SALTON MAXIM HOUSEWARES INC
10-Q/A, 1997-07-30
ELECTRIC HOUSEWARES & FANS
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<PAGE>   1

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C.  20549
                                 FORM 10-Q/A


(Mark One)
[ X ]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
 ---   EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996 OR

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

       Commission file number 0-19557
                              -------


                         SALTON/MAXIM HOUSEWARES, INC.
                         -----------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


           DELAWARE                                 36-3777824
   -------------------------------        ------------------------------
   (State of other jurisdiction of            (I.R.S. Employer
   Incorporation or organization)           Identification Number)


     550 Business Center Drive
     Mount Prospect, Illinois                       60056
  ------------------------------          ------------------------------
  (Address of principal executive                  (Zip Code)
   offices)

                               (847) 803-4600
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
           (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                      
                                      N/A
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed
                                since last year

Indicate by check mark whether this registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                             Yes  X   No
                                ----     ----
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:  As of February 7, 1997 -
13,017,144 shares of its $.01 par value Common Stock.

                                

<PAGE>   2
EXPLANATORY NOTE: This Form 10-Q/A amends and restates the Form 10-Q/A filed
for the quarter ended December 28, 1996.


                         SALTON/MAXIM HOUSEWARES, INC.
                                 FORM 10-Q/A
                        QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996

                                     INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PAGE NO.

  <S>                                                                       <C>
  PART I     FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
       Item 1:    Financial Statements

                  Balance Sheets-December 28, 1996
                  (Unaudited) and June 29, 1996 ..........................   3


                  Statements of Operations
                  Thirteen weeks ended
                  December 28, 1996 and
                  December 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
                  and Twenty-six weeks ended
                  December 28, 1996 and
                  December 30, 1995 (Unaudited) ..........................   4

                  Statements of Cash Flows
                  Twenty-six weeks ended
                  December 28, 1996 and
                  December 30, 1995 (Unaudited) ..........................   5


                  Notes to Financial
                  Statements (Unaudited) .................................   6


       Item 2:    Management's Discussion and
                  Analysis of Financial Condition
                  and Results of Operations ..............................   9


  PART II    OTHER INFORMATION
             
       Item 1:    Legal Proceedings ......................................  13

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

                  Signature ..............................................  14

</TABLE>
                                      -2-

<PAGE>   3

                         SALTON/MAXIM HOUSEWARES, INC.
                                 BALANCE SHEETS

                                  (Unaudited)
                             (Dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     
ASSETS                                                               Dec. 28,    June 29,
CURRENT ASSETS:                                                        1996        1996
                                                                     --------   ----------      
<S>                                                                   <C>       <C>
  Cash                                                                    $41          $4
  Accounts receivable, net of allowances                               37,931      15,871
  Inventories                                                          30,699      28,288
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets                             4,425       1,934
  Deferred tax assets                                                   1,249       1,949
                                                                      -------     -------
    Total current assets                                               74,345      48,046

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
  Molds and tooling                                                    12,996      12,373
  Warehouse equipment                                                     371         296
  Office furniture and equipment                                        3,006       1,930
                                                                      -------     -------
                                                                       16,373      14,599
  Less accumulated depreciation                                        (9,424)     (8,368)
                                                                      -------      ------
                                                                        6,949       6,231

INTANGIBLES, NET OF ACCUM. AMORTIZATION                                 5,721       3,671
INVESTMENT - WINDMERE                                                   9,632
NON-CURRENT DEFERRED TAX ASSET                                          1,533       1,533
                                                                      -------     -------
TOTAL ASSETS                                                          $98,180     $59,481
                                                                      =======     =======

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Accounts payable                                                    $13,942     $10,057
  Accrued expenses                                                      4,160       1,233
  Revolving line of credit                                             36,758      24,095
  Due to Windmere                                                       5,000
  Current portion - Subordinated debt                                                 417
                                                                      -------     -------
    Total current liabilities                                          59,860      35,802
LONG-TERM PORTION SUBORDINATED DEBT                                       889         500
DUE TO WINDMERE                                                                     3,254
                                                                      -------     -------
    Total liabilities                                                  60,749      39,556

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized,
   2,000,000 shares; no shares issued
  Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized,
   20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding,
   1997-13,017,144 shares,1996-6,508,572 shares                           130          65
  Unrealized gains(losses) on securities
    available for sale                                                   (467)
  Additional paid-in capital                                           52,943      29,293
  Less Note Receivable - Windmere                                     (10,848)
  Accumulated deficit                                                  (4,327)     (9,433)
                                                                      -------     -------
    Total stockholders' equity                                         37,431      19,925
                                                                      -------     -------
      Total liabilities and stockholder's equity                      $98,180     $59,481
                                                                      =======     =======   
</TABLE>

                                     -3-
<PAGE>   4

                         SALTON/MAXIM HOUSEWARES, INC.
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                  (Unaudited)
                   (Dollars in thousands, except share data)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    13 weeks ended             26 weeks ended
                                                ---------------------      ---------------------
                                                12/28/96    12/30/95       12/28/96     12/30/95
                                                --------    ---------      ---------    --------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
NET SALES                                        $58,837     $36,370        $93,699      $59,654
Cost of goods sold                                38,598      25,239         61,978       41,716
Distribution expenses                              2,212       1,767          4,005        3,087
                                                 -------     -------        -------      -------   
GROSS PROFIT                                      18,027       9,364         27,716       14,851
Selling, general and administrative expenses      10,745       5,728         17,757        9,332
                                                 -------     -------        -------      -------
OPERATING INCOME                                   7,282       3,636          9,959        5,519
Interest expense                                   1,159       1,202          2,099        2,017
                                                 -------     -------        -------      -------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                         6,123       2,434          7,860        3,502
Income tax benefit(expense)                       (2,146)        (70)        (2,754)        (110)
                                                 -------     -------        -------      -------
NET INCOME                                       $ 3,977     $ 2,364        $ 5,106      $ 3,392
                                                 =======     =======        =======      =======


WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON AND COMMON
  EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING               13,259,814   6,588,222     12,896,673    6,583,265

NET INCOME PER COMMON AND
  COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE:
    NET INCOME                                     $0.30       $0.36          $0.40        $0.52
</TABLE>


                                     -4-
<PAGE>   5

                         SALTON/MAXIM HOUSEWARES, INC.
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                  (Unaudited)
                             (Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            26 weeks ended
                                                                                          ------------------
                                                                                          12/28/96  12/30/95
                                                                                          --------  --------      
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S>                                                                                        <C>       <C>
  NET INCOME:                                                                               $5,106    $3,392
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
    to net cash provided by(used in)
    operating activities:
      Change in deferred taxes                                                                 700
      Depreciation and amortization                                                          1,533     1,165
      Changes in assets and liabilities:
            Accounts receivable                                                            (22,060)   (9,493)
            Inventories                                                                     (2,411)   (8,671)
            Prepaid expenses and other
              current assets                                                                (2,491)     (515)
            Accounts payable                                                                 3,885     3,755
            Accrued expenses                                                                 2,927       703
                                                                                           -------   -------      
            NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
              OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                                         (12,811)   (9,664)
                                                                                           -------   -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures                                                                      (1,774)   (2,253)
  Block acquisition and related payments                                                    (2,624)
                                                                                           -------   -------
            NET CASH USED IN INVESTING
              ACTIVITIES                                                                    (4,398)   (2,253)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net proceeds from (repayments to) revolving line of credit                                12,663    12,862
  Repayments of subordinated note payable                                                     (417)
  Additional short-term subordinated note payable                                            5,000
  Financing costs                                                                                0      (242)
  Payment for product line acquisitions                                                          0      (691)
                                                                                           -------   -------
            NET CASH PROVIDED BY(USED IN)
              FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                                          17,246    11,929
                                                                                           -------   -------
NET INCREASE IN CASH                                                                           $37       $12
Cash, beginning of period                                                                        4         6
                                                                                           -------   -------      
CASH, END OF PERIOD                                                                            $41       $18
                                                                                           =======   =======     
                                                                                                
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR:
    INTEREST                                                                                $2,059    $1,839
    INCOME TAXES                                                                               $58

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND
 FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
</TABLE>

 During the twenty-six week period ended December 28, 1996 a long-term debt
 obligation of $3,254 was cancelled by the consummation of  a transaction with
 Windmere-Durable Holdings, Inc.("Windmere"). In addition, the Company received
 a $10,848 note receivable and 748,112 shares of Windmere Common stock in
 exchange for 6,508,572 newly issued shares of Common stock of the Company.


                                     -5-
<PAGE>   6


                         SALTON/MAXIM HOUSEWARES, INC.

                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)




1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

The financial statements have been prepared from the Company's books without
audit and are subject to year end adjustments.  The interim financial
statements reflect all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring accruals
which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of
financial information.  The financial statements should be read in conjunction
with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Salton/Maxim
Housewares, Inc. 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders and the Annual Report on
Form 10-K.  The results of operations for the interim periods should not be
considered indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
        
2.   EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE.

Net income per common share is computed based upon the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding.  The shares shown as outstanding in the
Statements of Operations have been adjusted for dilutive common stock
equivalents applying the treasury stock method.

3.   EVENTS OF THE FIRST HALF ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996.

On July 11, 1996, the Company consummated its previously announced transaction
with Windmere-Durable Holdings, Inc. ("Windmere"), pursuant to that certain
Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 27, 1996, as amended (the "Stock
Purchase Agreement").  Windmere is a corporation engaged principally in
manufacturing and distributing a wide variety of personal care products and
household appliances.  Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, Windmere
purchased from the Company 6,508,572 newly issued shares of Common Stock (the
"Purchase"), which represented 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of
the Company on February 27, 1996 after giving effect to the Purchase.  As
consideration for the Purchase, Windmere paid the Company (i) $3,254,286 in
cash, as described below; (ii) a subordinated promissory note in the aggregate
principal amount of $10,847,620 (the "Note"), which Note is secured by certain
assets of Windmere and its domestic subsidiaries and guaranteed by such
domestic subsidiaries; and (iii) 748,112 shares of Windmere's common stock.
Windmere's common stock is traded on the NYSE.  The cash portion of the
consideration for the Purchase was paid by the cancellation of the Company's
obligation to repay a loan in the

                                      -6-

<PAGE>   7

principal amount of $3,254,286 which Windmere had made to the Company in April
1996.  The Note is payable five years from the closing date of the Purchase and
bears interest at 8% per annum payable quarterly.  Windmere was also granted an
option to purchase up to 485,000 shares of Common Stock at $4.83 per share,
which option is exercisable only if and to the extent that options to purchase
shares of Common Stock which were outstanding on February 27, 1996 are
exercised.

