OSICOM TECHNOLOGIES INC
8-K/A, 1996-02-09
TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH APPARATUS
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<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                 FORM  8 - K/A

                                 CURRENT REPORT

 PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


DATE OF REPORT (Date of earliest event reported): February 2, 1996  (January 31,
1996)


                           OSICOM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
                           -------------------------
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


           NEW JERSEY              0-15810                  22-2367234
           ----------              -------                  ----------
    (STATE OR JURISDICTION       (COMMISSION              (IRS EMPLOYER
       OF INCORPORATION)         FILE NUMBER)              IDENTIFICATION NO.)


1800 STEWART STREET, SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA                  90404
- - ---------------------------------------------                  -----
  (Address of principal executive offices)                   (Zip code)


      Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (310) 828-7496
<PAGE>   2
ITEM 7. - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

     (a)  The financial statements of the business acquired are expected to be
               filed by amendment to this filing within sixty (60) days of the
               earliest date reported herein.

     (b)  The pro forma financial information will be included with Form 10-KSB
               for the year ended January 31, 1996.

     (c)  Index to Exhibits

               2.1  Plan of Acquisition - Asset Sale Agreement by and among
                         Rockwell International Corporation, Osicom 
                         Technologies, Inc., and Meret Optical Communications,
                         Inc.

               2.2  Guaranty
<PAGE>   3
Signature

Pursuant to  the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


                                      Osicom Technologies, Inc.
                                      -------------------------
                                            (Registrant)



Date:  February 9, 1996       By   /s/ Sharon Gill Chadha
                                 ------------------------
                                  Sharon Gill Chadha
                                  Chief Executive Officer

<PAGE>   1
Exhibit 2.1   Plan of Acquisition - Asset Sale Agreement by and among Rockwell
              International Corporation, Osicom Technologies, Inc., and Meret
              Optical Communications, Inc.
<PAGE>   2
================================================================================



                              ASSET SALE AGREEMENT


                          Dated as of January 18, 1996


                                  by and among


                       ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION,


                  OSICOM TECHNOLOGIES, INC., and MERET OPTICAL
                              COMMUNICATIONS,INC.



================================================================================
<PAGE>   3
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Section                                                                      Page
- - -------                                                                      ----
<S>                                                                          <C>
      1.   Assets to be Acquired...........................................    2

      2.   Liabilities to be Assumed.......................................    7

      3.   Purchase Price; Post-Closing Adjustment.........................   10
                   3(a). Closing Payment ..................................   10
                   3(b). Closing Balance Sheet ............................   10
                   3(c). Post-Closing Adjustment ..........................   12

      4.   Closing ........................................................   12

      5.   Representations and Warranties of Seller........................   13
                   5(a). Corporate Organization ...........................   13
                   5(b). Corporate Authorization ..........................   13
                   5(c). No Violation or Conflict .........................   14
                   5(d). Governmental Authorizations ......................   15
                   5(e). Real Property ....................................   15
                   5(f). Personal Property ................................   16
                   5(g). Contracts ........................................   17
                   5(h). Compliance With Laws .............................   19
                   5(i). Permits ..........................................   19
                   5(j). Litigation .......................................   20
                   5(k). Intellectual Property ............................   20
                   5(l). Conduct of Business Since 
                            December 31, 1995..............................   20
                   5(m). Employees ........................................   22
                   5(n). Insurance ........................................   22
                   5(o). Employee Benefit Plans ...........................   22

      6.   Representations and Warranties of Buyer ........................   23
                   6(a). Corporate Organization ...........................   23
                   6(b). Corporate Authorization ..........................   23
                   6(c). No Violation or Conflict .........................   23
                   6(d). Consents, Approvals or Authorizations.............   24
                   6(e). Litigation .......................................   24
                   6(f). Information ......................................   25
                   6(g). Funds ............................................   25

      7.   Investigation by Buyer; Confidentiality.........................   26

      8.   Covenants.......................................................   26
                   8(a). Conduct of Business Prior to 
                            the Closing Date...............................   26
                   8(b). Transfer Taxes ...................................   27
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Section                                                                    Page
- - -------                                                                    ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
                   8(c). Further Assurances .............................   27
                   8(d). Post Closing Access;
                            Preservation of Records......................   28
                   8(e). Reasonable Best Efforts ........................   29
                   8(f). Allocation of Consideration ....................   30
                   8(g). Interim Use of Seller's 
                            Trademark, Trade Name and Corporate Symbol...   31
                   8(h). Assumption of Obligations ......................   34
                   8(i). Insurance ......................................   35
                   8(j). Cash Management ................................   36
                   8(k). Intellectual Property ..........................   37
                   8(l). Certain Intercompany Indebtedness ..............   41

      9.   Employment Arrangements, Benefits and Pension Plans ..........   41
                   9(a). Employment .....................................   41
                   9(b). Severance Benefits .............................   42
                   9(c). Welfare Plans ..................................   43
                   9(d). Indemnification ................................   43

      10.  Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of Buyer...............   44
                  10(a). Representations and Warranties .................   44
                  10(b). Covenants and Agreements .......................   44
                  10(c). Opinion of Counsel .............................   44
                  10(d). No Adverse Order of Injunction .................   45

      11.  Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of Seller..............   45
                  11(a). Representations and Warranties .................   45
                  11(b). Covenants and Agreements .......................   45
                  11(c). Opinion of Counsel .............................   46
                  11(d). No Adverse Order of Injunction .................   46
                  11(e). Delivery of the Note ...........................   46
                  11(f). Delivery of the Guaranty  ......................   46

      12.  Finder's Fees; Brokers........................................   46

      13.  Waiver of Compliance with Bulk Transfer Laws..................   47
</TABLE>


                                       ii
<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Section                                                                     Page
- - -------                                                                     ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
      14.  No Survival of Representations and Warranties.................    47

      15.  Indemnification...............................................    48
                15(a). Indemnification by Seller ........................    48
                15(b). Indemnification by Buyer .........................    49
                15(c). Notice of Circumstance ...........................    50
                15(d). Certain Limitations ..............................    51
                15(e). Termination of Indemnification Obligations........    53

      16.  Termination; Effect of Termination............................    54
                16(a). Termination ......................................    54
                16(b). Effect of Termination ............................    54

      17.  Miscellaneous.................................................    55
                17(a). Costs Incident to Preparation of Agreement........    55
                17(b). Parties in Interest ..............................    55
                17(c). Eminent Domain or Casualty .......................    55
                17(d). Assignment; Successors and Assigns................    56
                17(e). Notices ..........................................    56
                17(f). Waiver; Remedies .................................    58
                17(g). Entire Agreement .................................    58
                17(h). Amendment ........................................    58
                17(i). Counterparts .....................................    58
                17(j). Governing Law ....................................    59
                17(k). Exhibits and Schedules ...........................    59
                17(l). Captions, Currency ...............................    59
                17(m). Publicity ........................................    60
                17(n). No Representations or Warranties..................    60
                17(o). Severability .....................................    61
                17(p). Consent to Jurisdiction ..........................    61
                17(q). Definition of 'Knowledge' ........................    62
</TABLE>



Exhibit A - Form of Buyer's Note

Exhibit B - Form of Guarantor's Guaranty

Exhibit C - Accounting Methods

Exhibit D - Form of Seller's Counsel Opinion

Exhibit E - Form of Buyer's Counsel Opinion


                                      iii
<PAGE>   6
                                   SCHEDULES

Schedule  1(a)(x)    -    Marks Used in Business
Schedule  1(a)(xi)   -    Patents and Maskworks
Schedule  1(b)(iii)  -    Retained Leases
Schedule  3(c)(ii)   -    Baseline Balance Sheet
Schedule  5(c)       -    Consents
Schedule  5(d)       -    Governmental Authorizations
Schedule  5(e)(i)    -    Transferred Leased Properties
Schedule  5(g)       -    Contracts
Schedule  5(h)       -    Compliance with Laws
Schedule  5(j)       -    Seller Litigation
Schedule  5(k)       -    Intellectual Property
Schedule  5(l)       -    Conduct of Business Since September 30, 1995
Schedule  5(n)       -    Insurance
Schedule  5(o)       -    Employee Benefit Plans
Schedule  6(d)       -    Buyer Consents, Approvals or Authorizations
Schedule  6(e)       -    Buyer Litigation
Schedule  8(a)       -    Conduct of Business Prior to the Closing Date
Schedule  8(f)       -    Allocation of Consideration
Schedule  8(h)(i)    -    Assumption of Obligations
Schedule  8(h)(ii)   -    Shared Agreements
Schedule  9(a)       -    Employees



                                       iv
<PAGE>   7
                              ASSET SALE AGREEMENT

         ASSET SALE AGREEMENT dated as of January 18, 1996 by and among ROCKWELL
INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("Seller"), OSICOM
TECHNOLOGIES, INC. a New Jersey corporation ("Guarantor"), and MERET OPTICAL
COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a California corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of
Guarantor.

                              W I T N E S S E T H :

         WHEREAS, Seller, through its Network Systems division (and its
predecessors), has engaged and is engaged in the business of designing,
developing, manufacturing, marketing and selling diverse data communication
products, including remote access products and high-performance network adapters
based on industry standard protocols such as TCP/IP, IPX, SNMP, Ethernet, FDDI,
ISDN and industry standard buses such as PCI/PMC, VME, ISA, EISA and Sbus (such
business, as heretofore and currently conducted, is collectively referred to
herein as the "Business");

         WHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set
forth, Seller desires to sell and Buyer desires to purchase substantially all of
the assets of Seller primarily relating to the Business;

         WHEREAS, Guarantor is willing to guarantee the obligations of Buyer in
connection with the purchase of such assets; and
<PAGE>   8
         WHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set
forth, Seller desires to transfer and Buyer desires to assume certain of the
liabilities of Seller relating to the Business;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the mutual agreements
hereinafter contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Seller, Buyer and Guarantor do
hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1.  Assets to be Acquired.

