holder of a  certificate representing any such  shares
('Cryenco  Certificate') shall  cease to have  any rights  with respect thereto,
except the right to  receive the Merger Consideration  (as defined below) to  be
issued  or paid  in consideration  therefor upon  the surrender  of such Cryenco
Certificate in accordance with Article III hereof.
 
                                   ARTICLE II
                                    CLOSING
 
     2.1 Closing. The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(the 'Closing') shall  take place at  the offices of  Calfee, Halter &  Griswold
LLP,  1400 McDonald Investment Center, 800  Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, at
10:00 am, local time, on the second business day immediately following the  date
on which the last of the conditions set forth in Article VII hereof is fulfilled
or  waived, or at  such other time and  place as Chart  and Cryenco may mutually
agree (the 'Closing Date').
 
     2.2 Deliveries at Closing.
 
          (a) At the Closing, Cryenco shall deliver to Chart, GTC and CAC:
 
             (i) the resolutions referred to in Section 7.3(c) hereof;
 
             (ii) the certificate referred to in Section 7.3(d) hereof;
 
             (iii) a certificate representing 100 shares of Cryenco Common Stock
        duly registered in Chart's name, duly executed and authenticated;
 
             (iv) copies of the executed consents referred to in Section  7.3(e)
        hereof;
 
             (v)  evidence,  in form  reasonably satisfactory  to Chart,  of the
        termination of  the arrangements  with Cryenco  affiliates described  in
        Section 7.3(h);
 
             (vi)  executed agreements with the  holders of Cryenco Warrants and
        Cryenco Options exercising such warrants and options or agreeing to  the
        cancellation  or exchange thereof all as described in Section 5.3(f) and
        5.3(g) hereof; and
 
             (vii) all  other  documents, instruments  and  writings  reasonably
        requested  by Chart, GTC or CAC at  or prior to Closing pursuant to this
        Agreement or otherwise required herein.
 
          (b) At the Closing, Chart, GTC and CAC shall deliver to Cryenco:
 
             (i) the resolutions referred to in Section 7.2(c) hereof;
 
             (ii) the certificates referred to in Section 7.2(d) hereof;
 
             (iii) the warrants and options  to purchase shares of Chart  Common
        Stock  issuable  in exchange  for Cryenco  Warrants and  Cryenco Options
        pursuant to  the  provisions of  Section  5.4(b) and  the  cash  payment
        required under Section 5.4(b); and
 
             (iv)  all  other  documents,  instruments  and  writings reasonably
        requested by Cryenco at or prior  to Closing pursuant to this  Agreement
        or otherwise required herein.
 
                                  ARTICLE III
                MERGER CONSIDERATION AND EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON
                     THE CAPITAL STOCK OF CAC AND CRYENCO;
                        PAYMENT OF MERGER CONSIDERATION
 
     3.1  Effect on Capital  Stock. As of  the Effective Time,  by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of the holder of any shares of Cryenco
capital stock ('Cryenco Stockholders') or CAC capital stock:
 
                                      A-2
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
          (a) Capital Stock  of CAC. Each  issued and outstanding  share of  the
     capital  stock of CAC shall be converted into and become one fully paid and
     nonassessable share  of common  stock, par  value $.01  per share,  of  the
     Surviving Corporation ('Surviving Corporation Common Stock').
 
          (b)  Cryenco Common  Stock. Each issued  and outstanding  share of the
     Class A common stock, $.01 par value  per share of Cryenco and each  issued
     and  outstanding share of the convertible non-voting common stock, $.01 par
     value per share  of Cryenco, if  any ('Cryenco Common  Stock'), other  than
     shares  as to  which dissenters  rights are  perfected pursuant  to Section
     3.2(e) below, shall be  converted into the right  to receive a cash  amount
     equal to $2.75.
 
          (c)  Cryenco  Preferred Stock.  Each issued  and outstanding  share of
     Cryenco Series A Preferred  Stock, $.01 par value  per share (the  'Cryenco
     Preferred  Stock'), shall be converted into the right to receive cash in an
     amount equal to the sum of $10  plus any accumulated but unpaid (as of  the
     Effective  Time) dividends with respect to  such share of Cryenco Preferred
     Stock.
 
          (d) Distribution of Merger Consideration. The cash amounts into  which
     shares  of Cryenco Common  Stock and Cryenco  Preferred Stock are converted
     pursuant to Section 3.1(b) and (c)  above are hereafter referred to as  the
     'Merger  Consideration'. The  Merger Consideration shall  be distributed to
     the Cryenco Stockholders in accordance with Section 3.2 below.
 
     3.2 Payment of Merger Consideration.
 
     (a) Exchange Agent.  As of  the Effective  Time, Chart  shall deposit  with
National  City Bank or such other bank or trust company designated by Chart (and
reasonably acceptable to Cryenco) (the 'Exchange Agent'), for the benefit of the
Cryenco Stockholders, for exchange through the Exchange Agent in accordance with
this Article  III, cash  in an  amount sufficient  to effect  the cash  payments
provided  for in Sections 3.1(b) and  3.1(c) hereof (such cash being hereinafter
referred to as the 'Exchange Fund').
 
     (b) Exchange  Procedures.  As  soon as  reasonably  practicable  after  the
Effective Time, the Exchange Agent shall mail to each holder of record as of the
Effective  Time of a Cryenco Certificate  or Certificates (who has not perfected
dissenters rights pursuant to Section 3.2(e) below) (A) a letter of  transmittal
(which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title
to  the  Cryenco Certificates  shall  pass, only  upon  delivery of  the Cryenco
Certificates to the Exchange Agent and shall be in such form and have such other
provisions as Chart and Cryenco  may reasonably specify) ('Transmittal  Letter')
and  (B)  instructions  for  use  in  effecting  the  surrender  of  the Cryenco
Certificates for cash  in the  amounts prescribed  by either  Section 3.1(b)  or
Section 3.1(c) above. Upon surrender of a Cryenco Certificate for Cryenco Common
Stock  for cancellation  to the  Exchange Agent  together with  such Transmittal
Letter, duly executed, the holder of such Cryenco Certificate for Cryenco Common
Stock shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor cash in an amount  equal
to  $2.75 per  share of  Cryenco Common Stock  surrendered. Upon  surrender of a
Cryenco Certificate for Cryenco Preferred Stock for cancellation to the Exchange
Agent, together with such Transmittal Letter, duly executed, the holder of  such
Cryenco  Certificate for Cryenco Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive in
exchange therefor  cash in  an amount  per share  prescribed by  Section  3.1(c)
above.  Cryenco Certificates so  surrendered shall forthwith  be canceled. Until
surrendered as contemplated by this Section 3.2, each Cryenco Certificate  shall
be  deemed at any time  after the Effective Time to  represent only the right to
receive upon such surrender the Merger Consideration as contemplated by  Section
3.1(b) or 3.1(c).
 
     (c)  No  Further  Ownership  Rights in  Cryenco  Common  Stock  and Cryenco
Preferred Stock. The Merger Consideration paid  upon the surrender of shares  of
Cryenco  Common Stock  or Cryenco Preferred  Stock in accordance  with the terms
hereof shall be  deemed to have  been paid  in full satisfaction  of all  rights
pertaining to such shares of Cryenco Common Stock or Cryenco Preferred Stock. As
of  the Effective  Time, entries shall  be made  in the stock  transfer books of
Cryenco to reflect the cancellation of the Cryenco Common Stock and the  Cryenco
Preferred  Stock issued and outstanding immediately  prior to the Effective Time
and there shall be  no further registration of  transfers on the stock  transfer
books of the Surviving Corporation of the shares of Cryenco Common Stock and the
Cryenco Preferred Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time.  If, after the  Effective Time, Cryenco Certificates  are presented to the
Surviving Corporation for any  reason, they shall be  canceled and exchanged  as
provided in this Article III.
 
                                      A-3
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     (d)  Termination of  Exchange Fund. Any  portion of the  Exchange Fund that
remains undistributed to the Cryenco  Stockholders (pursuant to Section 3.2  (a)
above)  for twelve months after the Effective  Time shall be delivered to Chart,
upon demand, and any Cryenco Stockholders who have not theretofore complied with
this Article III shall thereafter look only to Chart for payment of their  claim
for cash.
 
     (e)   Dissenting  Shares.  Notwithstanding  any  other  provision  of  this
Agreement, shares of Cryenco Common Stock that are outstanding immediately prior
to the Effective Time and which are held by holders of shares of Cryenco  Common
Stock  who shall have (a) not voted in  favor of the Merger or consented thereto
in writing,  (b) demanded  properly  in writing  appraisal  for such  shares  in
accordance  with Section 262 of  the DGCL, and (c)  not withdrawn such demand or
otherwise forfeited appraisal  rights (collectively,  the 'Dissenting  Shares'),
shall  not be converted into  or represent the right to  receive any part of the
Merger Consideration. Such holders  of shares of Cryenco  Common Stock shall  be
entitled to receive payment of the appraised value of their shares in accordance
with  the provisions of such Section 262, except that all Dissenting Shares held
by holders  who shall  have failed  to  perfect or  who effectively  shall  have
withdrawn  or lost their appraisal rights under such Section 262 shall thereupon
be deemed to have been converted into and to have become exchangeable, as of the
Effective Time, for the right to receive, without any interest thereon, cash  in
the  amount of $2.75 per  share of Cryenco Common  Stock, upon surrender, in the
manner provided in Section 3.2, of the certificate or certificates that formerly
evidenced such shares  of Cryenco  Common Stock.  Cryenco shall  give Chart  (i)
prompt  notice of any demands for  appraisal received by Cryenco, withdrawals of
such demands, and any other instruments served pursuant to DGCL and received  by
Cryenco  and  (ii)  the  opportunity  to  participate  in  all  negotiations and
proceedings occurring prior to  the Effective Time with  respect to demands  for
appraisal  under  DGCL.  Chart  shall direct  all  proceedings  with  respect to
appraisal demands after the Effective Time.  Cryenco shall not, except with  the
prior written consent of Chart, make any payment with respect to any demands for
appraisal,  or offer to  settle, or settle, any  such demands. Dissenting Shares
shall not, after the Effective Time, be  entitled to vote for any purpose or  be
entitled  to  the  payment  of  dividends  or  other  distributions  (except for
dividends or other distributions payable to stockholders of record as of a  time
prior to the Effective Time).
 
                                   ARTICLE IV
                            CRYENCO PROXY STATEMENT
 
     4.1  Filing  of Proxy  Statement. Cryenco  will prepare  and file  with the
Securities and Exchange  Commission ('SEC')  as soon  as reasonably  practicable
after  the date hereof a proxy  statement complying with the Securities Exchange
Act of  1934,  as amended  ('Exchange  Act') to  be  distributed by  Cryenco  in
connection  with the solicitation  of the approval by  holders of Cryenco Common
Stock of the Merger  (the 'Proxy Statement'). Chart  and Cryenco shall  exchange
all  information which the other party or its counsel may reasonably request and
which is required or customary for inclusion in the Proxy Statement.
 
     4.2 Cryenco Covenant. Cryenco shall cause the Proxy Statement (i) to comply
in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act  and
the  rules  and regulations  of the  SEC thereunder  and (ii)  at the  time such
document is  filed with  the  SEC, at  the  time of  the  mailing of  the  Proxy
Statement  and any amendments thereof or supplements thereto, not to 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  were  made, not  misleading,  or
necessary  to correct any statement  in any earlier filing  with the SEC of such
Proxy Statement  or any  amendment  thereof or  any  supplement thereto  or  any
earlier communication (including the Proxy Statement) to stockholders of Cryenco
with  respect  to  the  transactions contemplated  by  this  Agreement; provided
however, that no covenant or agreement is made by Cryenco in this Section 4.2 or
any other provision of this Agreement  with respect to any information  supplied
by Chart or its counsel for inclusion in the Proxy Statement.
 
                                      A-4
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE V
                      ADDITIONAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
 
     5.1  Additional Covenants of All Parties. Chart, GTC, CAC and Cryenco agree
that:
 
          (a) Corporate Actions. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of
     this Agreement, each of Chart, GTC and  CAC, on the one hand, and  Cryenco,
     on  the  other  hand, shall  (i)  take  all necessary  corporate  and other
     actions, (ii)  use its  reasonable  best efforts  to obtain  all  necessary
     authorizations and approvals, and (iii) make all necessary filings required
     to  carry out the  transactions contemplated by  this Agreement, to satisfy
     the conditions specified in Article VII hereof at the earliest  practicable
     date and otherwise to perform their obligations under this Agreement.
 
          (b)  Publicity. Subject to each party's disclosure obligations imposed
     by law, Chart,  GTC and CAC,  on the one  hand, and Cryenco,  on the  other
     hand,  shall consult with each other prior to issuing any press releases or
     otherwise  making  public  statements  with  respect  to  the  transactions
     contemplated  hereby and  prior to making  any filings with  any federal or
     state governmental or  regulatory agency  or with  any securities  exchange
     with respect thereto.
 
          (c)  Notice of Certain  Events. If, in the  course of the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement, either Chart, GTC or CAC, on the one  hand,
     or  Cryenco, on the other hand, shall acquire knowledge of any fact, law or
     circumstance which would be required to be disclosed, either by such  party
     or  by the other party,  to avoid a breach  of a representation or warranty
     contained in this  Agreement, then  such party  shall immediately  disclose
     such fact, law or circumstance to the other party.
 
          (d)  Advice  of  Changes. Chart,  GTC  and CAC  shall  promptly advise
     Cryenco of any change or event which individually or in the aggregate  with
     other  such  changes or  events  has a  Chart  Material Adverse  Effect (as
     defined below) or which Chart believes would or would be reasonably  likely
     to  cause or  constitute a material  breach of any  of the representations,
     warranties or covenants  of Chart,  GTC and CAC  contained herein.  Cryenco
     shall  promptly advise  Chart, GTC  and CAC  of any  change or  event which
     individually or in the  aggregate with other such  changes or events has  a
     Cryenco  Material  Adverse  Effect  (as  defined  below)  or  which Cryenco
     believes would  or would  be reasonably  likely to  cause or  constitute  a
     material  breach  of any  of its  representations, warranties  or covenants
     contained herein.
 
          (e) Further  Assurances. Before  and after  the Closing,  each of  the
     parties  shall  make  all reasonable  best  efforts to  execute  such other
     documents and take such  further actions as may  be reasonably required  or
     desirable   to  carry  out  the  provisions   of  this  Agreement  and  the
     transactions contemplated hereby.
 
     5.2 Conduct of  Business of Cryenco  Until Closing Date.  From the date  of
this  Agreement until the Closing Date, except with the prior written consent of
Chart, which  consent shall  not be  unreasonably delayed  or withheld,  Cryenco
shall  conduct  its business  in the  ordinary course  and consistent  with past
practices and use its  reasonable best efforts to  preserve intact its  business
organization  and goodwill, keep available the  services of its present officers
and key  employees and  preserve the  goodwill and  business relationships  with
suppliers,  customers and others having  business relationships with it. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, Cryenco shall:
 
          (a) refrain  from  changing,  in  any material  respect,  any  of  its
     business policies relating to its business;
 
          (b)  maintain and  keep its assets  in good repair,  working order and
     condition in the  ordinary course  of its business  as presently  conducted
     (except  for  obsolescence and  ordinary wear  and tear  and damage  due to
     casualty);
 
          (c) perform in all material respects all of its obligations under  all
     contracts, leases and any and all other agreements relating to or affecting
     its assets or its business;
 
          (d) refrain from:
 
                                      A-5
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
             (i)  declaring or paying any dividends or other distributions other
        than cash and  preferred stock dividends  required by the  terms of  the
        Certificate of Designation with respect to the Cryenco Preferred Stock;
 
             (ii)  except for issuing shares of Cryenco Common Stock pursuant to
        the exercise of Cryenco Options  or Cryenco Warrants outstanding on  the
        date  hereof  and  listed  on Schedule  6.1(c)  or  pursuant  to options
        automatically granted between the date  hereof and the Closing  pursuant
        to Cryenco 1993 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, issuing Cryenco
        Preferred Stock as preferred stock dividends as required by the terms of
        the  Certificate of  Designation with  respect to  the Cryenco Preferred
        Stock, issuing,  redeeming, selling  or disposing  of, or  creating  any
        obligation  to  issue, redeem,  sell or  dispose of,  any shares  of its
        capital stock (whether authorized but  unissued or held in treasury)  or
        any   option,  warrant  or  security  convertible  into  capital  stock,
        including, without limitation, making any contributions to any  employee
        stock ownership or compensation plans or granting any stock options;
 
             (iii)  taking any action with respect to the grant of any severance
        or termination pay  (other than  pursuant to  severance arrangements  in
        effect on the date of this Agreement and disclosed on a schedule to this
        Agreement  to the extent  required) to any employees  or with respect to
        any increase of benefits payable under its severance or termination  pay
        policies  or agreements in  effect on the date  hereof and applicable to
        employees;
 
             (iv) except  for renewals  of  existing arrangements  which  expire
        between  the  date of  this Agreement  and  the Closing,  entering into,
        adopting, accelerating, modifying  or amending in  any other manner  any
        written  employment, collective bargaining, consulting, bonus, incentive
        compensation,  deferred  compensation,  employee  stock  option,  profit
        sharing,  employee benefit, welfare benefit  or other agreement, plan or
        arrangement  providing  for  compensation  or  benefits  to   directors,
        officers  or employees  (except as  required by  law or  as necessary to
        maintain  the  tax-qualified  status  of  such  plan,  trust  or   other
        agreement);
 
             (v) increasing in any manner the compensation or fringe benefits of
        any  of Al  Schechter, Rod  Moe, William  R. Jones  or James  Raabe, or,
        except in the  ordinary course  of business,  of any  other employee  or
        paying  any  benefit  or  compensation  not  required  by  any  existing
        agreement, plan or arrangement;
 
             (vi) taking any action that could be reasonably anticipated to have
        a Cryenco Material Adverse Effect, as defined in Section 6.1(a), or that
        could reasonably be anticipated to cause any representation or  warranty
        set  forth in Article VI hereof to be untrue or any condition to Closing
        not to be satisfied;
 
             (vii) accelerating billings, shipments to customers, payments  from
        customers,  orders  from suppliers  or  payment of  accounts  payable or
        adjusting the  level of  inventory,  except in  the ordinary  course  of
        business;
 
             (viii)   entering  into  or  assuming  any  new  mortgage,  pledge,
        conditional  sale  or   title  retention   agreement,  lien,   easement,
        right-of-way,  lease,  encumbrance  or  charge of  any  kind  which will
        continue on or after the Closing upon the assets of Cryenco, whether now
        or hereafter  acquired,  or  creating or  assuming  any  obligation  for
        borrowed money;
 
             (ix)  except as provided in the  Cryenco budget for the year ending
        August 31, 1997  (a copy of  which has been  provided to Chart),  making
        capital expenditures in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate;
 
             (x)  acquiring  any  of  the  business,  capital  stock  or  assets
        constituting a  business  of  any other  person,  firm,  association  or
        corporation;
 
             (xi) selling or otherwise disposing of assets of Cryenco other than
        the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business;
 
             (xii)  entering into any settlement or other dispositive agreements
        with respect to any litigation which would obligate Cryenco for  amounts
        in excess of $5,000 in any one case or $100,000 in the aggregate for all
        cases;
 
                                      A-6
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
             (xiii)  doing any act or omitting to  do any act, or permitting any
        act or  omission to  act, which  Cryenco is  aware could  reasonably  be
        anticipated  to  cause  a breach  or  default  by Cryenco  under  any of
        Cryenco's contracts, agreements, commitments or obligations;
 
             (xiv) entering into  or amending any  confidentiality agreement  or
        any   agreement,  contract   or  arrangement  which   would  impose  any
        restriction on  competition  on  Cryenco  or  on  the  ability  to  hire
        employees from any person;
 
             (xv) entering into or amending any other agreements, commitments or
        contracts  which,  individually or  in  the aggregate,  are  material to
        Cryenco, except  agreements  for  the  purchase and  sale  of  goods  or
        services  in  the  ordinary  course of  business,  consistent  with past
        practice and not in excess of normal requirements;
 
             (xvi) assuming or otherwise becoming liable or responsible (whether
        directly, contingently or otherwise) for any obligations or  liabilities
        of any other person;
 
             (xvii)  moving  the  location  of  Cryenco's  main  offices  or any
        production facility;
 
             (xviii) incurring expenses  other than  in the  ordinary course  of
        business;  provided, that Cryenco shall  be entitled to incur reasonable
        investment banking, legal and accounting fees and expenses in connection
        with the Merger and the Special Meeting; or
 
             (xix) agreeing to take any of the foregoing actions.
 
     5.3 Additional Covenants of Cryenco. Cryenco agrees that:
 
          (a) Approval  of  Cryenco  Stockholders.  Cryenco  shall  as  soon  as
     reasonably  practicable (i)  take all  steps necessary  duly to  call, give
     notice of, convene and hold a special meeting of holders of Cryenco  Common
     Stock  (the 'Cryenco Special Meeting') (A) for the purpose of adopting this
     Agreement (the 'Cryenco  Stockholders' Approval')  and (B)  for such  other
     purposes  as may be  necessary or desirable, (ii)  distribute to holders of
     Cryenco Common  Stock the  Proxy Statement  in accordance  with  applicable
     Federal  and  state law,  and  Cryenco's Certificate  of  Incorporation and
     By-laws, (iii) recommend to  the holders of  Cryenco Common Stock,  through
     unanimous  resolution of  the Cryenco Board  of Directors,  the adoption of
     this Agreement  and  such  other  matters  as  may  be  submitted  to  such
     stockholders  in  connection with  this  Agreement and  (iv)  cooperate and
     consult with Chart with respect to each of the foregoing matters. The Board
     of Directors of Cryenco may fail to make such recommendation, or  withdraw,
     modify or change such recommendation in a manner adverse to the interest of
     Chart,  if the Board  of Directors of Cryenco,  after having consulted with
     and considered the advice of outside counsel, has reasonably determined  in
     good  faith  that the  making  of such  recommendation,  or the  failure to
     withdraw, modify or change its recommendation, would constitute a breach of
     the fiduciary  duties of  the  members of  such  Board of  Directors  under
     applicable law.
 
          (b)  Access to Information and Confidentiality. Upon reasonable notice
     and subject to applicable laws relating to the exchange of information  and
     the use of insider information,
 
             (i)  Cryenco shall,  and shall cause  each of  its subsidiaries to,
        afford to  the  officers,  employees,  accountants,  counsel  and  other
        representatives of Chart access, during normal business hours during the
        period  prior  to  the Effective  Time,  to all  its  properties, books,
        contracts, commitments  and records,  and  to its  officers,  employees,
        accountants,  counsel and other representatives and, during such period,
        Cryenco shall, and shall cause  its respective subsidiaries to,  provide
        Chart  with copies of any documents  filed by Cryenco under the Exchange
        Act  and  make  available  to  Chart  such  information  concerning  its
        business, properties and personnel as Chart may reasonably request.
 
             (ii)  All information furnished pursuant to this Section 5.3(b) and
        to Section 5.3(h) below or  otherwise by Cryenco or its  representatives
        to Chart or its representatives shall be treated as the sole property of
        Cryenco   and,  if   the  Merger   shall  not   occur,  Chart   and  its
        representatives shall return to Cryenco all of such written  information
        and  all  documents,  notes, summaries  or  other  materials containing,
        reflecting or referring  to, or  derived from,  such information.  Chart
        shall,  and shall use its best  efforts to cause its representatives to,
        keep confidential  all  such  information, and  shall  not  directly  or
        indirectly use such information for
 
                                      A-7
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
        any competitive or other commercial purpose. The obligation to keep such
        information  confidential shall continue  for three years  from the date
        the proposed Merger is abandoned and shall not apply to any  information
        which  (i) (w) was already in Chart's possession prior to the disclosure
        thereof by Cryenco; (x) was then generally known to the public; (y)  was
        disclosed  to  Chart by  a third  party  not bound  by an  obligation of
        confidentiality or (z) becomes available to Chart from the  demonstrated
        independent   research  and/or  development  efforts  of  Chart  or  its
        representatives, or (ii) is disclosed as required by law. It is  further
        agreed that, if in the absence of a protective order or the receipt of a
        waiver hereunder, Chart is nonetheless, in the reasonable opinion of its
        counsel,  compelled to  disclose information  concerning Cryenco  to any
        tribunal or  governmental  body  or  agency or  else  stand  liable  for
        contempt  or suffer  other censure or  penalty, Chart  may disclose such
        information to  such tribunal  or governmental  body or  agency  without
        liability hereunder.
 
          (c)  No Solicitations. Between the date  hereof and the Effective Time
     or earlier  termination of  this Agreement  in accordance  with its  terms,
     Cryenco  shall not, nor shall  it authorize or permit  any of its officers,
     directors  or  employees  or  any  investment  banker,  financial  advisor,
     attorney,  accountant or other  representative retained by  it to, solicit,
     encourage, initiate or participate in discussions or negotiations with  any
     third  party  concerning the  sale  or merger  of  Cryenco or  the  sale or
     transfer of Cryenco's  assets (a  'Third Party  Transaction'), except  that
     Cryenco  may furnish information about Cryenco  and access thereto, in each
     case in  response to  unsolicited  requests therefor,  to any  third  party
     pursuant  to appropriate confidentiality agreements, and may participate in
     discussions and negotiate with  such third party  concerning a Third  Party
     Transaction,  if  the  Board of  Directors  of Cryenco  determines,  in the
     exercise of  its good  faith judgment  as to  its fiduciary  duties to  the
     Cryenco  Stockholders and based upon advice of counsel, that such action is
     required. Cryenco shall promptly inform Chart in writing if it receives any
     proposals or requests for information from a third party with respect to  a
     Third Party Transaction.
 
          (d) No Acquisitions. Between the date hereof and the Effective Time or
     earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, Cryenco
     shall  not acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or
     by purchasing an equity interest  in or a portion of  the assets of, or  by
     any other manner, any business or any corporation, partnership, association
     or other business organization or division thereof.
 
          (e) Third-Party Consents. Prior to the Closing Date, Cryenco shall use
     its  reasonable best efforts  to obtain all consents  or approvals of third
     parties set forth in Schedule 6.1 (b), and shall provide copies of all such
     consents and approvals to Chart and CAC.
 
          (f) Employee and Non-Employee Director Options
 
             (i) Purchase of Non-Continuing  Employee Options. Within five  days
        after  receipt  by Cryenco  of  written notice  from  Chart as  to those
        Cryenco employees  whose  employment will  not  be continued  after  the
        Effective  Time (the 'Non-Continuing Employees'),  Cryenco shall use its
        reasonable best efforts to cause such Non-Continuing Employees who  hold
        options to purchase shares of Cryenco Common Stock pursuant to any stock
        option  plan  maintained or  previously  maintained by  Cryenco  for the
        benefit of Cryenco  employees (together  with the  options described  in
        Section 5.3(f)(iii) hereof, the 'Cryenco Options') that do not, by their
        terms, expire at or before the Effective Time or are not by their terms,
        extinguished   upon  termination   of  such   Non-Continuing  Employee's
        employment with  Cryenco to  either (A)  exercise such  Cryenco  Options
        prior  to the  Closing, or  (B) agree  in writing  to sell  such Cryenco
        Options to Chart at the Closing in exchange for cash equal to the excess
        of $2.75  per  share of  Cryenco  Common Stock  issuable  upon  exercise
        thereof over the exercise price for such Cryenco Options.
 
             (ii)  Purchase or Exchange of Continuing Employee Options. Prior to
        the Closing Date, Cryenco shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause
        all Cryenco employees who are not Non-Continuing Employees  ('Continuing
        Employees') and who hold unexercised Cryenco Options to agree in writing
        to  either (A) exchange, on the  Closing Date, their Cryenco Options for
        options to  purchase  Chart Common  Stock,  on the  basis  described  in
        Section  5.4(b)(ii) hereof, and pursuant  to such exchange, to surrender
        and waive any and all continuing rights with
 
                                      A-8
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
        respect to such  Cryenco Options  or (B)  sell such  Cryenco Options  to
        Chart  at the Closing in exchange for  cash equal to the excess of $2.75
        per share of Cryenco  Common Stock issuable  upon exercise thereof  over
        the exercise price for such Cryenco Options.
 
             (iii) Purchase of Non-Employee Director Stock Options. Prior to the
        Closing,  Cryenco shall  use its  reasonable best  efforts to  cause all
        individuals who hold unexercised options  to purchase shares of  Cryenco
        Common  Stock  pursuant to  Cryenco's  1993 Non-Employee  Director Stock
        Option Plan  (each a  'Non-Employee  Director'), that  do not  by  their
        terms, expire at or before the Effective Time or are not by their terms,
        extinguished  upon termination of  such Non-Employee Director's position
        as a  Director of  Cryenco, to  agree in  writing to  sell such  Cryenco
        Options to Chart at the Closing in exchange for cash equal to the excess
        of  $2.75  per  share of  Cryenco  Common Stock  issuable  upon exercise
        thereof over the exercise price for such Cryenco Options.
 
          (g) Cryenco Warrants. Prior to the Closing Date, Cryenco shall use its
     reasonable best efforts to  cause the holders of  all warrants to  purchase
     any  class of  Cryenco capital stock  (the 'Cryenco Warrants')  to agree in
     writing either  (i) to  sell to  Chart, on  the Closing  Date, any  Cryenco
     Warrants  having an  exercise price  less than $2.75  per share  for a cash
     payment per Warrant equal  to the excess of  $2.75 over the exercise  price
     for  such Cryenco Warrants or (ii) to exchange such Cryenco Warrants on the
     Closing Date for warrants to purchase  shares of Chart Common Stock on  the
     basis  described  in  Section  5.4(b)(iii) hereof,  and,  pursuant  to such
     exchange, to surrender and waive any and all continuing rights with respect
     to such Cryenco Warrants.
 
          (h) Monthly  Financial Information.  Not more  than thirty  (30)  days
     after  the  end of  each  month, Cryenco  will  deliver to  Chart Cryenco's
     unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such prior month  and
     its  unaudited  consolidated  statement  of income  for  such  prior month,
     certified by the Chief Financial Officer of Cryenco as having been prepared
     from the books and records of Cryenco and in a manner consistent with  past
     internal  practice; provided, however,  that Cryenco's consolidated balance
     sheet and  income statement  for the  month  of August,  1997 need  not  be
     certified  by Cryenco's Chief  Financial Officer until  after completion of
     the audit  of Cryenco's  financial  statements for  the fiscal  year  ended
     August 31, 1997.
 
     5.4 Additional Covenants of Chart. Chart agrees that:
 
          (a)  Indemnification and  Insurance. Chart  agrees that  all rights to
     indemnification and all limitations of  liability existing in favor of  the
     employees,  agents, directors and officers  of Cryenco and its subsidiaries
     (collectively, the 'Indemnified Parties') to  the extent provided for  each
     such  employee,  agent, director  and officer  in Cryenco's  Certificate of
     Incorporation or By-laws (or in the  similar governing documents of any  of
     Cryenco's  subsidiaries)  or  in  any  indemnification  agreement  for such
     individual  which  is  specifically  listed  on  Schedule  6.1(o)  to  this
     Agreement,  each as in effect as of the date of this Agreement with respect
     to matters occurring on  or prior to the  Effective Time shall survive  the
     Merger  and shall continue  in full force and  effect without any amendment
     thereto for a period  of six (6) years  from the Effective Time;  provided,
     however,  that  all  rights  of indemnification  in  respect  of  any claim
     asserted or made within such six-year period shall continue until the final
     disposition  of  such  claim;  provided  further,  however,  that   nothing
     contained   in  this  Section  5.4(a)  shall  be  deemed  to  preclude  the
     liquidation, consolidation or merger of Cryenco or any Cryenco  subsidiary,
     in  which case  all of  such rights  to indemnification  and limitations on
     liability shall be deemed to survive and continue notwithstanding any  such
     liquidation,  consolidation or merger and shall constitute rights which may
     be asserted against Chart. Chart shall  use its reasonable best efforts  to
     cause  the persons serving as officers and  directors of Cryenco and of the
     Cryenco subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time to be  covered
     for  a period of six (6) years from the Effective Time by the Directors and
     Officers Liability Insurance  Policy maintained by  Cryenco (provided  that
     Chart  may substitute therefor  policies of at least  the same coverage and
     amounts containing terms and conditions which are not less advantageous  to
     such  directors and officers of Cryenco  or its subsidiaries than the terms
     and conditions of such existing policy)  with respect to acts or  omissions
     occurring prior to the Effective Time which were committed by such officers
     and  directors in  their capacity  as such;  provided, however,  that Chart
     shall not be obligated to make  annual premium payments for such  insurance
     to
 
                                      A-9
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     the  extent that such premiums  exceed 125% of the  premiums paid as of the
     date hereof by Cryenco for such insurance ('Cryenco's Current Premium') and
     if such  premiums for  such insurance  would  at any  time exceed  125%  of
     Cryenco's  Current Premium then Chart shall cause to be maintained policies
     of insurance which in Chart's good faith determination provide the  maximum
     coverage  available at an annual premium equal to 125% of Cryenco's Current
     Premium.
 
          (b) Disposition of Cryenco Options and Cryenco Warrants.
 
             (i) Purchase  of  Cryenco  Options. At  the  Closing,  Chart  shall
        purchase,  from any  holders of Cryenco  Options who elect  to sell such
        options to Chart pursuant to  Section 5.3(f), the Cryenco Options  which
        are offered to it, in each case in exchange for the cash price described
        in Section 5.3(f).
 
             (ii)  Continuing Employee  Options Exchange. At  the Closing, Chart
        shall grant  each  Continuing  Employee who  holds  unexercised  Cryenco
        Options,  and who  agrees to exchange  such options  pursuant to Section
        5.3(f)(ii), options to  purchase Chart Common  Stock ('Chart  Options'),
        having  the  following  terms: (A)  the  Chart Options  shall  be issued
        pursuant to Chart's Key Employee Stock Option Plan; (B) the option  term
        of  the each  Chart Option  shall be the  remaining term  of the Cryenco
        Option exchanged therefor;  (C) each Chart  Option shall be  exercisable
        for the number of shares of Chart Common Stock arrived at by multiplying
        the  number of shares of Cryenco  Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
        the Cryenco  Option  exchanged therefor  by  a fraction  (the  'Exchange
        Ratio') determined by the following formula:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                  <C>
Exchange Ratio =                       $2.75
                                     ---------
                                        'P'
</TABLE>
 
        where  'P' equals the average of the closing sales price of Chart Common
        Stock on the  New York  Stock Exchange as  reported by  the Wall  Street
        Journal (or another mutually-agreeable national publication) for the ten
        trading  days preceding the Closing Date;  provided, however, that in no
        event shall the Exchange Ratio be less than .11 nor more than .1375;
 
        and (D) the  exercise price  of each Chart  Option (per  share of  Chart
        Common  Stock issuable  thereunder) shall be  the exercise  price of the
        Cryenco Option exchanged therefor divided by the Exchange Ratio.
 