On July 1, 1996, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and
certain liabilities of Block China Corporation.  Block China designs and
markets table top products, including china, crystal and glassware.  The
consideration paid by the Company consisted of $1,485,000 in cash and a warrant
to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price equal to the
fair market value of the Common Stock on the closing date of the acquisition.
The consideration also included an earn-out of up to $500,000 and 150,000
shares of Common Stock based on Block China's financial performance over a
three-year period.  Net sales of Block products approximated 11% of revenues in
the twenty-six weeks ended December 28, 1996.

The Company was named as a defendant in Ullman-Briggs, Inc. v. Salton/Maxim
Housewares, Inc., which was filed on or about November 6, 1991 in the United
States District Court for the District of New Jersey.  Ullman Briggs was
awarded a judgment in the amount of approximately $645,641 plus interest
against Salton, Inc., the predecessor company.  The action alleged that the
Company was liable to Ullman-Briggs for such amount because the sale of assets
of Salton, Inc. to the Company in 1988 was a fraudulent conveyance.  The action
sought damages in the amount of approximately $645,641 plus interest and
punitive damages in the amount of $500,000, and costs and disbursements
occasioned as a result of the action.  The case was settled in October, 1996
for an insignificant amount.

The Company entered into a major supply contract with Kmart Corporation on
January 31, 1997.  Under the contract, the Company will supply Kmart with small
kitchen appliances, personal care products, heaters, fans and electrical air
cleaners and humidifiers under the White-Westinghouse(R) brand name.  Kmart
will be the exclusive discount department store to market these
White-Westinghouse(R) products.

The Company, White Consolidated Industries, Inc. ("White Consolidated"),
Windmere and certain other parties have been named as defendants in litigation
filed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation ("Westinghouse") in the United
States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on December 18,
1996.  The action arises from a dispute between Westinghouse and White
Consolidated over rights to use the "Westinghouse" trademark for
consumer products, based on transactions between Westinghouse and

                                      -7-

<PAGE>   8


White Consolidated in the 1970's and the parties' subsequent conduct.
Procedural motions concerning the jurisdiction in which the dispute should be
heard have been filed by the parties.  The action seeks, among other things, a
preliminary injunction enjoining the defendants from using the trademark,
unspecified damages and attorneys' fees.  Pursuant to the Company's license
agreements with White Consolidated, White Consolidated is defending the Company
and indemnifying the Company for the costs of litigation.

In the second quarter of 1996, Windmere licensed the right to use the
Farberware(TM) name for small electric appliances.  Farberware(TM) is a
time-honored trade name in the cookware and small electric appliance industry.
Under the Company's marketing cooperation agreement with Windmere, the Company
obtained the exclusive, worldwide right to distribute Farberware(TM) small
electric appliances.

                                      -8-

<PAGE>   9


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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996 COMPARED WITH THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
DECEMBER 30, 1995.

     Net sales in the second quarter of fiscal year 1997 were $58.8 million,
an increase of approximately $22.5 million or 61.8%, compared to net sales of
$36.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 1996.  This increase in
sales is primarily attributable to increased sales of the Juiceman(TM) juice
extractors, George Foreman Grills(TM), Breadman(TM), and HouseBrand Programs.
Also, the addition of Block China sales contributed to the period.  Net sales
of Block China products approximated 11% of net sales in the second quarter of
1997.

     Gross profit in the second quarter of 1997 was $18.0 million or 30.6% of
net sales as compared to $9.4 million or 25.7% in the second quarter of 1996.
Cost of goods sold during the period decreased to 65.6% of net sales compared
to 69.4% in 1996.  Distribution expenses were approximately $2.2 million or
3.8% of net sales in 1997 compared to $1.8 million or 4.9% of net sales in the
same period in 1996.  However, gross profit and costs of goods sold in 1997 as
a percentage of net sales were improved primarily due to a more favorable mix
of sales of higher gross margin items when compared to 1996.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $10.7 million
for the period compared to $5.7 million for the same period in 1996.
Advertising costs for certain media and cooperative coverages of the Company
and its products increased about $2.9 million in 1997 compared to 1996.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were 18.3% of net sales compared
to 15.7% of net sales last year.  This increase was primarily a result of the
increase in advertising costs.  The remaining dollar increase was primarily
attributable to higher costs for additional personnel, trade show expenses,
royalties, commissions and various other marketing costs related to the higher
sales level.

     Interest expense was approximately $1.2 million for the quarter in 1997
and 1996.  Interest expense during the current quarter was offset by interest
income earned on the Windmere note.  The average amount outstanding under the
Company's revolving line of credit increased about $5.7 million when compared
to the average amount outstanding in the same period a year ago.  This increase
was used primarily to finance higher net sales and a seasonable build in
inventory.

                                      -9-
                                       
<PAGE>   10



     The Company had income before income taxes of $6.1 million in the second
quarter of 1997 compared to income before income taxes of $2.4 million in 1996.
Net operating loss carryforwards and resultant deferred tax assets were used
in both periods to significantly offset current income taxes payable.  The
Company had net income after income taxes in the second quarter of $4.0 million
or $0.30 per share on weighted average common shares outstanding of 13,259,814
in 1997 compared to net income after income taxes of $2.4 million or $0.36 per
share or weighted average shares outstanding of 6,588,222 in 1996.

     TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996 COMPARED WITH TWENTY-SIX WEEKS
ENDED DECEMBER 30, 1995.

     Net sales in the first half of fiscal year 1997 were $93.7 million, an
increase of approximately $34.0 million or 57.1%, compared to net sales of $59.7
million in the first half of fiscal year 1996.  This increase in sales is
primarily attributable to increased sales of the Juiceman(TM) juice extractors,
George Foreman Grills(TM), Breadman(TM), HouseBrand programs, and the
addition of Block China sales.  Net sales of Block China products approximated
11% of net sales in the first half of 1997.