         (a)      Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, on the
Closing Date (as defined in Section 4) Seller shall sell, convey, assign,
transfer and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase and acquire from Seller,
all of Seller's right, title and interest in and to all of the assets (tangible
and intangible), rights, contracts, leases and agreements used primarily in or
relating primarily to the Business (other than Retained Assets, as defined in
Section 1(b)), as the same shall exist on the Closing Date, including, but not
limited to, the following:

                  (i)      all machinery, equipment, tooling, vehicles,
         furniture and fixtures, leasehold improvements, repair parts, tools,
         and plant and office equipment, together with any rights or claims of
         Seller arising out of the breach of any express or implied warranty by
         the manufacturers or sellers of any of such assets or any component
         part thereof;

                                        2
<PAGE>   9
                  (ii)     all inventories, including work-in-process, finished
         goods, materials, parts, accessories and supplies;

                 (iii)     all accounts and notes receivable;

                  (iv)     all financial, accounting and operating data and
         records (other than such data and records (i) which relate to Retained
         Assets, (ii) which relate to former employees of Seller or (iii) the
         transfer of which is prohibited by applicable law or contract),
         including, without limitation, all books, records, notes, sales and
         sales promotional data, advertising materials, credit information, cost
         and pricing information, customer and supplier lists, reference
         catalogs, payroll and personnel records and other similar property,
         rights and information;

                   (v)     all commercial and technical information, including
         engineering, production and other designs, drawings, specifications,
         formulas, technology, computer programs, software, processes and
         proprietary information, trade secrets, copyrights and know-how
         relating thereto;

                  (vi)     all leases, license agreements, contracts,
         agreements, sale orders, purchase orders, open bids and other
         commitments set forth on Schedule 5(e)(i) or 5(g) or not required to be
         set forth on Schedule 5(e)(i) or 5(g) pursuant to the terms of Section
         5(e)(i) or 5(g), respectively (collectively, the "Contracts");

                 (vii)     all prepaid expenses, deposits and retentions held by
         third parties under Contracts;

                                       3
<PAGE>   10
                (viii)     all licenses, franchises, permits, authorizations and
         approvals to the extent the same are transferable;

                  (ix)     any and all goodwill and going concern value of the
         Business, if any;

                   (x)     all marks and any rights therein listed on Schedule
         1(a)(x) to the extent that such marks have acquired any trademark or
         service mark status, together with the goodwill of the Business, if
         any, connected with the use of, and symbolized by, the marks; and

                  (xi)     all patents, patent applications, inventions,
         invention disclosures and mask work registrations listed on Schedule
         1(a)(xi).

The assets to be sold, conveyed, assigned, transferred and delivered by Seller
to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement are hereinafter collectively referred to as
the "Assets".  The Assets will include all additions to and replacements of any
of the items described in this Section 1(a) between the date of this Agreement
and the Closing Date, and will exclude all deletions, sales or other disposals
of any of the foregoing between the date of this Agreement and the Closing
Date.

         (b)      Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the
Assets to be sold, conveyed, assigned, transferred and delivered by Seller to
Buyer hereunder shall not include any of the following (collectively, the
"Retained Assets"):


                                        4
<PAGE>   11
                  (i)      all cash, cash equivalents, bank accounts and bank
         account credit balances, deposits, funds, securities, short term
         investments, certificates of deposit, notes, checks, drafts and similar
         instruments;

                 (ii)      all right, title and interest in and to the marks or
         names "Rockwell", "Rockwell International", Seller's corporate logo or
         any other trademarks, tradenames or service marks of Seller or its
         subsidiaries, or any applications or registrations thereof, except as
         expressly provided in Section 8(g);

                (iii)      those leases of real property listed on Schedule
         1(b)(iii);

                 (iv)      all marks and any rights therein other than those
         listed on Schedule 1(a)(x) to the extent that such marks listed on
         Schedule 1(a)(x) have acquired any trademark or service mark status;

                  (v)      all patents, patent applications, inventions,
         invention disclosures and mask work registrations other than those
         listed on Schedule 1(a)(xi);

                 (vi)      all pension plan and other benefit plan assets
         relating to present or former employees of Seller;

                (vii)      all policies of insurance, fidelity, surety or
         similar bonds and the coverages afforded thereby;

               (viii)      all rights to refunds of all Federal, state, local or
         foreign income and franchise Taxes (as defined in Section 8(f)(ii)) and
         all other taxes and all assessments,


                                        5
<PAGE>   12
         including, without limitation, gross receipts, property, sales, use or
         other taxes and estimated taxes relating thereto (and interest and
         penalties thereon), actually paid or payable by Seller with respect to
         all taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date and the
         portion ending on the Closing Date of any taxable period that begins
         before but has not ended by the Closing Date; and

                  (ix)     all licenses or rights of Seller or its subsidiaries
         (with respect to the Business) under any intellectual property of third
         parties which cannot be sublicensed or transferred by Seller (without
         any action by or cost to Seller) in connection with the sale or
         transfer of the Business.

         (c)      Seller shall deliver to Buyer at the Closing (as defined in
Section 4) such bills of sale and instruments of transfer as shall reasonably be
requested by Buyer to effect or evidence the sale, conveyance, assignment,
transfer and delivery of the Assets to Buyer.

         (d)    Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, this 
Agreement shall not constitute an agreement to assign any Contract if an
assignment or attempted assignment of the same without the consent of the other
party or parties thereto would constitute a breach thereof or in any way impair
the rights of Seller or Buyer thereunder. Seller shall, prior to the Closing,
use its reasonable efforts (it being understood that such efforts shall not
include any requirement of Seller or any

                                       6
<PAGE>   13
of its subsidiaries or affiliates to expend money or offer or grant any
financial accommodation to any third party) as requested by Buyer, and Buyer
shall cooperate in all reasonable respects with Seller, to obtain all consents
and waivers and to resolve all impracticalities of assignments or transfers
necessary to convey to Buyer the Assets. If such consent is not obtained or if
an attempted assignment would be ineffective or would impair Seller's or Buyer's
rights under any such Contract so that Buyer would not receive all such rights,
then (x) Seller shall use its reasonable efforts (it being understood that such
efforts shall not include any requirement of Seller or any of its subsidiaries
or affiliates to expend money or offer or grant any financial accommodation to
any third party) to provide or cause to be provided to Buyer the benefits of any
such Contract and Seller shall promptly pay or cause to be paid to Buyer when
received all moneys received by Seller with respect to any such Contract and (y)
Buyer shall pay, perform and discharge on behalf of Seller all of Seller's
debts, liabilities, obligations and commitments thereunder in a timely manner
and in accordance with the terms thereof.

SECTION 2.  Liabilities to be Assumed.

         (a)      Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, in
consideration for the sale, conveyance, assignment, transfer and delivery of the
Assets to Buyer, on the Closing Date Seller shall assign, convey and transfer to
Buyer, and Buyer shall assume and undertake to pay, perform and discharge, in a


                                       7
<PAGE>   14
timely manner and in accordance with the terms thereof, all of Seller's debts,
liabilities, obligations and commitments (contractual or otherwise):

                  (i)      arising under or relating to any Contract (including,
         without limitation, any warranty obligation in respect thereof);

                 (ii)      reflected on the Baseline Balance Sheet (as defined
         in Section 3(c)(ii)) (or referred to in the notes thereto) or arising
         since December 31, 1995 and reflected on the Closing Balance Sheet (as
         defined in Section 3(c)(i)) (or referred to in the notes thereto); and

                (iii)      arising out of or relating to the operation of the
         Business prior to the Closing Date which are not contained in clauses
         (i) or (ii) of this Section 2(a) ("Contingent Liabilities") to the
         extent the amount of Contingent Liabilities does not in the aggregate
         exceed the sum of $500,000 plus the amount of any tax benefits
         (computed in accordance with the principles set forth in Section 15(d))
         inuring to Buyer as a result of its payment of Contingent Liabilities;
         provided, however, that (i) in the event Buyer shall recover or become
         entitled to recover any amounts in respect of the Assumed Liabilities,
         the maximum aggregate amount of Contingent Liabilities assumed by Buyer
         hereunder shall be increased on a dollar for dollar basis by an amount
         equal to the amount so recovered or recoverable by Buyer and (ii) in
         the event Buyer incurs any 

                                       8
<PAGE>   15
         costs or expenses in respect of Contingent Liabilities which arise from
         or relate to acts or omissions of any member of the Buyer Group (as
         defined in Section 13) or other person after the Closing Date, the
         maximum aggregate amount of Contingent Liabilities assumed by Buyer
         hereunder shall be increased on a dollar for dollar basis by the amount
         thereof. 

The liabilities to be assumed by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement are
hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Assumed Liabilities". Seller shall
retain all liabilities relating to the operation of the Business prior to the
Closing Date which do not constitute Assumed Liabilities ("Retained
Liabilities").

         Buyer shall provide Seller with prompt notice describing in reasonable
detail any condition or claim in respect of which Contingent Liabilities are or
may be incurred. Buyer shall keep Seller apprised of the status of and any
action by or on behalf of Buyer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates with
respect to all such conditions or claims. At such time as Buyer anticipates that
the maximum aggregate amount of Contingent Liabilities assumed by Buyer
hereunder may be exceeded (and in any event if and when such threshold is
exceeded), Buyer shall provide Seller with prompt notice thereof, and Seller
shall control, at its own expense, the resolution of any such conditions or
claims.


         (b)      Buyer shall execute and deliver to Seller at the Closing such
written instruments of assumption as shall

                                       9
<PAGE>   16
reasonably be requested by Seller to effect or evidence the assumption by Buyer
of the Assumed Liabilities.

SECTION 3.  Purchase Price; Post-Closing Adjustment.

         (a)      Closing Payment. In consideration for the sale, conveyance,
assignment, transfer and delivery of the Assets, (i) Buyer shall, at the Closing
(A) pay to Seller, by wire transfer of immediately available U.S. Dollars to
Seller's bank account at Mellon Bank N.A., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, account no.
102-3474, the amount of U.S. $5,000,000.00, (B) deliver to Seller a note in the
amount of $6,000,000.00 payable to Seller six months after the Closing Date with
interest in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Note"), the cash and
Note together which represent a purchase price of U.S. $11,000,000.00 (the
"Purchase Price"), and (C) assume the Assumed Liabilities; and (ii) Guarantor
shall, at the Closing deliver to Seller an executed Guaranty substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Guaranty").

         (b)      Closing Balance Sheet.

                  (i)      Within 60 days after the Closing Date, Seller will
         prepare and deliver to Buyer a balance sheet of the Business as of the
         close of business on the day preceding the Closing Date (the "Closing
         Balance Sheet"). The date on which the Closing Balance Sheet is
         delivered to Buyer is referred to herein as the "Delivery Date". Buyer
         will cause its employees to assist Seller in the preparation of the
         Closing Balance Sheet. Buyer will cause Seller to be 

                                       10
<PAGE>   17
         provided access at all reasonable times to the personnel, properties,
         books and records of Buyer for such purposes. 

