AMERICAN BUILDINGS CO /DE/
10-Q, 1997-11-13
PREFABRICATED METAL BUILDINGS & COMPONENTS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    --------

                                    FORM 10-Q

                                    --------

           [X] Quarterly Report Pursuant To Section 13 or 15(d) of The
                     Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                For the quarterly period ended September 30, 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 0-23688
                                                -------

                           AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                    DELAWARE                            63-0931058
         -------------------------------          ---------------------
         (State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer
          incorporation or organization)          Identification Number)


                                  P.O. BOX 800
                                STATE DOCKS ROAD
                             EUFAULA, ALABAMA 36027
                    ----------------------------------------
                    (Address of principal executive offices)
                                   (Zip Code)


                                (334) 687-2032
             ----------------------------------------------------
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


                                 NOT APPLICABLE
              -----------------------------------------------------
              (Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
                         if changed since last report.)


     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
                                              ---    ---

     APPLICABLE  ONLY TO  CORPORATE  ISSUERS:  Indicate  the  number  of  shares
outstanding  of each of the issuer's  classes of common stock,  as of the latest
practicable date: NOVEMBER 7, 1997 - 5,262,099 SHARES.

================================================================================

<PAGE>

                                      INDEX

                 AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                        Page
                                                                       Number
                                                                       -------
PART  1.    Financial Information

  ITEM  1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited)

            Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets-
              September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996 ................   2

            Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income-
              Three months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996;
              Nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 ...........   3

            Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows-
              Nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 ...........   4

            Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.......   5

  ITEM  2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
              Condition and Results of Operations .....................   8

PART II.    Other Information

  ITEM  5.  Other Information .........................................  12

  ITEM  6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ..........................  12

<PAGE>

<TABLE>

                          AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                             CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                         (In Thousands)
<CAPTION>

                                                                   September 30,  December 31,
                                                                       1997          1996
                                                                   -------------  ------------
                                                                    (Unaudited)
                           ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
<S>                                                                 <C>            <C>     
   Cash ........................................................    $      0       $      0
   Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
     accounts of $3,903 and $3,345 in 1997 and 1996, 
     respectively ..............................................      38,778         36,332
   Inventories .................................................      21,651         19,823
   Other .......................................................       6,731          4,417
                                                                    --------       --------
     Total current assets ......................................      67,160         60,572

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost .........................      78,585         71,880
   Less accumulated depreciation ...............................      42,068         38,686
                                                                    --------       --------
                                                                      36,517         33,194

RESTRICTED CASH ................................................           0            466

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES ..........................................       1,313          1,313

OTHER ASSETS, net ..............................................       6,947          6,425
                                                                    --------       --------
     TOTAL ASSETS ..............................................    $111,937       $101,970
                                                                    ========       ========

            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

   Current maturities of long-term debt ........................    $  1,251       $  1,051
   Accounts payable ............................................      30,563         32,306
   Accrued liabilities .........................................      17,792         12,137
   Accrued income taxes ........................................         851          1,368
                                                                    --------       --------
     Total current liabilities .................................      50,457         46,862

LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities ......................       7,718         10,872
OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES ...................................       2,995          2,770

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

   Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 4,000 shares authorized,
     no shares issued and outstanding in 1997 and 1996 .........        --             --  
   Common stock, $.01 par value; 25,000 shares authorized,
     6,331 shares and 6,312 shares issued at September 30, 1997
     and December 31, 1996, respectively .......................          63             63
   Additional paid-in capital ..................................      31,241         31,049
   Retained earnings ...........................................      47,566         36,885
                                                                    --------       --------
                                                                      78,870         67,997

   Less-Treasury stock, at cost (1,057 and 1,001 shares at
     September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively) ...     (28,103)       (26,531)
                                                                    --------       --------
     Total stockholders' equity ................................      50,767         41,466
                                                                    --------       --------
     TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ................    $111,937       $101,970
                                                                    ========       ========
</TABLE>

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                               2
<PAGE>

<TABLE>


                        AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                                        (UNAUDITED)

                         (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

<CAPTION>

                                               Three months ended     Nine months ended
                                                  September 30,          September 30,
                                              -------------------    --------------------
                                               1997        1996        1997        1996
                                              -------     -------    --------    --------
<S>                                           <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>     
NET SALES ...............................     $84,888     $78,171    $221,001    $192,653
 COSTS AND EXPENSES:
   Cost of sales ........................      69,632      65,979     182,706     161,374
   Selling, general, and administrative .       7,306       6,275      20,305      17,823
                                              -------     -------    --------    --------
                                               76,938      72,254     203,011     179,197
OPERATING INCOME ........................       7,950       5,917      17,990      13,456

INTEREST EXPENSE (INCOME) ...............         131         164         622          (9)
                                              -------     -------    --------    --------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES        7,819       5,753      17,368      13,465

PROVISION  FOR INCOME TAXES .............       3,010       2,216       6,687       5,184
                                              -------     -------    --------    --------
NET INCOME ..............................     $ 4,809     $ 3,537    $ 10,681    $  8,281
                                              =======     =======    ========    ========
NET INCOME PER COMMON AND COMMON
  EQUIVALENT SHARE ......................     $   .85     $   .61    $   1.89    $   1.34
                                              =======     =======    ========    ========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON
  AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARES
  OUTSTANDING ...........................       5,648       5,788       5,658       6,186
                                              =======     =======    ========    ========
</TABLE>

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>

<TABLE>

                   AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                   (UNAUDITED)

                                  (In Thousands)
<CAPTION>

                                                                     Nine months ended
                                                                       September 30,
                                                                   --------------------
                                                                     1997        1996
                                                                   --------     -------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>    
   Net income ..................................................   $ 10,681     $ 8,281
                                                                   --------     -------
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
      operating activities:
          Depreciation and amortization ........................      3,615       3,174
          Changes in assets and liabilitites:
             Accounts receivable, net ..........................     (2,446)     (5,110)
             Inventories .......................................     (1,828)     (1,698)
             Accounts payable ..................................     (1,743)      4,706
             Accrued liabilities and taxes .....................      5,138        (952)
             Other working capital changes .....................     (2,314)       (742)
             Other, net ........................................         (5)        102
                                                                   --------     -------
                Total adjustments ..............................        417        (520)
                                                                   --------     -------
                Net cash provided by operating activities ......     11,098       7,761
                                                                   --------     -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Decrease in restricted cash .................................        466       3,442
   Investment in China Joint Venture ...........................       (525)     (2,940)
   Proceeds from sales of fixed assets .........................       --            30
   Net proceeds from sales of nonoperating property ............       --           947
   Additions to property, plant, and equipment .................     (6,705)     (6,221)
                                                                   --------     -------
                Net cash used for investing activities .........     (6,764)     (4,742)
                                                                   --------     -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Net changes in revolving credit facility ....................     (3,503)      4,674
   Net proceeds from long-term debt ............................        549        --
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs        192         667
   Purchase of treasury stock ..................................     (1,572)    (25,460)
                                                                   --------     -------
                Net cash used for financing activities .........     (4,334)    (20,119)
                                                                   --------     -------
NET DECREASE IN CASH ...........................................       --       (17,100)

CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD ....................................       --        17,100
                                                                   --------     -------
CASH AT END OF PERIOD ..........................................   $   --       $  -- 
                                                                   ========     ======= 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

   Cash paid for interest ......................................   $    669     $   344
                                                                   ========     =======
   Cash paid for income taxes ..................................   $  7,360     $ 6,000
                                                                   ========     =======
</TABLE>

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>


                 AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

                                   (UNAUDITED)

1.   The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been
     prepared by 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
     condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the
     Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information
     not misleading. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated
     financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly
     the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 1997 and the
     results of its operations and cash flows for the three and nine months
     ended September 30, 1997 and 1996. All such adjustments are of a normal
     recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and nine months
     ended September 30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results to
     be expected for the year ended December 31, 1997. The accounting policies
     continue unchanged from December 31, 1996. 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 fiscal year ended December
     31, 1996.


2.   Inventories consisted of the following :

                                    SEPTEMBER 30,    DECEMBER 31,
                                         1997            1996
                                    -------------    ------------
        Raw materials .............    $17,863          $17,151
        Work in process ...........      3,713            2,862
        Finished goods ............        774              357
                                       -------          -------
                                        22,350           20,370

       Allowance to state
       inventories  at  LIFO 
         cost .....................       (699)            (547)
                                       -------          -------
                                       $21,651          $19,823
                                       =======          =======

3.   Included in accrued liabilities are estimated insurance claims for the
     self-insured portion of workers' compensation, property, casualty and
     health insurance plans totaling $7,851 and $4,711 at September 30, 1997 and
     December 31, 1996, respectively.

                                            5
<PAGE>

                 AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

                             (UNAUDITED) - CONTINUED

4.   On December 7, 1994, the Company closed a $9,700 industrial revenue bond
     transaction with the Industrial Development Authority ("IDA") of
     Mecklenburg County, Virginia, for the purpose of financing its new
     manufacturing facility located in Virginia. The bonds bear interest at a
     variable rate which averaged 3.8% and 3.8% for the third quarter and first
     three quarters of 1997, respectively, compared to 3.6% and 3.7% for the
     third quarter and first three quarters of 1996, respectively. Additionally,
     the Company pays a .25% remarketing fee on the bond balance. The bonds
     mature December 1, 2004 and are subject to mandatory sinking fund
     redemption of $970 per year and are subject to mandatory redemption under
     certain circumstances. The Company has secured its obligation with respect
     to the IDA bonds through the issuance of a letter of credit. The carrying
     amount of the bonds is assumed to approximate fair value due to the bonds'
     variable rate structure. The balance of the IDA bonds, including current
     portion, was $7,760 at September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996.

     The unused proceeds from this transaction are classified as Restricted Cash
     on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The balance in the restricted
     cash account is reduced as capital expenditures are made related to the
     Virginia plant. As of September 30, 1997 all remaining proceeds had been
     applied to such expenditures.

5.   On March 24, 1997, the Company and its lender amended its revolving credit
     facility to lower the interest rate to the banks reference rate (which is
     generally equivalent to the prime rate) or LIBOR plus 2% and to reduce
     certain other fees associated with this facility. All cash received by the
     Company is immediately applied against the outstanding balance of the
     Revolver. The Loan Agreement, as currently in effect, provides the Company
     with a $33,000 revolving credit facility. At September 30, 1997 and
     December 31, 1996 borrowings under the Revolver were $460 and $3,963,
     respectively.

6.   During the first quarter of 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
     (FASB) issued Statement 128, Earnings per Share. This statement sets out
     new guidelines for the calculation and presentation of earnings per share.
     The following table represents a reconciliation of basic and diluted
     weighted average shares and a pro forma calculation of earnings per share
     using the guidelines of Statement 128.

                                       6
<PAGE>

                 AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

                             (UNAUDITED) - CONTINUED

                                           Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
                                              September 30,       September 30,
                                           ------------------ ------------------
(000 omitted except per share data)          1997      1996     1997       1996
                                           --------  -------- --------  --------
Basic weighted average shares                
outstanding ............................     5,280     5,450     5,829     5,300

ADD: Shares of common stock
  assumed issued upon exercise of
  stock options using the "treasury
  stock" method as it applies to the
  computation of diluted earnings per          
  share ................................       368       338       358       357
                                            ------    ------   -------    ------

Diluted weighted average shares     
  outstanding ..........................     5,648     5,788     5,658     6,186
                                            ======    ======   =======    ======

Net earnings used in the
  computation of basic and diluted   
  earnings per share ...................    $4,809    $3,537   $10,681    $8,281
                                            ======    ======   =======    ======
Earnings per share:

   Basic ...............................    $  .91    $  .65   $  2.02    $ 1.42
                                            ======    ======   =======    ======

   Diluted .............................    $  .85    $  .61   $  1.89    $ 1.34
                                            ======    ======   =======    ======
                                                                   

7.   On October 24, 1997, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire
     substantially all the assets and certain liabilities of the Windsor Door
     Division of United Dominion Industries of Charlotte, North Carolina for a
     purchase price of $60 million. Windsor Door primarily manufactures steel
     sectional upward acting doors for residential and commercial applications.
     The Agreement requires closing no later than December 15, 1997. The
     transaction will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting
     and therefore the financial statements of the Company will include the
     results of Windsor Door from the date of acquisition. The Company is
     pursuing negotiations with a group of lenders to increase its credit
     facility to finance this acquisition.


                                       7
<PAGE>


                 AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q concerning the Company's
business outlook or future economic performance; anticipated profitability,
revenues, expenses or other financial items; and product line growth together
with other statements that are not historical facts, are "forward-looking
statements" as that term is defined under the Federal Securities Laws.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other
factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated
in such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and factors include, but are not
limited to, industry cyclicality, fluctuations in customer demand and order
patterns, the seasonal nature of the business, changes in pricing or other
actions by competitors, and general economic conditions as well as other risks
detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 COMPARED TO QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

Net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 increased 9% to $84.9 million
from $78.2 million in the same period a year ago. Gross margins were 18.0% in
the current quarter compared to 15.6% in the corresponding quarter of 1996
primarily due to improved selling prices. Backlog at September 30, 1997 was
$110.8 million, up 39% from its December 31, 1996 level and up 20% over backlog
at September 30, 1996. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by
16% to $7.3 million in the third quarter of 1997 from $6.3 million in the third
quarter of 1996. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense
arose from higher sales commissions due to the higher volume, general and
administrative expenses of the recently formed Residential and Light Commercial
division and American Modular Technologies division, which was acquired in
November 1996. Operating income increased 34% to $8.0 million in the third
quarter of 1997 compared to $5.9 million in the third quarter of 1996. The
Company had net interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 of $.1
million compared to interest expense of $.2 million for the comparable period in
1996. Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 increased 36% to $4.8
million compared to $3.5 million for the same period last year.

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1996

Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 increased 15% to $221.0
million from $192.7 million in the same period of 1996. Gross margins increased
to 17.3% from 16.2% a year ago as a result of the same factors described in the
discussion of the current quarter results. Operating income for the first nine
months of 1997 increased 34% to $18.0 million from $13.5 million in the same
period last year. The Company had net interest expense for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 of $.6 million


                                       8
<PAGE>

                 AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                                   (CONTINUED)

compared to negligible interest income for the comparable period in 1996. This
increase in interest expense resulted from higher Revolver borrowings during the
1997 period and a lower restricted cash balance on which the Company earned
interest income for the nine month periods of both years. Net income for the
first nine months of 1997 increased 29% to $10.7 million from $8.3 million in
the same period last year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company has historically funded its operations from cash flow from
operations, bank borrowings and sales of its debt and equity securities.

Net cash provided by operations was $11.1 million in the first nine months of
1997 compared to $7.8 million in the comparable period of 1996. The increase for
1997 resulted primarily from improved operating income and working capital
management.

Net cash used for investing activities was $6.8 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 and $4.7 million for the nine months ended September
30, 1996. In the 1997 period, the Company applied $.5 million of the proceeds of
the Industrial Revenue Bonds which were included in restricted cash at the
beginning of the year to the capital expenditures made for the Virginia
manufacturing facility. The Company also increased its investment in its joint
venture in the People's Republic of China by $.5 million during the first nine
months of 1997, bringing its total capital investment in the joint venture to
$4.4 million. Additions to plant, property and equipment totaled $6.7 million
for the first nine months of 1997. In the 1996 period, the Company applied $3.4
million of the proceeds of the Industrial Revenue Bonds to the capital
expenditures made for the Virginia manufacturing facility, invested $2.9 million
in its joint venture in the People's Republic of China and spent $6.2 million on
additions to plant, property and equipment.

Net cash used for financing activities was $4.3 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 and $20.1 million for the nine months ended September
30, 1996. In 1997, this was primarily the net result of Revolver repayments of
$3.5 million and treasury stock purchases of $1.6 million for 56,000 shares of
the Company's Common Stock pursuant to the Board of Directors' authorization to
purchase up to 1.3 million shares. The repurchases and the revolver repayments
were made from cash from operating activities. In the 1996 period, this was
primarily the result of $25.5 million of repurchases in the open market of
954,500 shares of the Company's Common Stock. The repurchase was made from
excess cash on hand and borrowings under the Revolver. The Company had net
borrowings of $4.7 million under its revolving credit facility during the first
nine months of 1996.

                                       9
<PAGE>

                 AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                                   (CONTINUED)

The Company had budgeted an aggregate of approximately $6.5 million for capital
expenditures in 1997, consisting of $1.1 million to complete the Virginia
manufacturing facility and Eufaula office expansion projects and $5.4 million
primarily for machinery and equipment at its other facilities. Through the first
nine months of 1997, approximately $5.5 million had been spent. In July, 1997,
the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a $6.0 million capital program
to implement an enterprise resource planning business system and upgrade the
Company's technical systems, portions of which are used by customers as well as
by Company personnel. This systems project is expected to take approximately two
and a half years to complete. Capital expenditures for this project through
September 30, 1997 were approximately $1.2 million. The Company expects to be
able to fund these expenditures from cash provided by operations and borrowings
under its revolving credit facility. There can be no assurance that budgeted
capital expenditures will be made as planned or that additional capital
expenditures will not be required.

At September 30, 1997, the Company's outstanding debt (including current
portion) was $9.0 million, primarily consisting of $7.8 million of Industrial
Revenue Bonds which are subject to mandatory sinking fund requirements of
approximately $1.0 million per year through December 1, 2004, $.5 million of
borrowings outstanding under the Company's revolving credit facility under which
it may borrow up to $25 million and approximately $.7 million of an Installment
Payment Agreement which the Company entered into for a three year period
beginning July 1, 1997. At December 31, 1996, the Company's outstanding debt
(including current portion) was $11.9 million which consisted primarily of $7.8
million of Industrial Revenue Bonds and $4.0 million of borrowings under its
revolving credit facility.

The Company's Loan and Security Agreement (the "Revolver") was amended on March
24, 1997. Changes included in the amendment were that interest rates and certain
fees associated with the facility were reduced. The Loan Agreement, as currently
in effect, provides the Company with a $33.0 million revolving credit facility.
The Revolver expires on January 31, 1999 and is automatically renewable for
successive one year periods unless terminated by the Company or the bank.
Borrowings under the Revolver are subject to certain borrowing base limitations
based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory less amounts outstanding
under letters of credit. Loans under the Revolver bear interest at a rate equal
to, at the option of the Company, either (i) the sum of two percent plus the
interest rate in the London interbank market for loans in an amount
substantially equal to the amount of the borrowing and for the period of the
borrowing selected by the Company or (ii) the bank's reference rate (which is
generally equivalent to the prime rate). In addition, the Company is required to
pay a fee of 0.25% per year for the unused amount under the Revolver and a 1.25%
fee per annum on the average undrawn face amount of letters of credit. Up to
$13.0 million of the Revolver at any one time outstanding is available for the
issuance of letters of credit. At September 30, 1997 there were $10.6 million of
outstanding letters of credit, including a $7.9 million letter of credit in
favor of the Trustee for the IDA bonds. The Revolver is secured by substantially
all the assets of the Company. The amount of the Revolver is reduced each year
by approximately $1.0 million in conjunction with the Company's annual repayment

                                       10
<PAGE>

                 AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                                   (CONTINUED)

of approximately $1.0 million of IDA Bonds so that the total available facility,
once the IDA Bonds are repaid, will be $25.0 million. The Loan Agreement limits
the Company's ability to incur indebtedness, to create or incur liens or assets,
to pay dividends and to purchase or redeem the Company's stock. In addition, the
Loan Agreement requires that the Company meet certain financial tests, and
provides the bank with the right to require the payment of all amounts
outstanding under the Loan Agreement if a change in control of the Company
occurs.

The Company has been authorized by its Board of Directors to repurchase up to
1.3 million shares of its Common Stock in the open market. At September 30, 1997
and November 9, 1997, the Company had repurchased 1,056,500 of these shares.

On October 24, 1997 the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire
substantially all the assets and certain liabilities of the Windsor Door
Division of United Dominion Industries of Charlotte, North Carolina for a
purchase price of $60 million. Windsor Door primarily manufactures steel
sectional upward acting doors for residential and commercial applications. The
closing, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is required by the
Agreement to occur no later than December 15, 1997. The Company is seeking to
increase its credit facility to finance this acquisition. (See Note 7 to the
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.) There can be no assurance that the
acquisition will be consummated on these terms, on different terms, or at all.

The Company believes that cash generated from operations and borrowings under
the revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet its working capital and
capital expenditure needs for the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance
that liquidity would not be impacted by a decline in general economic conditions
and higher interest rates which would affect the Company's ability to obtain
external financing.


                                       11
<PAGE>


                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 5.     Other Information

            On October 24, 1997, the Company signed a definitive agreement to
            acquire substantially all the assets and certain liabilities of the
            Windsor Door Division of United Dominion Industries of Charlotte,
            North Carolina for a purchase price of $60 million. Windsor Door
            primarily manufactures steel sectional upward acting doors for
            residential and commercial applications. The Agreement requires
            closing no later than December 15, 1997. The transaction will be
            accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and therefore
            the financial statements of the Company will include the results of
            Windsor Door from the date of acquisition. The Company is pursuing
            negotiations with a group of lenders to increase its credit facility
            to finance this acquisition.

ITEM 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

              (a.)  Exhibits

                     2.0   Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Assets dated as
                           of October 24, 1997 by and between Windsor Door,
                           Inc., as Purchaser and United Dominion Industries,
                           Inc. & WCGD, Inc., as Seller.

                    11.0   Computation of Earnings Per Share

                    27.0   Financial Data Schedule

              (b)   The Company did not file any reports on form 8-K during
                    the three months ended September 30, 1997.

                                       12
<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.