     Gross profit in the first half of 1997 was $27.8 million or 29.6% of net
sales as compared to $14.9 million or 24.9% in the first half of 1996.  Costs
of goods sold during the period decreased to 66.2% of net sales compared to
69.9% in 1996.  Distribution expenses were approximately $4.0 million or 4.3%
of net sales in 1997 compared to $3.1 million or 5.2% of net sales in the same
period in 1996.  However, gross profit and cost of goods sold in 1997 as a
percentage of net sales were improved primarily due to a more favorable mix of
sales of higher gross margin items when compared to 1996.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $17.8 million
for the period compared to $9.3 million for the same period in 1996.
Advertising costs for certain media and cooperative coverages of the Company
and its products increased about $4.8 million in 1997 compared to 1996.
Selling, general and administratives expenses were 18.9% of net sales compared
to 15.7% of net sales last year.  This increase was primarily a result of the
increase in advertising costs.  The remaining dollar increase was primarily
attributable to higher costs for additional personnel, trade show expenses,
royalties, commissions and various other marketing costs related to the higher
sales level.

     Interest expense for the half was approximately $2.1 million compared to
$2.0 million in the same period in 1996.  Interest expense during the current
year was offset by interest income earned on the Windmere note.  The average
amount outstanding

                                      -10-

<PAGE>   11


under the Company's revolving line of credit increased about $9.0 million when
compared to the average amount outstanding in the same period a year ago.  This
increase was used primarily to finance higher net sales and a seasonal build in
inventory.

     The Company had income before income taxes of $7.9 million in the first
half of 1997 compared to income before income taxes of $3.5 million in 1996.
Net operating loss carryforwards and resultant deferred taxes assets were used
in both periods to significantly offset current income taxes payable.  The
Company had net income after income taxes in the first half of 1997 of $5.1
million or $0.40 per share on weighted average common shares outstanding of
12,896,673 in 1997 compared to net income after income taxes of $3.4 million or
$0.52 per share on weighted average shares outstanding of 6,583,265 in the
first half of 1996.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     In the first half of 1997, the Company used net cash of $12.8 million in
operating activities and net cash of $4.4 million in investing activities.
This resulted primarily from the growth in sales in the period and higher
levels of inventory and receivables, the acquisition of Block China, as well as
increased investment in capital assets, primarily tooling.  Financing
activities provided cash of $17.2 million for these purposes from increased
line of credit proceeds and a $5.0 million short term note with Windmere which
bears interest at 9.8% per annum.  At December 28, 1996, the Company had
approximately $36.8 million outstanding as drawings under its revolving line of
credit (the "Facility").  Typically, given the seasonal nature of the Company's
business, the Company's borrowings tend to be the highest in mid-summer to
fall.  Under the terms of the Facility, the Company had the ability at December
28, 1996 to borrow a total of approximately $41.0 million.  The Company will
continue to incur short-term borrowings in order to finance working capital
requirements.  The Company's ability to fund its operating activities is
directly dependent upon its rate of growth, ability to effectively manage its
inventory, the terms under which it extends credit to its customers and its
ability to collect under such terms and its ability to access external sources
of financing.  The Company believes that its internally generated funds,
together with funds available under the Facility and other potential external
financing sources, will provide sufficient funding to meet the Company's
capital requirements and its operating needs for at least the next 12 months.

     The Company from time to time explores additional or new sources of
financing.  While the Company has been able to maintain access to external
financing sources, no assurance can be given that such access will continue or
that the Company will

                                      -11-

<PAGE>   12


be successful in obtaining new or replacement sources of financing.

     On July 11, 1996, the Company consummated its previously announced
transaction with Windmere-Durable Holdings, Inc. ("Windmere"), pursuant to that
certain Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 27, 1996, as amended (the
"Stock Purchase Agreement").  Windmere is a corporation engaged principally in
manufacturing and distributing a wide variety of personal care products and
household appliances.  Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, Windmere
purchased from the Company 6,508,572 newly issued shares of Common Stock (the
"Purchase"), which represents 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of
the Company on February 27, 1996 after giving effect to the Purchase.  As
consideration for the Purchase, Windmere paid the Company (i) $3,254,286 in
cash, as described below; (ii) a subordinated promissory note in the aggregate
principal amount of $10,847,620 (the "Note"), which Note is secured by certain
assets of Windmere and its domestic subsidiaries and guaranteed by such
domestic subsidiaries; and (iii) 748,112 shares of Windmere's common stock.
Windmere's common stock is traded on the NYSE.  The cash portion of the
consideration for the Purchase was paid by the cancellation of the Company's
obligation to repay a loan in the principal amount of $3,254,286 which Windmere
had made to the Company in April 1996.  The Note is payable five years from the
closing date of the Purchase and bears interest at 8% per annum payable
quarterly.  Windmere was also granted an option to purchase up to 485,000
shares of Common Stock at $4.83 per share, which option is exercisable only if
and to the extent that options to purchase shares of Common Stock which were
outstanding on February 27, 1996 are exercised.

     On July 1, 1996, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and
certain liabilities of Block China Corporation.  Block China designs and
markets table top products, including china, crystal and glassware.  The
consideration paid by the Company consisted of $1,485,000 in cash and a warrant
to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price equal to the
fair market value of the Common Stock on the Closing date of the acquisition.
The consideration also included an earn-out of up to $500,000 and $150,00
shares of Common Stock based on Block China's financial performance over a
three-year period.

