FSI INTERNATIONAL INC
8-K, 1999-01-27
SPECIAL INDUSTRY MACHINERY, NEC
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<PAGE>   1




                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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

                                    FORM 8-K


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


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) January 21, 1999               
                                                 -------------------------------


                             FSI INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


<TABLE>
<S><C>

              MINNESOTA                                0-17276                              41-1223238
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (State or other jurisdiction)             (Commission File Number)                    (IRS Employer
           of incorporation                                                            Identification No.)






     322 LAKE HAZELTINE DRIVE
        CHASKA, MINNESOTA                                                                     55318
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Address of principal executive offices)                                               (Zip Code)

</TABLE>

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (612) 448-5440               
                                                   -----------------------------



<PAGE>   2


Item 5.  Other Events.

         FSI International, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the "Company"),
entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of January 21,
1999 (the "Reorganization Agreement"), with YieldUP International Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("YieldUP"), and BMI International, Inc., a Minnesota
corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company ("Sub"), providing for
the statutory merger of YieldUP with and into Sub (the "Merger"), with Sub
remaining as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

         Under the terms of the Reorganization Agreement, upon consummation of
the Merger each outstanding share of YieldUP Common Stock will be converted into
the right to receive 0.1567 shares of Common Stock of the Company ("FSI Common
Stock") and cash in the amount of $0.7313. Cash also will be paid in lieu of the
issuance of any fractional shares.

         The consummation of the Merger is subject to approval by the
shareholders of YieldUP and certain other conditions, all as set forth in the
Reorganization Agreement. The Reorganization Agreement contemplates that the
Merger will be accounted for through the purchase method of accounting and will
be tax-free to the shareholders of YieldUP as to the FSI Common Stock that they
receive.

         The foregoing description of the Reorganization Agreement is not
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Reorganization
Agreement, which is attached hereto as an exhibit and incorporated herein by
reference.


Item 7.  Exhibits.

2.       Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of January 21, 1999,
         among the Company, Sub, and YieldUP (the Company hereby agrees to
         furnish supplementally copies of omitted exhibits to the SEC upon 
         request).

10.*     License Agreement for Microelectronic Technology between YieldUP and
         the Company dated January 21, 1999.

99.      Press release dated January 22, 1999.











- - ------------------------------
*  Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to portions of this
   exhibit. Those portions have been omitted and filed separately with the SEC
   under Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

<PAGE>   3


                                   SIGNATURES

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

                             FSI INTERNATIONAL, INC.



Date:  January 27, 1999      By /s/ Patricia M. Hollister                      
                                ------------------------------------------------
                                Patricia M. Hollister
                                Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller



<PAGE>   4


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

No.      Exhibit                                                            Page
- - ---      -------                                                            ----

<S>      <C>                                                                <C>
2        Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of January 21,      Filed
         1999, among the Company, Sub, and YieldUP.                         Electronically

10*      License Agreement for Microelectronic Technology between           Filed
         YieldUP and FSI dated January 21, 1999.                            Electronically

99       Press release dated January 22, 1999.                              Filed
                                                                            Electronically
</TABLE>









- - ------------------------------
*  Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to portions of this
   exhibit. Those portions have been omitted and filed separately with the SEC
   under Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


<PAGE>   1
                                                                       EXHIBIT 2
                                                                [CONFORMED COPY]






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



                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION


                                      AMONG

                            FSI INTERNATIONAL, INC.,

                             BMI INTERNATIONAL, INC.

                                       AND

                        YIELDUP INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION



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




                             DATED JANUARY 21, 1999



<PAGE>   2



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I THE MERGER...........................................................1

1.01.        EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER......................................1
1.02.        CLOSING...........................................................2
1.03.        EFFECTS OF THE MERGER.............................................2
1.05.        DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF SURVIVING CORPORATION...................3

ARTICLE II CONVERSION OF SECURITIES............................................3

2.01.        EFFECT ON CAPITAL STOCK...........................................3
    (a)      Capital Stock of Sub..............................................4
    (b)      YieldUP Common Stock..............................................4
    (c)      Fractional Shares.................................................4
    (d)      Parent Stock......................................................4
    (e)      YieldUP Stock Options and Warrants................................4
    (f)      Dissenters' Rights................................................5
    (g)      Adjustments.......................................................5
2.02.        EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES..........................................5

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF YIELDUP..........................7

3.01.        ORGANIZATION OF YIELDUP...........................................8
3.02.        COMPANY CAPITAL STRUCTURE.........................................8
3.03.        SUBSIDIARIES......................................................9
3.04.        AUTHORITY.........................................................9
3.05.        SEC FILINGS; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................10
3.06.        INVENTORY........................................................11
3.07.        NO UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.......................................11
3.08.        NO CHANGES.......................................................11
3.09         TAXES............................................................13
3.10.        RESTRICTIONS ON BUSINESS ACTIVITIES..............................14
3.11.        TITLE TO PROPERTIES; ABSENCE OF PERMITTED LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES;
             CONDITION OF EQUIPMENT...........................................14
3.12.        INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY............................................15
3.13.        PRODUCT WARRANTIES AND CLAIMS....................................17
3.14.        AGREEMENTS, CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS............................17
3.15.        INTERESTED PARTY TRANSACTIONS....................................19
3.16.        GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION.......................................19
3.17.        LITIGATION.......................................................19
3.18.        ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE..............................................19
3.19.        BANK ACCOUNTS; GUARANTIES; POWERS OF ATTORNEY....................20
3.20.        CUSTOMERS........................................................20
3.21.        SUPPLIERS........................................................20
3.22.        MINUTE BOOKS.....................................................20
3.23.        ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS............................................20
3.24.        BROKERS' AND FINDERS' FEES.......................................22
3.25.        LABOR MATTER.....................................................22
3.26.        EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS...........................................22
3.27.        INSURANCE........................................................24
3.28.        COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.............................................24
3.29.        THIRD PARTY CONSENTS.............................................24
3.30.        REGISTRATION STATEMENTS; PROXY STATEMENT.........................24

                                        i
<PAGE>   3

3.31.        COMPLETE COPIES OF MATERIALS.....................................25
3.32.        YEAR 2000........................................................25
3.33.        OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR.....................................25
3.34.        VOTING AGREEMENTS................................................25
3.35         DISCLOSURE.......................................................25

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND SUB...................26

4.01.        ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND POWER.................................26
4.02.        CAPITAL STRUCTURE................................................26
4.03.        AUTHORITY........................................................27
4.04.        SEC FILINGS; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................28
4.05.        NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE.......................................28
4.06.        LITIGATION.......................................................29
4.07.        BROKERS' AND FINDERS' FEES.......................................29
4.08.        REGISTRATION STATEMENT; PROXY STATEMENT..........................29
4.09.        OWNERSHIP AND INTERIM OPERATIONS OF SUB..........................30

ARTICLE V CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME.....................30

5.01.        CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF YIELDUP...................................30
5.02.        COOPERATION......................................................33

ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS................................33

6.01.        NO SOLICITATION..................................................33
6.02.        PROXY STATEMENT; REGISTRATION STATEMENT..........................34
6.03.        ACCESS TO INFORMATION............................................35
6.04.        YIELDUP STOCKHOLDERS' MEETING....................................35
6.05.        LEGAL CONDITIONS TO MERGER.......................................35
6.06.        PAYMENT OF TAXES.................................................36
6.07.        PUBLIC DISCLOSURE................................................36
6.08.        TAX-FREE REORGANIZATION..........................................36
6.09.        NASDAQ QUOTATION.................................................37
6.10.        STOCK PLANS AND WARRANTS.........................................37
6.11.        CONSENTS.........................................................38
6.12.        EMPLOYEE BENEFITS; EMPLOYEE ISSUES...............................38
6.13.        REPORTS..........................................................38
6.14.        NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN MATTERS..................................38
6.15.        ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS; REASONABLE EFFORTS........................39
6.16         DIRECTOR AND OFFICER INSURANCE...................................39

ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS TO MERGER..............................................40

7.01.        CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATION TO EFFECT THE MERGER.......40
    (a)      Stockholder Approval.............................................40
    (b)      Approvals........................................................40
    (c)      Registration Statement...........................................40
    (d)      NASDAQ...........................................................40
    (e)      No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality.........................40
    (f)      Tax Opinions.....................................................40
    (g)      Comfort Letter...................................................40
7.02.        ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF PARENT AND SUB...........41
    (a)      Accuracy of Representations and Warranties; 
             Compliance with Covenants........................................41
    (b)      Blue Sky Laws....................................................41

                                       ii
<PAGE>   4

    (c)      Opinion of YieldUP's Counsel.....................................41
    (d)      Consents.........................................................42
    (e)      Dissenting Shares................................................42
    (f)      1998 Audit.......................................................42
    (g)      Employment Agreements............................................42
7.03.        ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF YIELDUP..................42
    (a)      Accuracy of Representations and Warranties; 
             Compliance with Covenants........................................42
    (b)      Opinion of Parent's Counsel......................................42

ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT........................................43

8.01.        TERMINATION......................................................43
8.02.        EFFECT OF TERMINATION............................................44
8.03.        FEES AND EXPENSES................................................44
8.04.        ALTERNATIVE TRANSACTION DEFINITION...............................45
8.05.        AMENDMENT........................................................45
8.06.        EXTENSION; WAIVER................................................45

ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS......................................................46

9.01.        NONSURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AND AGREEMENTS.......46
9.02.        NOTICES..........................................................46
9.03.        INTERPRETATION...................................................47
9.04.        COUNTERPARTS.....................................................47
9.05.        ENTIRE AGREEMENT; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES...................47
9.06.        GOVERNING LAW....................................................47
9.07.        ASSIGNMENT.......................................................47

ARTICLE X DEFINITIONS.........................................................48

10.01.       SUBSIDIARY.......................................................48
10.02.       AFFILIATE........................................................48
10.03.       KNOWLEDGE........................................................48



                                       iii


<PAGE>   5





EXHIBITS

Exhibit 3.34(a)...................Form of YieldUP Affiliate Agreement
Exhibit 3.34(b)...................Form of Rule 145 Letter
Exhibit 7.02(c)...................Form of Opinion of Counsel to YieldUP
Exhibit 7.03(b)...................Form of Opinion of Counsel to Parent
Exhibit 7.03(g)(1)................Form of Employment Agreement with Raj Mahindra
Exhibit 7.03(g)(2)................Form of Employment Agreement with Suraj Puri
Exhibit 7.03(g)(3)................Form of Employment Agreement with David Wong




                                       iv


<PAGE>   6



                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

    THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the "Agreement"), dated January
21, 1999, is by and among FSI INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Minnesota corporation
("Parent"), BMI INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Minnesota corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent ("Sub"), and YIELDUP INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation ("YieldUP").

                                   WITNESSETH:

    WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Parent, Sub and YieldUP deem it
advisable and in the best interests of each corporation and its respective
shareholders that Parent and YieldUP combine in order to advance the long-term
business interests of Parent and YieldUP;

    WHEREAS, the strategic combination of Parent and YieldUP shall be effected
by the terms of this Agreement through a transaction in which YieldUP will merge
with and into Sub, and the stockholders of YieldUP will become shareholders of
Parent (the "Merger");

    WHEREAS, in furtherance of the Merger, and upon the terms and conditions set
forth herein, each share of YieldUP's Common Stock, $.001 par value, and each
share of YieldUP's Class A Common Stock, $.001 par value (collectively, the
"YieldUP Common Stock"), issued and outstanding at the Effective Time (as
defined in Section 1.01 hereof), shall be converted into shares of Common Stock,
no par value, of Parent ("Parent Common Stock") and cash.

    WHEREAS, for federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger
shall qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code");

    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the representations,
warranties, covenants, and agreements set forth herein and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as
follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   THE MERGER

    1.01.  Effective Time of the Merger. Subject to the provisions of this
Agreement, a Certificate of Merger and Articles of Merger (collectively, the
"Merger Articles"), shall each be duly executed and acknowledged by the
Constituent Corporations (as defined in Section 1.03 hereof), and thereafter
delivered to the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and to the
Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota, respectively, for filing, as
provided in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "Delaware
Law") and the Minnesota Business Corporation Act (the "Minnesota Law"), as soon
as practicable on or after the Closing Date (as defined in Section 1.02 hereof).
The Merger shall become effective at the time at which the Merger Articles shall
have been filed with both the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware


<PAGE>   7

and the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota or at such time thereafter
as is provided in the Merger Articles (the "Effective Time").

    1.02.  Closing. The closing of the Merger (the "Closing") will take place at
9:00 a.m., Minneapolis time, on a date to be specified by Parent and YieldUP,
which shall be no later than the fourth business day after satisfaction or
waiver (to the extent waivable under Article VII) of all conditions to the
consummation of the Merger set forth in this Agreement (other than those
conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject
to the satisfaction or wavier of those conditions) (the "Closing Date"), at the
offices of Faegre & Benson LLP, Minneapolis, Minnesota, unless another date or
place is agreed to in writing by Parent and YieldUP. All actions taken at the
Closing shall be deemed to have been taken simultaneously at the time the last
of any such actions is taken or completed.


    1.03.  Effects of the Merger.

          (a) At the Effective Time, in accordance with this Agreement and
Delaware Law and Minnesota Law, (i) YieldUP shall be merged with and into Sub,
(ii) the separate corporate existence of YieldUP (except as such existence may
be continued by operation of law) shall cease and (iii) Sub shall continue as
the surviving corporation and shall be governed by Minnesota Law (Sub and
YieldUP are sometimes referred to herein as the "Constituent Corporations" and
Sub is sometimes referred to herein as "Surviving Corporation").

          (b) At and after the Effective Time, the effect of the Merger shall be
as provided in the applicable provisions of Minnesota Law and Delaware Law.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at and
after the Effective Time, Surviving Corporation shall possess all the rights,
privileges, powers, and franchises of a public as well as of a private nature,
and be subject to all the restrictions, disabilities, and duties of each of the
Constituent Corporations; and all and singular rights, privileges, powers, and
franchises of each of the Constituent Corporations, and all property, real,
personal and mixed, and all debts, liabilities and duties due on whatever
account, and all and every other interest of or belonging to either of the
Constituent Corporations, as well as for stock subscriptions and all other
things in action or belonging to each of the Constituent Corporations, shall be
taken and deemed to be transferred to and vested in Surviving Corporation
without further act or deed, and all property, rights, privileges, powers, and
franchises, and all and every other interest shall be thereafter the property of
Surviving Corporation, and the title to any real estate vested by deed or
otherwise, in either of the Constituent Corporations, shall not revert or be in
any way impaired; but all rights of creditors and all liens upon any property of
either of the Constituent Corporations shall be preserved unimpaired, and all
debts, liabilities, and duties of the Constituent Corporations shall thereafter
attach to Surviving Corporation, and may be enforced against it to the same
extent as if such debts and liabilities had been incurred or contracted by it.

    1.04. Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of Surviving Corporation.

          (a) The Articles of Incorporation of Sub as in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the Articles of Incorporation of Surviving
Corporation, until duly amended in accordance with the terms thereof and of the
Minnesota Law, except that from and


                                       2
<PAGE>   8

after the Effective Time, Article First of the Articles of Incorporation of Sub
shall be amended to be and read as follows:
        
              "First: The name of the Corporation shall be Blue Mountain, Inc." 

          (b) The By-Laws of Sub in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be the By-Laws of Surviving Corporation, until duly amended in
accordance with the terms thereof, of the Articles of Incorporation of Surviving
Corporation and of the Minnesota Law.



    1.05. Directors and Officers of Surviving Corporation.

          (a) The directors of Sub holding office at the Effective Time
shall, from and after the Effective Time, be the directors of Surviving
Corporation, such directors to serve until their successors have been duly
elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or
removal in accordance with Surviving Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and
By-Laws.
 
          (b) The officers of Surviving Corporation from and after the Effective
Time shall be as at set forth below:

                     Dale A. Courtney          Chief Executive Officer
                     Raj Mohindra              Vice President
                     Suraj Puri                Chief Technologist
                     Patricia M. Hollister     Vice President
                     Benno G. Sand             Secretary
                     Luke R. Komarek           General Counsel

          Such officers shall serve until their successors have been duly
elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or
removal in accordance with Surviving Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and
By-Laws.

                                   ARTICLE II

                            CONVERSION OF SECURITIES

    2.01.  Effect on Capital Stock. Subject to the other provisions of this
Article II, at the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of Parent, YieldUP, Sub or the holder of any shares of the
following securities:

          (a) Capital Stock of Sub. Each issued and outstanding share of the
capital stock of Sub shall remain outstanding as one share of common stock of
the Surviving Corporation and shall not be converted into any other securities
or cash pursuant to the Merger. The certificates for such shares shall not be
surrendered or in any way modified by reason of the effectiveness of the Merger.
No stock of Sub will be issued pursuant to the Merger.

          (b) YieldUP Common Stock. Each issued and outstanding share of YieldUP
Common Stock (other than Dissenting Shares (as defined in Section 2.01(f)
hereof) and shares of


                                       3
<PAGE>   9

YieldUP Common Stock held of record by Parent, Sub, or YieldUP or any other
direct or indirect subsidiary of Parent or YieldUP immediately prior to the
Effective Time) shall be automatically converted into and become the right to
receive (i) .1567 of one share of Parent Common Stock (the "Share
Consideration"), and (ii) cash in the amount of $.7313 (the "Cash Consideration"
and, together with the Share Consideration, the "Merger Consideration"). At the
Effective Time, each share of YieldUP Common Stock held of record by Parent,
Sub, or YieldUP or any direct or indirect subsidiary of Parent or YieldUP shall
be canceled and cease to exist, and no payment shall be made with respect
thereto.

          (c) Fractional Shares. No scrip or fractional shares of Parent Common
Stock shall be issued in the Merger. Each fractional share of Parent Common
Stock which a holder of YieldUP Common Stock would otherwise be entitled to
receive (after aggregating all shares of Parent Common Stock to be received by
such holder) shall be automatically converted into the right to receive, after
the later of the Effective Time or the surrender of such stockholder's
Certificate or Certificates (as defined in Section 2.01(d) hereof), from Parent,
an amount in cash in lieu of such fractional share of Parent Common Stock equal
to the product of such fraction multiplied by $1.8806 (rounded up or down to the
nearest $.01). Parent will make available to the Exchange Agent (as defined in
Section 2.02 hereof) the cash necessary for the purpose of paying for fractional
shares.

          (d) Parent Stock. All shares of Parent Common Stock into which the
shares of YieldUP Common Stock are converted shall be fully paid and
nonassessable and will have Parent Rights attached thereto in accordance with
the Parent Rights Agreement (as such terms are defined in Section 4.02(a)
hereof). All shares of YieldUP Common Stock, when so converted, shall no longer
be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall cease
to exist, and holders of certificates which immediately prior to the Effective
Time represented shares of YieldUP Common Stock (the "Certificates") shall cease
to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive the shares
of Parent Common Stock and any cash to be issued or paid in consideration
therefor upon the surrender of the Certificates in accordance with Section 2.02
hereof, without interest. 

          (e) YieldUP Stock Options and Warrants. At the Effective Time, (i) all
outstanding options to purchase YieldUP Common Stock (the "YieldUP Options")
under the YieldUP 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "Prior Plan"), the YieldUP 1995
Stock Option Plan (the "YieldUP Stock Option Plan") and the YieldUP 1995 Outside
Directors Stock Option Plan (the "YieldUP Directors Plan" and, together with the
Prior Plan and the YieldUP Stock Option Plan, the "YieldUP Option Plans") will
become options to purchase Parent Common Stock in accordance with Section 6.10
hereof and (ii) each outstanding warrant to acquire shares of YieldUP Common
Stock will become a warrant to acquire shares of Parent Common Stock and cash,
in accordance with Section 6.10 hereof. 