                                       AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY

Date   November 12, 1997               /s/ ROBERT T. AMMERMAN
                                           ---------------------------------
                                           Robert T. Ammerman
                                           Chief Executive Officer



Date   November 12, 1997               /s/ R. CHARLES BLACKMON, JR.
                                           ---------------------------------
                                           R. Charles Blackmon, Jr.
                                           Executive Vice President,
                                           Chief Financial Officer

                                       13






                            AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND

                                 SALE OF ASSETS

                          DATED AS OF OCTOBER 24, 1997

                                 BY AND BETWEEN:

                               WINDSOR DOOR, INC.

                                  AS PURCHASER

                                       AND

                        UNITED DOMINION INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                       AND

                                   WCGD, INC.

                                    AS SELLER





                      RELATING TO THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF
                         SELLER'S WINDSOR DOOR DIVISION
                     HEADQUARTERED IN LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS


<PAGE>


                    AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background Statement...................................................1
Statement of Agreement.................................................1

   1.0  PURCHASE AND SALE OF BUSINESS ASSETS............................1
   1.1  Assets Transferred..............................................1
   1.2  Excluded Assets.................................................4
   1.3  Transfer at Closing.............................................6
        
   2.0  ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES.......................................6
        
   3.0  CLOSING; PURCHASE PRICE.........................................6
   3.1  Time and Place of Closing.......................................6
   3.2  Computation and Payment of Purchase Price.......................7
        (a) The Purchase Price..........................................7
        (b) Net Operating Working Capital...............................7
        (c) Closing Date Balance Sheet..................................7
        
   4.0  ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE....................................9
        
   5.0  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER........................9
   5.1  Corporate Organization..........................................9
   5.2  Corporate Authorization, Certain Corporate Actions,
         No Conflicts...................................................9
   5.3  Company Financial Statements...................................10
   5.4  Operations of the Company......................................11
   5.5  Absence of Certain Changes or Events...........................11
   5.6  Undisclosed Liabilities........................................13
   5.7  Properties.....................................................13
   5.8  Litigation; Orders.............................................14
   5.9  Intellectual Property..........................................15
   5.10 Labor Matters..................................................15
   5.11 Compliance with Laws...........................................16
   5.12 Taxes..........................................................16
   5.13 Contracts......................................................17
   5.14 Inventories....................................................19
   5.15 Consents, Approvals, etc.......................................19
   5.16 Certain Fees...................................................20
   5.17 Licenses and Permits...........................................20
   5.18 Employee Benefit Plans.........................................20
   5.19 Transactions with Interested Persons...........................20
   5.20 Environmental Matters..........................................20
   5.21 Accounts.......................................................25
   5.22 Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds, Guarantees....................25
   5.23 Accounts Receivable............................................25

                                        i

<PAGE>


   5.24 Product Liabilities; Product Warranties........................25
   5.25 Insurance......................................................26
   5.26 Suppliers and Customers........................................26
   5.27 Disclosure.....................................................26
   5.28 Certain Defined Items..........................................26
       
 6.0  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER......................27
      6.1   Corporate Organization.....................................27
      6.2   Corporate Authorization, Certain Corporate Actions,
             No Conflicts..............................................27
      6.3   Litigation; Orders.........................................28
      6.4   Consents, Approvals, etc...................................28
      6.5   Certain Fees...............................................28

 7.0  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY PRIOR TO CLOSING..............28

 8.0  ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS..............................30
      8.1   Access Prior to Closing....................................30
      8.2   Access After Closing.......................................30

 9.0  EMPLOYEES........................................................31

9.1   Employee Benefits Definitions....................................31
9.2   Employee Benefit Plans...........................................32
9.3   Employees and Offers of Employment...............................35
9.4   Seller's Employee Benefit Plans..................................36
9.5   Defined Benefit Plans............................................37
9.6   Defined Contribution Plans.......................................41
9.7   Benefit Restoration Plan.........................................43
9.8   Deferred Compensation Plan.......................................44
9.9   Flexible Spending Arrangements...................................44
9.10  Welfare Benefits.................................................44
9.11  Continuation of Certain Administrative Services
       and Insurance Coverage..........................................45
9.12  Collective Bargaining Agreements.................................45
9.13  No Third Party Beneficiaries.....................................45
9.14  Union Contracts..................................................46
9.15  WARN.............................................................46

10.0  AUTHORIZATIONS...................................................46

11.0  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS...........................................47

12.0  WARRANTY SERVICE.................................................47

13.0  COLLECTION OF RECEIVABLES........................................47

14.0  FURTHER ASSURANCES...............................................48

15.0  CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES....,....................48

                                       ii

<PAGE>

      15.1  Conditions to Obligations of Each Party....................48
      15.2  Conditions Precedent to Purchaser's Obligations............49
      15.3  Conditions Precedent to Seller's Obligations...............52

16.0  INDEMNIFICATION..................................................53
      16.1  Seller's Indemnification...................................53
      16.2  Purchaser's Indemnification................................54
      16.3  Limitations on Indemnifications............................55
      16.4  Procedure for Third Party Claims...........................56

17.0  OTHER PROPOSALS..................................................58

18.0  ARBITRATION......................................................59

19.0  COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE; NONSOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES............61

20.0  TAX MATTERS......................................................61

21.0  NOTICES..........................................................62

22.0  BULK SALES COMPLIANCE............................................62

23.0  TERMINATION......................................................63

24.0  MISCELLANEOUS....................................................64
      24.1  Entire Agreement; Modification.............................64
      24.2  Waiver.....................................................64
      24.3  Binding Effect, Transfer  .................................64
      24.4  Numbers and Headings.......................................64
      24.5  Exhibits and Schedules.....................................65
      24.6  Further Actions............................................65
      24.7  Transaction Taxes; Transfer of Recording Fees;
             Prorations................................................65
      24.8  Counterparts...............................................66
      24.9  Expenses...................................................66
      24.10 Validity of Provisions.....................................66
      24.11 Governing Law..............................................66
      24.12 Risk of Loss...............................................66
      24.13 Publicity..................................................66
      24.14 Time is of the Essence.....................................67
      24.15 Certain Understandings.....................................67
      24.16 Third Party Beneficiaries..................................67
      25.17 McKee Sale.................................................67
      24.18 Future Business............................................67

25.0  CERTAIN DEFINITIONS..............................................68

      Signatures.......................................................72

      List of Schedules and Exhibits.....................................


                                      iii

<PAGE>


                   AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS

     THIS AGREEMENT is dated as of the 24th day of October, 1997, by and between
UNITED DOMINION INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation having its principal
offices in Charlotte, North Carolina ("United Dominion"), WCGD, INC., a Canadian
corporation and an affiliate of United Dominion ("WCGD") (United Dominion and
WCGD are hereinafter collectively the "Seller"), and WINDSOR DOOR, INC., a
Delaware corporation having its principal offices c/o American Buildings
Company, Eufaula, Alabama ("Purchaser").

                              BACKGROUND STATEMENT

A.   Seller owns certain assets which together constitute its Windsor Door
     division (the "Company"). The Company is engaged in the manufacture,
     distribution and sale of residential garage doors and commercial rolling
     steel doors and sectional doors (to the extent the Company is currently so
     engaged, the "Business") with facilities located in Little Rock, Arkansas,
     Marysville, California and Aurora, Illinois;

B.   Purchaser desires to purchase from Seller and Seller desires to sell,
     transfer and assign to Purchaser, substantially all the assets of the
     Company, and Purchaser has agreed to assume certain liabilities related to
     the Business for the purchase price and upon the terms and subject to the
     conditions hereinafter set forth.

                             STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT

     In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set
forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1.0  PURCHASE AND SALE OF BUSINESS AND ASSETS.

1.1  Assets Transferred. Seller will sell, transfer, convey, assign and deliver
     to Purchaser and Purchaser will acquire from Seller, at the Closing (as
     hereinafter defined), all right, title and interest in and to the
     properties, assets and rights of every nature, kind and description,
     tangible and intangible (including goodwill), whether real or personal,
     whether accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether now existing or
     otherwise acquired prior to the Closing Date primarily relating to, or used
     or held for use by Seller primarily in connection with, the Business, as
     the same may exist on the Closing Date, except for Excluded Assets as
     defined in Section 1.2 below (collectively, the "Purchased Assets"), and
     including without limitation all 


<PAGE>



     those items in the following categories that primarily relate to, or are
     used or held for use by Seller primarily in connection with, the Business:

     (a)  real property, specifically the real property located in Little Rock,
          Arkansas and Marysville, California, described in EXHIBIT 1.1(A),
          together with all buildings, equipment, improvements and fixtures
          located thereon, and all right, title and interest, if any, of the
          Seller in and to any easements, rights of way and other appurtenants
          thereto (such as appurtenant rights in and to public streets)
          pertaining to or benefiting such land including without limitation all
          air rights, subsurface rights, water rights, wells and appurtenant
          development rights, and all tangible personal property currently used
          in the repair, operation and maintenance of the real property and any
          additions and improvements thereto between the date hereof and the
          closing (the "Real Property");

     (b)  inventories of raw materials, work in process, finished products,
          goods, spare parts, replacement and component parts (the inventories
          held at the Company's locations in Little Rock, Arkansas, Marysville,
          California, Aurora, Illinois and the distribution centers set forth on
          Schedule 5.7 of the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, and inventories previously
          purchased and in transit to the Company are collectively referred to
          as the "Inventories");

     (c)  equipment, machinery, furniture, furnishings, vehicles, tools, dies,
          molds, and replacement, repair and other parts and similar property;

     (d)  rights to sell or lease products sold or leased and rights to any
          products under research and development prior to the Closing Date;

     (e)  subject to Article 11.0 of this Agreement, all contracts,
          arrangements, license and technology agreements, sales and purchase
          orders, bids, offers, documents submitted in response to bid requests
          or solicitations or invitations to bid or quote, sales representative,
          dealer and agency agreements, leases and other agreements, including
          without limitation any right to receive payment for products sold or
          services rendered pursuant to, and to receive goods and services
          pursuant to, such contracts and to assert claims and take other
          rightful actions in respect of breaches,

                                       2

<PAGE>



          defaults and other violations of such contracts and otherwise;

     (f)  prepaid expenses and petty cash;

     (g)  all rights under insurance policies covering Inventories in transit
          and all rights and claims under insurance policies for damage to any
          Purchased Assets to the extent not repaired or replaced prior to the
          Closing;

     (h)  notes and accounts receivable held by Seller and notes, bonds, and
          other evidences of indebtedness of and rights to receive payments,
          including but not limited to liens and security rights or other
          collateral relating to such indebtedness;

     (i)  (i) patents throughout the world and applications therefor, (ii)
          trademarks, service marks, trade names and registered user names
          throughout the world, including registrations and applications for
          registration thereof, if any, including without limitation the name
          "Windsor Door" and any derivations thereof (but excluding the name
          "United Dominion" and any derivations thereof), (iii) copyright
          registrations throughout the world and applications therefor, and any
          other non-registered copyrights, including in the cases of clauses
          (i), (ii) and (iii) those items listed on the schedule of Seller's
          disclosures attached as SCHEDULE 1 hereto (the "DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE")
          (the Purchased Assets that are described in clauses (i), (ii) and
          (iii) and all patents, trademarks and trade names listed in the
          DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE are collectively referred to as the "Intellectual
          Property");

     (j)  designs, plans, trade secrets, inventions, processes, procedures,
          research records, manufacturing know-how and manufacturing formulae,
          wherever located (the "Know-How");

     (k)  books, customer lists, records, computer disks and tapes, manuals,
          advertising matter, catalogs, price lists, correspondence, mailing
          lists, lists of customers and suppliers, distribution lists,
          photographs, production data, sales and promotional materials and
          records, purchasing materials and records, personnel records,
          manufacturing and quality control records and procedures, blueprints,
          research and development files, media materials, accounting

                                       3

<PAGE>


          records, sales orders files, drawings, surveys, plans and
          specifications, parts reference guides, project files, profit and
          marketing plans and other documents and records;

     (l)  to the extent their transfer is permitted by law, governmental
          licenses, permits, approvals, license applications and product
          registrations; and

     (m)  all of Seller's interest in that Agreement of Lease (the "Components
          Plant Lease") dated as of July 15, 1997 between Maumelle Limited
          Partnership, as landlord, and Seller, as tenant, and all of Seller's
          interest in that Lease with Conlan Investments for that property
          located at 1941 Selmarten Road, Aurora, Illinois (the "Aurora Plant
          Lease" and, together with the Components Plant Lease, the "Leases").

1.2  Excluded Assets. Seller will retain and not transfer the following assets,
     which shall not constitute Purchased Assets pursuant to Section 1.1 above
     (collectively, the "Excluded Assets"):

     (a)  all casualty, liability, long-term disability, health, welfare and
          other insurance policies maintained by or on behalf of Seller,
          Seller's affiliates and, except to the extent provided in Section
          1.1(g), rights thereunder and all rights under self insurance programs
          maintained or established with respect to the Company;

     (b)  all foreign, federal, state or local tax refunds, tax refund claims
          and tax credits, deductions or other tax benefits of Seller or
          Seller's affiliates relating to periods prior to the Closing Date,
          except that Seller shall have no right to seek refunds of real estate
          taxes for periods prior to the Closing Date;

     (c)  subject to Article 8.0 hereof, all checks and drafts of Seller and all
          Seller's records and files, banking records, tax returns, accounting
          records and such other similar books and records located at the
          corporate offices (or in record storage facilities) of Seller in
          Charlotte, North Carolina, including, without limitation, such books
          and records as may relate to the Business but that primarily relate to
          other Excluded Assets or to Excluded Liabilities (as defined in
          Article 2.0);

     (d)  all rights to use the name "United Dominion" or the United Dominion
          logo, alone or in combination with any

                                       4


<PAGE>


          other words, logo or symbol, and any other trademarks, trade names,
          service marks, or copyrights owned by or registered to Seller or
          Seller's affiliates that are not used primarily in the Business, and
          all supplies (other than items of Inventory) that indicate that the
          Company is associated with Seller;

     (e)  all indemnity and contribution rights granted to Seller or owed by
          third parties to Seller with respect to Excluded Liabilities and any
          and all rights or assets arising from and related to the defense,
          release, compromise, discharge, administration, management or
          satisfaction by Seller of the Excluded Liabilities;

     (f)  all of Seller's rights, claims, actions, causes of action, vendor,
          supplier and similar claims, judgments, claims and demands of whatever
          nature relating to Excluded Assets;

     (g)  all computer programs and software not generated or purchased
          exclusively for the Business (other than software listed on Schedule
          5.9 of the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE);

     (h)  all guarantees, letters of credit, bank drafts and similar items given
          by the Seller or their affiliates for the benefit of the Company,
          including but not limited to any guarantees of bank loans or lines of
          credit;

     (i)  all of Seller's deferred charges, advance payments, prepaid items,
          security and other deposits, claims for refunds, rights of offset, and
          credits of all kinds relating to the Excluded Assets or to Excluded
          Liabilities;

     (j)  all pension, profit sharing, incentive, stock benefit plans and 401(k)
          savings or other plans related to the Business or employees of the
          Business and, subject to Article 9.0 hereof, any funds or assets held
          or reserved with respect thereto;

     (k)  all cash (except petty cash), cash equivalents and marketable
          securities held on behalf of the Company;

     (l)  all rights of Seller under this Agreement and the agreements,
          instruments, and certificates delivered pursuant to this Agreement;

                                       5

<PAGE>


     (m)  all records prepared in connection with the sale of the Company,
          including analyses relating to the Company; and

     (n)  all the additional assets and properties, if any, that are listed and
          described on SCHEDULE 1.2(N).

1.3  Transfer at Closing. Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions
     hereof, at the Closing, Seller shall transfer the Purchased Assets to
     Purchaser pursuant to a Bill of Sale and Assignment in the form of EXHIBIT
     1.3 and convey good, indefeasible and fee simple title to the Real Property
     pursuant to bargain and sale deeds with covenants against grantor's acts,
     free and clear of all liabilities, obligations, liens and encumbrances
     ("Encumbrances") excepting only those Encumbrances described on the
     DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE and agreed to be assumed by Purchaser, Encumbrances of
     record (other than mortgages and other recorded liens) that relate to the
     Real Property, or Encumbrances assumed pursuant to the Liabilities
     Undertaking (as hereinafter defined).

2.0  ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. Subject to the terms and pursuant to the
     conditions set forth herein, at the Closing, Purchaser will assume and
     agree to pay, honor and discharge Seller's trade payables, accrued
     expenses, such as salaries and wages, payroll taxes, vacation, advertising,
     frequent buyer program, rent, warranty and similar liabilities of Seller at
     the Closing Date incurred in the ordinary course of the Business which do
     not result from, arise out of or relate to, and are not caused by, any
     breach of contract (it being understood that warranty claims shall be
     Purchaser's responsibility), tort, infringement or violation of law and
     such other liabilities expressly assumed in the Liabilities Undertaking
     (the form of which is attached to this Agreement as EXHIBIT 2.0) (the
     "Assumed Liabilities"). Purchaser shall not assume and Seller shall pay,
     honor, perform and discharge any liabilities, obligations or commitments of
     Seller incurred by or on behalf of the Business prior to the Closing Date
     other than those expressly assumed in the Liabilities Undertaking (the
     "Excluded Liabilities").

3.0  CLOSING; PURCHASE PRICE.

3.1  Time and Place of Closing. The closing of the sale of the Purchased Assets
     (the "Closing") shall take place at 10:00 a.m., Charlotte, North Carolina
     time, on November 25, 1997, or such other date as Purchaser and Seller may
     agree (the "Closing Date") at the executive offices of Seller in Charlotte,
     North Carolina or at such other place as Seller

                                       6

<PAGE>


     and Purchaser may agree. The Closing shall be effective as of 12:01 a.m. on
     the Closing Date.

3.2  Computation and Payment of Purchase Price.

     (a)  The Purchase Price. In consideration of the sale, transfer,
          conveyance, assignment and delivery of the Purchased Assets by Seller
          to Purchaser, Purchaser will, in full payment thereof, in addition to
          the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities pursuant to the Liabilities
          Undertaking, pay to Seller at Closing a total purchase price equal to
          Sixty Million Dollars (U.S. $60,000,000) (the "Purchase Price").
          Pursuant to this Section 3.2, after Closing the Purchase Price shall
          be subject to adjustment, dollar-for-dollar, (i) to the extent Net
          Operating Working Capital (as hereinafter defined) on the Closing Date
          is greater or less than the number obtained by multiplying 0.180 times
          the "net sales" of the Business for the 12-month period ending on the
          last day of the last full month ending prior to Closing, and (ii) as
          set forth in Section 9.5 hereof. A party owing money pursuant to the
          adjustment provided in the preceding sentence shall pay such amount by
          wire transfer of immediately available funds within two business days
          after final determination of the amount, if any, owed.

     (b)  Net Operating Working Capital. The term "Net Operating Working
          Capital" as used herein shall be derived from the Closing Date Balance
          Sheet (as defined below) and shall be calculated as total current
          assets minus total current liabilities (excluding property tax and
          bonus accruals). For purposes of this calculation, any accrual for the
          Company's employer contribution to the Seller DC Plan (as defined in
          Section 9.6(a)) shall be adjusted to be equal to $135,400.

     (c)  Closing Date Balance Sheet.

          (1)  The term "Closing Date Balance Sheet" as used herein shall mean a
               balance sheet reflecting the Purchased Assets and Assumed
               Liabilities, to be prepared by Seller as of the close of business
               on the business day immediately preceding the Closing Date, and
               adjusted and agreed upon by Seller and Purchaser as hereinafter
               provided. Except as set forth in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, the
               Closing Date Balance Sheet shall be prepared from the books and
               records of Seller and the Company, in accordance

                                       7

<PAGE>



               with United States generally accepted accounting principles
               ("GAAP"), consistently applied, and all inventory and supplies
               reflected thereon shall be so reflected on the basis of a
               complete physical count initiated on October 24, 1997, at which
               representatives of Purchaser may be present, and rolled forward
               to the date prior to the Closing Date. The allowance for doubtful
               accounts and warranty reserve to be set forth on the Closing Date
               Balance Sheet shall be determined based on the historical
               experience of the Business, and, with respect to accounts
               receivable, shall take into account all valid defenses, set-offs
               and counterclaims known to Seller. The Inventories shall be
               valued in the ordinary course of the Business with appropriate
               reserves (if applicable) for slow-moving, excess and obsolete
               goods.

          (2)  A proposed Closing Date Balance Sheet shall be presented by
               Seller to Purchaser as soon as possible after the Closing Date,
               but not later than the date that is forty-five (45) days after
               Closing. No later than the date that is forty-five (45) days
               after the date of receipt by Purchaser from Seller of the
               proposed Closing Date Balance Sheet, Purchaser shall submit in
               writing to Seller any and all proposed adjustments, if any, to
               the proposed Closing Date Balance Sheet received by it from
               Seller. No later than the date that is twenty (20) days after the
               date of receipt by Seller of Purchaser's proposed adjustments,
               Seller shall notify Purchaser whether or not it accepts the
               proposed adjustments and which, if any, it rejects. Thereafter,
               for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, Purchaser and Seller
               will attempt in good faith to reach agreement on the Closing Date
               Balance Sheet. Failing agreement within such time period, the
               parties shall submit the issues in dispute to binding arbitration
               pursuant to Article 18.0 of this Agreement. In the event
               Purchaser and Seller agree on the Closing Date Balance Sheet or
               disputed items are resolved through arbitration, such agreement
               or arbitration decision shall be final and Purchaser shall have
               no further recourse or claim with respect thereto except pursuant
               to the representations and warranties contained in Article 5.0
               hereof.


                                       8

<PAGE>


4.0  ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE.

     As soon as possible after the Closing Date, Seller and Purchaser shall
     mutually agree on an allocation of the Purchase Price among the Purchased
     Assets and the covenant not to compete set forth in Article 19.0 hereof in
     amounts according to Section 1060 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
     amended (the "Code"). If Seller and Purchaser cannot agree on an
     allocation, each shall make its own allocation to the Internal Revenue
     Service without regard to the allocation of the other parties.