   
     The Company entered into a major supply contract, dated January 27,
1997, with Kmart Corporation.  Under the contract, the Company supplies Kmart
with small kitchen appliances, personal care products, heaters, fans and
electrical air cleaners and humidifiers under the White-Westinghouse(R) brand
name.  Kmart is the exclusive discount department store to market these
White-Westinghouse(R) products.

     The Company also entered into a letter agreement dated April 30, 1997
(the "Letter Agreement") with Windmere, the owner of approximately 50% of the
outstanding common stock of the Company.  Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, in
consideration of Windmere's marketing cooperation efforts in connection with
the Company's supply contract with Kmart and Windmere's guarantee of the
Company's obligations under such contract, the Company has agreed to pay to
Windmere a fee equal to 50% of defined profits  derived from the Company's
supply contract with Kmart.

     A copy of the Company's license agreement dated February 1, 1996  with
White Consolidated Industries, Inc. ("White Consolidated"), the Company's
license agreement dated May 21, 1996 with White Consolidated and the Company's
supply contract with Kmart are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.30, 10.31 and
10.32, respectively.  A copy of the Letter Agreement is attached as Exhibit
10.33 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended March 29, 1997.  The foregoing description of the Company's supply
contract with Kmart and the Letter Agreement does not purport to be complete
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the supply
contract attached hereto as Exhibit 10.32 and the Letter Agreement attached as
Exhibit 10.33 to  the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended March 29, 1997.

     The Company expects that purchases of White-Westinghouse(R) products by
Kmart will contribute significantly to the Company's sales.  Shipments of the
White-Westinghouse(R) products to Kmart commenced late in the second quarter of
fiscal 1997.

     The matters discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph relating
to expected benefits from Company's supply contract with Kmart are
forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in
the forward-looking statements.  These factors include:  economic conditions
and the retail environment, the timely development, introduction and customer
acceptance of White-Westinghouse(R) products; competitive products and pricing;
dependence on foreign suppliers and supply and manufacturing constraints;
cancellation or reduction of orders; and other factors detailed elsewhere from
time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
    



                                      -12-

<PAGE>   13


                          PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION


     Item 1: Legal Proceedings

     The Company, White Consolidated Industries, Inc. ("White Consolidated"),
Windmere-Durable Holdings, Inc. and certain other parties have been named as
defendants in litigation filed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation
("Westinghouse") in the United States District Court for the Western District
of Pennsylvania on December 18, 1996.  The action arises from a dispute between
Westinghouse and White Consolidated over rights to use the "Westinghouse"
trademark for consumer products, based on transactions between Westinghouse and
White Consolidated in the 1970's and the parties' subsequent conduct.
Procedural motions concerning the jurisdiction in which the dispute should be
heard have been filed by the parties.  The action seeks, among other things, a
preliminary injunction enjoining the defendants from using the trademark,
unspecified damages and attorneys' fees.  Pursuant to the Company's license
agreements with White Consolidated, White Consolidated is defending the Company
and indemnifying the Company for the costs of litigation.

     Item 6: Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(b) The Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated February 3, 1997 reporting
under Item 5 thereof that the Company has entered into a supply contract with
Kmart Corporation.




                                      -13-

<PAGE>   14


                                   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.



                                     SALTON/MAXIM HOUSEWARES, INC.



Date:  July 25, 1997                 /s/WILLIAM B. RUE 
                                     ---------------------------
                                     William B. Rue
                                     Senior Vice President and
                                     Chief Operating Officer
                                     (Duly Authorized Officer
                                     of the Registrant)

                                     -14-



<PAGE>   15

 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit Number           Description of Document


    10.30                License Agreement dated as of February 1, 1996 
                         between White Consolidated Industries, Inc. and the 
                         Registrant

    10.31                License Agreement dated as of May 21, 1996 between 
                         White Consolidated Industries, Inc. and the Registrant

    10.32                Purchase, Distribution and Marketing Agreement dated 
                         as January 27, 1997 between Kmart Corporation and the 
                         Registrant*

     27                  Financial Data Schedule




- ---------------
*    Contains confidential material omitted and filed separately with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission.  Brackets denote such omissions.







                                      -15-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.30


                               LICENSE AGREEMENT

     AGREEMENT ("Agreement") entered into as of February 1, 1996, ("Effective
Date") by and between White Consolidated Industries, Inc., a Delaware
Corporation, having its principal office at 11770 Berea Road, Cleveland, Ohio
44111 ("Licensor"), and Salton/Maxim Housewares, Inc., a Delaware Corporation,
having its principal office at 550 Business Center Drive, Mt. Prospect,
Illinois 60056 (hereinafter referred to as "Licensee").

     WHEREAS, Licensor is the owner of the trademark White-Westinghouse and
associated designs and trade dress (together, the "Trademark"), and is using
the Trademark throughout the World, and

     WHEREAS, Licensor has the right to grant Licensee the license, right and
permission to use the Trademark, and

     WHEREAS, Licensee is in the business of manufacturing, distributing and
selling articles described and specified hereinafter (the "Products"), and
desires to secure the license, right and permission to use the Trademark upon,
and in connection with, the manufacturing, distributing and selling of such
Products; and

     WHEREAS, the Products that are the subject of this Agreement have been
defined by the parties as small kitchen appliances listed on Exhibit A hereto
(and any other articles which the parties mutually agree to be subject to the
provisions of this Agreement which, in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, bear the Trademark (collectively, the "Trademarked Product").