          (f) Dissenters' Rights. Notwithstanding any provision of this
Agreement to the contrary, any shares of YieldUP Common Stock outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time held by a holder who has demanded and
perfected the right, if any, for appraisal of those shares in accordance with
the provisions of Section 262 of the Delaware Law and as of the Effective Time
has not withdrawn or lost such right to such appraisal ("Dissenting Shares")
shall 



                                        4
<PAGE>   10

not be converted pursuant to this Article II, but the holder shall only be
entitled to such rights as are granted by the Delaware Law. If a holder of
shares of YieldUP Common Stock who demands appraisal of those shares under the
Delaware Law shall effectively withdraw or lose (through failure to perfect or
otherwise) the right to appraisal, then, as of the Effective Time or the
occurrence of such event, whichever last occurs, such Dissenting Shares shall be
converted into and represent only the right to receive, the Merger Consideration
(and cash in lieu of fractional shares in accordance with Section 2.01(c)
hereof). YieldUP shall give Parent (i) prompt notice of any written demands for
appraisal of any shares of YieldUP Common Stock, attempted withdrawals of such
demands, and any other instruments served pursuant to the Delaware Law and
received by YieldUP relating to stockholders' rights of appraisal, and (ii) the
opportunity to direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect to demands
for appraisal under the Delaware Law. YieldUP shall not, except with the prior
written consent of Parent, voluntarily make any payment with respect to any
demands for appraisal, offer to settle or settle any such demands or approve any
withdrawal of any such demands.


          (g) Adjustments. The Share Consideration and Cash Consideration shall
be appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock split, reverse stock split, stock
dividend, recapitalization, exchange, subdivision, combination of, or other
similar change (including the exercise of any Parent Rights under the Parent
Rights Agreement) in Parent Common Stock or YieldUP Common Stock following the
date of this Agreement.
                                                                                


    2.02.  Exchange of Certificates. 

          (a) Parent shall authorize Harris Trust and Savings Bank, or such
other firm as is reasonably acceptable to YieldUP, to serve as exchange agent
hereunder (the "Exchange Agent"). Promptly after the Effective Time, Parent
shall deposit or shall cause to be deposited in trust with the Exchange Agent
certificates representing the number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock to
which the holders of YieldUP Common Stock are entitled pursuant to this Article
II, together with cash sufficient to cover the aggregate Cash Consideration to
be paid to holders of YieldUP Common Stock and to pay for fractional shares then
known to Parent (such cash amounts and certificates being hereinafter referred
to as the "Exchange Fund"). The Exchange Agent shall, pursuant to irrevocable
instructions received from Parent, deliver the number of shares of Parent Common
Stock and pay the amounts of cash provided for in this Article II out of the
Exchange Fund. Additional amounts of cash, if any, needed from time to time by
the Exchange Agent shall be provided by Parent and shall become part of the
Exchange Fund. The Exchange Fund shall not be used for any other purpose, except
as provided in this Agreement, or as otherwise agreed to by Parent and YieldUP
prior to the Effective Time. 

          (b) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, the Exchange
Agent shall mail and otherwise make available to each recordholder of the
YieldUP Common Stock (except with respect to Dissenting Shares and shares held
by Parent, Sub, and YieldUP) who, as of the Effective Time was a holder of a
Certificate, a letter of transmittal (satisfactory in form and substance to
Parent) and instructions for its use in effecting the surrender of the
Certificate for payment therefor and conversion thereof. Delivery shall be
effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificate shall pass, only upon
proper delivery of the Certificate to the Exchange Agent and the letter of
transmittal shall so reflect. Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of a
Certificate,




                                        6
<PAGE>   11

together with a letter of transmittal duly executed and properly completed, the
holder of the Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefore (i)
shares of Parent Common Stock and cash to which that holder of YieldUP Common
Stock is entitled under Section 2.01(b) hereof (with such cash amount being
rounded up or down to the nearest $.01), and (ii) as to any fractional share, a
check representing the cash amount to which the holder is entitled under Section
2.01(c), and the Certificate so surrendered shall be marked "cancelled". No
interest will be paid or accrued on any Cash Consideration or any cash in lieu
of fractional shares payable upon surrender of the Certificate. Parent shall pay
any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of a certificate
representing shares of Parent Common Stock provided that such certificate is
issued in the name of the person in whose name the Certificate surrendered in
exchange therefor is registered; provided, however, that Parent shall not pay
any transfer or other tax if the obligation to pay such tax under applicable law
is solely that of the stockholder or if payment of any such tax by Parent
otherwise would cause the Merger to fail to qualify as a tax-free reorganization
under the Code. If any portion of the consideration to be received pursuant to
this Article II upon exchange of a Certificate is to be issued or paid to a
person other than the person in whose name the Certificate surrendered in
exchange therefor is registered, it shall be a condition of such issuance and
payment that the Certificate so surrendered shall be properly endorsed or
otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the person requesting such
exchange shall pay in advance any transfer or other taxes required by reason of
the issuance of a certificate representing shares of Parent Common Stock or a
check representing the Cash Consideration or any cash for a fractional share to
such other person, or establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that
such tax has been paid or that no such tax is applicable. From the Effective
Time until surrender in accordance with this Section 2.02, each Certificate
(other than Certificates representing treasury shares of YieldUP) shall be
deemed, for all corporate purposes other than the payment of dividends or other
distributions, to evidence only the right to receive the cash and Parent Common
Stock into which such shares of YieldUP Common Stock shall have been so
converted. No dividends that are otherwise payable on Parent Common Stock will
be paid to persons entitled to receive Parent Common Stock until such persons
surrender their Certificates. After such surrender, there shall be paid to the
person in whose name the Parent Common Stock shall be issued any dividends on
such Parent Common Stock that shall have a record date and payment date on or
after the Effective Time and prior to such surrender. If the payment date for
any such dividend is after the date of such surrender, such payment shall be
made on such payment date. In no event shall the persons entitled to receive
such dividends be entitled to receive interest on such dividends. All payments
in respect of shares of YieldUP Common Stock that are made in accordance with
the terms hereof shall be deemed to have been made in full satisfaction of all
rights pertaining to such securities.


          (c) In case of any lost, mislaid, stolen, or destroyed Certificate,
the holder thereof may be required, as a condition precedent to the delivery to
such holder of the consideration described in Section 2.01 hereof and in
accordance with Section 167 of the Delaware Law, to deliver to Parent a bond in
such reasonable sum as Parent may direct as indemnity against any claim that may
be made against the Exchange Agent, Parent, or Surviving Corporation with
respect to the Certificate alleged to have been lost, mislaid, stolen, or
destroyed. 


          (d) After the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock
transfer books of Surviving Corporation of the shares of YieldUP Common Stock
that were outstanding 



                                       6
<PAGE>   12

immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time,
Certificates are presented to Surviving Corporation for transfer, they shall be
canceled and exchanged for the consideration described in Section 2.01 hereof.
After the Effective Time, the shares of YieldUP Common Stock shall be delisted
from the Nasdaq Small Cap Market.


          (e) Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed by the
stockholders of YieldUP for one year after the Effective Time shall be returned
to Parent, upon demand, and any holder of YieldUP Common Stock who has not
theretofore complied with Section 2.02(b) hereof shall thereafter look only to
Parent for issuance of the Merger Consideration to which such holder has become
entitled pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof; provided, however, that neither the
Exchange Agent nor any party hereto shall be liable to a holder of shares of
YieldUP Common Stock for any amount required to be paid to a public official
pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat, or similar law.

                                   ARTICLE III

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF YIELDUP

    YieldUP represents and warrants to Parent and Sub that the statements
contained in this Article III are true and correct as of the date hereof, except
as set forth in the disclosure schedule delivered by YieldUP to Parent on or
before the date of this Agreement (the "YieldUP Disclosure Schedule"). The
YieldUP Disclosure Schedule shall be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the
numbered and lettered paragraphs contained in this Article III and the
disclosures in any paragraph, including appropriate cross references, shall
qualify only the corresponding paragraph in this Article III. As used with
respect to YieldUP or Parent, as the case may be, the term "Material Adverse
Effect" means any change or effect that, individually or when taken together
with all changes or effects that have occurred before the determination of the
occurrence of the Material Adverse Effect, has had or is reasonably likely to
have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets (including
intangible assets), financial condition or results of operations of the party
and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided, however, any disruption of
customer or supplier relationships of a party arising primarily out of or
resulting primarily from actions contemplated by the parties in connection with,
or which is primarily attributable to the announcement of this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby shall not be considered when determining if a
Material Adverse Effect has occurred.


    3.01.  Organization of YieldUP. YieldUP is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
YieldUP has the corporate power to own its property and to carry on its business
as now being conducted and as proposed to be conducted by YieldUP. YieldUP is
duly qualified to do business and in good standing as a foreign corporation in
each jurisdiction in which the failure to be so qualified would have a Material
Adverse Effect on YieldUP. YieldUP has delivered a true and correct copy of its
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws, each as amended to date, to Parent.


    3.02.  Company Capital Structure. The authorized capital stock of YieldUP
consists of (i) 22,229,927 shares of YieldUP Common Stock (including 2,229,927
shares of Class A 



                                        7
<PAGE>   13

Common Stock), of which, as of the close of business on January 15, 1999,
8,256,476 shares were issued and outstanding (including 1,364,497 shares of
Class A Common Stock), and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock which are
divisible into such classes and series, with such designations, voting rights,
and other rights and preferences, as the Board of Directors of YieldUP (the
"Board of Directors") may from time to time determine, of which, on the date
hereof, there are no shares issued and outstanding and, except for 2,400 shares
designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share,
no shares have been designated by the Board of Directors as to classes or
series. All outstanding shares of Company Common Stock are duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject to preemptive
rights created by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of
YieldUP or any agreement to which YieldUP is a party or by which it is bound. As
of the date hereof, YieldUP has reserved 1,284,465 shares of Common Stock for
issuance to employees, directors, and consultants pursuant to the YieldUP Option
Plans, of which 1,048,768 shares are subject to outstanding, unexercised options
(the "YieldUP Options"). Schedule 3.02 of the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule sets
forth for each outstanding YieldUP Option the name of the holder of such option,
the number of shares subject to such option, the exercise price of such option,
the vesting schedule of such option, whether or not such option qualifies as an
incentive stock option and, if the exercisability of such option will be
accelerated in any way by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or for
any other reason, an indication of the extent of such acceleration. Such list
also describes any repricing of options which has taken place since YieldUP's
incorporation. Except for the YieldUP Options and warrants to purchase, under
warrant agreements described in Schedule 3.02 of the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule
(the "Warrant Agreements"), an aggregate of not more than 4,157,860 shares of
YieldUP Common Stock, there are no options, warrants, calls, rights,
commitments, or agreements of any character to which YieldUP is a party or by
which it is bound obligating YieldUP to issue, deliver, sell, repurchase, or
redeem, or cause to be issued, delivered, sold, repurchased, or redeemed, any
shares of capital stock of YieldUP or obligating YieldUP to grant, extend,
accelerate the vesting of, change the price of, or otherwise amend or enter into
any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment, or agreement. Except as set
forth in the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, no adjustments to the purchase price,
number or type of securities purchasable, or other terms of the Warrant
Agreements or the warrants thereunder have been made or have been required to be
made since the initial effective date of such Warrant Agreements or warrants.
Except as set forth in the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, YieldUP is not a party
to and is not aware of, any voting agreement, voting trust, proxy, or other
agreements or understandings with respect to the shares of capital stock of
YieldUP or any agreement, arrangement or understanding providing for
registration rights with respect to any shares of capital stock of YieldUP.

    3.03. Subsidiaries. YieldUP does not have and has never had any subsidiaries
and does not otherwise own and, except as set forth in the YieldUP Disclosure
Schedule, has never otherwise owned any shares of stock or any interest in, or
control, directly or indirectly, any other corporation, partnership,
association, joint venture or other business entity (excluding any securities in
any publicly traded company held for investment by YieldUP and comprising less
than one percent of the outstanding stock of such company).

    3.04. Authority. YieldUP has all requisite corporate power and authority to
enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution and 


                                        8
<PAGE>   14

delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part
of YieldUP, subject only to the approval of the Merger by YieldUP's stockholders
as contemplated by Section 6.04 hereof. This Agreement has been duly executed
and delivered by YieldUP and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of
YieldUP, enforceable against YieldUP in accordance with its terms, except to the
extent that enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and
subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity. Except as set
forth in the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by YieldUP does not, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of, or
default under (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both), or give rise
to a right of termination, cancellation, or acceleration of any obligation or
loss of any benefit under (i) any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation
or By-Laws of YieldUP, (ii) any YieldUP Material Contract (as defined in Section
3.14) or any YieldUP Authorization (as defined in Section 3.16) or (iii) any
judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule, or regulation applicable
to YieldUP or its properties or assets. No consent, approval, order or
authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any court,
administrative agency or commission, or other governmental authority or
instrumentality ("Governmental Entity"), is required by or with respect to
YieldUP in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, except for (i) the filing
of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware and the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of
Minnesota, (ii) filings in connection, or in compliance, with the provisions of
the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
Act"), (iii) the filing of the Proxy Statement (as defined in Section 3.30
below) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in accordance
with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and
(iv) such consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations,
declarations, and filings as may be required under applicable federal and state
securities laws and the laws of any foreign country.


    3.05.  SEC Filings; Financial Statements. 

          (a) YieldUP has filed and made available to Parent all forms, reports,
and documents required to be filed by YieldUP with the SEC since January 1, 1996
(including all exhibits, notes, and schedules thereto and documents incorporated
by reference therein) (all such forms, reports, and documents, including any
such forms, reports, and documents filed with the SEC after the date hereof,
being collectively called the "YieldUP SEC Reports" and individually called a
"YieldUP SEC Report"). The YieldUP SEC Reports (i) at the time filed, with
respect to all of the YieldUP SEC Reports other than registration statements
filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or at
the time of their respective effective dates, with respect to registration
statements filed under the Securities Act, complied, and any YieldUP SEC Reports
filed with the SEC after the date hereof will comply, as to form in all material
respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange
Act, as the case may be, and (ii) did not, and any YieldUP SEC Reports filed
after the date hereof will not, at the time filed or at the time of their
respective effective dates, as the case may be (or if amended or superseded by a
filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing),
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated in such YieldUP 



                                        9
<PAGE>   15

SEC Reports or necessary in order to make the statements in such YieldUP SEC
Reports, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. Since January 1, 1996, YieldUP has filed in a timely manner all
forms, reports, and documents that it was required to file with the SEC under
the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC.


          (b) Each of the financial statements (including, in each case, any
related notes) contained in the YieldUP SEC Reports at the time filed or at the
time of their respective effective dates, as the case may be, complied, or will
comply, as to form in all material respects with the applicable published rules
and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, was, or will be, prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent
basis throughout the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes
to such financial statements or, in the case of unaudited statements, as
permitted by Form 10-QSB of the SEC) and fairly presented, or will fairly
present, the financial position of YieldUP at the respective dates and the
results of its operations and cash flows for the periods indicated, except that
the unaudited interim financial statements were or are subject to normal and
recurring year-end adjustments and the absence of complete footnote disclosure.
YieldUP has provided Parent with YieldUP's unaudited financial statements as of
and for the period ended December 31, 1998; such financial statements, including
any related notes, are set forth in Schedule 3.05(b) of the YieldUP Disclosure
Schedule (the "Unaudited Statements"). The Unaudited Statements comply as to
form in all material respects with the applicable published rules and
regulations of the SEC with respect to financial statements included in a report
on Form 10-KSB, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a consistent basis with the consolidated
financial statements of YieldUP contained in the YieldUP SEC Reports (except as
may be indicated in the notes to the Unaudited Statements or as permitted by
Form 10-KSB of the SEC) and fairly present the financial position of YieldUP at
the date and the results of its operations and cash flows for the period
indicated, except that the Unaudited Statements do not contain a statement of
changes in cash flow and for the absence of complete footnote disclosure. The
unaudited balance sheet of YieldUP as of December 31, 1998 is referred to herein
as the "YieldUP Balance Sheet."

     3.06. Inventory. All inventories reflected on the YieldUP Balance
Sheet and all inventories that have been acquired or produced since the date of
the YieldUP Balance Sheet are stated in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles at the lower of cost or market. All raw materials,
finished goods, parts, and work-in-progress inventories are of a quality and
quantity usable by YieldUP in the ordinary course of its business, except for
obsolete items, all of which have been written down on YieldUP's books of
account to net realizable value or have been provided for by adequate reserves.
All finished goods inventories reflected on the YieldUP Balance Sheet and all
such inventories held on the date hereof and on the Closing Date are or are
reasonably expected to be saleable in the ordinary course of YieldUP's business,
net of reserves. Except as set forth in the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, all
inventories of YieldUP as of the date hereof are located at YieldUP's
headquarters in Mountain View, California or at YieldUP's off-site storage
facility located in Mountain View, California.

     3.07. No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as set forth in the YieldUP
Disclosure Schedule, YieldUP does not have any liabilities, either accrued or
contingent (whether or not required to be reflected in financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting 


                                       10
<PAGE>   16

principles), and whether due or to become due, which individually or in the
aggregate, (i) have not been reflected in YieldUP Balance Sheet, (ii) have not
been specifically described in this Agreement, or (iii) are not normal or
recurring liabilities incurred since December 31, 1998 in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices. 

    3.08. No Changes.

          (a) Except as set forth in the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, since the
date of the YieldUP Balance Sheet there has not been, occurred or arisen any:

              (i)    destruction or loss of any material assets of YieldUP 
(whether or not covered by insurance); or

              (ii)   the commencement, notice, or threat of commencement of any
domestic or foreign governmental proceeding against or investigation of YieldUP
or its affairs.

          (b) Except as set forth in the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, since the
date of YieldUP Balance Sheet through the date of this Agreement YieldUP has
not:

              (i)    entered into any transaction except in the ordinary course
of business as conducted on the date of YieldUP Balance Sheet;

              (ii)   amended or changed the Certificate of Incorporation or
By-Laws of YieldUP;

              (iii)  made capital expenditures exceeding $25,000 individually or
$100,000 in the aggregate;

              (iv)   changed its accounting methods or practices (including any
change in depreciation or amortization policies or rates);

              (v)    revalued any of its assets;

              (vi)   declared, set aside, or paid a dividend or other 
distribution with respect to the shares of YieldUP, or any direct or indirect
redemption, purchase, or other acquisition by YieldUP of any of its shares of
capital stock;
        
              (vii)  increased the salary or other compensation (including
stock-based compensation) payable or to become payable by YieldUP to any of its
officers, directors, or employees, or the declaration, payment, or commitment or
obligation of any kind for the payment, by YieldUP, of a bonus or other
additional salary or compensation to any such person;

              (viii) acquired, sold, or transferred any asset of YieldUP other
than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices;



                                       11
<PAGE>   17


              (ix)   made a loan to any person or entity, or guaranty by YieldUP
of any loan, other than advances to employees for travel and business expenses
in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices;

              (x)    amended or terminated any contract, agreement or license of
the type referred to in Section 3.14(a)-(q) to which YieldUP is a party, except
for any amendments required by law or contemplated by this Agreement;

              (xi)   waived or released any material right or claim of YieldUP,
including any write-off or other compromise of any account receivable of
YieldUP;

              (xii)  issued or sold any of its shares of capital stock or any
other of its securities, except for options granted under YieldUP Option Plans
and as disclosed in Schedule 3.02 of the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule and except
for issuance or sales as a result of exercises of stock options granted under
YieldUP Option Plans;

              (xiii) experienced any labor trouble or received a claim of or
committed a wrongful discharge or other unlawful labor practice or action;

              (xiv)  experienced the termination by a third party or received
notice from a third party of the termination of any contract, agreement or
license of the type referred to in Section 3.14(a)-(q) to which YieldUP is a
party;

              (xv)   experienced a loss of services of any YieldUP personnel
material to the conduct of the business of YieldUP;

              (xvi)  incurred, assumed, or guaranteed any indebtedness for money
borrowed other than borrowings incurred for working capital purposes under
YieldUP's existing revolving credit facility; or

              (xvii) entered into any negotiations or otherwise agreed to do any
of the things described in the preceding clauses (i) through (xv) (other than
negotiations with Parent and its representatives regarding the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement).