                  (ii)     The Closing Balance Sheet will be prepared utilizing
         the same accounting methods, policies, practices, procedures,
         classifications, judgments and estimation methodologies as those
         described in Exhibit C (which the parties acknowledge were utilized in
         the preparation of the balance sheet dated December 31, 1995 of the
         Business attached hereto as Schedule 3(c)(ii) (the "Baseline Balance
         Sheet")) (including, but not limited to, asset and liability
         valuations, cut-off procedures, accounting for long-term contracts and
         materiality standards), except that (A) the Closing Balance Sheet shall
         not reflect any adjustments which result from management decisions made
         on or subsequent to the Closing Date which change the operations or the
         manner in which the Business is conducted (including, but not limited
         to, the cessation of any activities at any facility or similar events),
         (B) no amounts in respect of liabilities (including, without
         limitation, amounts with respect to Taxes) shall be included in the
         Closing Balance Sheet to the extent that Seller has paid such amounts
         on or after the Closing Date or has an obligation of payment,
         reimbursement or indemnification on or after the Closing Date in
         respect thereof, (C) the Closing Balance Sheet shall not reflect any
         provision for loss contracts and (D) the Closing Balance Sheet shall be
         prepared based solely on 

                                       11
<PAGE>   18
         information available three days prior to the Delivery Date with regard
         to conditions that existed on the day immediately preceding the Closing
         Date. 

                  (iii)    The Closing Balance Sheet will be deemed to be the
         final, binding and conclusive Closing Balance Sheet (the "Final Closing
         Balance Sheet") for all purposes on the Delivery Date.


         (c)      Post-Closing Adjustment.

                           Upon the Delivery Date, the Purchase Price will be
         adjusted as follows:

                  (i)      if the Net Investment in Rockwell Network Systems
         line item in the Final Closing Balance Sheet is greater than or equal
         to $5,794,000, the Purchase Price shall remain unchanged; and

                 (ii)      if the Net Investment in Rockwell Network Systems
         line item in the Final Closing Balance Sheet is less than $5,794,000,
         the Purchase Price will be reduced by the amount of such difference;
         specifically, the amount of the final principal payment owed by Buyer
         to Seller in July 1996 under the terms of the Note shall be reduced by
         such amount.

SECTION 4.  Closing.

         The Closing of the purchase and sale of the Assets and the assumption
of the Assumed Liabilities (the "Closing") will 

                                       12
<PAGE>   19
take place at the offices of Rockwell International Corporation, 2201 Seal Beach
Boulevard, Seal Beach, California 90740-8250, at 10:00 a.m. California time on
January 31, 1996, or at such other place, date and time as the parties hereto
may agree (such time and date of the Closing being herein called the "Closing
Date"). The Closing shall be deemed to be effective at 12:01 a.m. on the Closing
Date.

SECTION 5.  Representations and Warranties of Seller.

         Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:

         (a)      Corporate Organization. Seller is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Delaware. Seller has all requisite corporate power and authority to own,
lease and operate the Assets where such Assets are now owned, leased or
operated.

         (b)      Corporate Authorization. Seller has all requisite corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder. This Agreement and all instruments of transfer to be
delivered by Seller pursuant hereto have been or will be duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action on behalf of Seller. This Agreement constitutes a
legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller, and all instruments of transfer
to be delivered pursuant hereto, when executed and delivered, will constitute,
legal, valid and binding obligations of Seller, enforceable against Seller in
accordance with their respective terms, except as such 


                                       13
<PAGE>   20
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights in general and by general principles of equity. 

         (c)      No Violation or Conflict. None of the execution, delivery or
performance of this Agreement by Seller will (i) conflict with the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of Seller or (ii) violate, conflict with
or result in a breach of any material Contract (other than with respect to
consents to the transactions contemplated hereby under Contracts) or any
judgment, decree or order to which Seller (with respect to the Business) is
subject, except for such violations, conflicts and breaches subject to this
clause (ii) which individually or in the aggregate would not have a material
adverse effect on the business, operations or condition (financial or otherwise)
of the Business or the Assets (a "Material Adverse Effect"). Except as set forth
on Schedule 5(c), no consent of any person, partnership, corporation or other
entity is required under any lease relating to the Transferred Leased Properties
(as defined in Section 5(e)(i)) set forth on Schedule 5(e)(i) or Contract set
forth on Schedule 5(g) in connection with the sale of the Assets as contemplated
hereby, other than any such consent which if not obtained would not have a
Material Adverse Effect and any such consent that is applicable as a result of
the specific legal or regulatory status of Buyer or as a result of any other
facts that 

                                       14
<PAGE>   21
specifically relate to the business or activities in which Buyer is or proposes
to be engaged, other than the Business.

         (d)      Governmental Authorizations. Except as set forth on Schedule
5(d), no material consent, approval or authorization of, filing or registration
with, or notification to, any governmental or regulatory authority or agency,
domestic or foreign (a "Governmental Authority") is required by or with respect
to Seller in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Seller or the consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby
(other than with respect to consents to the transactions contemplated hereby
under Contracts), other than any such requirement that is applicable to Buyer as
a result of the specific legal or regulatory status of Buyer or as a result of
any other facts that specifically relate to the business or activities in which
Buyer is or proposes to be engaged, other than the Business.

         (e)      Real Property.

                  (i)      Schedule 5(e)(i) set forth a list of all leases
         (other than those constituting Retained Assets) to which Seller on the
         date hereof is a party pursuant to which Seller is a lessee of any
         material real property primarily used in or relating primarily to the
         Business ("Transferred Leased Properties").

                 (ii)      Except as set forth on Schedule 5(e)(i), Seller (with
         respect to the Business) has valid and subsisting leasehold interests
         in the Transferred Leased 


                                       15
<PAGE>   22
         Properties, in each case free and clear of any mortgage, lien, charge,
         security interest, pledge, imperfection of title or encumbrance, except
         for (A) Permitted Liens (as defined in Section 5(f)(i)) and (B)
         easements, covenants, rights-of-way and other matters of record. 


                  (iii)    Except as set forth on Schedule 5(e)(i), on the date
         hereof, to Seller's knowledge, there are no (A) defaults on the part of
         Seller under the provisions of any leases of Transferred Leased
         Properties set forth on Schedule 5(e)(i) or (B) defaults on the part of
         the lessor under the provisions of any of such leases of Transferred
         Leased Properties, except in either case (I) for defaults which
         individually or in the aggregate would not have a Material Adverse
         Effect and (II) that in order to avoid a default under such leases the
         consent of the lessor thereto may be required in connection with the
         transactions contemplated hereby.

                  (iv)     Seller (with respect to the Business) does not own
         any real property in fee on the date hereof. 

              (f) Personal Property.

                  (i)      Seller (with respect to the Business) owns all
         personal property reflected as owned on the Baseline Balance Sheet or
         which it thereafter acquired ownership of (except as set forth on the
         Schedules hereto and except for such property as has since been sold or
         otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business), free and
         clear of 


                                       16
<PAGE>   23
         any mortgage, lien, charge, security interest, pledge, imperfection of
         title or encumbrance, except for those (A) referred to in the Baseline
         Balance Sheet or the notes thereto, (B) which have arisen in the
         ordinary course of business since September 30, 1995, (C) referred to
         in the Schedules hereto, (D) for Taxes not yet due or payable or being
         contested in good faith, (E) that constitute mechanics', carriers',
         workers' or other like liens or (F) that individually or in the
         aggregate are not material to the Business or the Assets in character,
         amount or extent (the mortgages, liens, charges, security interests,
         pledges, imperfections of title and encumbrances described in clauses
         (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F) above are collectively referred to
         herein as "Permitted Liens").

                  (ii)     The trade accounts receivable included on the
         Baseline Balance Sheet are based upon shipments of product, the
         performance of services or binding contracts.

                 (iii)     The inventories reflected on the Baseline Balance
         Sheet are stated at the lower of cost or estimated market value,
         determined utilizing the accounting practices and procedures of Seller
         (with respect to the Business).

                  (iv)     It is expressly understood that all of the Assets are
         being acquired by Buyer AS IS. 

              (g) Contracts.

                  (i)      Schedule 5(g) sets forth all (A) executory written
         Contracts to which Seller (with respect to the 

                                       17
<PAGE>   24
         Business) is a party (other than leases with respect to real property
         and binding open bids and proposals) which are in effect on the date
         hereof and expressly provide for future payments (other than warranty
         and other contingent payments) to or from Seller (with respect to the
         Business) of more than $250,000 and (B) executory written binding open
         bids and proposals by Seller (with respect to the Business) which are
         in effect on the date hereof and expressly contemplate future payments
         (other than warranty and other contingent payments) to Seller (with
         respect to the Business) of more than $500,000, except those Contracts
         described in clause (A) or (B) above that may be cancelled by Seller
         without material penalty upon not more than 90 days' notice.

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Schedule 5(g) does not contain
         any Contracts otherwise required to be set forth thereon which are
         subject to confidentiality obligations not to disclose the existence of
         the same on the part of Seller.

                  (ii)     Except as set forth on Schedule 5(g), on the date
         hereof, to Seller's knowledge, there are no (A) defaults on the part of
         Seller under the provisions of any Contracts set forth on Schedule 5(g)
         or (B) defaults on the part of the other party or parties under the
         provisions of any Contracts set forth on Schedule 5(g), except in
         either case (I) for defaults which individually or in the aggregate
         would not have a Material Adverse Effect and (II) that in order to
         avoid a default under such Contracts 

                                       18
<PAGE>   25
         the consent of the other party or parties thereto may be required in
         connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

              (h) Compliance With Laws.

                  (i)      To Seller's knowledge, except as set forth on
         Schedule 5(h), Seller (with respect to the Business) is in compliance
         with all laws, statutes and regulations (other than those pertaining to
         pollution or protection of the environment or exposure of persons to
         toxic or hazardous substances, raw materials or chemicals) of
         Governmental Authorities applicable to it, except where the failure to
         so comply would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (ii)     To Seller's knowledge, except as set forth on
         Schedule 5(h), as of the date hereof there are no claims pending of any
         regulatory authority that Seller (with respect to the Business) is in
         violation of or non-compliance with any laws, statutes or regulations
         pertaining to pollution or protection of the environment or exposure of
         persons to toxic or hazardous substances, raw materials or chemicals,
         other than claims which individually or in the aggregate would not have
         a Material Adverse Effect.