             (iii) Cryenco Warrants.  At the Closing,  Chart shall (A)  purchase
        any  Cryenco Warrants having an exercise price less than $2.75 per share
        for a cash payment  per Warrant equal  to the excess  of $2.75 over  the
        exercise  price for such Cryenco Warrants,  or (B) with respect to those
        Cryenco Warrants for  which the  exercise price is  greater than  $2.75,
        Chart  shall grant the  holder, in exchange for  (and surrender of) each
        such Warrant, a substitute warrant (the 'Chart Warrant') to purchase the
        number of shares  of Chart Common  Stock arrived at  by multiplying  the
        number  of shares of Cryenco Common Stock issuable upon exercise of each
        Cryenco Warrant by the Exchange Ratio. The exercise price of each  Chart
        Warrant  (per share of Chart Common  Stock issuable thereunder) shall be
        the exercise price of the Cryenco Warrant exchanged therefor divided  by
        the  Exchange Ratio. All other terms of the Chart Warrant (including the
        term thereof) shall  remain substantially  unchanged from  those of  the
        Cryenco Warrant.
 
                                   ARTICLE VI
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
     6.1  Representations  and  Warranties of  Cryenco.  Cryenco  represents and
warrants to Chart, GTC and CAC as follows:
 
          (a) Due Organization. Cryenco is a corporation duly organized, validly
     existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware,  has
     full  corporate power and authority  to own its properties  and to carry on
     its business as it is now being conducted, is duly qualified to do business
     and is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which it is required to  be
     so qualified, except where
 
                                      A-10
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     the  failure  to  so qualify  or  be in  good  standing would  not,  in the
     aggregate, have  a material  adverse effect  upon the  business,  financial
     condition,   results  of  operations  or   prospects  of  Cryenco  and  its
     subsidiaries, taken as a whole  (a 'Cryenco Material Adverse Effect'),  and
     has  received  all  necessary  authorizations,  consents  and  approvals of
     governmental authorities material  to the ownership  of its properties  and
     assets and to the conduct of its business.
 
          (b)  Power and  Authority; No  Conflicts. Cryenco  has full  power and
     authority (corporate or otherwise) to enter into and carry out the terms of
     this Agreement subject to stockholder approval. The execution and  delivery
     by  Cryenco of this Agreement and the other documents and instruments to be
     executed and  delivered by  Cryenco  pursuant hereto  and thereto  and  the
     consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by Cryenco
     have  been duly authorized by the unanimous  vote of the Board of Directors
     of Cryenco. This Agreement has been  duly and validly executed by  Cryenco,
     and  will, when executed and delivered,  along with each other document and
     instrument to  be  executed  and  delivered  by  Cryenco  pursuant  hereto,
     constitute, a valid and binding agreement of Cryenco enforceable against it
     in   accordance  with   their  respective  terms   subject  to  bankruptcy,
     insolvency, fraudulent  transfer,  reorganization, moratorium  and  similar
     laws  of general applicability  relating to or  affecting creditors' rights
     generally and except to  the extent that the  enforceability of rights  and
     remedies  may be limited by general principles of equity. The execution and
     delivery of  this  Agreement  does  not,  and,  subject  to  any  requisite
     governmental  or  other  consents  or approvals,  the  consummation  of the
     transactions contemplated hereby will not (i) violate any provision of  the
     Certificate  of Incorporation  or the By-laws  of Cryenco, in  each case as
     amended,  (ii)  violate  or  conflict   with  any  law,  ordinance,   rule,
     regulation,  order,  judgment or  decree  to which  Cryenco  or any  of its
     subsidiaries is subject or by which  Cryenco or any of its subsidiaries  is
     bound,  or (iii) violate or conflict  with or constitute a material default
     (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute
     a material  default)  under, or  will  result  in the  termination  of,  or
     accelerate  the performance required  by, or result in  the creation of any
     lien, security interest, charge or  encumbrance upon any of the  properties
     or assets under any term or provision of any material contract, commitment,
     understanding,  arrangement,  agreement  or  restriction  of  any  kind  or
     character to which  Cryenco or any  of its  subsidiaries is a  party or  by
     which  Cryenco or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective assets
     or properties may  be bound or  affected. Except as  set forth on  Schedule
     6.1(b),  no  consent, approval,  authorization  or action  by  any federal,
     state, local or foreign  governmental agency, instrumentality,  commission,
     authority, board or body (collectively, 'Governmental Agency') or any other
     third  party is required  in connection with the  execution and delivery by
     Cryenco of this  Agreement and the  other documents and  instruments to  be
     executed  and delivered by  Cryenco pursuant hereto  or the consummation by
     Cryenco of the transactions contemplated herein or therein.
 
          (c) Capital Structure. Cryenco's  authorized, issued, outstanding  and
     reserved  capital stock is, as of March  31, 1997, as set forth on Schedule
     6.1(c), and all of  the outstanding shares of  its capital stock have  been
     duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and
     free  from preemptive rights.  There are no  outstanding options, warrants,
     convertible  securities,  subscriptions  or  other  rights  or   agreements
     providing  for the issuance or delivery of any additional shares of capital
     stock of Cryenco, except as set  forth on Schedule 6.1(c). Schedule  6.1(c)
     lists  all of the  Cryenco Options and  the Cryenco Warrants  and also sets
     forth, in the case of each item listed thereon, the identity of the  record
     holder  thereof (or  beneficial holder, if  known) the number  of shares of
     Cryenco capital stock  issuable thereunder,  the expiration  date (if  any)
     thereof and the exercise price thereof.
 
          (d)  Subsidiaries. (i) Except as set forth on Schedule 6.1(d), Cryenco
     has no subsidiaries,  either wholly  or partially owned.  Cryenco has  full
     power  and authority to  transfer all right,  title and interest  in and to
     such shares without the  consent of any other  person, and such shares  are
     free  and clear  of all liens,  equities, encumbrances and  claims of every
     kind. Each subsidiary of Cryenco (i) is duly organized and validly existing
     as a corporation under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization (ii) is
     duly qualified to  do business and  in good standing  in all  jurisdictions
     where  its ownership or leasing of property  or the conduct of its business
     requires it to be so qualified and in which the failure to be so  qualified
     would    have   or   reasonably    be   expected   to    have   a   Cryenco
 
                                      A-11
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     Material Adverse Effect  and (iii)  has all requisite  corporate power  and
     authority  to own or  lease its properties  and assets and  to carry on its
     business as now conducted.
 
          (e) SEC Documents.  Cryenco has  made available  to Chart  a true  and
     complete   copy  of  each  report,  schedule,  registration  statement  and
     definitive proxy statement filed by Cryenco  with the SEC since August  31,
     1995  (as such documents have since the  time of their filing been amended,
     the 'Cryenco SEC Documents')  which are all of  the documents that  Cryenco
     was  required to file with the SEC  since such date. As of their respective
     dates, the Cryenco SEC Documents complied in all material respects with the
     requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be,
     and the rules  and regulations  of the  SEC thereunder  applicable to  such
     Cryenco  SEC Documents, and none  of the Cryenco SEC  Documents at the time
     they were filed with the SEC (or amended) 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 under  which  they were  made,  not misleading.  Cryenco  has
     previously  made available to Chart copies  of (i) the consolidated balance
     sheets of Cryenco  and its subsidiaries,  as of August  31, for the  fiscal
     years  1995 and 1996 and the related consolidated statements of operations,
     stockholders equity and cash flows for  the fiscal years 1994 through  1996
     inclusive  as  reported in  Cryenco's Annual  Report on  Form 10-K  for the
     fiscal year ended  August 31, 1996  filed with the  SEC under the  Exchange
     Act,  in each case  accompanied by the  audit report of  Ernst & Young LLP,
     independent auditors  with  respect  to  Cryenco  and  (ii)  the  unaudited
     consolidated  balance sheet of Cryenco and  its subsidiaries as of February
     28, 1996  and February  28,  1997 and  the related  unaudited  consolidated
     statements  of  operations,  stockholders  equity and  cash  flows  for the
     periods then ended as reported in  Cryenco's Quarterly Report on Form  10-Q
     for  the  period ended  February  28, 1997  filed  with the  SEC  under the
     Exchange Act. The  August 31,  1996 consolidated balance  sheet of  Cryenco
     (including  the related  notes) fairly presents  the consolidated financial
     position of Cryenco  and its subsidiaries  as of the  date thereof and  the
     other  financial statements referred  to in this  Section 6.1(e) (including
     the related notes, where applicable) fairly present (subject in the case of
     the unaudited statements  to recurring audit  adjustments normal in  nature
     and  amount),  and  the  Cryenco financial  statements  hereafter  filed by
     Cryenco with  the SEC  prior  to the  Effective  Time will  fairly  present
     (subject  in  the  case  of the  unaudited  statements  to  recurring audit
     adjustments normal in nature and  amount), the results of the  consolidated
     operations  and changes  in stockholders equity  and consolidated financial
     position of Cryenco and its subsidiaries for the respective fiscal  periods
     or  as of the respective  dates therein set forth.  Each of such statements
     (including the related notes, where  applicable) complies, and the  Cryenco
     financial  statements hereafter filed by Cryenco  with the SEC prior to the
     Effective Time  will  comply,  in all  material  respects  with  applicable
     accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the
     SEC with respect thereto and each of such statements (including the related
     notes,  where applicable)  has been,  and the  Cryenco financial statements
     hereafter filed by Cryenco with the SEC prior to the Effective Time will be
     prepared  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles
     ('GAAP')  consistently applied during the  periods involved, except in each
     case as indicated in  such statements or  in the notes  thereto or, in  the
     case  of unaudited  statements, as  permitted by  Form 10-Q.  The books and
     records of Cryenco and its subsidiaries have been and are being  maintained
     in  all material respects in accordance  with GAAP and any other applicable
     legal and  accounting requirements  and reflect  only actual  transactions.
     Except  as disclosed  on Schedule  6.1 (e), to  the best  of its knowledge,
     Cryenco is  not  the subject  of  any review,  study,  audit,  examination,
     inquiry  or other investigation  by the SEC  ('SEC Investigation'), nor, to
     the best knowledge  of Cryenco, is  any such SEC  Investigation pending  or
     threatened.
 
          (f)  Vote Required. The affirmative vote  of the holders of a majority
     of the shares of Cryenco Common Stock issued and outstanding on the  record
     date  for the Cryenco  Special Meeting is  the only vote  of the holders of
     Cryenco capital stock necessary to approve this Agreement and the Merger.
 
          (g) Title to Assets. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.1 (g),  Cryenco
     and each subsidiary of Cryenco, has good, marketable and valid title in and
     to all of its assets, including all real, personal and intangible property,
     and  except as reflected on Schedule 6.1(g), Cryenco and each subsidiary of
 
                                      A-12
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     Cryenco holds its assets free and  clear of any mortgage, conditional  sale
     agreement,  title  retention agreement,  security interest,  lease, pledge,
     hypothecation, lien or other encumbrance.
 
          (h) Condition of Assets. All of  the assets (whether owned or  leased)
     that  are  necessary for  the conduct  of  the business  of Cryenco  or any
     subsidiary of Cryenco are in normal operating condition, free from  defects
     other  than such defects as do  not materially interfere with the continued
     use thereof in normal operations, except as set forth on Schedule 6.1 (h).
 
          (i) Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable. Cryenco has delivered to
     Chart and CAC an accurate aging schedule of all of the accounts  receivable
     reflected on the books of Cryenco or any subsidiary of Cryenco, as of March
     31,  1997. Any account receivable due from  any affiliate of Cryenco or any
     affiliate of any subsidiary of Cryenco shall be paid in full in cash on  or
     prior  to the  Closing Date.  Any account payable  due to  any affiliate of
     Cryenco or any  affiliate of  any subsidiary  of Cryenco  and disclosed  on
     Schedule  6.1(o) shall be paid  in full in cash on  or prior to the Closing
     Date.
 
          (j) Insurance.  Cryenco  (on its  own  behalf  and on  behalf  of  its
     subsidiaries)  (a)  maintains  insurance policies  with  licensed insurance
     carriers on such assets, properties  and businesses and against such  risks
     as  is customary for companies engaged in its business, or (b) has reserved
     on its financial statements sufficient funds  to cover all losses known  to
     it  arising from such  risks. Schedule 6.1(j)  sets forth a  list and brief
     description (specifying  the  insurer  and describing  each  pending  claim
     thereunder)  of  all  policies,  binders or  reserves  of  fire, liability,
     product liability, workers' compensation, vehicular and other insurance  or
     self-insurance  held  by  or on  behalf  of  Cryenco or  any  subsidiary of
     Cryenco. All such policies are in full force and effect and insure  against
     risks  and  liabilities to  an  extent and  in  a manner  customary  in the
     business in which Cryenco and  its subsidiaries operate. Except for  claims
     identified on Schedule 6.1(j), there are no outstanding unpaid claims under
     any  such policy,  binder or reserve.  Except as specifically  set forth on
     Schedule 6.1(j),  there will  be no  liability of  Cryenco or  any  Cryenco
     subsidiary,  as of  the Closing  Date, under  any such  insurance policy or
     ancillary agreement with  respect thereto  in the nature  of a  retroactive
     rate  adjustment, loss  sharing arrangement  or other  actual or contingent
     liability arising wholly or partially out of events occurring prior to  the
     Closing  Date. Cryenco has received no notice of cancellation or nonrenewal
     of any such policy or binder. There is no inaccuracy in any application for
     such policies or binders, or any  failure to pay premiums due. Cryenco  has
     not  received  any  notice from  any  of  its insurance  carriers  that any
     insurance premiums will be materially increased  in the future or that  any
     insurance  coverage listed on Schedule 6.1(j)  will not be available in the
     future on substantially the same terms as now in effect.
 
          (k) Dividends  and Distributions.  From August  31, 1996  to the  date
     hereof, Cryenco has not declared or paid any dividends on any shares of its
     capital  stock, nor has it made any other payments or distributions thereon
     to its stockholders. All dividends declared by Cryenco prior to August  31,
     1996  have  been fully  paid  or Cryenco  has  fully and  properly reserved
     against the payment of such dividends on its audited, consolidated  balance
     sheet as of August 31, 1996.
 
          (l) Cryenco Data. Cryenco has made available to Chart, with respect to
     Cryenco  and  each Cryenco  subsidiary, all  corporate minutes  (other than
     Directors' minutes pertaining  to the Merger),  charter and by-laws,  books
     and  records,  all material  contracts,  all product  warranties,  all loan
     documentation, all notes, all  leases, a list  of all accounts  receivable,
     evidence  of  all bank  accounts,  an accurate  and  complete list  of each
     insurance policy currently  providing coverage  for the  real and  personal
     property  owned, operated or leased together  with copies of such policies,
     information regarding employee  compensation and benefit  plans, a list  of
     all  outstanding workers' compensation, unemployment and other claims known
     to Cryenco as of the date hereof, all licenses and permits that Cryenco has
     with respect to its operations, and all outstanding or existing  citations,
     complaints  or reports relating to environmental,  health or safety laws or
     regulations (collectively, the 'Cryenco  Data'). Cryenco acknowledges  that
     Chart  and CAC have relied on the  Cryenco Data in deciding to execute this
     Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
          (m) Undisclosed Liabilities. Except (i) for those liabilities that are
     fully reflected or reserved  against on the  consolidated balance sheet  of
     Cryenco  included in the  Cryenco Form 10-Q for  the quarter ended February
     28, 1997, (ii) for liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of  business
 
                                      A-13
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     consistent  with past  practice since  February 28,  1997 and  (iii) as set
     forth in Schedule 6.1(m), neither Cryenco  nor any of its subsidiaries  has
     incurred any liability of any nature whatsoever (whether absolute, accrued,
     contingent  or otherwise  and whether  due or  to become  due) that, either
     alone or  when combined  with all  similar liabilities,  has had  or  would
     reasonably be expected to have a Cryenco Material Adverse Effect.
 
          (n)  Investigation  or Litigation.  Except  as set  forth  on Schedule
     6.1(n), there  is  no  investigation  or review  pending  or  to  the  best
     knowledge  of Cryenco threatened by any Governmental Agency with respect to
     Cryenco  or   any   Cryenco  subsidiary   including   without   limitation,
     investigations  or reviews relating to (i) any product alleged to have been
     sold by  Cryenco  or any  Cryenco  subsidiary,  and alleged  to  have  been
     defective   or   improperly  designed   or  manufactured,   (ii)  hazardous
     substances,  (iii)  pollution,  (iv)  the  environment,  or  (v)   workers'
     compensation;  nor  has any  Governmental  Agency indicated  in  writing to
     Cryenco or  any  Cryenco  subsidiary  an  intention  to  conduct  any  such
     investigation  or review;  nor, to the  knowledge of Cryenco,  is there any
     valid basis for any  such investigation or review.  Except as set forth  in
     Schedule  6.1 (n),  there is no  claim, action, suit  or proceeding pending
     before or,  to  the  best  knowledge  of  Cryenco,  threatened  against  or
     affecting  Cryenco or any  Cryenco subsidiary at  law or in  equity by, any
     Governmental Agency or arbitrator,  including, without limitation,  claims,
     actions,  suits or proceedings relating to  (i) any product alleged to have
     been sold by Cryenco  or any Cryenco subsidiary,  and alleged to have  been
     defective   or   improperly  designed   or  manufactured,   (ii)  hazardous
     substances,  (iii)  pollution,  (iv)  the  environment,  or  (v)   workers'
     compensation,  nor is  there, to the  best knowledge of  Cryenco, any valid
     basis for any such claim, action, suit or proceeding.
 
          (o) Certain  Agreements.  Except  as  disclosed  in  the  Cryenco  SEC
     Documents  filed prior to the date of this Agreement or in Schedule 6.1 (o)
     as of  the  date  of  this  Agreement,  neither  Cryenco  nor  any  Cryenco
     subsidiary  is a party to any oral  or written (i) consulting agreement not
     terminable on 60 days'  or less notice, (ii)  agreement with any  Director,
     executive  officer, key  employee or  affiliate of  Cryenco or  any Cryenco
     subsidiary, or (iii) agreement  or plan, including  any stock option  plan,
     stock appreciation rights plan, any of the Plans (as defined in Section 6.1
     (p)),  restricted stock plan or stock purchase plan, any of the benefits of
     which will be increased, or  the vesting of the  benefits of which will  be
     accelerated,  by the occurrence of any  of the transactions contemplated by
     this Agreement  or the  value  of any  of the  benefits  of which  will  be
     calculated  on the  basis of any  of the transactions  contemplated by this
     Agreement.
 
          (p) Employee Benefits.
 
             (i) Schedule 6.1  (p) contains  a true  and complete  list of  each
        bonus,  deferred compensation,  incentive compensation,  stock purchase,
        stock option,  severance or  termination pay,  hospitalization or  other
        medical,  life or  other insurance,  supplemental unemployment benefits,
        profit-sharing, pension,  retirement  or other  employee  benefit  plan,
        program,   practice,  agreement   or  arrangement,   including,  without
        limitation, each 'employee benefit plan'  as defined in section 3(3)  of
        the  Employee  Retirement  Income  Security  Act  of  1974,  as  amended
        ('ERISA'), sponsored,  maintained,  contributed  to or  required  to  be
        contributed  to  by  Cryenco, any  Cryenco  subsidiary or  any  trade or
        business,  whether  or  not  incorporated  (together  with  the  Cryenco
        subsidiaries,  an 'ERISA Affiliate'), which together with Cryenco or any
        Cryenco subsidiary  would  be  deemed a  'single  employer'  within  the
        meaning  of section 4001 of ERISA, for  the benefit of current or former
        employees or  directors  of  Cryenco  or  any  Cryenco  subsidiary  (the
        'Plans').  Cryenco has  delivered or  made available  to Chart  true and
        complete copies of all documents, as  they may have been amended to  the
        date hereof, embodying or relating to the Plans.
 
             (ii)  Except as set  forth in Schedule  6.1(p), neither Cryenco nor
        any Cryenco  subsidiaries  maintains  any Plans  that  are  intended  to
        qualify  under sections 401 (a) or 501  (a) of the Code. Neither Cryenco
        nor  any  current  or  former  ERISA  Affiliate  sponsored,  maintained,
        contributed  to or  was required to  contribute to, during  the six year
        period ending on the Closing Date, any Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA
        or any 'multiemployer  plan' within  the meaning  of section  3 (37)  of
        ERISA or any multiemployer or multiple employer welfare benefit plan.
 
                                      A-14
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
             (iii)  Each of the Plans has  been operated and administered in all
        material respects in accordance with applicable laws, including but  not
        limited  to ERISA  and the Code.  To Cryenco's  knowledge, no reportable
        event within  the meaning  of section  403(b) of  ERISA (for  which  the
        reporting  requirements have not been  waived) or prohibited transaction
        within the meaning  of section 406  of ERISA or  section 4975(c) of  the
        Code  has occurred with respect  to any Plan, no  civil penalty has been
        assessed pursuant to  sections 409 or  502(i) of ERISA,  and no tax  has
        been imposed pursuant to sections 4975 or 4976 of the Code.
 
             (iv)  There are  no pending, or  to the best  knowledge of Cryenco,
        threatened  or  anticipated  claims  (other  than  routine  claims   for
        benefits)  by, on behalf  of or against  any of the  Plans or any trusts
        related thereto.
 
             (v) Except as specifically set forth  on Schedule 6.1 (p), no  Plan
        provides   benefits,  including  without  limitation  death  or  medical
        benefits (whether or  not insured),  with respect to  current or  former
        employees or directors of the business of Cryenco or any ERISA Affiliate
        beyond  their  retirement or  other  termination of  service  other than
        coverage mandated by  applicable law or  deferred compensation  benefits
        accrued   as  liabilities   in  compliance   with  applicable  Financial
        Accounting Standards Board requirements on the books of Cryenco.
 
             (vi) Except  as specifically  set forth  in Schedule  6.1(p),  with
        respect  to  each Plan  that is  funded wholly  or partially  through an
        insurance policy, there  will be no  liability of Cryenco  or any  ERISA
        Affiliate,  as of the  Closing Date, under any  such insurance policy or
        ancillary agreement with respect to such insurance policy in the  nature
        of  a  retroactive rate  adjustment, loss  sharing arrangement  or other
        actual or contingent liability arising wholly or partially out of events
        occurring prior to the Closing Date.
 
          (q) Labor Matters. Except  as set forth on  Schedule 6.1 (q),  neither
     Cryenco  nor  any  Cryenco  subsidiary  has  entered  into  any  collective
     bargaining agreements or any other  agreements with any labor  organization
     or  any other person or group claiming to represent or bargain collectively
     for any of its employees. Cryenco has delivered or made available to  Chart
     true  and correct  copies of  all of  the agreements  described on Schedule
     6.1(q). There are no unfair labor practice charges, lawsuits, grievances or
     administrative  charges  pending  or  to  the  best  knowledge  of  Cryenco
     threatened,  concerning  or affecting  Cryenco  or any  Cryenco subsidiary.
     Neither Cryenco nor any Cryenco subsidiary has received any written  notice
     nor  has there been  any proceeding or  adjudication questioning whether or
     alleging or determining that  Cryenco or any Cryenco  subsidiary is not  in
     compliance,  in all  material respects, with  all federal,  state and local
     laws and regulations with respect  to employment, employment practices  and
     terms  and conditions  of employment.  There is  no work  stoppage, strike,
     slowdown or  adverse  job  action of  any  form  by any  persons  or  labor
     organizations occurring or, to the knowledge of Cryenco, threatened against
     Cryenco or any Cryenco subsidiary.
 
          (r)  Taxes.  Cryenco  has (directly  or  through  one or  more  of its
     subsidiaries)
 
             (i) timely  filed all  tax  returns, schedules,  declarations,  and
        tax-related  documents  including,  without limitation,  all  Forms 5500
        pertaining to the Plans (collectively,  'Returns') required to be  filed
        by  any jurisdictions to  which Cryenco or any  Cryenco subsidiary is or
        has been subject,
 
             (ii) timely paid  in full  any taxes, interest  and penalties  with
        respect  to Returns, and  timely made any deposits  of taxes required by
        taxing jurisdictions,
 
             (iii) fully accrued on  its books an amount  sufficient to pay  all
        taxes  not yet due  but related to operations  through the Closing Date,
        and
 
             (iv) otherwise  satisfied,  in  all material  respects,  all  legal
        requirements  applicable  to  Cryenco  or  any  Cryenco  subsidiary with
        respect to all aforementioned  obligations to taxing jurisdictions.  All
        tax  returns  filed  by  Cryenco or  any  Cryenco  subsidiary accurately
        reflect in  all  material  respects all  income,  expenses,  deductions,
        credits and loss carryovers and the taxes due and are otherwise accurate
        and  complete in all material  respects. Except for consequences arising
        from the  transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement,  to  Cryenco's
        knowledge,  there  have  been  no  events  that  would  impair  the full
        availability of the net operating losses available
 
                                      A-15
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
        against future state  taxes in  the State  of Colorado  as reflected  on
        Cryenco's  audited  consolidated balance  sheet as  of August  31, 1996.
        Cryenco has delivered to Chart true  and complete copies of all  federal
        and state income and franchise tax returns for each of the taxable years
        ended  August  31, 1994  through August  31,  1996, inclusive.  The most
        recent period for which an assessment can  no longer be made by the  IRS
        with  respect to  Cryenco's federal  income tax  is for  the fiscal year
        ended August 31, 1993. Cryenco has no knowledge that an audit of any  of
        the  federal income  tax returns  of Cryenco is  in progress  and has no
        reason to  believe that  any such  audit is  contemplated. To  Cryenco's
        knowledge,  there are no other claims  asserted for (or to the knowledge
        of Cryenco any  substantial basis therefor),  taxes or assessments.  For
        purposes  of this Section, 'tax' and 'taxes' (when not modified by other
        words such as 'income' or  'franchise') shall include all income,  gross
        receipts,  franchise, payroll,  excise, real and  personal property, and
        other taxes imposed by any foreign, federal, state, municipal, local, or
        other governmental agency, including assessments in the nature of taxes.
 
          (s) Absence of Certain  Changes. Except as  disclosed on Schedule  6.1
     (s),  since February 28,  1997, neither Cryenco  nor any Cryenco subsidiary
     has suffered any Cryenco Material Adverse Effect.
 
          (t) Legal Compliance. Cryenco and each Cryenco subsidiary has complied
     in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules, regulations,  and
     ordinances  of any Governmental Agency  having jurisdiction, any trademark,
     tradename or copyright rules and regulations, and any zoning,  occupational
     safety  or  environmental  protection  laws or  any  laws  relating  to the
     employment of  labor. Neither  Cryenco  nor any  Cryenco subsidiary  is  in
     violation  of, or in default under, any terms or provisions of any material
     mortgage,  indenture,   security  agreement,   lease,  license,   contract,
     agreement,  instrument, order,  arbitration award,  judgment, injunction or
     decree. Neither Cryenco nor any Cryenco subsidiary has received any written
     notice nor  to  Cryenco's  knowledge  has  there  been  any  proceeding  or
     adjudication  questioning  whether  or  alleging  or  determining  that the
     business of Cryenco or any Cryenco  subsidiary is or has been conducted  in
     violation  of any  law, ordinance,  regulation, order,  decree, judgment or
     injunction. Neither Cryenco  nor any  Cryenco subsidiary  has received  any
     written   notice  nor  has  there   been  any  proceeding  or  adjudication
     questioning whether  or alleging  or determining  it has  not obtained  all
     permits,  licenses and other  authorizations which relate  to its assets or
     business. Neither  Cryenco  nor any  Cryenco  subsidiary has  received  any
     written   notice  nor  has  there   been  any  proceeding  or  adjudication
     questioning whether or alleging or determining that it is not in compliance
     in all material  respects with all  material terms and  conditions of  such
     permits, licenses and authorizations.
 
          (u) Environmental Protection.
 
             (i)  Except  as  set forth  on  Schedule 6.1(u),  Cryenco  and each
        Cryenco subsidiary  is in  compliance with  all Environmental  Laws  (as
        hereinafter  defined)  applicable to  the business  of Cryenco  and each
        Cryenco subsidiary, which  compliance includes, but  is not limited  to,
        the possession by Cryenco and each Cryenco subsidiary of all permits and
        other    governmental    authorizations   required    under   applicable
        Environmental  Laws,  and  compliance  with  the  terms  and  conditions
        thereof.  Neither Cryenco  nor any  Cryenco subsidiary  has received any
        written communication,  whether  from a  Governmental  Agency,  citizens
        group,  employee or otherwise, that alleges that the business of Cryenco
        or any  Cryenco  subsidiary is  not  in  such compliance.  To  the  best
        knowledge  of Cryenco,  there are no  circumstances that  may prevent or
        interfere with  such compliance  in the  future. All  permits and  other
        governmental  authorizations currently held by  Cryenco and each Cryenco
        subsidiary pursuant to the Environmental Laws are identified on Schedule
        6.1(u).
 
             (ii) Except  as  set  forth  in  Schedule  6.1  (u),  there  is  no
        Environmental  Claim  pending  or,  to the  best  knowledge  of Cryenco,
        threatened against  Cryenco or  any Cryenco  subsidiary or  against  any
        person or entity whose liability for any Environmental Claims Cryenco or
        any  Cryenco  subsidiary  has or  may  have retained  or  assumed either
        contractually or by operation of law.
 
                                      A-16
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
             (iii) Cryenco  has  disclosed  to Chart  all  outside  consultants'
        reports,  internal memoranda,  legal documents  involving third parties,
        and any other information,  written or otherwise,  in the possession  of
        Cryenco or any Cryenco subsidiary that relates to the release, emission,
        discharge  or  disposal of  any Materials  of Environmental  Concern (as
        defined below).
 
             (iv) Without in any way  limiting the generality of the  foregoing,
        (A)  all on-site  and off-site  locations where  Cryenco or  any Cryenco
        subsidiary  has  stored,  disposed  or  arranged  for  the  disposal  of
        Materials of Environmental Concern since August 31, 1989, are identified
        in  Schedule 6.1 (u), (B) all existing underground storage tanks and all
        areas impacted by former underground storage tanks, and the capacity and
        contents of such existing tanks located  on property owned or leased  by
        Cryenco or any Cryenco subsidiary are identified in Schedule 6.1 (u) and
        (C)  neither Cryenco  nor any  Cryenco subsidiary  has any  liability or
        potential liability for remediation cost  at any present or former  site
        where  its business is or was  conducted which is reasonably expected to
        exceed $100,000 in the aggregate.
 
             (v) 'Environmental Claim' means any claim, action, cause of action,
        investigation or notice  (written or  oral) ('Claim') by  any person  or
        entity  alleging  potential  liability  (including,  without limitation,
        potential liability for investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental
        response costs, natural  resources damages,  property damages,  personal
        injuries,  or penalties) arising out of,  based on or resulting from (A)
        the presence,  or  release into  the  environment of  any  Materials  of
        Environmental  Concern at any location, whether  or not owned by Cryenco
        or any Cryenco subsidiary or (B) circumstances forming the basis of  any
        violation,  or alleged violation, of any Environmental Law by Cryenco or
        any Cryenco subsidiary; provided, however, that no such Claim, or  group
        of  Claims  arising  from  a  single  activity  or  incident,  shall  be
        considered to be an Environmental Claim under this provision unless  the
        value  of such  Claim or  group of  Claims is  in excess  of One Hundred
        Thousand Dollars ($100,000).
 
             (vi) 'Environmental  Laws'  means  all federal,  state,  local  and
        foreign  laws  and regulations  relating to  pollution or  protection of
        human health or the environment (including, without limitation,  ambient
        air,  surface water, ground  water, land surface  or subsurface strata),
        including,  without  limitation,  laws   and  regulations  relating   to
        emissions,  discharges, releases or threatened  releases of Materials of
        Environmental  Concern,  or  otherwise  relating  to  the   manufacture,
        processing,  distribution, use, treatment,  storage, disposal, transport
        or handling of Materials of Environmental Concern.
 
             (vii)  'Materials  of   Environmental  Concern'  means   chemicals,
        pollutants,   contaminants,  wastes,  hazardous   or  toxic  substances,
        petroleum and petroleum products.
 
          (v) Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Trade Names etc. Schedule 6.1 (v)
     hereto contains  an accurate  and complete  list of  all material  patents,
     patent   applications,  trademark  registrations,  trademark  applications,
     service marks, trade names and assumed names used by Cryenco or any Cryenco
     subsidiary in its business which are presently owned or held by Cryenco  or
     any Cryenco subsidiary or under which it owns or holds any license or other
     interest.  Such items  of intellectual  property constitute  all such items
     used by Cryenco or any Cryenco subsidiary in its business. Neither  Cryenco
     nor  any Cryenco  subsidiary has received  written notice  nor to Cryenco's
     knowledge has there been any proceeding or adjudication questioning whether
     or alleging or determining that the  use thereof by Cryenco or any  Cryenco
     subsidiary  infringes on or conflicts with any existing patents, trademarks
     or copyrights or any  other rights of any  person. Neither Cryenco nor  any
     Cryenco subsidiary has received any written notice of any material claim of
     a  third party to the  use of any such  names. Cryenco and its subsidiaries
     have the right to use such patents, trademarks, trade names and  copyrights
     in the business in which they are currently being used and the consummation
     of  the transactions contemplated hereby will  not alter or impair any such
     rights. Neither Cryenco nor any Cryenco subsidiary has received any written
     notice nor to Cryenco's knowledge has there been any material proceeding or
     adjudication questioning  whether  or  alleging  or  determining  that  any
     services  provided  or  products manufactured  or  sold by  Cryenco  or any
     Cryenco subsidiary nor  any patents, formulae,  processes, know-how,  trade
     secrets, trademarks, trade names, assumed names, copyrights or designations
     used  by Cryenco or any Cryenco subsidiary in its business, infringe on any
     existing   patents,    trademarks    or   copyrights,    or    any    other
 
                                      A-17
 
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<PAGE>
     rights  of any person or corporate entity. To the knowledge of Cryenco, any
     license included in  the intellectual  property of Cryenco  or any  Cryenco
     subsidiary  constitutes a  valid and binding  agreement of  the other party
     thereto enforceable in accordance with its terms.
 