    3.09  Taxes.

          (a) Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement, the following
definitions shall apply: 

              (i) "Taxes" means any and all federal, state, local and foreign
(including without limitation Canadian and provincial) taxes, assessments and
other governmental charges, duties, impositions and liabilities, including
without limitation those based upon or measured by gross receipts, income,
profits, sales, use and occupation, and value added, ad valorem, transfer,
franchise, withholding, payroll, recapture, employment, excise and property
taxes, together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect
to such amounts and 
        


                                       12
<PAGE>   18
any obligations under any agreements or arrangements with any other person with
respect to such amounts and including any liability for taxes of a predecessor
entity.

              (ii)  "Returns" means all reports, estimates, declarations of
estimated tax, information statements and returns relating to, or required to be
filed in connection with, any Taxes, including information returns or reports
with respect to backup withholding and other payments to third parties.

         (b)  Tax Matters. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.09: 

              (i)   All Returns required to be filed by or on behalf of YieldUP
have been duly filed on a timely basis (taking into account extensions) and
such Returns are true, complete and correct in all material respects.
        
              (ii)  YieldUP (A) has paid all Taxes required to be paid in full
on a timely basis, and (B) has withheld and paid over all Taxes required to have
been withheld and paid over, and complied with all information reporting and
backup withholding requirements, in connection with amounts paid or owing to any
employee, creditor, independent contractor or other third party.

              (iii) To the knowledge of YieldUP, there is no Tax deficiency
outstanding or assessed against YieldUP. Further, YieldUP has not received any
written notice of a proposed assessment of taxes, or executed any waiver of any
statute of limitations on or extending the period for the assessment or
collection of any Tax which is still in effect. No audit or other examination of
any Return of YieldUP is presently in progress, and YieldUP has not been
notified of any request for such an audit or other examination. There is not
outstanding any power of attorney that is currently in force with respect to any
matter relating to Taxes for which YieldUP could be liable.

              (iv)  Except for those which have been accrued or reserved against
on YieldUP Balance Sheet and those incurred in the ordinary course of business
since December 31, 1998, YieldUP does not have any liabilities for unpaid Taxes,
whether asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise, for or with respect to
all periods prior to and including the Closing Date.

              (v)   YieldUP has not ever been a member of an affiliated group of
corporations within the meaning of Section 1504 of the Code. Further, YieldUP
has not ever been a party to a tax sharing or allocation agreement. 

              (vi)  There are no liens for Taxes (other than for current Taxes
not yet due and payable) upon the assets of YieldUP.

              (vii) None of the assets of YieldUP are treated as "tax-exempt use
property" within the meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code. YieldUP is not a
"consenting corporation" under Section 341(f) of the Code. There is no contract,
agreement, plan or arrangement covering any employee or former employee of
YieldUP that, individually or collectively, could give rise to the payment of
any amount that would not be deductible pursuant to Section 280G or 162 of the
Code. YieldUP has never been a "United States real property 



                                       13
<PAGE>   19

holding corporation" within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code, and
the Buyer is not required to withhold tax by reason of Section 1445 of the Code.
All transactions that could give rise to an understatement of federal income tax
within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code have been disclosed in accordance
with Section 6662 of the Code. No indebtedness of YieldUP is "corporate
acquisition indebtedness" within the meaning of Section 279(b) of the Code.
YieldUP is not required to include in income any adjustment pursuant to Section
481(a) of the Code by reason of a voluntary change in accounting method
initiated by YieldUP nor, to the knowledge of YieldUP, has the IRS proposed any
such adjustment or change in accounting method. 

    3.10.  Restrictions on Business Activities. There is no agreement, judgment,
injunction, order, or decree binding upon YieldUP which has or could reasonably
be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or impairing any business practice
of YieldUP.

    3.11.  Title to Properties; Absence of Permitted Liens and Encumbrances;
Condition of Equipment.

          (a) Schedule 3.11(a) of the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule sets forth a
true and complete list of all real property owned or leased by YieldUP, and, in
the case of leased real property, the name of the lessor, the date of the lease
and each amendment thereto and the aggregate annual rental or other fee payable
under any such lease. All such leases are in good standing, valid, and effective
in accordance with their respective terms, and there is not, under any such
leases, any existing material default or event of default (or event which with
notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default and in respect of
which YieldUP has not taken adequate steps to prevent such default from
occurring).

          (b) Except as set forth in YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, YieldUP has
good and valid title to, or, in the case of leased properties and assets, valid
leasehold interests in, all of its tangible properties and assets, real,
personal and mixed, used in its business, free and clear of any mortgages,
liens, pledges, charges, restrictions, encroachments, rights of third parties or
other encumbrances of any kind or character (each a "Lien" and, collectively
"Liens"), except (i) liens for current taxes not yet due and payable, (ii)
inchoate mechanic's, warehousemen's, materialmen's, or similar liens or rights
in the ordinary course of business, (iii) liens, encumbrances, restrictions,
encroachments, and easements, all with respect to tangible properties which were
not incurred with the borrowing of money or the obtaining of advances or credit
and which do not materially detract the value of or materially interfere with
the present use of the property subject thereto or effected thereby, or
otherwise materially impair present business operations at such properties, and
(iv) existing mortgages, liens, and encumbrances disclosed in the YieldUP
Balance Sheet (collectively, "Permitted Liens").

          (c) Schedule 3.11(c) of the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule lists all
equipment owned, with either an original purchase price or current book value of
$25,000 or more, and leased by YieldUP, reflecting the location of such items
and whether they are owned or leased. The equipment owned or leased by YieldUP,
taken as a whole, is (i) adequate for the conduct of the business of YieldUP
consistent with its past practice, (ii) suitable for the uses to which it is
currently employed, (iii) in good operating condition subject to normal wear and
tear, (iv)




                                       14
<PAGE>   20

reasonably maintained, and (v) not unreasonably dangerous or in need of renewal
or replacement, except for renewal or replacement in the ordinary course of
business.

    3.12. Intellectual Property. YieldUP owns, or is licensed or otherwise
possesses legally enforceable rights to use all patents, trademarks, trade
names, service marks, copyrights, and any applications therefor, mask works,
schematics, technology, know-how, computer software programs or applications (in
both source code and object code form), and tangible or intangible proprietary
information or material that are used by YieldUP. Schedule 3.12(a) of the
YieldUP Disclosure Schedule lists all patents, registered trademarks and service
marks, registered copyrights, trade names and any applications therefor, which
relate to or are a part of YieldUP's products (the "YieldUP Intellectual
Property Rights"), and specifies the jurisdictions in which each such YieldUP
Intellectual Property Right has been issued or registered or in which an
application for such issuance and registration has been filed, including the
respective registration or application numbers and the names of all registered
owners. Schedule 3.12(b) includes and specifically identifies all third party
patents, trademarks, or copyrights (including software) (the "Third Party
Intellectual Property Rights") which to YieldUP's knowledge are incorporated in,
or form a part of, any YieldUP product. Schedule 3.12(b) lists (i) any requests
YieldUP has received to make any application or registration for patent,
copyright, trademark, or servicemark protection of YieldUP or Third Party
Intellectual Property Rights, including the identity of the requestor and the
item requested to be so applied for or registered, and the jurisdiction for
which such request has been made; (ii) all licenses, sublicenses, and other
agreements as to which YieldUP is a party and pursuant to which any person is
authorized to use any YieldUP Intellectual Property Right or any trade secret of
YieldUP; and (iii) all licenses, sublicenses, and other agreements as to which
YieldUP is a party and pursuant to which YieldUP is authorized to use any Third
Party Intellectual Property Rights, or other trade secret of a third party in or
as any product, and includes the identity of all parties thereto, a description
of the nature and subject matter thereof, the applicable royalty and the term
thereof (other than non-negotiated licenses of generally available commercial
software).

    YieldUP is not, nor will it be as a result of the execution and delivery of
this Agreement or the performance of its obligations hereunder, in violation of
any license, sublicense or agreement described on Schedule 3.12(b). Except as
set forth in the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, no claims with respect to YieldUP
Intellectual Property Rights, any trade secret of YieldUP, or Third Party
Intellectual Property Rights to the extent arising out of any use, reproduction,
or distribution of such Third Party Intellectual Rights by or through YieldUP,
have been asserted or, to the knowledge of YieldUP, are threatened by any
person, nor does YieldUP know of any grounds for any bona fide claims (i) to the
effect that the manufacture, sale, licensing, or use of any product as now used,
sold, or licensed or proposed for use, sale, or license by YieldUP infringes on
any copyright, patent, trademark, service mark, or trade secret; (ii) against
the use by YieldUP of any trademarks, trade names, trade secrets, copyrights,
patents, technology, know-how, or computer software programs and applications
used in YieldUP's business as currently conducted or as proposed to be conducted
by YieldUP; (iii) challenging the ownership, validity, or effectiveness of any
of YieldUP Intellectual Property Rights or other trade secret of YieldUP; or
(iv) challenging YieldUP's license or legally enforceable right to use of the
Third Party Intellectual Property Rights.


                                       15
<PAGE>   21



    All registered trademarks, service marks, and copyrights held by YieldUP are
valid and subsisting. Except as set forth in the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, to
YieldUP's knowledge, there is no unauthorized use, disclosure, infringement, or
misappropriation of any of YieldUP Intellectual Property Rights, any trade
secret of YieldUP, or any Third Party Intellectual Property Right to the extent
licensed by or through YieldUP, by any third party, including any employee or
former employee of YieldUP. Except as set forth in the YieldUP Disclosure
Schedule, YieldUP (i) has not been sued or charged in writing as a defendant in
any claim, suit, action or proceeding which involves a claim of infringement of
any patents, trademarks, service marks, or copyrights or violation of trade
secret or other proprietary right of any third party; (ii) has no knowledge of
any basis for any such charge or claim; and (iii) has no knowledge of any
infringement liability with respect to, or infringement or violation by, YieldUP
of any patent, trademark, service mark, copyright, trade secret or other
proprietary right of another.


    No YieldUP Intellectual Property Right, trade secret material to YieldUP or,
to YieldUP's knowledge, Third Party Intellectual Property Right is subject to
any outstanding order, judgment, decree, stipulation, or agreement restricting
in any manner the licensing thereof by YieldUP. YieldUP has not entered into any
agreement to indemnify any other person against any charge of infringement of
any YieldUP Intellectual Property Right, any trade secret of YieldUP, or any
Third Party Intellectual Property Right. Set forth in Schedule 3.12 of the
YieldUP Disclosure Schedule is a list of all infringement, noninfringement,
validity and invalidity opinions and analyses received or prepared by YieldUP or
its agents or representatives regarding YieldUP Intellectual Property Rights or
Third Party Intellectual Property Rights. Complete copies of all such opinions
and analyses have been provided to Parent.


    3.13. Product Warranties and Claims. All products heretofore sold by YieldUP
during the two years preceding the date hereof have been in conformity with all
applicable contractual commitments and all express and implied warranties, and
YieldUP does not have any liability for replacement or repair of such products
or other damages in connection therewith, subject only to the reserve for
product warranty claims set forth in the YieldUP Balance Sheet and to ordinary
course customer servicing (consistent with industry practices). To YieldUP's
knowledge, the accrual for warranty related expenses as of December 31, 1998
contained in the YieldUP Balance Sheet adequately reflects, and at the Closing
Date will adequately reflect, an amount required for satisfaction of warranty
claims due in respect of goods sold or services provided by YieldUP prior to
such date. Such provision has been established in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. Except for the matters set forth in the YieldUP
Disclosure Schedule, YieldUP has not received any written complaint (that
remains unresolved) to the effect that (i) goods sold or services supplied by
YieldUP failed to meet the quality standards or warranty obligations applicable
to the agreements, contracts, or purchase orders under which such products or
services were supplied or (ii) YieldUP failed to meet its obligation to service
any products sold or serviced by YieldUP, that if found to be valid would
constitute a liability of YieldUP in excess of $25,000 for parts, labor and
other related expenses. 

    3.14. Agreements, Contracts and Commitments. As of the date of this
Agreement, except for Employee Plans (as defined in Section 3.26 hereof), as
contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth on the YieldUP Disclosure
Schedule, YieldUP does not have and is not a party to 


                                       16
<PAGE>   22

the following agreements (or group of related agreements), whether written or
oral (collectively, the "YieldUP Material Contracts"):

          (a) any collective bargaining agreement;

          (b) any agreements that contain any unpaid severance liabilities or
obligations;

          (c) any bonus, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, pension,
profit-sharing or retirement plans, or any other employee benefit plans or
arrangements;

          (d) any employment or consulting agreement, contract, or commitment
with an employee or individual consultant or salesperson or consulting or sales
agreement, contract, or commitment with a firm or other organization not
terminable by YieldUP on 30 days' notice without liability except to the extent
of applicable local law and/or general principles of wrongful termination law
may limit YieldUP's ability to terminate such employees;

          (e) agreement or plan, including, without limitation, any stock option
plan, stock appreciation right plan, or stock purchase plan, any of the benefits
of which will be increased, or the vested benefits of which will be accelerated,
by the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

          (f) any fidelity or surety bond or completion bond;

          (g) any lease of personal property having a value individually in
excess of $25,000;

          (h) any agreement of indemnification or guaranty;

          (i) any agreement, contract, or commitment containing any covenant
limiting the freedom of YieldUP to engage in any line of business or compete
with any person;

          (j) any agreement, contract, or commitment relating to capital
expenditures and involving future obligations in excess of $25,000;

          (k) any agreement, contract or commitment relating to the disposition
or acquisition of assets not in the ordinary course of business or any ownership
interest in any corporation, partnership, joint venture, or other business
enterprise;

          (l) any mortgages, indentures, loans or credit agreements, security
agreements or other agreements or instruments relating to the borrowing of money
or extension of credit, including guaranties referred to in clause (h) hereof;

          (m) any purchase order or contract for the purchase of raw materials
or acquisition of assets involving $50,000 or more;



                                       17
<PAGE>   23


          (n) any construction contracts;

          (o) any distribution, original equipment manufacturing, sales
representation, joint marketing, or development agreement;

          (p) any purchase order for the sale of Company products (other than
for spare parts) involving $50,000 or more (identified by invoice number, dollar
amount and scheduled shipment date); or


          (q) any other agreement, contract, or commitment which involves
$25,000 or more and is not cancelable without penalty within thirty (30) days.

    Schedule 3.14(a) of the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule contains a complete and
accurate description of any of the above that constitute oral agreements or oral
modifications, amendments or interpretations of oral agreements. Except for such
breaches or alleged breaches noted in the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, YieldUP
has not breached, or received any claim or threat that it has breached, any of
the terms or conditions of any YieldUP Material Contract in such a manner as
would permit any other party to cancel or terminate the same or would permit any
other party to seek damages from YieldUP. Each YieldUP Material Contract is in
full force and effect and, except as otherwise disclosed, is not subject to any
default thereunder of which YieldUP is aware by any party obligated to YieldUP
pursuant thereto. Except as set forth in the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, no
YieldUP Material Contract of the type referred to in Section 3.14(o) contains
any grant of exclusive territory. 


    3.15. Interested Party Transactions. Except as set forth on the YieldUP
Disclosure Schedule or in the YieldUP SEC Reports, no officer, director or
stockholder of YieldUP who owns at least 5% of the outstanding YieldUP Common
Stock (nor any ancestor, sibling, descendant or spouse of any of such persons,
or any trust, partnership or corporation in which any of such persons has or has
had an interest), has or has had, directly or indirectly, (i) an interest in any
entity which furnished or sold, or furnishes or sells, services or products that
YieldUP furnishes or sells, or proposes to furnish or sell, or (ii) any interest
in any entity that purchases from or sells or furnishes to, YieldUP, any goods
or services or (iii) a beneficial interest in any YieldUP Material Contract;
provided, that ownership of no more than one percent of the outstanding voting
stock of a publicly traded corporation shall not be deemed an "interest in any
entity" for purposes of this Section 3.15. 
        
    3.16. Governmental Authorization. Schedule 3.16 of the YieldUP Disclosure 
Schedule sets forth an accurate list of each material federal, state, county,
local, or foreign governmental consent, license, permit, grant, or other
authorization issued to YieldUP by a Governmental Entity (i) pursuant to which
YieldUP currently operates or holds any interest in any of its properties or
(ii) which is required for the operation of its business or the holding of any
such interest (herein collectively called "YieldUP Authorizations"), which
YieldUP Authorizations are in full force and effect and constitute all YieldUP
Authorizations required to permit YieldUP to operate or conduct its business or
hold any interest in its properties. 
        


                                       18
<PAGE>   24


    3.17. Litigation. Except as disclosed on the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule,
there is no action, suit or legal, administrative, arbitration or other
proceeding pending, filed, initiated or, to YieldUP's knowledge, threatened by
or against YieldUP, its properties or any of its officers or directors, nor, to
the knowledge of YieldUP, is there any basis therefor. To the knowledge of
YieldUP and except as set forth on the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, there is no
investigation pending or threatened against YieldUP, its properties or any of
its officers or directors (nor is there any basis therefor) before or by any
Governmental Entity (including the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.). No Governmental Entity has at any time challenged or questioned the legal
right of YieldUP to manufacture, offer, or sell any of its products in the
present manner or style thereof. 


    3.18. Accounts Receivable. All accounts receivable of YieldUP shown on the
YieldUP Balance Sheet arose in the ordinary course of business at the aggregate
amounts thereof, are collectible except to the extent of reserves shown on
YieldUP Balance Sheet (and, for accounts arising after December 31, 1998, to an
extent consistent with past reserve practices) and are carried at values
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied on a reasonable basis. None of the accounts receivable of
YieldUP is subject to any claim of offset, recoupment, setoff, or counter-claim
and, to the knowledge of YieldUP, there are no facts or circumstances (whether
asserted or unasserted) that would give rise to any such claim. No distributor
of YieldUP is entitled, contractually or otherwise, to return any YieldUP
products that are subject of an account receivable for any full or partial
refund or credit. No accounts receivable are contingent upon the performance by
YieldUP of any obligation or contract. No person has any Lien on any of such
accounts receivable, and no agreement for deduction or discount has been made
with respect to any of such receivables.


    3.19. Bank Accounts; Guaranties; Powers of Attorney. Schedule 3.19 of the
YieldUP Disclosure Schedule identifies (i) the name of each bank, financial, or
other institution in which YieldUP has an account or safe deposit box or in
which any assets of YieldUP are deposited, including with the names of all
persons authorized to draw thereon or to have access thereto, (ii) all
guaranties, endorsements, or indemnifications by YieldUP of any person, firm or
corporation and (iii) the names of all persons holding powers of attorney for
YieldUP. 