     WHEREAS, Licensor desires to grant to Licensee, and Licensee desires to
accept from Licensor, a license to use the Trademark in the design,
manufacture, advertising, sale and promotion of the Products, subject to each
of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
agreements, covenants and provisions contained herein, the parties hereto do
hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1
GRANT OF LICENSE AND DESIGNATION OF TRADEMARK PRODUCTS

Effective upon the execution of this Agreement, Licensor hereby grants to
Licensee, for the period hereinafter specified and upon the terms, provisions
and conditions of this Agreement, the exclusive right and license to use the
Trademark within the geographic area described in Article 2 hereof, in the
design, manufacture, advertising, sale and promotion of the Trademarked
Product.

In the event of any good faith disputes between the parties to this
Agreement regarding the definition of Trademarked Product, the final decision
regarding such definition shall rest in Licensor's sole and absolute
discretion. The rights granted to Licensee herein are limited to use 

<PAGE>   2

on or in connection with the Trademarked Product and Licensee
specifically agrees not to use the Trademark in any manner or on any product,
service or item, except as set forth in this Agreement.

ARTICLE 2
GEOGRAPHIC AREA

The rights granted to Licensee hereunder may be exercised by Licensee within
the USA and Canada (the "Territory"), and Licensee shall have exclusive rights
with respect to the use of the Trademark in connection with the Trademarked
Product. Upon Licensee's request, Licensor may, in its discretion, extend the
areas in which Licensee may exercise said rights, but any such extension shall,
in each instance, be evidenced by a written and duly executed amendment to this
Agreement for such periods and upon such terms and conditions as shall be
determined by Licensor. From time to time Licensor may wish to purchase
Trademarked Product for sale outside the Territory. Licensee agrees to sell
Trademarked Product to Licensor at the same price Licensee sells Trademarked
Product to its best customer.

ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LICENSOR

3.1 ORGANIZATION AND POWER.  Licensor is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Licensor
has all corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and
to perform its obligations hereunder.

3.2 AUTHORIZATION.  The execution, delivery and performance by Licensor of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby has been
duly and validly authorized by all requisite corporate action, and no other
corporate act or proceeding on the part of Licensor is necessary to authorize
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation
of the transaction contemplated hereby.

3.3 NO VIOLATION.  Licensor is not subject to nor obligated under its
certificate of incorporation or bylaws, any applicable law, rule or regulation
of any governmental authority, or any agreement, instrument, license or permit,
or subject to any order, writ, injunction or decree, which would be breached or
violated by its execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement.

3.4 OWNERSHIP OF TRADEMARK.  Licensor is the owner of the Trademark and, to
Licensor's knowledge, the use of the Trademark in the design, manufacture,
advertising, sale and promotion of any of the Trademarked Product will not
infringe any intellectual property or any other rights of any third party.

3.5 RIGHT TO GRANT LICENSE.  Licensor has the full right, power and authority to
grant the license as set forth in Article 1 hereof.


                                     -2-
<PAGE>   3



ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LICENSEE

4.1 ORGANIZATION AND POWER.  Licensee is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Licensee has all corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.

4.2 AUTHORIZATION.  The execution, delivery and performance by Licensee of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby has been
duly and validly authorized by all requisite corporate action, and no other
corporate act or proceeding on the part of Licensee is necessary to authorize
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation
of the transaction contemplated hereby.

4.3 NO VIOLATION.  Licensee is not subject to nor obligated under its
certificate of incorporation or bylaws, any applicable law, rule or regulation
of any governmental authority, or any agreement, instrument, license or permit,
or subject to any order, writ, injunction or decree, which would be breached or
violated by its execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 5
TERM OF AGREEMENT

5.1 CONTRACT TERM.  The Contract Term of this Agreement commence on the date
first mentioned above and ending on June 30, 1998 at midnight Eastern Standard
Time, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

5.2 EXTENSION TERMS. Licensor hereby grants to Licensee the option to extend
the term of this Agreement for up to thirteen (13) one (1) year periods
commencing as of July 1, 1998 and ending on June 30, 2011, at midnight Eastern
Standard Time, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement
with such extended term(s) to be subject to the same terms and conditions as
provided herein except that as a condition to the extension term(s), Licensee
must achieve specified levels of Minimum Sales during the then preceding
Contract or Extension Term of this Agreement as set forth in Article 8 hereof. 
Such options to extend the term of this Agreement must be exercised by
Licensee, if at all, by giving written notice to Licensor at least one hundred
and twenty (120) days prior to the expiration of the then preceding Contract or
Extension Term of this Agreement as set forth in Article 8 hereof.  Either
party may terminate this Agreement without cause, provided however, that such
termination shall not be permitted within the first 5 (five years) following
the Effective Date of this Agreement.  Notice of termination must be given in
writing to the other Party hereto 1 (one) year prior to the termination date. 
Licensee shall have the right to sell off inventory of Trademarked Product in
accordance with Article 21.  Neither Licensor nor Licensee shall be liable for
any compensation or damages by reason of such early termination.




                                     -3-

<PAGE>   4


ARTICLE 6
ROYALTIES

6.1 EARNED ROYALTIES.  Subject to of Article 7 hereof, Licensee shall pay to
Licensor for the rights granted hereunder a sum equal to the following
percentages of the Net Invoice Value of Trademarked Products Sold by Licensee
(the "Royalties"):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Trademark Products
                                                           ------------------
                                                      Wholesale Price as Follows
                                                      --------------------------

                                                 Under $10.00/Unit   $10.00 or More/Unit
                                                 -----------------   -------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>
Contract Term                                          2.0%                3.0%

First Extension Term                                   3.0%                3.0%

Second and Third Extension Term(s)                     3.0%                3.5%

Fourth and Future Extension Term(s)                    3.0%                4.0%


</TABLE>

The Royalties shall be remitted in accordance with Section 7.4 of this
Agreement.