          (w) Contracts. Each contract and commitment (whether written or  oral)
     that  individually involves potential  future payments by  or to Cryenco or
     any Cryenco subsidiary of $100,000 or more is disclosed on Schedule  6.1(w)
     and  copies of such written contracts  or commitments have been provided to
     Chart. Except  as set  forth  on such  schedule,  neither Cryenco  nor  any
     Cryenco  subsidiary, nor has been during the past three years, a partner in
     any partnership or a party to any joint venture.
 
          (x) Full Disclosure. There is no fact or set of circumstances known to
     Cryenco, which has not been disclosed to Chart in writing, that has  caused
     since  August 31, 1996, or would reasonably  be anticipated to result in, a
     Cryenco Material Adverse Effect.
 
          (y) Brokers or Finders. Neither Cryenco nor any Cryenco subsidiary has
     incurred or will incur, any liability for any brokerage fees,  commissions,
     finders' fees or similar fees or expenses in connection with this Agreement
     or the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
     6.2  Representations and Warranties  of Chart, GTC and  CAC. Chart, GTC and
CAC represent and warrant to Cryenco as follows:
 
          (a) Due Organization. Chart is  a corporation duly organized,  validly
     existing  and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, has
     full corporate power and  authority to own its  properties and to carry  on
     its business as it is now being conducted, is duly qualified to do business
     and  is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which it is required to be
     so qualified, except where the failure to so qualify or be in good standing
     would not,  in the  aggregate,  have a  material  adverse effect  upon  the
     business,  financial condition, results of operations or prospects of Chart
     and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole (a 'Chart Material Adverse Effect'),
     and has received  all necessary authorizations,  consents and approvals  of
     governmental  authorities material to  the ownership of  its properties and
     assets and to the conduct of its business.
 
          (b) Power and Authority, No Conflicts. Each of Chart, GTC and CAC  has
     full  power and authority (corporate or  otherwise) to enter into and carry
     out the  terms  of this  Agreement.  The  execution and  delivery  of  this
     Agreement  and  the  other documents  and  instruments to  be  executed and
     delivered by  Chart,  GTC and  CAC  pursuant  hereto and  thereto  and  the
     consummation  of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by Chart,
     GTC and CAC have been duly authorized by the Boards of Directors of  Chart,
     GTC  and CAC, and by GTC as the sole stockholder of CAC. This Agreement has
     been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of Chart, GTC and  CAC
     and  constitutes,  when  executed  and  delivered,  along  with  the  other
     documents and instruments to  be executed and delivered  by each of  Chart,
     GTC and CAC pursuant hereto, valid and binding agreements of Chart, GTC and
     CAC,  enforceable against  each of  Chart, GTC  and CAC  in accordance with
     their  respective  terms  subject  to  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  fraudulent
     transfer,   reorganization,   moratorium  and   similar  laws   of  general
     applicability relating  to or  affecting  creditors' rights  generally  and
     except  to the extent that the enforceability of rights and remedies may be
     limited by general principles of equity. The execution and delivery of this
     Agreement does not,  and, subject  to any requisite  governmental or  other
     consents  or approvals  the consummation  of the  transactions contemplated
     hereby and thereby will not (i) violate any provision of the Certificate of
     Incorporation or the by-laws of each of Chart, GTC and CAC, (ii) violate or
     conflict with  any law,  ordinance, rule,  regulation, order,  judgment  or
     decree  to which  either Chart, GTC  or CAC  is subject or  by which either
     Chart, GTC or CAC is bound, or (iii) violate or conflict with or constitute
     a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both,  would
     constitute  a  default) under,  or will  result in  the termination  of, or
     accelerate the performance required  by, or result in  the creation of  any
     lien,  security interest, charge or encumbrance  upon any of the properties
     or the assets  under, any term  or provision of  any contract,  commitment,
     understanding,  arrangement,  agreement  or  restriction  of  any  kind  or
     character to which Chart, GTC or CAC is a party or by which either of  them
     or  any of their assets  or properties may be  bound or affected. Except as
     set forth in Schedule 6.2(b), no consent, approval, authorization or action
     by any  Governmental  Agency  or  any other  third  party  is  required  in
     connection with the execution and
 
                                      A-18
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     delivery  by each  of Chart, GTC  and CAC  of this Agreement  and the other
     documents and instruments to  be executed and delivered  by each of  Chart,
     GTC  and CAC pursuant hereto or the  consummation by each of Chart, GTC and
     CAC of the transactions contemplated herein or therein.
 
          (c) Financing of  the Merger. Chart,  GTC and CAC  have all funds,  or
     appropriate  commitments  for  funds,  necessary for  the  exchange  of all
     outstanding shares  of Cryenco  Common Stock  and Cryenco  Preferred  Stock
     pursuant to the Merger.
 
          (d)  Brokers and Finders.  Neither Chart nor GTC  nor CAC has employed
     any broker or  finder or  incurred any  liability for  any brokerage  fees,
     commissions,  finders' fees or similar fees  or expenses in connection with
     this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
          (e) Financial Condition. Chart's audited, consolidated balance  sheet,
     included  in  its Annual  Report on  Form  10-K for  the fiscal  year ended
     December 31,  1996,  was  prepared  in accordance  with  GAAP,  and  fairly
     presents  the financial position of Chart as of the date thereof. Since the
     date of said balance  sheet, no change to  Chart's financial condition  has
     occurred  which  would reasonably  be anticipated  to adversely  affect its
     ability to  make  the  payments  necessary to  consummate  the  Merger,  as
     contemplated by this Agreement.
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
                                   CONDITIONS
 
     7.1 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of All Parties. The obligations
of  each of Cryenco, Chart, GTC and CAC  under this Agreement are subject to and
shall be conditional upon the satisfaction  of each of the following  conditions
prior to the Closing Date:
 
          (a)  Stockholder Approval. This Agreement shall have been approved and
     adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the  issued
     and outstanding shares of Cryenco Common Stock.
 
          (b)  Governmental  Approvals. Cryenco  and Chart  shall have  made all
     filings  with,  and  all  relevant  waiting  periods  shall  have   expired
     (including  all  filings required  to be  made under  the Hart-Scott-Rodino
     Antitrust Improvements  Act  of  1976  and  waiting  period  in  connection
     therewith),  and given all notices to  and obtained all necessary consents,
     authorizations and  approvals from,  all  Governmental Agencies  which  are
     required to consummate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement.
 
          (c)  No  Injunctions or  Restraints.  No temporary  restraining order,
     preliminary  or  permanent   injunction  or  other   order,  restraint   or
     prohibition  shall have been issued by  any court of competent jurisdiction
     preventing the  consummation  of  the  transactions  contemplated  by  this
     Agreement  (each  party  agreeing  to  use  its  reasonable  best  efforts,
     including appeals to  higher courts,  to have any  such order,  injunction,
     legal  restraint or prohibition  set aside or lifted),  and no action shall
     have been  taken,  and no  statute,  rule  or regulation  shall  have  been
     enacted,  by any  state or Federal  government or  Governmental Agency that
     would prevent the  consummation of  the transactions  contemplated by  this
     Agreement.
 
     7.2  Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Cryenco. The obligations of
Cryenco under this Agreement  are subject to and  shall be conditional upon  the
satisfaction,  or  waiver (in  whole  or in  part) by  Cryenco,  of each  of the
following conditions:
 
          (a) Representations  and  Warranties  True.  The  representations  and
     warranties  of Chart, GTC and CAC contained herein shall have been true and
     correct in all material respects on and  as of the date of this  Agreement,
     and  shall be true  and correct in all  material respects on  and as of the
     Closing Date as if those representations and warranties were made on and as
     of the Closing  Date, except  for changes permitted  by the  terms of  this
     Agreement and except insofar as any of those representations and warranties
     relate  solely to a particular date or  period, in which case they shall be
     true and correct in  all material respects  on and as  of the Closing  Date
     with respect to such date or period.
 
                                      A-19
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
          (b)  Performance  of Obligations  and Agreements.  Chart, GTC  and CAC
     shall each have performed, in all material respects, their obligations  and
     agreements  contained in this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
     them on or before the Closing Date.
 
          (c) Resolutions. Each of  Chart, GTC and CAC  shall have delivered  to
     Cryenco copies of the resolutions of its Board of Directors authorizing and
     approving  the  execution of  this Agreement  and  the consummation  of the
     transactions contemplated  hereby, certified  as true  and correct  on  the
     Closing Date by its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary.
 
          (d)  Officers' Certificates.  Each of  Chart, GTC  and CAC  shall have
     delivered to Cryenco a certificate dated on and as of the Closing Date  and
     signed  by its Chief  Executive Officer and Chief  Financial Officer to the
     effect that the  conditions set forth  in Sections 7.2(a)  and 7.2(b)  have
     been satisfied.
 
     7.3  Conditions Precedent  to the  Obligations of  Chart, GTC  and CAC. The
obligations of Chart, GTC and CAC under this Agreement are subject to and  shall
be  conditional upon the satisfaction, or waiver (in whole or in part) by Chart,
GTC and CAC of each of the following conditions:
 
          (a) Representations  and  Warranties  True.  The  representations  and
     warranties  of Cryenco contained herein shall have been true and correct in
     all material respects on and as of the date of this Agreement, and shall be
     true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date  as
     if  those representations and warranties were made on and as of the Closing
     Date, except  for changes  permitted by  the terms  of this  Agreement  and
     except insofar as any of those representations and warranties relate solely
     to  a  particular date  or period,  in which  case they  shall be  true and
     correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with respect
     to such date or period.
 
          (b) Performance  of Obligations  and  Agreements. Cryenco  shall  have
     performed,  in  all  material  respects,  its  obligations  and  agreements
     contained in this Agreement to  be performed or complied  with by it on  or
     before the Closing Date.
 
          (c)  Resolutions. Cryenco shall have delivered  to Chart copies of the
     resolutions of its  Board of  Directors and  Stockholders, authorizing  and
     approving  the  execution of  this Agreement  and  the consummation  of the
     transactions contemplated  hereby, certified  as true  and correct  on  the
     Closing Date by its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary.
 
          (d)  Officer's Certificate.  Cryenco shall  have delivered  to Chart a
     certificate dated on and  as of the  Closing Date and  signed by the  Chief
     Executive  Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Cryenco to the effect
     that the  conditions set  forth in  Sections 7.3(a)  and 7.3(b)  have  been
     satisfied.
 
          (e)  Consents and Approvals. Cryenco  shall have obtained any consent,
     authorization or approval to the transactions contemplated by the Agreement
     which is  required to  be obtained  from any  third party  which is  not  a
     Governmental Agency.
 
          (f)  No  Cryenco  Material  Adverse  Effect.  From  the  date  of this
     Agreement through  the Closing  Date,  Cryenco shall  not have  suffered  a
     Cryenco Material Adverse Effect.
 
          (g)  Dissenters Claims. Cryenco has not  received a written demand for
     appraisal from the holders of more than fifteen percent (15%) of the issued
     and outstanding  shares of  Cryenco  Common Stock  in connection  with  the
     Merger.
 
          (h)  Cryenco Arrangements  with Affiliated Persons.  Prior to Closing,
     Cryenco shall have  terminated the  agreements and  arrangements listed  on
     Schedule  6.1(o) ('Insider Agreements') hereto  between Cryenco and certain
     affiliated persons (including, but not limited to, directors, officers, key
     employees and affiliates) by payment of  the amounts set forth on  Schedule
     6.1(o)  but  without any  other expense  to  or obligation  on the  part of
     Cryenco, Chart or CAC.
 
          (i) Cancellation, Exercise, Sale or  Exchange of Cryenco Warrants  and
     Options.  Cryenco  shall  have  obtained  and  delivered  to  Chart written
     agreements from the  holders of  the Cryenco Warrants  and Cryenco  Options
     listed  on Schedule 6.1(c) exercising such Warrants or Options, agreeing to
     the cancellation thereof, agreeing to the sale thereof to Chart pursuant to
     this Agreement or agreeing to the exchange thereof for warrants or  options
     to  acquire  shares of  Chart Common  Stock pursuant  to the  provisions of
     Sections 5.3(f) and 5.3(g) above.
 
                                      A-20
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                                  ARTICLE VIII
                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
 
     8.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to  the
Effective  Time,  whether before  or after  approval of  this Agreement  and the
Merger by the stockholders of Cryenco:
 
          (a) by mutual consent of Cryenco and Chart;
 
          (b) by Chart, upon a breach of any representation, warranty,  covenant
     or  agreement on the part of Cryenco set forth in this Agreement, or if any
     representation or warranty of Cryenco  shall have become untrue, in  either
     case  such that the condition set forth in Section 7.3(a) or Section 7.3(b)
     as the case may  be, would be  incapable of being  satisfied by August  29,
     1997; provided, that in any case, a willful breach shall be deemed to cause
     such  conditions to  be incapable of  being satisfied for  purposes of this
     Section 8.1(b);
 
          (c) by  Cryenco,  upon  a  breach  of  any  representation,  warranty,
     covenant  or agreement on the part of Chart set forth in this Agreement, or
     if any representation  or warranty of  Chart shall have  become untrue,  in
     either  case such that the condition set forth in Section 7.2(a) or 7.2(b),
     as the case may  be, would be  incapable of being  satisfied by August  29,
     1997; provided, that in any case, a willful breach shall be deemed to cause
     such  conditions to  be incapable of  being satisfied for  purposes of this
     Section 8.1(c);
 
          (d) by either Cryenco or Chart, if any permanent injunction or  action
     by  any Governmental Agency preventing the consummation of the Merger shall
     have become final and nonappealable;
 
          (e) by either  Cryenco or  Chart, if the  Merger shall  not have  been
     consummated  before August 29, 1997; provided, however, that this Agreement
     may be extended by written notice of either Cryenco or Chart to a date  not
     later  than  September  30,  1997,  if  the  Merger  shall  not  have  been
     consummated as a direct result of Cryenco or Chart having failed by  August
     29,  1997, to  receive all required  regulatory approvals  or consents from
     Governmental Agencies with respect to the Merger;
 
          (f) by either Cryenco or Chart, if this Agreement and the Merger shall
     fail to receive the requisite vote for approval and adoption by the holders
     of Cryenco Common Stock at the Cryenco Special Meeting;
 
          (g) by Chart, if (i) the Board of Directors of Cryenco shall withdraw,
     modify or change its  recommendation of this Agreement  or the Merger in  a
     manner  adverse to Chart or shall have resolved to do any of the foregoing;
     (ii) the  Board of  Directors  of Cryenco  shall  have recommended  to  the
     stockholders of Cryenco a Competing Transaction (as defined below); (iii) a
     tender offer or exchange offer for 25% or more of the outstanding shares of
     Common Stock of Cryenco is commenced, and the Board of Directors of Cryenco
     recommends  that the  stockholders of Cryenco  tender their  shares in such
     tender or exchange offer; or (iv) subsequent to the date hereof, any person
     shall acquire  beneficial  ownership or  the  right to  acquire  beneficial
     ownership  of, or any 'group' (as such  term is defined under Section 13(d)
     of the Exchange Act and  the rules and regulations promulgated  thereunder)
     shall  have been formed which beneficially owns,  more than 25% of the then
     outstanding shares of Common Stock of Cryenco; provided, however, that  for
     purposes  of  the foregoing  definition of  'group,' the  Voting Agreements
     described in  Section  9.8  shall not  be  deemed  to form  the  basis  for
     determination that the signers thereof constitute a 'group;'
 
          (h) by Cryenco, if the Board of Directors of Cryenco (x) fails to make
     or  withdraws  or  modifies its  recommendation  that  Cryenco stockholders
     approve the Merger (as  described in Section 5.3(a)),  and there exists  at
     such   time  a  Competing  Transaction   or  (y)  recommends  to  Cryenco's
     stockholders approval or  acceptance of  a Competing  Transaction, in  each
     case only if the Board of Directors of Cryenco, after consultation with and
     based upon the advice of independent legal counsel (who may be such party's
     regularly engaged independent legal counsel), determines in good faith that
     such  action is necessary for  the Board of Directors  of Cryenco to comply
     with its fiduciary duties to stockholders under applicable law; and
 
                                      A-21
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
          (i) by Chart,  if Cryenco  shall have  received a  written demand  for
     appraisal  from the holders of more than  15% of the issued and outstanding
     shares of Cryenco Common Stock in connection with the Merger.
 
In order to terminate this Agreement  pursuant to Section 8.1(b) -- (h)  hereof,
the  party so acting shall give written notice thereof to the other party hereto
specifying the reason for termination.
 
     8.2 Effect of  Termination. Except as  provided in Section  8.5 or  Section
9.1(b),  in the event of  the termination of this  Agreement pursuant to Section
8.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, there shall be no liability  on
the  part  of Chart,  CAC  or Cryenco  or any  of  their respective  officers or
directors to the other and all rights and obligations of any party hereto  shall
cease;  provided,  however, that  nothing herein  shall  relieve any  party from
liability for  the willful  breach of  any of  its representations,  warranties,
covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement.
 
     8.3  Amendment.  This Agreement  may be  amended by  the parties  hereto by
action taken by or on behalf of their respective Boards of Directors at any time
prior to the  Effective Time;  provided, however,  that, after  approval of  the
Merger  by the stockholders of Cryenco, no amendment, which under applicable law
may not be made without the approval of the stockholders of Cryenco, may be made
without such approval. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument
in writing signed by the parties hereto.
 
     8.4 Waiver. At any  time prior to the  Effective Time, either party  hereto
may  (a) extend the time for the performance  of any of the obligations or other
acts  of  the   other  party  hereto,   (b)  waive  any   inaccuracies  in   the
representations  and warranties  of the other  party contained herein  or in any
document delivered pursuant hereto and (c)  waive compliance by the other  party
with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein. Any such extension or
waiver  shall be valid only  if set forth in an  instrument in writing signed by
the party or parties to be bound thereby.
 
     8.5 Fees, Expenses and Other Payments.
 
     (a) Except  as  set  forth  in Section  8.5(b),  all  costs  and  expenses,
including,  without  limitation, fees  and  disbursements of  counsel, financial
advisors and accountants, incurred by the  parties hereto shall be borne  solely
and  entirely by  the party  which has  incurred such  costs and  expenses (with
respect to such party, its 'Expenses').
 
     (b) Cryenco agrees that if this Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to:
 
          (i) Section 8.1(b)  and, at any  time prior to  the written notice  of
     termination  delivered  by  Chart  to Cryenco,  there  existed  a Competing
     Transaction;
 
          (ii) Section 8.1(f) and  at any time between  the date hereof and  the
     Cryenco Special Meeting there existed a Competing Transaction;
 
          (iii) Section 8.1(g);
 
          (iv) Section 8.1(h); or
 
          (v)  Section  8.1(i) and  one  or more  of  the affiliates  of Cryenco
     executing a  Voting Agreement  in connection  with the  Merger has  made  a
     written  demand for  appraisal with  respect to 5%  or more  of the Cryenco
     Common Stock entitled to vote on the Merger;
 
then, in any such event, Cryenco shall pay to Chart an amount equal to $850,000.
 
     (c) Any payment  required to be  made pursuant to  Section 8.5(b) shall  be
made  as promptly  as practicable  but not later  than five  business days after
termination of this Agreement and shall be made by wire transfer of  immediately
available funds to an account designated by Chart.
 
     (d)  For purposes  of this  Section 8.5,  the term  'Competing Transaction'
shall mean any of the following (other than the Merger) involving Cryenco or any
of its subsidiaries:
 
          (i) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination or
     other similar transaction;
 
          (ii) any sale,  lease, exchange, mortgage,  pledge, transfer or  other
     disposition  of 25% or more of the  assets of Cryenco and its subsidiaries,
     taken as a whole, in a single transaction or series of transactions;
 
                                      A-22
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
          (iii) any  tender offer  or exchange  offer  for 25%  or more  of  the
     outstanding  shares  of  Common  Stock  of  Cryenco  or  the  filing  of  a
     registration statement under the Securities Act in connection therewith;
 
          (iv) any person acquiring (after the date hereof) beneficial ownership
     or the right to  acquire beneficial ownership of,  or any 'group' (as  such
     term  is defined under Section 13(d) of  the Exchange Act and the rules and
     regulations promulgated thereunder)  being formed (after  the date  hereof)
     which  beneficially owns or  has the right  to acquire beneficial ownership
     of, 25% or more of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock of  Cryenco;
     provided,  however,  that  for  purposes  of  the  foregoing  definition of
     'group,' the Voting Agreements described in Section 9.8 shall not be deemed
     to form the basis for determination  that the signers thereof constitute  a
     'group;'
 
          (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.
 
                                   ARTICLE IX
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
     9.1 Effectiveness of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.
 
     (a)  Except as set forth in Section 9.1(b), the representations, warranties
and agreements of each party hereto shall remain operative and in full force and
effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any other  party
hereto,  any  person controlling  any such  party  or any  of their  officers or
directors, whether prior to or after the execution of this Agreement.
 
     (b) The representations, warranties and agreements in this Agreement  shall
terminate  at  the Effective  Time  or upon  the  termination of  this Agreement
pursuant to Article VIII,  except that the agreements  set forth in Articles  I,
II,  III and IX and Sections 5.1(e)  and 5.4(a) shall survive the Effective Time
and those set forth  in Sections 8.2,  8.5 and Article  IX hereof shall  survive
termination.  In addition,  in the  event of  the termination  of this Agreement
pursuant to Article VIII, the provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement  dated
as of November 11, 1996 shall be reinstated as if they had never been superseded
by Section 9.8 hereof.
 
     9.2  Notices. All  notices and other  communications hereunder  shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (and shall be deemed to have
been duly received if so given), when addressed as follows:
 
        To Chart at:
 
           Chart Industries, Inc.
           35555 Curtis Boulevard
           Eastlake, OH
           Attention: Arthur S. Holmes, Chairman of the Board
                                and Chief Executive Officer
 
        With a copy to:
 
           Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
           1400 McDonald Investment Center
           800 Superior Avenue
           Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2688
           Attention: Thomas F. McKee
 
        To Cryenco at:
 
           Cryenco Sciences, Inc.
           c/o Charterhouse Group International, Inc.
           535 Madison Avenue -- 28th Floor
           New York, New York 10022
           Attention: Alfred Schechter, Chairman of the Board,
                                Chief Executive Officer and President
 
                                      A-23
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
        With a copy to:
 
           Shack & Siegel, P.C.
           530 Fifth Avenue
           New York, New York 10036
           Attention: Jeffrey N. Siegel
 
     Except as otherwise specified herein, all notices and other  communications
shall be deemed to have been duly given on the first to occur of (a) the date of
delivery if delivered personally on a business day during normal business hours,
and, if not, on the next occurring business day, (b) five days following posting
if  transmitted  by mail,  (c)  the first  business  day following  the  date of
delivery to a nationally-recognized, next day  courier service; or (d) the  date
of  receipt if transmitted by  telecopier or facsimile on  a business day during
normal business hours,  and, if  not, on the  next occurring  business day.  Any
party  may change his or its address for  purposes hereof by notice to the other
party given as provided in this Section.
 
     9.3 Governing  Law.  Except to  the  extent  required to  comply  with  the
provisions  of  other jurisdictions,  this Agreement  shall  be governed  by and
construed in accordance with  the laws of the  State of Delaware, regardless  of
the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of
law.
 
     9.4  Successors. References in this Agreement to particular persons, firms,
agencies, statutes, regulations and the  like shall be considered as  references
to any successors thereto.
 
     9.5  Assignment. This Agreement  and all of the  provisions hereof shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted  assigns, but  neither this  Agreement nor  any of  the
rights, interests, or obligations hereunder is otherwise assignable, or shall be
assigned  (whether by  operation of  law or  otherwise), by  any of  the parties
without the prior written consent of the other parties.
 
     9.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may  be executed in counterparts, each  of
which  shall be deemed an original, but  both of which together shall constitute
one and the same agreement.
 
     9.7 Schedules. Cryenco, Chart,  GTC and CAC  have, simultaneously with  the
execution of this Agreement, initialed the front page of the Schedules which are
referred to herein.
 
     9.8  Entire Agreement. This Agreement and  the Schedules referred to herein
contain the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the Merger
and the  other  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  and  supersedes  all  prior
agreements  among the  parties with respect  to such  matters including, without
limitation,   the   Confidentiality   Agreement   dated   November   11,   1996.
Simultaneously  herewith, (a)  certain affiliates  of Cryenco  are entering into
agreements pursuant to which such affiliates agree under certain conditions,  to
vote  in  favor  of the  Merger  at  the Cryenco  Special  Meeting  (the 'Voting
Agreements') and (b) Charterhouse Group International, Inc. and Alfred Schechter
are entering  into agreements  to indemnify  and hold  Chart harmless  from  and
against certain liabilities (the 'Indemnification Agreement').
 
                                      A-24
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     IN  WITNESS WHEREOF, each party hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly
executed as of the date first above written.
 
                                          CHART INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                          By:        /S/ ARTHUR S. HOLMES
                                             ...................................
 
                                          GREENVILLE TUBE CORPORATION

                                          By:        /S/ ARTHUR S. HOLMES
                                             ...................................

                                          CHART ACQUISITION COMPANY, INC.

                                          By:        /S/ JAMES R. SADOWSKI
                                             ...................................
 
                                          CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.

                                          By:        /S/ ALFRED SCHECHTER
                                             ...................................
 
                                      A-25



<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                                                                         ANNEX B
 
             [LETTERHEAD OF HOULIHAN, LOKEY, HOWARD & ZUKIN, INC.]
 


                                                                  April 21, 1997
 
To The Board of Directors of
CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
 
Gentlemen:
 
     We  understand that Cryenco Sciences, Inc. (the 'Company') is contemplating
entering into  a plan  and  agreement of  merger  (the 'Agreement')  with  Chart
Industries,  Inc.  ('Chart')  and  Chart Acquisition  Company,  Inc.  ('CAC'), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Chart, pursuant to  which the Company would become  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary of Chart  (the 'Transaction'). It  is our understanding
that in the Transaction (i) each  issued and outstanding share of the  Company's
Class  A common  stock, $.01  par value,  shall be  converted into  the right to
receive a cash amount equal to $2.75 and (ii) each issued and outstanding  share
of  the Company's Series A  preferred stock, $.01 par  value, shall be converted
into the right to receive cash in an amount equal to the sum of $10.00 plus  any
accumulated but unpaid dividends.
 
     You  have requested our opinion (the 'Opinion') as to the matters set forth
below. The Opinion does not  address the Company's underlying business  decision
to  effect the Transaction. We have not  been requested to, and did not, solicit
third party indications of interest in acquiring all or any part of the Company.
Furthermore, at your  request, although we  have reviewed and  commented on  the
Agreement, we have not negotiated the Transaction or advised you with respect to
alternatives to it.
 
     In  connection with this  Opinion, we have made  such reviews, analyses and
inquiries as we have deemed  necessary and appropriate under the  circumstances.
Among other things, we have:
 
          1.  reviewed the Company's annual reports  to stockholders and on Form
     10-K for the four fiscal years  ended August 31, 1996 and quarterly  report
     on  Form 10-Q for the quarter ended  February 28, 1997, which the Company's
     management has identified  as being the  most current financial  statements
     available;
 
          2.  reviewed the Plan and Agreement of Merger among Chart, CAC and the
     Company, draft dated April 11, 1997;
 
          3. met with certain members of the senior management of the Company to
     discuss the operations, financial condition, future prospects and projected
     operations and performance of the Company;
 
          4. reviewed  a  forecast prepared  by  the Company's  management  with
     respect to the Company for the year ending August 31, 1997;
 
          5.  reviewed the historical  market prices and  trading volume for the
     Company's publicly traded securities;
 
          6. reviewed publicly  available financial data  for certain  companies
     that  we deem comparable to the  Company, and publicly available prices and
     premiums paid  in other  transactions  that we  considered similar  to  the
     Transaction; and
 
                                      B-1
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
          7.  conducted such  other studies, analyses  and inquiries  as we have
     deemed appropriate.
 
     We have relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, that the
financial forecast provided to us has been reasonably prepared and reflects  the
best  currently available estimate of the future financial results and condition
of the  Company, and  that there  has been  no material  change in  the  assets,
financial  condition, business or prospects of the Company since the date of the
most recent financial statements made available to us.
 
     We have not  independently verified  the accuracy and  completeness of  the
information  supplied to us  with respect to  the Company and  do not assume any
responsibility with respect to it. We  have not made any physical inspection  or
independent  appraisal of any  of the properties  or assets of  the Company. Our
opinion is necessarily based on business, economic, market and other  conditions
as they exist and can be evaluated by us at the date of this letter.
 
     Based  upon the foregoing, and in reliance  thereon, it is our opinion that
the Transaction  is fair  to the  common  stockholders of  the Company,  from  a
financial point of view.
 
                                          HOULIHAN, LOKEY, HOWARD & ZUKIN, INC.
 
                                      B-2


<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                                                                         ANNEX C
 
              SECTION 262 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
 
     262 APPRAISAL RIGHTS. -- (a) Any stockholder of a corporation of this State
who holds  shares of stock on the date of the  making  of a demand  pursuant  to
subsection  (d) of this section with  respect to such shares,  who  continuously
holds such shares through the effective date of the merger or consolidation, who
has otherwise  complied with  subsection (d) of this section and who has neither
voted in favor of the merger or consolidation  nor consented  thereto in writing
pursuant to 'SS'228 of this title shall be entitled to an appraisal by the Court
of  Chancery  of the fair value of the  stockholder's  shares of stock under the
circumstances  described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.  As used in
this  section,  the word  'stockholder'  means a holder  of record of stock in a
stock  corporation  and also a member of record of a nonstock  corporation;  the
words  'stock' and 'share'  mean and include what is  ordinarily  meant by those
words and also  membership  or  membership  interest  of a member of a  nonstock
corporation;  and  the  words  'depository  receipt'  mean a  receipt  or  other
instrument  issued  by a  depository  representing  an  interest  in one or more
shares, or fractions thereof,  solely of stock of a corporation,  which stock is
deposited with the depository.
 
     (b)  Appraisal  rights  shall be  available  for the shares of any class or
series of stock of a constituent  corporation in a merger or consolidation to be
effected  pursuant  to  'SS'251  (other  than  a  merger  effected  pursuant  to
'SS'251(g)  of this  title),  'SS'252,  'SS'254,  'SS'257,  'SS'258,  'SS'263 or
'SS'264 of this title:
 
          (1)  Provided, however,  that no  appraisal rights  under this section
     shall be available for the  shares of any class  or series of stock,  which
     stock,  or depository receipts in respect thereof, at the record date fixed
     to determine the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote  at
     the  meeting  of  stockholders  to  act upon  the  agreement  of  merger or
     consolidation, were either (i) listed on a national securities exchange  or
     designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation
     system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or (ii) held
     of  record  by  more  than  2,000 holders;  and  further  provided  that no
     appraisal rights  shall  be  available  for any  shares  of  stock  of  the
     constituent  corporation surviving a  merger if the  merger did not require
     for its approval the vote of the stockholders of the surviving  corporation
     as provided in subsection (f) of 'SS'251 of this title.
 
          (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, appraisal rights
     under this section shall be available for the shares of any class or series
     of stock of a constituent  corporation if the holders  thereof are required
     by the  terms of an  agreement  of  merger  or  consolidation  pursuant  to
     'SS''SS'251,  252,  254,  257, 258, 263 and 264 of this title to accept for
     such stock anything except:
 
             a. Shares of stock of  the corporation surviving or resulting  from
        such merger or consolidation, or depository receipts in respect thereof;
 
             b. Shares of stock of any other corporation, or depository receipts
        in  respect thereof, which shares of stock or depository receipts at the
        effective date of the merger or consolidation will be either listed on a
        national securities exchange or designated  as a national market  system
        security  on an interdealer quotation system by the National Association
        of Securities  Dealers,  Inc. or  held  of  record by  more  than  2,000
        holders;
 
             c.  Cash  in lieu  of  fractional shares  or  fractional depository
        receipts described  in the  foregoing subparagraphs  a. and  b. of  this
        paragraph; or
 
             d.  Any combination of the shares of stock, depository receipts and
        cash in  lieu of  fractional shares  or fractional  depository  receipts
        described in the foregoing subpararaphs a., b. and c. of this paragraph.
 
          (3) In the event all of the stock of a subsidiary Delaware corporation
     party to a merger  effected under 'SS'253 of this title is not owned by the
     parent corporation immediately prior to the merger,  appraisal rights shall
     be available for the shares of the subsidiary Delaware corporation.
 
     (c)  Any corporation may  provide in its  certificate of incorporation that
appraisal rights under  this section shall  be available for  the shares of  any
class  or series of its stock as a  result of an amendment to its certificate of
incorporation, any  merger  or  consolidation  in which  the  corporation  is  a
constituent
 
                                      C-1
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
corporation  or  the sale  of  all or  substantially all  of  the assets  of the
corporation. If the certificate of incorporation contains such a provision,  the
procedures of this section, including those set forth in subsections (d) and (e)
of this section, shall apply as nearly as is practicable.
 