    3.20.  Customers. Schedule 3.20 identifies each of YieldUP's customers which
accounted for at least five percent of total sales for each of the fiscal years
ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, and sets forth the total dollar volume
of goods and services purchased from YieldUP by such customers during each
period (each customer named on Schedule 3.20, a "Significant Customer"). YieldUP
has not been notified that any customer that was a Significant Customer in 1998
has terminated its relationship with YieldUP or intends not do business with
YieldUP. 

    3.21.  uppliers. Schedule 3.21 of the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule identifies
each of YieldUP's suppliers which accounted for at least five percent of total
goods and services purchased by YieldUP for each of the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, and sets forth the total dollar volume of
goods and services purchased by YieldUP from such suppliers during each period
(each supplier named on Schedule 3.21, a "Significant Supplier"). YieldUP 


                                       19
<PAGE>   25

has not been notified, that any supplier that was a Significant Supplier in 1998
has terminated its relationship with YieldUP or intends not do business with
YieldUP.

    3.22.  Minute Books. Except as set forth on the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule,
the minute books of YieldUP made available to counsel for Parent contain
complete and accurate minutes of all meetings or actions by written consent of
directors and shareholders of YieldUP since the time of incorporation of
YieldUP, and reflect all transactions referred to in such minutes accurately.

    3.23.  Environmental Matters. 

           (a) YieldUP is in compliance as of the date hereof with (and have
been at all times prior to the date hereof in compliance with) all laws, rules,
regulations, orders, ordinances, judgments, decrees and other legal requirements
relating to pollution or the protection of human health or the environment (the
"Environmental Laws").

           (b) YieldUP possesses and is in compliance with all permits, 
licenses, certificates, franchises and other authorizations relating to the
Environmental Laws necessary to conduct its business. YieldUP has delivered to
Parent correct and complete copies of all such permits, licenses, certificates,
franchises and other authorizations.
        
           (c) Except as authorized by a YieldUP Authorization, the operations
of YieldUP have not resulted in any release of Hazardous Substances (as defined
below) on any real property that has ever been owned, leased or otherwise
operated by YieldUP.

           (d) To the knowledge of YieldUP, there are not present in, on or 
under any real property that has ever been owned, leased or otherwise operated
by YieldUP any Hazardous Substances (as defined below) in such form or
quantities so as to create any liability or obligation under any Environmental
Law or any other liability for YieldUP. To the knowledge of YieldUP, YieldUP
has no liability or potential liability under any Environmental Law with
respect to the disposal of any Hazardous Substances, whether at any property
owned or leased by the Seller or at any other location. 
        
          (e) There are no Environmental Claims (as defined below) pending or,
to the knowledge of YieldUP, threatened against YieldUP. There are no past or
present actions, activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents,
that could form the basis of any Environmental Claim against YieldUP or against
any person or entity whose liability for such Environmental Claim YieldUP has or
may have retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law. 

           (f) Consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
will not constitute or result in a violation of any Environmental Law.

           (g) (i) There is no asbestos contained in or forming a part of any
building or structure on real property owned or leased by YieldUP that could
result in any material liability for YieldUP or that could have a material
adverse effect on the value or marketability 



                                       20
<PAGE>   26

of such building or structure; (ii) no polychlorinated biphenyls are used or
stored at any real property owned or leased by YieldUP or contained in any
personal property owned, leased or operated by YieldUP; (iii) YieldUP does not
own or operate (and has never owned or operated) any underground storage tanks
regulated under the Environmental Laws, and (iv) to the knowledge of YieldUP, no
aboveground or underground storage tanks regulated under the Environmental Laws
are located on (or have ever been located on) any real property owned or leased
by YieldUP.

         (h) YieldUP has not at any time transported to, or disposed of in, any
landfill or other facility any Hazardous Materials, which transportation or
disposal (under laws presently applicable to the landfill or other facility)
could result in any material liability for YieldUP.

         (i) As used in this Section 3.23, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:

              (i) "Hazardous Substances" means pollutants, contaminants,
hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, petroleum and fractions thereof, and all
other chemicals, wastes, substances and materials listed in, regulated by any
Environmental Law or defined or designated as hazardous, extremely hazardous or
toxic under any Environmental Law.

              (ii) "Environmental Claim" means any notice by a person or entity
alleging potential liability (including, without limitation, potential liability
for any investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental response costs, natural
resource damages, property damages, personal injuries, or penalties) arising out
of, based on or resulting from (1) the presence, or release into the
environment, of any Hazardous Substances at any location, whether or not owned
by YieldUP or (2) circumstances forming the basis of a violation, or alleged
violation, of any Environmental Law.

    3.24. Brokers' and Finders' Fees. Except as disclosed on the YieldUP
Disclosure Schedule with respect to Needham & Company, Incorporated, YieldUP has
not incurred, nor will it incur, directly or indirectly, any liability for
brokerage or finders' fees or agents' commissions or any similar charges in
connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby.

    3.25. Labor Matters. Schedule 3.25 of the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule lists
all current officers and management level employees of YieldUP (and their
respective titles). Except as set forth in the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule,
there are no material pending claims against YieldUP under any workers
compensation plan or policy or for short term or long term disability. YieldUP
has fully complied with all applicable provisions of COBRA and has no
obligations with respect to any former employees or qualified beneficiaries
thereunder, except as set forth in the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule. YieldUP has
not given to or received from any current employee of YieldUP notice of
termination of employment. There is no collective bargaining unit representing
any of YieldUP's employees. To the knowledge of YieldUP, no petition has been
filed and is 



                                       21
<PAGE>   27

pending with the National Labor Relations Board by any labor organization or any
group of employees for an election or certification regarding the representation
of any group of employees by a labor organization, nor to the knowledge of
YieldUP is there at present any solicitation or campaign by any labor
organization or employee for the representation of YieldUP's employees by a
labor organization.

    3.26. Employee Benefit Plans.

          (a) Schedule 3.26(a) of the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule lists all
employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA")) and all bonus, stock option,
stock purchase, incentive, deferred compensation, supplemental retirement,
severance, and other similar employee benefit plans, programs, or arrangements,
and any current or former employment or executive compensation or severance
agreements, written or otherwise, for the benefit of, or relating to, any
current or former employee of YieldUP or any trade or business (whether or not
incorporated) which is a member or which is under common control with YieldUP
(an "ERISA Affiliate") within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of
the Code, or any subsidiary of YieldUP under which YieldUP or an ERISA Affiliate
has or could have any obligations or liability (together, the "Employee Plans").

          (b) Except as disclosed on the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule, (i) none
of the Employee Plans promises or provides retiree medical or other retiree
welfare benefits to any person except as required by applicable law, including
but not limited to COBRA; (ii) all Employee Plans are in compliance in all
material respects with the requirements prescribed by any and all applicable
statutes (including ERISA and the Code, except for the adoption of certain
amendments to conform to changes made by recent legislation provided that the
time period for adopting such amendments has not yet expired), orders, or
governmental rules and regulations currently in effect with respect thereto
(including all applicable requirements for notification to participants or
beneficiaries or the Department of Labor, Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
or Secretary of the Treasury), and YieldUP has performed all obligations
required to be performed by it under, is not in default under or violation of,
and has no knowledge of any default or violation by any other party to, any of
the Employee Plans; (iii) no Employee Plan is or within the prior six years has
been subject to, and YieldUP has not incurred, and does not expect to incur, any
liability under, Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code; and (iv) neither
YieldUP, any ERISA Affiliate nor any Employee Plan is subject to any excise tax
or any similar tax or penalty under the Code or ERISA.

          (c) None of the following now exists or has existed within the
six-year period ending on the date hereof with respect to any Employee Plan: (i)
any act or omission by YieldUP constituting a violation of Section 402, 403, 404
or 405 of ERISA; (ii) any act or omission by YieldUP which constitutes a
violation of Sections 406 and 407 of ERISA and is not exempted by Section 408 of
ERISA or which constitutes a violation of Section 4975(c) of the Code and is not
exempted by Section 4975(d) of the Code; (iii) any act or omission by YieldUP
constituting a violation of Section 503, 510 or 511 of ERISA; or (iv) any act or
omission by YieldUP which could give rise to liability under Section 502 of
ERISA.




                                       22
<PAGE>   28

          (d) Each Employee Plan has been maintained in substantial compliance
with its terms, and all contributions, premiums, or other payments due from
YieldUP to (or under) any such Employee Plan have been fully paid or are
adequately provided for on the YieldUP Balance Sheet. All accruals thereon
(including, where appropriate, proportional accruals for partial periods) have
been made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied on a reasonable basis. Except as set forth in the YieldUP
Disclosure Schedule, there has been no amendment, written interpretation, or
announcement (whether or not written) by YieldUP with respect to, or change in
employee participation or coverage under, any Employee Plan that would increase
the expense of maintaining such plans or arrangements, individually or in the
aggregate, above the level of expense incurred with respect thereto for the most
recently-ended fiscal year.

          (e) YieldUP has made available to Parent complete, accurate and
current copies of all Employee Plans and all amendments, documents,
correspondence and filings relating thereto, including but not limited to any
statements, filings, reports, or returns filed with any Governmental Entity with
respect to the Employee Plans.

    3.27. Insurance. Schedule 3.27 of the YieldUP Disclosure Schedule sets forth
an accurate list of all insurance policies and fidelity bonds covering the
assets, business, equipment, properties, operations, employees, officers, and
directors of YieldUP. There is no claim by YieldUP pending under any of such
policies or bonds as to which coverage has been questioned, denied, or disputed
by the underwriters of such policies or bonds. All premiums due and payable
under all such policies and bonds have been paid and YieldUP is otherwise in
full compliance with the terms of such policies and bonds (or other policies and
bonds providing substantially similar insurance coverage). To YieldUP's
knowledge, such policies of insurance and bonds are of the type and in amounts
customarily carried by persons conducting businesses similar to those of
YieldUP. YieldUP has no knowledge of any threatened termination of, or premium
increase with respect to, any of such policies.

    3.28. Compliance With Laws. YieldUP has complied in all material respects
with, is not in material violation of, and has not received any notices of
violation with respect to, any federal, state, local or foreign statute, law, or
regulation with respect to the conduct of its business, or the ownership or
operation of its business.

    3.29. Third Party Consents. Except as set forth in the YieldUP Disclosure
Schedule, no consent or approval is needed from any third party in order to
effect the Merger, this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated
hereby.

    3.30. Registration Statements; Proxy Statement. The information concerning
YieldUP supplied by YieldUP for inclusion in the Registration Statement (as
defined in Section 4.08) shall not at the time the Registration Statement is
declared effective by the SEC contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading. The information concerning YieldUP supplied by
YieldUP for inclusion in the proxy statement/prospectus to be sent to the
stockholders of YieldUP in




                                       23
<PAGE>   29

connection with the meeting of YieldUP's stockholders to consider the Merger and
this Agreement (the "YieldUP Stockholders' Meeting") (such proxy
statement/prospectus as amended or supplemented is referred to herein as the
"Proxy Statement,") shall not, on the date the Proxy Statement is first mailed
to YieldUP's stockholders, at the time of YieldUP Stockholders' Meeting and at
the Effective Time, contain any statement which, at such time and in light of
the circumstances under which it shall be made, is false or misleading with
respect to any material fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary in
order to make the statements made therein not false or misleading; or omit to
state any material fact necessary to correct any statement in any earlier
communication with respect to the solicitation of proxies for YieldUP
Stockholders' Meeting which has become false or misleading. If at any time prior
to the Effective Time any event relating to YieldUP or any of its affiliates,
officers or directors should be discovered by YieldUP which should be set forth
in an amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the Proxy
Statement, YieldUP shall promptly inform Parent and Sub. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, YieldUP makes no representation or warranty with respect to any
information concerning Parent or Sub supplied by Parent or Sub which is
contained in any of the foregoing documents.
        

    3.31. Complete Copies of Materials. All documents made available to Parent
or its counsel in connection with their legal and accounting review of YieldUP
are true and complete copies thereof.

    3.32. Year 2000. The YieldUP SEC Reports describe the efforts undertaken to
date by YieldUP with a view to assuring that its business is Millennium
Compliant (as hereinafter defined) prior to December 31, 1999. YieldUP has no
reason to believe that YieldUP is not Millennium Compliant. YieldUP has not
received notice from any Significant Customer or Supplier indicating that such
customer or supplier will not be Millennium Compliant and experience problems
related thereto that could have a Material Adverse Effect on YieldUP.
"Millennium Compliant" means that all software, hardware and associated devices
material to the conduct of a company's business will operate without error
relating to date data, including but not limited to any error relating to or
product of date data which represents references to different centuries or more
than one century or utilizes a four digit year code or format. 


    3.33. Opinion of Financial Advisor. The financial advisor of YieldUP,
Needham & Company, Incorporated, has delivered to the Board of Directors of
YieldUP an opinion dated the date of this Agreement that, from a financial point
of view, the consideration to be offered to the stockholders of YieldUP in the
Merger contemplated hereby is fair.

    3.34. Voting Agreements. YieldUP has delivered to Parent an Agreement (the
"YieldUP Affiliate Agreement"), in substantially the form of Exhibit 3.34(a)
hereto, from, and executed by, each of Raj Mohindra and Suraj Puri and any
entity controlled thereby (each a "YieldUP Affiliate"), by which each YieldUP
Affiliate agrees, among other things, (i) to vote any shares of YieldUP Common
Stock for which they have voting power in favor of the Merger in any stockholder
vote to obtain approval to proceed with the Merger, (ii) to not sell or
otherwise dispose of any shares of Parent Common Stock for a period of 180 days
after the Effective Time and (iii) in the event such YieldUP Affiliate is a
representative of an institution that holds any shares of YieldUP Common Stock,
to use his or her best efforts to ensure that such institutions 




                                       24
<PAGE>   30

comply with the terms and conditions of such YieldUP Affiliate Agreement. In
addition, YieldUP will deliver to Parent prior to the Closing an agreement,
substantially in the form of Exhibit 3.34(b) hereto, from, and executed by, each
officer and director of YieldUP, by which such person agrees to comply with the
applicable requirements of Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act.

    3.35 Disclosure No representation or warranty of YieldUP in this Agreement
or any document, exhibit, statement, certificate, or schedule furnished or to be
furnished to the Parent pursuant hereto, contains or will contain any untrue
statement of a material fact, or omits or will omit any material fact necessary
to make the statements therein not misleading.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND SUB

    Parent and Sub jointly and severally represent and warrant to YieldUP that
the statements contained in this Article IV are true and correct as of the date
hereof, except as set forth in the disclosure schedule delivered by Parent to
YieldUP on or before the date of this Agreement (the "Parent Disclosure
Schedule"). The Parent Disclosure Schedule shall be arranged in paragraphs
corresponding to the numbered and lettered paragraphs contained in this Article
IV and the disclosure in any paragraph, including appropriate cross references,
shall qualify only the corresponding paragraph in this Article IV.


    4.01.  Organization, Standing and Power. Parent is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Minnesota. Sub is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Minnesota. Each of Parent and Sub has
the corporate power to own its properties and to carry on its business as now
being conducted and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in
each jurisdiction in which the failure to be so qualified would have a Material
Adverse Effect on Parent and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Parent has
delivered a true and correct copy of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
of Parent and the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of Sub, each as amended
to date, to YieldUP.

    4.02.  Capital Structure.

          (a) The authorized capital stock of Parent consists of 50,000,000
shares of Parent Common Stock, of which, as of the close of business on January
19, 1999, 23,229,905 shares were issued and outstanding, and 10,000,000 shares
of Preferred Stock, no par value, none of which, as of the date hereof, is
issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital
stock of Parent and its subsidiaries have been duly authorized and validly
issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and were not granted in violation of
any statutory preemptive rights. There are no outstanding subscriptions,
options, warrants, calls, or other agreements or commitments under which Parent
or any subsidiary is or may become obligated to issue, sell, transfer, or
otherwise dispose of, or purchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire, any shares of
capital stock of, or other equity interests in, Parent or any subsidiary, and
there are no outstanding securities convertible into or exchangeable for any
such capital stock or other equity interests,




                                       25
<PAGE>   31

except for (i) options to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,345,695 shares (as of
the date hereof) of Parent Common Stock, (ii) shares of Parent Common Stock
issuable in accordance with Parent's Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (iii) up to
100,000 shares of Parent Common Stock issuable under a warrant agreement between
Parent and Aspect, Inc., and (iv) the Rights Agreement dated as of May 22, 1997
between Parent and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as amended (the "Parent Rights
Agreement"), under which each outstanding share of Parent Common Stock has
attached to it certain rights (the "Parent Rights"), including rights under
certain circumstances to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Parent Series
A Junior Participating Preferred Shares at $90 per share, subject to adjustment.
There are no stock appreciation rights, phantom stock rights, or performance
shares outstanding with respect to Parent or any of its subsidiaries. Except as
set forth in the Parent Disclosure Schedule, Parent owns, directly or
indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of every
class of each subsidiary, free and clear of all liens, security interests,
pledges, charges, and other encumbrances. There are no voting trusts or other
agreements or understandings to which Parent or any of its subsidiaries is a
party or of which Parent otherwise has knowledge with respect to the voting of
the capital stock of Parent or its subsidiaries.

          (b) The shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the
Merger, when issued in accordance with this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, and
the applicable provisions of Delaware Law will be duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid, and nonassessable.

    4.03. Authority. Parent and Sub have all requisite corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized
by all necessary corporate action on the part of Parent and Sub. This Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by Parent and Sub and constitutes the valid
and binding obligations of Parent and Sub enforceable against Sub in accordance
with its terms, except to the extent that enforceability may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general
principles of equity. Except as set forth in the Parent Disclosure Schedule, the
execution and delivery of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will not, conflict with, or result in any
violation or breach of, or default under (with or without notice or lapse of
time, or both), or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or
acceleration of any obligation or loss of a benefit under (i) any provision of
the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of Parent or the Certificate of
Incorporation or By-Laws of Sub or (ii) any mortgage, indenture, lease, contract
or other agreement or instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license,
judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable
to Parent or its properties or assets, except in the case of (ii) above, for
such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults, rights, or losses which would
not prevent or delay consummation of the Merger, or otherwise prevent Parent or
Sub from performing its respective obligations under this Agreement, and which
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on
the business, operations, assets (including intangible assets), financial
condition or results of operations of Parent and its subsidiaries, taken as a
whole. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by or with
respect to Parent or Sub in connection with 
        

                                       26
<PAGE>   32

the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Sub or the
consummation by Parent or Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby, except
for (i) the filing of the Merger Agreement with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware, (ii) filings in connection, or in compliance, with the
provisions of the HSR Act, (iii) the filing of the Registration Statement and
Proxy Statement with the SEC, the filing of a Form 8-K with the SEC after the
Closing Date, or any filings as may be required under applicable state
securities laws and the laws of any foreign country, and (v) where failure to
obtain such consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, or
declarations, or to make such filings, would not prevent or delay consummation
of the Merger, or otherwise prevent Parent or Sub from performing its respective
obligations under this Agreement, and would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent and its subsidiaries, taken
as a whole.