6.2 DEFINITION OF NET INVOICE VALUE.  As used throughout this Agreement, the
term "Net Invoice Value" shall mean the aggregate of the invoiced amounts of
Trademarked Product sold by Licensee, less (a) returned goods, refunds, credits
and allowances actually made or allowed to customer with respect to Trademarked
Product, (b) freight or handling charges charged to customers or incurred on
returned goods, and (c) sales and excise taxes actually paid ("NIV").

Article 7
MINIMUM ROYALTY PAYMENTS

7.1 MINIMUM ROYALTIES.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth
herein, Licensee shall pay to the Licensor aggregate, cumulative Minimum
Royalties by the end of the Contract Term and any applicable Extension Term as
follows (The Per Term Minimum Royalties is for information purposes only):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Per Term in Thousands     Cumulative
<S>                        <C>                    <C>
Contract Term                  $146.2 Thousand       $146.2 Thousand
First Extension Term            136.5 Thousand        282.7 Thousand
Second Extension Term           211.2 Thousand        493.9 Thousand
Third Extension Term            316.9 Thousand        810.8 Thousand
Fourth Extension Term           409.5 Thousand      1,220.3 Thousand
Fifth Extension Term            491.4 Thousand      1,711.7 Thousand
Sixth Extension Term            589.2 Thousand      2,300.9 Thousand
Seventh Extension Term          707.5 Thousand      3,008.4 Thousand
Eighth Extension Term           848.6 Thousand      3,857.0 Thousand
Ninth Extension Term          1,019.2 Thousand      3,876.2 Thousand
Tenth Extension Term          1,221.7 Thousand      6,097.9 Thousand
Eleventh Extension Term       1,467.4 Thousand      7,568.3 Thousand
Twelfth Extension Term        1,760.9 Thousand      9,326.2 Thousand
Thirteenth Extension Term     2,113.5 Thousand     11,439.7 Thousand
</TABLE>





                                     -4-
<PAGE>   5
[*]

7.2 INITIAL ROYALTY PAYMENT.  Licensee shall pay Licensor an initial royalty
payment (the "Initial Royalty Payment") of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) 
upon execution of this Agreement. The Initial Royalty Payment shall be
applied against the first Royalties payable pursuant to Section 7.4 of this
Agreement.

7.3 MINIMUM ROYALTY PAYMENTS.  To the extent that the aggregate, cumulative,
Minimum Royalties set forth above exceeds the aggregate, cumulative Earned
Royalties paid to Licensor by the end of the Contract Term or Extension Term,
as applicable, Licensee shall pay Licensor such excess with the Royalty payment
for the last fiscal quarter of the Contract Term or such Extension Term, as
applicable, in accordance with Section 7.4

7.4 APPLICATION OF EARNED ROYALTIES.  The Earned Royalties to be paid under
Article 6 shall be applied against the Minimum Royalties due under this Article
7, and Licensee shall pay by each due date specified in this Article 7 the sum
of: (i) the Minimum Royalties as specified above; plus (ii) the excess, if any,
of the Earned Royalties (per Article 6) over the Minimum Royalties for the then
current term payable by such due date (such sum hereinafter referred to as the
"Royalty Payment"). Each Royalty Payment, payable in US currency, shall be
remitted by check at Licensor's address as provided in this Agreement.

7.5 QUARTERLY REPORTS OF SALES AND ROYALTY PAYMENTS.  On or before the twentieth
(20th) day of each January, April, July and October during the Contract Term
and any Extension Term, Licensee shall deliver to Licensor the following: (i) a
written statement, certified to be true and correct by the Chief Financial
Officer of Licensee, setting forth the Gross and NIV sales for each Trademarked
Product during the preceding calendar quarter and a calculation of the
Royalties payable under Article 6 and 7 of this Agreement for such period, and
(ii) a check payable to Licensor in full payment of the amount due under
Article 6 and 7 of this Agreement for such period.  Each Royalty payment,
payable in US currency, shall be remitted by check at Licensor's address as
provided in this Agreement.

ARTICLE 8
MINIMUM SALES OF TRADEMARKED PRODUCT

8.1 FAILURE TO MEET REQUIRED MINIMUM SALES.  Licensee shall use its best efforts
advertise and sell Trademarked Product in the Territory during the term of this
Agreement. Should Licensee fail to achieve the aggregate, cumulative NIV sales
set forth below in this Article 8 (the per term NIV sales is for information
purposes only), then Licensor may, at its option, elect to terminate this
Agreement by written notice delivered to Licensee within sixty (60) days after 
the



                                     -5-

<PAGE>   6

end of any period in which Licensee failed to achieve such required
minimum sales. Such termination shall be effective upon delivery of said notice
but shall not affect Licensee's outstanding indebtedness to Licensor or any of
the provisions relating thereto.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                           NIV Sales per Term     Cumulative NIV Sales
<S>                        <C>                    <C>
Contract Term                 $9.0 Million             $9.0 Million
First Extension Term           7.0 Million             16.0 Million
Second Extension Term         10.0 Million             26.0 Million
Third Extension Term          15.0 Million             41.0 Million
Fourth Extension Term         18.0 Million             59.0 Million
Fifth Extension Term          21.6 Million             80.6 Million
Sixth Extension Term          25.9 Million            106.5 Million
Seventh Extension Term        31.1 Million            137.6 Million
Eighth Extension Term         37.3 Million            174.9 Million
Ninth Extension Term          44.8 Million            219.7 Million
Tenth Extension Term          53.7 Million            273.4 Million
Eleventh Extension Term       64.5 Million            337.9 Million
Twelfth Extension Term        77.4 Million            415.3 Million
Thirteenth Extension Term     92.9 Million            508.2 Million
</TABLE>