              (i) Permits. As of the date hereof, Seller possesses all
governmental franchises, licenses, permits, authorizations and approvals
necessary to enable it to own, lease or otherwise hold the Assets and to carry
on the Business as presently conducted, other than any such franchises,
licenses, permits, 

                                       19
<PAGE>   26
authorizations or approvals which if not obtained would not have a Material
Adverse Effect.

         (j)      Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 5(j), on the date
hereof Seller is not a party to any legal action, suit or other proceeding by or
before any court, arbitrator or administrative agency (i) with respect to which
there is a reasonable likelihood of an adverse determination which would have a
Material Adverse Effect or (ii) which challenges or otherwise relates to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and on the date hereof Seller is
not aware that any such legal action, suit or other proceeding has been
threatened. Except as set forth on Schedule 5(j), on the date hereof there are
no outstanding orders, rulings, decrees or judgments to which Seller (with
respect to the Business) is a party, or by which it is bound, by or with any
court, arbitrator or administrative agency (i) which could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) challenge or otherwise relate
to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         (k)      Intellectual Property. Except as set forth on Schedule 5(j) or
5(k), on the date hereof, to Seller's knowledge, there are no material written
claims or demands of any person pertaining to, or any proceedings which are
pending or threatened which allege that the use of any Assets by Seller
infringes the intellectual property rights of others.

         (l)      Conduct of Business Since December 31, 1995. Except as set
forth on Schedule 5(l), since December 31, 1995 to 

                                       20
<PAGE>   27
the date hereof (i) the Business has been conducted in the ordinary course and
(ii) there has not been any change in the business, operations or condition
(financial or otherwise) of Seller (with respect to the Business) which has had
or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, other than
changes relating to the economy in general or changes resulting from
industry-wide developments affecting other companies in similar businesses.
Except as set forth on Schedule 5(l) or as contemplated by this Agreement, since
December 31, 1995 to the date hereof there has not been:

                  (A)      any general increase in the rate or terms of
         compensation, commissions, bonuses, pension or other employee benefit
         plans, payments or arrangements payable to or for or with employees of
         Seller (with respect to the Business), except (I) pursuant to periodic
         performance reviews and related compensation and benefit increases or
         (II) otherwise in accordance with past practice;

                  (B)      sold or transferred any material Assets, other than
         inventories and other assets in the ordinary course of business;

                  (C)      incurred or guaranteed by Seller (with respect to the
         Business) any material loan or other indebtedness, other than in the
         ordinary course of business; or

                  (D)      any agreement or commitment (other than this
         Agreement or any arrangement provided for in or contemplated by this
         Agreement) entered into by Seller (with respect to 

                                       21
<PAGE>   28
         the Business) to take any of the types of action described in clauses
         (A) through (C) of this Section 5(l).

              (m) Employees. On the date hereof there is no labor
strike or work stoppage pending or, to Seller's knowledge, threatened against
Seller (with respect to the Business) which would have a Material Adverse
Effect. Seller is not a party to any collective bargaining agreement or other
labor union contract relating to the Business.

              (n) Insurance. Schedule 5(n) hereto sets forth a list of all
material policies of insurance in force as of the date hereof relating to the
Business.

              (o) Employee Benefit Plans. Schedule 5(o) hereto sets forth each
material pension, retirement, profit-sharing, deferred compensation, stock bonus
or other similar plan; each material medical, vision, dental or other health
plan; each material vacation, severance or life insurance plan and any other
material employee benefit plan to which Seller on the date hereof is required to
contribute in respect of the Business, or which Seller on the date hereof
sponsors for the benefit of any employees of Seller engaged in the Business or
under which current employees (or their beneficiaries) of Seller engaged in the
Business are on the date hereof eligible to receive benefits. Seller does not
participate in a "multiemployer plan" in respect of the Business as defined in
Section 4001(a)(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

                                       22
<PAGE>   29
SECTION 6.  Representations and Warranties of Buyer.

         Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

         (a)      Corporate Organization. Buyer is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of California.

         (b)      Corporate Authorization. Buyer has all requisite corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder. This Agreement and all instruments of assumption to be
delivered by Buyer pursuant hereto have been or will be duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action on behalf of Buyer. This Agreement constitutes a
legal, valid and binding obligation of Buyer, and all instruments of assumption
to be delivered pursuant hereto, when executed and delivered, will constitute,
legal, valid and binding obligations of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in
accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws
relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights in general and by
general principles of equity.

         (c)      No Violation or Conflict. None of the execution, delivery or
performance of this Agreement by Buyer or the consummation by Buyer of the
transactions contemplated hereby will (i) conflict with the [Certificate of
Incorporation] or By-Laws of Buyer or (ii) violate, conflict with or result in a

                                       23
<PAGE>   30
breach of any material mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease,
contract, commitment or agreement to which Buyer is a party or any material
order, ruling, decree, judgment or arbitration award to which Buyer is subject.

         (d)      Consents, Approvals or Authorizations. Except as set forth on
Schedule 6(d), no material consent, approval or authorization of, filing or
registration with, or notification to, any Governmental Authority is required by
or with respect to Buyer in connection with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Buyer or the consummation by Buyer of the transactions contemplated
hereby. No material consent, approval or authorization of any person,
partnership, corporation or entity is required in connection with the execution
and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer or the consummation by Buyer of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         (e)      Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 6(e), on the date
hereof none of Buyer or its subsidiaries or affiliates is a party to any legal
action, suit or other proceeding by or before any court, arbitrator or
administrative agency (i) with respect to which there is a reasonable likelihood
of an adverse determination which would have a material adverse effect on the
ability of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or (ii)
which challenges or otherwise relates to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and on the date hereof Buyer is not aware that any such legal action,
suit or other proceeding has been threatened. Except as set forth on

                                       24
<PAGE>   31
Schedule 6(e), on the date hereof there are no outstanding orders, rulings,
decrees or judgments to which Buyer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates is
a party or by which any of them is bound by or with any court, arbitrator or
administrative agency which (i) could reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the ability of Buyer to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby or (ii) challenge or otherwise relate to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

         (f)      Information. Seller has provided Buyer with such access to the
facilities, books, records and personnel of the Business as Buyer has deemed
necessary and appropriate in order for Buyer to investigate to its satisfaction
the Business sufficiently to make an informed investment decision to purchase
the Assets, to assume the Assumed Liabilities and to enter into this Agreement.
Buyer has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that
Buyer is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the purchase of the
Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities. 

         (g)      Funds. Buyer has available to it, or Buyer has available to it
and a firm commitment from a lending institution for, and shall have at the
Closing, sufficient funds available to it to pay the Purchase Price and to
consummate the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be
consummated by Buyer. Buyer has provided a true and correct copy of any such
written commitment from lending institutions to Seller. Any such commitment from
lending institutions has been duly accepted on 

                                       25
<PAGE>   32
behalf of Buyer and is in full force and effect. All fees required to be paid in
respect of any such commitment have been paid when due.

SECTION 7.  Investigation by Buyer; Confidentiality.

         Prior to the Closing, or, if earlier, the date this Agreement is
terminated pursuant to Section 16(a) or otherwise, Seller will provide Buyer and
its representatives, employees, counsel and accountants with reasonable access,
during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice, to the facilities,
books, records and personnel of Seller which relate to the Business and will
provide to Buyer such other information with respect to the Business as Buyer
shall reasonably request; provided, however, that such access shall not
unreasonably interfere with the normal operations of Seller or the Business.
Buyer acknowledges that all such information being provided is subject to the
terms of a confidentiality agreement dated as of November 3, 1995 between Buyer
and Guarantor "Confidentiality Agreement"), the terms of which are incorporated
herein by reference.

SECTION 8.  Covenants.

         (a)      Conduct of Business Prior to the Closing Date. Between the
date hereof and the Closing, except as set forth on Schedule 8(a) or as
otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, Seller will use reasonable efforts to
cause the Business to be conducted only in the ordinary course. Between the date
hereof 

                                       26
<PAGE>   33
and the Closing, except as set forth on Schedule 8(a) or as otherwise
contemplated by this Agreement, Seller will not engage in, without the consent
of Buyer, any transaction which, if engaged in since December 31, 1995 but on or
before the date hereof, would constitute a breach of the representations and
warranties of Seller contained in Section 5(l).

         (b)      Transfer Taxes. Seller shall be responsible for and pay all
applicable sales and transfer taxes (including taxes, if any, imposed upon the
transfer of personal property) and filing, recording, registration and other
taxes and fees payable in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement ("Transfer Taxes") to the extent the same do not exceed an aggregate
amount of $150,000 and Seller and Buyer shall each be responsible for and pay
one-half of the amount of Transfer Taxes in excess of $150,000. Buyer shall
provide Seller prior to the Closing with all necessary certifications as to its
qualification for any exemptions from such Transfer Taxes.

         (c)      Further Assurances. From time to time after the Closing, at
Buyer's request and without further consideration, Seller shall execute and
deliver or cause to be executed and delivered such other and further instruments
of conveyance, assignment and transfer, and take or cause to be taken such other
action, as Buyer may reasonably request for the more effective conveyance and
transfer of the Assets to Buyer. From time to time after the Closing, at
Seller's request and 

                                       27
<PAGE>   34
without further consideration, Buyer will execute and deliver such other and
further instruments of assumption and take such other action as Seller may
reasonably request for the more effective assumption by Buyer of the Assumed
Liabilities.

              (d) Post Closing Access; Preservation of Records.

                  (i)      From and after the Closing, Buyer shall make or cause
         to be made available to Seller and its agents and employees all books,
         records and documents of Buyer and its subsidiaries and affiliates
         relating to the Business (and the assistance of Buyer's and its
         subsidiaries' and affiliates' employees responsible for such books,
         records and documents) during regular business hours as may be
         reasonably necessary for (A) preparing tax returns and financial
         statements and responding to tax audits covering operations and
         transactions at or prior to the Closing Date, (B) investigating,
         settling, preparing for the defense or prosecution of, defending or
         prosecuting any legal action, suit, investigation or other proceeding
         pending, threatened or anticipated by or against Seller or any of its
         subsidiaries or affiliates or any of their properties, officers,
         directors or employees (or for which Seller or any of its subsidiaries
         or affiliates has any obligations) before any court, arbitrator,
         governmental department, commission, board, bureau or agency, domestic
         or foreign, (C) preparing reports to stockholders and Governmental
         Authorities or (D) such other purposes for which access to such
         documents is believed by Seller to be reasonably 

                                       28
<PAGE>   35
         necessary; provided, however, that access to such books, records,
         documents and employees shall not unreasonably interfere with the
         normal operations of Buyer and its subsidiaries and affiliates and the
         reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of Buyer incurred in connection
         therewith shall be paid by Seller. Buyer shall maintain and preserve
         all such books, records and other documents for the greater of (aa)
         seven years after the Closing Date or (bb) any applicable statutory or
         regulatory retention period, as the same may be extended.