    4.04. SEC Filings; Financial Statements.

          (a) Parent has filed and made available to YieldUP all forms, reports,
and documents required to be filed by Parent with the SEC since August 27, 1995
(including all exhibits, notes, and schedules thereto and documents incorporated
by reference therein)(all such forms, reports, and documents, including any such
forms, reports, and documents filed with the SEC after the date hereof, being
collectively called the "Parent SEC Reports" and individually called a "Parent
SEC Report"). The Parent SEC Reports (i) at the time filed, with respect to all
of the Parent SEC Reports other than registration statements filed under the
Securities Act, or at the time of their respective effective dates, with respect
to registration statements filed under the Securities Act, complied, and any
Parent SEC Report filed with the SEC after the date hereof will comply, as to
form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities
Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and (ii) did not, and any Parent
SEC Report filed after the date hereof will not, at the time filed or at the
time of their respective effective dates, as the case may be (or if amended or
superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of
such filing), contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated in such Parent SEC Reports or necessary in
order to make the statements in such Parent SEC Reports, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Since August 27, 1995,
Parent has filed in a timely manner all forms, reports, and documents that it
was required to file with the SEC under the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations of the SEC. None of Parent's subsidiaries is required to file any
forms, reports, or other documents with the SEC.

          (b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each
case, any related notes) contained in the Parent SEC Reports at the time filed
or at the time of their respective effective date, as the case may be, complied,
or will comply, as to form in all material respects with the applicable
published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, was, or will
be, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied
on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved (except as may be
indicated in the notes to such financial statements or, in the case of unaudited
statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) and fairly presented, or will
fairly present, the consolidated financial position of Parent and its
subsidiaries at the respective dates and the consolidated results of its
operations and cash flows for the periods indicated, except that the unaudited
interim financial statements were or are subject to normal and recurring
year-end adjustments.



                                       27
<PAGE>   33


     4.05. No Material Adverse Change. Except as disclosed in the Parent SEC 
Reports or in the Parent Disclosure Schedule, from the date of the balance sheet
included in the Parent's most recently filed report on Form 10-Q through the 
date of this Agreement, Parent has conducted its business in the ordinary course
and there has not occurred: (a) any material adverse change in the financial
condition, liabilities, assets, or business of Parent and its subsidiaries,
taken as a whole; (b) any amendments or changes in the Articles of Incorporation
or By-Laws of Parent; (c) any damage to, destruction or loss of any assets of
the Parent (whether or not covered by insurance) that materially and adversely
affects the financial condition or business of Parent and its subsidiaries,
taken as a whole; (d) any sale of a material amount of property of Parent,
except in the ordinary course of business; or (e) any adverse change of a
character that would be required to be disclosed in the next Form 10-Q or Form
10-K required to be filed by Parent.
        
     4.06. Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration,
or investigation pending, or as to which Parent has received any notice of
assertion nor, to Parent's knowledge, is there a reasonable basis to expect such
notice of assertion, against Parent which in any manner challenges or seeks to
prevent, enjoin, alter, or materially delay any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement. Except as disclosed in the Parent SEC Reports or in the
Parent Disclosure Schedule, there is no suit, action or proceeding pending, or,
to the knowledge of Parent, threatened against Parent, which is reasonably
likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent and its subsidiaries, taken
as a whole.
        
     4.07. Brokers' and Finders' Fees. Except for the fee of Lehman Brothers, 
Inc., Parent's financial adviser, Parent has not incurred, and will not incur,
directly or indirectly, any liability for brokerage or finders' fees or agents'
commissions or any similar charges in connection with this Agreement, the Merger
or any transaction contemplated hereby.
        
     4.08. Registration Statement; Proxy Statement. Subject to the accuracy of 
the representations of YieldUP made in Section 3.30, the Registration Statement
on Form S-4 pursuant to which the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in
the Merger will be registered with the SEC (the "Registration Statement") shall
not, at the time the Registration Statement (including any amendments or
supplements thereto) is declared effective by the SEC, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in
order to make the statements included therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading. The information concerning Parent
and Sub supplied by Parent for inclusion in the Proxy Statement shall not, on
the date the Proxy Statement is first mailed to YieldUP's stockholders, at the
time of YieldUP Stockholders' Meeting and at the Effective Time, contain any
statement which, at such time and in light of the circumstances under which it
shall be made, is false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or omit
to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not
false or misleading; or omit to state any material fact necessary to correct any
statement in any earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of
proxies for YieldUP Stockholders' Meeting which has become false or misleading.
If at any time prior to the Effective Time any event relating to Parent, Sub or
any of their respective affiliates, officers or directors should be discovered
by Parent or Sub which should be set forth in an amendment to the Registration
Statement or a supplement to the Proxy Statement,
        
        

                                       28







<PAGE>   34
Parent or Sub will promptly inform YieldUP. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Parent and Sub make no representation or warranty with respect to any
information concerning YieldUP supplied by YieldUP which is contained in any of
the foregoing documents.

     4.09. Ownership and Interim Operations of Sub. All outstanding capital 
stock of Sub is owned by Parent and Parent is in control of Sub within the
meaning of Section 368(e) of the Code. Sub was formed solely for the purpose of
engaging in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, has engaged in no
other business activities, and has conducted its operations only as contemplated
by this Agreement.


                                    ARTICLE V


                 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME

     5.01. Conduct of Business of YieldUP. During the period from the date of
this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this
Agreement or the Effective Time, YieldUP agrees (except to the extent that
Parent shall otherwise consent in writing), to carry on its business in the
usual, regular and ordinary course in substantially the same manner as
heretofore conducted, to pay its debts and Taxes when due subject to good faith
disputes over such debts or Taxes, to pay or perform other obligations when due,
and, to the extent consistent with such business, use all reasonable efforts
consistent with past practices and policies to preserve intact YieldUP's present
business organizations, keep available the services of its present officers and
key employees and preserve their relationships with customers, suppliers,
distributors, licensors, licensees, and others having business dealings with
YieldUP. YieldUP shall promptly notify Parent of any event or occurrence not in
the ordinary course of business of YieldUP, and of any event which could have a
Material Adverse Effect on YieldUP. Except as expressly contemplated by this
Agreement or as described in YieldUP Disclosure Schedules, YieldUP shall not,
without the prior written consent of Parent:

           (a) Accelerate, amend or change the period of exercisability of
options or restricted stock granted under YieldUP Option Plans or authorize cash
payments in exchange for any options granted under any of such Plans;

           (b) Enter into any commitment or transaction (i) which requires
performance over a period longer than six months in duration except transactions
in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) to purchase fixed assets for an
aggregate purchase price in excess of $50,000 through April 30, 1999, or in
excess of $10,000 per month thereafter;

           (c) Grant any severance or termination pay to (i) any director or
officer or (ii) to any other employee in excess of an amount equaling one
month's pay to such individual (provided, however, that severance or termination
pay shall not be granted by YieldUP without Parent's written approval to more
than five such employees), except payments made pursuant to written agreements
outstanding on the date hereof and as disclosed on Schedule 3.14 of the YieldUP
Disclosure Schedules.

                                       29
<PAGE>   35
           (d) Transfer, sell, or license to any person or entity any rights to
or interest in YieldUP Intellectual Property Rights, except in compliance with
existing agreements (which agreements are listed in Schedule 3.14 of the YieldUP
Disclosure Schedules) or in the ordinary course of business in connection with
product sales;

           (e) Enter into, extend, modify or enlarge the rights of the other
party under any distribution, original equipment manufacturer, sales
representative, license, or other similar agreements pursuant to which any other
party is granted exclusive marketing or other exclusive rights of any type or
scope with respect to any products or technology of YieldUP;

           (f) Violate any of the YieldUP Material Contracts in such a manner as
would permit any other party thereto to cancel or terminate the same or entitle
any other party to seek damages from YieldUP, or amend or otherwise modify the
terms of any such YieldUP Material Contract in any manner that would be
materially adverse to the interests of YieldUP.

           (g) Commence a lawsuit other than (i) for the routine collection of
bills, (ii) in such cases where YieldUP in good faith determines that failure to
commence suit could reasonably result in the material impairment of a valuable
aspect of YieldUP's business, provided that YieldUP consults with Parent prior
to the filing of such a suit, or (iii) for a breach of or to enforce this
Agreement;

           (h) Declare or pay any dividends on or make any other distributions
(whether in cash, stock or property) in respect of any of its capital stock, or
split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or authorize the
issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution
for shares of capital stock of YieldUP, or repurchase or otherwise acquire,
directly or indirectly, any shares of YieldUP's Common Stock except from former
employees, directors and consultants in accordance with agreements providing for
the repurchase of shares in connection with any termination of service to
YieldUP;

           (i) Issue, deliver or sell or authorize or propose the issuance,
delivery or sale of, or purchase or propose the purchase of, any shares of its
capital stock or securities convertible into, or subscriptions, rights, warrants
or options to acquire, or other agreements or commitments of any character
obligating it to issue any such shares or other convertible securities, other
than grants of stock options pursuant to the YieldUP Option Plans and the
issuance of shares of YieldUP Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of YieldUP
Options therefor outstanding as of the date of this Agreement;

           (j) Cause or permit any amendments to its Certificate of
Incorporation or By-Laws;

           (k) Acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or
by purchasing a substantial portion of the assets of, or by any other manner,
any business or any corporation, partnership, association or other business
organization or division thereof, or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any
assets which are material, individually or in the aggregate, to the business of
YieldUP;

                                       30
<PAGE>   36
           (l) Sell, lease, license, or otherwise dispose of any of its
properties or assets, except in the ordinary course of business;

           (m) Incur any indebtedness for borrowed money other than debt
incurred under YieldUP's existing line of credit and in amounts and on terms
consistent with past practice, or guarantee any such indebtedness or issue or
sell any debt securities of YieldUP or guarantee any debt securities of others;

           (n) Adopt or amend any employee benefit or stock purchase or option
plan, or enter into any employment contract, pay any special bonus or special
remuneration to any director or employee, or increase the salaries or wage rates
of its employees, except as required to comply with applicable law or to
maintain the qualified status of any plan under the Code, and except for annual
wage increases for employees that do not, in the aggregate, exceed five percent
of 1998 base compensation for all such employees and, individually, do not
exceed five percent of 1998 base compensation in the case of any officer;

           (o) Revalue any of its assets, including without limitation writing
down the value of inventory or writing off notes or accounts receivable other
than in the ordinary course of business, or change any accounting methods or
practices;

           (p) Pay, discharge, or satisfy in an amount in excess of $25,000 (in
the aggregate) any claim, liability, or obligation (absolute, accrued, asserted
or unasserted, contingent or otherwise), other than the payment, discharge, or
satisfaction in the ordinary course of business of liabilities reflected or
reserved against in the YieldUP Financial Statements (or the notes thereto);

           (q) Make or change any election in respect of Taxes, adopt or change
any accounting method in respect of Taxes, file any Return or any amendment to a
Return (other than in the ordinary course of business), enter into any closing
agreement, settle any claim or assessment in respect of Taxes, or consent to any
extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any claim or
assessment in respect of Taxes;

           (r) Waive or release any right or claim of YieldUP, including any
write-off or other compromise of any account receivable of YieldUP, other than
in the ordinary course of business and in an amount not in excess of $10,000 per
amount or right or claim or $100,000 in the aggregate;

           (s) Enter into any contract, agreement, or license of the type
referred to in Section 3.14(a)-(q) other than customer contracts or contracts
for the purchase of supplies and services and the sale of products and services
entered into in the ordinary course of business; or

           (t) Take, or agree to take, any of the actions described in Sections
4.1(a) through (s) above, or any action which would make any of the
representations or warranties of 

                                       31
<PAGE>   37
YieldUP contained in this Agreement materially untrue or incorrect or prevent
YieldUP from performing or cause YieldUP not to perform its covenants hereunder.

    5.02. Cooperation. Subject to compliance with applicable law, from the date
hereof until the Effective Time, each of Parent and YieldUP shall confer on a
regular and frequent basis with one or more representatives of the other party
to report operational matters of materiality and the general status of ongoing
operations and shall promptly provide the other party and its counsel with
copies of all filings made by such party with any Governmental Entity in
connection with this Agreement, the Merger, and the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby.



                                   ARTICLE VI


                       ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS


    6.01. No Solicitation.


          (a) YieldUP shall not directly or indirectly, through any officer,
director, employee, representative, or agent thereof, (i) solicit, initiate, or
encourage any inquiries or proposals that constitute, or could reasonably be
expected to lead to, a proposal or offer for a merger, consolidation, business
combination, sale of substantial assets, sale of shares of capital stock
(including without limitation by way of a tender offer), or similar transaction
involving YieldUP other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(any of the foregoing inquiries or proposals being referred to in this Agreement
as an "Acquisition Proposal"), (ii) engage in negotiations or discussions
concerning, or provide any non-public information to any person or entity
relating to, any Acquisition Proposal, or (iii) agree to, approve, or recommend
any Acquisition Proposal; provided, however, that nothing contained in this
Agreement shall prevent YieldUP or its Board of Directors, from (x) furnishing
non-public information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations with,
any person or entity in connection with an unsolicited bona fide Acquisition
Proposal by such person or entity or recommending an unsolicited bona fide
written Acquisition Proposal to the stockholders, if and only to the extent that
(A) the Board of Directors determines in good faith after consultation with
outside legal counsel that failure to provide such non-public information would
be in breach of their fiduciary duties and the Board of Directors believes in
good faith, after consultation with their financial advisor, that such
Acquisition Proposal is bona fide and is, from a financial point of view, more
favorable to the stockholders of YieldUP than the Merger and (B) prior to
furnishing such non-public information to, or entering into discussions or
negotiations with, such person or entity, the Board of Directors receives from
such person or entity an executed confidentiality agreement with terms no more
favorable to such party than those contained in the Confidentiality and
Nondisclosure Agreement dated November 18, 1998 between Parent and YieldUP (the
"Confidentiality Agreement") or (y) complying with Rule 14e-2 or Rule 14d-9
promulgated under the Exchange Act with regard to an Acquisition Proposal.


          (b) YieldUP shall notify Parent immediately (and no later than 24
hours) after receipt by YieldUP (or its advisors), of any Acquisition Proposal
or any request for non-public information in connection with an Acquisition
Proposal or for access to the properties, books, or 

                                       32
<PAGE>   38
records thereof by any person or entity that informs YieldUP that it is
considering making, or has made, an Acquisition Proposal. Such notice by YieldUP
shall be made orally and in writing and shall indicate in reasonable detail the
identity of the offeror and the terms and conditions of such proposal, inquiry,
or contact.


          (c) YieldUP shall immediately cease and cause to be terminated any
existing activities, discussions, or negotiations with any person conducted
previously with respect to any Acquisition Proposal, and will promptly request
that each such person return or destroy all confidential information previously
produced to that person by YieldUP or its advisors or representatives.


    6.02. Proxy Statement; Registration Statement.


          (a) As promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement,
Parent and YieldUP shall prepare and file with the SEC the Proxy Statement to be
sent to the stockholders of YieldUP in connection with the YieldUP Stockholders'
Meeting and Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 pursuant to which the shares of Parent Common Stock to be
issued as a result of the Merger will be registered with the SEC, in which the
Proxy Statement will be included as a prospectus. Parent and YieldUP shall use
all reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective
as soon after such filing as practicable. The Proxy Statement shall include the
recommendation of the Board of Directors of YieldUP in favor of this Agreement
and the Merger provided that the Board of Directors of YieldUP may withdraw such
recommendation if such Board of Directors shall have determined in good faith,
after consultation with its outside legal counsel, that the withdrawal of such
recommendation is necessary for such Board of Directors to comply with its
fiduciary duties under applicable law. Parent and YieldUP shall make all other
necessary filings with respect to the Merger under the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.


          (b) YieldUP shall take such action as may be necessary to cause the
representation set forth in Section 3.30 hereof to be true and correct at all
applicable times with respect to each of the Proxy Statement and the
Registration Statement.


          (c) Parent shall take such action as may be necessary to cause the
representation set forth in Section 4.08 hereof to be true and correct at all
applicable times with respect to each of the Proxy Statement and the
Registration Statement.


    6.03. Access to Information. Upon reasonable notice and to the extent
permitted under applicable law and the provisions of agreements to which Parent
or YieldUP, as the case may be, is a party, YieldUP and Parent shall each afford
to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel, and other representatives of
the other, access, during normal business hours during the period prior to the
Effective Time, to all its properties, books, contracts, commitments, and
records and, during such period, each of YieldUP and Parent shall furnish
promptly to the other (a) a copy of each report, schedule, registration
statement, and other document filed or received by it during such period
pursuant to the requirements of federal securities laws and (b) all other
information concerning its business, properties, and personnel as such other
party may reasonably request. 

                                       33
<PAGE>   39
Unless otherwise required by law, the parties will hold any such information
which is non-public in confidence in accordance with the Confidentiality
Agreement. No information or knowledge obtained in any investigation pursuant to
this Section 6.03 shall affect or be deemed to modify a representation or
warranty contained in this Agreement or the conditions to the obligations of the
parties to consummate the Merger.


    6.04. YieldUP Stockholders' Meeting. YieldUP shall call a meeting of its
stockholders to be held as promptly as practicable for the purpose of voting
upon this Agreement and the Merger. The YieldUP Stockholders' Meeting shall be
held to vote on the Merger and this Agreement whether or not the Board of
Directors determines that any time after the date of this Agreement that this
Agreement is no longer advisable. Subject to Section 6.02(a) hereof, YieldUP
will, through its Board of Directors, recommend to its stockholders approval of
such matters and will use its best efforts to hold such meeting as soon as
practicable after the date hereof. YieldUP shall use all reasonable efforts to
solicit from its stockholders proxies in favor of such matters as long as the
recommendation of the Board of Directors remains in effect.


    6.05. Legal Conditions to Merger. Each of Parent and YieldUP will take all
reasonable actions necessary to comply promptly with all legal requirements
which may be imposed on it with respect to the Merger (which actions shall
include, without limitation, furnishing all information required under the HSR
Act and in connection with approvals of or filings with any other Governmental
Entity) and will promptly cooperate with and furnish information to each other
in connection with any such requirements imposed upon either of them or any of
their Subsidiaries in connection with the Merger. Each of Parent and YieldUP
will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, take all reasonable actions necessary
to obtain (and will cooperate with each other in obtaining) any consent,
authorization, order, or approval of, or any exemption by, any Governmental
Entity or other public third party, required to be obtained or made by Parent,
YieldUP in connection with the Merger or the taking of any action contemplated
thereby or by this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 6.05, however, shall
require Parent, in connection with the receipt of any regulatory approval, to
agree to (i) sell or agree to sell, discontinue, or limit, before or after the
Effective Time, any assets, businesses, or interests in any assets or businesses
of YieldUP, Parent or any of their respective affiliates or (ii) agree to any
conditions relating to, or changes or restrictions in, the operations of any
such assets or businesses that, in either case, is reasonably likely to
materially and adversely impact the economic or business benefits of the parties
to the transactions contemplated hereby.


    6.06. Payment of Taxes.

          (a) YieldUP shall pay prior to the Effective Time (i) all Taxes
required to be paid by YieldUP prior to that day, and (ii) shall withhold with
respect to its employees all federal and state income taxes, FICA, FUTA, and
other Taxes required to be withheld.

          (b) Parent shall pay prior to the Effective Time (i) all Taxes
required to be paid by Parent prior to that day, and (ii) shall withhold with
respect to its employees all federal and state income taxes, FICA, FUTA, and
other Taxes required to be withheld.

                                       34
<PAGE>   40
    6.07. Public Disclosure. Any public disclosures by Parent or YieldUP with
respect to the Merger or this Agreement, or with respect to anything involving
or referring to the other, shall be made in accordance with the terms of the
Confidentiality Agreement.


    6.08. Tax-Free Reorganization.


          (a) Parent and YieldUP shall each use its best efforts to cause the
Merger to be treated as a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a)(1)(A) and Section 368(a)(2)(D) of the Code (a "Reorganization").


          (b) To the extent permitted under applicable tax laws, the Merger
shall be reported as a Reorganization in all federal, state, and local tax
returns filed after the Effective Time.