5.0  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER. Seller hereby represents and
     warrants to Purchaser that, except as set forth on the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE:

5.1  Corporate Organization. United Dominion is a corporation duly organized,
     validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
     Delaware, and WCGD is a corporation duly organized and validly subsisting
     under the laws of Canada. Each Seller has all requisite corporate power and
     authority to own, lease, license and operate the properties and assets
     owned, leased, licensed and operated in connection with the Business. Each
     Seller is duly qualified, licensed or domesticated and in good standing in
     each jurisdiction where the nature of its activities conducted in
     connection with the Business, or the character of the properties owned,
     leased or operated by it in connection with the Business, requires such
     qualification, licensing or domestication and where failure to so qualify,
     license or domesticate or be in good standing would, individually or in the
     aggregate, (i) have a material adverse effect on the assets, financial
     condition or business of the Company, (the assets, financial condition and
     business of the Company shall hereinafter be referred to as the "Business
     Condition of the Company"), (ii) adversely affect the ability of Purchaser
     or Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
     the Seller Related Instruments or (iii) adversely affect Purchaser's
     ability to operate the Business following the Closing in substantially the
     same manner as currently conducted by Seller (the matters set forth in
     clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) hereinafter being collectively referred to as a
     "Material Adverse Effect").

5.2  Corporate Authorization, Certain Corporate Actions, No Conflicts. Each
     Seller has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and
     deliver this Agreement (including without limitation the Bill of Sale and
     Assignment, the bargain and sale deeds and any other


                                       9

<PAGE>


     agreements being delivered by Seller hereunder (collectively, the "Seller
     Related Instruments")) and to consummate the transactions contemplated
     hereby and thereby and all necessary corporate proceedings have been taken
     to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by each Seller of this
     Agreement and the Seller Related Instruments and the consummation of the
     transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been duly
     authorized, executed, and delivered by each Seller, is the legal, valid and
     binding obligation of each Seller, and is enforceable as to each Seller in
     accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by
     bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, insolvency or similar laws affecting
     creditors' rights or by equitable principles relating to the availability
     of remedies. Each Seller Related Instrument will be duly authorized,
     executed and delivered by each Seller party thereto, and will be, upon
     execution and delivery, the legal, valid and binding obligation of such
     Seller, enforceable as to such Seller in accordance with its terms, except
     as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance,
     insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors' rights or by equitable
     principles relating to the availability of remedies. Assuming compliance by
     both Purchaser and Seller and their affiliates with the Hart-Scott-Rodino
     Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), neither the
     execution, delivery, nor performance of this Agreement or any Seller
     Related Instrument by Seller will, with or without the giving of notice or
     the passage of time, or both, conflict with, result in a default, right to
     accelerate or loss of rights under, or result in the creation of any lien,
     charge or encumbrance on any of the Purchased Assets pursuant to, any
     provision of each Seller's certificate of incorporation or bylaws or any
     franchise, mortgage, deed of trust, lease, license, agreement,
     understanding, law, rule or regulation, or any order, judgment, or decree
     to which either Seller is a party or by which either Seller may be bound or
     affected, to the extent such conflict, default, right to accelerate, loss
     of rights, lien, charge or encumbrance would have a Material Adverse
     Effect, except for contracts that expressly prohibit Seller from
     transferring its rights and obligations thereunder without the consent of
     another party thereto.

5.3  Company Financial Statements. Seller has furnished to Purchaser true and
     complete copies of unaudited financial statements (unaudited balance sheets
     and unaudited statements of profit and loss) of the Company as of and for
     the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996 and the nine months ended
     September 30, 1997 (the "Historical Financial Statements"). Except as set
     out in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE,


                                       10

<PAGE>


     the Historical Financial Statements (a) have been prepared from the books
     and records of the Company in accordance with GAAP applied consistently,
     and (b) fairly present the financial position of the Company and the
     results of its operations as of and for the periods then ended. The
     statements of operations included in the Historical Financial Statements do
     not contain any material items of non-recurring income or expense, except
     as expressly specified therein.

5.4  Operations of the Company. The Business has been conducted only through the
     Company and WCGD, and not through any other affiliate of Seller. No part of
     the Purchased Assets or the Business is owned or operated by any entity
     other than Seller. To Seller's Knowledge (as defined in Section 5.28),
     except for the Excluded Assets and except as may be disclosed on the
     DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, the assets, properties and rights included in the
     Purchased Assets comprise all of the material assets, properties and rights
     of every type and description, real or personal, tangible or intangible,
     primarily used by the Company in the operation of the Business. No item of
     tangible personal property material to the operation of the Business is an
     Excluded Asset. All items of tangible personal property included in the
     Purchased Assets (other than Inventories in transit or held on consignment)
     are located at the Real Property or at the locations listed in the
     DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE. There are no existing agreements, options, commitments
     or rights with, of or to any person to acquire any of Seller's assets,
     properties or rights included in the Purchased Assets or any interest
     therein, except for those contracts entered into in the normal course of
     business consistent with past practice.

5.5  Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since December 31, 1996, there has
     not been any material adverse change in the Business Condition of the
     Company. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as
     disclosed in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE or with respect to seasonal business
     conditions consistent with past experience, since December 31, 1996, Seller
     has not (i) canceled or compromised any material debt or claim, or waived
     or released any right of substantial value relating to the Business; (ii)
     modified, cancelled or terminated, or received any written notice of
     termination of, any material contract, lease or other agreement relating to
     the Business; (iii) transferred or granted any material rights under, or
     entered into any settlement regarding the breach or infringement of, any
     license, patent, copyright, trademark, trade name, invention or similar
     right relating to the Business, or modified any existing right with respect
     thereto; (iv) made any material

                                       11

<PAGE>



     change in the rate of compensation, commission, or other direct or indirect
     remuneration payable to any distributor or agent of Seller relating to the
     operation of the Business; (v) made any capital expenditures or capital
     additions or betterments in respect of the Business in excess of an
     aggregate of $100,000; (vi) to Seller's Knowledge, incurred or become
     subject to any liability (absolute, accrued or contingent), except current
     liabilities incurred and liabilities under contracts entered into, all of
     which were in the ordinary course of business; (vii) delayed or postponed
     the payment of accounts payable and other liabilities outside the ordinary
     course of business; (viii) mortgaged, pledged or subjected to lien any of
     its assets, tangible or intangible, other than liens of current real
     property taxes not yet due and payable; (ix) sold, assigned, licensed or
     transferred any of its assets, tangible or intangible, which would have
     been included in the Purchased Assets if the Closing had been held on
     December 31, 1996 or on any date since then except in the ordinary course
     of business; (x) suffered any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not
     covered by insurance, (a) materially and adversely affecting the Business
     Condition of the Company or (b) of any item or items carried on its books
     of account individually or in the aggregate at more than $100,000, or
     suffered any repeated, recurring or prolonged shortage, cessation or
     interruption of supplies or utility or other services required to conduct
     the Business; (xi) received notice or had knowledge of any actual or
     threatened labor trouble, strike or other occurrence, event or condition of
     any similar character which has had or could reasonably be expected to have
     a Material Adverse Effect; (xii) suffered any material adverse change in
     its relations with, or any loss or to Seller's Knowledge threatened loss
     of, any of its suppliers or customers disclosed pursuant to Section 5.26;
     (xiii) (a) granted any severance or termination pay to any of the employees
     of the Business, (b) entered into any employment, deferred compensation or
     other similar agreement (or any amendment to any such existing agreement)
     or arrangement with any of the employees of the Business, (3) increased any
     benefits payable under any existing severance or termination pay policies
     or employment agreements, or (4) increased the compensation, bonus or other
     benefits payable to any of the officers of the Business or, other than in
     the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice,
     employees of the Business; (xiv) entered into any transaction except in the
     ordinary course of business or as otherwise contemplated hereby; or (xv)
     entered into any agreement or made any commitment (contingent or otherwise)
     to take any of the 

                                       12


<PAGE>


     types of action described in subparagraphs (i) through (xv) above.

5.6  Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as disclosed in the DISCLOSURE Schedule or
     reflected in the Historical Financial Statements, Seller has no material
     liabilities arising from the Company's operations that would be required to
     be reflected on a balance sheet prepared for the Company in accordance with
     GAAP. The Company does not have any material liability (whether known or
     unknown, whether asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or contingent,
     whether accrued or unaccrued, whether liquidated or unliquidated, and
     whether due or to become due, including any liability for taxes) except for
     (i) liabilities under Contracts that are not yet due, (ii) liabilities
     reflected on the September 30 Balance Sheet and (iii) liabilities which
     have arisen after September 30, 1997 in the ordinary course of business and
     consistent with past practice (none of which is a liability for breach of
     contract (other than for warranty claims in the ordinary course of
     business), tort, infringement claim or lawsuit).

5.7  Properties. With the exception of inventory sold in the ordinary course of
     business since September 30, 1997, Seller has good, indefeasible and fee
     simple title to, or holds by valid and existing lease or license, free and
     clear of all Encumbrances, each piece of real and personal property
     capitalized on the Company's balance sheet at September 30, 1997 (the
     "September 30 Balance Sheet") or acquired after the date thereof, except
     for Encumbrances that (i) are listed in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, none of
     which restricts in any material respect the use and present operation of
     the Purchased Assets and the Business, (ii) are excepted in the Title
     Policies (as hereinafter defined), (iii) are reflected on the September 30
     Balance Sheet and will be assumed by Purchaser pursuant to the Liabilities
     Undertaking, (iv) arise out of taxes or general or special assessments not
     in default and payable without penalty or interest or the validity of which
     is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings (provided no
     formal proceeding has been filed to collect any such taxes or assessments
     and no Encumbrances have attached to the Purchased Assets on account
     thereof), or (v) are mechanics', carriers', workers', repairmens' or other
     like liens that do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially
     detract from, or interfere with the use of, the Purchased Assets in the
     Business. Seller has made available to Purchaser complete and accurate
     copies of all deeds, leases and other material agreements with respect to
     the Real Property and all such deeds, leases and other material agreements
     are listed in

                                       13


<PAGE>

     the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE; there does not exist under such deeds, leases or
     other material agreements any default or event or condition which, after
     notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default thereunder by
     Seller, or to Seller's Knowledge another party thereto, that could,
     individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as
     disclosed in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, the personal property capitalized on
     the September 30 Balance Sheet is usable in the ordinary course of
     business, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Except as disclosed on the
     DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, the buildings, machinery, equipment and other tangible
     assets included in the Purchased Assets are free from material defects
     (patent and latent), have been maintained in accordance with normal
     industry practice, are in good operating condition and repair (subject to
     normal wear and tear), are usable in the regular and ordinary course of
     business, and conform in all material respects to all applicable statutes,
     rules, regulations, ordinances, orders, writs, injunctions, judgments,
     decrees, awards and restrictions of every governmental authority having
     jurisdiction over any of the Real Property or the Business. Except as set
     forth on the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, there are no unsatisfied requests for any
     repairs, restorations or improvements to the Real Property or any tangible
     assets from any Person, including without limitation any governmental
     entity, and there are no ongoing material repairs to the Real Property or
     any tangible assets being made by or on behalf of Seller. Seller has not
     transferred any air rights or development rights relating to the Real
     Property. Seller has not received written notice from any governmental or
     quasi-governmental authority with respect to any actual or threatened
     taking of any portion of the Real Property for any purpose by the exercise
     of the right of condemnation or eminent domain. PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES
     THAT, SHOULD THE CLOSING OCCUR, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN,
     PURCHASER WILL ACQUIRE THE PURCHASED ASSETS WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATION OR
     WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED
     WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND,
     EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET OUT HEREIN, WILL ACQUIRE THE PURCHASED ASSETS IN AN
     "AS-IS" CONDITION.

5.8  Litigation; Orders. Except as disclosed in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, there
     is no judgment or outstanding order, injunction, decree, stipulation or
     award (whether rendered by a court or administrative agency, or by
     arbitration), or any claim in excess of $10,000, legal action,
     administrative proceedings, governmental investigation, arbitration or
     other proceeding, pending or to Seller's Knowledge threatened against
     Seller relating to the Business that,

                                       14


<PAGE>


     individually or in the aggregate, could have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.9  Intellectual Property. The DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE contains a complete and
     correct list of all patents, trade names, trademarks, trademark
     registrations, service marks, registered user names and copyrights, and
     applications for registration of the foregoing, both domestic and foreign,
     presently used by Seller in the Business. The Intellectual Property used in
     the Business is valid and in full force and effect and, except as set forth
     in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, Seller has not received any written notice or
     claim that any of the Intellectual Property relating to the Business is
     invalid or unenforceable by it. Except as set forth in the DISCLOSURE
     SCHEDULE, the Intellectual Property and Know-How relating to the Business
     are owned by Seller free and clear of any material license, sublicense,
     agreement, right, understanding, judgment, order, decree, stipulation,
     lien, charge or encumbrance. None of the Intellectual Property or any of
     the technology covered thereby or any of the Know-How has been
     misappropriated from any Person; Seller is not, in connection with the
     Business, infringing upon or otherwise acting adversely to any Intellectual
     Property owned by any other Person; and there is no claim or action by any
     Person pending or to Seller's Knowledge threatened with respect thereto.
     Except as set forth on the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, to Seller's Knowledge there
     has not been, since January 1, 1993, any infringement or improper use by
     any third party of the Intellectual Property or the Know-How relating to
     the Business and there is no action or proceeding instituted by Seller
     pending in which an act constituting an infringement of any of the rights
     to such Intellectual Property or Know-How was alleged to have been
     committed by a third party. The DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE lists all material
     licenses, sublicenses or agreements relating to the use by third parties of
     such Intellectual Property and Know-How, or the use by Seller of the
     Intellectual Property of another Person, and there is no material default
     by Seller or to Seller's Knowledge by another party under such license,
     sublicense or agreement.

5.10 Labor Matters. Except as disclosed in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, (a) there is
     no pending or, to Seller's Knowledge, threatened collective bargaining
     labor dispute, arbitration, investigation, lawsuit or administrative
     proceeding relating to labor matters involving employees of the Company;
     (b) Seller is in compliance in all material respects with all labor
     agreements applicable to the Company, which agreements are set forth on the
     DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE; (c) Seller with respect to the Business is in
     compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws regarding
     employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment,
     wages, hours of work and occupational safety and health; (d) there is no
     labor strike, collective slowdown, collective work stoppage or lockout
     pending or, to Seller's Knowledge, threatened against Seller with respect
     to the Business; and (e) Seller has not received written notice from any
     union or employees setting forth demands for collective representation,
     elections or for present or future changes in wages, terms or employment or
     working conditions in respect of the Business. Complete and correct copies
     of all of such labor agreements have been made available to Purchaser and
     its representatives prior to the date hereof.

5.11 Compliance with Laws. The Business has been, and is being, operated in
     compliance with all statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules,
     judgments, order or decrees applicable thereto, except where the failure to
     so comply would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
     expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in the
     DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, Seller has not received written notice of any
     citations, violations, suits, proceedings, orders, decrees or judgments
     relating to zoning, building, use and occupancy, traffic, storm water
     management, fire, health, sanitation, Environmental Laws (as hereinafter
     defined) or other laws or regulations against, or with respect to, the
     Business, the Real Property or the Leases or any part thereof which remains
     uncured or of record.

5.12 Taxes. Seller has (taking into account any extensions of time granted to or
     obtained by Seller) timely filed all federal, state, local and foreign
     income tax returns relating to the operations of the Company and required
     under applicable law to be filed on or prior to the date hereof. Seller has
     (taking into account any extensions of time granted to or obtained by
     Seller) timely filed all federal, foreign, state, local and other returns
     and reports with respect to employee income tax withholding and social
     security and unemployment taxes in compliance with applicable tax
     withholding provisions applicable to the Company. All such returns and
     reports were correct and complete in all material respects, and all income
     and other taxes owed by the Company or in respect of the Business have been
     paid or are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings. There
     are no existing deficiencies or adjustments (or to Seller's Knowledge,
     proposed deficiencies or adjustments) for any income taxes, or interest or
     penalties thereon, that have been asserted or proposed in writing or
     assessed against Seller relating to


                                       16


<PAGE>

     the Business by any governmental unit and that are likely to have a
     Material Adverse Effect.

5.13 Contracts.

     (a)  Except for agreements and arrangements listed in this Agreement or in
          the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, Seller is not a party to (i) any agreements
          with any key employee of the Company (A) the benefits of which are
          contingent, or the terms of which are materially altered, upon the
          occurrence of a transaction involving the Company of the nature of the
          transaction contemplated by this Agreement, (B) providing any term of
          employment or compensation guarantee extending for a period longer
          than six months, (C) providing severance benefits or other benefits
          after the termination of employment of such employee regardless of the
          reason for such termination of employment; or (ii) any other employee
          agreement or plan relating to the Company, including, without
          limitation, any incentive or bonus plan or stock option plan.

     (b)  Except as set forth in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, there is no written
          contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement entered into or made by
          Seller, or any outstanding unaccepted offer made by Seller ("Offer")
          (A) that primarily affects any of the Purchased Assets, or (B) that is
          binding on Seller and that primarily relates to the Company, and, in
          each case:

          (i)  that is or relates to a mortgage, indenture, security agreement
               or other agreement or instrument relating to the borrowing of
               money by, or any extension of credit to, Seller;

          (ii) that is or relates to a collective bargaining agreement or union
               contract other than the Union Contracts (as defined in Section
               9.14);

         (iii) that contains or relates to covenants or other provisions
               limiting the right of the owner of the Business to compete in any
               line of business or with any person or in any area;

          (iv) that is or relates to a license agreement, either as licensor or
               licensee;

          (v)  that provides for or relates to any sharing of profits with other
               Persons or any joint venture or similar enterprise;

                                       17


<PAGE>

          (vi) that relates to the Real Property, including without limitation
               management, service and maintenance agreements that in the
               aggregate provide for payments of more than $25,000 per year;

         (vii) that involves any remaining or unsatisfied obligation (A) to make
               capital expenditures (whether through the purchase of real or
               personal property or otherwise) involving U.S. $50,000 or more in
               the case of any one item or group of items, (B) to purchase goods
               involving U.S. $100,000 or more in the case of any one item or
               group of items, or (C) to supply products or provide services
               involving U.S. $100,000 or more in the case of any one item or
               group of items;

        (viii) that involves any sales agency, manufacturer's representative,
               distributorship or marketing agreement that is not by its terms
               (without regard to the law of the applicable jurisdiction)
               cancelable by Seller without penalty on 90 days notice;

          (ix) that provides for the lease of personal property with aggregate
               payments of more than $50,000 per year or the lease of any real
               property to or from any Person, or

          (x)  that is any other contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement
               or Offer that is material to the Business Condition of the
               Company.

          Except as otherwise set forth in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE and subject
          to the last sentence of this Section 5.13, each contract, agreement,
          commitment, arrangement, plan, lease, license or similar instrument
          included in the Purchased Assets, whether or not set forth on the
          Disclosure Schedule, (collectively, the "Contracts") is a valid and
          binding obligation of Seller and, to Seller's Knowledge, the other
          parties thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as
          the enforceability thereof may be limited by any applicable
          bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting creditors' rights
          generally or by general principles of equity, regardless of whether
          such enforceability is considered in equity or at law), and is in full
          force and effect (except for any Contracts which by their terms expire
          after the date hereof or


                                       18


<PAGE>

          are terminated after the date hereof in accordance with the terms
          thereof, provided, however, that Seller shall not terminate any
          material Contract after the date hereof without the prior written
          consent of Purchaser, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld
          or delayed), and neither Seller nor, to Seller's Knowledge, any other
          party thereto has breached any material provision of, nor is in
          default in any material respect under the terms of (and, to Seller's
          Knowledge, no condition exists which, with the passage of time, the
          giving of notice, or both, would result in a default under the terms
          of), any of the Contracts. No Contract contains, in the reasonable
          opinion of Seller, any contractual requirement with which, to Seller's
          Knowledge, Seller will be unable to comply. Except as set forth on the
          DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, each of the Contracts and each Offer is validly
          assignable to the Purchaser without the consent of any other party
          thereto so that, after the assignment thereof to the Purchaser
          pursuant to this Agreement, the Purchaser will be entitled to the full
          economic and other benefits thereof. Seller shall give Purchaser
          written notice of each Contract listed on the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
          which is terminated after the date hereof. For purposes of this
          Section 5.13, the term "Contract" shall not include any employee
          benefit plans referred to in Article 9.0 of this Agreement.

5.14 Inventories. The Company's Inventories that will be reflected on the
     Closing Date Balance Sheet were acquired and have been maintained in the
     ordinary course of business, and are suitable and useable for the
     production or completion of the Company's products for sale in the ordinary
     course of business. Seller is not under any material liability or
     obligation with respect to the return of Inventories (other any return of
     inventory in connection with warranty claims) in the possession of
     wholesalers, retailers or other customers. Seller has not caused its
     Inventories to be materially increased or decreased other than in the
     ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

5.15 Consents, Approvals, etc. Except for filings pursuant to the HSR Act and
     otherwise as set forth in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, there are no filings
     required to be made by Seller or Seller's affiliates with, and there are no
     consents, approvals, permits or authorizations required to be obtained by
     Seller from, governmental and regulatory authorities of the United States,
     or any other Person, in connection with the execution and delivery of this
     Agreement and the Seller

                                       19


<PAGE>

     Related Instruments by Seller and the consummation by Seller of the
     transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, the failure of which to
     obtain would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
     Effect.