                  (ii)     From and after the Closing, Seller shall make or
         cause to be made available to Buyer and its agents and employees all
         books, records and documents of Seller relating to the Business during
         regular business hours for the same purposes, to the extent applicable,
         as set forth in Section 8(d)(i) above; provided, however, that access
         to such books, records and documents shall not unreasonably interfere
         with the normal operations of Seller and the reasonable out-of-pocket
         expenses of Seller incurred in connection therewith shall be paid by
         Buyer.

              (e) Reasonable Best Efforts. Each of Seller and Buyer shall use
its reasonable best efforts to cause to be fulfilled the conditions to their
respective obligations and the respective obligations of the other party set
forth in Section 10 and Section 11.

                                       29
<PAGE>   36
              (f) Allocation of Consideration.

                  (i)      The Purchase Price (as adjusted pursuant to Section
         3(d)) and the Assumed Liabilities shall be allocated among the various
         assets comprising the Assets pursuant to Section 1060 of the Internal
         Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and in accordance with
         the procedures set forth in Schedule 8(f) (the "Consideration
         Allocation"). Seller and Buyer each hereby affirm that the
         Consideration Allocation is fair and equitable. Seller and Buyer each
         agree that they will report and cause to be reported all Federal,
         state, provincial, local, foreign and other Tax consequences of the
         transactions contemplated hereby in a manner consistent with the
         Consideration Allocation and that they will not, except to the extent
         required by law, take any position inconsistent therewith in connection
         with any Tax return, refund claim, litigation or otherwise. Each party
         shall promptly notify the other if the Internal Revenue Service or any
         other taxing authority proposes to reallocate the Consideration
         Allocation. In the event of a determination (as defined in Section 1313
         of the Code) relating to the reallocation of the Consideration
         Allocation, the parties shall be free to file amended returns or claims
         for refund based on such reallocation.

                  (ii)     For the purpose of this Agreement, "Tax" or "Taxes"
         shall mean all taxes, charges, duties, fees, levies or other
         assessments, including, but not limited to, income, 

                                       30
<PAGE>   37
         excise, property, sales, value added, profits, license, withholding,
         payroll, employment, net worth, capital gains, transfer, stamp, social
         security, environmental, occupation and franchise taxes, imposed by any
         Governmental Authority, and including any interest, penalties and
         additions attributable thereto. 

              (g)          Interim Use of Seller's Trademark, Trade Name and
Corporate Symbol.

                  (i)      Following the Closing, none of Buyer or any of its
         subsidiaries or affiliates shall have any rights to use any trademarks,
         trade names or logos of Seller or any of its subsidiaries or
         affiliates, or any contraction, abbreviation or simulation thereof, and
         will not hold itself out as having any affiliation with Seller or its
         subsidiaries or affiliates. However, Buyer may utilize without
         obligation to pay royalties to Seller the trademark or trade name
         "Rockwell" or "Rockwell International" or Seller's corporate symbol or
         any thereof in connection with stationery, supplies, labels, catalogs,
         vehicles, signs and finished goods inventory constituting Assets as of
         the Closing Date, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section
         8(g).

                  (ii)     All documents constituting Assets as of the Closing
         Date within the following categories may be used for the duration of
         the periods following the Closing indicated 


                                       31
<PAGE>   38
below or until the supply is exhausted, whichever is the first to occur:

                                                  Maximum Period
                                                   of Permitted
                                                   Use Following
    Category of Documents                          the Closing
- - -----------------------------                     --------------

A. Stationery                                        3 months
B. Invoices, purchase orders, debit and 
   credit memos and other similar
   documents of a transactional nature               3 months
C. Business cards                                    3 months
D. Other outside forms such as packing 
   lists, labels, packing materials and
   cartons, etc.                                     3 months
E. Forms for internal use only                      12 months
F. Product literature                               12 months

G.   Finished goods (in European markets only)  12 months; provided, however, 
that no document within any of the above categories A, B or F may be used by
Buyer for any purpose within the stated period unless such document clearly and
prominently displays a statement, the form of which is approved by Seller, to
the effect that the Business was formerly owned by Seller.

         (iii)    All vehicles constituting Assets as of the Closing Date may
continue to be used without re-marking (except as to legally required permit
numbers, license numbers, etc.) for a period not to exceed six months following
the Closing or the date of disposition of the vehicle, whichever is the first to
occur. Buyer shall cause all such vehicles to be de-marked prior to their
disposition.

                                       32
<PAGE>   39
         (iv)     Within three months following the Closing, Buyer shall cause
to be removed from display at all facilities constituting Assets as of the
Closing Date all demountable displays which contain the trademark or trade name
"Rockwell", "Rockwell International" or Seller's corporate symbol or any thereof
and Buyer shall remove all signs displaying any such trademark, trade name or
corporate symbol at all such facilities no later than six months following the
Closing.

         (v)      Products in finished goods inventory constituting Assets as of
the Closing Date may be disposed of by Buyer following the Closing without
re-marking.

        (vi)      Except as permitted in subsections (i) through (v) of this
Section 8(g), Buyer shall not use and shall cause its subsidiaries and
affiliates not to use the trademark or trade name "Rockwell" or "Rockwell
International" or Seller's corporate symbol or any thereof or any name or mark
which includes the words "Rockwell", "Rockwell International" or any name or
mark confusingly similar thereto or any special script, type font, form, style,
logo, design, device or symbol used or possessed by Seller or its subsidiaries
or affiliates before or after the Closing which contains the trademark or trade
name "Rockwell" or "Rockwell International" or any name or mark confusingly
similar thereto.

                                       33
<PAGE>   40
              (h) Assumption of Obligations.

                  (i)      Buyer will assume as of the close of business on the
         day preceding the Closing Date and pay or perform in a timely manner,
         in accordance with their terms, any and all obligations under, and
         shall use its best efforts to secure the release of Seller and its
         subsidiaries and affiliates as of the close of business on the day
         preceding the Closing Date from, all letters of credit, surety bonds,
         guaranties, comfort letters, indemnities, assurances, contracts,
         commitments and agreements (other than Shared Agreements (as
         hereinafter defined)) the obligations under which constitute or relate
         to Assumed Liabilities and which by their terms will be outstanding or
         in effect as of or at any time following the close of business on the
         day preceding the Closing Date, including, without limitation, those
         set forth on Schedule 8(h)(i).

                  (ii)     For purposes of this Agreement, "Shared Agreements"
         shall mean all letters of credit, surety bonds, guaranties, comfort
         letters, indemnities, assurances, contracts, commitments and agreements
         under which Seller or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates has any
         obligations which constitute or relate to Assumed Liabilities, as well
         as obligations which relate to other businesses of Seller or any of its
         subsidiaries or affiliates (other than the Business) which by their
         terms will be outstanding or in effect as of or at any time following
         the close of business on the day preceding the Closing Date, including,
         without limitation, those set forth on Schedule 8(h)(ii). Buyer will
         assume as of the close of business 

                                       34
<PAGE>   41
         on the day preceding the Closing Date and pay or perform in a timely
         manner, in accordance with their terms, and shall use its best efforts
         to enter into replacement agreements covering (and releasing Seller and
         its subsidiaries and affiliates from), all obligations relating to the
         Business under the Shared Agreements which constitute or relate to
         Assumed Liabilities. None of Buyer or its subsidiaries or affiliates
         will incur any obligation under any Shared Agreement not existing as of
         the close of business on the day preceding the Closing Date or extend
         or otherwise amend any Shared Agreement.

                  (iii)    Buyer will provide to Seller at the Closing
         appropriate documentation in form and substance satisfactory to Seller
         confirming the assumptions and releases provided for in this Section
         8(h).

              (i) Insurance.

                  (i)      Seller shall keep, or cause to be kept, all insurance
         policies set forth on Schedule 5(n), or suitable replacements therefor
         (which may include policies containing terms less or more favorable
         than those set forth on Schedule 5(n)), in full force and effect up to
         the Closing Date. Buyer hereby acknowledges that it shall be Buyer's

                                       35
<PAGE>   42
         responsibility as of and after the Closing Date to provide for adequate
         insurance for the Business and the Assets.

                  (ii)     With respect to any loss, liability or damage with
         respect to the Assets arising out of events occurring prior to the
         Closing Date for which Seller or any of its subsidiaries would be
         entitled to assert a claim for recovery under any third-party
         "occurrence basis" policy of insurance maintained prior to the Closing
         Date ("Occurrence Basis Insurance") in accordance with the terms
         thereof, at the request of Buyer, Seller will use reasonable efforts in
         asserting, or to assist Buyer in asserting, claims under such
         Occurrence Basis Insurance with respect to such loss, liability or
         damage, provided that all of Seller's out-of-pocket costs and expenses
         incurred in connection with the foregoing are promptly reimbursed by
         Buyer and, provided further that such claims shall be subject to (and
         recovery thereon shall be reduced by the amount of) any applicable
         deductibles, retentions, self-insurance provisions or any payment or
         reimbursement obligation of Seller or any of its subsidiaries or
         affiliates in respect thereof.

              (j) Cash Management.

                  (i)      Seller will, and will cause its subsidiaries and
         affiliates to, forward promptly by check to Buyer any customer payments
         in respect of accounts receivable constituting Assets received by
         Seller or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates after the close of
         business on 

                                       36
<PAGE>   43
         the day preceding the Closing Date, whether received in lock boxes, via
         wire transfer or otherwise.

                  (ii)     Buyer will, and will cause its subsidiaries and
         affiliates to, forward promptly by check to Seller any customer
         payments in respect of accounts receivable owed to Seller or any of its
         subsidiaries or affiliates (other than those constituting Assets)
         received by Buyer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates after the
         close of business on the day preceding the Closing Date, whether
         received in lock boxes, via wire transfer or otherwise.

              (k) Intellectual Property.