          (c) Following the Merger and for a period sufficient to qualify the
Merger as a Reorganization, Parent will cause Sub to hold, at least 90% of the
fair market value of YieldUP's net assets and 70% of the fair market value of
YieldUP's gross assets held immediately prior to the Merger. For purposes of
this subsection (c), amounts paid by YieldUP to YieldUP Stockholders who receive
cash or other property, to pay reorganization expenses, and in connection with
redemptions and distributions (except for regular, normal distributions) will be
treated as assets of YieldUP held immediately prior to the Merger.


          (d) Following the Merger and for a period sufficient to qualify the
Merger as a Reorganization, Parent will cause Sub to continue the historic
business of YieldUP or use a significant portion of YieldUP's business assets in
a business.


          (e) Following the Merger and for a period sufficient to qualify the
Merger as a Reorganization, Parent will cause Sub not to issue additional shares
of its stock that would result in Parent losing control of Sub within the
meaning of section 368(c) of the Code.


          (f) Following the Merger and for a period sufficient to qualify the
Merger as a Reorganization, Parent will not reacquire any of its stock issued in
the Merger, whether directly or through a partnership, successor, or a person
related to Parent within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section
1.368-1(e)(3).


          (g) Following the Merger and for a period sufficient to qualify the
Merger as a Reorganization, Parent will not liquidate Sub, merge Sub with or
into another corporation, sell or dispose of the stock of Sub (except for
transfers to other corporations controlled by Parent), or cause Sub to sell or
dispose of any of its assets or the assets acquired from YieldUP, except for
dispositions in the ordinary course of business or transfers described in
Section 368(a)(2)(C) of the Code.


          (h) Parent, Sub, YieldUP and the stockholders of YieldUP will pay
their respective expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the Merger.


          (i) At the Effective Time, no indebtedness between Parent and YieldUP
or between Sub and YieldUP will have been issued, acquired, or settled at a
discount.

                                       35
<PAGE>   41

          (j) At the Effective Time, the fair market value of the assets of
YieldUP transferred to Sub will exceed the sum of liabilities assumed by Sub,
plus the amount of liabilities, if any, to which the transferred assets are
subject. All such liabilities of YieldUP assumed by Sub, and those as to which
the transferred assets are subject, will have been incurred by YieldUP in the
ordinary course of its business.


          (k) At the Effective Time, none of Parent, YieldUP or Sub will be an
investment company as defined in Section 368(a)(2)(F)(iii) and (iv) of the Code.


          (l) In connection with the tax opinions referred to in 7.01(f), each
party agrees to deliver letters of representation in such form and substance as
is customary in the giving of such tax opinions.


    6.09. NASDAQ Quotation. Parent shall use its best efforts to cause the
shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger to be approved for
quotation on the Nasdaq National Market, subject to official notice of issuance,
prior to the Closing Date.


    6.10. Stock Plans and Warrants.


          (a) At the Effective Time, each outstanding YieldUP Stock Option,
whether vested or unvested, shall be deemed to constitute an option to acquire,
on substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable under the
respective YieldUP Option Plan and under the agreement relating thereto, that
number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the product of the number
of shares of YieldUP Common Stock that were issuable upon exercise of such
option immediately before the Effective Time multiplied by the Option Ratio (as
defined in Section 6.10(d) hereto) and rounded down to the nearest whole number
of shares of Parent Common Stock, and the per-share exercise price for the
shares of Parent Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such replaced YieldUP
Stock Option will be equal to the quotient determined by dividing the exercise
price per share of YieldUP Common Stock at which such option was exercisable
immediately before the Effective Time by the Option Ratio, rounded down to the
nearest whole cent. It is the intention of the parties that the YieldUP Stock
Options so modified in accordance with this Section 6.10 qualify following the
Effective Time as "incentive stock options" as defined in Section 422 of the
Code to the extent such options qualified as incentive stock options immediately
before the Effective Time.


          (b) At the Effective Time, each outstanding warrant (a "YieldUP
Warrant") to purchase shares of YieldUP Common Stock under any Warrant
Agreement, shall become a warrant to acquire, on substantially the same terms
and conditions as were applicable under such Warrant Agreement, that number of
whole shares of Parent Common Stock and cash that such holder of the YieldUP
Warrant would have received in the Merger if such holder would have exercised
the YieldUP Warrant immediately prior to the Merger.


          (c) Parent shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for
issuance a sufficient number of shares of Parent Common Stock for delivery under
the YieldUP Stock Options and the YieldUP Warrants assumed in accordance with
this Section 6.10. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall
file a registration statement on Form S-8 (or any 

                                       36
<PAGE>   42
successor or other appropriate forms) with respect to the shares of Parent
Common Stock subject to the assumed options and shall use its best efforts to
maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement for so long as such
options remain outstanding.


          (d) For purposes of this Agreement, "Option Ratio" shall be .2177.


    6.11. Consents. Each of Parent and YieldUP shall use all reasonable efforts
to obtain all necessary consents, waivers, and approvals under any of Parent's
or YieldUP's material agreements, contracts, licenses, or leases in connection
with the Merger.


    6.12. Employee Benefits; Employee Issues. Following the Effective Time and
subject to the eligibility and other participation requirements and terms
contained in Parent's benefit programs and plans, all employees of YieldUP shall
be given credit for their periods of service with YieldUP as if such service
were with Parent in determining their eligibility for inclusion in, and the
level of benefits granted after the Effective Time under, Parent's current
employee benefit plans.


    6.13. Reports. From and after the Effective Time and so long as necessary in
order to permit each officer and director of YieldUP to sell the shares of
Parent Common Stock received by them as a result of the Merger pursuant to Rule
145 and, to the extent applicable, Rule 144 under the Securities Act, Parent
will use its best efforts to file on a timely basis all reports required to be
filed by it pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, referred to in
paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or, if applicable, Parent
will use its best efforts to make publicly available the information regarding
itself referred to in paragraph (c)(2) of Rule 144).


    6.14. Notification of Certain Matters. YieldUP will give prompt notice to
Parent upon discovery thereof, and Parent will give prompt notice to YieldUP
upon discovery thereof, of (a) the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event
which occurrence or failure would be likely to cause any representation or
warranty of such party contained in this Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate in
any material respect at any time from the date hereof to the Effective Time, and
(b) any material failure of such party, or any director, officer, employee,
agent or representative thereof, to comply with or satisfy any covenant,
condition, or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it hereunder.


    6.15. Additional Agreements; Reasonable Efforts. Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, each of the parties agrees to use all reasonable
efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action and to do, or cause to be
done, all things necessary, proper, or advisable under applicable laws and
regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, subject to the appropriate vote of stockholders of YieldUP
described in Section 6.04 hereof, including cooperating fully with the other
party. In case at any time after the Effective Time any further action is
necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement or to vest
the Surviving Corporation with full title to all properties, assets, rights,
approvals, immunities, and franchises of either of the Constituent Corporations,
the proper officers and directors of each party to this Agreement shall take all
such necessary action.

                                       37
<PAGE>   43
    6.16 Director and Officer Insurance. Parent and the Surviving Corporation
shall maintain YieldUP's existing officers' and directors' liability insurance
("D&O Insurance") for a period of six (6) years after the Effective Time so long
as the annual premium therefor is not in excess of 150% of the last annual
premium paid prior to the date hereof (the "Current Premium"); provided,
however, that if the existing D&O Insurance expires, is terminated or canceled
during such six-year period, the Surviving Corporation will use its commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain as much D&O Insurance as can be obtained for the
remainder of such period for a premium not in excess (on an annualized basis) of
150% of the Current Premium; provided further, that, in lieu of maintaining such
existing D&O Insurance as provided above, Parent may cause coverage to be
provided under any policy maintained for the benefit of Parent or any of its
subsidiaries, so long as the terms, as a whole, are not less advantageous to the
intended beneficiaries thereof than the existing D&O Insurance. In lieu of the
purchase of such insurance by Parent or the Surviving Corporation, YieldUP, with
Parent's prior written consent, may purchase a six year extended reporting
period endorsement ("reporting tail coverage") under its existing directors' and
liability insurance coverage, provided that the total cost of the reporting tail
coverage shall not exceed $350,000, and provided that such reporting tail
coverage shall extend the director and officer liability coverage in force as of
the date hereof for a period of six (6) years from the Effective Time for any
claims based upon, arising out of, directly or indirectly resulting from, in
consequence of, or in any way involving wrongful acts or omissions occurring on
or prior to the Effective Time, including without limitation all claims based
upon, arising out of, directly or indirectly resulting from, in consequence of,
or in any way involving the Merger or related events.



                                   ARTICLE VII


                              CONDITIONS TO MERGER


    7.01. Conditions to Each Party's Obligation To Effect the Merger. The
respective obligations of each party to this Agreement to effect the Merger
shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of the
following conditions:


          (a) Stockholder Approval. This Agreement and the Merger shall have
been approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the stockholders of YieldUP
as may be required by law, by the rules of the Nasdaq Small Cap Market, and by
any applicable provisions of YieldUP's Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.


          (b) Approvals. There shall have been obtained permits, consents, and
approvals of securities or "blue sky" commissions or agencies of any
jurisdiction and of other governmental bodies or agencies that may reasonably be
deemed necessary so that the consummation of the Merger and the transactions
contemplated hereby will be in compliance with applicable laws, the failure to
comply with which would have a Material Adverse Effect on Surviving Corporation
after consummation of the Merger.


          (c) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have
become effective under the Securities Act and shall not be the subject of any
stop order or proceedings by a Governmental Entity seeking a stop order. The
Proxy Statement shall have been delivered to 

                                       38
<PAGE>   44
the stockholders of YieldUP in accordance with the requirements of the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act.


          (d) NASDAQ. The shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger or to be issued pursuant to options and warrants granted pursuant to the
Merger shall have been approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market.


          (e) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. No temporary restraining
order, preliminary or permanent injunction, or other order issued by any court
of competent jurisdiction or other legal or regulatory restraints or prohibition
preventing the consummation of the Merger or materially limiting or restricting
Parent's conduct or operation of the business of Parent or YieldUP after the
Merger shall have been issued, nor shall any proceedings brought by any
Governmental Entity seeking any of the foregoing be pending; nor shall there be
any action taken, or any statute, rule, regulation, or order enacted, entered,
enforced, or deemed applicable to the Merger which makes the consummation of the
Merger illegal.


          (f) Tax Opinions. Parent shall receive the opinion of Faegre & Benson
LLP and YieldUP shall receive the opinion of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP to
the effect that the Merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning
of Section 368(a) of the Code, which opinions shall be dated on or about the
date the Proxy Statement is first mailed to the stockholders of YieldUP and
which shall be updated as of the Effective Time. In connection with providing
such tax opinions, counsel shall be entitled to rely upon tax certificates of
Parent, YieldUP and other applicable persons in such form and substance as is
customary in the giving of such opinions.


          (g) Comfort Letter. On the date of the Proxy Statement, Parent and
YieldUP shall have received a letter (in form and substance as is customary in a
registered public offering) from KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent public
accountants of both Parent and YieldUP, dated as of such date, in connection
with such accountant's review of certain data and information contained in the
Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement.


    7.02. Additional Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Sub. The
obligations of Parent and Sub to effect the Merger are subject to the
satisfaction of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived in
writing exclusively by Parent and Sub.


          (a) Accuracy of Representations and Warranties; Compliance with
Covenants. The representations and warranties of YieldUP contained in this
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (i) as of the date
of this Agreement, and (ii) immediately prior to the Effective Time with the
same effect as if such representations and warranties had been made immediately
prior to the Effective Time (except for representations and warranties made as
of a specified date, which shall be true and correct as of such date), except
to the extent that any and all inaccuracies in any representations and
warranties, other than those in the first two sentences of Section 3.01, those
in Section 3.02 and those in the first three sentences of Section 3.04, that
were true and correct on the date of this Agreement but were inaccurate
immediately prior to the Effective Time have not had, and are not reasonably
likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
YieldUP (provided that, for purposes of this clause 

                                       39
<PAGE>   45
(ii), any representation and warranty in Article III that is qualified by
materiality or Material Adverse Effect language shall be read solely for
purposes of this Section 7.02(a)(ii) as if such language were not present).
YieldUP shall have performed and complied in all material respects with the
agreements and obligations contained in this Agreement required to be performed
and complied with by it at or prior to the Effective Time. Parent and Sub shall
have received a certificate signed on behalf of YieldUP by the Chief Executive
Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of YieldUP to the effects set forth in
this paragraph (a).


          (b) Blue Sky Laws. Parent shall have received all state securities or
"Blue Sky" permits and other authorizations necessary to issue shares of Parent
Common Stock pursuant to the Merger.


          (c) Opinion of YieldUP's Counsel. Parent shall have received a written
opinion of counsel to YieldUP dated as of the Closing Date, substantially in the
form of Exhibit 7.02(c) hereto.


          (d) Consents. YieldUP shall have obtained all of the consents,
waivers, and approvals set forth in Schedule 7.03(d) of the YieldUP Disclosure
Schedule.


          (e) Dissenting Shares. The holders of not more than 5% of the total of
the issued and outstanding shares of YieldUP Common Stock shall have taken such
action prior to or at the time of the stockholders' vote as is necessary as of
that time to entitle them to the statutory dissenters' rights referred to in
Section 2.01(f) hereof.


          (f) 1998 Audit. The audited balance sheet of YieldUP as of December
31, 1998 and 1997, the related statements of operations, stockholders' equity
and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1998, and the accompanying report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP shall have been
delivered to Parent.


          (g) Employment Agreements. Sub and each of Raj Mohindra, Suraj Puri,
and David Wong shall have entered into employment agreements, substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibits 7.02(g)(1), (2) and (3).


    7.03. Additional Conditions to Obligations of YieldUP. The obligation of
YieldUP to effect the Merger is subject to the satisfaction of each of the
following conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, exclusively by
YieldUP.


          (a) Accuracy of Representations and Warranties; Compliance with
Covenants. The representations and warranties of Parent and Sub contained in
this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (i) as of the
date of this Agreement, and (ii) immediately prior to the Effective Time with
the same effect as if such representations and warranties had been made
immediately prior to the Effective Time (except for representations and
warranties made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct as of
such date); Parent and Sub shall each have performed and complied in all
material respects with the agreements and obligations contained in this
Agreement required to be performed and complied with by it at or prior to the
Effective Time; and YieldUP shall have received a certificate signed on behalf
of Parent by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of 

                                       40
<PAGE>   46
Parent to the effects set forth in this paragraph (a).


          (b) Opinion of Parent's Counsel. YieldUP shall have received a written
opinion of counsel to Parent dated as of the Closing Date, substantially in the
form of Exhibit 7.03(b) hereto.



                                  ARTICLE VIII


                            TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT


    8.01. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated herein may be abandoned at any time prior to the
Effective Time, by written notice by the terminating party to the other party,
whether before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with the
Merger by the stockholders of YieldUP:


          (a) by mutual written consent of the Board of Directors of Parent and
YieldUP; or


          (b) by either Parent or YieldUP by action of its Board of Directors if
the Merger shall not have been consummated within 150 days of the date hereof
(provided that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.01(b)
shall not be available to a party whose failure to fulfill any obligation under
this Agreement has been the cause of or resulted in the failure of the Merger to
occur on or before such date);


          (c) by either Parent or YieldUP by action of its Board of Directors if
a court of competent jurisdiction or other Governmental Entity shall have issued
a nonappealable final order, decree, or ruling or taken any other action, in
each case having the effect of permanently restraining, enjoining, or otherwise
prohibiting the Merger, except, if the party relying on such order, decree, or
ruling or other action has not complied with its obligations under Section 6.05
of this Agreement;

          (d) by Parent or YieldUP by action of its Board of Directors, if, at
the YieldUP Stockholders' Meeting (including any adjournment or postponement
thereof), the requisite vote of the stockholders of YieldUP in favor of this
Agreement and the Merger shall not have been obtained;


          (e) by Parent by action of its Board of Directors, if (i) the Board of
Directors of YieldUP shall have withdrawn or modified its recommendation of this
Agreement or the Merger in any way detrimental to Parent or shall have resolved
to so withdraw or modify such recommendation; (ii) the Board of Directors of
YieldUP shall have recommended to the stockholders of YieldUP an Alternative
Transaction (as defined in Section 8.04 hereof); or (iii) a tender offer or
exchange offer for 15% or more of the outstanding shares of YieldUP Common Stock
is commenced (other than by Parent or an Affiliate of Parent) and the Board of
Directors of YieldUP recommends that the stockholders of YieldUP tender their
shares in such tender or exchange offer;

                                       41
<PAGE>   47
          (f) by Parent by action of its Board of Directors, if any of the
conditions set forth in Section 7.01 or 7.02 shall become impossible to fulfill
other than for reasons within the control of Parent, and such conditions shall
not have been waived under Article VII; or


          (g) by YieldUP by action of its Board of Directors, if any of the
conditions set forth in Section 7.01 or 7.03 shall become impossible to fulfill
other than for reasons within the control of YieldUP, and such conditions shall
not have been waived under Article VII.


    8.02. Effect of Termination.


          (a) In the event of termination of this Agreement as provided in
Section 8.01 hereof, this Agreement shall immediately become void and there
shall be no liability or obligation on the part of Parent, YieldUP, Sub or their
respective officers, directors, shareholders, or Affiliates, except as set forth
in Section 8.03 hereof or except to the extent the termination is a result of a
willful and material breach by a party to this Agreement of any representation,
warranty or covenant contained in this Agreement (subject to Section 8.02(b));
provided that the provisions of Section 8.02(b) and Section 8.03 of this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and survive any termination of
this Agreement.


          (b) In the event of a termination of this Agreement by YieldUP
pursuant to Section 8.01(g) hereof as a result of a willful and material breach
of Parent, Parent shall, as YieldUP's sole and exclusive remedy under this
Agreement, in equity or otherwise, pay to YieldUP an amount equal to $1,000,000
within five business days of such termination.


    8.03. Fees and Expenses.


          (a) Except as set forth in this Section 8.03, all fees and expenses
incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses, whether or not the
Merger is consummated; provided, however, that Parent and YieldUP shall share
equally all fees and expenses, other than accountants, attorneys' and other
professional fees, incurred in connection with the filings and notices required
under the HSR Act and the printing and filing of the Proxy Statement (including
any related preliminary materials) and the Registration Statement (including
financial statements and exhibits) and any amendments or supplements.


          (b) In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section
8.01(d) or (e) hereof, then, in addition to any damages which may be available
as a result of a material breach by YieldUP of any representation, warranty, or
covenant contained in this Agreement, YieldUP shall pay to Parent an amount
equal to $1,000,000. Such fee to be payable within five business days after such
termination.


          (c) In the event of termination of this Agreement by Parent pursuant
to Section 8.01(b) or 8.01(f) hereof as a result of a material breach by YieldUP
of any representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement and
prior to such termination (i) any person or group shall have informed YieldUP
(or the Board of Directors or an executive officer of YieldUP) that such person
or group proposes, intends to propose, is considering proposing, or 

                                       42
<PAGE>   48
will or may, if the Merger is delayed, abandoned, or not approved by YieldUP's
stockholders, propose, an Alternative Transaction, or (ii) any such person or
group or YieldUP publicly announces (including without limitation any filing
with any federal or state office or agency) that such person or group has
proposed, intends to propose, is considering proposing, or will or may, if the
Merger is delayed, abandoned, or not approved by YieldUP's stockholders,
propose, an Alternative Transaction, and within one year after such termination
an Alternative Transaction (whether or not involving such person or group) is
consummated, then, in addition to any damages which may be available as a result
of a material breach by YieldUP of any representation, warranty, or covenant
contained in this Agreement, YieldUP shall pay to Parent an amount equal to
$1,000,000. Such fee shall be payable within five business days after the
consummation of such Alternative Transaction.