5.16 Certain Fees. Except for NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc. whose fees shall
     be borne solely by Seller, Seller has not employed any broker, investment
     banker or finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage, investment
     banking or finders' fees or commissions in connection with this Agreement
     or the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.17 Licenses and Permits. The DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE lists all governmental
     licenses and permits relating primarily to and used in connection with the
     ownership of the Purchased Assets and the operation of the Business, which
     are all the licenses and permits required in connection with the conduct of
     the Business as currently conducted and ownership of the Purchased Assets
     under applicable laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations and orders,
     except where the failure to possess such permits and licenses, individually
     or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Such
     licenses and permits are valid and in full force and effect, and except as
     set forth on the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, none of such licenses or permits will
     be terminated or impaired or become terminable as a result of the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

5.18 Employee Benefit Plans. See Article 9.0 for representations and warranties
     relating to employee benefit plans.

5.19  Transactions with Interested Persons. Except as set forth on the
      DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, (a) the Company is not indebted to any director,
      officer, employee or agent of Seller, or any of the Company's employees
      except for amounts due as normal salaries, commissions, wages, bonuses, or
      in reimbursement of ordinary expenses on a current basis and (b) no
      employee or agent of the Company is indebted to the Company or Seller
      except for advances for ordinary business expenses.

5.20  Environmental Matters.

     (a)  Except as disclosed in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE hereto:

          (i)  With respect to permits and licenses, (1) all licenses, permits,
               consents or other approvals required under Environmental Laws (as
               hereinafter defined) that are necessary to the operations of the
               Business have been obtained, except where the


                                       20


<PAGE>


               failure to possess such permits, licenses, consents or other
               approvals, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a
               Material Adverse Effect, and are in full force, and effect and
               Seller is unaware of any basis for revocation or suspension of
               any such licenses, permits, consents or other approvals; (2) to
               Seller's Knowledge, no Environmental Laws impose any obligation
               upon Purchaser, as a result of any transaction contemplated
               hereby, requiring prior notification to any governmental entity
               of the transfer of any permit, license, consent or other approval
               which is necessary to the operations of the Business; (3) all of
               the facilities and operations of the Business have been operated
               by Seller in all material respects in accordance with the
               representations and conditions made or set forth in the permit
               applications and the permits for the Business; and (4) the
               Business currently operates and, until the Closing, will continue
               to operate in compliance in all material respects with such
               permits, licenses, consents or approvals.

          (ii) Seller currently operates and, until the Closing, will continue
               to operate the Business in compliance in all material respects
               with all applicable limitations, restrictions, conditions,
               standards, prohibitions, requirements and obligations of
               Environmental Laws and related orders of any court or other
               governmental entity;

         (iii) There are not any existing, pending or, to the Seller's
               Knowledge, threatened actions, suits, claims, investigations,
               inquiries or proceedings by or before any court or any other
               governmental entity directed against Seller in connection with
               the operation of the Business which pertain or relate to (1) any
               remedial obligations under any applicable Environmental Law, (2)
               violations by Seller of any Environmental Law, (3) personal
               injury or property damage claims relating to a release of
               Hazardous Materials (as hereinafter defined) by Seller, or (4)
               response, removal, or remedial costs under CERCLA (as hereinafter
               defined) or any similar state law;

          (iv) To Seller's Knowledge, no portion of the Real Property owned or
               leased by the Seller with respect to the Business is located is
               listed on any Contaminated Site List;

                                       21



<PAGE>

          (v)  During Seller's ownership of the Business, there has been no
               Release (as hereinafter defined) of any Hazardous Materials on or
               underlying the Real Property in violation of Environmental Laws;

          (vi) To Seller's Knowledge, no asbestos-containing materials or
               polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs") are present on or underlying
               the Real Property;

         (vii) To Seller's Knowledge, there are no underground storage tanks for
               Hazardous Materials, active or abandoned, at any property now or
               previously owned or leased by Seller with respect to the
               Business;

        (viii) During Seller's ownership of the Business, all Hazardous
               Materials generated by the Business have been transported,
               stored, treated and disposed of by transporters or carriers, or
               at treatment, storage and disposal facilities, authorized or
               maintaining valid permits under all applicable Environmental
               Laws; and

          (ix) To Seller's Knowledge, there are not material Environmental
               Remediation Costs which are required or have been planned
               relating to the operation of the Business.

     (b)  The DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE identifies all environmental audits or
          assessments or occupational health studies relating to property or
          facilities of the Company undertaken by employees of the Company or
          Seller, agents, or independent contractors working at the request of a
          Seller or the Company or, to Seller's Knowledge, by governmental
          agencies or independent contractors working at the request of a
          Federal, state or local government agency. Seller has provided to
          Purchaser all engineering, geologic, environmental, and other
          documents or maps in the possession of Seller relating to (i) any
          Environmental Conditions (as hereinafter defined) existing on the Real
          Property, or (ii) any violations by the Business of any Environmental
          Laws.

     (c)  For purposes hereof, the following terms shall have the following
          definitions:

          "Contaminated Site List" means any list, registry or other compilation
          established by any governmental entity of sites that require or
          potentially require

                                       22


<PAGE>

          investigation, removal actions, remedial actions or any other response
          under any Environmental Laws or treaty covering environmental matters,
          as the result of a Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous
          Materials.

          "Environmental Conditions" means any pollution, contamination,
          degradation, damage or injury caused by, related to, arising from or
          in connection with the generation, handling, use, treatment, storage,
          transportation, disposal, discharge, release or emission of any
          Hazardous Materials.

          "Environmental Laws" means all laws, rules, regulations, statutes,
          ordinances, decrees or orders of any governmental entity relating to
          (a) the control of any potential pollutant or protection of the air,
          water or land, (b) solid, gaseous or liquid waste generation,
          handling, treatment, storage, disposal or transportation, and (c)
          exposure to hazardous, toxic or other substances alleged to be
          harmful, and includes without limitation final and binding
          requirements related to the foregoing imposed by (i) the terms and
          conditions of any license, permit, approval or other authorization by
          any governmental entity, and (ii) applicable judicial, administrative
          or other regulatory decrees, judgments and orders of any governmental
          entity. The term "Environmental Laws" shall include, but not be
          limited to the following statutes and the regulations promulgated
          thereunder, as currently in effect or as subsequently amended: the
          Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 7401 et seq., the Clean Water Act, 33
          U.S.C. ss. 1251 et seq., the Resource Conservation Recovery Act, 42
          U.S.C. ss. 6901 et seq., the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
          Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 11011 et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15
          U.S.C. ss. 2601 et seq., the Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C.
          ss. 1251, et seq., the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 300f et
          seq., the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
          Liability Act ("CERCLA"), 42 U.S.C. ss. 9601 et seq., and any similar
          state, federal or local statute or ordinance.

          "Environmental Liabilities" means any and all liabilities,
          responsibilities, claims, suits, losses, costs (including remediation,
          removal, response, abatement, clean-up, investigative and/or
          monitoring costs and any other related costs and expenses, including
          without limitation Environmental Remediation 

                                       23


<PAGE>


          Costs), other causes of action recognized now or at any later time,
          damages, settlements, expenses, charges, assessments, liens,
          penalties, fines, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, attorney
          fees and other legal fees (a) pursuant to any agreement, order,
          notice, directive (including directives embodied in Environmental
          Laws), injunction, judgment or similar documents (including
          settlements), or (b) pursuant to any claim by a governmental entity or
          other person for personal injury, property damage, damage to natural
          resources, remediation or similar costs or expenses incurred or
          asserted by such governmental entity or person pursuant to common law
          or statute.

          "Environmental Remediation Costs" means all costs and expenses of
          actions or activities to (a) clean-up or remove Hazardous Materials
          from the environment as required by any Environmental Law, (b) prevent
          or minimize the movement, leaching or migration of Hazardous Materials
          into the environment as required by any Environmental Law, (c)
          prevent, minimize or mitigate the Release or threatened Release of
          Hazardous Materials into the environment, or injury or damage from
          such Release, as required by any Environmental Law and (d) comply with
          the requirements of any Environmental Laws. Environmental Remediation
          Costs include, without limitation, costs and expenses payable in
          connection with the foregoing for legal, engineering or other
          consultant services, for investigation, testing, sampling and
          monitoring, for boring, excavation and construction, for removal,
          modification or replacement of equipment or facilities, for labor and
          material, and for proper storage, treatment and disposal of Hazardous
          Materials.

          "Hazardous Materials" means any (a) toxic or hazardous materials or
          substances; (b) solid wastes, including asbestos, buried contaminants,
          chemicals, flammable or explosive materials; (c) radioactive
          materials; (d) petroleum wastes and spills or releases of petroleum
          products; and (e) any other chemical, pollutant, contaminant,
          substance or waste that is regulated by any governmental entity under
          any Environmental Law.

          "Release" means any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting,
          emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping or
          disposing into the environment.


                                       24


<PAGE>

5.21 Accounts. Except as disclosed in the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, Seller does not
     maintain any bank, securities, commodities or other brokerage or similar
     account, safe deposit box or other depository for the Company, nor is any
     such account, box or depository maintained on behalf of, or for the benefit
     of, the Company.

5.22 Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds, Guarantees. The DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
     identifies all letters of credit, performance or payment bonds, guaranty
     arrangements and surety bonds (collectively, the "Bonds") of any nature for
     which Purchaser shall be required to establish its own Bonds either through
     a direct substitution or the provision of a back-up letter of credit or
     other Bond in favor of Seller related to such Bonds in order to keep any
     contract in place and not cause a default thereunder.

5.23 Accounts Receivable. The accounts receivable of Seller arising from the
     Business that will be reflected on the Closing Date Balance Sheet are valid
     and genuine, and have arisen solely out of bona fide sales and deliveries
     of goods, performance of services and other business transactions in the
     ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

5.24 Product Liabilities; Product Warranties.

     (a)  Except as set forth on the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, the Business has not
          incurred, nor does Seller know of any liability, damage, loss, cost or
          expense as a result of any systemic defect or other systemic
          deficiency (whether of design, materials, workmanship, labeling,
          instructions or otherwise) ("Product Liability") with respect to any
          group of products sold or services rendered by the Company, whether
          such Product Liability is incurred by reason of any express or implied
          warranty (including, without limitation, any warranty of
          merchantability or fitness), any doctrine of common law (tort,
          contract or other), any statutory provision or otherwise and
          irrespective of whether such Product Liability is covered by
          insurance.

     (b)  Seller has furnished Purchaser with all forms of warranties or
          guarantees of the Business' products and services that are in effect
          or proposed to be used by Seller in the conduct of the Business. The
          DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE lists all payments or settlements made in respect
          of any such warranty or guaranty (including without limitation any
          returns or allowances) in excess

                                       25

<PAGE>

          of $10,000 since January 1, 1995, indicating the name of each customer
          and the amount of each payment.

5.25 Insurance. The DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE sets forth a true, correct and complete
     list of all policies of fire, medical, life, liability, product liability,
     workmen's compensation, libel, health and other forms of insurance
     presently in effect with respect to the Business. All such policies are in
     full force and effect, all premiums due and payable with respect thereto
     have been paid, and no notice of cancellation or termination has been
     received with respect to any such policy. All such policies are sufficient
     for compliance in all material respects with all requirements of law and
     the terms of the Contracts, are valid, outstanding and enforceable and will
     remain in full force and effect through the Closing Date. Except as set
     forth in the Disclosure Schedule, Seller has not been refused any insurance
     in connection with the Business, nor has any coverage been limited by any
     insurance carrier to which Seller has applied for such insurance or with
     which Seller has carried such insurance in the last three years.

5.26 Suppliers and Customers. The DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE lists (i) all suppliers of
     the Business to which Seller made payments during the year ended December
     31, 1996, or expects to make payments during the year ending December 31,
     1997, in excess of $250,000 and (ii) all customers that paid Seller during
     the year ended December 31, 1996 or that Seller expects will pay to it
     during the year ending December 31, 1997, more than $250,000. Except as set
     forth on the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, Seller has not received written notice
     that any of the suppliers or customers listed therein has terminated its
     relationship with the Business.

5.27 Disclosure. No representation or warranty by Seller contained in this
     Agreement, and no statement contained in the Seller Related Instruments or
     the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, contains or will contain any untrue statement of a
     material fact, or omits or will omit to state any material fact necessary,
     in the light of the circumstances under which it was or will be made, in
     order to make the statements herein or therein not misleading.

5.28 Certain Defined Items. References in Sections 5.1 through 5.27 and
     elsewhere in this Agreement to (i) "Seller's Knowledge" shall mean the
     actual knowledge after reasonable inquiry of any officers of Seller at the
     level of vice president or above including, without limitation June P.
     Hassett (taxes), Timothy J. Verhagen (labor and employee benefits) and
     Ginger Sunde (environmental) (it being agreed

                                       26


<PAGE>

     that the term "Seller's Knowledge" shall include such facts and
     circumstances as Purchaser may have disclosed in writing to Seller prior to
     the Closing Date and that "reasonable inquiry" shall be the request by
     Seller of management of the Business and Ms. Hassett (with respect to tax
     matters), Mr. Verhagen (with respect to employee benefits matters) and Ms.
     Sunde (with respect to environmental matters) to review the Agreement and
     the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE and to provide certified statements concerning such
     review); (ii) "Business Condition of the Company" and "Material Adverse
     Effect" are defined in Section 5.1; and (iii) "Person" shall have the
     definition provided in Article 25.0.

6.0  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER. Purchaser hereby represents
     and warrants to Seller that:

6.1  Corporate Organization. Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly
     existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware and has all
     requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease, license and operate
     its properties and assets and to conduct the businesses now owned, leased,
     licensed and operated by it. Purchaser is duly qualified, licensed or
     domesticated and in good standing in each jurisdiction where the nature of
     its activities or the character of its properties require such
     qualification, licensing or domestication and where failure to so qualify,
     license or domesticate would have a material adverse effect on the assets,
     financial condition, or business of Purchaser.

6.2  Corporate Authorization, Certain Corporate Actions, No Conflicts. Purchaser
     has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
     Agreement and all necessary corporate proceedings have been taken to
     authorize this execution, delivery and performance by Purchaser of this
     Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed, and delivered
     by Purchaser, is the legal, valid and binding obligation of Purchaser, and
     is enforceable as to Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except as such
     enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, insolvency
     or similar laws affecting creditors' rights or by equitable principles
     relating to the availability of remedies. Assuming compliance by both
     Purchaser and Seller with the HSR Act, neither the execution, delivery, nor
     performance of this Agreement by Purchaser will, with or without the giving
     of notice or the passage of time, or both, conflict with, result in a
     default, right to accelerate or loss of rights under, or result in the
     creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance pursuant to, any provision of
     Purchaser's articles of

                                       27


<PAGE>


     incorporation or bylaws or any franchise, mortgage, deed of trust, lease,
     license, agreement, understanding, law, rule or regulation or any order,
     judgment, or decree to which Purchaser is a party or by which Purchaser may
     be bound or affected, to the extent such conflict, default, right of
     acceleration, loss of rights, lien, charge or encumbrance would have a
     material adverse effect on Purchaser.

6.3  Litigation; Orders. There is no judgment or outstanding order, injunction,
     decree, stipulation or award against Purchaser that would prohibit the
     consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

6.4  Consents, Approvals, etc. Other than the filings pursuant to the HSR Act
     and pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 following the
     consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, there are no filings
     required to be made by Purchaser or Purchaser's affiliates with, and there
     are no consents, approvals, permits or authorizations required to be
     obtained by Purchaser from, governmental and regulatory authorities of the
     United States or any other country, or any other Person, in connection with
     the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Purchaser and the
     consummation by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby, the
     failure of which to obtain would, individually or in the aggregate, have a
     material adverse effect on Purchaser.

6.5  Certain Fees. Purchaser has not employed any broker, investment banker or
     finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage, investment banking or
     finders' fees or commissions in connection with this Agreement or the
     transactions contemplated hereby.

7.0  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY PRIOR TO CLOSING. From the date hereof
     until Closing:

     (a)  Seller shall conduct the business and affairs of the Company in the
          ordinary course and consistent with prior practice, shall comply in
          all material respects with all laws, rules, regulations and orders
          applicable to the Business and shall maintain, keep and preserve the
          assets and properties of the Company in good condition and repair,
          ordinary wear and tear excepted, and maintain insurance thereon in
          accordance with present practices, and Seller will use its best
          efforts (i) to preserve the Business and organization of the Company
          intact, (ii) to keep available to Purchaser the services of the
          Company's present employees, and (iii) to preserve for the benefit of
          Purchaser the goodwill 

                                       28


<PAGE>

     of the Company's suppliers, customers, and others having business relations
     with it;

     (b)  Seller will not (i) cause to occur any of the events or occurrences
          described in Section 5.5 or (ii) take any action or omit to take any
          commercially reasonable action which act or omission would result in
          the inaccuracy of any of its representations and warranties set forth
          herein, as if such representations and warranties were to be made
          immediately after the occurrence of such act or omission;

     (c)  Seller will (i) obtain, with the assistance and cooperation of
          Purchaser (including by providing any financial or other information
          about the Purchaser as may be reasonably requested), the consent of
          any party to any lease (including without limitation to the Leases) or
          contract with Seller where the consent of such party is required by
          reason of the transactions contemplated hereby; and (ii) provide to
          Purchaser prompt written notice of any change in any of the
          information contained in the representations and warranties made in
          Article 5.0 or elsewhere in this Agreement or the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
          or exhibits referred to herein; provided, however, that no supplement
          or amendment of a schedule or exhibit made pursuant to this Section
          shall be deemed to cure any breach of, affect or otherwise diminish
          any representation or warranty made in this Agreement, or affect
          Purchaser's ability to rely on the condition set forth in Section
          15.2(a), unless Purchaser elects, after having reviewed such amended
          or supplemental disclosure, not to terminate this Agreement in
          accordance with Section 21(d) hereof, in which case Purchaser shall be
          deemed to have waived such breach; and

     (d)  As soon as available and in any event within 30 days after the end of
          each month prior to the Closing Date, commencing with October 1997,
          Seller shall deliver to Purchaser a consolidated balance sheet and
          related statement of operations of the Company. All such financial
          statements shall (a) fairly present the financial position of the
          Company and the results of its operations as of and for the periods
          then ended, and (b) be prepared consistent with past practices, except
          as expressly specified therein.


                                       29

<PAGE>


8.0  ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS.

8.1  Access Prior to Closing. Upon reasonable notice to Seller's representatives
     in Charlotte, North Carolina, and during regular business hours, Seller
     will give, and will cause the Company to give, Purchaser and Purchaser's
     attorneys, accountants and other representatives reasonable access to the
     Company's and Seller's personnel and all properties, documents, contracts,
     books and records of Seller relating to the Business or the Purchased
     Assets and will furnish Purchaser with copies of such documents (certified
     by an appropriate officer of a Seller if so requested) and with such
     information with respect to the affairs of the Company as Purchaser may
     from time to time reasonably request. Purchaser will not improperly
     disclose the same prior to the Closing and Purchaser acknowledges that any
     information being provided to it or its representatives by Seller prior to
     Closing pursuant to this Agreement is subject to the confidentiality
     agreement between the parties dated August 28, 1997. Purchaser and its
     representatives and agents shall have the right, at Purchaser's expense, to
     conduct engineering tests on the buildings located on the Real Property.
     Purchaser may also engage an environmental consultant to conduct a
     customary and reasonable Phase I environmental review, taking into account
     the nature, use and history of the Real Property. In the event Purchaser
     determines in good faith that its Phase I environmental review provides a
     reasonable basis for Phase II environmental testing, Purchaser shall seek
     Seller's written consent to the specific testing that Purchaser seeks to
     conduct. In the event Seller withholds its consent to testing for which the
     Phase I testing provided a reasonable basis, Purchaser may elect to
     terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 23(e) hereof. Purchaser
     shall conduct any reviews and testing so as to minimize any interference
     with the operations of the Business, and shall indemnify Seller from and
     against any and all claims, losses, damages and expenses (including
     reasonable attorneys' fees) for damage to property or personal injury or
     death arising out of or relating to such reviews or testing which is caused
     by the negligence of Purchaser or its agents.

8.2  Access After Closing. After the Closing, upon reasonable written notice,
     Purchaser and Seller shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each other
     and their respective accountants, counsel and other representatives
     reasonable access, during normal business hours, to such information
     (including records pertinent to the Business) and assistance relating to
     the Company as is reasonably necessary for

                                       30


<PAGE>


     operations, financial reporting and accounting matters, the preparation and
     filing of any returns, reports or forms, the defense of any tax claim or
     assessment, or any other reasonable purpose communicated in writing to the
     other party. In the case of Seller, such assistance shall include access to
     any and all documents, records, files and correspondence relating to the
     Business that are retained at Seller's corporate headquarters or in its
     off-site storage, and Seller will use reasonable efforts to maintain at its
     headquarters or in off-site storage for a period ending on the later of (i)
     seven years after the Closing Date, or (ii) the date on which taxes may no
     longer be assessed, any such documents, records, files or correspondence
     that could be needed by Purchaser. In the case of Purchaser, such
     assistance shall include reasonably prompt written response to reasonable
     written inquiries of Seller related to such financial reporting, accounting
     and tax matters, cooperation in responding to audit reviews and reports
     made by taxing authorities to Seller regarding the Company, assisting
     Seller (including making its employees reasonably available), at Seller's
     expense, in defending any lawsuits or claims against the Seller with
     respect to Excluded Liabilities relating to the operation of the Company by
     Seller prior to the Closing Date and, at Seller's request, participation in
     audits conducted with respect to Seller. Purchaser shall retain the books
     and records of seller included in the Purchased Assets for a period ending
     on the later of (i) seven years after the Closing Date, or (ii) the date on
     which taxes may no longer be assessed. After the end of such period, before
     disposing of any books or records, Purchaser shall give notice to such
     effect to Seller and Seller, within a reasonable time after the receipt of
     such notice, will notify Purchaser whether to destroy such documents or
     whether Seller will, at Seller's cost and expense, remove and retain all or
     any part of such books or records as Seller may select.