     (d) Appraisal rights shall be perfected as follows:
 
          (1)  If a proposed merger or  consolidation for which appraisal rights
     are provided  under this  section is  to  be submitted  for approval  at  a
     meeting  of stockholders, the  corporation, not less than  20 days prior to
     the meeting, shall  notify each  of its stockholders  who was  such on  the
     record  date for  such meeting with  respect to shares  for which appraisal
     rights are  available  pursuant  to  subsections (b)  or  (c)  hereof  that
     appraisal  rights  are  available for  any  or  all of  the  shares  of the
     constituent corporations, and shall include in  such notice a copy of  this
     section.  Each stockholder electing  to demand the  appraisal of his shares
     shall deliver to  the corporation,  before the taking  of the  vote on  the
     merger or consolidation, a written demand for appraisal of his shares. Such
     demand  will be sufficient if it  reasonably informs the corporation of the
     identity of the  stockholder and  that the stockholder  intends thereby  to
     demand  the appraisal of his shares. A  proxy or vote against the merger or
     consolidation shall not constitute such a demand. A stockholder electing to
     take such  action  must  do so  by  a  separate written  demand  as  herein
     provided.  Within  10  days after  the  effective  date of  such  merger or
     consolidation, the  surviving or  resulting corporation  shall notify  each
     stockholder  of  each constituent  corporation who  has complied  with this
     subsection and has  not voted in  favor of  or consented to  the merger  or
     consolidation  of  the date  that the  merger  or consolidation  has become
     effective; or
 
          (2) If the merger or consolidation was approved pursuant to 'SS'228 or
     'SS'253 of this title,  each  constituent  corporation,  either  before the
     effective  date  of  the  merger  or   consolidation  or  within  ten  days
     thereafter,  shall  notify  each of the  holders  of any class or series of
     stock of such constituent  corporation who are entitled to appraisal rights
     of the approval of the merger or  consolidation  and that appraisal  rights
     are  available  for any or all  shares of such  class or series of stock of
     such  constituent  corporation,  and shall include in such notice a copy of
     this  section;  provided  that,  if the  notice  is given  on or after  the
     effective date of the merger or  consolidation,  such notice shall be given
     by the surviving or resulting  corporation to all such holders of any class
     or  series  of stock of a  constituent  corporation  that are  entitled  to
     appraisal rights.  Such notice may, and, if given on or after the effective
     date of the merger or  consolidation,  shall, also notify such stockholders
     of the  effective  date of the  merger or  consolidation.  Any  stockholder
     entitled to appraisal  rights may, within 20 days after the date of mailing
     of  such  notice,  demand  in  writing  from  the  surviving  or  resulting
     corporation  the  appraisal of such  holder's  shares.  Such demand will be
     sufficient if it reasonably  informs the corporation of the identity of the
     stockholder  and  that  the  stockholder  intends  thereby  to  demand  the
     appraisal  of  such  holder's  shares.   If  such  notice  did  not  notify
     stockholders of the effective date of the merger or  consolidation,  either
     (i) each such constituent corporation shall send a second notice before the
     effective date of the merger or consolidation notifying each of the holders
     of any class or series of stock of such  constituent  corporation  that are
     entitled  to  appraisal  rights  of the  effective  date of the  merger  or
     consolidation  or (ii) the  surviving or resulting  corporation  shall send
     such a second  notice to all such  holders  on or within 10 days after such
     effective date; provided,  however, that if such second notice is sent more
     than 20 days following the sending of the first notice,  such second notice
     need only be sent to each  stockholder who is entitled to appraisal  rights
     and who has demanded  appraisal of such holder's  shares in accordance with
     this subsection. An affidavit of the secretary or assistant secretary or of
     the  transfer  agent of the  corporation  that is  required  to give either
     notice that such notice has been given shall,  in the absence of fraud,  be
     prima  facie  evidence  of  the  facts  stated  therein.  For  purposes  of
     determining  the  stockholders  entitled  to receive  either  notice,  each
     constituent  corporation  may fix, in advance,  a record date that shall be
     not more than 10 days prior to the date the notice is given, provided, that
     if the  notice is given on or after  the  effective  date of the  merger or
     consolidation,  the record date shall be such effective  date. If no record
     date is fixed and the  notice is given  prior to the  effective  date,  the
     record date shall be the close of business  on the day next  preceding  the
     day on which the notice is given.
 
                                      C-2
 
<PAGE>

<PAGE>
     (e)   Within  120  days   after  the  effective  date   of  the  merger  or
consolidation, the surviving or resulting corporation or any stockholder who has
complied with subsections (a)  and (d) hereof and  who is otherwise entitled  to
appraisal  rights, may  file a  petition in  the Court  of Chancery  demanding a
determination  of   the  value   of  the   stock  of   all  such   stockholders.
Notwithstanding  the foregoing, at  any time within 60  days after the effective
date of the  merger or consolidation,  any stockholder shall  have the right  to
withdraw  his demand  for appraisal  and to  accept the  terms offered  upon the
merger or consolidation. Within 120 days after the effective date of the  merger
or  consolidation, any  stockholder who  has complied  with the  requirements of
subsections (a)  and (d)  hereof, upon  written request,  shall be  entitled  to
receive  from  the  corporation  surviving  the  merger  or  resulting  from the
consolidation a statement setting forth the aggregate number of shares not voted
in favor of the merger  or consolidation and with  respect to which demands  for
appraisal have been received and the aggregate number of holders of such shares.
Such  written statement shall be mailed to  the stockholder within 10 days after
his written  request  for such  a  statement is  received  by the  surviving  or
resulting  corporation  or within  10 days  after expiration  of the  period for
delivery of  demands for  appraisal under  subsection (d)  hereof, whichever  is
later.
 
     (f)  Upon the filing  of any such  petition by a  stockholder, service of a
copy thereof shall be  made upon the surviving  or resulting corporation,  which
shall  within 20 days after  such service file in the  office of the Register in
Chancery in which  the petition was  filed a duly  verified list containing  the
names  and addresses  of all  stockholders who  have demanded  payment for their
shares and with whom agreements  as to the value of  their shares have not  been
reached  by the  surviving or  resulting corporation.  If the  petition shall be
filed  by  the  surviving  or  resulting  corporation,  the  petition  shall  be
accompanied  by  such a  duly verified  list.  The Register  in Chancery,  if so
ordered by the  Court, shall give  notice of the  time and place  fixed for  the
hearing  of such petition  by registered or  certified mail to  the surviving or
resulting corporation and to the stockholders shown on the list at the addresses
therein stated. Such notice  shall also be  given by 1  or more publications  at
least  1  week  before  the  day  of the  hearing,  in  a  newspaper  of general
circulation published in the City of Wilmington, Delaware or such publication as
the Court deems advisable. The forms of  the notices by mail and by  publication
shall  be approved  by the Court,  and the costs  thereof shall be  borne by the
surviving or resulting corporation.
 
     (g) At  the  hearing  on  such petition,  the  Court  shall  determine  the
stockholders who have complied with this section and who have become entitled to
appraisal  rights. The Court  may require the stockholders  who have demanded an
appraisal for their  shares and who  hold stock represented  by certificates  to
submit  their certificates  of stock  to the  Register in  Chancery for notation
thereon of the  pendency of the  appraisal proceedings; and  if any  stockholder
fails to comply with such direction, the Court may dismiss the proceedings as to
such stockholder.
 
     (h)  After determining the stockholders entitled to an appraisal, the Court
shall appraise the shares, determining their fair value exclusive of any element
of value  arising  from the  accomplishment  or  expectation of  the  merger  or
consolidation,  together with a fair  rate of interest, if  any, to be paid upon
the amount determined to be the fair value. In determining such fair value,  the
Court shall take into account all relevant factors. In determining the fair rate
of  interest, the Court may consider all relevant factors, including the rate of
interest which the surviving or resulting  corporation would have had to pay  to
borrow  money during  the pendency  of the  proceeding. Upon  application by the
surviving or resulting corporation or by any stockholder entitled to participate
in the appraisal proceeding, the Court may, in its discretion, permit  discovery
or  other pretrial proceedings and may proceed to trail upon the appraisal prior
to the final  determination of  the stockholder  entitled to  an appraisal.  Any
stockholder  whose name appears on the list  filed by the surviving or resulting
corporation pursuant to subsection (f) of this section and who has submitted his
certificates of stock  to the  Register in Chancery,  if such  is required,  may
participate  fully in all proceedings until it  is finally determined that he is
not entitled to appraisal rights under this section.
 
     (i) The Court shall  direct the payment  of the fair  value of the  shares,
together with interest, if any, by the surviving or resulting corporation to the
stockholders  entitled thereto. Interest may be simple or compound, as the Court
may direct. Payment shall be  so made to each such  stockholder, in the case  of
holders  of uncertificated  stock forthwith, and  the case of  holders of shares
represented by  certificates  upon  the  surrender to  the  corporation  of  the
certificates representing such stock. The Court's decree
 
                                      C-3

<PAGE>

<PAGE>
may  be enforced  as other  decrees in  the Court  of Chancery  may be enforced,
whether such surviving or resulting corporation  be a corporation of this  State
or of any state.
 
     (j)  The costs of the  proceeding may be determined  by the Court and taxed
upon the  parties  as the  Court  deems  equitable in  the  circumstances.  Upon
application  of  a stockholder,  the Court  may order  all or  a portion  of the
expenses  incurred  by  any  stockholder   in  connection  with  the   appraisal
proceeding,  including, without  limitation, reasonable attorney's  fees and the
fees and expenses of experts,  to be charged pro rata  against the value of  all
the shares entitled to an appraisal.
 
     (k)  From and after the  effective date of the  merger or consolidation, no
stockholder who has demanded his appraisal rights as provided in subsection  (d)
of  this section  shall be  entitled to vote  such stock  for any  purpose or to
receive payment  of  dividends  or  other distributions  on  the  stock  (except
dividends  or other  distributions payable to  stockholders of record  at a date
which is prior to the effective date of the merger or consolidation);  provided,
however,  that if no  petition for an  appraisal shall be  filed within the time
provided in subsection (e) of this section, or if such stockholder shall deliver
to the surviving or resulting corporation a written withdrawal of his demand for
an appraisal and an acceptance of the merger or consolidation, either within  60
days  after the  effective date  of the merger  or consolidation  as provided in
subsection (e) of this  section or thereafter with  the written approval of  the
corporation,  then the  right of such  stockholder to an  appraisal shall cease.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no appraisal proceeding in the Court of  Chancery
shall  be dismissed as to any stockholder without the approval of the Court, and
such approval may be conditioned upon such terms as the Court deems just.
 
     (l) The  shares of  the surviving  or resulting  corporation to  which  the
shares  of  such  objecting  stockholders would  have  been  converted  had they
assented to the merger or consolidation shall have the status of authorized  and
unissued shares of the surviving or resulting corporation.
 
                                      C-4

<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                                                                      APPENDIX A
 
                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                 PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR
                      THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                 JULY   , 1997
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned stockholder of Cryenco
Sciences,  Inc.  (the  'Company')  does  hereby  constitute  and  appoint Alfred
Schechter and  James  A. Raabe  or  either of  them  (each with  full  power  of
substitution  of another for himself) as  attorneys, agents and proxies, for and
in the name, place  and stead of  the undersigned, and with  all the powers  the
undersigned would possess if personally present, to vote as instructed below all
of  the shares of Class  A Common Stock of the  Company which the undersigned is
entitled to vote at  the Special Meeting  of Stockholders of  the Company to  be
held  on            , July    , 1997 at         a.m. local time at the Princeton
Club, 15 West 43rd Street, New York,  New York 10036, and at any adjournment  or
adjournments  thereof, all  as set  forth in the  Notice of  Special Meeting and
Proxy Statement.
 
(1) Approval and adoption of the Plan and Agreement of Merger and the
transactions contemplated thereby.             [ ] FOR  [ ] AGAINST  [ ] ABSTAIN
 
(2) In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other  and
further business as may properly come before the meeting.

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     The  shares represented by this Proxy will  be voted in accordance with the
instructions given. If no such instructions are given, the shares represented by
this Proxy will be voted 'FOR' Item 1.
 
                                            Dated:........................, 1997
 
                                            ....................................
 
                                            ....................................
 
                                            IMPORTANT: PLEASE  SIGN  EXACTLY  AS
                                            YOUR  NAME  OR NAMES  APPEAR HEREON,
                                            AND  WHEN   SIGNING   AS   ATTORNEY,
                                            EXECUTOR,  ADMINISTRATOR, TRUSTEE OR
                                            GUARDIAN, GIVE  YOUR FULL  TITLE  AS
                                            SUCH. IF SIGNATORY IS A CORPORATION,
                                            SIGN THE FULL CORPORATE NAME BY DULY
                                            AUTHORIZED  OFFICER.  IF  SHARES ARE
                                            HELD JOINTLY, EACH STOCKHOLDER NAMED
                                            SHOULD SIGN.
 
NOTE: PLEASE MARK, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL  THIS PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED  FOR
      THIS PURPOSE. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED FOR MAILING IN THE UNITED STATES.



<PAGE>

<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX B



                                    FORM 10-K

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

              [x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

            [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996        Commission file number 0-14996
- -----------------------------------------        ------------------------------

                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                  Delaware                               52-1471630
       ---------------------------------             -------------------
         (State or other jurisdiction                 (I.R.S. Employer
       of incorporation or organization)             Identification No.)

3811 Joliet Street, Denver, CO                                       80239
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address of principal executive offices                            (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  303-371-6332
                                                     ------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                   Name of each exchange on
        Title of each class                             which registered
        -------------------                        -------------------------
        None                                       None


Securities  registered  pursuant  to Section  12(g) of the  Act:  Class A Common
Stock, $.01 par value

        Indicate by check mark whether the  registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934 during the  preceding  12 months,  and (2) has been  subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X   No ____
                                      ---
        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of  delinquent  filers  pursuant to
item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained  herein,  and will not be contained,
to the best of  registrant's  knowledge,  in  definitive  proxy  or  information
statements  incorporated  by  reference  in Part  III of this  Form  10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K [X]

        The  aggregate  market  value at  November  25,  1996 of  shares  of the
registrant's  Common  Stock,  $.01  par  value,  held by  non-affiliates  of the
registrant was approximately $13,334,638. On such date, the closing price of the
Common Stock on the  NASDAQ-National  Market System was $2.00 per share.  Solely
for the purposes of this  calculation,  shares held by directors  and  executive
officers of the  registrant  have been excluded.  Such  exclusion  should not be
deemed a determination  or an admission by the registrant that such  individuals
are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant.

        Indicate the number of shares  outstanding  of each of the  registrant's
classes of common  stock,  as of the latest  practicable  date:  At November 25,
1996, there were outstanding  6,996,997 shares of Class A Common Stock, $.01 par
value.

Documents  Incorporated  by  Reference:  Certain  portions  of the  registrant's
definitive proxy statement to be filed not later than December 29, 1996 pursuant
to Regulation 14A are  incorporated  by reference in Items 10 through 13 of Part
III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.




<PAGE>
<PAGE>




                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.

                               INDEX TO FORM 10-K

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item Number                                                                           Page
- -----------                                                                           ----
                                            PART I

<S>            <C>                                                                    <C>
Item 1.        Business                                                                 2
Item 2.        Properties                                                              10
Item 3.        Legal Proceedings                                                       10
Item 4.        Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                     10


                                           PART II

Item 5.        Market for Registrant's Common Equity and
                 Related Stockholder Matters                                           12
Item 6.        Selected Consolidated Financial Data                                    13
Item 7.        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                 Condition and Results of Operations                                   14
Item 8.        Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                             19
Item 9.        Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
                 Accounting and Financial Disclosure                                   19

                                           PART III

Item 10.       Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant                      20
Item 11.       Executive Compensation                                                  20
Item 12.       Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
                 Management                                                            20
Item 13.       Certain Relationships and Related Transactions                          20


                                           PART IV

Item 14.       Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K        21

Signatures                                                                             31
</TABLE>




<PAGE>
<PAGE>




                                            PART I

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS.

GENERAL

       Cryenco  Sciences,  Inc., its  subsidiaries and their  predecessors  (the
"Company") have  manufactured  vacuum jacketed  containment  systems and related
products  since  1978.   Vacuum  jacketing   provides  a  highly  efficient  and
cost-effective insulation to prevent heat transfer and is therefore critical for
many applications  that are  temperature-sensitive.  The Company's  products are
used in such applications as magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI"),  industrial gas
transportation  and  storage,   military   cryogenics,   liquefied  natural  gas
transportation,    storage   and   dispensing,    vacuum   jacketed   intermodal
transportation, and other applications requiring both custom and standard design
and fabrication.

       The Company  has  significant  expertise  in the field of  cryogenics,  a
branch of physics that deals with the  production  and effects of extremely cold
temperatures  on the properties of matter.  To date, most  applications  for the
Company's  products have required the storing and handling of cryogenic liquids.
Cryogenic liquids are typically atmospheric gases in the liquid state which have
extremely low boiling points, such as liquid oxygen (-297 degrees Fahrenheit; 90
Kelvin), liquid nitrogen (-320 degrees Fahrenheit;  77 Kelvin) and liquid helium
(-452  degrees  Fahrenheit;  4 Kelvin),  and density  ratios  reaching  700 to 1
compared  to  their  atmospheric  state.   Cryogenic  liquids  are  produced  by
compressing  and cooling  gases until they reach the liquid  state.  As liquids,
they can be stored and transported with weight and volume  advantages of five to
ten  times  compared  with  compressed  gases.  The  Company's  vacuum  jacketed
containers  minimize  evaporation  of these  cryogenic  liquids and preserve low
temperature.

       The Company's  expansion strategy is to extend vacuum jacketed technology
into new areas,  including high performance  insulated  containers which enhance
energy  conservation  and  environmental  protection,  and to take a  leadership
position in the introduction of products to advance the use of liquefied natural
gas ("LNG") and compressed  natural gas ("CNG") as  alternatives to other fuels.
Management  believes  that  current  international  efforts to  conserve  energy
together with growing concerns for  environmental  issues provide  opportunities
for the Company to broaden the  applications for its existing  technology,  both
within and outside of its  historical  focus.  One such  opportunity is a direct
application  of  the  Company's  current  manufacturing   expertise  to  develop
alternative fuel powered  transportation  systems including  dispensing  systems
using LNG and CNG.  Another  application is the use of LNG for heat and power in
areas which are not served by gas pipelines. LNG is less costly than propane and
is a much more  environmentally  friendly  fuel.  The  Company is  working  with
various bus and engine  manufacturers,  transit  authorities  and private  fleet
operators to supply LNG fuel tanks and systems.  See  "Products -- Liquefied and
Compressed Natural Gas Products."


                                        2



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



PRODUCTS

       The Company  offers a wide range of custom and standard  vacuum  systems,
components and  accessories to meet the needs and  requirements  of customers in
the medical, industrial gas, transportation, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and
aerospace   and  defense   industries,   as  well  as   national   laboratories,
semiconductor  manufacturers  and the United  States  Government.  The Company's
products  generally  include  an inner  vessel  that is  surrounded  by a jacket
casing.  An annular  space is created  between the vessel and the jacket  casing
into which  insulation  such as  aluminum  foil,  glass paper or  fiberglass  is
installed and a vacuum is created.  This insulated system is designed to prevent
heat gain or, in some cases,  to promote heat  retention.  Both the inner vessel
and  jacket  casing  are  generally  made of carbon  steel,  stainless  steel or
aluminum.  While the Company's products differ  substantially in their use, they
all require close tolerance forming and sophisticated welding of stainless steel
and aluminum to create microscopically leak-tight systems.

           MRI CRYOSTAT COMPONENTS
       MRI is generally regarded as a significant advance in medical diagnostics
and has been found to offer  benefits  not  provided  by other  forms of medical
examination.  From a clinical point of view, MRI may also be considered superior
to other available techniques in providing images of the central nervous system,
particularly in the brain.  Unlike x-rays and certain other imaging  techniques,
such as computerized axial tomography, MRI is a non-invasive procedure where the
patient is not exposed to radiation or required to ingest any liquids or receive
injections  of any type.  Although MRI is a relatively  expensive  technology to
purchase and to operate,  its growth has been substantial.  MRI use has replaced
or  complemented  much of the imaging done by other  techniques and can decrease
the number of necessary  tasks performed on a patient,  thereby  eliminating the
need for many  exploratory  procedures  and adding  significantly  to diagnostic
knowledge.

       The basis of the MRI  technique  is the  magnetic  properties  of certain
nuclei of the human body which can be  detected,  measured  and  converted  into
images for analysis.  MRI equipment uses high-strength  magnetic fields, applied
radio waves and  high-speed  computers to obtain  cross-sectional  images of the
body.  The major  components  of the MRI  assembly  are a series  of  concentric
thermal  shields and a supercooled  magnet immersed in a liquid helium vessel (a
"cryostat") that maintains a constant,  extremely low temperature  (-452 degrees
Fahrenheit;  4 Kelvin) to achieve  superconductivity.  The Company  manufactures
large cryostats,  various  cryogenic  interfaces,  electrical  feed-throughs and
various other MRI components,  that are used to transfer power and/or  cryogenic
fluids from the  exterior of the MRI unit to the various  layers of the cryostat
and superconducting magnet.

       The Company  currently sells all of its MRI cryostats to General Electric
Company  ("GE"),  and is the  exclusive  supplier of GE's  cryostats.  GE is the
leading worldwide manufacturer of MRI equipment.  The Company will soon complete
the second year of its current  two-year  contract with GE for the production of
MRI cryostats, its tenth consecutive year of this work for GE. A new contract of
two years is currently  being  negotiated  with GE. It is  anticipated  that the
contract will allow for price adjustments based upon the cost of material, which
can be modified if GE changes specifications and contains options under which GE
may  adjust  the  number  of units  which  it will  purchase.  Revenue  from MRI
cryostats and  components  was 35%, 36% and 50% of the  Company's  total revenue
during the fiscal years




                                        3



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



ended August 31, 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively.  The Company's  backlog of
purchase  orders with GE was  approximately  $6.0  million  and $4.3  million at
September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1995, respectively. It is expected that all
of the Company's  current backlog for MRI cryostat  components will be filled by
August 31, 1997.

       TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE EQUIPMENT
       Cryogenic Transport Trailers
       Cryogenic  transport  trailers are designed to hold a variety of gases in
liquid or gaseous state and are capable of storing and  transporting  such gases
without substantial evaporation,  limiting the loss to less than one percent per
day. Because of these characteristics, cryogenic liquids can be transported over
relatively long distances with marginal loss.

       The  Company  designs and  produces  transport  trailers to the  specific
requirement  of its  customers.  The primary  purchasers of cryogenic  transport
trailers are  industrial  gas  companies,  independent  carriers  which  service
producers and users of these gases,  and independent  carriers  transporting LNG
for use as an alternative  fuel.  During the past year, the increased demand for
new  cryogenic  transport  trailers,  combined  with the  Company's  success  in
obtaining  a high  percentage  of trailer  orders  placed,  has  resulted  in an
increased level of trailer  production by the Company.  The Company also repairs
transport  trailers  built by others  and  provides  such  services  for its own
trailers.

       Revenue  from  cryogenic  transport  trailers was 42%, 33% and 17% of the
Company's  total  revenue for the fiscal years ended  August 31, 1996,  1995 and
1994,  respectively.  Sales of cryogenic  transport  trailers to Jack B. Kelley,
Inc. and affiliated companies accounted for 21%, 12% and 6% of total revenue for
the  fiscal  years  ended  August 31,  1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively.  The
Company's  backlog of cryogenic  transport  trailers at  September  30, 1996 and
September  30, 1995 was $2.7  million  and $10.3  million,  respectively.  It is
expected that the Company's current backlog of cryogenic transport trailers will
be filled by August 31, 1997.

       TVAC'r' Intermodal Containers
       Intermodal  containers,  which  are used to store and  transport  various
items worldwide,  are generally  uniform in size and are  transferable  from one
mode of transportation or carrier to another. Management believes that there are
in excess of 70,000 intermodal tank containers worldwide,  many of which rely on
mechanical  refrigeration  or  heating  to  maintain  the  temperature  of their
contents.

       The  Company  has  designed  a number of models of its  proprietary  TVAC
intermodal tank container,  which fall into two categories.  The first category,
which is used in the chemical, food and pharmaceutical  industries,  enables the
transportation  of up to 5,500  gallons  of  temperature  sensitive  hot or cold
liquids by truck, rail and ship without mechanical refrigeration or heating. The
Company has been producing these products since 1993 for applications  involving
the  transportation  of various  temperature-sensitive  products,  including hot
liquid  chocolate,  glacial  acrylic acid and chilled fruit  juices.  The second
category, for the transportation and storage of cryogenic liquids, was developed
in 1994,  and also  transports up to 5,500 gallons of these liquids  without the
need for mechanical refrigeration. As of




                                        4



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



October  31,  1996,  over  175  TVACs  have  been  produced  and are in  service
transporting  food and chemical  products as well as various  cryogenic  liquids
including liquid argon and LNG.

       Revenue from TVACs  accounted for 13%, 21% and 13% of the Company's total
revenue for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Sales of TVACs to Jack B. Kelley,  Inc. and affiliated  companies  accounted for
9%,  20% and 8% of the  Company's  total  revenue  during  the same  years.  The
Company's backlog of TVACs at September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1995 was $7.3
million  and $4.8  million,  respectively.  It is  expected  that the  Company's
current backlog of TVACs will be filled by August 31, 1997.

       Cryogenic Storage Tanks
       Large  cryogenic  storage tanks ("Big Tanks") are used for the storage of
liquefied  atmospheric gases and LNG at sites where a permanent storage facility
is  desired.  The  Company  has  designed  a series of  shop-built  Big Tanks to
accommodate  storage of cryogenic  liquids from 15,000  gallons  through  60,000
gallons. These tanks are an alternative to fieldbuilt tanks, and often provide a
more cost effective storage solution for customers. The Company made its initial
deliveries of Big Tanks in the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996.

       LIQUEFIED AND COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS PRODUCTS
       The  Company  believes  that  LNG,  used  as an  alternative  fuel in the
transportation  sector, offers a significant  opportunity for application of the
Company's  cryogenic  equipment and  technology.  Natural gas burns more cleanly
than gasoline or diesel fuel, and advanced natural gas-fueled  vehicles have the
potential to reduce carbon  monoxide  emissions by about 90% and carbon  dioxide
emissions by about 25% compared  with most  gasoline  powered  vehicles.  Recent
legislation, including the Clean Air Act of 1990, has prompted many governmental
agencies  to  consider  and  require  conversion  of  municipal  vehicles to the
utilization  of  natural  gas.  In  addition,  the cost of LNG in many areas has
decreased in the past year,  primarily due to the increasing supply of LNG. This
has resulted,  in some cases, in an economic  advantage over other fuels in both
vehicle and industrial applications. Natural gas may be used in compressed (CNG)
or liquid  (LNG)  states,  and the Company  believes  that LNG offers a superior
alternative   to  CNG  for  certain   transportation   applications,   providing
substantially   longer  range  before   refueling  is  required  and   requiring
significantly  less  vehicle  tank space and weight.  Additionally,  the Company
believes that  compressed  natural gas made from liquefied  natural gas ("LCNG")
offers some distinct  advantages as an alternative  fuel compared to traditional
CNG. Currently,  LNG production requires  liquefaction plants to convert the gas
into a liquid state and specialized  cryogenic containers to store and transport
the liquid gas to fueling stations.




                                        5



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



       The Company continues to develop proprietary products for the LNG and CNG
transportation  market.  Among the  products  developed  to date are LNG vehicle
tanks for heavy vehicle applications, portable dispensing equipment for both LNG
and  LCNG,  fueling  facilities  utilizing  either  a TVAC or a large  permanent
storage tank and dispensing  equipment  which looks and operates like a gasoline
fuel station,  a mobile refueling facility for dispensing both LNG and LCNG, and
fuel  gas  modules  for  converting  LNG to  pipeline  gas  for  industrial  and
commercial  applications.  Management  believes that the  Company's  proprietary
products  developed  for this market will be  increasingly  well received as the
supply of LNG becomes more widespread,  and as the advantages of LNG and LCNG as
alternative fuels,  including the economic advantages in an increasing number of
cases, become apparent to the potential customers.

       The  Company's  joint  venture  with Jack B.  Kelley,  Inc.,  Applied LNG
Technologies  USA,  LLC  ("ALT-USA")  has  been  active  throughout  the year in
identifying opportunities for the use of LNG as an alternative fuel source, both
for vehicle applications and for heat and power applications in areas not served
by gas  pipelines.  The vehicle  opportunities  have recently been limited by an
increased  excise tax burden imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
for highway use of LNG as a motor fuel.

       On  August 7, 1995 the IRS  ruled  that LNG is not a  gaseous  fuel,  and
should be taxed as a liquid motor fuel. The result of this ruling is to impose a
much higher effective rate of tax on LNG, one that is 25.1 cents higher than CNG
and 7.1 cents higher than diesel fuel. This tax penalty  compared to diesel fuel
has  virtually  halted the  conversion of medium and large trucks from diesel to
LNG.  A number of bills have been  introduced  in  Congress  to  eliminate  this
disparity,  and this issue is currently  working its way through the legislative
process.  While there appears to be  substantial  support for a reduction of the
tax on LNG to a rate  equaling the tax on CNG, the outcome of the effort and the
timing are in question.

       The Company continues to seek international  sales agents,  licensees and
joint venture  partners,  and continues to pursue the sale of LNG fuel tanks and
systems to a number of potential  domestic  customers,  including  municipal and
private fleets.

       TADOPTR
       The Company has obtained  exclusive rights to license technology from the
Los Alamos National  Laboratory which management believes may enable the Company
to produce a low cost, low maintenance,  reliable cryogenic refrigerator,  known
as  "TADOPTR",  to be used as a liquefier to produce LNG and CNG in a variety of
locations  and  applications.  The TADOPTR  refrigerator's  maximum  theoretical
efficiency  occurs at approximately  110 Kelvin (-260 degrees  Fahrenheit),  the
liquefication temperature for natural gas.




                                        6



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



       In June 1994,  the Company  received  $780,000 in funding  from a limited
partnership  for the  purpose of  developing  a 500 gallon per day  TADOPTR.  In
return for the partnership's investment, the Company issued warrants to purchase
200,000  shares of the  Company's  Common Stock at $3.00 per share,  and entered
into a Royalty Rights and Technology  Development Agreement with the partnership
pursuant to which royalties will be paid to the partnership on net revenues from
the sale of TADOPTRs.  The  royalties  are payable for a period of 20 years from
the  execution of the  agreement.  The Company  spent the funds  provided by the
partnership for the development of a 500 gallon per day TADOPTR during the years
ended August 31, 1995 and 1994.  Should the  development  under this contract be
successful,  management believes that there are numerous potential  applications
for this technology, including use at fueling stations for LNG and CNG vehicles,
use for  liquefaction  of natural gas at remote well  locations and use in other
commercial liquefaction applications.

       In May, 1995, the Company received a contract from BDM-Oklahoma,  Inc., a
program manager for the U.S. Department of Energy administering  funding for LNG
and CNG  research,  in the amount of  $452,500  for further  development  of and
additional  enhancements  to the TADOPTR  liquefier  and LNG  dispenser  system.
During the year ended August 31, 1996, the Company billed approximately $120,000
against this contract.

       In October 1995, the Company  successfully  liquefied a stream of natural
gas,  utilizing  a  compressor  to power the OPTR  phase of the  TADOPTR,  which
demonstrates  that the OPTR  technology can be scaled to a large size. In August
1996, the Company successfully operated a TAD power source,  designed to operate
a 500 gallon per day TADOPTR,  which  demonstrates  that the TAD  technology can
also be scaled to a large size.  Currently  the Company is working to  integrate
the TAD and the OPTR hardware as well as developing related liquefier  products.
Considerable additional development is required to transition these developments
to a refrigerator that will produce LNG efficiently and economically.

MANUFACTURING
       The Company's reputation as an innovative and effective problem solver is
supported  by  its  engineering   expertise  and   manufacturing   capabilities.
Customized  products  often result from extended  efforts  between the Company's
engineers and the customers' design staff.

       The Company meets stringent  industrial and  governmental  specifications
throughout the entire design and manufacturing process and produces fabrications
in  accordance  with the  requirements  of the  American  Society of  Mechanical
Engineers  ("ASME")  and the Boiler and  Pressure  Container  Vessel Code ("ASME
Code").   The  ASME  Code  sets  forth   generally   recognized   standards  for
manufacturing,  inspection and testing of containers for  pressurized  gases and
liquids. The ASME, through the National Board of Pressure Vessel Inspectors, has
examined  and approved the  Company's  quality  control  system.  This  approval
permits the Company to stamp its pressure  containers  with a symbol  indicating
that the equipment was built according to the  requirements of the ASME Code. In
addition,   many  of  the  Company's  products  are  designed  to  meet  various
international   standards  for  containers  used  for   transporting   regulated
materials,  such  as the  International  Maritime  Organization  standards.  The
Company  believes that, in many cases,  its ability to meet such standards gives
it a competitive advantage.




                                        7



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



       To the extent that the Company's products transport  cryogenic liquids in
interstate  commerce,  they are also subject to  regulation by the United States
Department of Transportation.  These regulations provide safety inspections that
vary according to the method of  transportation  and the nature of the substance
being transported.  Also, many states and localities impose safety  requirements
which are independent of federal requirements.

       The Company's  quality control  procedures  incorporate  many "inspection
points." Such  inspection  points require review of the quality of raw materials
used by the Company,  review of the engineering design,  inspections  throughout
the  manufacturing  process and  postmanufacture  tests to insure the structural
integrity of the container,  its durability and its  impermeability to leaks. At
each inspection point, the quality control review is conducted both by employees
of the Company and by representatives of an independent agency acceptable to the
ASME.  The  frequency  of  inspections  varies  according  to the  nature of the
manufacturing projects underway at any given time.

       The  Company  generally   warrants  its  manufactured   products  against
defective  materials and  workmanship  for a period of one year from the date of
delivery of the product.

       The  principal  raw  materials  and  supplies  used by the Company in its
manufacturing  processes are stainless steel,  carbon steel,  aluminum,  valves,
pressure  gauges,  liquid level  detectors  and  insulation  materials,  such as
aluminum foil.  These  materials are generally  available at competitive  prices
from many sources.

SALES AND MARKETING
       The Company  currently  has five sales  account  executives.  These sales
account   executives  are  responsible   for  specific   customer  and  industry
relationships.  To facilitate its sales and marketing efforts, the Company has a
sales  administration   department  consisting  of  a  sales  manager,  a  sales
administrator, an order entry clerk and a contract administrator, and agreements
with marketing  representatives  to cover parts of the United States and Europe.
In addition,  the Company  utilizes a team  selling  effort which draws upon the
expertise of senior  management from areas such as  engineering,  manufacturing,
operations and finance. To supplement its direct sales efforts, the Company also
has an  indirect  sales  and  marketing  network,  utilizing  the  personnel  of
customers and affiliates,  including Chemical Leaman Tank Lines, Jack B. Kelley,
Inc.  and  ALT-USA.  The  Company  believes  that  its  team  approach  and  the
utilization  of  outside   resources   enables  it  to  address  its  customers'
requirements  more effectively and provide a more complete  understanding of the
costs  involved  in a  particular  project,  allowing  the  Company  to bid more
competitively  and  maximize  the  opportunity  for  longer-term,   high  volume
contracts.