                  (i)      Buyer's Additional Rights. To the extent that the
         design, manufacture, use or sale of products manufactured by Seller
         (with respect to the Business) as of the date hereof, may subsequent to
         the Closing Date require the use of any intellectual property rights
         (including, without limitation, patents, patent applications, trade
         secrets, copyrights or other similar industrial property rights, but
         excluding trademarks or tradenames) which are owned by Seller or its
         subsidiaries as of the Closing Date, under which Seller or its
         subsidiaries has a right to license or grant immunity from suit as of
         the Closing Date, Seller hereby covenants not to (and to cause its
         subsidiaries not to) assert any claims or rights, bring any suit or
         institute any other action against (i) Buyer or its subsidiaries, (ii)
         any of their respective customers or any 

                                       37
<PAGE>   44
         other person or entity in the chain of title from any of their
         respective customers and (iii) any entity purchasing substantially all
         of the capital stock or assets of Buyer or its subsidiaries (with
         respect to the Business), in each case, based upon such intellectual
         property rights which might be infringed by any design, manufacture,
         use or sale of such products subsequent to the Closing Date. This
         covenant not to sue shall extend in perpetuity to Buyer and its legal
         successors in connection with the design, manufacture, use or sale of
         products manufactured by Seller (with respect to the Business) as of
         the date hereof. Seller will, at no cost to Buyer, properly execute
         such further documents as Buyer may reasonably request to carry out the
         terms of this Section 8(k)(i).

                  (ii)     Seller's Retained Rights. (A) To the extent that the
         design, manufacture, use or sale of products manufactured by any of
         Seller or its subsidiaries (other than with respect to the Business) as
         of the date hereof, may subsequent to the Closing Date require the use
         of any intellectual property rights (including, without limitation,
         patents, patent applications, trade secrets, copyrights or other
         similar industrial property rights, but excluding trademarks or
         tradenames), which are owned by Seller (with respect to the Business)
         immediately prior to the Closing Date, under which Buyer has a right to
         license or grant immunity from suit as of the Closing Date, Buyer
         hereby 

                                       38
<PAGE>   45
         covenants not to (and to cause its subsidiaries not to) assert any
         claim or rights, bring any suit or institute any other action against
         (i) Seller or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any of their respective
         customers or any person or entity in the chain of title from any of
         their respective customers and (iii) any entity purchasing
         substantially all of the capital stock or assets of Seller or any of
         its subsidiaries (with respect to any business of Seller or its
         subsidiaries), in each case, based upon such intellectual property
         rights which might be infringed by any design, manufacture, use or sale
         of such products subsequent to the Closing Date. This covenant not to
         sue shall extend in perpetuity to Seller and its subsidiaries and their
         legal successors in connection with design, manufacture, use or sale of
         products manufactured by any of Seller or its subsidiaries (other than
         with respect to the Business) as of the date hereof. Buyer will, at no
         cost to Seller, promptly execute such further documents as seller may
         reasonably request to carry out the terms of this Section 8(k)(ii)(A).

                  (B)      With respect to the following Assets transferred to
         Buyer pursuant to Section 1(a)(iv): (I) network protocol software and
         firmware modules, (II) network protocol integrated circuit design
         modules and (III) system and hardware reference design descriptions for
         utilizing (I) and (II) of this Section 8(k)(ii)(B) (collectively, the
         "Technology"), Seller retains the right 

                                       39
<PAGE>   46
         and Buyer hereby grants to Seller a worldwide, nonexclusive,
         nontransferable license in the Technology (and any intellectual
         property rights pertaining thereto) to design, make, have made, use and
         sell new products introduced by Seller after the Closing Date, and to
         permit Seller's customers to use the Technology in connection with the
         design, manufacture, use or sale of customer products that incorporate
         such new Seller products; provided, however, that (1) Seller shall not
         use the Technology as it exists on the Closing Date to produce or sell
         products of the Business or substantially the same products (including
         but not limited to FDDI, ethernet and remote access products) as they
         exist on the Closing Date, or make any disclosure and transfer of the
         Technology for others to do so, (2) for a period of 18 months following
         the Closing Date, Seller will not sell to any customer any FDDI
         products incorporating FDDI Technology in any form or fashion and (3)
         for an initial six-month period following the Closing Date, Seller will
         not sell any remote access new products incorporating remote access
         Technology in any form or fashion and for a period of six months
         following the initial six-month period, Seller will sell remote access
         new products incorporating remote access Technology only in conjunction
         with Seller's modem chip sets. Upon Seller's commercial sales of any
         new product as permitted in this Section 8(k)(ii)(B), Seller shall pay
         to Buyer $500,000 within thirty days after the end 

                                       40
<PAGE>   47
         of the calendar quarter in which the first sale occurs. If after twelve
         months following such first sale Seller continues to sell such new
         product, Seller shall pay to Buyer an additional $500,000 within thirty
         days of the anniversary date of the first sale. After the two
         aforementioned $500,000 payments have been made by Seller, the licenses
         granted under this Section 8(k)(ii)(B) shall be fully paid and Seller
         shall have no obligation to Buyer or any other person in respect
         thereof. Seller may retain copies of any information or materials
         relating to the Technology for the purpose of exercising Seller's
         license rights hereunder. After the Closing Date, Buyer shall provide
         Seller with reasonable access and assistance to enable Seller to make
         copies of such information or materials, and Seller shall pay Buyer's
         reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for such assistance.

                  (l)      Certain Intercompany Indebtedness. At the Closing,
         Seller shall cause all intercompany indebtedness between Seller or its
         subsidiaries or affiliates (other than with respect to the Business),
         on the one hand, and Seller (with respect to the Business), on the
         other hand, to be cancelled or otherwise eliminated.

SECTION 9.  Employment Arrangements, Benefits and Pension Plans.

                  (a)      Employment. Buyer shall offer employment, commencing
as of the Closing Date, to each of the employees of Seller listed on Schedule 
9(a); provided, however, that nothing 

                                       41
<PAGE>   48
contained in this Section 9(a) is intended to confer upon any Continued Employee
(as defined below) any right to continued employment after evaluation by Buyer
of its employment needs after the Closing Date. The employees who accept such an
offer of employment by Buyer are herein referred to as "Continued Employees".

         (b)      Severance Benefits. Buyer shall be solely responsible for and
shall pay when due all direct and indirect liabilities, claims, losses, damages,
costs and expenses in respect of any claim of (i) any Continued Employee that
such employee's employment has been terminated, either voluntarily or
involuntarily, in conjunction with or at any time after the transactions
contemplated hereby or (ii) any employee to whom Buyer is required to offer
employment pursuant to Section 9(a) and who does not accept such employment,
that such employee's employment has been terminated, either voluntarily or
involuntarily, in conjunction with the transactions contemplated hereby,
including, without limitation, any claim for severance pay, unemployment
benefits or any other liabilities, claims, losses, damages, costs and expenses
(including interest, penalties and fees of legal counsel), asserted against,
imposed upon or incurred by Buyer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or
Seller or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates arising from or relating in any
way to such claims (whether or not such claim is based on any severance policy,
agreement, arrangement or program which may exist or arise under any 

                                       42
<PAGE>   49
contract, employment agreement or under any Federal, state, local, provincial or
foreign law).

         (c)      Welfare Plans. Buyer shall be responsible for payment of, and
to indemnify and hold Seller and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates
harmless from and against, all amounts which constitute Assumed Liabilities
payable on or after the Closing Date in respect of employee welfare and fringe
benefits paid or payable to Continued Employees under Seller's welfare benefit
plans, Buyer's welfare benefit plans or otherwise (including, without
limitation, claims for medical, workers' compensation and disability benefits),
whether arising in connection with (i) incidents occurring on or after the
Closing Date or (ii) claims made by Continued Employees or any such former
employees on or after the Closing Date.

         (d)      Indemnification. Buyer shall be responsible for, and
indemnify, defend and hold Seller and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates
and each of their employees, directors, officers and stockholders (collectively,
the "Seller Group") harmless from and against any and all loss, liability,
damage or expense, including, without limitation, reasonable fees and
disbursements of legal counsel (collectively, "Damages"), based upon, arising
out of or otherwise in respect of (i) termination by Buyer or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates of any Continued Employee or (ii) failure of Buyer to
comply with any provision of this Section 9.

                                       43
<PAGE>   50
SECTION 10.  Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of Buyer.

         The obligation of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by Buyer, on or prior to
the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

         (a)      Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties of Seller set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in
all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and
effect as though all such representations and warranties had been made on and as
of such date, except (i) to the extent such representations and warranties are
by their express provisions made as of the date of this Agreement or another
specific date and (ii) for the effect of any activities or transactions which
are contemplated by this Agreement, and there shall have been delivered to Buyer
a certificate to that effect, dated the Closing Date, signed by a Vice President
of Seller.

         (b)      Covenants and Agreements. Each and all of the covenants and
agreements of Seller to be performed or complied with prior to the Closing
pursuant to this Agreement shall have been duly performed and complied with in
all material respects or duly waived and there shall have been delivered to
Buyer a certificate to that effect, dated the Closing Date, signed by a Vice
President of Seller.

         (c)      Opinion of Counsel. Buyer shall have been furnished an opinion
of the Senior Vice President, General 

                                       44
<PAGE>   51
Counsel and Secretary of Seller, dated the Closing Date and substantially in the
form of Exhibit D.

         (d)      No Adverse Order of Injunction. There shall not be in effect
on the Closing Date any judgment, decree or order issued by any court of
competent jurisdiction which prohibits the consummation by Buyer of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

SECTION 11.  Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of Seller.

         The obligation of Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by Seller, on or prior to
the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

         (a)      Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties of Buyer set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all
material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect
as though all such representations and warranties had been made on and as of
such date, except (i) to the extent such representations and warranties are by
their express provisions made as of the date of this Agreement or another
specific date and (ii) for the effect of any activities or transactions which
are contemplated by this Agreement, and there shall have been delivered to
Seller a certificate to that effect, dated the Closing Date, signed by the
President or a Vice President of Buyer. 

         (b)      Covenants and Agreements. Each and all of the covenants and
agreements of Buyer to be performed or complied

                                       45
<PAGE>   52
with prior to the Closing pursuant to this Agreement shall have been duly
performed and complied with in all material respects or duly waived and there
shall have been delivered to Seller a certificate to that effect, dated the
Closing Date, signed by the President or a Vice President of Buyer.

         (c)      Opinion of Counsel. Seller shall have been furnished an
opinion of Raymond Felton, Esq. of Greenbaum Rowe & Davis, counsel for Buyer and
Guarantor, dated the Closing Date and substantially in the form of Exhibit E.