9.0  EMPLOYEES.

9.1  Employee Benefits Definitions. The following terms, as used herein, have
     the following meanings:

     "Benefit Arrangement" means any written, or to Seller's Knowledge oral,
     employment, consulting, severance or similar contract or arrangement or any
     written, or to Seller's Knowledge oral, plan, policy, fund, program or
     contract or arrangement providing for compensation, bonus, profit-sharing,
     stock option, or other stock related rights or other forms of incentive or
     deferred compensation, vacation benefits, automobile benefits, country club
     memberships,

                                       31


<PAGE>

     insurance coverage (including any self-insured arrangements), health or
     medical benefits, disability benefits, worker's compensation, supplemental
     unemployment benefits, severance benefits and post-employment or retirement
     benefits (including compensation, pension, health, medical or life
     insurance or other benefits) that (i) is not an Employee Plan, (ii) is
     entered into, maintained, administered or contributed to, as the case may
     be, by Seller or any of its affiliates and (iii) covers any employee of the
     Business.

     "Employee Plan" means any "employee benefit plan", as defined in Section
     3(3) of ERISA (whether or not subject to ERISA) that (i) is maintained,
     administered or contributed to by Seller or any of its affiliates and (ii)
     covers any employee of the Business.

     "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
     amended and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

     "ERISA Affiliate" of any entity means any other entity which, together with
     such entity, would be treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the
     Code.

     "Multiemployer Plan" means a multiemployer plan, as defined in Section
     3(37) of ERISA.

     "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

     "Title IV Plan" means an Employee Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA other
     than any Multiemployer Plan.

9.2  Employee Benefit Plans. Seller hereby represents and warrants to Purchaser
     as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date that:

     (a)  The DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE identifies each Employee Plan. Seller has
          furnished to Purchaser copies of the Employee Plans (and, if
          applicable, related trust agreements) and all amendments thereto and
          written interpretations thereof (including, without limitation,
          summary plan descriptions and communications to employees) together
          with the most recent annual report (Form 5500 including, if
          applicable, Schedule B thereto) and the most recent actuarial
          valuation report prepared in connection with any Employee Plan. The
          DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE identifies each Employee Plan which is a Title IV
          Plan. Except as set forth on the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, no Employee Plan
          is a
                                       32


<PAGE>


          Multiemployer Plan and no Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement is
          maintained in connection with any trust described in Section 501(c)(9)
          of the Code. Seller shall provide Purchaser with complete age, salary,
          service and related data as of the Closing Date for all Active
          Employees (as defined below) covered under any Title IV Plan or
          Multiemployer Plan.

     (b)  Seller is not subject to any obligation to fund any Employee Plan or
          Benefit Arrangement described under Sections 4(b)(5) or 401(a)(l) of
          ERISA.

     (c)  No "accumulated funding deficiency", as defined in Section 412 of the
          Code, has been incurred with respect to any Employee Plan subject to
          such Section 412, whether or not waived. No "reportable event," within
          the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA, other than a "reportable event"
          that will not have, or reasonably be expected to have, a Material
          Adverse Effect, and no event described in Section 4062 or 4063 of
          ERISA, has occurred in connection with any Employee Plan. Neither the
          Seller nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has engaged in, or is a
          successor or parent corporation to an entity that has engaged in, a
          transaction described in Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA or
          incurred, or reasonably expects to incur prior to the Closing Date,
          any liability under Title IV of ERISA arising in connection with the
          termination of, or a complete or partial withdrawal from, any plan
          covered or previously covered by Title IV of ERISA or any liability
          under Section 4971 of the Code that in either case could become a
          liability of Purchaser or any of its ERISA Affiliates after the
          Closing Date. No condition exists that (i) could constitute grounds
          for termination by the PBGC of any employee benefit plan that is
          subject to Title IV of ERISA that is maintained by Seller or any of
          its ERISA Affiliates or (ii) presents a material risk of complete or
          partial withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan which could result in
          Purchaser or any of its ERISA Affiliates incurring a material
          withdrawal liability within the meaning of Section 4201 of ERISA. No
          liability has been incurred and no condition exists or is contemplated
          in connection with any Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement which,
          under ERISA, the Code or otherwise, has resulted or could reasonably
          be expected to result in (i) the imposition of an Encumbrance on any
          of the Purchased Assets, (ii) a claim against the assets of any
          Employee Plan which is being transferred to a plan or plans of
          Purchaser in accordance with the provisions of Sections 9.5 and 9.6

                                       33


<PAGE>


          hereof (other than the Transferred Employees' claims for benefits that
          are being assumed by Purchaser's Plan(s) as part of said transfer of
          assets in accordance with the terms of such plans), or (iii) a
          liability or obligation of Purchaser (other than a liability or
          obligation that is expressly assumed by Purchaser in accordance with
          the provisions hereof). The Purchased Assets are not now, nor will
          they after the passage of time be, subject to any lien imposed under
          Code Section 412(n) by reason of a failure of Seller or any of its
          affiliates to make timely installments or other payments required
          under Code Section 412.

     (d)  Each Employee Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section
          401(a) of the Code is so qualified and has been so qualified during
          the period since its adoption; each trust created under any such Plan
          is exempt from tax under Section 501(a) of the Code and has been so
          exempt since its creation. Seller has provided Purchaser with the most
          recent determination letter of the Internal Revenue Service relating
          to each such Employee Plan. Each Employee Plan has been maintained in
          substantial compliance with its terms and with the requirements
          prescribed by any and all applicable statutes, orders, rules and
          regulations, including but not limited to ERISA and the Code.

     (e)  The DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE identifies each Benefit Arrangement. Seller
          has furnished to Purchaser copies or descriptions of each Benefit
          Arrangement (and, if applicable, related trust agreements) and all
          amendments thereto and written interpretations thereof. Each Benefit
          Arrangement has been maintained in substantial compliance with its
          terms and with the requirements prescribed by any and all applicable
          statutes, orders, rules and regulations and has been maintained in
          good standing with applicable regulatory authorities. Except as
          expressly disclosed on the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, Seller and its
          affiliates are party to no Benefit Arrangement that constitutes an
          employment or consulting arrangement or contract.

     (f)  Neither Seller nor any of its affiliates has any current or projected
          liability in respect of post-employment or post-retirement health or
          medical or life insurance benefits for employees of the Business,
          except as required to avoid excise tax under Section 4980B of the
          Code.

                                       34


<PAGE>



     (g)  Except as set forth on the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, no Transferred
          Employee will become entitled to any bonus, retirement, severance, job
          security or similar benefit or enhanced benefit (including
          acceleration of vesting or exercise of an incentive award) as a result
          of the transactions contemplated hereby. There is no contract, plan or
          arrangement (written or, to Seller's Knowledge, oral) covering any
          employee or former employee of the Business that, individually or
          collectively, could give rise to the payment of any amount that would
          not be deductible pursuant to the terms of Section 280G of the Code.

9.3  Employees and Offers of Employment. Seller shall provide to Purchaser as
     soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement and prior to the
     Closing Date a list of all of the individuals who are employed by Seller in
     the Business, together with a description of the amount and basis of each
     employee's compensation, including whether such compensation is governed by
     a collective bargaining agreement. On or prior to the Closing Date,
     Purchaser shall offer employment to all Active Employees (as defined below)
     of the Business; provided, that Purchaser may terminate at any time after
     the Closing Date the employment of any employee who accepts such offer, in
     which case Purchaser shall be solely responsible for any severance costs
     associated therewith. For purposes of this Article 9.0, the term "Active
     Employee" shall mean any Person who, on the Closing Date, is actively
     employed by Seller or who is on short-term disability leave, authorized
     leave of absence, military service or lay-off with recall rights as of the
     Closing Date (such inactive employees shall be offered employment by
     Purchaser as of the date they return to active employment), but shall
     exclude any other inactive or former employee including any Person who has
     been on long-term disability leave or unauthorized leave of absence or who
     has terminated his or her employment, retired or died on or before the
     Closing Date. Any such offers shall be at such salary, wage and benefit
     levels and on such other terms and conditions as are substantially similar
     in the aggregate to the salary, wage and benefit levels in effect at
     Closing, except as otherwise provided in this Article 9.0. Any Active
     Employee who accepts the Purchaser's offer of employment and who, within
     ten days of the Closing Date, commences employment with

                                       35


<PAGE>


     Purchaser by reporting for work and being actively employed by Purchaser
     for at least one day is hereinafter referred to as a "Transferred Employee"
     and all such employees are collectively referred to as "Transferred
     Employees." Any Active Employee who does not accept Purchaser's offer of
     employment but who, within ten days of the Closing Date, commences
     employment with Purchaser by reporting for work and being actively employed
     by Purchaser for at least one day shall also be deemed to be a Transferred
     Employee for purposes of this Agreement. On or prior to the Closing Date,
     Seller will furnish Purchaser with true and complete copies of the
     employment records maintained by Seller with respect to each employee of
     the Business, and Seller will furnish Purchaser with such other records and
     documents relating to the Transferred Employees as Purchaser may from time
     to time reasonably request. Seller will not take, and will cause each of
     its subsidiaries not to take, any action which would impede, hinder,
     interfere or otherwise compete with Purchaser's effort to hire any
     Transferred Employees. Seller will retain and Purchaser shall not assume
     responsibility for any Transferred Employee until such employee commences
     active employment with Purchaser.

9.4  Seller's Employee Benefit Plans.

     (a)  Seller shall retain all obligations and liabilities, including
          obligations and liabilities under the Employee Plans and Benefit
          Arrangements, in respect of each employee or former employee
          (including any beneficiary thereof) who is not a Transferred Employee.
          Except as expressly set forth herein, Seller shall retain all
          liabilities and obligations in respect of benefits accrued as of the
          Closing Date (or, if later, the date active employment with Purchaser
          begins) by Transferred Employees, including obligations and
          liabilities under the Employee Plans and Benefit Arrangements, such as
          (i) all liabilities and obligations arising under any group life,
          accident, medical, dental or disability plan or similar arrangement
          (whether or not insured) to the extent that such liability or
          obligation relates to contributions or premiums accrued (whether or
          not payable), or to claims incurred (whether or not reported), on or
          prior to the Closing Date (or, if later, the date active employment
          with Purchaser begins) and (ii) all liabilities and obligations
          arising under any worker's compensation arrangement to the extent such
          liability or obligation relates to the period prior to the Closing
          Date (or, if later, the date active employment with Purchaser begins),
          including liability for any retroactive worker's compensation premiums
          attributable to such period, and neither Purchaser nor any of its
          affiliates shall have any liability with respect thereto.
          Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent Purchaser assumes
          liabilities and obligations under Seller's incentive plans, Seller
          shall reimburse

                                       36


<PAGE>

          Purchaser, within 10 days of receiving notice from Purchaser, for its
          pro rata share of such liabilities and obligations. Seller's pro rata
          share shall be determined by Purchaser based on the ratio of earnings
          (as defined in the applicable incentive plans) for the Business
          through the Closing Date as compared to the earnings for the Business
          for the relevant performance period. In the event that any collective
          bargaining agreement assumed by Purchaser pursuant to Section 9.12
          would cause Purchaser to assume any liabilities and obligations with
          respect to vacation that are not accrued for on the Closing Date
          Balance Sheet, there shall be a dollar for dollar purchase price
          adjustment under Section 3.2. Except as expressly set forth herein, no
          assets of any Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement shall be
          transferred to Purchaser or any of its affiliates or to any plan of
          Purchaser or any of its affiliates.

     (b)  With respect to any Transferred Employee (including any beneficiary or
          dependent thereof) who enters a hospital or is on short-term
          disability under any Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement on or prior
          to the Closing Date and continues in a hospital or on short-term
          disability after the Closing Date, Seller shall be responsible for
          claims and expenses incurred both before and after the Closing Date in
          connection with such Person until such time, (if any) that, in the
          case of a Transferred Employee, such Person resumes full-time
          employment with Purchaser or one of its affiliates and, in the case of
          any beneficiary or dependent of a Transferred Employee, such Person's
          hospitalization has terminated.

9.5  Defined Benefit Plans.

     (a)  Seller shall cause Seller's actuary for each of the United Dominion
          Industries, Inc. Retirement Plan and the United Dominion Industries,
          Inc. Master Pension Plan for Hourly Employees (each a "Seller DB
          Plan") to determine in accordance with the provisions of Section
          414(l) of the Code the present value of the accrued benefits of all
          Transferred Employees under each Seller DB Plan as of the Closing
          Date. For purposes of determining such amount, Seller's actuary shall
          use the actuarial assumptions used by the PBGC as of the Closing Date
          for determining the present value of accrued benefits on a plan
          termination basis. Seller's actuary shall allocate the assets of each
          Seller DB Plan between the accrued benefits of the Transferred
          Employees and the benefits of the remaining plan


                                       37

<PAGE>


          participants using the asset allocation methodology provided for in
          Section 4044 of ERISA. The assets of each Seller DB Plan allocable to
          the accrued benefits of the Transferred Employees pursuant to such
          procedures as of the Closing Date is hereinafter referred to as the
          "Closing Date 414(l) Transfer Amount". The Closing Date 414(l)
          Transfer Amount shall be increased with interest from the Closing Date
          to the date of the transfer of assets to Purchaser's defined benefit
          plans as provided in Section 9.5(e) (the "Transfer Date") using the
          PBGC interest rate applicable to the first 25 years that was used to
          determine the present value of accrued benefits and reduced by the
          amount of all benefit payments between the Closing Date and the
          Transfer Date attributable to the Transferred Employees with interest
          on such benefit payment amounts from the date of payment to the
          Transfer Date using the same PBGC interest rate (the resulting amount
          being hereinafter referred to as the "Transfer Date 414(l) Transfer
          Amount"). Seller shall cause each Seller DB Plan to transfer the
          Transfer Date 414(l) Transfer Amount on the Transfer Date to the
          appropriate defined benefit plan designated by Purchaser as provided
          in Section 9.5(e). All calculations by Seller's actuary pursuant to
          this Section 9.5(a) shall be subject to review by Purchaser's actuary.
          In the event of any dispute between Seller's actuary and Purchaser's
          actuary regarding the calculations pursuant to this Section 9.5(a)
          which cannot be resolved after good faith efforts, Seller and
          Purchaser shall jointly appoint and pay for another actuary to review
          the calculations in dispute to determine the appropriate amounts,
          which determination shall be binding on Seller and Purchaser.

     (b)  Seller also shall cause Seller's actuary for each Seller DB Plan to
          determine the "accumulated benefit obligation" of all Transferred
          Employees under each Seller DB Plan as of the Closing Date. For
          purposes of determining such amount, Seller's actuary shall use the
          actuarial assumptions shown on SCHEDULE 9.5(B). The "accumulated
          benefit obligation" of the Transferred Employees as of the Closing
          Date determined pursuant to such procedures is hereinafter referred to
          as the "Closing Date ABO Transfer Amount". The Closing Date ABO
          Transfer Amount shall be increased with interest from the Closing Date
          to the Transfer Date using the interest rate that was used to
          determine the accumulated benefit obligation and reduced by the amount
          of all benefit payments between the Closing Date

                                       38


<PAGE>


          and the Transfer Date attributable to the Transferred Employees with
          interest on such benefit payment amounts from the date of payment to
          the Transfer Date using the same interest rate (the resulting amount
          being hereinafter referred to as the "Transfer Date ABO Transfer
          Amount"). All calculations by Seller's actuary pursuant to this
          Section 9.5(b) shall be subject to review by Purchaser's actuary. In
          the event of any dispute between Seller's actuary and Purchaser's
          actuary regarding the calculations pursuant to this Section 9.5(b)
          which cannot be resolved after good faith efforts, Seller and
          Purchaser shall jointly appoint and pay for another actuary to review
          the calculations in dispute to determine the appropriate amounts,
          which determination shall be binding on Seller and Purchaser.

     (c)  To the extent the aggregate Transfer Date 414(l) Transfer Amounts for
          all Seller DB Plans determined under Section 9.5(a) is less than the
          aggregate Transfer Date ABO Transfer Amounts for all Seller DB Plans
          determined under section 9.5(b), then there shall be a dollar for
          dollar reduction in the Purchase Price provided for in Section 3.2 to
          the extent of such difference. Conversely, to the extent the aggregate
          Transfer Date 414(l) Transfer Amounts for all Seller DB Plans
          determined under Section 9.5(a) exceeds the aggregate Transfer Date
          ABO Transfer Amounts for all Seller DB Plans determined under Section
          9.5(b), then there shall be a dollar for dollar increase in the
          purchase price provided for in Section 3.2 to the extent of such
          difference.

     (d)  With respect to any Active Employee who is on short-term disability
          leave, authorized leave of absence, military service leave or lay-off
          with recall rights as of the Closing Date and who, subsequent to the
          Closing Date, becomes a Transferred Employee, Seller agrees to
          transfer the assets and liabilities under the applicable Seller DB
          Plan to the designated Purchaser DB Plan. Such asset and liability
          transfer shall be made as of December 31 of the calendar year in which
          such employee became a Transferred Employee and shall be determined in
          accordance with the de minimis rule of Treasury Regulation
          1.414(l)-l(n)(2). Seller shall cause such calculations to be performed
          by Seller's actuary based on an interest rate to be agreed to by
          Seller's actuary and Purchaser's actuary. All other actuarial
          assumptions shall be as shown on Schedule 9.5(b). All calculations by
          Seller's actuary pursuant

                                       39


<PAGE>


          to this Section 9.5(d) shall be subject to review by Purchaser's
          actuary. In the event of any dispute between Seller's actuary and
          Purchaser's actuary regarding the calculations pursuant to this
          Section 9.5(b) which cannot be resolved after good faith efforts,
          Seller and Purchaser shall jointly appoint and pay for another actuary
          to review the calculations in dispute to determine the appropriate
          amounts, which determination shall be binding on Seller and Purchaser.

     (e)  Prior to the Closing Date or as soon as practicable thereafter,
          Purchaser shall establish or designate one or more defined benefit
          pension plans for the benefit of the Transferred Employees covered by
          each Seller DB Plan (each a "Purchaser DB Plan"). In consideration of
          the transfer described in this Section, periods of employment by the
          Transferred Employees with Seller prior to the Closing Date shall be
          taken into account for purposes of determining eligibility for
          participation, vesting of benefits and accrual of benefits under the
          Purchaser DB Plans, but only to the extent such periods were taken
          into account for such purposes under the Seller DB Plans as of the
          Closing Date. The Purchaser DB Plans shall assume all benefit
          liabilities of the Seller DB Plans with respect to the Transferred
          Employees from and after the Transfer Date, and neither Seller nor the
          Seller DB Plans shall be liable for such benefit liabilities from and
          after such date.

     (f)  In order to effect the transfer of assets described in this Section,
          Purchaser and Seller each hereby covenant and agree to take all
          necessary and appropriate procedural steps at its own expense to
          effect the transfer in accordance with the applicable provisions of
          the Code and ERISA, including without limitation (i) to the extent
          Seller and Purchaser, respectively, deem appropriate, amending the
          Seller DB Plans and the Purchaser DB Plans, respectively (including
          their respective related trusts), to provide for the asset transfer,
          (ii) filing required IRS Forms 5310-A for the Seller DB Plans and the
          Purchaser DB Plans, (iii) causing the necessary actuarial statements
          to be prepared and included with the Form 5310-A filings, (iv)
          providing any reports or notices required by ERISA to the PBGC or the
          Transferred Employees or (v) to the extent Seller and Purchaser,
          respectively, deem appropriate, obtaining a favorable determination
          letter from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the qualified
          status of the Seller DB Plans and the

                                       40


<PAGE>


          Purchaser DB Plans, or as an alternative thereto, Seller and Purchaser
          issuing mutually satisfactory indemnities to one another with respect
          to such qualified plan status.

     (g)  Purchaser shall assume the obligations of Seller under the
          multiemployer pension plans set forth on the DISCLOSURE Schedule. With
          respect to each such Multiemployer Plan (i) neither the Seller nor any
          ERISA Affiliate has incurred or expects to incur any withdrawal
          liability under Title IV of ERISA (either as a contributing employer
          or as part of a controlled group which includes a contributing
          employer) in connection with a complete or partial withdrawal from
          such plan; (ii) neither the Seller nor any ERISA Affiliate has
          received notice that any such plan is in reorganization, that
          increased contributions may be required in order to avoid a reduction
          in plan benefits or the imposition of excise tax liability, or that
          any such plan is or may become insolvent; (iii) neither the Seller nor
          any ERISA Affiliate has failed to make any required contributions;
          (iv) no such plan is a party to any pending merger or asset liability
          transfer; (v) there are no PBGC proceedings against or affecting any
          such plan; and (vi) no material withdrawal liability would be incurred
          if a complete or partial withdrawal were to occur with respect to any
          such plan immediately after the Closing.

9.6  Defined Contribution Plans.

     (a)  On the Closing Date or as soon as practicable thereafter, Seller shall
          (i) cause the trustee of the United Dominion Industries, Inc. Compass
          Plan and the United Dominion Industries, Inc. Compass Plan for Hourly
          Employees (each a "Seller DC Plan") to segregate the assets of such
          Seller DC Plan representing the full account balances of Transferred
          Employees covered by such Plan as of the Closing Date, (ii) make any
          and all filings and submissions to the appropriate governmental
          agencies arising in connection with such segregation of assets and
          (iii) make all necessary amendments to each Seller DC Plan and related
          trust agreement to provide for such segregation of assets and the
          transfer of assets as described below. The manner in which the account
          balances of Transferred Employees under the Seller DC Plans are
          invested shall not be affected by such segregation of assets.