                                        8



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



CUSTOMERS
       Over the past several  years,  the Company has  developed  close  working
relationships with several significant customers,  including GE, Jack B. Kelley,
Inc.,  Chemical Leaman Tank Lines, MG Industries,  BOC Gases, Air Products,  the
Department  of Defense  (the "DOD") and others.  The  Company's  recent focus on
broadening its product lines is reducing customer  concentration to levels where
the loss of a single  contract or  customer,  other than GE and Jack B.  Kelley,
Inc.,  would  not  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the  Company's  overall
business. GE and Jack B. Kelley, Inc. have accounted for substantial percentages
of the Company's  revenues during the past three fiscal years.  See "Products --
MRI Cryostat Components" and "Products -- Transportation Equipment." The Company
anticipates  that its  dependence on these  customers  will be reduced in future
years.

       Historically,  the  Company's  products  were sold  pursuant  to customer
orders which called for delivery on a relatively short term basis. Over the past
several years, the Company has developed  proprietary products which has enabled
it to enter into longer term contracts with certain of its major customers. Such
contracts  contain  product  specifications,  numbers of units,  and pricing per
unit,  subject in some cases to adjustment  for changes in cost of materials and
product  specifications.  During the term of these contracts,  the customer will
issue  specific   purchase  orders  against  which  the  Company  will  commence
production.  These  orders are counted in the backlog when  purchase  orders are
received.

       At September 30, 1996,  the Company had a total backlog of $18.8 million,
compared  to a backlog of $21.2  million at  September  30,  1995.  The  Company
estimates that all of the current backlog will be filled by August 31, 1997. The
Company's backlog fluctuates depending on placement of large orders from certain
customers.

COMPETITION
       The Company has  competitors  in each of its  product  lines.  Certain of
these competitors are significantly  larger and have greater financial resources
than the Company. The Company believes that the principal competitive factors in
the markets in which it competes  are product  expertise,  quality,  service and
price.  The Company  believes that its products have achieved market  acceptance
due to the  Company's  ability to meet  stringent  industrial  and  governmental
specifications, innovative design and attention to customer service. The Company
has  achieved  significant  market  position  in the  fields  of MRI  cryostats,
cryogenic truck trailers,  cryogenic  intermodal tank containers and LNG fueling
systems,  and has  historically  been one of the largest  suppliers of cryogenic
tankage to the DOD.

EMPLOYEES
       At September 30, 1996, the Company employed 210 persons, including 167 in
manufacturing, 5 in quality control, 12 in administration, 11 in sales and 15 in
engineering.

       The Company depends on many skilled employees,  and the Company's success
is  affected  by its ability to retain  such  employees.  None of the  Company's
employees is represented by a union or other  collective  bargaining  group, and
management  believes  that its  relationships  with its  employees are generally
good.




                                        9



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES.

       The Company  leases 14,700 square feet of office space and 105,100 square
feet of  manufacturing  space for its  primary  offices  and plant under a lease
expiring in 2006 at 3811 Joliet Street, Denver, Colorado. Lease expense is $3.75
per square foot per year,  to be increased  every two years at an annual rate of
between 3% and 5%,  depending  upon the level of  inflation.  Additionally,  the
Company is  required to pay all  maintenance  for the  premises  and the cost of
insurance and property taxes.

       The Company also leases  approximately 13,700 square feet of office space
and 91,300 square feet of manufacturing  space at 5995 North Washington  Street,
Denver,  Colorado  under a lease expiring in 1999. The facility was remodeled in
1989 and substantial leasehold  improvements were made to the manufacturing area
to facilitate  production and improve  efficiencies.  Lease expense is $3.25 per
square foot per year and the Company is required to pay all taxes, insurance and
maintenance  for the  premises.  The  Company  has a right of first  refusal  to
purchase the facility.

       The Company believes that its facilities are generally in good repair and
provide  suitable  and  adequate  capacity  for its  present  needs.  Additional
facilities may be required for future expansion of operations.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

       Not Applicable

ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

       Not Applicable




                                       10



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

       The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  concerning  the
executive officers of the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               Positions and offices held
        Name                        Age                        during the past fiscal year
        ----                        ---                        ---------------------------

<S>                                 <C>            <C>
Alfred Schechter................     76            Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
                                                   Officer  and   President  of  the  Company;
                                                   Chairman  of  the  Board,  Chief  Executive
                                                   Officer and President of Cryenco, Inc.

James A. Raabe..................     44            Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial
                                                   Officer  and   Secretary  of  the  Company;
                                                   Vice President,  Treasurer, Chief Financial
                                                   Officer and Secretary of Cryenco, Inc.

</TABLE>



       Each  executive  officer serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors
and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.

        ALFRED  SCHECHTER  has been  Chairman  of the Board and Chief  Executive
Officer of Cryenco,  Inc. since September 1991, President of Cryenco, Inc. since
September 1996 and Chairman of the Board,  Chief Executive Officer and President
of the  Company  since  February  1992.  Mr.  Schechter  has been a Director  of
Charterhouse  Group  International,   Inc.   ("Charterhouse")  since  1985.  Mr.
Schechter  served  as  Chairman  of the Board and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of
Charter-Crellin,  Inc., a designer,  manufacturer  and  marketer of  proprietary
injected molded plastic products, from 1985 to 1989 and as Chairman of the Board
and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Paco   Pharmaceutical   Services,   Inc.,  a
pharmaceutical  contract packaging company,  from 1975 to 1988. Mr. Schechter is
also a member of The Advisory Board of The Recovery Group,  L.P.,  which invests
in debt and equity  securities of distressed  companies.  Mr. Schechter has held
the positions of Chairman of Stanley  Interiors  Corporation,  a manufacturer of
home  furnishings,   Vice  Chairman  of  Joseph  Kirschner   Company,   Inc.,  a
manufacturer  of processed  meat products,  and Director of Paco  Pharmaceutical
Services,  Inc.,  WDP, Inc., a brick  refractory  servicing the steel  industry,
Dreyers Grand Ice Cream,  Inc., a manufacturer of ice cream  products,  Marathon
Enterprises Inc., a manufacturer of processed meat products,  and Garden America
Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of garden products.

        JAMES A. RAABE  became Vice  President  and Chief  Financial  Officer of
Cryenco,  Inc. and Chief Financial Officer of the Company in July 1994. He later
became Vice  President of the Company and Treasurer of Cryenco,  Inc. in January
1995 and Secretary  and Treasurer of the Company and Secretary of Cryenco,  Inc.
in July 1995. Mr. Raabe was employed by Cryenco, Inc. in March 1994 as Financial
Manager.  Mr. Raabe was previously employed by Stanley Aviation  Corporation,  a
manufacturer  of  aerospace  products,  from  1977 to  1993,  where  he was Vice
President - Finance,  Corporate  Secretary  and a Director of the  Company.  Mr.
Raabe received his B.A. degree in Business  Administration from California State
University, Fullerton, and is a Certified Public Accountant.




                                       11



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                                            PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

MARKET INFORMATION

       The Company's Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market System
under the symbol  CSCI.  The  following  table sets forth the high and low sales
prices for the Company's  Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ National Market
System from September 1, 1994 to November 25, 1996. The prices set forth reflect
interdealer quotations, without retail markups, markdowns or commissions, and do
not necessarily represent actual transactions.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                High      Low
                                                                                ----      ---
<S>                                                                            <C>       <C>
Fiscal Quarter Ended

   November 30, 1994.......................................................    $5 1/2    $3 1/8
   February 28, 1995.......................................................     4 1/2     2 1/2
   May 31, 1995............................................................     4 1/2     3
   August 31, 1995.........................................................     4 1/4     3 1/4

   November 30, 1995.......................................................    $5        $3 5/8
   February 29, 1996.......................................................     5 1/8     3 3/8
   May 31, 1996............................................................     4 3/8     3
   August 31, 1996.........................................................     4 3/4     2 5/8


   November 30, 1996 (through November 25, 1996)...........................    $3 3/4    $1 3/8
</TABLE>


   The closing  price of the  Company's  Common  Stock on November  25, 1996 was
$2.00 per share. At November 25, 1996, there were approximately 200 stockholders
of record.  However, the Company believes that at such date there were in excess
of 500 beneficial stockholders.

DIVIDENDS

       The Company has never  declared or paid any cash  dividends on its Common
Stock and currently intends to retain any earnings for use in its business.  The
Company's  ability  to  pay  cash  dividends  is  currently  limited  by  credit
agreements and the Company does not anticipate  paying any cash dividends in the
foreseeable future.




                                       12



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



ITEM 6.    SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA.

       The  selected  consolidated  financial  data at and for the fiscal  years
ended August 31, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993 are derived from financial statements
which have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors. The selected
consolidated financial data at and for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1992 are
derived from the  consolidated  financial  statements which have been audited by
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent auditors.  This information should be read in
conjunction  with the Company's  consolidated  financial  statements and related
notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere herein.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         Fiscal year ended August 31,
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------
                                            1996       1995         1994        1993       1992
                                            ----       ----         ----        ----       ----

                                                      (In thousands, except per share data)
Statement of income data:

<S>                                     <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>     
    Contract Revenue                     $31,259     $27,215     $17,665     $13,099    $22,198
    Cost of revenue                       24,898      22,350      14,670      12,198     16,398
                                         -------     -------     -------     -------    -------
           Gross Profit                    6,361       4,865       2,995         901      5,800
    Selling, general and
      administrative expenses              3,288       2,867       2,834       3,396      2,366
    Research and development expenses        792          70          86         701        319
    Amortization expense                     346         346         338         286        321
                                         -------     -------     -------     -------    -------

    Operating income (loss)                1,935       1,582        (263)     (3,482)     2,794
    Interest expense, net                    943         987       1,105       1,037      1,282
    Other nonoperating expense
      (income), net                            9          40         (69)        (19)       111
                                         -------     -------     -------     -------    -------
    Income (loss) before income taxes
      and extraordinary item                 983         555      (1,299)     (4,500)     1,401
    Income tax (expense) benefit            (363)       (194)        403       1,196       (483)
                                         -------     -------     -------     -------    -------
    Income from operations before
      extraordinary item                     620         361        (896)     (3,304)       918
    Extraordinary item, net of taxes          93          --          --          --         --
                                         -------     -------     -------     -------    -------
    Net income (loss)                    $   527     $   361     $  (896)    $(3,304)       918
                                         =======     =======     =======     =======    =======

    Earnings (loss) per share (1)        $   .06     $   .04     $  (.17)    $  (.62)   $   .20
                                         =======     =======     =======     =======    =======

Balance sheet data:

    Total assets                         $25,704     $23,377     $18,404     $20,344    $21,644
    Long-term debt, excluding
      current maturities                   8,634       5,629       6,928       8,191      7,558
    Stockholders' equity                  11,673      11,236       7,047       7,191     10,420

</TABLE>

(1) Net income  (loss) per share for the fiscal  years  ended  August 31,  1996,
    1995,  1994,  1993  and  1992  have  been  calculated  based  on  7,230,773,
    6,620,055,  5,346,760,  5,326,936 and 4,491,392  weighted average common and
    common equivalent shares outstanding during the year, respectively.




                                       13



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
           FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

        This  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  contains  certain  forward-looking
statements  that involve risks and  uncertainties.  Discussions  containing such
forward-looking  statements  may be  found  in the  materials  set  forth  under
"Business" and in "Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition
and Results of Operations" set forth below.  The Company's  actual results could
differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

GENERAL

        The Company's operating subsidiary, Cryenco, Inc. was organized in 1978.
Effective August 30, 1991,  Cryenco  Holdings,  Inc. ("CHI") acquired all of the
outstanding  common stock of Cryenco,  Inc. On February 11, 1992, CHI was merged
with and into Gulf & Mississippi  Corporation and Gulf & Mississippi Corporation
changed its name to Cryenco Sciences,  Inc. (the "Merger").  The Merger has been
accounted  for as a reverse  acquisition,  whereby CHI is  considered  to be the
acquirer  of  Gulf  &  Mississippi  Corporation  for  accounting  and  financial
reporting  purposes.  The  discussion and analysis set forth below refers to the
financial  condition  and results of  operations  of the Company,  including its
predecessor, Cryenco, Inc.

        The Company accounts for its revenue using the  percentage-of-completion
method,  units  delivered  or  completed  contract,  whichever  is  deemed  more
appropriate  for  the  contract.  See  Note  1  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements.  Revenue  has been  generated  primarily  from  sales  of  cryogenic
components  and systems to a small number of significant  customers.  During the
fiscal years ended August 31, 1996,  1995 and 1994,  revenue from MRI  cryostats
and components accounted for 35%, 36% and 50%,  respectively,  of total contract
revenue.  Revenue from the sale and repair of cryogenic  transport  trailers and
intermodal  tank  containers  accounted  for 55%, 55% and 40% of total  contract
revenue for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        During fiscal 1996, the Company  continued to concentrate its efforts on
developing  new domestic and  international  markets with an emphasis on product
lines offering  repeatability  and higher volume potential while  de-emphasizing
its traditional job shop or short product run products.  During this period, the
Company  expanded certain  segments of its operations,  including  personnel and
plant  capacity,  to support the growth from these new markets for its cryogenic
technology. Management believes that the Company has been successful in securing
the majority of the orders placed during the past year for these  trailers.  The
markets  for  LNG  fuel  tanks  and  systems  both  in  the  United  States  and
internationally  are  growing,  but much more slowly than the Company had hoped.
Nevertheless,  this market appears to be improving as an increased  availability
of LNG and new products,  including the Company's dispensing equipment and TVAC,
have made LNG vehicles more economically viable.




                                       14



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The  following  table sets  forth,  for the periods  indicated,  certain
income and expense items as a percentage of revenue:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                         Fiscal Year Ended
                                                                              August 31,
                                                                   --------------------------

                                                                   1996       1995     1994
                                                                   ----       ----     ----
<S>                                                                <C>       <C>       <C>   
Contract revenue..............................................     100.0%    100.0%    100.0%
Cost of revenue...............................................      79.7      82.1      83.0
                                                                   -----     -----     -----
Gross profit..................................................      20.3      17.9      17.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses..................      10.5      10.5      16.1
Research and development expenses.............................       2.5       0.3       0.5
Amortization expense..........................................       1.1       1.3       1.9
                                                                   -----     -----     -----
Operating (loss) income ......................................       6.2       5.8      (1.5)
Interest expense, net.........................................       3.0       3.6       6.3
Other nonoperating (income) expense, net......................       0.0       0.2      (0.4)
                                                                   -----     -----     -----
Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item......       3.2       2.0      (7.4)
Income tax (expense) benefit..................................      (1.2)     (0.7)      2.3
                                                                   -----     -----     -----
Income (loss) before extraordinary item.......................       2.0       1.3      (5.1)
Extraordinary item............................................       0.3        --        --
                                                                   -----     -----     -----
        Net income (loss).....................................       1.7%      1.3%     (5.1)%
                                                                   =====     =====     ===== 
</TABLE>

       FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996 AND 1995

       Contract  revenue  increased  14.9% to $31.3  million  in 1996 from $27.2
million in 1995,  primarily as a result of the increase in revenue  derived from
the  sale of  industrial  gas and LNG  transport  trailers,  as well as  revenue
derived from the sale of various products to ALT-USA.  Additionally, the Company
recognized smaller increases in revenue from the production of MRI cryostats and
sales of LNG products.

       Gross profit in 1996 increased 30.8% to $6.4 million from $4.9 million in
1995 and gross profit as a percentage of contract revenue  increased to 20.3% in
1996 from 17.9% in 1995. This increase is the result of higher production levels
which reduced the unabsorbed  overhead,  as well as the increasing gross margins
in Transportation Equipment.  Additionally,  excess and obsolete inventory costs
increased  to  $269,000  in 1996 from  $55,000  in 1995,  while  warranty  costs
decreased  from  $663,000 in 1995 to $379,000 in 1996.  The increase in obsolete
inventory  costs is  primarily  due to the  changing of the  Company's  products
during the past few years,  which has resulted in certain inventory items having
no  anticipated  production  use,  and an increase  in the reserve for  obsolete
inventory.  The decrease in warranty  costs is  primarily  based on the improved
quality of the Company's  products.  At August 31, 1996 the reserve for obsolete
inventory was $150,000, compared to the $100,000 reserve at August 31, 1995.

       Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses  increased  14.7% to $3.3
million in 1996 from $2.9  million  in 1995 and  remained  at 10.5% of  contract
revenue.




                                       15



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



       Research  and  development  expenses  increased  to $792,000 in 1996 from
$70,000 in 1995.  This  increase is primarily  due to the  Company's  funding of
research and development for the TADOPTR program and for the further development
of LNG  products,  both of which  were in  excess  of  amounts  reimbursed  from
customers.

       Amortization expense remained at $346,000 in both 1996 and 1995.

       Interest  income  decreased to $1,000 in 1996 from $20,000 in 1995.  This
decrease  is  primarily  due to the  lower  level of  excess  cash  invested  in
short-term interest bearing accounts.

       Interest expense decreased to $944,000 in 1996 from $1.0 million in 1995.
This decrease is the result of slightly  higher  average  borrowings  during the
year which is more than offset by lower interest rates.

       Other  nonoperating  expense  decreased to $9,000 in 1996 from $40,000 in
1995.  This  decrease  is  primarily  due to the  expenses  from  the  Company's
investment in ALT-USA in 1995 that did not recur in 1996.

       Income tax expense  increased to $363,000 in 1996 from  $194,000 in 1995,
due primarily to the increased profit in 1996 compared to 1995.

       In 1996, the Company recorded an extraordinary  expense of $93,000 net of
income tax  benefit of  $54,000,  with no  corresponding  expense in 1995.  This
amount is the result of the expensing in the current period of certain  deferred
financing expenses, due to the early retirement of the Chemical Bank loans and a
portion of The CIT Group/Equity Investments, Inc.
("CIT") note.

       Net income  increased  to  $527,000 in 1996 from  $377,000  in 1995.  The
resulting  net  income  is the  result  of the  cumulative  effect  of the above
factors.

       Net cash  used by  operating  activities  in 1996  amounted  to  $356,000
compared  to $1.2  million  in 1995.  The use of cash in 1996 is  primarily  the
result  of an  increase  in  accounts  receivable  resulting  from  the  Company
discontinuing its policy of granting cash discounts, combined with a decrease in
accounts payable following the increase in borrowing  capacity from FBS Business
Finance Corporation. This use of funds was only partially offset by the decrease
in costs and estimated  earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted  contracts
during 1996.

       FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995 AND 1994

       Contract  revenue  increased  54.1% to $27.2  million  in 1995 from $17.7
million in 1994,  primarily as a result of the increase in revenue  derived from
the sale of  industrial  gas and LNG  transport  trailers  and  TVAC  intermodal
containers.  Additionally,  the Company  recognized smaller increases in revenue
from the production of MRI cryostats and sales of LNG products.




                                       16



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



       Gross profit in 1995 increased 62.4% to $4.9 million from $3.0 million in
1994 and gross profit as a percentage of contract revenue  increased to 17.9% in
1995 from 17.0% in 1994. This increase is the result of higher production levels
which reduced the unabsorbed  overhead,  as well as the increasing gross margins
in  Transportation  Equipment  and LNG  Products.  Additionally,  the excess and
obsolete  inventory  costs  decreased to $55,000 in 1995 from  $142,000 in 1994,
while  warranty  costs  increased from $287,000 in 1994 to $663,000 in 1995. The
increase in  warranty  costs is  primarily  due to costs  incurred on  cryogenic
transport trailers produced in 1993, and an increase in the warranty reserve. At
August 31, 1995 the reserve for  warranty  costs was  $200,000,  compared to the
$144,000  reserve at August 31, 1994,  and the allowance for excess and obsolete
inventory  increased  from  $52,000 at August 31, 1994 to $100,000 at August 31,
1995.

       Selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses  increased  1.2% to $2.9
million  in 1995 from $2.8  million in 1994 and  decreased  as a  percentage  of
contract  revenue to 10.6% from 16.1%.  This decrease  resulted from  continuing
savings resulting from the Company's cost reduction efforts and the fixed nature
of certain general and administrative expenses in relation to increased revenue.

       Research  and  development  expenses  decreased  to  $70,000 in 1995 from
$86,000 in 1994.  In both years,  the costs for the  continuing  development  of
products were generally charged against specific customer orders.

       Amortization expense increased to $346,000 in 1995 from $338,000 in 1994.
This increase is the result of the increased warrant amortization resulting from
the 1993 debt  restructuring  with Chemical Bank,  CIT and the Company's  junior
subordinated debt holders.

       Interest income  decreased to $20,000 in 1995 from $103,000 in 1994. This
decrease  is  primarily  due to the  lower  level of  excess  cash  invested  in
short-term interest bearing accounts.

       Interest  expense  decreased to $1.0 million in 1995 from $1.2 million in
1994.  This decrease is primarily due to reduced level of interest  bearing debt
in 1995 compared to 1994.

       Other  nonoperating  expense  increased  to  $40,000  in  1995  from  the
nonoperating  income of $69,000  in 1994.  This  increase  is  primarily  due to
expenses from the  Company's  investment in ALT-USA in the current year compared
to a reimbursement received for warranty claims in the prior year.

       Income tax  expense  increased  to $194,000 in 1995 from a tax benefit of
$403,000 in 1994,  due  primarily to the profit in 1995  compared to the loss in
1994.

       Net income  increased  to $361,000 in 1995 from a net loss of $896,000 in
1994.  The  resulting net income is the result of the  cumulative  effect of the
above factors.

       Net cash used by operating  activities  in 1995  amounted to $1.2 million
compared  to  $1.9  million  provided  by  operating  activities  in  1994.  The
difference of $3.2 million is due to




                                       17



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



the increased level of operating  activities of the Company,  which has resulted
in increased  inventories and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
on uncompleted  contracts,  which are only  partially  offset by the increase in
accounts payable.

       LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

       At August 31, 1996, the Company's working capital was $9.8 million, which
represented  a  current  ratio  of 2.8 to 1.  Also,  the  Company's  outstanding
indebtedness  under the Credit and Security  Agreement with FBS Business Finance
Corporation  ("FBS")  was $7.8  million,  of  which  $615,000  represented  term
indebtedness and $7.2 million represented revolving indebtedness.  At August 31,
1996,  the  Company's  outstanding  indebtedness  to CIT was $1.7 million  which
represented subordinated indebtedness.

       In  December  1995,  the  Company  entered  into a  Credit  and  Security
Agreement  with FBS.  Under the  agreement,  FBS is  providing a revolving  loan
facility of up to  $10,000,000  and a term loan  facility  of up to  $2,960,000,
subject  to the  amount  of  the  Company's  borrowing  base  and  manufacturing
equipment additions in the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, respectively.  The
revolving loan  initially  bore interest at the First Bank National  Association
reference  rate (the  "Reference  Rate")  plus  0.5%,  while the term loan bears
interest at the Reference  Rate plus 0.75%.  The revolving  loan has a provision
for  incentive  pricing  whereby  the rate may adjust  upward or  downward  on a
quarterly basis depending upon the performance of the Company.

       On January 16, 1996, the Company  obtained the initial  funding under the
revolving loan in the amount of $5,825,000.  The proceeds of this loan were used
to retire the outstanding Chemical Bank revolving credit facility  ($2,200,000),
to retire  the  outstanding  Chemical  Bank term  loan  ($2,125,000),  to make a
partial  payment on the  outstanding  note  payable to CIT  ($500,000),  and for
general corporate purposes ($1,000,000).

       The Credit and Security  Agreement  limits the Company's  ability to make
capital  expenditures  to $6.5  million for fiscal  1997,  and $4.5  million for
fiscal 1998. As necessary to supplement capital expenditure needs, Cryenco, Inc.
intends to utilize  leasing  arrangements  to the extent they are  available  on
commercially  reasonable terms. The Company intends to fund capital  expenditure
needs from cash flow from operations, future borrowing capacity under the Credit
and Security Agreement, if any, and, as necessary, future financing.

       The Company believes that its existing capital  resources,  together with
its cash flow from future  operations  will be sufficient to meet its short term
working capital needs. Additional financing may be required for future expansion
of operations  and research and  development,  as  necessary,  including for the
continued development of the Company's TADOPTR products.




                                       18



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

       See pages F-1 and S-2.

ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
           ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

       Not Applicable.




                                       19



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                                    PART III

ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY.

       See  Part  I,  page  11.  "Executive  Officers  of  the  Company."  Other
information  required  by this  item  is  incorporated  by  reference  from  the
Company's  definitive  proxy  statement to be filed not later than  December 29,
1996 pursuant to Regulation 14A of the General Rules and  Regulations  under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Regulation 14A").

ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

       The  information  required by this item is incorporated by reference from
the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed not later than December 29,
1996 pursuant to Regulation 14A.

ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
           BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

       The  information  required by this item is incorporated by reference from
the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed not later than December 29,
1996 pursuant to Regulation 14A.

ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND
           RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

       The  information  required by this item is incorporated by reference from
the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed not later than December 29,
1996 pursuant to Regulation 14A.




                                       20


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                                     PART IV

ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

<TABLE>


<S>                                                                                  <C>
     (a)(1) Consolidated Financial Statements of Registrant.

            Report of Independent Auditors...........................................F-2 & S-1

            Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 1996 and 1995...............F-3

            Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
              August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.........................................F-5

            Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the
              Years Ended August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.............................F-6

            Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
              August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.........................................F-7

            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................F-9

     (a)(2) Schedule II..............................................................S-2

</TABLE>

               All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
            regulations  of the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  are  not
            required under the related  instructions  or are  inapplicable  and,
            therefore, have been omitted.

     (a)(3) Exhibits.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Exhibit                                        Description
  -------                                        -----------

<S>               <C>         <C>                                                                         
    3.1           -           Restated   Certificate  of  Incorporation  of  the
                              Registrant,  incorporated  by reference to Exhibit
                              3.1 to the Registrant's  Registration Statement on
                              Form  S-2,  File No.  33-48738,  filed on June 19,
                              1992 (the "S-2 Registration Statement").

    3.2           -           By-laws  of  the   Registrant,   incorporated   by
                              reference  to  Exhibit  3.2  to  the  Registrant's
                              Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-1,  File  No.
                              33-7532,   filed  on  July  25,   1986  (the  "S-1
                              Registration Statement").

    3.3           -           Certificate   of   Amendment   to   the   Restated
                              Certificate of  Incorporation  of the  Registrant,
                              incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit 3.3 to the
                              Registrant's  Annual  Report  on Form 10-K for the
                              fiscal  year  ended  August  31,  1995 (the  "1995
                              Annual Report").
</TABLE>




                                       21



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Exhibit                                        Description
  -------                                        -----------

<S>               <C>         <C>                                                                         

    3.4           -           Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights
                              of the Series A Preferred Stock of the Registrant,
                              incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit 3.4 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    3.5           -           Corrected  Certificate  of  Amendment  of Restated
                              Certificate of  Incorporation  of the  Registrant,
                              incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit 3.5 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    4.1           -           See Article Fourth of the Restated  Certificate of
                              Incorporation,  as amended and  corrected,  of the
                              Registrant  (Exhibit 3.5 hereof),  incorporated by
                              reference  to  Exhibit  4.1  to  the  1995  Annual
                              Report.

    4.2           -           Forms of Common  Stock  and  Class B Common  Stock
                              certificates  of the  Registrant,  incorporated by
                              reference  to  Exhibit  4.3  of  the  Registrant's
                              Registration  Statement on Form S-4,  File No. 33-
                              43782,  filed  on  December  19,  1991  (the  "S-4
                              Registration Statement").

    4.3           -           Registration  Rights  Agreement dated as of August
                              30,  1991 among CHI,  CIT,  Chemical  Bank and the
                              Investors named therein, incorporated by reference
                              to Exhibit 4.3 to the 1995 Annual Report.

    4.4           -           Warrant  Agreement  dated as of  August  30,  1991
                              between  Chemical  Bank,  CHI and the  Registrant,
                              incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit 4.4 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    4.5           -           Letter  Agreement  dated  April 15, 1992 among the
                              Registrant,  CIT and Chemical Bank relating to the
                              Warrants  referred to herein at  Exhibits  4.8 and
                              4.9,  incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to
                              the S-2 Registration Statement.

    4.6           -           Letter Agreement dated August 12, 1992 between the
                              Registrant  and  Chemical  Bank  relating  to  the
                              Warrants   referred  to  herein  at  Exhibit  4.8,
                              incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit 4.6 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    4.7           -           Letter Agreement dated August 12, 1992 between the
                              Registrant   and  CIT  relating  to  the  Warrants
                              referred to herein at Exhibit 4.9, incorporated by
                              reference  to  Exhibit  4.7  to  the  1995  Annual
                              Report.
</TABLE>




                                       22



<PAGE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Exhibit                                        Description
  -------                                        -----------

<S>               <C>         <C>                                                                         


    4.8           -           Warrants  issued to Chemical Bank each dated April
                              27, 1992, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8
                              to the 1995 Annual Report.

    4.9           -           Warrants  issued to CIT each dated April 27, 1992,
                              incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit 4.9 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    4.10          -           Warrant issued to Dain Bosworth Incorporated dated
                              August 20,  1992,  incorporated  by  reference  to
                              Exhibit 4.12 to the S-2 Registration Statement.

    4.11          -           Warrant  Agreement  dated  as of  March  12,  1993
                              between  the  Registrant  and  Alfred   Schechter,
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    4.12          -           Warrant  Agreement  dated  as of  March  12,  1993
                              between  the   Registrant   and  Don  M.  Harwell,
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    4.13          -           Warrant  Agreement  dated  as of  March  12,  1993
                              between the  Registrant and MCC,  incorporated  by
                              reference  to  Exhibit  4.13  to the  1995  Annual
                              Report.

    4.14          -           Warrant issued to Alfred Schechter dated March 12,
                              1993, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to
                              the 1995 Annual Report.

    4.15          -           Warrant  issued to Don M. Harwell  dated March 12,
                              1993, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to
                              the 1995 Annual Report.

    4.16          -           Warrant  issued  to  MCC  dated  March  12,  1993,
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 4.16 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    4.17          -           Letter  Agreement dated as of June 9, 1993 between
                              the Registrant  and Alfred  Schechter with respect
                              to the Exercise Price for the Warrant  referred to
                              herein at Exhibit 4.14,  incorporated by reference
                              to Exhibit 4.17 to the 1995 Annual Report.

    4.18          -           Letter  Agreement dated as of June 9, 1993 between
                              the  Registrant and Don M. Harwell with respect to
                              the  Exercise  Price for the  Warrant  referred to
                              herein at Exhibit 4.15,  incorporated by reference
                              to Exhibit 4.18 to the 1995 Annual Report.
</TABLE>




                                       23



<PAGE>
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Exhibit                                        Description
  -------                                        -----------

<S>               <C>         <C>                                                                         


    4.19          -           Letter  Agreement dated as of June 9, 1993 between
                              the Registrant and MCC with respect to the Warrant
                              referred to herein at Exhibit  4.16,  incorporated
                              by  reference  to Exhibit  4.19 to the 1995 Annual
                              Report.

    4.20          -           Warrant issued to Chemical Bank dated November 24,
                              1993, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to
                              the 1995 Annual Report.

    4.21          -           Warrant  issued to CIT dated  November  24,  1993,
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 4.21 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    4.22          -           Warrant  Agreement  dated as of January  26,  1995
                              between   the   Company   and  Alfred   Schechter,
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 4.22 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    4.23          -           Warrant  Agreement  dated as of January  26,  1995
                              between   the   Company   and   Don  M.   Harwell,
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 4.23 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    4.24          -           Warrant  Agreement  dated as of January  26,  1995
                              between  the  Company  and  MCC,  incorporated  by
                              reference  to  Exhibit  4.24  to the  1995  Annual
                              Report.

    4.25          -           Warrant issued to Alfred  Schechter  dated January
                              26,  1995,  incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit
                              4.25 to the 1995 Annual Report.

    4.26          -           Warrant issued to Don M. Harwell dated January 26,
                              1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.26 to
                              the 1995 Annual Report.

    4.27          -           Warrant  issued to MCC  dated  January  26,  1995,
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 4.27 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    4.28          -           See the  Certificate of  Designation,  Preferences
                              and Rights of the Series A Preferred  Stock of the
                              Registrant  (Exhibit 3.4 hereof),  incorporated by
                              reference  to  Exhibit  4.28  to the  1995  Annual
                              Report.

    4.29          -           Warrant Agreement dated as of June 8, 1994 between
                              the Registrant and Cryogenic TADOPTR Company, L.P.
                              and  the  Form  of  Warrant   Certificate   issued
                              pursuant  thereto,  incorporated  by  reference to
                              Exhibit 4.29 to the 1995 Annual Report.
</TABLE>




                                       24



<PAGE>
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Exhibit                                        Description
  -------                                        -----------

<S>               <C>         <C>                                                                         

    4.30          -           Warrant  Agreement  dated as of December  20, 1994
                              between   the    Registrant   and   The   Edgehill
                              Corporation,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                              4.30 to the 1995 Annual Report.

    4.31          -           Warrant issued to The Edgehill  Corporation  dated
                              as of December 20, 1994, incorporated by reference
                              to Exhibit 4.31 to the 1995 Annual Report.

    4.32          -           Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December
                              20,  1994 among the  Registrant,  certain  parties
                              named therein and International  Capital Partners,
                              Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.32 to
                              the 1995 Annual Report.

    4.33          -           Form of  Warrant  issued to each of  International
                              Capital  Partners,  Inc. and the parties  named in
                              the  Registration  Rights  Agreement  dated  as of
                              December   20,   1994   (Exhibit   4.32   hereof),
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 4.33 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    10.1          -           1986   Non-Qualified   Stock   Option   Agreement,
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    10.2          -           Stockholders Agreement dated as of August 30, 1991
                              among the Registrant,  CHI and other  stockholders
                              of CHI,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
                              to the 1995 Annual Report.