    8.04. Alternative Transaction Definition. As used in this Agreement,
"Alternative Transaction" means either (i) a transaction pursuant to which any
person (or group of persons) including current management of YieldUP but other
than Parent or its Affiliates (a "Third Party") acquires outstanding shares of
YieldUP Common Stock pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer or otherwise
that, in the aggregate possess 20% or more of the voting power of the
outstanding YieldUP Common Stock, (ii) a merger or other business combination
involving YieldUP pursuant to which any Third Party acquires outstanding equity
securities of YieldUP or of the entity surviving such merger or business
combination that, in the aggregate, possess 20% or more of the voting power of
such outstanding YieldUP securities or the securities of such other entity,
(iii) any other transaction pursuant to which any Third Party acquires control
of assets of YieldUP having a fair market value (as determined by the Board of
Directors of Parent in good faith) equal to more than 20% of the fair market
value of all the assets of YieldUP immediately prior to such transaction, or
(iv) any public announcement of a proposal, plan, or intention to do any of the
foregoing or any agreement to engage in any of the foregoing.


    8.05. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto, by
action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, at any time
before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with the Merger
by the stockholders of YieldUP, but, after any such approval, no amendment shall
be made which by law requires further approval by such stockholders without such
further approval. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in
writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.


    8.06. Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the
parties hereto, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of
Directors, may to the extent legally allowed, (i) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto,
(ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained
herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, and (iii) waive compliance
with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein. Any agreement of a
party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in
a written instrument signed on behalf of such party.

                                       43
<PAGE>   49
                                   ARTICLE IX


                                  MISCELLANEOUS


    9.01. Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties, and Agreements. None of
the representations, warranties, and agreements in this Agreement or in any
instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Effective
Time, except for the (i) agreements contained in (x) Sections 1.05, 2.01, 2.02,
6.07, 6.08, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.15, 6.16, 8.02, and 8.03 hereof, (y) the
last sentence of Section 8.05, and (z) Article IX, and (ii) the agreements
delivered pursuant to Section 3.34 hereof. The Confidentiality Agreement shall
survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.


    9.02. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied (which is
confirmed), or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested)
or sent by overnight courier to the parties at the following addresses (or at
such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):


          (a) if to Parent or Sub, to:

              FSI International, Inc.
              322 Lake Hazeltine Drive
              Chaska, Minnesota 55318
              Attention:  Benno G. Sand


              with a required copy to each of (which alone shall not constitute
              notice):

              FSI International, Inc.
              322 Lake Hazeltine Drive
              Chaska, Minnesota 55318
              Attention:  Luke R. Komarek



              Faegre & Benson LLP
              2200 Norwest Center
              90 South Seventh Street
              Minneapolis, Minnesota  55402-3901
              Attention:  Douglas P. Long


          (b) if to YieldUP, to:

              YieldUP International Corporation
              117 Easy Street
              Mountain View, California 94043
              Attention:  Raj Mohindra

                                       44
<PAGE>   50

              with a required copy to (which alone shall not constitute notice):

              Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP
              4365 Executive Drive, Suite 1600
              San Diego, California 92121
              Attention:  Scott M. Stanton


    9.03. Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to
Sections, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless
otherwise indicated. The table of contents and headings contained in this
Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words "include,"
"includes," or "including" are used in this Agreement they shall be deemed to be
followed by the words "without limitation." The phrase "made available" in this
Agreement shall mean that the information referred to has been made available if
requested by the party to whom such information is to be made available. The
phrases "the date of this Agreement," "the date hereof," and terms of similar
import, unless the context otherwise requires, shall be deemed to refer to the
date set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.


    9.04. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
shall become effective when two or more counterparts have been signed by each of
the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all
parties need not sign the same counterpart.


    9.05. Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement
(including the documents and the instruments referred to herein) (a) constitute
the entire agreement and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof
(except for the Confidentiality Agreement), and (b) except as specifically
provided herein, are not intended to confer upon any person other than the
parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder.


    9.06. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota without regard to any
applicable conflicts of law.


    9.07. Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests,
or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether
by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other
parties. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon,
inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the parties and their respective
successors and assigns.

                                       45
<PAGE>   51
                                    ARTICLE X


                                   DEFINITIONS


    10.01. Subsidiary. As used in this Agreement, the term "subsidiary" shall
mean, with respect to any party, corporation, or other organization, whether
incorporated or unincorporated, of which (i) such party or any other Subsidiary
of such party is a general partner (excluding partnerships, the general
partnership interests of which held by such party or any Subsidiary of such
party do not have a majority of the voting interest in such partnership) or (ii)
at least a majority of the securities or other interests having by their terms
ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors or others
performing similar functions with respect to such corporation or other
organization is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such party or by
any one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by such party and one or more of its
Subsidiaries.


    10.02. Affiliate. As used in this Agreement, the term "Affiliate" of
"affiliate" shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules
and Regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act.


    10.03. Knowledge. All references in this Agreement to knowledge of a
corporation shall be deemed to mean knowledge of any one or more of its
executive officers.


    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Sub, and YieldUP have caused this Agreement to
be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date
first written above.


                                  FSI INTERNATIONAL, INC.


                                  By        /s/ Patricia M. Hollister           
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Its  Chief Financial Officer and Controller 
                                       -----------------------------------------


                                  BMI INTERNATIONAL, INC.


                                  By        /s/ Patricia M. Hollister  
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Its           Vice President  
                                       -----------------------------------------


                                  YIELDUP INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION


                                  By        /s/ Raj Mohindra   
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Its President and Chief Executive Officer   
                                       -----------------------------------------


                                       46

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 10
                                                                [CONFORMED COPY]



                LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MICROELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY
                  BETWEEN YIELDUP (LICENSOR) AND FSI (LICENSEE)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Agreement is between YIELDUP INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, a Corporation
organized under the laws of Delaware and having an office and a place of
business at Mountain View, California (hereinafter referred to as "YIELDUP") and
FSI INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Corporation organized under the laws of Minnesota and
having an office and place of business at Chaska, Minnesota (hereinafter
referred to as "FSI").

                                WITNESSETH THAT:

         WHEREAS, YIELDUP has developed and continues to develop certain
technology useful in the microelectronics industry. Representative embodiments
of industrial equipment incorporating such technology include the YIELDUP(TM)
Wafer Filtration System, YIELDUP 1000 SRD Replacement System, YIELDUP 2000,
YIELDUP 4000 HF Last, and the YIELDUP 6000 cleaning, rinsing, and drying systems
currently being manufactured, developed, and/or commercially marketed by
YIELDUP.

         WHEREAS, YIELDUP owns and controls certain know-how as well as a
portfolio of international patent properties (including patent applications and
patents) that relate to the YIELDUP technology.

         WHEREAS, FSI desires to obtain a nonexclusive, worldwide license from
YIELDUP to allow FSI to manufacture and/or market industrial equipment and/or
devices in the microelectronics industry wherein such equipment and/or devices
would embody technology protected by YIELDUP patent properties and/or protected
as part of YIELDUP know how.

         WHEREAS, YIELDUP is willing to grant such a license to FSI.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein
contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                             ARTICLE I: DEFINITIONS

         1.1   YIELDUP KNOW-HOW shall mean any technology disclosed by YIELDUP 
to FSI on or before August 31, 1999, that relates to making, having made, making
for others, maintaining, operating, selling, offering to sell, leasing, or
otherwise distributing MICROELECTRONIC DEVICES and/or MICROELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT.

<PAGE>   2

         1.2   YIELDUP PATENT RIGHTS shall mean any and all provisional,
nonprovisional, utility, design, reissue, reexamination, divisional,
continuation, continuation-in-part, extension, utility model, or any other
counterpart US and non-US patent applications and patents owned and/or
controlled, solely or jointly, by YIELDUP that have a priority date, claim
priority from a date, or are entitled to claim priority from a date on or before
August 31, 1999.

         1.3   CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION shall mean any materials or equipment, 
or any written or verbal or written business or technical information, that is
disclosed by one party (the Disclosing Party) to the other party (the Recipient)
prior to the expiration or termination of this Agreement that relates to the use
of wet cleaning or immersion techniques to make, have made, make for others,
use, service, offer for sale, sell, import, export, lease, or otherwise
distribute MICROELECTRONIC DEVICES and/or MICROELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION also shall include the existence and content of this
Agreement. In order to protect the value and proprietary nature of YIELDUP
KNOW-HOW, both parties shall treat any YIELDUP KNOW-HOW that is confidential and
proprietary to YIELDUP as of the EFFECTIVE DATE of this agreement as if such
YIELDUP KNOW-HOW were CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION of the other party hereunder.

         1.4   EFFECTIVE DATE shall mean January 22, 1999.

         1.5   IMPROVEMENT PATENT RIGHTS shall mean any and all provisional,
nonprovisional, utility, design, reissue, reexamination, divisional,
continuation, continuation-in-part, extension, utility model, or any other
counterpart US and non-US patent applications and patents owned and/or
controlled by YIELDUP that have a priority date, claim priority from a date, or
are entitled to claim priority from a date after August 31, 1999, and that claim
one or more inventions that were first conceived prior to August 31, 1999.

         1.6   LICENSED METHOD(S) shall mean any and all methods encompassed
within or by one or more claims of the LICENSED TECHNOLOGY RIGHTS.

         1.7   LICENSED PRODUCT(S) shall mean any and all MICROELECTRONIC
DEVICES and MICROELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, or components of any of the foregoing,
encompassed within or by one or more claims of the LICENSED TECHNOLOGY RIGHTS.

         1.8   LICENSED TECHNOLOGY RIGHTS shall mean any and all YIELDUP PATENT
RIGHTS, any and all IMPROVEMENT PATENT RIGHTS, and any and all YIELDUP KNOW-HOW.

         1.9   MICROELECTRONIC DEVICE(S) shall mean any and all semiconductor
wafers, flat panel displays, compact discs, optical lenses, microelectronic
masks, multi-chip 



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<PAGE>   3

modules, magnetic memory heads, printed circuit boards, solid state devices,
hard disks, and any component or combination of the foregoing.

         1.10  MICROELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT shall mean any and all equipment, or
component or combination thereof, which may operate to manufacture and/or use
any MICROELECTRONIC DEVICE.

         1.11  SUBSIDIARY shall mean any corporation, firm, partnership,
proprietorship, or other form of organization as to which FSI has at least a 50%
ownership interest, or any corporation, firm, partnership, proprietorship, or
other form of business organization as to which FSI exercises control of such
business. For purposes of this Agreement, Metron Technology B.V., a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of The Netherlands and having an office
and place of business at Burlingame, California, U.S.A., and its subsidiaries
shall each be deemed to be a SUBSIDIARY of FSI.

         1.12  NET SALES PRICE shall mean the actual selling price of a ROYALTY
PRODUCT less packaging, transportation and insurance charges; import, export,
excise and value added taxes; custom duties; installation and service charges;
commissions to non-employee distributors or representatives; and credits or
returns.

               If the ROYALTY PRODUCT was not separately itemized and priced and
was incorporated into another product or is part of a system or integrated tool,
the NET SALES PRICE of the ROYALTY PRODUCT shall be deemed to mean the gross
selling price of the product, system, or integrated tool, multiplied by the
ratio of the cost to manufacture the ROYALTY PRODUCT to the total manufacturing
cost of the product, system, or tool incorporating the ROYALTY PRODUCT adjusted
for all the deductions as provided by the foregoing paragraph.

         1.13  ROYALTY PRODUCT(S) shall mean that portion of a LICENSED PRODUCT
which (a) embodies or uses all the elements or steps recited in any, one claim
of an issued YIELDUP PATENT RIGHT or of an issued IMPROVEMENT PATENT RIGHT; or
(b) is manufactured by use of all steps recited in any one claim of an issued
YIELDUP PATENT RIGHT or of an issued IMPROVEMENT PATENT RIGHT.

                                   ARTICLE II:
                        LICENSE GRANT FROM YIELDUP TO FSI

         2.1   YIELDUP agrees to grant and does hereby grant to FSI a
nonexclusive, worldwide license under the LICENSED TECHNOLOGY RIGHTS to make,
have made, make for others, use, service, offer for sale, sell, import, export,
lease, or otherwise distribute LICENSED PRODUCTS.


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<PAGE>   4

         2.2   YIELDUP agrees to grant and does hereby grant to FSI a
nonexclusive, worldwide license under the LICENSED TECHNOLOGY RIGHTS to practice
any and all LICENSED METHODS in order to make, have made, make for others, use,
service, offer for sale, sell, import, export, lease, or otherwise distribute
LICENSED PRODUCTS.

         2.3   Except as provided in Article 6, FSI shall only have the right to
grant sublicenses under the license grants of this article to SUBSIDIARIES (the
"Buyback Option") of FSI.

         2.4   YIELDUP shall not, in any transaction or combination of
transactions, transfer or offer to transfer any right, title, or interest in and
to any portion of the LICENSED TECHNOLOGY RIGHTS to any third party during the
period extending from the EFFECTIVE DATE through (i) the consummation of the
merger contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of
January 21, 1999, among FSI and a wholly owned SUBSIDIARY of FSI and YIELDUP
("Reorganization Agreement"), (ii) the expiration of the option to purchase back
the licenses granted in this Agreement as provided in Article IX of this
Agreement (the "Buyback Option"), or (iii) the exercise of the Buyback Option.
If the merger is not consummated and the Buyback Option is not exercised, and
subject to Paragraph 2.5, YIELDUP shall, subsequently thereto, have the right to
transfer any portion of its right, title, and interest in and to the LICENSED
TECHNOLOGY RIGHTS to any third party.

         2.5   In no event shall YIELDUP enter into any transaction with a third
party that diminishes any rights granted to FSI under this Agreement.

                   ARTICLE III: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         3.1   To the extent that Silicon Valley Bank has any interest in and to
the LICENSED TECHNOLOGY RIGHTS that might conflict with the right granted to FSI
under this Agreement, Silicon Valley Bank has executed the consent agreement
attached hereto as Exhibit A.

         3.2   Subject to Paragraph 3.1, YIELDUP represents and warrants that it
is the owner of the entire right, title, and interest of LICENSED TECHNOLOGY
RIGHTS and that it has full right and power to grant the rights set forth in
this Agreement.

         3.3   Subject to Paragraph 3.1, YIELDUP represents and warrants that it
has no agreements with or obligations to third parties, or any other
commitments, obligations, or liens, mortgages or encumbrances of any kind or
nature whatsoever which may diminish or limit in any manner the rights granted
to FSI under this Agreement.


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<PAGE>   5

                 ARTICLE IV: COMPENSATION PAID BY FSI TO YIELDUP

         In consideration for the license grants and rights granted by YIELDUP
to FSI under this Agreement, FSI shall pay YIELDUP a sum of [***CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTION OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SEC***] as
payment in full for such grants and rights. Such sum shall be paid by FSI to
YIELDUP as follows:

         [***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTION OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY
               WITH THE SEC***]

Each such payment listed above shall be made by wire transfer of immediately
available funds in accordance with reasonable written instructions provided by
YIELDUP to FSI. No other payments shall be due or payable to YIELDUP hereunder
by FSI or any authorized assignee, sublicensee, or other transferee of FSI
except for royalty payments as provided for in Sections 9.5(b) and (c), 9.7(b),
and 9.8 of this Agreement.

                   ARTICLE V: PATENT COSTS AND MARCH IN RIGHTS

         5.1   Subject to Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the filing, prosecution, and
maintenance of YIELDUP PATENT RIGHTS and IMPROVEMENT PATENT RIGHTS and the costs
thereof shall be the responsibility of YIELDUP.

         5.2   In the event that YIELDUP elects, during the term of this
Agreement, not to file, prosecute, or maintain any patent, patent application,
or counterpart thereof constituting YIELDUP PATENT RIGHTS or IMPROVEMENT PATENT
RIGHTS, YIELDUP shall provide at least twenty (20) days advance written notice
of such election to FSI before any lapse of such rights would occur in order to
provide FSI the opportunity to continue to file, prosecute, or maintain such
patent, patent application, or counterpart thereof. If FSI, in its sole
discretion, elects to continue to file, prosecute, or maintain such patent,
patent application, or counterpart thereof, YIELDUP agrees to assign all of its
interest in and to such patent, patent application, or counterpart thereof to
FSI.

         5.3   In the event that YIELDUP assigns any interest in any patent
application, patent, or counterpart thereof to FSI pursuant to Paragraph 5.2,
YIELDUP shall, during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, at the request
and expense of FSI, review, execute, acknowledge, verify, and deliver any and
all papers and do all other rightful acts, including the giving of testimony in
proceedings in which such patent application, patent, or counterpart thereof may
be involved or concerned, that FSI may consider to be necessary or proper to
secure to FSI the fullest rights to such patent application, patent, or
counterpart thereof in the United States and/or any foreign country or territory
of the world.


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<PAGE>   6

                             ARTICLE VI: ASSIGNMENT

         6.1   If the merger contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement is
consummated or it is not consummated and the Buyback Option has expired, then
FSI shall have the right to assign, sublicense, or otherwise transfer all or a
portion of its rights under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any spin-off
entity, acquired entity, merged entity, divestiture entity, or other form of
business organization that is a successor of the portion of FSI's business to
which this Agreement relates or to any corporation, firm, partnership,
proprietorship, or other form of business organization that owns more than 50%
of the stock of FSI entitled to vote for directors of FSI. In the event of any
transfer of rights under this Paragraph, FSI may reserve for itself all or a
portion of its rights under this Agreement.

         6.2   Except as authorized in Paragraphs 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 6.1, 
neither FSI nor any SUBSIDIARY shall have no right to assign or otherwise
transfer any of its rights in and to the LICENSED TECHNOLOGY RIGHTS, in whole or
in part, to any third party without the written consent of YIELDUP.

                          ARTICLE VII: CONFIDENTIALITY

         7.1   The Recipient shall maintain, and will cause its employees to
maintain, the confidentiality of all CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION received from the
Disclosing Party under this Agreement using the same care and safeguards with
respect to such CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION as is used to maintain the
confidentiality of its own information of like character, but in no event less
than reasonable care. This obligation of confidentiality shall extend for the
longest period of (i) ten (10) years from the effective date of this Agreement,
or (ii) three (3) years from the expiration of this Agreement, or (iii) three
(3) years from the termination of this Agreement. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
received under this Agreement shall be disclosed by the Recipient only to its
employees to whom disclosure is necessary to facilitate the purposes of this
Agreement. The Recipient warrants that all of its employees, agents,
consultants, or representatives who shall have access to CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION shall have been advised of their obligations under this Agreement.
Further, the Recipient warrants that all of its employees, agents, consultants,
or representatives who shall have access to CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION are bound
by written agreements to maintain such information in confidence and not to use
such information except as expressly permitted herein.

         7.2   As to any material or equipment submitted to the Recipient by the
Disclosing Party that is identified as CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION by the
Disclosing Party, the Recipient shall not analyze such sample chemically,
microscopically, or in any other way that might reveal information other than
that which is apparent from unaided visual examination or from tests relating to
its performance, unless such analysis is reasonably required by the Recipient to
carry out the conversion process.