                                       41


<PAGE>


     (b)  Prior to the Closing Date or as soon as practicable thereafter,
          Purchaser shall establish or designate one or more defined
          contribution plans for the benefit of Transferred Employees covered
          under each Seller DC Plan (each a "Purchaser DC Plan"), shall take all
          necessary action, if any, to qualify such plan under the applicable
          provisions of the Code and Purchaser and Seller shall make any and all
          filings and submissions to the appropriate governmental agencies
          required to be made by it in connection with the transfer of assets
          described below. As soon as practicable following the earlier of the
          delivery to Seller of a favorable determination letter from the
          Internal Revenue Service regarding the qualified status of each
          Purchaser DC Plan or the issuance of indemnities satisfactory to
          Seller and Purchaser, Seller shall cause the trustee of the Seller DC
          Plan to transfer the full account balances, including outstanding loan
          balances of the Transferred Employees under the Seller DC Plan (which
          account balances will have been credited with appropriate earnings or
          losses attributable to the period from the Closing Date to the date of
          transfer), reduced by any necessary benefit or withdrawal payments to
          or in respect of Transferred Employees occurring during the period
          from the Closing Date to the date of transfer, to the appropriate
          trustee as designated by Purchaser under the trust agreement forming a
          part of the Purchaser DC Plan. Any Transferred Employee who is
          employed on December 31, 1997 and who has completed 1,000 hours of
          service with Seller and/or Purchaser during the 1997 plan year shall
          be entitled to a matching employer contribution under the Seller DC
          Plan and/or the Purchaser DC Plan. The expense for the 1997 plan year
          matching employer contribution with respect to the Transferred
          Employees shall be allocated between Seller and Purchaser based on the
          percentage of the plan year between January 1, 1997 and the Closing
          Date (which shall be Seller's allocable share of such expense) and the
          percentage of the plan year from the Closing Date through December 31,
          1997 (which shall be Purchaser's allocable share of such expense). If
          one of the parties makes the entire matching employer contribution for
          the 1997 plan year on behalf of the Transferred Employees, the other
          party shall reimburse the contributing party for its allocable share
          of such contribution within two business days after such contribution
          is finally determined by the parties. Notwithstanding anything to the
          contrary contained herein, unless waived by the Purchaser, the
          Purchaser shall not be obligated to effect the trustee-to-trustee

                                       42


<PAGE>

          transfer contemplated herein from any Seller DC Plan to a Purchaser DC
          Plan unless Purchaser determines that the inclusion of the installment
          method for payment of benefits is the only amendment that Purchaser
          would have to make to Purchaser DC Plan(s) in order to satisfy the
          provisions of Section 411(d)(6) of the Code in connection with the
          trustee-to-trustee transfer contemplated herein.

     (c)  In consideration for the transfer of assets described herein, each
          Purchaser DC Plan shall, effective as of the date of transfer
          described herein, assume all of the obligations of Seller and any of
          its ERISA Affiliates in respect of the account balances accumulated by
          Transferred Employees under each Seller DC Plan (exclusive of any
          portion of such account balances which are paid or otherwise withdrawn
          prior to the date of transfer) on or prior to the Closing Date. In
          consideration of the transfer described in this Section, periods of
          employment by the Transferred Employees with Seller prior to the
          Closing Date shall be taken into account for purposes of determining
          eligibility for participation, vesting of benefits and eligibility for
          employer matching contributions for plan year 1997 under the
          Purchaser's DC Plans, but only to the extent such periods were taken
          into account for such purposes under the Seller's DC Plans as of the
          Closing Date. Neither Purchaser nor any of its affiliates shall assume
          any other obligations or liabilities arising under or attributable to
          any Seller DC Plan, which obligations and liabilities shall be
          Excluded Liabilities.

9.7  Benefit Restoration Plan. Seller shall retain all obligations and
     liabilities, including with respect to the Transferred Employees, under the
     Restoration Plan for the Salaried Defined Benefit Retirement Plans of
     United Dominion Industries, Inc. (the "Benefit Restoration Plan").
     Effective as of the Closing Date, accrual of benefits by the Transferred
     Employees under the Benefit Restoration Plan shall cease. The accrued
     benefit, if any, of each Transferred Employee under the Benefit Restoration
     Plan as of the Closing Date shall become fully vested as of the Closing
     Date. Seller shall either pay to each affected Transferred Employee a
     single sum cash payment in satisfaction of such accrued benefit determined
     on such basis as shall be mutually agreeable to Seller and the affected
     Transferred Employee, or in the alternative, Seller shall pay such accrued
     benefit to the affected Transferred Employee in an annuity or other
     mutually agreeable form of

                                       43

<PAGE>


     benefit payment when such Transferred Employee attains age fifty-five (55),
     or if later, separates from the service with the Purchaser.

9.8  Deferred Compensation Plan. Seller shall retain all obligations and
     liabilities, including with respect to Transferred Employees, under the
     Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan of United Dominion Industries, Inc.
     (the "Deferred Compensation Plan"). Effective as of the Closing Date,
     deferrals by Transferred Employees under the Deferred Compensation Plan
     shall cease and Seller shall amend the Deferred Compensation Plan to
     provide that employment by Purchaser shall be deemed to be continued
     service with Seller for all purposes (other than deferrals) under the Plan.

9.9  Flexible Spending Arrangements. In the event the Closing Date occurs prior
     to December 31, 1997, Seller agrees to continue to cover the Transferred
     Employees under the flexible spending arrangements maintained by Seller
     prior to the Closing Date (the "Seller FSA") through December 31, 1997 so
     long as the affected Transferred Employees continue to remit to Seller in a
     timely manner their respective contributions to the Seller FSA (at the
     respective rates in effect on the Closing Date) for the period between the
     Closing Date and December 31, 1997. Until the later of December 31, 1997 or
     the Closing Date, Purchaser shall effectuate all payroll deductions with
     respect to Transferred Employees under the Seller FSA in accordance with
     such Employees' elections as in effect at the Closing Date (or in
     accordance with any valid amendment to such elections after the Closing
     Date). Effective as of the later of January 1, 1998 or the Closing Date,
     Purchaser shall establish or designate "flexible spending arrangements,"
     within the meaning of Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.125-2,
     Q/A-7(c) covering Transferred Employees on terms no less favorable than
     those afforded to employees of American Buildings Company.

9.10 Welfare Benefits. Purchaser shall use its commercially reasonable best
     efforts to establish, effective as of the Closing Date, employee welfare
     benefit plans (the "Purchaser Welfare Plans") which, in the aggregate, are
     not less favorable than the terms of the employee welfare benefits plans
     afforded to employees of American Buildings Company generally. Seller
     agrees to cooperate with Purchaser and to provide assistance in
     establishing such plans. After the Closing Date, Transferred Employees
     shall be credited under the Purchaser Welfare Plans with any amounts
     credited under

                                       44

<PAGE>

     Seller's welfare plans prior to the Closing Date toward deductibles, stop
     loss coverages and other similar amounts.

9.11 Continuation of Certain Administrative Services and Insurance Coverage. To
     the extent requested by Purchaser in writing prior to the Closing Date,
     Seller agrees to continue (i) to provide certain administrative services in
     respect of the Transferred Employees as reasonably necessary for Purchaser
     to conduct the Business and (ii) if Purchaser is unable to establish the
     Purchaser Welfare Plans as of the Closing Date, to the extent permitted by
     Seller's insurance carriers, whose consent Seller shall use its best
     efforts to obtain, to cover Transferred Employees under the Employee Plans
     and Benefit Arrangements which provide for insurance coverage and to
     provide claims processing services in respect of the Transferred Employees
     in both cases through December 31, 1997 or, in either case, until such
     earlier time as Purchaser or its designated Affiliate can assume
     responsibility for such insurance and administrative services in an orderly
     manner. Purchaser agrees to reimburse Seller for Seller's costs reasonably
     incurred in continuing to provide such insurance and administrative
     services. Such continuation of insurance and administrative services shall
     not affect the allocation of liabilities and obligations as set forth in
     this Article 9. Purchaser shall use all reasonable efforts to arrange for
     such administrative services and insurance coverage as promptly as possible
     in order to avoid using Seller's services under this Section.

9.12 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Purchaser shall assume the collective
     bargaining agreements listed on the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE.

9.13 No Third Party Beneficiaries. No provision of this Article shall create any
     third party beneficiary or other rights in any employee or former employee
     (including any beneficiary or dependent thereof) of Seller or of any of its
     subsidiaries in respect of continued employment (or resumed employment)
     with either Purchaser or the Business or any of their affiliates and no
     provision of this Article 9.0 shall create any such rights in any such
     Persons in respect of any benefits that may be provided, directly or
     indirectly, under any Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement or any plan or
     arrangement which may be established by Purchaser or any of its affiliates.
     No provision of this Agreement shall constitute a limitation on rights to
     amend, modify or terminate after the Closing Date any such plans or
     arrangements of Purchaser or any of its affiliates.

                                       45


<PAGE>


9.14  Union Contracts. Subject to the rights afforded employees under the
      National Labor Relations Act, Purchaser will recognize the Steelworkers as
      the exclusive bargaining unit for the Little Rock, Arkansas unionized
      employees, the Teamsters as the exclusive bargaining unit for the
      Marysville, California unionized employees and the Carpenters as the
      exclusive bargaining unit for the Aurora, Illinois unionized employees
      (collectively the "Unions") and will either assume the collective
      bargaining agreements in effect as of the Closing Date (the "Union
      Contracts") or negotiate in good faith with the Unions for adoption of new
      contracts. Purchaser will indemnify and hold Seller harmless, and shall
      immediately reimburse Seller upon demand for, any and all loss, liability,
      damage or expense arising from failure by Purchaser to assume the
      obligations of Seller under the Union Contracts.

9.15 WARN. If any employee of the Business suffers or may be deemed to have
     suffered an "employment loss," as defined in 29 U.S.C. ss. 2101(a)(6)
     ("Employment Loss") as a result of the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement, or if Purchaser takes any action after the Closing Date which
     independently, or in connection with, any Employment Losses occurring
     within the ninety-day period prior to the Closing Date, which could be
     construed as a "plant closing" or "mass layoff," as those terms are defined
     in the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. ss.ss.
     2101-2109 ("WARN"), Purchaser shall be solely responsible for providing any
     notices required by WARN and for making payments, if any, and paying all
     penalties and costs, which may result from any failure to provide such
     notice. Seller has not taken any actions, and will not prior to the Closing
     take any actions, which, independently or in connection with any Employment
     Loss, could be construed as a "plant closing" or "mass layoff." Prior to
     Closing, Seller shall provide to Purchaser lists, by facility, of all
     employees terminated or laid off within 90 days of the Closing.

10.0 AUTHORIZATIONS. Seller and Purchaser, as promptly as practicable after the
     date hereof, each shall (a) make, or cause to be made, all such filings and
     submissions under laws, rules and regulations applicable to it and its
     affiliates, as may be required for it to consummate the transfer of the
     Purchased Assets contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms of this
     Agreement, including but not limited to the required filing under the HSR
     Act, (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or cause to be
     obtained, all authorizations, approvals, consents and waivers from all
     Persons, employee groups and governmental authorities necessary to be
     obtained by it or its affiliates


                                       46

<PAGE>

     in order for it to consummate such transactions, and (c) use commercially
     reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all other actions
     necessary, proper or advisable in order to fulfill its obligations
     hereunder and to carry out the intentions of the parties expressed herein.
     Seller and Purchaser will coordinate and cooperate with one another in
     exchanging such information and supplying such reasonable assistance as may
     be reasonably requested by each in connection with the foregoing.

11.0 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. This Agreement shall not constitute an agreement to
     assign or transfer any interest in any instrument, contract, lease, permit
     or other agreement or arrangement or any claim, right or benefit arising
     thereunder or resulting therefrom, if an assignment or transfer or an
     attempt to make such an assignment or transfer without the consent of a
     third party would constitute a breach or violation thereof or would affect
     adversely the rights of Purchaser or Seller thereunder; and any transfer or
     assignment to Purchaser by Seller of any interest under any such
     instrument, contract, lease, permit or other agreement or arrangement that
     requires the consent of a third party shall be made subject to such consent
     or approval being obtained. In the event any such consent or approval is
     not obtained on or prior to the Closing Date, Seller and Purchaser shall
     continue to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any such approval
     or consent after the Closing Date until such time as such consent or
     approval has been obtained and Seller will cooperate with Purchaser in any
     lawful and economically feasible arrangement to provide that Purchaser
     shall receive Seller's interest in the benefits under any such instrument,
     contract, lease, permit or other agreement or arrangement, including
     performance by Purchaser as agent for Seller, if economically feasible,
     provided that Purchaser shall pay or satisfy and shall indemnify and hold
     Seller harmless from and against, any and all liabilities incurred as a
     result of the enjoyment of such benefit to the extent Purchaser would have
     been responsible therefor it such consent or approval had been obtained.

12.0 WARRANTY SERVICE. At Closing, Purchaser shall assume Seller's warranty
     service obligations for all products manufactured and sold by the Business.

13.0 COLLECTION OF RECEIVABLES. From and after the Closing, Purchaser shall have
     the right and authority to collect for its own account all accounts and
     notes receivable (the "Purchased Receivables") and other items that are
     included in the Purchased Assets and to endorse with the name of

                                       47

<PAGE>

     Seller or the Company any checks or drafts received with respect to any
     such Purchased Receivables, and Seller agrees promptly to deliver to
     Purchaser any cash or other property received by it with respect to any
     such Purchased Receivable, including any amounts paid as interest thereon.

14.0 FURTHER ASSURANCES. After the Closing and for no further consideration,
     Seller shall (a) perform all acts (including without limitation, the use of
     Seller's commercially reasonable efforts to enable Purchaser to accomplish
     transfer registrations, permits, approvals, and the like as contemplated by
     this Agreement), and (b) execute, acknowledge and deliver such assignments,
     transfers, consents and other documents and instruments as Purchaser may
     reasonably request, in each case, to vest in Purchaser or protect
     Purchaser's right, title and interest in, and enjoyment of, the Purchased
     Assets. Seller agrees to provide reasonable assistance to ensure a smooth
     transition to Purchaser of all telecommunications arrangements currently
     utilized by the Business, including Seller's K-II Telecommunications
     arrangements.

15.0 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES.

15.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party. The respective obligations of
     Seller and Purchaser to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement are subject to the following conditions:

     (a)  No judgment, decree, ruling, injunction or other order of any court or
          governmental authority shall have been issued and remain in effect
          which prohibits, restrains, enjoins or otherwise restricts the
          consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. No action, suit
          or proceeding shall be pending or threatened before any court or
          quasi-judicial or administrative agency of any federal, state, local
          or foreign jurisdiction or before any arbitrator wherein an
          unfavorable injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, or charge
          would (A) prevent consummation of any of the transactions contemplated
          by this Agreement or any of the Seller Related Instruments, (B) cause
          any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Seller
          Related Instruments to be rescinded following consummation, or (C)
          affect adversely the right of the Purchaser to own the Purchased
          Assets or to operate the Business following the Closing in the same
          manner as currently conducted by Seller.

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<PAGE>


     (b)  The parties will have received all necessary approvals and clearances,
          or all applicable waiting periods will have expired or have been
          waived, pursuant to the HSR Act.

15.2 Conditions Precedent to Purchaser's Obligations. All obligations of
     Purchaser at the Closing are subject, at the option of Purchaser, to the
     fulfillment of each of the following conditions at or prior to the Closing
     Date (any one or more of which may be waived by Purchaser), and Seller
     shall exert reasonable commercial efforts to cause each such condition to
     be so fulfilled as soon as reasonably possible but no later than the
     Closing Date:

     (a)  All representations and warranties of Seller contained herein or in
          any document delivered pursuant hereto qualified as to materiality
          shall be true and correct in all respects, and those not so qualified
          shall be true and correct in all material respects, as of the date
          when made and as of the Closing Date, as though such representations
          and warranties were made at and as of the Closing Date; provided,
          however, that, subject to the provisions of Section 7.0(c),
          disclosures may be amended or supplemented to reflect events and
          circumstances that occur between the date of this Agreement and the
          Closing Date.

     (b)  All covenants, agreements and obligations required by the terms of
          this Agreement to be performed by Seller at or before the Closing
          shall have been duly and properly performed.

     (c)  There shall be delivered to Purchaser a certificate dated as of the
          Closing Date by an executive officer of Seller reasonably satisfactory
          in form and substance to Purchaser.

     (d)  Purchaser shall have received an opinion of Seller's counsel, dated as
          of the Closing Date, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to
          Purchaser, as to certain matters reasonably requested by Purchaser.

     (e)  Seller shall have obtained and delivered to Purchaser written consents
          to the transfer or assignment to the Purchaser of all agreements,
          licenses, leases and other Contracts relating to the Business (other
          than immaterial purchase and sales orders in the ordinary course of
          business and any other items which are not, individually or in the
          aggregate, material to the continued operation of the Business), or
          shall have

                                       49

<PAGE>


          arranged for Purchaser to enjoy the economic benefit of such
          contracts. No such consent or approval (a) shall be conditioned on the
          modification, cancellation or termination of any Contract, or (b)
          shall impose on Purchaser or any of its Affiliates any material
          condition or provision or requirement with respect to the Business or
          its operation that is more restrictive than or different from the
          conditions imposed upon such operation prior to Closing, unless
          Purchaser gives its prior written approval.

     (f)  Seller shall have executed and delivered to Purchaser at the Closing
          the Bill of Sale and Assignment, bargain and sale deeds with covenants
          against grantor's acts in recordable form and otherwise reasonably
          acceptable to Purchaser, and all other reasonable and customary
          documents, certificates and agreements requested by Purchaser
          necessary to transfer to Purchaser good, indefeasible, fee simple
          title to the Purchased Assets, free and clear of any and all liens
          thereon, except for Encumbrances permitted hereunder or pursuant to
          liabilities expressly assumed by Purchaser pursuant to the Liabilities
          Undertaking, and such other instruments, affidavits or documents as
          Purchaser may reasonably request or as may be reasonably required by
          Purchaser's title insurers.

     (g)  All corporate and other proceedings of Seller in connection with the
          transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and all documents and
          instruments incident to such corporate proceedings, shall be
          reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Purchaser and its
          counsel.

     (h)  Since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have occurred any
          material adverse change in the Business Condition of the Company.

     (i)  Purchaser shall have obtained a commitment for the issuance of
          standard ALTA fee owner's title insurance policies from Chicago Title
          Insurance Company (the "Title Policies"), in such amounts as the
          Purchaser reasonably may determine is the fair market value of such
          Real Property (including all improvements located thereon), insuring
          that title to each parcel of the Real Property and improvements
          thereon shall be good indefeasible, fee simple and free and clear of
          all liens, assessments, restrictions, encumbrances, easements, leases,
          tenancies, claims or rights of use or possession and other title
          objections, except for

                                       50


<PAGE>

          (i) utility and other easements that do not adversely affect the
          intended use or value of the Real Property; and (ii) the standard
          exceptions normally contained in an ALTA owners policy and any
          exceptions that are standard in the states in which the Real Property
          is located for all properties similarly used; provided, however, that
          Seller, at Purchaser's request, shall provide such affidavits to the
          title company or take such other actions as may be reasonably
          requested that would enable the title company to remove any of such
          standard exceptions. Purchaser shall also have obtained surveys of the
          Real Property made by a registered land surveyor bearing a certificate
          addressed to Purchaser and Purchaser's title insurance company, signed
          by the surveyor, certifying that the survey was actually made on the
          ground and that there are no encumbrances except as shown, and
          complying with the minimum detail requirements for land title surveys
          as adopted by the American Land Title Association. The survey shall
          show, among other things, the following items (whether covered by the
          minimum detail requirements specified above or not): (i) all courses
          and distances of the boundaries and the legal description of the Real
          Property; (ii) the location and dimensions of all improvements and
          their relation to lot lines, set back and building line requirements
          (whether such requirements are imposed by law, deed or plat); and
          (iii) the location of all utilities, rights of way, water courses,
          drains, sewers and easements, whether above or under ground. Purchaser
          shall pay all premiums and other expenses relating to such survey and
          title insurance policy commitment including, without limitation, the
          title insurance premium.

     (j)  Seller shall have delivered to Purchaser audited balance sheets of the
          Company as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and the related audited
          statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each
          of the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, and an audited balance
          sheet as of September 30, 1997, and the related audited statements of
          operations, stockholders, equity and cash flows for the nine-month
          period ended September 30, 1997, prepared by the Company's independent
          accountants, KPMG (the "Audited Financial Statements"). The Audited
          Financial Statements shall be prepared from the books and records of
          the Company in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied. Purchaser
          acknowledges that the Audited Financial Statements shall have been
          prepared at its request in order to satisfy Purchaser's reporting

                                       51


<PAGE>


          requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
          and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and agrees that
          the Audited Financial Statements shall not be the basis for a claim
          under this Agreement for any differences between the Audited Financial
          Statements and the Historical Financial Statements.

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, if all the conditions to each party's
          obligation to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby have
          been satisfied or waived other than delivery of the Audited Financial
          Statements, then Purchaser will waive the condition that the Audited
          Financial Statements be delivered prior to the Closing if Purchaser
          receives reasonable assurances from KPMG that the Audited Financial
          Statements will be completed within 45 days following the Closing Date
          and if Seller deposits $3,000,000 of the Purchase Price (the
          "Deposit") with First Union National Bank, as escrow agent, pursuant
          to a mutually agreeable escrow agreement providing that the Deposit
          will be delivered (i) to Seller if the Audited Financial Statements
          are delivered to Purchaser no later than 60 days after the Closing
          Date and (ii) to Purchaser if the Audited Financial Statements are not
          delivered to Purchaser within 60 days after the Closing Date (it being
          understood that Purchaser shall give KPMG full access to all records
          necessary to prepare the Audited Financial Statements and the full
          cooperation of Purchaser's employees). All interest earned on the
          Deposit shall be delivered with the principal.

15.3 Conditions Precedent to Seller's Obligations. All obligations of Seller at
     the Closing are subject, at the option of Seller, to the fulfillment of
     each of the following conditions at or prior to the Closing Date (any one
     or more of which may be waived by Seller), and Purchaser shall exert its
     reasonable commercial efforts to cause each such condition to be so
     fulfilled as soon as reasonably possible but no later than the Closing
     Date:

     (a)  All representations and warranties of Purchaser contained herein or in
          any document delivered pursuant hereto qualified as to materiality
          shall be true and correct in all respects, and those not so qualified
          shall be true and correct in all material respects, as of the date
          when made and as of the Closing Date, as though such representations
          and warranties were made at and as of the Closing Date; provided,
          however, that disclosures may be amended or supplemented to reflect

                                       52

<PAGE>


          events and circumstances that occur between the date of this Agreement
          and the Closing Date.