    10.3          -           Securities  Purchase  Agreement dated as of August
                              30,  1991  among CIT,  CHI,  the  Registrant,  CEC
                              Acquisition  Corp. and Cryogenic  Energy  Company,
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the
                              1995 Annual Report.

    10.4          -           Credit Agreement dated as of August 30, 1991 among
                              Cryenco,  Inc.,  the Lenders  named  therein,  and
                              Chemical Bank, as Agent, incorporated by reference
                              to Exhibit 10.7 to the S-4 Registration Statement.

    10.5          -           Form of  Amended  and  Restated  Pledge  Agreement
                              dated  February  11, 1992  relating to the capital
                              stock   of   Cryenco,   Inc.   executed   by  CSCI
                              Corporation    in   favor   of   Chemical    Bank,
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the
                              S-4 Registration Statement.

</TABLE>



                                       25



<PAGE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Exhibit                                        Description
  -------                                        -----------

<S>               <C>         <C>                                                                         


    10.6          -           Employment Agreement dated as of September 1, 1991
                              between  Cryenco,   Inc.  and  Alfred   Schechter,
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the
                              S-4 Registration Statement.

    10.7          -           1992 Employee  Incentive and  Non-Qualified  Stock
                              Option Plan,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                              4.1 to the Registrant's  Registration Statement on
                              Form  S-8,  File No.  33-65864,  filed on July 12,
                              1993 (the "S-8 Registration Statement").

    10.8          -           Form of Option  Agreement  under the 1992 Employee
                              Incentive  and  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option Plan,
                              incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit 4.2 to the
                              S-8 Registration Statement.

    10.9          -           1993  Non-Employee  Director Stock Option Program,
                              incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit 4.3 to the
                              S-8 Registration Statement.

   10.10          -           Form of  Option  Agreement  under  the  1993  Non-
                              Employee Director Stock Option Program  (contained
                              in the 1993  Non-Employee  Director  Stock  Option
                              Program  referred  to  herein  at  Exhibit  10.9),
                              incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit 4.4 to the
                              S-8 Registration Statement.

   10.11          -           1991 Incentive Compensation Plan of Cryenco, Inc.,
                              as amended,  incorporated  by reference to Exhibit
                              10.9 to the S-2 Registration Statement.

   10.12          -           Lease,   as   amended,   dated   August  22,  1989
                              concerning  the property  leased by the Registrant
                              located at 5995 North Washington  Street,  Denver,
                              Colorado,  incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit
                              10.10 to the S-2 Registration Statement.

   *10.13         -           Lease, as amended,  dated June 19, 1996 concerning
                              the property  leased by the Registrant  located at
                              3811 Joliet Street, Denver, Colorado.

   10.14          -           Consulting Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between
                              the Registrant and  Charterhouse,  incorporated by
                              reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the S-2 Registration
                              Statement.


</TABLE>


                                       26



<PAGE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Exhibit                                        Description
  -------                                        -----------

<S>               <C>         <C>                                                                         

   10.15          -           Waiver  and  Amendment   Agreement   dated  as  of
                              February 28, 1993 among Cryenco, Inc., the Lenders
                              named  therein and  Chemical  Bank,  amending  the
                              Credit  Agreement  dated as of August 30, 1991, as
                              amended,  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit
                              10.15 to the 1995 Annual Report.

   10.16          -           Waiver  and  Amendment   Agreement   dated  as  of
                              February  28,  1993  among   Cryenco,   Inc.,  the
                              Registrant   and  CIT,   amending  the  Securities
                              Purchase Agreement dated as of August 30, 1991, as
                              amended,  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit
                              10.16 to the 1995 Annual Report.

   10.17          -           Funding  Agreement  dated  March  12,  1993  among
                              Alfred  Schechter,  Don M.  Harwell,  MCC  and the
                              Registrant,  incorporated  by reference to Exhibit
                              10.17 to the 1995 Annual Report.

   10.18          -           Intentionally left blank.

   10.19          -           Form of  Indemnification  Agreement  entered  into
                              between the Registrant and certain of its officers
                              and directors  dated March 16, 1993,  incorporated
                              by reference  to Exhibit  10.19 to the 1995 Annual
                              Report.

   10.20          -           Second Waiver and Amendment  Agreement dated as of
                              August 31, 1993 among  Cryenco,  Inc., the Lenders
                              named  therein and  Chemical  Bank,  amending  the
                              Credit  Agreement  dated as of August 30, 1991, as
                              amended,  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit
                              10.20 to the 1995 Annual Report.

   10.21          -           Second Waiver and Amendment  Agreement dated as of
                              October  31,  1993  among   Cryenco,   Inc.,   the
                              Registrant   and  CIT,   amending  the  Securities
                              Purchase Agreement dated as of August 30, 1991, as
                              amended,  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit
                              10.21 to the 1995 Annual Report.

   10.22          -           Letter  Agreement  dated  April 13, 1994 among the
                              Registrant,  Cryenco, Inc., Chemical Bank and CIT,
                              incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.




                                       27



<PAGE>
<PAGE>




</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Exhibit                                        Description
  -------                                        -----------

<S>               <C>         <C>                                                                         

   10.23          -           Exchange  Agreement  dated  April 13,  1994  among
                              Alfred  Schechter,  Don M.  Harwell,  MCC  and the
                              Registrant,  incorporated  by reference to Exhibit
                              10.23 to the 1995 Annual Report.

   10.24          -           Royalty   Rights   and   Technology    Development
                              Agreement   dated   June  8,  1994   between   the
                              Registrant and Cryogenic  TADOPTR  Company,  L.P.,
                              incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

   10.25          -           Third Waiver and Amendment  Agreement  dated as of
                              November 29, 1994 among Cryenco, Inc., the Lenders
                              named   therein  and  Chemical   Bank,  as  Agent,
                              amending the Credit  Agreement  dated as of August
                              30, 1991, as amended, incorporated by reference to
                              Exhibit 10.25 to the 1995 Annual Report.

   10.26          -           Third Waiver and Amendment  Agreement  dated as of
                              November  29,  1994  among   Cryenco,   Inc.,  the
                              Registrant   and  CIT,   amending  the  Securities
                              Purchase Agreement dated as of August 30, 1991, as
                              amended,  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit
                              10.26 to the 1995 Annual Report.

   10.27          -           Purchase  Agreement  dated as of November 29, 1994
                              among  the   Registrant,   International   Capital
                              Partners,  Inc. and the Purchasers  named therein,
                              incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

   10.28          -           Fourth Waiver and Amendment  Agreement dated as of
                              December 20, 1994 among the  Registrant,  Cryenco,
                              Inc., the Lenders named therein and Chemical Bank,
                              as Agent,  amending the Credit  Agreement dated as
                              of August 30, 1991,  as amended,  incorporated  by
                              reference  to  Exhibit  10.28 to the  1995  Annual
                              Report.

   10.29          -           Fourth Waiver and Amendment  Agreement dated as of
                              December  20,  1994  among   Cryenco,   Inc.,  the
                              Registrant   and  CIT,   amending  the  Securities
                              Purchase Agreement dated as of August 30, 1991, as
                              amended,  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit
                              10.29 to the 1995 Annual Report.
</TABLE>




                                       28



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Exhibit                                        Description
  -------                                        -----------

<S>               <C>         <C>                                                                         

   10.30          -           First Amendment to the Purchase Agreement dated as
                              of  December   20,  1994  among  the   Registrant,
                              International  Capital  Partners,   Inc.  and  the
                              Purchasers  named  therein,  amending the Purchase
                              Agreement   dated  as  of   November   29,   1994,
                              incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the
                              1995 Annual Report.

   10.31          -           Second  Amendment to the Purchase  Agreement dated
                              as of  January  30,  1994  among  the  Registrant,
                              International  Capital  Partners,   Inc.  and  the
                              Purchasers  named  therein,  amending the Purchase
                              Agreement  dated  as  of  November  29,  1994,  as
                              amended,  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit
                              10.31 to the 1995 Annual Report.

   10.32          -           Amended and Restated  Employment  Agreement  dated
                              January 18, 1995 between Cryenco, Inc. and Dale A.
                              Brubaker,  incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit
                              10.32 to the 1995 Annual Report.

   10.33          -           Letter  Agreement  dated  May 18,  1995  among the
                              Registrant,  International Capital Partners,  Inc.
                              and the Purchasers named therein,  incorporated by
                              reference  to  Exhibit  10.33 to the  1995  Annual
                              Report.

   10.34          -           Fifth Waiver and Amendment  Agreement  dated as of
                              May 30,  1995 among  Cryenco,  Inc.,  the  Lenders
                              named   therein  and  Chemical   Bank,  as  Agent,
                              amending the Credit  Agreement  dated as of August
                              30, 1995, as amended, incorporated by reference to
                              Exhibit 10.34 to the 1995 Annual Report.

   10.35          -           Credit and Security Agreement dated as of December
                              19, 1995 and Supplement A thereto between Cryenco,
                              Inc.,   the  Company  and  FBS  Business   Finance
                              Corporation,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                              10.1 to the Registrant's  Quarterly Report on Form
                              10-Q for the fiscal  quarter  ended  November  30,
                              1995.
</TABLE>




                           29



<PAGE>
<PAGE>




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Exhibit                                        Description
  -------                                        -----------

<S>               <C>         <C>                                                                         


   10.36          -           First  Amendment  dated  as of  January  16,  1996
                              between FBS Business Finance Corporation, Cryenco,
                              Inc., the Company and Cryenex,  Inc., amending the
                              Credit and Security Agreement dated as of December
                              19,  1995,  incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit
                              10.1 to the Registrant's  Quarterly Report on Form
                              10-Q for the fiscal  quarter  ended  February  29,
                              1996 (the "February 29, 1996 Quarterly Report").

   10.37          -           Letter  Agreement  dated  January 12, 1996 between
                              CIT  and   FBS   Business   Finance   Corporation,
                              incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
                              February 29, 1996 Quarterly Report.

    *21           -           Subsidiaries of the Registrant
  *23.1           -           Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

    *27           -           Financial  Data Schedule  pursuant to Article 5 of
                              Regulation S-X filed with EDGAR filing only.
</TABLE>

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

*    Filed herewith

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K:  None




                                       30



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES

       Pursuant  to the  requirements  of Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,  the Registrant has duly caused this report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                                   CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                                                   (Registrant)

                                                   By: /s/     Alfred Schechter
                                                      --------------------------
                                                               Alfred Schechter,
                                                           Chairman of the Board

                                                              November  25, 1996
                                                              ------------------
                                                                     Date

       Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended,  this report has been signed by the following  persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

        SIGNATURE                   DATE                    CAPACITY IN WHICH SIGNED
        ---------                   ----                    ------------------------

<S>                            <C>                    <C>                        
/s/    Alfred Schechter        November  25, 1996     Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
       -------------------                              Officer, President and Director of the
       Alfred Schechter                                 Company (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/    James A. Raabe          November 25, 1996      Vice President, Treasurer, Chief
       -------------------                              Financial Officer and Secretary of the
       James A. Raabe                                   Company, Vice President, Treasurer,
                                                        Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
                                                        of Cryenco, Inc. (Principal Financial
                                                        and Accounting Officer)
                                                        

/s/    Jerome L. Katz          November 25, 1996      Director of the Company
       -------------------
       Jerome L. Katz

/s/    Russell R. Haines       November 25, 1996      Director of the Company
       -------------------
       Russell R. Haines

/s/    Burton J. Ahrens        November 25, 1996      Director of the Company
       -------------------
       Burton J. Ahrens

/s/    Ajit G. Hutheesing      November 25, 1996      Director of the Company
       -------------------
       Ajit G. Hutheesing

</TABLE>



                                       31


<PAGE>
<PAGE>


                        Consolidated Financial Statements

                        Cryenco Sciences, Inc.
                        Years ended August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                        with Report of Independent Auditors

<PAGE>

<PAGE>




                                Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

                           Consolidated Financial Statements

                      Years ended August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

                                       CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Report of Independent Auditors .....................................................F-2
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets.........................................................F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations...............................................F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity.....................................F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows...............................................F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .........................................F-9

</TABLE>


                                         F-1

<PAGE>

<PAGE>










                         Report of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  Cryenco
Sciences,  Inc.  as of August 31, 1996 and 1995,  and the  related  consolidated
statements of operations,  stockholders'  equity, and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended August 31, 1996. These financial  statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects,  the consolidated financial position of Cryenco Sciences,
Inc.  at  August  31,  1996 and  1995,  and the  consolidated  results  of their
operations  and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
August 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Denver, Colorado
October 5, 1996


                                      F-2

<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                                Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

                              Consolidated Balance Sheets
                         (In Thousands, except share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    AUGUST 31
                                                               1996           1995
                                                           -----------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>      
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                 $     111     $     632
  Accounts receivable, trade, net of allowance of $12
    in 1996 and $14 in 1995                                     5,352         2,738
  Accounts receivable, affiliate                                1,423            83
  Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
    on uncompleted contracts                                    3,944         6,707
  Inventories                                                   4,333         4,208
  Prepaid expenses                                                 57           116
                                                           -----------------------------
Total current assets                                           15,220        14,484

Property and equipment:
  Leasehold improvements                                          739           684
  Machinery and equipment                                       5,355         3,979
  Office furniture and equipment                                1,231           402
                                                           -----------------------------
                                                                7,325         5,065

  Less accumulated depreciation                                 3,099         2,249
                                                           -----------------------------
                                                                4,226         2,816

Property on operating leases, net of accumulated
  depreciation of $7                                              604             -
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated
  amortization of $177 in 1996 and $738 in 1995                   120           256
Organizational costs, net of accumulated
  amortization of $507 in 1996 and $404 in 1995                     -           103
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of
  $738 in 1996 and $589 in 1995                                 5,226         5,375
Other assets                                                      308           343




                                                           -----------------------------
Total assets                                                  $25,704       $23,377
                                                           =============================


                                      F-3


<PAGE>

<PAGE>







</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                    AUGUST 31
                                                               1996           1995
                                                           -----------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>           <C>     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                                           $  2,224      $  3,469
  Accrued expenses                                              1,123           880
  Accrued management fees                                         324           324
  Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease
    obligations                                                 1,382         1,593
  Income tax payable                                              344           246
                                                           -----------------------------
Total current liabilities                                       5,397         6,512
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, less
current portion                                                 8,634         5,629
Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value,  authorized shares -
  2,000,000,  preferences, limitations and relative 
  rights to be established by the Board of Directors:
      Series A,  nonvoting,  authorized  shares - 150,000
        Issued and outstanding shares - 67,838
        (aggregate liquidation preference of $678,380)              1             1
  Common stock, $.01 par value:
    Class A,  voting,  authorized  shares -  21,500,000
    Issued and  outstanding shares - 6,996,997 at August 31,
    1996 and 6,842,828 at August 31,
    1995                                                           70            68
    Class B, nonvoting, authorized shares - 1,500,000
      Issued and outstanding shares - none                          -             -
  Additional paid-in capital                                   14,020        14,022
  Warrants                                                        169           169
  Retained earnings (deficit)                                  (2,587)       (3,024)
                                                           -----------------------------
Total stockholders' equity                                     11,673        11,236
                                                           -----------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                    $25,704       $23,377
                                                           =============================

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.


                                      F-4


<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                                Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

                         Consolidated Statements of Operations
                  (In Thousands, except share and per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31
                                                  1996          1995          1994
                                              ------------------------------------------

<S>                                               <C>           <C>          <C>    
Contract revenue                                  $31,259       $27,215      $17,665
Cost of revenue                                    24,898        22,350       14,670
                                              ------------------------------------------
Gross profit                                        6,361         4,865        2,995
Selling, general and administrative expenses        3,288         2,867        2,834
Research and development expenses                     792            70           86
Amortization expense                                  346           346          338
                                              ------------------------------------------
Operating income (loss)                             1,935         1,582         (263)
Other (income) expense:
  Interest income                                      (1)          (20)        (103)
  Interest expense                                    944         1,007        1,208
  Other nonoperating (income) expense, net              9            40          (69)
                                              ------------------------------------------
Income (loss) from operations before
  income taxes and extraordinary item                 983           555       (1,299)
Income tax expense (benefit)                          363           194         (403)
                                              ------------------------------------------
Income (loss) from operations before
  extraordinary item                                  620           361         (896)
Extraordinary item (net of income tax
  benefit of $54)                                      93             -            -
                                              ------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                                $    527     $     361    $    (896)
                                              ==========================================

Earnings (loss) per common share and common share equivalent:
    Income (loss) from operations before
      extraordinary item                         $    .07     $     .04    $     (.17)
    Extraordinary item                               (.01)           -             -
                                              ------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                                $    .06     $     .04     $    (.17)
                                              ==========================================

Weighted average number of shares
  outstanding during year                       7,230,773     6,620,055    5,346,760
                                              ==========================================

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.


                                      F-5


<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

                 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
               (In Thousands, except share and per share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Preferred           Common        Additional          Retained
                                   Stock             Stock          Paid-In            Earnings
                              ------------------------------------
                              Shares   Amount   Shares    Amount   Capital   Warrants (Deficit)    Total
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>       <C>   <C>          <C>   <C>          <C>     <C>        <C> 
Balance at August 31, 1993         -    $-    5,326,936    $53   $  9,469     $  55   $(2,386)   $  7,191
  Issuance of warrants             -     -           -       -          -        94         -          94
  Issuance of preferred
    stock                     67,838     1           -       -        678         -         -         679
  Issuance of common
    stock in exchange for
    warrants exercised             -     -       56,974      1         (1)        -         -           -
  Cash dividends paid on
    preferred stock ($.32
    per share)                     -     -           -       -          -         -       (21)        (21)
  Net loss                         -     -           -       -          -         -      (896)       (896)
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at August 31, 1994    67,838     1    5,383,910     54     10,146       149    (3,303)      7,047
    Sale of common stock           -     -      800,000      8      2,223         -         -       2,231
    Issuance of warrants           -     -           -       -          -        74         -          74
    Issuance of common
      stock in exchange for
      warrants exercised           -     -      658,918      6      1,653       (54)        -       1,605
    Cash dividends paid on
      preferred stock ($1.22
      per share)                   -     -           -       -          -         -       (82)        (82)
    Net income                     -     -           -       -          -         -       361         361
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at August 31, 1995    67,838     1    6,842,828     68     14,022       169    (3,024)     11,236
    Issuance of common
      stock in exchange for
      warrants exercised           -     -      154,169      2         (2)        -         -           -
    Dividends on preferred
      stock ($1.32 per share)      -     -           -       -          -         -       (90)        (90)
    Net income                     -     -           -       -          -         -       527         527
                              ==============================================================================
  Balance at August 31, 1996  67,838    $1    6,996,997    $70    $14,020      $169   $(2,587)    $11,673
                              ==============================================================================
</TABLE>

  See accompanying notes.


                                      F-6


<PAGE>

<PAGE>




 
                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                 (In Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31
                                                       1996           1995          1994
                                                   -------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>            <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)                                    $     527      $   361        $  (896)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
  cash provided (used) by operating activities:
    Depreciation                                           857          684            571
    Amortization                                           436          346            338
    Deferred taxes                                          26            -              -
    Write-down of deferred financing costs                 147            -              -
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable                               (3,954)         (48)           525
      Costs and estimated earnings in excess of
        billings on uncompleted contracts                2,763       (3,191)          (293)
      Inventories                                         (125)      (1,562)          (114)
      Income tax payable                                    72          596            863
      Prepaid expenses and other assets                   (101)          14            228
      Accounts payable                                  (1,245)       2,107            217
      Accrued expenses                                     220          (16)            87
      Accrued management fees                                -           80            133
      Customer deposits                                      -         (607)           285
                                                   -------------------------------------------
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities          (377)      (1,236)         1,944

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment                     (1,956)      (1,402)          (601)
Payments for operating lease property                     (611)           -              -
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                 -            6             17
                                                   -------------------------------------------
Net cash used by investing activities                   (2,567)      (1,396)          (584)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock                   -        3,892              -
Net proceeds from issuance of stock warrants                 -           72             60
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital
  lease obligations                                    (31,322)      (1,343)        (1,927)
Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings, net
  of expenses                                           33,812            -              -
Exercise of common stock options and warrants                -          (54)             -
Dividends paid on preferred stock                          (67)         (82)           (21)
                                                   -------------------------------------------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities         2,423        2,485         (1,888)
                                                   -------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                      F-7


<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
                                 (In Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31
                                                       1996           1995          1994
                                                   -------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>            <C>     
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents            $    (521)     $  (147)       $  (528)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year             632          779          1,307
                                                   -------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year             $     111      $   632        $   779
                                                   ===========================================

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
  Cash paid for income taxes                         $     247    $       -      $       -
  Cash paid for interest                                   787          875          1,267

Supplemental disclosures of noncash financing activities:
    Equipment acquired and financed under capital
      leases                                               304          317             87
    Retirement of debt in exchange for issuance of
      Series A preferred stock                               -            -            678
    Issuance of common stock in exchange for
      warrants exercised                                     2            2              1
    Issuance of warrants as part of debt restructurings      -            -             35

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.


                                      F-8

<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                                 August 31, 1996

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

Cryenco  Sciences,  Inc.  (the  Company)  designs  and  manufactures  controlled
atmospheric  enclosures and products to transport,  store and dispense cryogenic
materials.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated  financial statements include the accounts of Cryenco Sciences,
Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  All significant  intercompany  balances
and transactions have been eliminated.

INCOME TAXES

Deferred tax  liabilities or assets (net of a valuation  allowance) are provided
in the financial statements by applying the provisions of applicable tax laws to
measure the deferred tax consequences of temporary  differences that will result
in net  taxable  or  deductible  amounts  in future  years as a result of events
recognized in the financial statements in the current or preceding years.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers
all highly liquid  investments with original  maturities of three months or less
to be cash equivalents.

CONTRACT REVENUE AND COST RECOGNITION

Revenue and costs on long-term  contracts  (contracts  with a value in excess of
$100,000 and requiring  more than six months to complete) are  recognized  using
the  percentage-of-completion  method  (measured  by  the  percentage  of  costs
incurred to date to total estimated costs for each contract) or units delivered,
whichever is deemed more appropriate for the contract.

Revenue  and costs on  short-term  contracts  (contracts  with a value less than
$100,000 and requiring six months or less to complete) are recognized  using the
completed  contract  method,  which results in the deferral of revenue and costs
until such time as the contracts


                                      F-9


<PAGE>

<PAGE>



                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

are  complete.  A  contract  is  considered  complete  when  all  costs,  except
insignificant items, have been incurred and the units have been delivered to the
customer.

Contract  costs include all direct  material and labor costs and those  indirect
costs  related to contract  performance  such as indirect  labor,  building  and
equipment rental, supplies, freight and depreciation costs. Selling, general and
administrative  costs  are  charged  to  expense  as  incurred.  Provisions  for
estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period such losses are
determined.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. The
Company records an allowance for excess and obsolete inventory based on periodic
reviews.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment are recorded at cost.  Depreciation is computed using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS

Deferred  financing costs are amortized using the straight-line  method over the
term of the related indebtedness.

ORGANIZATIONAL COSTS

Organizational  costs are  amortized  using the  straight-line  method over five
years.

GOODWILL

Goodwill is being amortized using the straight-line method over forty years. The
Company  periodically  evaluates goodwill impairment on the basis of whether the
goodwill is fully recoverable from projected, undiscounted operating cash flows.


                                      F-10


<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Research and development  expenses are typically  charged to expense as incurred
or are charged against a specific contract, if to be reimbursed by the customer.

In May 1995, the Company  entered into an arrangement  with a corporation  under
which the corporation would provide $452,500 to the Company for the development,
demonstration,  delivery, and installation of an on-site  Thermo-Acoustic Driven
Orifice Pulse Tube Refrigerator  (TADOPTR)  liquefier and LNG dispensing system.
The period of performance under the arrangement was over twelve months.  For the
year ended August 31, 1995, the Company incurred approximately $255,000 in costs
for development for which it was fully reimbursed. For the year ended August 31,
1996, the Company incurred  approximately  $504,000 in costs for development and
received $120,000 of reimbursement.

WARRANTIES

The Company records a warranty accrual at the time of sale for estimated claims,
based on actual  claims  experience.  The  warranty for the  Company's  products
generally  is for defects in  material  and  workmanship  for a period of twelve
months.

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Net  earnings  (loss) per common share is computed  using the  weighted  average
number of shares of common stock outstanding.  When dilutive,  stock options and
warrants are included as share  equivalents  using the treasury stock method. In
calculating  net earnings (loss) per share,  preferred  dividends of $89,661 and
$82,538 decreased the net earnings during 1996 and 1995, respectively. Preferred
dividends  of $21,150  increased  the net loss during  1994.  Fully  diluted net
earnings (loss) per common share is not significantly different from primary net
earnings (loss) per common share.

CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS

During the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996,  1995 and 1994,  revenue from one
customer, General Electric, was approximately $11,067,000 (35% of revenue),



                                      F-11

<PAGE>


<PAGE>



                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  (CONTINUED)

$9,702,000 (36% of revenue), and $8,888,000 (50% of revenue), respectively. This
customer  also  represented  $1,140,000  (21%) and  $659,000  (24%) of  accounts
receivable at August 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,  and $2,775,000 (70%) and
$2,734,000  (40%) of costs and  estimated  earnings  in excess  of  billings  on
uncompleted contracts at August 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Revenue  from  Jack  B.  Kelley,  Inc.  and  affiliates  totaled   approximately
$9,566,000  (31% of  revenue) in 1996,  $9,854,000  (36% of revenue) in 1995 and
$2,545,000  (14% of revenue) in 1994.  Jack B. Kelley,  Inc. and affiliates also
represent  $1,835,000  (34%)  and  $821,000  (30%) of  accounts  receivable  and
$435,000 (11%) and $2,182,000 (32%) of costs and estimated earnings in excess of
billings on uncompleted contracts at August 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Revenue from Air Products totaled  approximately  $4,024,000 (13% of revenue) in
1996.  Air Products also  represents  $408,000 (8%) of accounts  receivable  and
$960,000  (24%) of costs  and  estimated  earnings  in  excess  of  billings  on
uncompleted contracts as of August 31, 1996.

The Company  performs  periodic credit  evaluations of its customers'  financial
condition and generally does not require  collateral.  Receivables are generally
due within 30 days. Credit losses consistently have not been significant.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial  statements in conformity  with generally  accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported in the financial  statements and disclosures made in
the accompanying notes to the financial statements.  Actual results could differ
from those estimates.

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying values of the Company's  financial  assets  approximate fair value.
The fair values of debt are estimated  using  discounted cash flow analyses with
discount  rates equal to the interest  rates  currently  being offered for loans
with similar  terms to borrowers of similar  credit  quality.  While the Company
believes the  carrying  value of its note payable  generally  approximates  fair
value, a reasonable  estimate of the fair market value could not be made without
incurring excessive costs.


                                      F-12


<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  (CONTINUED)

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

In  October  1995,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB)  issued
Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Statement No. 123 is
applicable  for fiscal  years  beginning  after  December 15, 1995 and gives the
option to either follow fair value accounting or to follow Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB No. 25), and
related interpretations.

The Company has determined it will follow APB No. 25 and related interpretations
in accounting for its employee stock options. The Company has not yet determined
the impact on its  financial  position or results of  operations  had fair value
accounting been adopted.

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

In March 1995, the FASB issued Statement No. 121,  Accounting for the Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of, which requires
impairment  losses to be recorded on long-lived  assets used in operations  when
indicators of impairment are present. The Company is required to adopt Statement
No.  121 in the  first  quarter  of  fiscal  year  1997  and,  based on  current
circumstances, does not believe the effect of adoption will be material.

2. INVENTORIES

At August 31, inventories consist of:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             1996            1995
                                                       ---------------------------------
                                                                (In Thousands)
<S>                                                         <C>              <C>   
    Raw materials                                           $3,344           $3,514
    Finished goods and work-in-process                       1,139              794
                                                       ---------------------------------
                                                             4,483            4,308
    Less reserve for obsolescence                              150              100
                                                       ---------------------------------
                                                            $4,333           $4,208
                                                       =================================

</TABLE>

                                      F-13


<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

3. COSTS AND ESTIMATED EARNINGS IN EXCESS OF BILLINGS ON UNCOMPLETED CONTRACTS

At August 31, costs and estimated  earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted
contracts consist of:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996            1995
                                                       ---------------------------------
                                                                (In Thousands)
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>     
     Costs on uncompleted contracts                         $5,436         $  8,776
     Estimated gross profit to date                          2,203            2,616
                                                       ---------------------------------
     Estimated revenue                                       7,639           11,392
     Less billings to date                                   3,695            4,685
                                                       ---------------------------------
                                                            $3,944         $  6,707
                                                       =================================
</TABLE>

4. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt is comprised of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     AUGUST 31
                                                                 1996         1995
                                                             ---------------------------
                                                                   (In Thousands)
<S>                                                            <C>             <C>   
     Note payable bearing interest at 14%, subordinated,
       unsecured.  Interest is payable quarterly and
       principal payments of $275,000 are payable quarterly
       beginning November 30, 1996.                            $  1,700        $2,200

     Term loan maturing December 31, 1998 bearing interest
       at the reference rate (as defined in the loan agreement)
       plus 3/4% (9.0% at August 31,  1996)
       payable monthly. Principal payments of $12,806 are
       payable monthly beginning September 15, 1996.                615             -

     Term loan bearing interest at the adjusted LIBO rate
       plus 3 1/2%.                                                   -         2,500

     Revolving credit facility.  Interest payable at the
       adjusted LIBO rate plus 3 1/2%.                                -         2,200

</TABLE>


                                      F-14


<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

4. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     AUGUST 31
                                                                 1996         1995
                                                             ---------------------------
                                                                   (In Thousands)

<S>                                                             <C>             <C>   
     Revolving credit facility  maturing  December 31, 1998
       bearing interest at the reference rate (as defined in
       the loan agreement) plus up to an additional 1.0%
       depending upon financial performance (9.25% at
       August 31, 1996).                                       $  7,210     $       -

     Capital lease obligations                                      491           322
                                                             ---------------------------
                                                                 10,016         7,222
     Less current portion                                         1,382         1,593
                                                             ---------------------------
                                                               $  8,634        $5,629
                                                             ===========================
</TABLE>

In December 1995, the Company entered into a Credit and Security  Agreement (the
Agreement) with FBS Business Finance Corporation (FBS). Under the Agreement, FBS
has provided a revolving loan facility of up to $9,000,000  through December 31,
1997, increasing to $10,000,000 through December 31, 1998, subject to the amount
of the Company's  borrowing  base, and a term loan facility of up to $2,960,000,
subject to eligible manufacturing additions for the year ended August 31, 1996.

On January  16,  1996,  the  Company  obtained  the  initial  funding  under the
revolving loan in the amount of $5,825,000.  The proceeds of this loan were used
to retire the outstanding revolving credit facility ($2,200,000),  to retire the
outstanding term loan ($2,125,000), to make a partial payment on the outstanding
note payable  ($500,000) and for general corporate purposes  ($1,000,000).  As a
result of the early  retirement of the term loan, the revolving credit facility,
and  the  partial  payment  on the  note  payable,  the  Company  recognized  an
extraordinary expense of $93,000 (net of the related tax benefit of $54,000) for
the write-down of deferred financing expenses related to these debts.

The term loan and revolving  credit  facility are secured by the common stock of
Cryenco, Inc. and all accounts receivable,  inventories,  property and equipment
and intangible assets of the Company.

The Company must comply with certain debt  covenants,  including the maintenance
of certain financial ratios and restrictions on dividends.


                                      F-15


<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

4. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                             <C>
           Year ending August 31:
             1997                                               $  1,382
             1998                                                    899
             1999                                                  7,648
             2000                                                     74
             2001                                                     13
                                                              -----------
                                                                 $10,016
                                                              ===========
</TABLE>


5. LEASES

Office  space,  production  facilities,  and certain  equipment are leased under
agreements  which are  classified as operating  leases for  financial  reporting
purposes.  The facilities  leases provide for renewal  options of up to five and
ten years at  approximately  the same rates.  Total  rental  expense  charged to
operations  for the years ended  August 31,  1996,  1995 and 1994 was  $784,000,
$853,000 and $828,000, respectively.

The Company's  assets held under capital leases,  which are included in property
and equipment, consist of the following at August 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               1996           1995
                                                           -----------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
     Machinery and equipment                                  $628,003      $418,039
     Less accumulated depreciation                             110,481        52,824
                                                           -----------------------------
                                                              $517,522      $365,215
                                                           =============================

</TABLE>


                                      F-16

<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

5. LEASES (CONTINUED)

Future minimum lease payments under capital and  noncancelable  operating leases
are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              CAPITAL      OPERATING
                                                              LEASES         LEASES
                                                           -----------------------------

<S>                                                             <C>         <C>    
           Year ending August 31:
             1997                                               $180        $   860
             1998                                                180            360
             1999                                                155            359
             2000                                                 80             42
             2001                                                 20             13
                                                           -----------------------------
           Total minimum lease payments                          615         $1,634
                                                                             ===========
           Less interest                                         124
                                                           --------------
           Present value of minimum lease payments              $491
                                                           ==============

</TABLE>


Depreciation  expense relating to assets held under capital leases for the years
ended  August  31,  1996,  1995 and  1994  was  $98,323,  $36,023  and  $16,801,
respectively.

Subsequent  to August 31,  1996,  the  property  located at 3811 Joliet  Street,
Denver, Colorado, was sold and a new lease agreement between the Company and the
new  owners  became  effective.  Under the terms of the  lease,  the  Company is
obligated  to pay a minimum  rent of $38,841 per month for 10 years  (subject to
increases based on an inflation index), property taxes and insurance. This lease
replaces the Company's  lease with the prior owners which had one year remaining
with rent of $41,666 per month,  and is not included in the future minimum lease
payments shown above.

6. EQUIPMENT LEASING

During the year ended August 31, 1996, the Company entered into lease agreements
under which equipment manufactured by the Company is leased to customers.  These
leases have been classified as operating leases by the Company.