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<PAGE>   7

         7.3   The obligations of confidentiality under this Agreement shall not
apply to CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION that (a) is in the public domain without fault
of the Recipient, or (b) was known to the Recipient before receipt from the
Disclosing Party as demonstrated by written business records, or (c) is
independently developed by the Recipient, or (d) is disclosed to the Recipient
by a third party without restriction, or (e) is inherently disclosed in
connection with the marketing, selling, leasing, distributing, using,
maintaining, or operating of LICENSED PRODUCTS or the practice of LICENSED
METHODS.

         7.4   The title to all CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION provided to the
Recipient by the Disclosing Party shall remain vested in the Disclosing Party.
If the Disclosing Party requests the return of any tangible CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION, the Recipient shall return all such CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION to the
Disclosing Party within thirty (30) days following the Disclosing Party's
request. However, the Recipient may retain in the office of its legal counsel
one copy of written information for record purposes only.

         7.5   The Recipient shall not be liable for disclosure of CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION in compliance with any governmental statute, regulation, order, or
decree of a court or other governmental body; provided, however, that the
Recipient shall give reasonable notice to the Disclosing Party before the
Recipient's compliance with such statute, regulation, order, or decree.

         7.6   A Recipient shall adhere to the U.S. Export Administration Laws 
and Regulations and shall not export or re-export any technical data or products
received from the Disclosing Party or the direct product of such technical data
to any proscribed country listed in the U.S. Export Administration Regulations
unless properly authorized by the U.S. Government.

                            ARTICLE VIII: ENFORCEMENT

         8.1   In the event that YIELDUP or FSI becomes aware of any
infringement or possible infringement of any LICENSED TECHNOLOGY RIGHTS in the
field of MICROELECTRONIC PRODUCTS and/or MICROELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT by an
unlicensed third party (the Infringing Party), YIELDUP or FSI, as the case may
be, shall promptly notify the other in writing regarding such infringement or
possible infringement. The notice shall include, if known, the name and address
of the Infringing Party, the alleged acts of infringement, and a summary of the
factual evidence supporting such claim of infringement, the names and phone
numbers of individuals possessing knowledge of the foregoing facts.

         8.2   Within ninety (90) days of the date that a party provides notice 
of infringing activity to the other party pursuant to Paragraph 8.1, YIELDUP
shall have the right in the first instance to initiate, prosecute, and control
any infringement litigation against an Infringing Party. YIELDUP shall notify
FSI in advance in writing of the intent of YIELDUP to bring or 

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<PAGE>   8

not bring any such action. After such ninety (90) day period, or upon receipt of
notice that YIELDUP elects not to bring an action against the Infringing Party,
FSI shall have the right to initiate, prosecute, and control any infringement
action against an Infringing Party in the name of YIELDUP as desired by FSI
and/or as required by law. FSI shall notify YIELDUP in advance in writing of the
intent of FSI to bring or not bring any such action.

         8.3   Subject to Paragraphs 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, and 8.7, any action brought 
by one party (the "Acting Party") against an Infringing Party shall be at the
expense of the Acting Party, and any recoveries gained in such Action shall be
entirely that of the Acting Party. Further, the Acting Party may initiate any
such Action in its own name, in the name of the other party (the "Non-Acting
Party"), or in the name of both parties, as required by law.

         8.4   Upon request of the Acting Party and at the expense of the Acting
Party, the Non-Acting Party shall participate in any such Action, including (if
necessary) joinder as a party. If not requested by the Acting Party, the
Non-Acting Party may elect to participate in any such Action at the Non-Acting
Party's own expense. Whether such participation occurs upon request of the
Acting Party, or upon election by the Non-Acting Party, the Non-Acting Party
shall have a duty to cooperate reasonably with the Acting Party. Such
cooperation shall include cooperation to maximize the maintenance of all
attorney-client, work product, and joint defense privileges , and the parties
shall each instruct their respective counsel accordingly. As a condition of any
participation, the Non-Acting Party shall agree to be signatory to and be bound
by any protective order that might be entered by a court or stipulated to
between the Acting Party and the other party or parties.

         8.5   Notwithstanding the right or obligation of the Non-Acting Party
to participate in an Action, the Acting Party shall retain control of any such
Action, including therefore the sole right to select, retain, and direct
counsel, and to make any and all decisions with respect to claims, defenses,
counterclaims, settlement, and strategy. However, the Acting Party shall, as is
reasonable, provide the Non-Acting Party with the opportunity to comment and
offer suggestions during the course of any such Action and shall, as is
reasonable, keep the Non-Acting Party informed of all developments in the
Action.

         8.6   For some actions, the Acting and/or Non-Acting Party may desire 
to share the expenses, recoveries, and/or liabilities that may result from an
action against an Infringing Party. Accordingly, upon the request of either the
Acting or Non-Acting Party, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to
determine how and if such expenses, recoveries, and/or liabilities would be
shared. Under no circumstances, however, can the Non-Acting Party have any
obligation, without the express written consent of the Non-Acting Party, to
enter into an agreement to share such expenses, recoveries, and/or liabilities.
Pursuant to such negotiations, the parties may also mutually agree, each acting
in its own discretion, to jointly institute an action against an Infringing
Party. In such event, the parties shall bear all expenses on an agreed upon
basis and shall share all recoveries on an agreed upon basis.


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<PAGE>   9

         8.7   Neither party shall settle any action against any Infringing
Party in any manner that diminishes the rights of the other party without the
prior, written consent of the other party.

         8.8   Any information provided to one party by the other party that
relates to an action against an Infringing Party shall be treated by the one
party as CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION of the other party.

                        ARTICLE IX: TERM AND TERMINATION

         9.1   Unless otherwise terminated by one or both parties as expressly
authorized in this Agreement, the term of this Agreement with respect to YIELDUP
PATENT RIGHTS and IMPROVEMENT PATENT RIGHTS shall expire at the end of the
enforceable term of the last to expire of licensed YIELDUP PATENT RIGHTS and
IMPROVEMENT PATENT RIGHTS. The term of this Agreement with respect to YIELDUP
KNOW-HOW shall continue in full force and effect unless earlier terminated as
expressly authorized in this Agreement. If the merger contemplated by the
Reorganization Agreement is consummated, then the licenses granted in this
Agreement shall become fully paid-up as of the date of consummation of the
merger.

         9.2   YIELDUP shall have the right to terminate this Agreement in its
entirety in the event of a material breach by FSI of this Agreement, provided,
however, that YIELDUP must first provide FSI with sixty (60) days written notice
of such intent to terminate that clearly identifies the alleged breach at issue.
If FSI cures the breach, or can reasonably demonstrate that no breach has
occurred within such sixty (60) day period, then this Agreement shall remain in
full force and effect as if no such notice and/or breach had occurred. Any
sublicense granted under Paragraph 2.3 or any transfer made under Paragraph 6.1
shall also be terminated in the event that YIELDUP cancels this Agreement under
this Paragraph.

         9.3   FSI shall have the right to terminate this Agreement in its
entirety, with or without cause, upon sixty (60) days written notice to YIELDUP.

         9.4   Any obligation that accrued prior to any termination or 
expiration of this Agreement shall survive such termination or expiration in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement applicable to such obligation.

         9.5   (a)  If the Reorganization Agreement is terminated by YIELDUP in
accordance with Section 8.01 of the Reorganization Agreement as a result of a
material breach by FSI, then YIELDUP shall have the right to terminate and
repurchase this License Agreement in its entirety as follows:


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<PAGE>   10

                    (i)  YIELDUP shall provide FSI with written notice of the
termination and repurchase of the License Agreement within ninety (90) days of
the notice of termination of the Reorganization Agreement has been provided to
FSI.

                    (ii) Subject to Paragraph 9.6 of this Agreement, the notice
of termination of this Agreement must be accompanied by a termination fee equal
to the dollar amount previously paid by FSI pursuant to Article IV of this
Agreement, tendered in immediately available funds in the form of a cashier's
check or a wire transfer.

               (b)  If YIELDUP does not exercise its right to terminate and
repurchase the License pursuant to Section 9.5(a), then FSI shall pay YIELDUP a
royalty of [***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTION OMITTED FILED
SEPARATELY WITH THE SEC***] of the NET SALES PRICE of ROYALTY PRODUCTS sold
during each "Calendar Quarter" (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1),
within forty-five (45) days after the end of such quarter commencing with the
first full calendar quarter occurring after such termination of the
Reorganization Agreement. This License shall be fully paid up once FSI has paid
YIELDUP [***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTION OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY
WITH THE SEC***].

               (c)  If the Reorganization Agreement is terminated by FSI in
accordance with Section 8.01 of the Reorganization Agreement as a result of a
material breach by YIELDUP thereunder, then YIELDUP shall not have the option to
purchase back the licenses granted in this Agreement and FSI shall pay YIELDUP a
royalty of [***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTION OMITTED FILED
SEPARATELY WITH THE SEC***] of the NET SALES PRICE for ROYALTY PRODUCTS sold
during each "Calendar Quarter" (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1),
within forty-five (45) days after the end of such quarter commencing with the
first full calendar quarter occurring after such termination of the
Reorganization Agreement. If the event described in this Section 9.5(c) occurs,
then this license shall be fully paid up once FSI has paid YIELDUP
[***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTION OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
SEC***].

         9.6   YIELDUP shall have the right to offset any damages payment 
required of FSI under Section 8.02(b) of the Reorganization Agreement, if
applicable, against the termination fee of Paragraph 9.5(a)(ii) such that
YIELDUP would only be required to tender a net termination fee to FSI of the
amount paid by FSI under Article IV of this Agreement less the amount of the
damages payment under Section 8.02(b) of the Reorganization Agreement. If
YIELDUP elects to make such an offset, YIELDUP shall expressly indicate such
election in the notice of termination provided to FSI under Paragraph 9.5(a).

         9.7   (a)  If the Reorganization Agreement is terminated by either FSI
or YIELDUP in accordance with Section 8.01 of the Reorganization Agreement,
other than as a result of a material breach thereunder by either party or
pursuant to Section 8.01(d) or (e) of the Reorganization Agreement YIELDUP shall
have the right to terminate and repurchase this 


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<PAGE>   11

License Agreement in its entirety by providing FSI with written notice of such
termination within ninety (90) days after the termination of the Reorganization
Agreement, and the notice of termination must be accompanied by a termination
fee of the sum of [***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTION OMITTED FILED
SEPARATELY WITH THE SEC***] plus all amounts paid by FSI under Article IV of
this Agreement, tendered in immediately available funds in the form of a
cashiers check or a wire transfer.

               (b)  If YIELDUP fails to exercise its Buyback Option, then FSI
shall pay YIELDUP a royalty of [***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTION
OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SEC***] of the NET SALES PRICE of ROYALTY
PRODUCTS sold during each Calendar Quarter, within forty-five (45) days after
such Calendar Quarter, commencing with the first full calendar quarter after
such termination of the Reorganization Agreement. This license shall be fully
paid up once FSI has paid YIELDUP [***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTIOn
OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SEC***].

         9.8   If the Reorganization Agreement is terminated in accordance with
Section 8.01(d) or 8.01(e) of the Reorganization Agreement (and provided that
YIELDUP shall not have materially breached the Reorganization Agreement), then
YIELDUP shall not have the option to terminate and repurchase this License
Agreement and FSI shall pay YIELDUP a royalty under this Section 9.8. The
royalties due YIELDUP by FSI for each Calendar Quarter shall be due within
forty-five (45) days after each Calendar Quarter commencing with the first full
calendar quarter after such termination of the Reorganization Agreement
according to the following schedule:

               (a)  FSI shall pay YIELDUP [***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; 
PORTION OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SEC***] of the NET SALES PRICE of
ROYALTY PRODUCTS until net sales of ROYALTY PRODUCTS in aggregate total
[***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTION OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
SEC***];

               (b)  FSI shall pay YIELDUP [***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; 
PORTION OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SEC***] of the NET SALES PRICE of
ROYALTY PRODUCTS for the net aggregate sales of ROYALTY PRODUCTS greater than
[***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTION OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
SEC***];

               (c)  FSI shall pay YIELDUP [***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; 
PORTION OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SEC***] of the NET SALES PRICE of
ROYALTY PRODUCTS for the net aggregate sale of ROYALTY PRODUCTS greater than
[***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTION OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
SEC***]. This license shall be fully paid up under this Section 9.8 once FSI has
paid 


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<PAGE>   12

YIELDUP [***CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED; PORTIOn OMITTED FILED SEPARATELY
WITH THE SEC***].

                       ARTICLE X: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

         10.1  NOTICES. Except for the cancellation notice and payment of the
cancellation fee by YIELDUP pursuant to Paragraph 9.2, any notices or
communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given by either party to the other on the date hand-delivered,
sent by telex, facsimile, or mailed first class, postage prepaid, and sent to
the address or place of business of the other party as shown below.

                             TO YIELDUP:
                                       President and CEO
                                       YIELDUP INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
                                       117 Easy Street
                                       Mountain View, California  94043

                             TO FSI:
                                       General Counsel
                                       FSI INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                                       322 Lake Hazeltine Drive
                                       Chaska, Minnesota  55318

The parties shall promptly provide written notice of any change of address to
the other party.

         10.2  FORCE MAJEURE. Neither of the parties hereto shall be liable to
the other party or be deemed to be in default under this Agreement if its
performance is prevented in whole or in part by a Force Majeure, including but
not limited to, strikes, accidents, rebellions, blockades, riots, storms, fires,
explosions, acts of God, war, sabotage, any law or administrative ruling of any
government or political subdivision thereof having jurisdiction over such part,
or any other cause similar thereto which is beyond the reasonable control of the
party whose performance is prevented in whole or in part; provided, however,
that if the failure or delay in performance by a party persists continuously for
a period of six (6) months or more, the other party may cancel or terminate this
Agreement, in its entirety, by giving thirty (30) days written notice to the
non-performing party.

         10.3  GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to application of the
principles of conflicts of law.

         10.4  ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains the complete and entire
agreement between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof, and
supersedes any previous communications, representations, or agreements, whether
verbal or written.


                                       12

<PAGE>   13

         10.5  AMENDMENT. No change, addition, waiver, amendment, or 
modification of any of the terms of conditions hereof shall be valid or binding
on either party unless in writing and signed by an officer of an authorized
representative of both parties.

         10.6  SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed
separable. Additionally, the parties hereto expressly agree that it is not the
intent of either party to violate any of the state or federal public policies,
statutes, or common laws of the United States. It is the intent of both parties
to make this Agreement binding only to the extent that it may lawfully be done
under existing state and federal laws of the United States, whichever may be
applicable. Therefore, if any part of this Agreement is rendered void, invalid,
or unenforceable, or is judged to be in violation of any state or federal law of
the United States, such rendering or judgment shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement; provided that if the part or
parts which are void, invalid, or unenforceable as aforesaid shall substantially
impair the value of this whole Agreement to either party, that party may cancel
and terminate this Agreement, in its entirety, by giving thirty (30) days
written notice to the other party.

         10.7  WAIVER. A failure of either party to enforce any of the 
provisions of this Agreement of any rights with respect thereto or to exercise
any election provided for herein, shall in no way be considered a waiver of such
provisions, rights, or elections or in any way to influence the validity of this
Agreement. No term or provisions hereof shall be deemed waived and no breach
excused or consented to, unless such waiver or consent shall be in writing and
signed by the party claimed to have waived or consented. The failure by a party
hereto to enforce any of said provisions, rights, or elections shall not
preclude or prejudice that party from alter enforcing or exercising the same or
in any other provisions, rights, or elections which it may have under this
Agreement. Any consent by any party to, or waiver of, a breach by the other,
whether express or implied, shall not constitute a consent or waiver of, or
excuse for any other different or subsequent breach. All remedies herein
conferred upon any party shall be cumulative and no one shall be exclusive of
any other remedy conferred by law or equity.

         10.8  TIME OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence in the performance of
each and every obligation and covenant imposed by this Agreement.

         10.9  THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. No third party, including any employee
of either party of this Agreement, shall have or acquire any rights as a third
party beneficiary by reason of this Agreement.

         10.10 NO AGENCY OR PARTNERSHIP. Nothing contained in this Agreement
shall give either party the right to bind the other, or be deemed to constitute
the parties as agents for the other or as partners with each other or any third
party.



                                       13
<PAGE>   14

         10.11 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
shall become effective when two or more counterparts have all been signed by
each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that
all parties need not sign the same counterpart. Facsimile signatures shall be
deemed original signatures.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

YIELDUP INTERNATIONAL                                  FSI INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CORPORATION                         


<S>                                                    <C>
By: /s/ Raj Mohindra                                   By: /s/ Patricia M. Hollister
   -------------------------------------------            ------------------------------------------  

Printed Name: Raj Mohindra                             Printed Name: Patricia M. Hollister
             ---------------------------------                      --------------------------------

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer           Title: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate
      ----------------------------------------               ---------------------------------------  
                                                              Controller
                                                             -----------

Date: January 21, 1999                                 Date: January 21, 1999
      ----------------------------------------               ---------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       14




<PAGE>   1

[FSI LOGO]                                                            NEWS

For additional information contact:  Laurie Walker - Trade Media (612) 448-8066
                                     Benno Sand - Financial Media and Investors
                                                  (612) 448-8936

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FSI INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE YIELDUP
INTERNATIONAL

         MINNEAPOLIS (January 22, 1999) -- FSI International, Inc. (Nasdaq:
FSII) and YieldUP International Corporation (Nasdaq: YILD) today announced that
the two companies have entered into a definitive agreement for FSI to acquire
YieldUP; YieldUP has also granted FSI a royalty-bearing license to its patent
portfolio.
         Under the definitive agreement, the YieldUP shareholders will receive
$0.7313 and 0.1567 of a share of FSI common stock for each share of YieldUP
stock. YieldUP option holders will receive substitute options entitling them to
purchase FSI common stock. Completion of the transaction is subject to certain
closing conditions including, among other things, approval by the shareholders
of YieldUP. FSI and YieldUP anticipate the transaction will be completed in late
April or early May.
         Joel Elftmann, chairman and chief executive officer of FSI
International, stated, "The acquisition of YieldUP with its people and
technology expertise complements FSI's spray, vapor and cryokinetic cleaning
technologies. FSI is obtaining unique technologies that represent the immersion
critical cleaning needs of the future. This acquisition is intended to expand
FSI's capabilities to create a total cleaning solution for our customers."
         Raj Mohindra, chairman and chief executive officer of YieldUP, stated,
"We believe that merging into FSI will open new markets and customers for our
products and enable us to realize new opportunities. We also believe that this
transaction provides our shareholders with a chance to realize the long term
benefits of the consolidation as shareholders of FSI."

                                    - more -


<PAGE>   2


Page 2
FSI International, Inc.
January 22, 1999



         Following completion of the transaction, YieldUP will operate as the
immersion systems group of the FSI Surface Conditioning Division. Raj Mohindra,
the current president and CEO of YieldUP, will be vice president and general
manager of the immersion group and report to Dale A. Courtney, president of
FSI's Surface Conditioning Division. FSI intends to maintain YieldUP operations
in Mountain View, Calif.
         YieldUP International, headquartered in Mountain View, Calif.,
develops, manufactures and markets innovative cleaning, rinsing and drying
equipment designed to enable new processes and improve manufacturing yields of
semiconductor and other defect-sensitive industries, such as flat panel displays
and magnetic disks. Additional information on YieldUP International can be
obtained by accessing its homepage at http://www.yieldup.com.
         FSI International, Inc. is a leading global supplier of processing
equipment used at key production steps to manufacture microelectronics. The
company develops, manufactures, markets and supports products used in the
technology areas of microlithography, surface conditioning and chemical
management. FSI International's customers include microelectronics manufacturers
located throughout North America, Europe, Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.
Additional information on FSI International can be obtained by accessing its
homepage at http://www.fsi-intl.com.









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