     (b)  All covenants, agreements and obligations required by the terms of
          this Agreement to be performed by Purchaser at or before the Closing
          shall have been duly and properly performed.

     (c)  There shall be delivered to Seller a certificate executed by an
          executive officer of Purchaser dated as of the Closing Date,
          reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Seller.

     (d)  Seller shall have received an opinion of legal counsel to Purchaser,
          dated as of the Closing Date, reasonably satisfactory in form and
          substance to Seller.

     (e)  All corporate and other proceedings of Purchaser in connection with
          the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and all documents and
          instruments incident thereto shall be reasonably satisfactory in form
          and substance to Seller and its counsel, and Seller and its counsel
          shall have received all such documents and instruments, or copies
          thereof (certified if requested) as they may reasonably request.

     (f)  Purchaser's parent, American Buildings Company, shall have executed
          and delivered to Seller an unconditional guarantee of Purchaser's
          obligations under this Agreement and all documents executed by
          Purchaser in connection herewith (including without limitation the
          Liabilities Undertaking), reasonably satisfactory in form and
          substance to Seller.

16.0 INDEMNIFICATION.

16.1 Seller's Indemnification. Seller hereby agrees to indemnify and hold
     Purchaser and its officers, directors, successors and assigns harmless
     from, against and in respect of (and shall on demand reimburse Purchaser
     for):

     (a)  any and all claims, costs, losses, liabilities, or damages
          (collectively "Damages") suffered or incurred by Purchaser by reason
          of any untrue representation, breach of warranty or non-fulfillment of
          any covenant or agreement by Seller contained herein or in any
          certificate, document or instrument delivered to Purchaser pursuant
          hereto or in connection herewith;


                                       53


<PAGE>

     (b)  any and all Damages suffered or incurred by Purchaser in respect of or
          in connection with any liabilities or obligations of Seller not
          expressly assumed by Purchaser pursuant to the terms of the
          Liabilities Undertaking;

     (c)  any and all Damages suffered or incurred by Purchaser by reason of or
          in connection with any claim for finder's fee or brokers or other
          commission arising by reason of any services alleged to have been
          rendered to or at the instance of Seller with respect to this
          Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby; and

     (d)  any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, assessments,
          judgments, costs and expenses, including, without limitation,
          reasonable legal fees and expenses, incident to any of the foregoing
          or incurred in investigating or attempting to avoid the same or to
          oppose the imposition thereof, or in enforcing this indemnity.

16.2 Purchaser's Indemnification. Purchaser hereby agrees to indemnify and hold
     Seller and its officers, directors, successors and assigns harmless from,
     against, and in respect of (and shall on demand reimburse Seller for):

     (a)  any and all Damages suffered or incurred by Seller by reason of any
          untrue representation, breach of warranty or non-fulfillment of any
          covenant or agreement by Purchaser contained herein or in any
          certificate, document or instrument delivered to Seller pursuant
          hereto or in connection herewith;

     (b)  any and all Damages suffered or incurred by Seller in respect of or in
          connection with any liabilities or obligations expressly assumed by
          Purchaser pursuant to the Liabilities Undertaking or arising by reason
          of or in connection with the operation of the Business by Purchaser
          subsequent to the Closing Date;

     (c)  any and all Damages suffered or incurred by Seller by reason of or in
          connection with any claim for finder's fee or brokers or other
          commission arising by reason of any services alleged to have been
          rendered to or at the instance of Purchaser with respect to this
          Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby; and

     (d)  any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, assessments,
          judgments, costs and expenses,

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<PAGE>


          including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses,
          incident to any of the foregoing or incurred in investigating or
          attempting to avoid the same or oppose the imposition thereof, or in
          enforcing this indemnity.

16.3 Limitations on Indemnification.

     (a)  Except as set forth in subsection (d) below, Seller shall not be
          liable to indemnify Purchaser for Purchaser's Damages and Purchaser
          shall not be liable to indemnify Seller for Seller's Damages, arising
          from or relating to a breach of a representation or warranty set forth
          in this Agreement unless the indemnified party notifies the
          indemnifying party in writing of its claim or potential claim for
          indemnification not later than the day which is eighteen (18) months
          after the Closing Date, in which case survival shall continue (but
          only with respect to, and to the extent of, such claim).

     (b)  The aggregate liability of the Seller to the Purchaser for
          indemnification for breaches of representations and warranties
          pursuant to Section 16.1(a) of this Agreement shall not exceed an
          amount equal to 15% of the cash Purchase Price. Similarly, the
          aggregate liability of the Purchaser to the Seller for indemnification
          for breaches of representations and warranties pursuant to Section
          16.2(a) of this Agreement shall not exceed an amount equal to 15% of
          the cash Purchase Price.

     (c)  Neither the Seller nor the Purchaser shall be liable to indemnify the
          other for its or their Damages for breaches of representations and
          warranties pursuant to Sections 16.1(a) and 16.2(a), respectively,
          until such time as the aggregate amount of otherwise indemnifiable
          Damages exceeds an amount equal to 1% of the cash Purchase Price, and
          thereafter the indemnification obligations of each party shall apply
          to Damages in excess of such amount.

     (d)  All representations and warranties made herein shall survive the
          Closing for a period of eighteen (18) months thereafter except for the
          first sentence of Section 5.7, which shall survive indefinitely,
          Section 5.12, which shall survive until the expiration of the
          applicable statute of limitations, and Sections 5.20, 9.2 and 9.5(g),
          which shall survive for five (5) years

                                       55

<PAGE>


          after the Closing Date and, to the extent a claim is made, survival
          shall continue past such period (but only with respect to, and to the
          extent of, such claim). All indemnities and agreements contained
          herein shall survive for the period expressly indicated or, if not so
          indicated, indefinitely.

     (e)  Purchaser and Seller each acknowledge and agree that its sole and
          exclusive remedy with respect to any and all claims relating to the
          subject matter of this Agreement shall be pursuant to the
          indemnification provisions set forth in Article 16.0; provided,
          however, that the parties hereto shall be entitled to an injunction or
          other equitable relief to prevent breaches of this Agreement, to
          enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement or to
          seek any other equitable remedy to which they are entitled.

16.4 Procedure for Third Party Claims.

     (a)  In order for a party (the "indemnified party") to be entitled to any
          indemnification provided under this Agreement in respect of, arising
          out of or involving a claim made by any Person (other than another
          party to this Agreement) against the indemnified party where the
          amount in dispute exceeds Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) (a "Third
          Party Claim"), such indemnified party must notify the other party (the
          "indemnifying party") in writing of the Third Party Claim within
          fifteen (15) business days after receipt by such indemnified party of
          written notice of the Third Party Claim; provided, however, that
          failure to give such notification shall not affect the indemnification
          provided hereunder except to the extent the indemnifying party can
          demonstrate actual monetary prejudice as a direct or indirect result
          of such failure. Thereafter, the indemnified party shall deliver to
          the indemnifying party, within five business days after the
          indemnified party's receipt thereof, copies of all notices and
          documents (including court papers) received by the indemnified party
          relating to the Third Party Claim.

      (b)   If a Third Party Claim is made against an indemnified party, the
            indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in the defense
            thereof and, if it so chooses, to assume the defense thereof with
            counsel and other experts selected by the indemnifying party and
            reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party so long as (i)
            the indemnifying party notifies the 

                                       56


<PAGE>


          indemnified party in writing within 15 days after the indemnified
          party has given notice of the Third Party Claim that the indemnifying
          party will indemnify the indemnified party from and against the
          entirety of any Damages the indemnified party may suffer resulting
          from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the
          Third Party Claim, (ii) the indemnifying party provides the
          indemnified party with evidence reasonably acceptable to the
          indemnified party that the indemnifying party will have the financial
          resources to defend against the Third Party Claim and fulfill its
          indemnification obligations hereunder, (iii) the Third Party Claim
          involves only money damages and does not seek an injunction or other
          equitable relief, and (iv) the indemnifying party conducts the defense
          of the Third Party Claim actively and diligently. Should the
          indemnifying party so elect to assume the defense of a Third Party
          Claim, the indemnifying party will not be liable to the indemnified
          party for any legal expenses subsequently incurred by the indemnified
          party in connection with the defense thereof. If the indemnifying
          party assumes such defense, the indemnified party shall have the right
          to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, at its
          own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the indemnifying
          party, it being understood that the indemnifying party shall control
          such defense. The indemnifying party shall be liable for the fees and
          expense of counsel employed by the indemnified party for any period
          during which the indemnifying party has not assumed the defense
          thereof (other than after the 15 business day period described in
          Section 16.4(a) if the indemnified party shall have failed to give
          notice of the Third Party Claim) or if any of the conditions specified
          in the first sentence of this Section 16.4(b) is or becomes
          unsatisfied. If the indemnifying party chooses to defend or prosecute
          a Third Party Claim, all the parties hereto shall cooperate in the
          defense or prosecution thereof. Such cooperation shall include the
          retention and (upon the indemnifying party's request) the provision to
          the indemnifying party of records and information that are reasonably
          relevant to such Third Party Claim, and making employees available on
          a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and
          explanation of any material provided hereunder. If the indemnifying
          party chooses to defend or prosecute any Third Party Claim, the
          indemnified party will consent to any settlement, compromise or
          discharge of such Third Party Claim that the indemnifying party may
          recommend and that by its terms

                                       57


<PAGE>

          obligates the indemnifying party to pay the full amount of the
          liability in connection with such Third Party Claim and does not
          otherwise impose any material restriction on the indemnified party's
          conduct of its business. In the event the indemnified party does not
          desire for the indemnifying party to settle a Third Party Claim solely
          for monetary damages agreeable to the Third Party, then the
          indemnified party shall have the option of continuing to defend such
          claim, but the liability of the indemnifying party shall be capped at
          the amount of the proposed settlement that was agreeable to the Third
          Party. If the indemnifying party shall have assumed the defense of a
          Third Party Claim, the indemnified party shall not admit any liability
          with respect to, or settle, compromise or discharge, such Third Party
          Claim without the indemnifying party's prior written consent, which
          shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

     (c)  With respect to any claim by any Person against an indemnified party
          where the amount in dispute is equal to or less than Ten Thousand
          Dollars ($10,000) ("Small Claim"), then the foregoing provisions of
          this Section 16.4 shall not apply, and the indemnified party may
          investigate and defend such Small Claim without the assistance of the
          indemnifying party; provided that the indemnifying party shall have no
          liability for indemnification under this Article 16.0 with respect to
          the settlement of such Small Claim unless the indemnifying party shall
          have consented in writing to such settlement, which consent shall not
          be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Failure by the indemnifying party
          to consent or object to the proposed settlement of a Small Claim
          within seven (7) business days after being requested for its consent
          by the indemnified party shall be deemed to constitute its consent to
          such settlement.

17.0 OTHER PROPOSALS. Between the date of this Agreement and Closing, Seller
     will not, and will use reasonable commercial efforts to ensure that its
     directors, officers, employees and advisers do not, institute, pursue, or
     enter into any discussions, negotiations or agreements (preliminary or
     definitive) contemplating or providing for, or furnish any information with
     respect to, any merger, acquisition, purchase or sale involving any of the
     Purchased Assets or any business that is part of the Business, or other
     business combination or change in control of Seller that would in any way
     impact a sale of the Business to Purchaser, with any person or entity other
     than Purchaser or its affiliates. In


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<PAGE>


     the event Seller or any of its directors, officers, employees or advisors
     receives any offer or proposal to enter into any such negotiations or other
     communication with a party other than Purchaser prior to the closing,
     Seller will provide prompt notice of the same to Purchaser. Nothing in this
     section shall be construed to prohibit any party from seeking injunctive or
     other equitable relief or damages for breach of contract or other lawful
     termination pursuant to applicable law.

18.0 ARBITRATION.

     (a)  Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in connection with
          or relating to this Agreement, any breach or alleged breach hereof, or
          the transaction contemplated hereby, shall be resolved and settled by
          arbitration pursuant to the rules then in effect of the American
          Arbitration Association, provided, however, that in the event the
          dispute is pursuant to (i) Section 3.2 or Section 9.4(a) of this
          Agreement the arbitration shall be conducted by an accounting expert
          acceptable to both parties as set forth in subsection (b) below or
          (ii) Section 9.5, the dispute shall be resolved as set forth in such
          section. The arbitration shall be held at a mutually agreeable
          location; provided, if the parties cannot agree on a location, the
          arbitration shall be held in Charlotte, North Carolina if Purchaser
          initiates the proceeding and in Atlanta, Georgia if Seller initiates
          the proceeding.

     (b)  (i) In the event arbitration is required pursuant to Section 3.2 or
          Section 9.4(a) of this Agreement in order to resolve disputes arising
          with respect to the Closing Date Balance Sheet or to quantify
          post-Closing adjustments, and only in either or both such events, the
          parties shall agree on an accounting expert to arbitrate the dispute,
          or if the parties are unable to reach agreement on an arbiter, the
          partner-in-charge of Seller's account at KPMG in Charlotte and the
          partner-in-charge of Purchaser's (or an affiliate of Purchaser's)
          account at Arthur Andersen LLP in Atlanta (or in each case a
          succeeding firm of auditors for such corporation) shall be instructed
          by the parties to, and shall, together select an arbiter who is a
          certified public accountant of recognized standing and who they
          believe, in their joint discretion, is capable of arbitrating the
          financial issues presented.

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<PAGE>

          (ii) Once an arbiter is selected and appointed, Seller and Purchaser
               shall request that such arbiter resolve the matters in dispute
               concerning the Closing Date Balance Sheet within sixty (60) days
               after submission, in accordance with the procedures determined
               appropriate by the arbiter and the provisions of Section 3.2 of
               this Agreement. The arbiter's decision shall be rendered to the
               parties in writing, and the parties shall, upon receipt thereof,
               settle amounts due promptly after receipt of the arbiter's
               decision.

         (iii) The fees and disbursements of such arbiter shall be allocated
               equally between Seller and Purchaser unless the arbiter
               determines that the position of one of the parties on any
               disputed issue was not supportable in good faith, in which case
               the arbiter will allocate its fees and expenses to the parties
               based on its view of the merits of the positions taken. Such
               allocation shall be final and binding on the parties.

          (iv) In the event the arbiter determines that legal issues are
               presented by the dispute as to which the arbiter has no expertise
               (e.g. statute of frauds, validity and construction of documents,
               etc.), the arbiter shall submit such issues back to the parties,
               who shall submit them to arbitration pursuant to subsection (a)
               hereof.

     (c)  The expense of arbitration shall be borne equally by the parties to
          the arbitration and each party shall bear and pay for the cost of its
          own experts, witnesses, evidence, counsel and other costs in
          connection with the preparation and presentation of its case;
          provided, however, in the event either party alleges fraud or that the
          position of the other party is not supportable in good faith, and the
          arbiter finds that such fraud or bad faith exists, the arbiter shall
          be free to award costs in such arbiter's discretion. The resolution of
          the arbitration pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) shall be final and
          binding on the parties hereto and enforceable inn a court of competent
          jurisdiction. Any arbitration pursuant to subsection (b) shall be
          governed by such procedural rules as shall be set by the arbiter. The
          parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the nonexclusive
          jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Western

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<PAGE>

          District of North Carolina for the purpose of enforcing any
          arbitration award.

19.0 COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE; NONSOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES. For a period of five
     (5) years from and after the Closing Date, Seller will not engage directly
     or indirectly in the manufacture and sale of residential garage doors in
     North America; provided, however, that ownership of less than 1% of the
     outstanding stock of any publicly traded corporation shall not be deemed to
     be a violation of this Article 19.0. In addition, without the prior consent
     of Purchaser, Seller will not for a period of one year after the Closing
     Date, directly or indirectly, induce or solicit (or authorize or assist in
     the taking of any such actions by any third party) any employee or
     consultant of the Company to leave his or her business association with the
     Purchaser. If the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction
     declares that any term or provision of this Article 19.0 is invalid or
     unenforceable, Seller and Purchaser agree that the court making the
     determination of invalidity or unenforceability shall have the power to
     reduce the scope, duration, or area of the term or provision, to delete
     specific words or phrases, or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term
     or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and
     that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or
     unenforceable term or provision, and this Agreement shall be enforceable as
     so modified after the expiration of the time within which the judgment may
     be appealed.

20.0 TAX MATTERS.

     (a)  Any agreement between the Seller and the Company regarding allocation
          or payment of taxes or amounts in lieu of taxes shall be deemed
          terminated at and as of the Closing.

     (b)  Seller will be responsible for the preparation and filing of all tax
          returns for the Seller for all periods as to which tax returns are due
          after the Closing Date (including the consolidated, unitary and
          combined tax returns for the Seller which include the operations of
          the Company for any period ending on or before the Closing Date).
          Seller will make all payments required with respect to any such tax
          return.

     (c)  Purchaser will be responsible for the preparation and filing of all
          tax returns for the Company for all periods as to which tax returns
          are due after the Closing Date (other than for taxes with respect to

                                       61

<PAGE>


          periods for which the consolidated, unitary and combined tax returns
          of the Seller will include the operations of the Company). The
          Purchaser will make all payments required with respect to any such tax
          return; provided, however, that the Seller will reimburse the
          Purchaser concurrently, therewith to the extent any payment the
          Purchaser is making relates to the operations of the Company for any
          period ending on or before the Closing Date.

21.1 NOTICES. Any and all notices or other communications required or permitted
     to be given under any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in
     writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally
     delivered or sent by telecopy, receipt of which is confirmed, and mailed by
     reputable overnight courier or first class registered or certified mail,
     return receipt requested, addressed to the other party at the address set
     forth below (or at such other address as a party may specify by notice to
     the other party):

          To Seller:

                           United Dominion Industries, Inc.
                           2300 One First Union Center
                           301 South College Street
                           Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-6039
                           Facsimile: 704/347-6915 
                           Attention: Legal Department

          To Purchaser:

                          c/o American Building Company
                          1150 State Docks Road
                          Eufala, Alabama 36027
                          Facsimile:  334-687-7156
                          Attention: President

            With a copy to:

                          Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
                          666 Fifth Avenue
                          New York, New York 10103
                          Facsimile: 212-752-5958
                          Attention: Paul Jacobs, Esq.

22.0 BULK SALES COMPLIANCE. Purchaser hereby waives compliance by Seller with
     the provisions of the bulk sales laws of any state, and Seller warrants and
     agrees to pay and discharge when due all claims of creditors that could be
     asserted against Purchaser by reason of such non-compliance to the extent
     such liabilities are not specifically assumed by

                                       62

<PAGE>

     Purchaser pursuant to the Liabilities Undertaking described in Article 2.0
     hereof. Seller hereby agrees to indemnify and hold Purchaser harmless from,
     against and in respect of (and shall on demand reimburse Purchaser for) any
     loss, liability, cost or expense, including without limitation attorneys'
     fees, suffered or incurred by Purchaser by reason of the failure of Seller
     to pay or discharge any such claim.

23.0 TERMINATION. Anything herein or elsewhere to the contrary notwithstanding,
     this Agreement may be terminated and the transactions provided for herein
     abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date (unless otherwise agreed to
     by the parties hereto):

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

     (b)  by Purchaser if any of the conditions set forth in Section 15.1 or
          15.2 hereof (i) shall not have been fulfilled on or prior to December
          15, 1997 (unless otherwise extended by the parties hereto), or (ii)
          shall have become incapable of fulfillment, and shall not have been
          waived; or

     (c)  by Seller if any of the conditions set forth in Section 15.1 or 15.3
          hereof (i) shall not have been fulfilled on or prior to December 15,
          1997 (unless otherwise extended by the parties hereto), or (ii) shall
          have become incapable of fulfillment, and shall not have been waived;
          or

     (d)  by Purchaser if Seller amends or supplements the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
          in accordance with Section 7.0(c) hereof and such amendment or
          supplement includes an item or matter that is, or in aggregate with
          items or matters previously disclosed pursuant to any amendment or
          supplement is, material and adverse to the Business, the Purchased
          Assets, or the ability of Purchaser to operate the Business as
          previously conducted by Seller; provided, that the Purchaser must
          notify Seller in writing that it is terminating this Agreement
          pursuant to this Section within five business days after receipt of
          such amendment or supplement or it shall be deemed to have waived its
          right to terminate with respect to such amendment or supplement. Any
          such waiver shall not limit Purchaser's right to terminate this
          Agreement pursuant to this Section as a result of any further
          amendment or supplement to the DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE that includes an
          item or matter that is, or in aggregate with items or matters
          previously disclosed pursuant to any amendment or supplement is,
          material or adverse to


                                       63

<PAGE>

          the Business, the Purchased Assets, or the ability of Purchaser to
          operate the Business as previously conducted by Seller; or

     (e)  by Purchaser if Seller withholds its consent to Phase II environmental
          testing in accordance with Section 8.1 hereof, despite a reasonable
          basis for such testing as set forth therein.

          provided, however, that no party may seek termination pursuant to (b)
     or (c) above if such party is in material breach of any of its
     representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this
     Agreement. Upon termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Article
     23.0, this Agreement shall become null and void and of no further force and
     effect, provided, however, that nothing in this Article 23.0 shall be
     deemed to release any part from any liability for any breach by such party
     of the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

24.0 MISCELLANEOUS.

24.1 Entire Agreement; Modification. The confidentiality agreement dated August
     28, 1997 and this Agreement, including all Schedules and Exhibits hereto,
     constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject
     matter hereof and may not be modified, amended or terminated except by
     written agreement specifically referring to this Agreement and signed by
     each party hereto.