                                      F-17

<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

6. EQUIPMENT LEASING (CONTINUED)

Future  minimum  lease  payments  under  noncancelable  operating  leases are as
follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Year ending August 31:
<S>                                                             <C>  
           1997                                                 $  81
           1998                                                    74
                                                             ----------
                                                                 $155
                                                             ==========
</TABLE>


7. COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK, WARRANTS, AND OPTIONS

In connection with a term loan and subordinated note payable, the Company issued
warrants  to  purchase  197,456  shares of its Class A common  stock and 543,372
shares  of its  Class B  common  stock  for  $.86112  per  share  (the  original
warrants). At April 15, 1992, the Company issued warrants to purchase a total of
38,323  additional  shares  of Class B common  stock  at $5 per  share  (the new
warrants)  to the  holders  of the  original  Class A and  Class B  warrants  in
exchange  for the  removal of a feature of the  original  warrants  whereby  the
holders had the option to require the  Company to purchase  the  warrants or the
stock issued  pursuant to the warrants.  During 1995, the Company  increased the
number of original  warrants to purchase an additional 1,443 shares of its Class
A common  stock and 16,854  shares of its Class B common  stock and  reduced the
exercise price to $.8352 per share as a result of antidilutive  provisions which
were invoked when the Company issued the shares of common stock described below.
In addition,  the new warrants were  increased to purchase an  additional  1,189
shares of Class A common stock and the exercise price was reduced to $4.8496 per
share. The holders of the original  warrants,  as amended,  and the new warrants
have a "cashless  exercise  right," whereby the holders may reduce the number of
shares to be received to pay the exercise  price,  such reduction to be equal to
the  exercise  price to be paid divided by the then fair market value per share.
These warrants  expire August 29, 2003.  During the years ended August 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994,  warrants for 191,766,  150,000 and 75,925 shares,  respectively,
were  exercised,  using the  cashless  exercise  option,  which  resulted in the
issuance of 154,169, 118,918 and 56,974 shares, respectively,  of Class A common
stock.

In 1992,  130,000  outstanding  options and warrants to acquire shares of Gulf &
Mississippi   Corporation,   which  had   acquired  the  Company  in  a  reverse
acquisition,  were  converted  into  options and  warrants to purchase  the same
number of shares of Class A common  stock of the  Company.  Warrants to purchase
100,000  shares  of the  Company's  Class A common  stock at  $3.6956  per share
expired  July 9, 1995 and options to  purchase  30,000  shares of the  Company's
Class A common stock at $16 per share are exercisable


                                      F-18


<PAGE>

<PAGE>



                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

7. COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK, WARRANTS, AND OPTIONS (CONTINUED)

prior to November 5, 1996.  The options  were issued  pursuant to the  Company's
1986 Non-Qualified  Stock Option Plan, which provides for an aggregate of 50,000
shares of common stock to be issued under the Plan.

In  connection  with the 1992 public  offering,  the  Company  sold a warrant to
purchase  10,000  shares of Class A common  stock at $5.50 per share for $100 to
one of the  underwriters.  The warrant is exercisable for a period of five years
commencing August 13, 1993.

In March  1993,  in  conjunction  with a debt  restructuring,  the  Company  was
advanced $650,000 from stockholders,  treated as junior  subordinated  notes. In
consideration for the advances, these stockholders received warrants to purchase
130,000  shares of Class A common  stock at $7.90 per share.  The  warrants  are
exercisable for a period of five years  commencing March 12, 1993. The warrants'
fair value of $55,000  at time of  issuance,  as  determined  by an  independent
appraiser,  was  capitalized  as a deferred  expense and is being  amortized  to
expense over five years.

In  November  1993,  the Company  amended  certain of its debt  agreements  with
respect to certain covenants.  Under the terms of these amendments,  the Company
issued  warrants to purchase 35,000 shares of the Company's Class B common stock
and warrants to purchase  17,500 shares of the  Company's  Class A common stock.
The warrants were exercisable at a price of $6.38 per share and expire on August
29, 2003.  The  warrants'  fair value at time of issuance,  as determined by the
Company, was $22,000.  During 1995, the Company increased the number of warrants
to  purchase  an  additional  1,086  shares of its Class B common  stock and 542
shares of its Class A common stock and reduced the  exercise  price to $6.19 per
share as a result of antidilutive provisions which were invoked when the Company
issued the shares of common stock described below.

During the year ended August 31, 1994,  the Company  exchanged  67,838 shares of
its Series A  Preferred  Stock for the  junior  subordinated  notes and  related
current interest notes totaling  approximately  $678,000. The Series A Preferred
Stock  provides  for  a  cumulative  cash  dividend  of  12%  of  the  aggregate
liquidation value, as defined, per annum through August 31, 1995,  increasing 1%
per annum  thereafter to a maximum of 18%.  However,  all dividends in excess of
12% per annum shall not be paid in cash, but shall be paid by issuing additional
shares of Series A  Preferred  Stock.  The  Series A  Preferred  Stock  shall be
redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company by


                                      F-19


<PAGE>

<PAGE>



                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

7. COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK, WARRANTS, AND OPTIONS (CONTINUED)

resolution of its Board of Directors,  at any time and from time to time, at the
liquidation  value of such shares,  plus all dividends payable on such shares up
to the date fixed for redemption. In consideration for the exchange, the Company
issued  warrants to purchase up to 65,000 shares of the Company's Class A common
stock, at an exercise price of $3.55 per share.  The warrants expire January 29,
2000. The warrants' fair value of $13,000 at time of issuance,  as determined by
an independent  appraiser,  was  capitalized as a deferred  expense and is being
amortized to expense over five years.

As  described in Note 10, in June 1994,  the Company  received  $780,000  from a
limited partnership to fund the development of a 500 gallon per day TADOPTR. The
partnership  received  warrants as a part of the transaction to purchase 200,000
shares of Class A common stock at $3.00 per share. The warrants expire March 20,
2000. The warrants' fair value, as determined by an independent  appraiser,  was
$60,000 at the time of issuance.

On November 29, 1994, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement with a group
of purchasers  which  provided for the sale of 800,000  shares of Class A common
stock and  warrants to purchase  700,000  shares of Class A common  stock in the
future at an exercise price of $4.00 per share. The aggregate purchase price for
the shares and warrants was approximately $2,700,000. The purchase was completed
in two  closings,  on December  20, 1994 and  January 30,  1995,  from which the
Company realized net proceeds of approximately $2,300,000.  Warrants for 507,503
and  192,497  shares  are  exercisable  for a period  of five  years  commencing
December 20, 1994 and January 30, 1995, respectively.  The warrants' fair value,
as determined by the Company, was $70,000 at the time of issuance.

On May 18, 1995, the Company agreed,  among other things, to reduce the exercise
price of the warrants referred to in the preceding  paragraph to $3.00 per share
and the  purchasers  agreed to  exercise a portion of the  warrants.  On June 8,
1995, the purchasers  exercised  warrants to purchase  539,900 shares of Class A
common  stock,  from which the Company  realized net  proceeds of  approximately
$1,600,000.

In  connection  with the  aforementioned  Purchase  Agreement,  the Company also
issued warrants to purchase 25,000 shares of Class A common stock at an exercise
price of $4.00 per share.  The warrants  expire December 20, 1999. The warrants'
fair value, as determined by the Company, was $2,500 at the time of issuance.


                                      F-20


<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

7. COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK, WARRANTS, AND OPTIONS (CONTINUED)

The Company's 1992 Employee  Incentive and Non-Qualified  Stock Option Plan (the
1992 Plan) was adopted effective April 1, 1992. The 1992 Plan provides for up to
187,500 shares of the Company's Class A common stock pursuant to the exercise of
stock options which may be granted to employees  and  directors.  Options may be
issued at not less than the fair market value on the date of grant.

Information  for each of the three years in the period  ended  August 31,  1996,
with respect to activity of the 1992 Plan, is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                      NUMBER OF      EXERCISE
                                                       OPTIONS        PRICE
                                                    -----------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>     <C> 
        Options outstanding at August 31, 1993          26,000      $4.00 - 6.75
        Granted in 1994                                 19,500      $3.00 - 6.38
                                                    --------------
        Options outstanding at August 31, 1994          45,500      $3.00 - 6.75
        Granted in 1995                                 58,000             $5.38
        Forfeited in 1995                              (17,500)     $4.00 - 6.38
                                                    --------------
        Options outstanding at August 31, 1995          86,000      $3.00 - 6.75
        Granted in 1996                                 96,500             $4.50
        Forfeited in 1996                              (52,000)     $4.50 - 6.38
                                                    ==============
        Options outstanding at August 31, 1996         130,500      $3.00 - 6.75
                                                    ==============
</TABLE>



The Company's 1995 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (the 1995 Plan)
was adopted  effective  November  16,  1995.  The 1995 Plan  provides  for up to
300,000 shares of the Company's Class A common stock pursuant to the exercise of
stock options which may be granted to employees  and  directors.  Options may be
issued at not less than the fair market  value on the date of grant.  No options
have been granted under the 1995 Plan at August 31, 1996.

The Company  adopted the 1993  Non-Employee  Director  Stock Option Program (the
Program)  effective  September  1, 1993,  whereby  each  director  who is not an
officer or employee  of the  Company is entitled to receive  options to purchase
500 shares of the Company's  Class A common stock for each fiscal quarter served
as a director,  commencing with the quarter ending  November 30, 1993.  Eligible
directors  are  limited  to a total of  20,000  shares  under the  Program.  The
purchase  price is  determined  based on the fair  market  value of  outstanding
shares as of the last business day of the  applicable  fiscal quarter (the Award
Date). Options are exercisable for a period of ten years subsequent to the Award
Date. In connection with the Program, the Company has


                                      F-21

<PAGE>

<PAGE>



                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

7. COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK, WARRANTS, AND OPTIONS (CONTINUED)

reserved  40,000  authorized  and  unissued  shares of Class A common  stock for
issuance and delivery upon exercise of the options.

Information  for each of the three years in the period  ended  August 31,  1996,
with respect to activity of the Program, is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      NUMBER OF      EXERCISE
                                                       OPTIONS        PRICE
                                                    -----------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>       
        Options outstanding at August 31, 1993               -
        Granted in 1994                                  3,000      $2.50 - 6.13
                                                    --------------
        Options outstanding at August 31, 1994           3,000      $2.50 - 6.13
        Granted in 1995                                  4,000      $3.75 - 4.25
                                                    --------------
        Options outstanding at August 31, 1995           7,000      $2.50 - 6.13
        Granted in 1996                                  4,000      $3.50 - 4.75
                                                    --------------
        Options outstanding at August 31, 1996          11,000      $2.50 - 6.13
                                                    ==============
</TABLE>

8. INCOME TAXES

Deferred  income  taxes  reflect  the net tax effects of  temporary  differences
between the carrying  amounts of assets and liabilities for financial  reporting
purposes and the amounts


                                      F-22


<PAGE>

<PAGE>



                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

8. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

used for income tax purposes.  Significant  components of the Company's deferred
tax liabilities and assets at August 31 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               1996           1995
                                                           -----------------------------
                                                                  (In Thousands)

<S>                                                           <C>            <C> 
    Deferred tax liabilities:
      Prepaid expenses                                        $    9         $  35
                                                           -----------------------------

    Deferred tax assets:
      Inventory obsolescence                                      56            37
      Warranty                                                    52            75
      Inventory capitalization                                    23            25
      Accrued liabilities                                         64            50
      Tax basis of assets in excess of book basis                 35            87
      Other                                                        4             6
                                                           -----------------------------
        Total deferred tax assets                                234           280
    Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets                 (225)         (245)
                                                           -----------------------------
    Net deferred tax assets                                        9            35
                                                           -----------------------------
                                                               $   -        $    -
                                                           =============================
</TABLE>

Components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  CURRENT      DEFERRED       TOTAL
                                                ----------------------------------------
                                                            (In Thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>         <C>   
    1996
    Federal                                         $ 389          $(26)       $  363
    State                                               -             -             -
                                                ----------------------------------------
                                                    $ 389          $(26)       $  363
                                                ========================================
    1995
    Federal                                         $ 194         $   -        $  194
    State                                               -             -             -
                                                ----------------------------------------
                                                    $ 194         $   -        $  194
                                                ========================================
</TABLE>

                                      F-23

<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

8. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  CURRENT      DEFERRED       TOTAL
                                                ----------------------------------------
                                                            (In Thousands)

<S>                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>   
    1994
    Federal                                         $(403)        $   -         $(403)
    State                                               -             -             -
                                                ----------------------------------------
                                                    $(403)        $   -         $(403)
                                                ========================================

</TABLE>

A  reconciliation  between the actual  income tax expense  (benefit)  and income
taxes computed by applying the statutory tax rates is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    1996         1995          1994
                                                ----------------------------------------
                                                            (In Thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>          <C>   
    Computed "expected" tax expense (benefit)       $334          $189         $(442)
    Goodwill and other permanent differences          99            86             -
    Other                                            (70)          (81)           39
                                                ----------------------------------------
    Actual tax expense (benefit)                    $363          $194         $(403)
                                                ========================================
</TABLE>

The Company has net operating loss  carryforwards  for state income tax purposes
of  approximately  $2,668,000 which expire in various amounts from 2008 to 2009.
Net operating loss  carryforwards of approximately  $1,048,000 and $977,000 were
used for state income tax purposes in 1996 and 1995, respectively.

9. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

The  Company's  401(k)  savings  plan  provides  for both  employee and employer
contributions.  Employees  who have  reached  the age of 21  years  and who have
completed one year of service are eligible to participate in the Plan. Employees
may  contribute  up to 15% of their annual  compensation  limited to the maximum
contribution  allowable under Internal Revenue Service guidelines.  The employer
matches  25%  of  each   employee's   contribution,   up  to  $1,000.   Employee
contributions vest immediately,  while amounts  contributed by the employer vest
based upon the  employee's  term of service.  Contributions  for the years ended
August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $68,000, $52,000 and $41,000, respectively.


                                      F-24


<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In June 1994, the Company entered into an arrangement with a limited partnership
in which the  partnership  would  contribute  $780,000  to the  Company  for the
development  of a 500 gallon per day  TADOPTR.  A director  of the  Company is a
general partner of the limited  partnership.  In exchange for this funding,  the
Company  issued  warrants to purchase  200,000 shares of Class A common stock at
$3.00 per share,  and entered into a Royalty Rights and  Technology  Development
Agreement with the partnership  pursuant to which royalties of between 1% and 5%
of net revenues from the sale of TADOPTRs will be paid to the partnership  until
the partnership  receives an aggregate of $1,600,000,  after which the royalties
decrease to between 0.6% and 0.75% of net  revenues.  The  royalties are payable
for a period of 20 years from the execution of the agreement.  In addition,  the
partnership was given a security interest in the Company's rights in the TADOPTR
to secure the  royalty  payments.  The  Company  was  obligated  to spend  funds
provided by the  partnership for the development of a 500 gallon per day TADOPTR
over a period of 12 to 18 months.  For the years ended August 31, 1996 and 1995,
the Company incurred approximately $455,000 and $325,000, respectively, in costs
for this  development,  for  which  it has  been  fully  reimbursed  under  this
agreement.

In fiscal year 1992, the Company  entered into an agreement with an affiliate of
several of the Company's  principal  stockholders  pursuant to which such entity
provides  a  variety  of  management  advisory  services  to  the  Company.  The
agreement, which terminates on August 30, 1997, provides for monthly payments of
approximately  $10,000 by the Company.  At August 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company
has accrued  management  advisory fees of approximately  $324,000 related to the
agreement.

In  connection  with the  Purchase  Agreement  described  in Note 7, the Company
issued warrants to purchase 700,000 and 25,000 shares of Class A common stock to
two entities  within the  purchaser  group in which two directors of the Company
have a financial interest.

In June 1995, a limited  liability company agreement was signed between Cryenex,
Inc.  (Cryenex),  a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company,  and an affiliate of
Jack B.  Kelley,  Inc. for the  establishment  of a limited  liability  company,
Applied LNG Technologies  USA, LLC (ALT), to develop turnkey projects  utilizing
liquefied  natural  gas.  Cryenex is a 49% owner of ALT,  and  accounts  for its
investment  using the equity method,  under which  Cryenex's share of income and
losses  of ALT is  reflected  in  income as  earned  and  distributions  will be
credited against the investment when received.  As of August 31, 1995, Cryenex's
investment of $49,000 was reduced to zero. Under terms of the


                                      F-25


<PAGE>

<PAGE>



                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)

agreement,  Cryenex agreed to provide certain  services to ALT,  reimbursable to
Cryenex,  in an amount up to $490,000.  During the fiscal years ended August 31,
1996 and 1995,  Cryenex has  provided  services to ALT in the amount of $189,000
and $83,000,  respectively. In addition, during the fiscal year ended August 31,
1996, revenue resulting from sales to ALT amounted to approximately  $1,344,000.
At August 31, 1996 and 1995,  receivables  from ALT  represented  $1,423,000 and
$83,000, respectively.

11. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FASB No. 107,  Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial  Instruments,  requires
the disclosure of the fair value of all financial  instruments,  both on and off
balance sheet,  for which it is  practicable to estimate their value.  Financial
instruments are generally defined as cash, equity instruments or investments and
contractual  obligations to pay or receive cash or another financial instrument.
In defining  fair value,  the Statement  indicates  quoted market prices are the
preferred means of estimating the value of a specific  instrument,  but in cases
where market quotes are not  available,  fair values should be determined  using
various valuation  techniques such as discounted cash flow  calculations.  Those
techniques are  significantly  affected by the assumptions  used,  including the
discount  rate and estimates of future cash flows.  In that regard,  the derived
fair value  estimates  cannot be  substantiated  by  comparison  to  independent
markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the
instrument.  FASB  No.  107  excludes  certain  financial  instruments  and  all
nonfinancial  instruments  from its disclosure  requirements.  Accordingly,  the
aggregate  fair  value  amounts do not  represent  the  underlying  value of the
Company.


                                      F-26


<PAGE>

<PAGE>




                         Report of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Cryenco Sciences,  Inc.
as of August 31,  1996 and 1995,  and for each of the three  years in the period
ended August 31, 1996,  and have issued our report thereon dated October 5, 1996
(included  elsewhere in this Form 10-K).  Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule of Cryenco Sciences, Inc. listed in Item 14(a). This schedule
is the  responsibility  of the Company's  management.  Our  responsibility is to
express an opinion based on our audits.

In our  opinion,  the  financial  statement  schedule  referred  to above,  when
considered  in  relation  to the basic  financial  statements  taken as a whole,
presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

                                                   ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Denver, Colorado
October 5, 1996


                                       S-1

<PAGE>

<PAGE>


                             Cryenco Sciences, Inc.

                 Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                           BALANCE AT    CHARGED TO    CHARGED TO                   BALANCE
                           BEGINNING     COSTS AND        OTHER                      AT END
       DESCRIPTION         OF PERIOD      EXPENSES      ACCOUNTS     DEDUCTIONS    OF PERIOD
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>           <C>                          <C>          <C>     
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996
Deducted    from    asset
accounts:
  Allowance for excess and
    obsolete inventory      $100,000      $268,726                     $218,726(1)  $150,000
  Allowance for doubtful
    accounts                  14,240        11,900                       14,240       11,900
                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                            $114,240      $280,626                     $232,966     $161,900
                          =====================================================================

  Accrued warranty reserve  $200,000      $379,259                     $438,713(2)  $140,546
                          =====================================================================

YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995

Deducted from asset accounts:

  Allowance for excess and
    obsolete inventory     $  52,226     $  55,309                   $    7,535(1)  $100,000
  Allowance for doubtful
    accounts                  22,070        14,240                       22,070       14,240
                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                           $  74,296     $  69,549                    $  29,605     $114,240
                          =====================================================================
  
  Accrued warranty reserve  $143,697      $662,988                     $606,685(2)  $200,000
                          =====================================================================

YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1994

Deducted from asset accounts:

  Allowance   for  excess
    and obsolete inventory  $105,801      $142,319                     $195,894(1) $  52,226
  Allowance for doubtful
    accounts                   1,791        20,279                            -       22,070
                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                            $107,592      $162,598                     $195,894    $  74,296
                          =====================================================================
 
  Accrued warranty reserve  $327,791      $287,955                     $472,049(2)  $143,697
                          =====================================================================
</TABLE>



(1)  Obsolete and excess inventories written off, net of recoveries
(2)  Warranty claims honored during the year

                                       S-2

 


<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX C




                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended November 30, 1996

                                       OR

[ ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

                         Commission file number 0-14996
                         -------------------------------

                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

         Delaware                                        52-1471630
 --------------------------                 ------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of             (IRS Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)

3811 Joliet Street, Denver, Colorado                                   80239
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                             (Zip Code)

               Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
                                 (303) 371-6332
                                  --------------
             Indicate  by check mark  whether the  Registrant  (1) has filed all
reports  required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter  period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X    No
                                              ---     ---

             Indicate  the  number  of  shares   outstanding   of  each  of  the
Registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Class A
common  stock,  par value $.01 per share;  6,996,997  shares  outstanding  as of
January 10, 1997.


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                      CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     Page
<S>                                                                  <C>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION .................................       3

        Item 1.  Introductory Comments .........................       3

             Consolidated Balance Sheets
             August 31, 1996 and November 30, 1996 .............       4

             Consolidated Statements of Operations
             Three Month Periods Ended November 30,
             1995 and November 30, 1996 ........................       6

             Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
             Three Month Periods Ended November 30,
             1995 and November 30, 1996 ........................       7

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ........       8

        Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis
                of Financial Condition and Results
                of Operations ..................................      11

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ....................................      13

        Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ..............      13

SIGNATURES .....................................................      18
</TABLE>


                                        2


<PAGE>
<PAGE>




                      CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

Introductory Comments:

        The Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared
by Cryenco Sciences, Inc. (the "Company"),  without audit, pursuant to the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange  Commission.  Certain information
and footnote  disclosures  normally included in financial statements prepared in
accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  have been omitted
pursuant to such rules and regulations.  It is suggested that these Consolidated
Financial  Statements be read in conjunction with the financial  information set
forth in the Company's Annual Report for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996.


                                        3


<PAGE>
<PAGE>




                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      AUGUST 31,   NOVEMBER 30,
                                                         1996          1996
                                                      ----------   ------------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                             $   111       $    22
   Accounts receivable                                     5,352         4,645
   Accounts receivable - affiliate                         1,423         1,204
   Costs and estimated earnings in excess of
     billings on uncompleted contracts                     3,944         3,597
   Inventories (Note 2)                                    4,333         4,790
   Prepaid expenses                                           57           109
                                                      ------------   -----------
Total current assets                                      15,220        14,367

Property and equipment:
   Leasehold improvements                                    739           763
   Machinery and equipment                                 5,355         5,505
   Office furniture and equipment                          1,231         1,231
                                                      ------------   -----------
                                                           7,325         7,499
   Less accumulated depreciation                           3,099         3,368
                                                      ------------   -----------
                                                           4,226         4,131

Property on operating leases                                 604           582
Deferred financing costs                                     120           105
Goodwill                                                   5,226         5,189
Other assets                                                 308           315
                                                      ------------   -------------


Total assets                                             $25,704       $24,689
                                                      ------------   -------------
                                                      ------------   -------------
</TABLE>




                                        4


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      (In thousands, except share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        AUGUST 31,  NOVEMBER 30,
                                                          1996         1996
                                                        ---------   ------------
                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
   Accounts payable                                        $ 2,224     $ 1,856
   Accrued expenses                                          1,123       1,515
   Accrued management fees                                     324         334
   Current portion of long-term debt (Note 3)                1,382       1,386
   Income tax payable                                          344          52
                                                           --------    --------
Total current liabilities                                    5,397       5,143

Long-term debt, less current portion (Note 3)                8,634       7,748
                                                           --------    --------
                                                            14,031      12,891
Stockholders' equity:
   Preferred stock, $0.01 par value,                
   authorized shares - 2,000,000, preferences,
   limitations and relative rights to be established by
   the Board of Directors:
       Series A, nonvoting,  150,000 authorized shares,
       67,838 and 68,517 issued
       and outstanding shares (aggregate liquidation
       preference of $678,380 and $685,170)                      1           1
   Common stock, $0.01 par value:
      Class A, voting, 21,500,000 authorized shares
      6,996,997 shares issued and outstanding                   70          70
      Class B, nonvoting, 1,500,000 authorized
      shares, none issued or outstanding                        --          --
   Additional paid-in capital                               14,020      14,027
   Warrants                                                    169         169
   Retained earnings (deficit)                              (2,587)     (2,469)
                                                           --------    --------
Total stockholders' equity                                  11,673      11,798
                                                           --------    --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                $ 25,704    $ 24,689
                                                           --------    --------
                                                           --------    --------
</TABLE>




                                        5


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

               (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          THREE MONTHS ENDED     THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                           NOVEMBER 30, 1995      NOVEMBER 30, 1996
                                          ------------------     ------------------
<S>                                         <C>                    <C>
Contract revenue                             $      7,259          $       6,648
Cost of revenue                                     5,945                  5,043
                                              -----------            -----------
Gross profit                                        1,314                  1,605

Selling, general and administrative expenses          700                    889
Research and development expenses                     202                    161
Amortization expense                                   86                     61
                                              -----------            -----------
Operating income                                      326                    494

Other (income) expense:
   Interest income                                     (1)                    --
   Interest expense                                   236                    272
   Other expense, net                                  (3)                   (5)
                                              -----------            -----------
Income before income taxes                             94                    227
                                              -----------            -----------
Income tax expense                                     34                     84
                                              -----------            -----------

Net income                                   $         60          $         143
                                              -----------            -----------
                                              -----------            -----------

Earnings per common and                                 0.01                   0.02
   common equivalent share (Note 4)          $ -------------       $ --------------
                                               -------------         --------------

Weighted average number of shares
   and common equivalent shares outstanding     7,467,511              7,221,512
                                              -----------            -----------
                                              -----------            -----------

</TABLE>





                                        6


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                 (In thousands)

                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                          NOVEMBER 30, 1995      NOVEMBER 30, 1996
                                                        ---------------------   ---------------------
<S>                                                     <C>                    <C>   
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                              $            60        $           143
Adjustments to reconcile net income
   to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

      Depreciation                                                  188                    291
      Amortization                                                  121                     77
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        Accounts receivable                                         220                    926
        Costs and estimated earnings in excess of
          billings on uncompleted contracts                         861                    347
        Inventories                                                (690)                  (457)
        Income taxes                                                (31)                  (292)
        Prepaid expenses and other assets                             9                    (84)
        Accounts payable                                            253                   (358)
        Accrued expenses                                            (32)                   399
                                                            -----------          -------------
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities                    959                    992
                                                           ------------          -------------


INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of property and equipment                               (197)                  (174)
                                                           -----------           -------------

Net cash (used) by investing activities                           (197)                  (174)
                                                           ------------          -------------


FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Payments of long-term debt                                        (400)                (8,522)
Borrowings                                                          --                  7,640
Dividends paid on preferred stock                                  (22)                   (25)
                                                           -----------          -------------
Net cash (used) by financing activities                           (422)                  (907)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents               340                    (89)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                   632                    111
                                                           ------------         -------------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period              $           972        $           22
                                                           ------------         -------------
                                                           ------------         -------------

Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information:
   Cash paid for interest                               $           202        $          265
   Cash paid for taxes                                              100                   375

Supplementary disclosures of noncash financing
 activity:
   Issuance of preferred stock in consideration
      for dividend payable                              $            --        $            7

</TABLE>


                                        7


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                NOVEMBER 30, 1996
                                   (Unaudited)

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

    The  accompanying  unaudited  consolidated  financial  statements  have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial  information and with the  instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of
Regulation  S-X.  Accordingly,  they do not include all of the  information  and
footnotes  required by generally  accepted  accounting  principles  for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management,  all adjustments (consisting
of normal recurring accruals)  considered necessary for a fair presentation have
been  included.  Operating  results for the three months ended November 30, 1996
are not necessarily  indicative of the results that may be expected for the year
ending  August 31,  1997.  For further  information,  refer to the  consolidated
financial  statements  and footnotes  thereto  included in the Company's  Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1996.

2.  INVENTORIES

    Inventories (in thousands) consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  AUGUST 31,         NOVEMBER 30,
                                                     1996                1996
                                                  ----------         -----------
<S>                                         <C>                   <C>
Raw materials                                     $    3,344        $      3,149
Finished goods and work-in-process                     1,139               1,791
                                                  ----------        ------------
                                                       4,483               4,940
Less reserve for obsolescence                          (150)               (150)
                                                  ----------        ------------
                                                  $    4,333        $      4,790
                                                  ----------        ------------
                                                  ----------        ------------


</TABLE>




                                        8


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



3.  LONG-TERM DEBT

    Long-term debt at November 30, 1996 is comprised of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              (In thousand)
                                                              --------------
<S>                                                          <C>
Note payable bearing interest at 14%, subordinated
   unsecured.  Interest and principal payments of $275,000
   are payable quarterly.                                     $        1,425
Term loan maturing December 31, 1998 bearing interest
   at the reference rate (as defined in the loan agreement)
   plus 3/4% (9.0 at November 30, 1996) payable monthly.
   Principal payments of $12,806 are payable monthly.                    576
Revolving credit facility maturing December 31, 1998
   bearing interest at the reference rate (as defined in the
   loan agreement) plus up to an additional 1.0% depending upon
   financial performance (8.75% at November 30, 1996).                 6,673
Other                                                                    460
                                                                ------------
                                                                       9,134
Less current portion                                                   1,386
                                                                ------------

                                                              $        7,748
                                                                ------------
                                                                ------------
</TABLE>

   The Company must comply with certain  financial  covenants in connection with
its long-term debt,  including the maintenance of certain  financial  ratios and
restrictions  on dividends.  The Company was out of compliance with one of these
financial  covenants at November  30,  1996,  and has received a waiver for this
violation covering an indefinite time period.



                                        9


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



4. EARNINGS PER SHARE

     Net earnings per share is computed  using the  weighted  average  number of
shares of common stock outstanding for the period. When dilutive,  stock options
and warrants are included as share  equivalents using the treasury stock method.
In  calculating  net  earnings  per share,  preferred  dividends  of $23,916 and
$22,293 reduced the net earnings available to common  stockholders for the three
months  ended  November  30,  1996 and 1995,  respectively.  Fully  diluted  net
earnings  per common  share is not  significantly  different  from  primary  net
earnings per common share.



                                       10


<PAGE>
<PAGE>


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
         Condition and Results of Operations
         
     This  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  contains  certain  forward-looking
statements that  involve risks  and uncertainties.  Discussions containing  such
forward-looking  statements may  be found  in the  materials set  forth below in
'Management's Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results  of
Operations.'  The Company's  actual results  could differ  materially from those
anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

Results of Operations - Three Months Ended
November 30, 1995 and November 30, 1996

   Contract  revenue  decreased  8.4% to $6.6 million for the three months ended
November  30, 1996 from $7.3  million for the three  months  ended  November 30,
1995.  The decrease is the result of decreases  in revenue from  industrial  gas
trailers,  large  horizontal  storage  tanks  and LNG  fueling  stations,  which
decreased $466,000, $433,000 and $198,000,  respectively, over the corresponding
period in the prior year. The Company does not believe that these decreases  are
indicative  of  a  long-term  trend.  These  decreases  were  offset somewhat by
increased  revenues  from  TVAC'r'  intermodal  containers  and  spares,   which
increased  $285,000  and  $234,000,  respectively,  over  the corresponding 1995
period.

   Gross profit for the three months ended November 30, 1996 increased  22.1% to
$1.6  million,  or 24.1% of contract  revenue,  from $1.3  million,  or 18.1% of
contract revenue, for the three months ended November 30, 1995. The gross profit
improved  despite the  reduction  in revenue due to increased  gross  margins in
most product categories, particularly industrial trailers.

   Selling,  general and administrative expenses increased 27.0% to $889,000 for
the three  months  ended  November  30, 1996 from  $700,000 for the three months
ended  November 30, 1995,  and increased as a percentage of contract  revenue to
13.4% from 9.6%  during the same  period.  This  increase  is  primarily  due to
increased sales expenses, as well as additional  depreciation expense related to
computer and communication  equipment.  Research and development costs decreased
to $161,000 for the three months ended  November 30, 1996 from  $202,000 for the
three months ended  November 30 1995.  This  decrease is primarily the result of
the decrease in expenditures for the Company's TADOPTR development. Amortization
expense  decreased to $61,000 for the three months ended  November 30, 1996 from
$86,000 for the three months ended  November 30, 1995, as these costs were fully
amortized at August 31, 1996.

   Interest expense for the three months ended November 30, 1996 increased 15.3%
to $272,000  from  $236,000 for the three months ended  November 30, 1995.  This
increase is due to increased  levels of borrowing offset somewhat by lower rates
of interest.  Other  non-operating  items were virtually unchanged from the same
period of the prior year.

   Income tax expense  increased to $84,000 for the three months ended  November
30, 1996 from $34,000 for the three months ended  November 30, 1995. The expense
in both years is the result of taxable  income  for the  periods  and  estimated
annual tax rates.


                                       11


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



   The  resulting  net income  increased  to $143,000 for the three months ended
November 30, 1996 from  $60,000 for the  corresponding  prior year period.  This
improvement is the result of the cumulative effect of the above factors.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

   At November 30, 1996, the Company's  working capital was $9.2 million,  which
represented  a  current  ratio  of 2.8 to 1.  Also,  the  Company's  outstanding
indebtedness  under the Credit Agreement with FBS Business  Finance  Corporation
("FBS") was $7.2 million,  of which $576,000  represented term  indebtedness and
$6.7 million  represented  revolving  indebtedness.  At November  30, 1996,  the
Company's  outstanding  indebtedness to The CIT Group/Equity  Investments,  Inc.
("CIT") was $1.4 million which represented subordinated indebtedness.

   Cash flow from  operations  for the three  months  ended  November  30,  1996
resulted in cash provided in the amount of $992,000 compared to cash provided of
$959,000  in the same  period of the prior  year.  In the  current  three  month
period,  cash was provided by net income and by decreases in accounts receivable
and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts.
These  increases  in cash  were  somewhat  offset  by cash  used  for  increased
inventories and decreased accounts payable.

   The Company must comply with certain  financial  covenants in connection with
its long-term debt,  including the maintenance of certain  financial  ratios and
restrictions  on dividends.  The Company was out of compliance with one of these
financial covenants at November 30, 1996, and has received a waiver from FBS for
this violation covering an indefinite time period.

   The Company believes that its existing capital resources,  together with cash
flow from future  operations  will be  sufficient to meet its short term working
capital  needs.  Additional  financing  may be required for future  expansion of
operations, as necessary.