         (d)      No Adverse Order of Injunction. There shall not be in effect
on the Closing Date any judgment, decree or order issued by any court of
competent jurisdiction which prohibits the consummation by Seller of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         (e)      Delivery of the Note. Buyer shall have executed and delivered
to Seller the Note, dated the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit
A. 

         (f)      Delivery of the Guaranty. Guarantor shall have executed and
delivered to Seller the Guaranty, dated the Closing Date, substantially in the
form of Exhibit B.

SECTION 12.  Finder's Fees; Brokers.

         Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that it has not authorized any
person to act as broker, finder or in any other similar capacity in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the negotiations
leading to it. Buyer represents and warrants to Seller that it has not
authorized any person other than Chrysalis Capital Group ("CCG") to act as

                                       46
<PAGE>   53
broker, finder or in any other similar capacity in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the negotiations leading to it.
Further, Buyer shall be solely responsible for all fees, expenses, commissions
and costs incurred by or payable to CCG in connection with the transaction
contemplated by this agreement.

SECTION 13.  Waiver of Compliance with Bulk Transfer Laws.

         Buyer hereby waives compliance by Seller with the provisions of any
bulk transfer laws which may be applicable to the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. Seller shall indemnify, defend and hold Buyer and each of its
subsidiaries and affiliates and each of their employees, directors, officers and
stockholders (collectively, the "Buyer Group") harmless from and against any and
all Damages incurred by any member of the Buyer Group based upon, arising out of
or otherwise in respect of such noncompliance.

SECTION 14.  No Survival of Representations and Warranties.

         Each and every representation and warranty of Seller or Buyer contained
in this Agreement (other than Seller's and Buyer's representations and
warranties with respect to finder's fees and brokers contained in Section 12 and
Buyer's and Guarantor's representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in
the Note and the Guaranty) in any Schedule or in any certificate or instrument
delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall expire with, and be
terminated and 

                                       47
<PAGE>   54
extinguished by (i) the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
shall not survive the Closing Date, or (ii) the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 16(a) or otherwise; and in either event neither Seller nor
Buyer shall have any liability whatsoever with respect to any such
representation or warranty. Seller's and Buyer's representations and warranties
with respect to finder's fees and brokers contained in Section 12 shall survive
the Closing Date solely for purposes of Sections 15(a) and 15(b) until, and
shall expire when, all applicable statutes of limitation (including any
extension thereof) have expired, whereupon neither Seller nor Buyer shall have
any liability whatsoever with respect to such representations or warranties.
Buyer's and Guarantor's representations, warranties, covenants and agreements
contained in the Note and the Guaranty and in this Agreement, insofar as they
relate to the Note and the Guaranty, shall survive the Closing Date until, and
shall expire when, all applicable statutes of limitation (including any
extension thereof) have expired.

SECTION 15.  Indemnification.

         (a)      Indemnification by Seller. Seller shall indemnify, defend and
hold the Buyer Group harmless from and against any and all Damages actually
incurred by any member of the Buyer Group based upon, arising out of or
otherwise in respect of (i) any breach of any covenant or agreement of Seller
contained in this Agreement, (ii) the breach of Seller's 

                                       48
<PAGE>   55
representation and warranty with respect to finder's fees and brokers contained
in Section 12 and (iii) Retained Liabilities.

     Buyer acknowledges and agrees 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 this Section
15.  In furtherance of the foregoing, Buyer hereby waives, to the fullest
extent permitted under applicable law, any and all rights, claims and causes of
action it or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates may have against Seller or
any of its subsidiaries or affiliates arising under or based upon any Federal,
state, provincial, local or foreign statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation
or common law.

         (b)      Indemnification by Buyer. Buyer shall indemnify, defend and
hold the Seller Group harmless from and against any and all Damages actually
incurred by any member of the Seller Group based upon, arising out of or
otherwise in respect of (i) any breach of any covenant or agreement of Buyer
contained in this Agreement, (ii) the breach of Buyer's representation and
warranty with respect to finder's fees and brokers contained in Section 12,
(iii) the breach of Buyer's or Guarantor's representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements contained in the Note or the Guaranty, (iv) the Assumed
liabilities, (v) any obligations or liabilities arising out of the operation of
the Business on or after the Closing Date and (vi) any obligations of Seller or
any of its subsidiaries or affiliates which constitute 

                                       49
<PAGE>   56
or relate to Assumed Liabilities under (A) letters of credit, surety bonds,
guaranties, comfort letters, indemnities, assurances, contracts, commitments and
agreements relating to the Business from which Seller or such subsidiaries or
affiliates have not been released and (B) Shared Agreements relating to the
Business.

         (c)      Notice of Circumstance. Promptly after receipt by any member
of the Buyer Group or the Seller Group of notice of any action, proceeding,
claim or potential claim or discovery by any member of the Buyer Group or the
Seller Group of any facts (any of which is hereinafter individually referred to
as a "Circumstance"), which could give rise to a right to indemnification
pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, such person (the "Indemnified
Party") shall give the party who may become obligated to provide indemnification
hereunder (the "Indemnifying Party") written notice describing the Circumstance
in reasonable detail. If notice of a Circumstance is not given to the
Indemnifying Party within a sufficient period of time or in sufficient detail to
apprise the Indemnifying Party of the nature of the Circumstance (in each
instance taking into account the facts and circumstances with respect to such
Circumstance), the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable to the Indemnified
Party to the extent that the Indemnifying Party's position is actually
prejudiced as a result thereof. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right, at
its option, to compromise or defend, at its own expense and by its own counsel,
any Circumstance 

                                       50
<PAGE>   57
involving the asserted liability of the Indemnified Party. If any Indemnifying
Party shall undertake to settle, compromise or defend any such asserted
liability, it shall promptly notify the Indemnified Party of its intention to do
so, and Indemnified Party agrees to cooperate fully with the Indemnifying Party
and its counsel in the settlement or compromise of, or defense against, any such
asserted liability. All costs and expenses incurred in connection with such
cooperation shall be borne by the Indemnifying Party. In any event, the
Indemnified Party shall have the right at its own expense to participate in the
defense of such asserted liability. Under no circumstances shall the Indemnified
Party settle or compromise any such asserted liability without the written
consent of the Indemnifying Party.

         (d)      Certain Limitations.

                  (i)      The amount of any Damages or other liability for
         which indemnification is provided under this Agreement shall be net of
         any amounts recovered or recoverable by the Indemnified Party from
         third parties (including, without limitation, amounts recovered or
         recoverable under insurance policies) with respect to such Damages or
         other liability. Seller and Buyer, as appropriate, shall, or shall
         cause each Indemnified Party to, use its reasonable best efforts to
         pursue promptly any claims or rights it may have against all third
         parties which would reduce the amount of Damages or other liability for
         which indemnification is provided under this Agreement.

                                       51
<PAGE>   58
                  (ii)     The amount of Damages or other liability for which
         indemnification is provided under this Agreement shall be (A) increased
         to take account of any Tax cost incurred (grossed up for such increase)
         by the Indemnified Party arising from the receipt of indemnity payments
         hereunder (unless such indemnity payment is treated as an adjustment to
         the Purchase Price for tax purposes) and (B) reduced to take account of
         any Tax benefit realized by the Indemnified Party arising from the
         incurrence or payment of any such Damages or other liability. In
         computing the amount of any such Tax cost or Tax benefit, the
         Indemnified Party shall be deemed to be subject (x) to Federal and
         local country income taxes at the maximum statutory rate then in effect
         and (y) to state and local taxes at a combined state and local tax rate
         of 9.3 percent, which shall be tax effected at such maximum federal
         rate. Any indemnity payment made pursuant to this Agreement will be
         treated as an adjustment to the Purchase Price for Tax purposes unless
         a determination (as defined in Section 1313 of the Code) with respect
         to the Indemnified Party causes any such payment not to constitute an
         adjustment to the Purchase Price for United States Federal income tax
         purposes.

                 (iii)     Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary
         notwithstanding, Seller shall have no obligation to indemnify any
         member of the Buyer Group with respect to any matter to the extent that
         the value of an asset has been 

                                       52
<PAGE>   59
         decreased or a liability has been recorded with respect to such matter
         on the Closing Balance Sheet.

                  (iv)     Neither Seller nor Buyer shall have any obligation to
         indemnify the other or any other persons under this Agreement against,
         or otherwise have any liability under this Agreement with respect to,
         lost profits or consequential damages.

         (e)      Termination of Indemnification Obligations. The obligations of
each party to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other party and other
persons, (x) pursuant to Sections 15(a)(i), 15(a)(ii), 15(b)(i), 15(b)(ii), and
15(b)(iii), shall terminate upon the expiration of all applicable statutes of
limitations (giving effect to any extension thereof) and (y) pursuant to the
other clauses of Sections 15(a) and 15(b) and other indemnification obligations
under this Agreement, shall not terminate at any time; provided, however, that
as to clauses (x) and (y) above such obligations to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless shall not terminate with respect to any individual item as to which the
person to be indemnified shall have, before the expiration of the applicable
period, previously made a claim by delivering a notice (stating in reasonable
detail the basis of such claim) to the party to be providing the
indemnification. Upon and following termination of any obligation to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless with respect to any matter hereunder, no claim,
arbitration, lawsuit, action or proceeding for indemnification may be brought
with respect to such matter and 

                                       53
<PAGE>   60
the party who formerly had such obligation shall no longer have any liability
whatsoever with respect to such matter.

SECTION 16.  Termination; Effect of Termination.

         (a)      Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Closing:

                    (i)    by mutual written consent of Seller and Buyer;

                   (ii)    by Buyer if, as of the time of the Closing, the
         conditions specified in Section 10 have not been satisfied and shall
         not have been waived by Buyer;

                  (iii)    by Seller if, as of the time of the Closing, the
         conditions specified in Section 11 have not been satisfied and shall
         not have been waived by Seller; or

                   (iv)    by either party hereto if the Closing does not occur
         on or prior to January 31, 1996;


provided, however, that the party seeking termination pursuant to clause (ii),
(iii) and (iv) is not in breach of its representations, warranties, covenants or
agreements contained in this Agreement.

         (b)      Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 16(a), this Agreement, other than with respect to
Sections 7, 12, 17(a) and 17(m), which shall continue in effect, shall
thereafter become void and have no effect, and without any liability on the part
of either party or its subsidiaries or affiliates in respect

                                       54
<PAGE>   61
thereof, except that nothing herein will relieve either party from liability for
any breach of this Agreement.