24.2 Waiver. No waiver of any breach or default hereunder shall be considered
     valid unless in writing and signed by the party giving such waiver, and no
     such waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default of
     the same or similar nature.

24.3 Binding Effect, Transfer. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
     the benefit of each party hereto and its respective successors and assigns.
     This Agreement shall not be assigned by either party without the prior
     written consent of the other; provided, however, that Purchaser may assign
     its rights hereunder to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Purchaser, but no such
     assignment shall relieve Purchaser of any of its duties or obligations
     hereunder.

24.4 Numbers and Headings. The article, section and paragraph numbers and
     headings contained herein are for the purpose of reference and convenience
     only and are not intended to define or limit the contents of said
     paragraphs or sections. 

                                       64

<PAGE>

     References to an article shall refer to all sections under that article.

24.5 Exhibits and Schedules. The Exhibits and Schedules referred to herein are
     hereby incorporated by reference as if set out herein in full and form an
     integral part of this Agreement.

24.6 Further Actions. Each party hereto shall cooperate and shall take such
     further action and shall execute and deliver such further documents as may
     be reasonably requested by the other party in order to carry out the
     provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

24.7 Transaction Taxes; Transfer and Recording Fees; Prorations. Seller and
     Purchaser shall divide and pay, with Seller paying half and Purchaser
     paying half, all sales, use, stamp, value-added, transfer, recording and
     other similar taxes (other than income taxes) and any transfer or recording
     fees or other similar costs incurred or assessed (including interest and
     penalties, if any) in connection with the sale or transfer of the Purchased
     Assets or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     The following items shall be apportioned between the parties as of 11:59
p.m. of the day immediately preceding the Closing:

     1.   Taxes. General real estate taxes and special assessments required to
          be paid shall be prorated as of the Closing on the basis of the actual
          amount of the most recent tax bill. If any special assessment is
          payable in installments, Purchaser and Seller will only adjust for
          such special assessment on the basis of the minimum payment due on
          such special assessment for the tax year in which the Closing occurs.

     2.   Utility and Fuel Charges. Seller shall cause all water, electricity,
          gas and other utility meters to be read on the day preceding the
          Closing, or as close thereto as may be possible, and shall pay all
          bills rendered as a result of such readings. The cost of such
          utilities for the period, if any, between the date of the meter
          reading and the Closing shall be adjusted on the basis of the most
          recently issued bill therefor.

     3.   Other Items of Expense or Receipt. All other customarily prorated
          items of expense or receipt for properties similar to the Real
          Property shall be prorated between Purchaser and Seller as of the
          Closing Date.

                                       65


<PAGE>


24.8   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts
       (including by facsimile transmission), all of which taken together shall
       be deemed one original.

24.9   Expenses. Subject to Sections 18.0 and 24.7 of this Agreement, Purchaser
       shall bear the expenses, costs and fees incurred by it and Seller shall
       bear the expenses, costs and fees incurred by it in connection with the
       transactions contemplated hereby, including the preparation and execution
       of the Agreement and compliance herewith, whether or not the transactions
       shall be consummated. Purchaser shall pay the filing fee required by the
       HSR Act and, at Closing, shall receive a credit against the Purchase
       Price for one-half of such fee.

24.10  Validity of Provisions. If any provision of this Agreement or any
       agreement referenced herein shall be held or deemed to be or shall, in
       fact, be inoperative or unenforceable as applied in any particular case
       because it conflicts with any other provision or provisions hereof or any
       constitution, statute, rule of public policy, or for any other reason,
       such circumstances shall not have the effect of rendering the provision
       in question inoperative or unenforceable in any other case or
       circumstance, or of rendering any other provision or provisions herein
       contained invalid, inoperative or unenforceable to any extent whatsoever.
       The invalidity of any one or more phrases, sentences, clauses, sections,
       or subsections of this Agreement or any other agreements referenced
       herein shall not affect the remaining portions thereof; provided,
       however, that in the event the terms and conditions of this Agreement are
       materially altered as a result of this section, the parties will
       renegotiate the terms and conditions of this Agreement to resolve any
       inequities.

24.11  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
       accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts
       made and to be performed therein.

24.12  Risk of Loss. The risk of any loss, damage, impairment, confiscation or
       condemnation of the Purchased Assets, or any part thereof, shall be upon
       the Seller at all times prior to the Closing Date. Beginning on the
       Closing Date, any such risk relating to the Purchased Assets, or any part
       thereof, shall be and remain at the risk of the Purchaser.

24.13  Publicity. So long as this Agreement is in effect, neither Seller nor
       Purchaser shall issue or cause the publication of


                                       66


<PAGE>

       any press release or other public announcement with respect to the
       transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the consent of the
       other party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed,
       unless advised by counsel that disclosure may be required by applicable
       law, in which case such party may disclose to the extent it reasonably
       concludes disclosure is required only after providing reasonable prior
       notice to the other party and an opportunity to review and comment on the
       proposed disclosure.

24.14  Time is of the Essence. The parties hereto agree that in the performance
       of this Agreement time shall be of the essence, it being understood and
       agreed that the sole remedy with respect to this Section 24.14 shall be
       termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 23.0; provided, that
       the foregoing shall not limit any right or remedy that either party may
       otherwise have under any other section of this Agreement for breach of
       this Agreement.

24.15  Certain Understandings. Purchaser acknowledges that neither Seller nor
       any other Person have made any representations or warranties, express or
       implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding
       the Company not included in this Agreement or the Exhibits or Schedules
       hereto or provided to Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, and neither
       Seller nor any other Person will be subject to any liability to Purchaser
       or any other Person resulting from the distribution to Purchaser, or
       Purchaser's use of, any such information.

24.16  Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended, and shall not
       be deemed, to confer upon or give any Person except Purchaser and Seller
       and their respective successors and permitted assigns any remedy, claim,
       liability, reimbursement, cause of action or other right under or by
       reason of this Agreement.

24.17  McKee Sale. Seller and Purchaser acknowledge that Seller may consummate
       the sale of certain assets which formerly comprised the McKee Door
       operation in Aurora, Illinois, and that in the event such assets are sold
       prior to Closing, said assets shall not be Purchased Assets and any
       liabilities associated therewith shall not be Assumed Liabilities.

24.18  Future Business. Seller will encourage its businesses to continue to do
       business with the Purchaser after the Closing; provided, Purchaser
       acknowledges that this Section shall not be deemed to create any legal
       obligation for

                                       67


<PAGE>


       Seller or any of its affiliates to do business with the Purchaser after
       the Closing.

25.0   CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. The following terms used in this Agreement have the
       definitions set forth in this Section 25.0 or in the indicated Section of
       this Agreement unless otherwise clearly indicated:

       (1)    "Agreement" is this Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Assets by
              and between Seller and Purchaser.

       (2)    "Assumed Liabilities" is defined in Article 2.0 of this Agreement.

       (3)    "Audited Financial Statements" is defined in Section 15.2(j) of
              this Agreement.

       (4)    "Aurora Plant Lease" is defined in Section 1.1(m) of this
              Agreement.

       (5)    "Benefit Arrangement" is defined in Section 9.1 of this Agreement.

       (6)    "Bonds" is defined in Section 5.22 of this Agreement.

       (7)    "Business" is defined in Background Statement A to this Agreement.

       (8)    "Business Condition of the Company" is defined in Section 5.1 of
              this Agreement.

       (9)    "CERCLA" is defined in Section 5.20(c) of this Agreement.

       (10)   "Closing" is defined as the closing of the sale of the Purchased
              Assets pursuant to this Agreement.

       (11)   "Closing Date" is the day on which the Closing shall take place.

       (12)   "Closing Date Balance Sheet" is defined in Section 3.2(c) of this
              Agreement.

       (13)   "Code" is defined in Article 4.0 of this Agreement.

       (14)   "Company" is defined in Background Statement A to this Agreement.

       (15)   "Components Plant Lease" is defined in Section 1.1(m) of this
              Agreement.

                                       68


<PAGE>


       (16)   "Contaminated Site List" is defined in Section 5.20(c) of this
              Agreement.

       (17)   "Contract" is defined in Section 5.13(b) of this Agreement.

       (18)   "Damages" is defined in Section 16.1 of this Agreement.

       (19)   "DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE" is the schedule of disclosures attached to
              this Agreement. The DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE will be arranged in
              Sections corresponding to the Sections of this Agreement.

       (20)   "Employee Plan" is defined in Section 9.1 of this Agreement.

       (21)   "Employment Loss" is defined in Section 9.15 of this Agreement.

       (22)   "Encumbrances" is defined in Section 1.3 of this Agreement.

       (23)   "Environmental Conditions" is defined in Section 5.20(c) of this
              Agreement.

       (24)   "Environmental Laws" is defined in Section 5.20(c) of this
              Agreement.

       (25)   "Environmental Liabilities" is defined in Section 5.20(c) of this
              Agreement.

       (26)   "Environmental Remediation Costs" is defined in Section 5.20(c) of
              this Agreement.

       (27)   "ERISA" is defined in Section 9.1 of this Agreement.

       (28)   "ERISA Affiliate" is defined in Section 9.1 of this Agreement.

       (29)   "Excluded Assets" is defined in Section l.2 of this Agreement.

       (30)   "Excluded Liabilities" is defined in Article 2.0 of this
              Agreement.

       (31)   "GAAP" is defined in Section 3.2(c) of this Agreement.

       (32)   "Hazardous Materials" is defined in Section 5.20(c) of this
              Agreement.

                                       69


<PAGE>


       (33)   "Historical Financial Statements" is defined in Section 5.3 of
              this Agreement.

       (34)   "HSR Act" is defined in Section 5.2 of this Agreement.

       (35)   The terms "indemnified party" and "indemnifying party" are defined
              in Section 16.4(a) of this Agreement.

       (36)   "Intellectual Property" is defined in Section 1.1(i) of this
              Agreement.

       (37)   "Inventories" is defined in Section 1.1(b) of this Agreement.

       (38)   "Know-How" is defined in Section 1.1(j) of this Agreement.

       (39)   "Liabilities Undertaking" is the undertaking to be executed by
              Purchaser, the form of which is attached to this Agreement as
              EXHIBIT 2.0.

       (40)   "Material Adverse Effect" is defined in Section 5.1 of this
              Agreement.

       (41)   "Net Operating Working Capital" is defined in Section 3.2(b) of
              this Agreement.

       (42)   "Offer" is defined in Section 5.13(b) of this Agreement.

       (43)   "PBGC" is defined in Section 9.1 of this Agreement.

       (44)   "Person" is defined to include all natural persons,
              proprietorships, corporations, partnerships, and any and all other
              entities or organizations, whether incorporated or not.

       (45)   "Product Liability" is defined in Section 5.24 of this Agreement.

       (46)   "Purchase Price" is defined in Section 3.2(a) of this Agreement.

       (47)   "Purchased Assets" is defined in Section 1.1 of this Agreement.

       (48)   "Purchased Receivables" is defined in Article 13.0 of this
              Agreement.

                                       70


<PAGE>


       (49)   "Purchaser" is defined in the introductory sentence to this
              Agreement.

       (50)   "Real Property" is defined in Section 1.1(a) of this Agreement.

       (51)   "Release" is defined in Section 5.20(c) of this Agreement.

       (52)   "Seller" is defined in the introductory sentence to this
              Agreement.

       (53)   "Seller Related Instruments" is defined in Section 5.2 of this
              Agreement.

       (54)   "Seller's Knowledge" is defined in Section 5.28 of this Agreement.

       (55)   "September 30 Balance Sheet" is defined in Section 5.7 of this
              Agreement.

       (56)   "Small Claim" is defined in Section 16.4(c) of this Agreement.

       (57)   "Third Party Claim" is defined in Section 16.4(a) of this
              Agreement.

       (58)   "Title Policies" is defined in Section 15.2(i) of this Agreement.

       (59)   "Transferred Employee" is defined in Section 9.3 of this
              Agreement.

       (60)   "Unions" and "Union Contracts" are defined in Section 9.14 of this
              Agreement.

       (61)   "WARN" is defined in Section 9.15 of this Agreement.






                            (Signatures on next page)



                                       71



<PAGE>


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

                               PURCHASER

                               WINDSOR DOOR, INC.

                               By:  /s/ ROBERT AMMERMAN
                                    ------------------------------

                               Its: Chief Executive Officer
                                    -----------------------------
                        and

                               By:  /s/  CHARLES BLACKMON
                                    ------------------------------

                               Its: Executive Vice President CFO
                                    -----------------------------


                               SELLER:

                               UNITED DOMINION INDUSTRIES, INC.

                               By:  /s/  MILT CHILDRESS
                                    ------------------------------

                               Its: Vice President
                                    -----------------------------

                        and

                               By:  /s/ RICK MAGEE
                                    ------------------------------
                                 
                               Its  Vice President & Secretary
                                    -----------------------------


                               WCGD, INC.

                               By:  /s/ RICK MAGEE
                                    ------------------------------

                               Its: Vice President
                                    -----------------------------

                        and

                               By:  /s/ R.P. MCKINNEY
                                    ------------------------------

                               Its: Secretary
                                    -----------------------------


                                       72

<PAGE>

                                 EXHIBIT 1.1(a)

The Real Property consists of Seller's facilities located
at:
o  5800 Scott Hamilton Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas
o  1370 Furneaux Road, Marysville, California

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT 1.3

                           BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT

      THIS BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT, dated as of November ___ 1997, is made
by UNITED DOMINION INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation ("United Dominion")
and WCGD, INC., a Canadian corporation ("WCGD") (United Dominion and WCGD are
hereinafter collectively, the "Seller") in favor of WINDSOR DOOR, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser").

                             W I T N E S S E T H:

      WHEREAS, Seller and Purchaser have entered into an Agreement of Purchase
and Sale of Assets dated as of October ___, 1997 (the "Agreement"), which
provides for the sale, transfer assignment and delivery by the Seller of all
right, title and interest in and to the Purchased Assets (as defined in the
Agreement) relating to or used or held for use primarily in connection with the
Business (as defined in the Agreement);

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Seller hereby sells, assigns, transfers and delivers to the
Purchaser all right, title and interest ~n and to the Purchased Assets, to have
and to hold to the Purchaser, its successors and assigns, forever.

      This Bill of Sale and Assignment shall be binding upon, and shall inure to
the benefit of, the Purchaser, the Seller, and each of their respective
successors and assigns and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the
Agreement. In the event of a conflict between any of the terms and provisions
hereof and the Agreement, the Agreement shall be deemed to control.

      Seller hereby convenants and agrees, pursuant to Article 14.0 of the
Agreement, to execute and deliver all such other instruments and all such other
notices, releases, acquittances, consents and powers of attorney as may be
necessary more fully to sell, transfer, convey and assign to Purchaser, or its
successors and assigns, all of Sellers right, title and interest in and to the
Purchased Assets therein and hereby sold, transferred, conveyed and assigned to
Purchaser, and to take or cause to be taken such additional acts or things as
Purchaser may reasonably request in order to vest in Purchaser all right, title
and interest in and to the Purchased Assets; and in the case of conflict, such
specific instrument shall control with respect to the Purchased Assets sold,
transferred, conveyed or assigned thereby.

<PAGE>

      Seller hereby further convenants and agrees that in the event Purchaser
shall acquire title to any of the Purchased Assets subject to any Encumbrance,
other than those expressly permitted by the Agreement, Seller shall promptly
cause such Encumbrance to be terminated, released or otherwise discharged.

      This Bill of Sale and Assignment, and the rights and obligations of the
parties hereunder, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of Delaware.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Seller has caused this Bill of Sale and Assignment
to be executed by its duly authorized officers as of the day and year first
above written.


                               UNITED DOMINION INDUSTRIES, INC.


                               By:_________________________

                               Its: _______________________

                         and

                               By:_________________________

                               Its: _______________________


                               WCGD, INC.

                               By:_________________________

                               Its: _______________________

                         and

                               By:_________________________

                               Its: _______________________


                                       2
<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT 2.0

                             LIABILITIES UNDERTAKING

      This LIABILITIES UNDERTAKING dated as of ____________, 1997 by WINDSOR
DOOR, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser") in favor of UNITED DOMINION
INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation and WCG~, INC., a Canadian corporation
(collectively, the "Seller')

                              BACKGROUND STATEMENT

A.    Pursuant to an Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Assets dated as of
      October __, 1997 by and between Purchaser and Seller, (the "Agreement"),
      Seller has concurrently herewith sold, assigned, transferred, conveyed and
      delivered to Purchaser the Purchased Assets, and Purchaser has assumed and
      agreed to pay, honor, perform and discharge all of the liabilities of
      Seller relating to the Business specifically enumerated herein.

B.    In partial consideration therefor, the Agreement requires Purchaser to
      execute and deliver to Seller this Undertaking.

                            STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt by Purchaser of which is hereby
acknowledged, Purchaser hereby agrees as follows:

1.    Capitalized terms shall have the same meanings as defined in the Agreement
      except as otherwise provided herein.

2.    Purchaser hereby undertakes, assumes and agrees, subject to the exceptions
      and limitations contained herein, on the Closing Date, to pay, honor,
      perform and discharge the following liabilities of Seller relating to the
      Business:

     (a)  all unperformed and unfulfilled obligations that are required to be
          performed and fulfilled by Seller on behalf of the Business under the
          terms of all (i) contracts, agreements, leases and licenses included
          in the Purchased Assets that are listed in the Disclosure Schedule
          referred to in the Agreement and assigned to Purchaser or that are not
          by the terms thereof required to be so listed and that, in all cases,
          conform to the representations and warranties with respect thereto

<PAGE>

          contained in the Agreement (including without limitation the
          employment protection agreements with management of the Business who
          are Transferred Employees, but excluding the sales incentive for
          Messrs. Burns and Sawyer), and (ii) contracts, agreements, leases and
          licenses that have been entered into by Seller on behalf of the
          Business on or after the date of the Agreement and prior to the
          Closing Date not in violation of the Agreement;

     (b)  all liabilities and obligations of the Business reflected on the
          Closing Date Balance Sheet;

     (c)  except to the extent provided in Article 9.0 of the Agreement, all
          liabilities and obligations to pay claims submitted for medical
          services rendered to Transferred Employees on or after the Closing
          Date;

     (d)  all liabilities and obligations resulting from governmental
          compliance, enforcement or regulatory action, suit or claim by any
          Person or entity based upon an actual or alleged failure of the
          Business to comply on or after the Closing Date with, or an actual or
          alleged violation by the Business on or after the Closing Date of, any
          law, rule, regulation, statute, ordinance, permit, permit requirement,
          judgment, injunction, order, decree, license or other governmental
          authorization or approval applicable to the Business or the Purchased
          Assets;

     (e)  all liabilities and obligations resulting from personal injury,
          property damage or products liability claims (including, without
          limitation, negligence, gross negligence, strict liability, implied
          warranty and Restatement of Torts Second Section 402A claims and
          derivative claims such as loss of consortium, contribution and
          wrongful death claims) involving products of the Business shipped or
          services performed on or after the Closing Date;

     (f)  all liabilities and obligations for warranty claims involving products
          of the Business, whenever manufactured or shipped, whether for repair
          or replacement of product or money damages; and

     (g)  all other liabilities and obligations arising from the operation of
          the Business on or after the Closing Date.
<PAGE>

3.   Other than expressly set forth in this Liabilities Undertaking or the
     Agreement, Purchaser assumes no liability or obligation of any kind,
     character or description of Seller or any other Person. Without limiting
     the foregoing, except as otherwise provided expressly in this Liabilities
     Undertaking or the Agreement, Purchaser is not assuming any liabilities or
     obligations arising out of the conduct of the Business prior to the Closing
     Date, whether or not such liability or obligation was known on or prior to
     the Closing Date and whether or not listed on the Disclosure Schedule,
     including without limitation liabilities resulting from violation of any
     law, Environmental Liabilities, liabilities for taxes an liabilities or
     obligations arising out of any breach by Seller of any provision of any
     agreement, contract, commitment or lease included in the Purchased Assets.

4.   The assumption by Purchaser of the liabilities and obligations set forth in
     this Liabilities Undertaking shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any
     rights, claims or remedies that Purchaser may have under the Agreement for
     breach of Seller's representations or warranties.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Liabilities
Undertaking as of the date and year first above written.


                                WINDSOR DOOR, INC.

                                By:______________________________

                                Its: ____________________________



<TABLE>

                                                                                EXHIBIT 11

                               AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                    COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

                          FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996

                                  (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

                                               (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>

                                                                  Three months ended    Nine months ended
                                                                    September 30,         September 30,
                                                                  -----------------     -----------------
                                                                    1997      1996       1997       1996
                                                                  -------   -------     -------   -------
PRIMARY EARNINGS PER SHARE:
<S>                                                               <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>    
   Net income .................................................   $ 4,809   $ 3,537     $10,681   $ 8,281
                                                                  =======   =======     =======   =======

   Weighted average common and common equivalent
       shares outstanding .....................................     5,280     5,450       5,300     5,829

   Add - Dilutive effect of outstanding options ( as determined
     by the application of the treasury stock method) .........       368       338         358       357
                                                                  -------   -------     -------   -------
   Weighted average common and common equivalent
       shares outstanding .....................................     5,648     5,788       5,658     6,186
                                                                  =======   =======     =======   =======

Primary earnings per share:
   Net income .................................................   $  0.85   $  0.61     $  1.89   $  1.34
                                                                  =======   =======     =======   =======
</TABLE>

                                                   14

<TABLE> <S> <C>



<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>            1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   42,681
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,903
<INVENTORY>                                     21,651
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                67,160
<PP&E>                                          78,585
<DEPRECIATION>                                  42,068
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 111,937
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           50,457
<BONDS>                                          7,718
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            63
<OTHER-SE>                                      50,704
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   111,937
<SALES>                                        221,001
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               221,001
<CGS>                                          182,706
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  203,011
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   642
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 622
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 17,368
<INCOME-TAX>                                     6,687
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             10,681
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    10,681
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.89
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        


</TABLE>


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