                                       12



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

                  (a)  Exhibits

         Exhibit        Description of Exhibits
         -------        ----------------------

            3.1         Restated  Certificate of  Incorporation  of the Company,
                        incorporated   by   reference  to  Exhibit  3.1  to  the
                        Company's  Registration  Statement on Form S-2, File No.
                        33-48738,  filed on June 19, 1992 (the "S-2 Registration
                        Statement").

            3.2         By-laws of the  Company,  incorporated  by  reference to
                        Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's  Registration  Statement on
                        Form S-1, File No. 33-7532, filed on July 25, 1986.

            3.3         Certificate of Amendment to the Restated  Certificate of
                        Incorporation of the Company,  incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 3.3 to the  Company's  Annual  Report on Form
                        10-K for the  fiscal  year ended  August  31,  1995 (the
                        "1995 Annual Report").

            3.4         Certificate of  Designation,  Preferences  and Rights of
                        the   Series  A   Preferred   Stock   of  the   Company,
                        incorporated   by   reference  to  Exhibit  3.4  to  the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            3.5         Corrected   Certificate   of   Amendment   of   Restated
                        Certificate   of    Incorporation    of   the   Company,
                        incorporated   by   reference  to  Exhibit  3.5  to  the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.1         See  Article  Fourth  of  the  Restated  Certificate  of
                        Incorporation,  as amended and corrected, of the Company
                        (Exhibit  3.5  hereof),  incorporated  by  reference  to
                        Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.2         Forms  of  Common   Stock  and  Class  B  Common   Stock
                        certificates  of the Company,  incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's  Registration  Statement
                        on Form S-4,  File No.  33-43782,  filed on December 19,
                        1991.


                                       13


<PAGE>
<PAGE>


            4.3         Registration  Rights  Agreement  dated as of August  30,
                        1991 among Cryenco Holdings, Inc. ("CHI"), CIT, Chemical
                        Bank and the Investors  named therein,  incorporated  by
                        reference  to Exhibit 4.3 to the  Company's  1995 Annual
                        Report.

            4.4         Warrant  Agreement  dated as of August 30, 1991  between
                        Chemical  Bank,  CHI and the  Company,  incorporated  by
                        reference  to Exhibit 4.4 to the  Company's  1995 Annual
                        Report.

            4.5         Letter Agreement dated April 15, 1992 among the Company,
                        CIT and Chemical Bank relating to the Warrants  referred
                        to  herein  at  Exhibits  4.8 and 4.9,  incorporated  by
                        reference  to  Exhibit  4.9  to  the  S-2   Registration
                        Statement.

            4.6         Letter  Agreement  dated  August 12,  1992  between  the
                        Company  and  Chemical  Bank  relating  to the  Warrants
                        referred  to  herein at  Exhibit  4.8,  incorporated  by
                        reference  to Exhibit 4.6 to the  Company's  1995 Annual
                        Report.

            4.7         Letter  Agreement  dated  August 12,  1992  between  the
                        Company  and CIT  relating to the  Warrants  referred to
                        herein at Exhibit  4.9,  incorporated  by  reference  to
                        Exhibit 4.7 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.8         Warrants  issued to  Chemical  Bank each dated April 27,
                        1992,  incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.9         Warrants  issued  to CIT  each  dated  April  27,  1992,
                        incorporated   by   reference  to  Exhibit  4.9  to  the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.10        Warrant  issued  to  Dain  Bosworth  Incorporated  dated
                        August 20,  1992,  incorporated  by reference to Exhibit
                        4.12 to the S-2 Registration Statement.

            4.11        Warrant Agreement dated as of March 12, 1993 between the
                        Company and Alfred Schechter,  incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 4.11 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.12        Warrant Agreement dated as of March 12, 1993 between the

                                       14


<PAGE>
<PAGE>


                        Company and Don M. Harwell, incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 4.12 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.13        Warrant Agreement dated as of March 12, 1993 between the
                        Company  and  Mezzanine  Capital   Corporation   Limited
                        ("MCC"),  incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit 4.13 to
                        the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.14        Warrant issued to Alfred Schechter dated March 12, 1993,
                        incorporated   by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.14  to  the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.15        Warrant  issued to Don M. Harwell  dated March 12, 1993,
                        incorporated   by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.15  to  the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.16        Warrant issued to MCC dated March 12, 1993, incorporated
                        by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.16 to the  Company's  1995
                        Annual Report.

            4.17        Letter  Agreement  dated as of June 9, 1993  between the
                        Company  and  Alfred   Schechter  with  respect  to  the
                        Exercise  Price for the  Warrant  referred  to herein at
                        Exhibit 4.14,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17
                        to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.18        Letter  Agreement  dated as of June 9, 1993  between the
                        Company and Don M.  Harwell with respect to the Exercise
                        Price for the  Warrant  referred  to  herein at  Exhibit
                        4.15,  incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.19        Letter  Agreement  dated as of June 9, 1993  between the
                        Company and MCC with respect to the Warrant  referred to
                        herein at Exhibit  4.16,  incorporated  by  reference to
                        Exhibit 4.19 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.20        Warrant issued to Chemical Bank dated November 24, 1993,
                        incorporated   by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.20  to  the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.21        Warrant   issued  to  CIT  dated   November   24,  1993,
                        incorporated   by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.21  to  the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.


                                       15


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



            4.22        Warrant  Agreement  dated as of January 26, 1995 between
                        the  Company  and  Alfred  Schechter,   incorporated  by
                        reference to Exhibit 4.22 to the  Company's  1995 Annual
                        Report.

            4.23        Warrant  Agreement  dated as of January 26, 1995 between
                        the  Company  and  Don  M.  Harwell,   incorporated   by
                        reference to Exhibit 4.23 to the  Company's  1995 Annual
                        Report.

            4.24        Warrant  Agreement  dated as of January 26, 1995 between
                        the  Company  and  MCC,  incorporated  by  reference  to
                        Exhibit 4.24 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.25        Warrant  issued to Alfred  Schechter  dated  January 26,
                        1995,  incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.25 to the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.26        Warrant issued to Don M. Harwell dated January 26, 1995,
                        incorporated   by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.26  to  the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.27        Warrant   issued  to  MCC  dated   January   26,   1995,
                        incorporated   by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.27  to  the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.28        See the  Certificate  of  Designation,  Preferences  and
                        Rights of the Series A  Preferred  Stock of the  Company
                        (Exhibit  3.4  hereof),  incorporated  by  reference  to
                        Exhibit 4.28 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.29        Warrant  Agreement  dated as of June 8, 1994 between the
                        Company and Cryogenic TADOPTR Company, L.P. and the Form
                        of  Warrant   Certificate   issued   pursuant   thereto,
                        incorporated   by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.29  to  the
                        Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.30        Warrant  Agreement dated as of December 20, 1994 between
                        the Company and The Edgehill  Corporation,  incorporated
                        by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.30 to the  Company's  1995
                        Annual Report.


                                       16


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



            4.31        Warrant issued to The Edgehill  Corporation  dated as of
                        December 20, 1994,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        4.31 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            4.32        Registration  Rights  Agreement dated as of December 20,
                        1994 among the Company,  certain  parties  named therein
                        and International Capital Partners,  Inc.,  incorporated
                        by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.32 to the  Company's  1995
                        Annual Report.

            4.33        Form of Warrant issued to each of International  Capital
                        Partners, Inc. and the parties named in the Registration
                        Rights  Agreement dated as of December 20, 1994 (Exhibit
                        4.32 hereof),  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.33
                        to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

            *27         Financial  Date  Schedule   pursuant  to  Article  5  of
                        Regulation S-X filed with EDGAR filing only.

               (b)      No  reports  on Form  8-K have  been  filed  during  the
                        quarter ended November 30, 1996.

- ----------------
* Filed herewith

                                       17


<PAGE>
<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 thereunto duly authorized.

                                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                                                  (Registrant)

                                       By: /s/ Alfred Schechter
                                           ----------------------------
                                           Alfred Schechter, Chairman
                                           of the Board, Chief Executive
                                           Officer and President

                                           /s/ James A. Raabe
                                           -----------------------------
                                           James A. Raabe,
                                           Chief Financial Officer

January 13, 1997


                                       18


 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX D





                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended February 28, 1997

                                       OR

[ ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

                         Commission file number 0-14996

                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

         Delaware                                         52-1471630
- -------------------------------             ------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of             (IRS Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)

3811 Joliet Street, Denver, Colorado                                       80239
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                              (Zip Code)

               Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
                                 (303) 371-6332

             Indicate  by check mark  whether the  Registrant  (1) has filed all
reports  required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter  period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   X     No
                                              -----      -----

             Indicate  the  number  of  shares   outstanding   of  each  of  the
Registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Class A
common stock, par value $.01 per share; 6,996,997 shares outstanding as of April
11, 1997.





<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



                      CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION............................................... 3

        Item 1.    Introductory Comments..................................... 3

                  Consolidated Balance Sheets
                  August 31, 1996 and February 28, 1997...................... 4

                  Consolidated Statements of Operations
                  Three Month and Six Month Periods Ended
                  February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997.................... 6

                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                  Six Month Periods Ended February 29, 1996
                  and February 28, 1997...................................... 7

                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................. 8

        Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis
                  of Financial Condition and Results
                  of Operations..............................................11

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION..................................................14

        Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders........14

        Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...........................15

SIGNATURES...................................................................20

</TABLE>

                                        2




<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



                      CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Introductory Comments:

        The Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared
by Cryenco Sciences, Inc. (the "Company"),  without audit, pursuant to the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange  Commission.  Certain information
and footnote  disclosures  normally included in financial statements prepared in
accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  have been omitted
pursuant to such rules and regulations.  It is suggested that these Consolidated
Financial  Statements be read in conjunction with the financial  information set
forth in the Company's Annual Report for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996.


                                        3





<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         AUGUST 31,    FEBRUARY 28,
                                                           1996           1997
                                                         ---------     ------------
                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                              $   111        $    50
   Accounts receivable, trade (Note 2)                      5,352          6,337
   Accounts receivable, affiliate (Note 2)                  1,423           --
   Costs and estimated earnings in excess of
     billings on uncompleted contracts                      3,944          3,066
   Inventories (Note 3)                                     4,333          5,942
   Prepaid expenses                                            57            125
                                                          -------        -------
Total current assets                                       15,220         15,520

Property and equipment:
   Leasehold improvements                                     739            865
   Machinery and equipment                                  5,355          5,229
   Office furniture and equipment                           1,231          1,389
                                                          -------        -------
                                                            7,325          7,483
   Less accumulated depreciation                            3,099          3,642
                                                          -------        -------
                                                            4,226          3,841

Property on operating leases                                  604             54
Deferred financing costs                                      120             87
Goodwill                                                    5,226          5,151
Other assets                                                  308            255
                                                          -------        -------
Total assets                                              $25,704        $24,908
                                                          =======        =======

</TABLE>




                                        4






<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          AUGUST 31,  FEBRUARY 28,
                                                             1996       1997
                                                           --------   ---------
                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
   Accounts payable                                        $  2,224    $  2,551
   Accrued expenses                                           1,123       1,353
   Accrued management fees                                      324         313
   Current portion of long-term debt (Note 4)                 1,382       1,390
   Income tax payable                                           344         109
                                                           --------    --------

Total current liabilities                                     5,397       5,716

Long-term debt, less current portion (Note 4)                 8,634       7,322
                                                           --------    --------
                                                             14,031      13,038
Stockholders' equity:
   Preferred stock, $0.01 par value,
   authorized shares - 2,000,000, preferences,
   limitations and relative rights to be establishe
   the Board of Directors:
       Series A, nonvoting,  150,000 authorized
       shares, 67,838 and 68,517 issued and
       outstanding shares (aggregate liquidation
       preference of $678,380 and $685,170)                       1           1
   Common stock, $0.01 par value:
      Class A, voting, 21,500,000 authorized shares
      6,996,997 shares issued and outstanding                    70          70
      Class B, nonvoting, 1,500,000 authorized
      shares, none issued or outstanding                         --          --
   Additional paid-in capital                                14,020      14,027
   Warrants                                                     169         169
   Retained earnings (deficit)                               (2,587)     (2,397)
                                                           --------    --------
Total stockholders' equity                                   11,673      11,870
                                                           --------    --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                 $ 25,704    $ 24,908
                                                           --------    --------
                                                           --------    --------

</TABLE>



                                        5





<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
               (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                                   (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                     THREE MONTHS ENDED   THREE MONTHS ENDED      SIX MONTHS ENDED      SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                     FEBRUARY 29, 1996    FEBRUARY 28, 1997       FEBRUARY 29, 1996     FEBRUARY 28, 1997
                                     ------------------   ------------------      -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                      <C>                  <C>                  <C>                  <C> 
Contract revenue                         $     8,929          $     6,191          $    16,187          $    12,838
Cost of revenue                                7,193                5,045               13,139               10,087
                                         -----------          -----------          -----------          -----------
Gross profit                                   1,736                1,146                3,048                2,751

Selling, general and
   administrative expenses                       840                  598                1,539                1,486
Research and development
   expenses                                      229                  169                  431                  330
Amortization expense                              86                   60                  172                  121
                                         -----------          -----------          -----------          -----------
Operating income                                 581                  319                  906                  814

Other (income) expense:
   Interest income                              --                   --                     (1)                --
   Interest expense                              204                  219                  440                  491
   Other expense, net                             (1)                 (52)                  (5)                 (56)
                                         -----------          -----------          -----------          -----------
Income from operations before
   income taxes and
   extraordinary item                            378                  152                  472                  379
Income tax expense                               139                   56                  174                  140
                                         -----------          -----------          -----------          -----------
Income from operations before
   extraordinary item                            239                   96                  298                  239
Extraordinary item (net of
   income tax benefit of $54)
   (Note 5)                                      (93)                --                    (93)                --
                                         -----------          -----------          -----------          -----------
Net income                               $       146          $        96          $       205          $       239
                                         ===========          ===========          ===========          ===========

Earnings per common and
   common equivalent share
   (Note 6)

   Income from operations
     before extraordinary item           $      0.03          $      0.01          $      0.03          $      0.03
   Extraordinary item                          (0.01)                --                  (0.01)                --
                                         -----------          -----------          -----------          -----------
   Net income                            $      0.02          $      0.01          $      0.02          $      0.03
                                         ===========          ===========          ===========          ===========

Weighted average number of
   shares and common
   equivalent shares outstanding           7,316,766            7,180,094            7,320,111            7,204,109
                                         ===========          ===========          ===========          ===========


</TABLE>

                                        6




<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (In thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED    SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                               FEBRUARY 29, 1996   FEBRUARY 28, 1997
                                                               -----------------   -----------------
<S>                                                                 <C>               <C>     
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                                          $    205          $    239
Adjustments to reconcile net income
   to net cash provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation                                                       399               544
      Amortization                                                       378               154
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
        Accounts receivable                                           (1,386)              419
        Costs and estimated earnings in excess of
          billings on uncompleted contracts                            1,323               877
        Inventories                                                      287            (1,609)
        Income taxes                                                      93              (235)
        Prepaid expenses and other assets                               (169)              (62)
        Accounts payable                                                (735)              528
        Accrued expenses                                                 235                44
                                                                    --------          --------

Net cash provided by operating activities                                630               899
                                                                    --------          --------

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment                                     (380)             (158)
Proceeds from sale of operating lease property                            --               550
                                                                    --------          --------
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities                        (380)              392
                                                                    --------          --------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payments of long-term debt                                            (9,679)          (15,781)
Borrowings                                                             9,486            14,477
Dividends paid on preferred stock                                        (44)              (48)
                                                                    --------          --------
Net cash (used) by financing activities                                 (237)           (1,352)
                                                                    --------          --------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                      13               (61)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                         632               111
                                                                    --------          --------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                          $    645          $     50
                                                                    --------          --------
                                                                    --------          --------
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information:
   Cash paid for interest                                           $    377          $    471
   Cash paid for taxes                                                   100               375

Supplementary disclosures of noncash financing activity:
   Issuance of common stock in exchange for warrants
      exercised                                                     $      2          $     --
   Issuance of preferred stock in consideration for dividen
      payable                                                             --                 7
   Equipment acquired and financed under capital leases                  304                --


</TABLE>


                                        7





<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>


                             CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                FEBRUARY 28, 1997
                                   (Unaudited)

1.      BASIS OF PRESENTATION

        The accompanying  unaudited  consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial  information and with the  instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of
Regulation  S-X.  Accordingly,  they do not include all of the  information  and
footnotes  required by generally  accepted  accounting  principles  for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management,  all adjustments (consisting
of normal recurring accruals)  considered necessary for a fair presentation have
been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended February 28,
1997 are not necessarily  indicative of the results that may be expected for the
year ending August 31, 1997. For further information,  refer to the consolidated
financial  statements  and footnotes  thereto  included in the Company's  Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1996.

2.      ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

        Certain amounts presented in Accounts  receivable,  affiliates at August
31, 1996 have been  reclassified to Accounts  receivable,  trade at February 28,
1997, due to an ownership change in Applied LNG  Technologies  USA, LLC ("ALT").
During the quarter the Company  sold its 49%  interest in ALT to an affiliate of
Golden Spread Energy, Inc., the 51% owner in ALT, for $49,000.

3.      INVENTORIES

        Inventories (in thousands) consisted of the following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    AUGUST 31,        FEBRUARY 28,
                                                       1996               1997
                                                      ------             -----
<S>                                                   <C>               <C>    
Raw Materials                                         $ 3,344           $ 3,395
Finished goods and work-in-process                      1,139             2,877
                                                      -------           -------
                                                        4,483             6,272
Less reserve for obsolescence                            (150)             (330)
                                                      -------           -------
                                                      $ 4,333           $ 5,942
                                                      -------           -------
                                                      -------           -------

</TABLE>



                                        8


<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



4.      LONG-TERM DEBT

        Long-term  debt (in  thousands) at February 28, 1997 is comprised of the
following:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
Note payable bearing interest at 14%, subordinated
   unsecured.  Interest and principal payments of $275,000
   are payable quarterly                                                  $1,150

Term loan maturing December 31, 1998 bearing interest
   at the reference rate (as defined in the loan agreement)
   plus 3/4% (9.0% at February 28, 1997) payable monthly 
   Principal payments of $12,806 are payable monthly                         538

Revolving credit  facility  maturing  December 31, 1998
   bearing  interest at the reference rate (as defined in the loan
   agreement)  plus up to an additional 1.0% depending upon
   financial performance (8.75% at February 28, 1997)                      6,596
Other                                                                        428
                                                                          ------

                                                                           8,712
Less current portion                                                       1,390
                                                                          ------
                                                                          $7,322
                                                                          ------
                                                                          ------

</TABLE>

        The Company must comply with certain  financial  covenants in connection
with its long-term debt,  including the maintenance of certain  financial ratios
and restrictions on dividends.


                                        9





<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



5.      EXTRAORDINARY ITEM - EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT

        As a result of the early  retirement  of the Chemical  Bank debt and the
partial  payment on The CIT  Group/Equity  Investments,  Inc.  note, the Company
recognized an  extraordinary  expense of $93,000 (net of the related tax benefit
of $54,000) for the write down of deferred  financing  expenses related to these
debts during the three months ended February 29, 1996.

6.      EARNINGS PER SHARE

        Net earnings per share is computed using the weighted  average number of
shares of common stock outstanding for the period. When dilutive,  stock options
and warrants are included as share  equivalents using the treasury stock method.
In  calculating  net  earnings  per share,  preferred  dividends  of $23,916 and
$47,568 reduced the net earnings available to common  stockholders for the three
months and six months ended February 28, 1997,  respectively.  Fully diluted net
earnings  per common  share is not  significantly  different  from  primary  net
earnings per common share.


                                       10





<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
        CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        This  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q  contains  certain  forward-looking
statements  that involve risks and  uncertainties.  Discussions  containing such
forward-looking  statements  may be found in the  materials  set forth  below in
"Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of Financial  Condition  and Results of
Operations."  The Company's  actual results could differ  materially  from those
anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

Results of Operations - Three and Six Months Ended
February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997

        Contract  revenue  decreased  30.7% to $6.2 million for the three months
ended  February 28, 1997 from $8.9  million for the three months ended  February
29,  1996.  Contract  revenue  for the first six months of the 1997  fiscal year
decreased  20.7% to $12.8  million from $16.2 million for the same period of the
preceding  year.  The quarterly  decrease is the result of decreases in revenues
from  industrial  gas and LNG trailers,  MRI cryostats and  components,  and LNG
fueling  stations,   which  decreased  $2.6  million,   $837,000  and  $340,000,
respectively,  over the corresponding period in the prior year. The Company does
not believe that these  decreases  are  indicative of a long-term  trend.  These
decreases  were offset  somewhat by increased  revenues from TVAC'r'  intermodal
containers and large  horizontal  storage tanks,  which  increased  $699,000 and
$525,000,  respectively,  over the corresponding  1996 period. For the six month
period the decrease was  primarily  the result of the decrease in revenues  from
industrial gas and LNG trailers,  MRI cryostats and components,  and LNG fueling
stations, which decreased $3.1 million, $1.1 million and $538,000, respectively,
over the  corresponding six month period in the prior year. These decreases were
offset somewhat by increased revenues from TVAC'r' intermodal containers, spares
and special  cryogenic  equipment,  which  increased $1.0 million,  $191,000 and
$136,000, respectively, over the corresponding 1996 period.

        Gross  profit for the three months  ended  February  28, 1997  decreased
34.0% to $1.1 million, or 18.5% of contract revenue, from $1.7 million, or 19.4%
of contract revenue,  for the three months ended February 29, 1996. Gross profit
for the first six months of the 1997 fiscal year decreased 9.7% to $2.8 million,
or 21.4% of contract revenue,  from $3.0 million,  or 18.8% of contract revenue,
for the same period of the  previous  year.  The gross  profit  decrease for the
quarter  was the result of the  reduced  revenues  combined  with  losses on LNG
fueling station sales and unabsorbed  manufacturing overhead expenses due to the
reduced  level of shop  activity.  For the six month  period  the  decrease  was
primarily due to the reduced revenues and increased  warranty costs,  which were
offset somewhat by the increased gross profit percentage.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 28.8% to $598,000
for the three months ended  February 28, 1997 from $840,000 for the three months
ended  February 29, 1996,  and increased as a percentage of contract  revenue to
9.7% from 9.4%  during the same  period.  Selling,  general  and  administrative
expenses  for the  first  six  months of  fiscal  1997  decreased  3.4% to $1.49
million,  or 11.6% of contract revenue,  from $1.54 million, or 9.5% of contract
revenue,


                                       11





<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



in the  corresponding  period in the  prior  year.  The  quarterly  decrease  is
primarily  due to the  unaccrued  reimbursement  for sales  expenses  related to
Applied LNG Technologies  USA, LLC.  Research and development costs decreased to
$169,000  for the three months  ended  February  28, 1997 from  $229,000 for the
three months ended  February 29, 1996,  and to $330,000 for the first six months
of fiscal 1997 compared to $431,000 for the comparable period of the prior year.
This  decrease is primarily the result of the decrease in  expenditures  for new
LNG  products,  which is  partially  offset by  increased  expenditures  for the
Company's TADOPTR development. Amortization expense decreased to $60,000 for the
three  months  ended  February  28, 1997 from $86,000 for the three months ended
February  29,  1996,  and to  $121,000  for the first six months of fiscal  1997
compared  to  $172,000  for the  comparable  period of the prior year due to the
completion of the organization cost amortization in the prior year.

        Interest  expense for the three months ended February 28, 1997 increased
7.4% to $219,000 from $204,000 for the three months ended  February 29, 1996 and
increased  11.6% to  $491,000  for the first six months of the 1997  fiscal year
from  $440,000  for the same  period of the  preceding  year.  This  increase is
primarily  due to  increased  levels of  borrowing.  Other  non-operating  items
resulted in income of $52,000 for the three  months  ended  February  28,  1997,
compared  to income of $1,000 in the  comparable  period of 1996,  and income of
$56,000  in the first six months of this year  compared  to income of $5,000 for
the first six months of the 1996 fiscal  year.  The  increase in income for both
periods  is  attributable  to the  $49,000  profit on the sale of the  Company's
interest in Applied LNG Technologies USA, LLC.

        Income tax  expense  decreased  to $56,000  for the three  months  ended
February 28, 1997 from $139,000 for the three months ended February 29, 1996 and
to $140,000  for the first six months of the fiscal year from  $174,000  for the
first six months of the prior  year.  The expense in both years is the result of
taxable income for the periods and estimated annual tax rates.

        The resulting net income decreased to $96,000 for the three months ended
February 28, 1997 from  $146,000 for the  corresponding  prior year period,  and
increased to $239,000 for the six months ended  February 28, 1997 from  $205,000
for the  corresponding  six month  period of the prior year.  This change is the
result of the cumulative effect of the above factors.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        At February 28, 1997 the  Company's  working  capital was $9.8  million,
which  represented a current ratio of 2.7 to 1. Also, the Company's  outstanding
indebtedness  under the Credit Agreement with FBS Business  Finance  Corporation
("FBS") was $7.1 million,  of which $538,000  represented term  indebtedness and
$6.6  million  represented  revolving  indebtedness.  At  February  28, 1997 the
Company's outstanding indebtedness to The CIT Group/Equity Investments, Inc. was
$1.2 million which represented subordinated indebtedness.

        Cash flow from  operations  for the six months  ended  February 28, 1997
resulted in cash provided in the amount of $899,000 compared to cash provided of
$630,000 in the same period


                                       12





<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



of the prior year. In the current year,  cash was provided  primarily by the net
income and by decreases in accounts  receivable and costs and estimated earnings
in excess of  billings  on  uncompleted  contracts  and an  increase in accounts
payable. These increases in cash were somewhat offset by cash used for increased
inventories.  In the six  months  ended  February  29,  1996  cash was  provided
primarily by net income and non-cash expenses.

        The Company believes that its existing capital resources,  together with
cash flow from  future  operations  will be  sufficient  to meet its short  term
working capital needs. Additional financing may be required for future expansion
of operations.







                                       13






<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY-HOLDERS

        The Company held its annual meeting of stockholders on January 23, 1997.
The  matters  submitted  to a vote of the  Company's  stockholders  were (i) the
election of five directors and (ii)  ratification  of the appointment of Ernst &
Young LLP as independent auditors for the 1997 fiscal year.

        The  Company's  stockholders  re-elected  the entire  Board of Directors
consisting of Alfred  Schechter,  Jerome L. Katz,  Russell R. Haines,  Burton J.
Ahrens and Ajit G. Hutheesing.

        The Company's  stockholders ratified the Board of Director's appointment
of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's  independent  auditors for the 1997 fiscal
year by a vote of 5,521,430 for, 55,851 against and 10,450 abstaining.






                                       14






<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>



ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

        (a)    Exhibits

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   Exhibit     Description of Exhibits
   -------     -----------------------
   <C>         <S>
      3.1      Restated   Certificate   of   Incorporation   of   the   Company,
               incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.1  to  the  Company's
               Registration  Statement on Form S-2, File No. 33-48738,  filed on
               June 19, 1992 (the "S-2 Registration Statement").

      3.2      By-laws of the Company,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
               to the  Company's  Registration  Statement on Form S-1,  File No.
               33-7532, filed on July 25, 1986.

      3.3      Certificate   of  Amendment  to  the  Restated   Certificate   of
               Incorporation  of  the  Company,  incorporated  by  reference  to
               Exhibit 3.3 to the  Company's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
               fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 (the "1995 Annual Report").

      3.4      Certificate of Designation,  Preferences and Rights of the Series
               A Preferred  Stock of the Company,  incorporated  by reference to
               Exhibit 3.4 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      3.5      Corrected  Certificate  of Amendment of Restated  Certificate  of
               Incorporation  of  the  Company,  incorporated  by  reference  to
               Exhibit 3.5 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.1      See Article Fourth of the Restated  Certificate of Incorporation,
               as amended and  corrected,  of the Company  (Exhibit 3.5 hereof),
               incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the  Company's  1995
               Annual Report.

      4.2      Forms of Common  Stock and Class B Common Stock  certificates  of
               the  Company,  incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit 4.3 of the
               Company's  Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 33-43782,
               filed on December 19, 1991.


</TABLE>


                                       15





<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
   <C>         <S>
      4.3      Registration  Rights  Agreement dated as of August 30, 1991 among
               Cryenco Holdings, Inc. ("CHI"), The CIT Group/Equity Investments,
               Inc.  ("CIT"),  Chemical  Bank and the Investors  named  therein,
               incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the  Company's  1995
               Annual Report.

      4.4      Warrant  Agreement  dated as of August 30, 1991 between  Chemical
               Bank, CHI and the Company,  incorporated  by reference to Exhibit
               4.4 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.5      Letter Agreement dated April 15, 1992 among the Company,  CIT and
               Chemical  Bank  relating  to the  Warrants  referred to herein at
               Exhibits 4.8 and 4.9, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to
               the S-2 Registration Statement.

      4.6      Letter  Agreement  dated  August 12, 1992 between the Company and
               Chemical  Bank  relating  to the  Warrants  referred to herein at
               Exhibit  4.8,  incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit 4.6 to the
               Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.7      Letter  Agreement  dated  August 12, 1992 between the Company and
               CIT relating to the  Warrants  referred to herein at Exhibit 4.9,
               incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the  Company's  1995
               Annual Report.

      4.8      Warrants  issued to  Chemical  Bank each  dated  April 27,  1992,
               incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the  Company's  1995
               Annual Report.

      4.9      Warrants issued to CIT each dated April 27, 1992, incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.10     Warrant  issued to Dain  Bosworth  Incorporated  dated August 20,
               1992,  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.12  to the S-2
               Registration Statement.

      4.11     Warrant  Agreement dated as of March 12, 1993 between the Company
               and Alfred  Schechter,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11
               to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.12     Warrant  Agreement dated as of March 12, 1993 between the Company
               and Don M. Harwell,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to
               the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

</TABLE>


                                       16




<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
   <C>         <S>
      4.13     Warrant  Agreement dated as of March 12, 1993 between the Company
               and Mezzanine Capital Corporation  Limited ("MCC"),  incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.14     Warrant  issued  to  Alfred   Schechter  dated  March  12,  1993,
               incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Company's  1995
               Annual Report.

      4.15     Warrant   issued  to  Don  M.  Harwell   dated  March  12,  1993,
               incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to the Company's  1995
               Annual Report.

      4.16     Warrant  issued to MCC  dated  March 12,  1993,  incorporated  by
               reference to Exhibit 4.16 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.17     Letter Agreement dated as of June 9, 1993 between the Company and
               Alfred  Schechter  with  respect  to the  Exercise  Price for the
               Warrant  referred  to herein at  Exhibit  4.14,  incorporated  by
               reference to Exhibit 4.17 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.18     Letter Agreement dated as of June 9, 1993 between the Company and
               Don M. Harwell with respect to the Exercise Price for the Warrant
               referred to herein at Exhibit 4.15,  incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 4.18 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.19     Letter Agreement dated as of June 9, 1993 between the Company and
               MCC with  respect to the  Warrant  referred  to herein at Exhibit
               4.16,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to the Company's
               1995 Annual Report.

      4.20     Warrant   issued  to  Chemical  Bank  dated  November  24,  1993,
               incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to the Company's  1995
               Annual Report.

      4.21     Warrant  issued to CIT dated November 24, 1993,  incorporated  by
               reference to Exhibit 4.21 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.


</TABLE>

                                       17





<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
   <C>         <S>
      4.22     Warrant  Agreement  dated as of  January  26,  1995  between  the
               Company  and  Alfred  Schechter,  incorporated  by  reference  to
               Exhibit 4.22 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.23     Warrant  Agreement  dated as of  January  26,  1995  between  the
               Company and Don M. Harwell,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               4.23 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.24     Warrant  Agreement  dated as of  January  26,  1995  between  the
               Company and MCC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.24 to the
               Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.25     Warrant  issued to  Alfred  Schechter  dated  January  26,  1995,
               incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.25 to the Company's  1995
               Annual Report.

      4.26     Warrant  issued  to  Don  M.  Harwell  dated  January  26,  1995,
               incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.26 to the Company's  1995
               Annual Report.

      4.27     Warrant  issued to MCC dated  January 26, 1995,  incorporated  by
               reference to Exhibit 4.27 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.28     See the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the
               Series A Preferred  Stock of the Company  (Exhibit  3.4  hereof),
               incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.28 to the Company's  1995
               Annual Report.

      4.29     Warrant  Agreement  dated as of June 8, 1994  between the Company
               and  Cryogenic  TADOPTR  Company,  L.P.  and the Form of  Warrant
               Certificate issued pursuant thereto, incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 4.29 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.30     Warrant  Agreement  dated as of  December  20,  1994  between the
               Company and The Edgehill  Corporation,  incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit 4.30 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

</TABLE>


                                       18







<PAGE>
 
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
   <C>         <S>
      4.31     Warrant issued to The Edgehill  Corporation  dated as of December
               20,  1994,  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.31 to the
               Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.32     Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 20, 1994 among
               the Company,  certain  parties  named  therein and  International
               Capital Partners, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.32
               to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

      4.33     Form of Warrant issued to each of International Capital Partners,
               Inc. and the parties named in the  Registration  Rights Agreement
               dated as of December 20, 1994 (Exhibit 4.32 hereof), incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 4.33 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report.

    *27        Financial  Data Schedule  pursuant to Article 5 of Regulation S-X
               filed with EDGAR filing only.


</TABLE>


- ----------------
* Filed herewith

    (b) No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the quarter ended February
28, 1997.


                                       19





<PAGE>
 
<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 thereunto duly authorized.

                                                   CRYENCO SCIENCES, INC.
                                                        (Registrant)



                                                By: /s/ Alfred Schechter
                                                   _____________________________
                                                   Alfred Schechter, Chairman
                                                   of the Board, Chief Executive
                                                   Officer and President

                                                   /s/ James A. Raabe
                                                   _____________________________
                                                   James A. Raabe,
                                                   Chief Financial Officer

April 11, 1997


                                       20


                               STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES
                               ------------------------

The registered trademark symbol shall be expressed as .......................'r'
The section symbol shall be expressed as ...................................'SS'

<PAGE>




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