SECTION 17.  Miscellaneous.

         (a)      Costs Incident to Preparation of Agreement. Seller, Buyer and
Guarantor shall each pay, without right of reimbursement from the other, all
costs incurred by it incident to the preparation, execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder, whether or not the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated, including, without
limitation, fees and disbursements of legal counsel, accountants and consultants
employed by the respective parties hereto in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

         (b)      Parties in Interest. This Agreement is binding upon and is for
the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted
assigns. This Agreement is not made for the benefit of any person, firm,
corporation or other entity not a party hereto, and no person, firm, corporation
or other entity other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and
permitted assigns shall acquire or have any right, remedy or claim under or by
virtue of this Agreement, except that members of the Buyer Group and the Seller
Group shall be entitled to the rights to indemnification provided to the Buyer
Group and the Seller Group, respectively, hereunder.

         (c)      Eminent Domain or Casualty. If, prior to the Closing, any
Asset or a portion thereof is taken by eminent 

                                       55
<PAGE>   62
domain (or is the subject of a pending or completed taking which has not been
consummated) or damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty, Buyer shall not
have the option to cancel and rescind this Agreement but shall be obligated to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby without adjustment in the
Purchase Price except that Buyer shall be entitled to all of Seller's right,
title and interest in and to any award from the taking by eminent domain or any
insurance proceeds with respect thereto. The parties expressly waive the
provisions of Section 5-1311 of the New York General Obligations Law to the
extent, if any, that such Section may be applicable hereto and agree to be bound
by the foregoing provision in lieu thereof.

         (d)      Assignment; Successors and Assigns. None of the parties to
this Agreement shall convey, assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or
obligations under this Agreement without the express written consent of the
other party hereto in its sole and absolute discretion. Any such conveyance,
assignment or transfer without the express written consent of the other parties
shall be void ab initio. No assignment of this Agreement shall relieve the
assigning party of its obligations hereunder.

         (e)      Notices. All notices or other communications required or
permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by
hand, telecopied or sent, postage prepaid, by registered, certified or express
mail or reputable overnight courier service (and shall be deemed given when so

                                       56
<PAGE>   63
delivered by hand or telecopied, or if mailed, three days after mailing (one
business day in the case of express mail or overnight courier service))
addressed as follows:

                If to Seller:

                Rockwell International Corporation
                2201 Seal Beach Boulevard
                Seal Beach, California  90740-8250

                Attention:  William J. Calise, Jr., Esq.
                            Senior Vice President,
                              General Counsel and Secretary

                with a copy to:

                Chadbourne & Parke LLP
                30 Rockefeller Plaza
                New York, New York  10112

                Attention:  Peter R. Kolyer, Esq.

                If to Buyer or Guarantor:

                Meret Optical Communications, Inc.

                1800 Stewart Street

                Santa Monica, CA  90404

                Attention:  Dr. Xin Cheng

                with a copy to:

                Raymond Felton, Esq.

                Greenbaum Rowe & Davis

                99 Wood Avenue S.

                Iselin, NJ  08830

                                       57
<PAGE>   64
or in any case to such other address or addresses as hereafter shall be
furnished as provided in this Section 17(e) by any party hereto to the other
party hereto.

         (f)      Waiver; Remedies. No delay on the part of either Buyer or
Seller in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a
waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on the part of either Buyer or Seller of
any right, power or privilege hereunder operate as a waiver of any other right,
power or privilege hereunder, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
right, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder. Unless
otherwise provided, the rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and
are not exclusive of any rights or remedies which the parties hereto may
otherwise have at law or in equity.

         (g)      Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the Note and the
Guaranty, and the Confidentiality Agreement, constitute the entire agreement
among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and this Agreement,
including the Note and Guaranty, and such Confidentiality Agreement supersede
all prior agreements or understandings of the parties relating thereto.

         (h)      Amendment. This Agreement may be modified or amended only by
written agreement of the parties hereto.

         (i)      Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an 

                                       58
<PAGE>   65
original but all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.

         (j)      Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts
made and to be performed entirely within such State, without regard to the
conflicts of law principles of such State.

         (k)      Exhibits and Schedules. All Exhibits and Schedules attached
hereto or referred to herein are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this
Agreement as if set forth in full herein. Matters reflected in any Schedule to
this Agreement are not necessarily limited to matters required by this Agreement
to be reflected in such Schedules. Such additional matters are set forth for
informational purposes and do not necessarily include other matters of a similar
nature. Matters disclosed by Seller to Buyer pursuant to any Section of or
Schedule to this Agreement (or any section of any Schedule to this Agreement)
shall be deemed to be disclosed with respect to all Sections of and Schedules to
this Agreement (and all sections of all Schedules to this Agreement) to the
extent this Agreement requires such disclosure. Capitalized terms used in any
Schedule to this Agreement but not otherwise defined therein shall have the
respective meanings assigned to such terms in this Agreement.

         (l)      Captions, Currency. All section titles or captions contained
in this Agreement or in any Exhibit or Schedule referred to herein, and the
table of contents to this

                                       59
<PAGE>   66
Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed a part of this
Agreement or affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Unless
otherwise specified, all references herein to numbered sections are to sections
of this Agreement and all references herein to Schedules or Exhibits are to
Schedules and Exhibits to this Agreement. Unless otherwise specified, all
references contained in this Agreement, in any Exhibit or Schedule referred to
herein or in any instrument or document delivered pursuant hereto to dollars
shall mean United States Dollars.

         (m)      Publicity. No press release or announcement concerning the
transactions contemplated hereby shall be issued by any party without the prior
consent of the other party, except as such release or announcement may be
required by law, rule or regulation in which case the party required to make the
release or announcement shall allow the other party reasonable time to comment
on such release or announcement in advance of such issuance.

         (n)      No Representations or Warranties. Each of Buyer and Guarantor
acknowledges that none of Seller or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or any
other person has made any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as
to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding Seller, the
Business, the Assets or the Assumed Liabilities not included in this Agreement,
and none of Seller, any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or any other person
will have or be subject to any 


                                       60
<PAGE>   67
liability to Buyer or Guarantor, any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or any
other person resulting from the distribution to Buyer or Guarantor, or Buyer's
or Guarantor's use of, any such information. Buyer and Guarantor further
acknowledges that, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, there are no
representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to
Seller, the Business, the Assets or the Assumed Liabilities.

         (o)      Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the
application of any such provision to any person or circumstance shall be held
invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provision hereof.

         (p)      Consent to Jurisdiction. Each of Seller, Buyer and Guarantor
irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of (i) the Supreme Court of
the State of New York, New York County and (ii) the United States District Court
for the Southern District of New York for the purposes of any suit, action or
other proceeding arising out of this Agreement or any transaction contemplated
hereby (and agrees not to commence any action, suit or proceeding relating
hereto except in such courts). Each of Seller, Buyer, and Guarantor further
agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document hand delivered
or sent by U.S. registered mail to such party's respective address set forth in
Section 17(e) shall be effective service of process for any 


                                       61
<PAGE>   68
action, suit or proceeding in New York with respect to any matters to which it
has submitted to jurisdiction as set forth in the immediately preceding
sentence. Each of Seller, Buyer, and Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally
waives any objection to the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding
arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in (i) the
Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County or (ii) the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and hereby further
irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any
such court that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court
has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

         (q)      Definition of 'Knowledge'. For the purposes of this Agreement,
"knowledge" or "aware of" or a similar phrase with respect to Seller shall mean
the actual knowledge of the Senior Vice President, Finance and Planning and
Chief Financial Officer and the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of Seller, in each case as of the date of this Agreement and not any
constructive or imputed knowledge of Seller or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees.

                                       62
<PAGE>   69
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the date first above written.





                                   ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION


                                   By:  /s/Robert R. Lind
                                      -------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President



                                   OSICOM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


                                   By: /s/Sharon Gill Chadha
                                      -------------------------------
                                   Title: Chief Executive Officer



                                   MERET OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.


                                   By: /s/Sharon Gill Chadha
                                      -------------------------------
                                   Title: Director


                                       63

<PAGE>   1
Exhibit 2.2   Guaranty
<PAGE>   2
                                    GUARANTY


     IN CONSIDERATION of the execution and delivery of (i) the Asset Sale
Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated as of January 18, 1996, by and among
Rockwell International Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Note Holder"),
Meret Optical Communications, Inc., a California corporation ("Meret") and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Osicom Technologies, Inc., a New Jersey corporation
("Guarantor"), and (ii) the Promissory Note of Meret payable to Note Holder
dated the date hereof in the principal amount of $6,000,000 (the "Note"), and
as an inducement to Note Holder to enter into the Agreement, Guarantor, for
itself and its successors in interests and assigns, hereby guarantees the full
and faithful performance and observation by Meret under the Agreement and the
Note of all of the representations, warranties, covenants, conditions and
agreements in the Agreement and the Note provided to be performed and observed
by Meret, including, without limitation, the payment of all principal and
interest on the Note,  and all costs, attorneys' fees and other expenses
incurred by Note Holder in enforcing such performance and observance, without
requiring any notice of non-payment, non-performance or non-observance or proof
of notice or demand whereby to charge Guarantor therefor, all of which
Guarantor hereby expressly waives.

     Guarantor expressly agrees that Note Holder may, without notice to
Guarantor, modify the Agreement or the Note with Meret and grant extensions and
concessions to Meret in respect thereof without in any manner effecting the
liability of Guarantor hereunder.

     Guarantor expressly agrees that the validity of this Guaranty and the
obligations of Guarantor hereunder shall in no way be terminated, affected or
impaired by reason of assertion by Note Holder against Meret of any of the
rights or remedies reserved to Note Holder pursuant to the Agreement or the
Note.

     The liability of Guarantor hereunder is primary and may be enforced by
Note Holder before, concurrently, or after proceeding against Meret or any
other guarantor of Meret.

     This Guaranty shall remain in effect notwithstanding any bankruptcy,
reorganization or insolvency of Meret, or any successor or assignee thereof, or
any disaffirmance or abandonment by a trustee thereof.

     This Guaranty shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York, and Guarantor agrees to submit itself to the personal
jurisdiction of that State's courts.

     Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Guaranty.

Dated:  January 31, 1996


                                  OSICOM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.




                                  By: /s/ Sharon Gill Chadha
                                  -------------------------------------
                                        Name: Sharon Gill Chadha

                                        Title:  Chief Executive Officer


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