ARTICLE 9
ADVERTISING AND ART WORK

9.1 ADVANCE SUBMISSION.  Licensee shall submit to Licensor for approval all
advertising and promotional items, programs and materials relating to the
Trademarked Product at least fourteen (14) days prior to intended usage.
Licensor shall provide Licensee with written approval or disapproval within ten
(10) business days after Licensor's receipt thereof.  Should Licensor
disapprove, its written notice shall explain in detail the reasons for
disapproval so that Licensee may prepare and submit new advertising and art
work.

9.2 ART WORK.  Licensor shall make available to Licensee any and all necessary
film, photostats, artwork and full color reproductions of its Trademark,
artwork, designs and other materials necessary for Licensee's use in accordance
with this Agreement.

9.3 EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT.  Licensee shall reimburse Licensor's reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses, including, reasonable hourly charges for creative
personnel incurred by Licensor in the preparation for Licensee, when and if
required, of new artwork, mechanicals, and film.  All charges shall be agreed
to prior to the time such expenses are incurred, and all sums due to Licensor
under this Article 9 shall be paid by Licensee upon receipt of an appropriate
invoice.


                                     -6-
<PAGE>   7


ARTICLE 10
LICENSEE'S RECORDS

Licensee shall keep and maintain at its regular place of business separate and
complete books and records of all business transacted by Licensee in connection
with the Trademarked Product, including, but not limited to, books and records
relating to Gross and NIV of sales and orders for Trademarked Product.  Such
books and records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and procedures consistently applied.  Licensor or its
duly authorized agents or representatives shall have the right to inspect said
books and records at Licensee's premises during Licensee's regular business
hours upon reasonable prior notice to Licensee.

ARTICLE 11
LICENSEE'S ANNUAL REPORTS AND ANNUAL ROYALTY PAYMENTS

On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the second (2nd) month following the
end of Licensee's fiscal year, Licensee shall render to Licensor a statement
certified by Licensee's Chief Financial Officer disclosing gross and NIV value
of sales, Royalties due and Royalties paid for Licensee's preceding fiscal
year, and for any Contract or Extension Term which ended within said fiscal
year.  If said statement discloses that Licensee has paid Royalties in excess
of the amounts required to be paid, Licensor shall apply said excess to the
next Royalty payment or, if no further Royalty payments are due, such excess
shall be remitted to Licensee.

ARTICLE 12
AUDIT BY LICENSOR

If Licensor so chooses, it may (at its expense, except as provided below) cause
its independent accountants to audit or review, upon reasonable prior notice to
Licensee, all books and records of Licensee pertaining Trademarked Product.
Licensor shall deliver to Licensee not later than sixty (60) days from
Licensor's receipt of the applicable Report a statement describing its
objections (if any) to Licensee's determination of the Royalties for the
applicable period.  Each of Licensor and Licensee shall use reasonable efforts
to resolve any such disputes, but if a final resolution is not obtained within
thirty (30) days after Licensor has submitted its objections, any remaining
disputes will be resolved by an accounting firm mutually agreeable to Licensor
and Licensee (the fees and expenses of such firm to be paid by Licensor, except
as provided below). If Licensor and Licensee are unable to mutually agree on
such an accounting firm, a "big-six" accounting firm shall be selected by lot
after eliminating one firm designated as objectionable by each of Licensor and
Licensee. The determination of any accounting firm so selected shall be
conclusive and binding upon the parties.  In the event any such audit or review
as finally determined pursuant to this Article 12 shall disclose that Licensee
has underpaid Royalties for any reporting period, Licensee shall forthwith upon
written demand of Licensor pay the amount, if any, by which the Royalties owing
exceed Royalties paid, plus interest of ten percent (10%) per annum on such
amounts, accruing from the date on which such amounts were due to the date on
which sum amounts are paid.  Should such audit disclose that the Royalties paid
exceeded 
                                     -7-
<PAGE>   8
the Royalties due, any excess amount revealed by such audit will be
remitted to Licensee. If Licensor causes its own independent accountants to
review the Reports described herein and the effect of such review as finally
determined pursuant to this Article 12 is that the amount of the Royalties for
the applicable period is understated by two percent (2%) or more, then Licensee
shall pay the reasonable costs of Licensor's independent accountant and the
reasonable costs of any mutually selected accountant or other accountant
selected pursuant to this Article 12.

ARTICLE 13
LICENSEE OBLIGATIONS

13.1 LICENSEE DILIGENCE.  Licensee shall use its best efforts to sell 
Trademarked Product. Licensor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement 
upon written notice to Licensee in the event that Licensee shall fail to sell 
any Trademarked Product for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days.

13.2 LICENSOR INSPECTION RIGHTS.  Licensor shall have the right upon reasonable
prior notice to Licensee to inspect any of Licensee's facilities pertaining to
the Trademarked Product during regular business hours. Licensor shall conduct
such inspection in the presence of an officer, partner or authorized
representative of Licensee.

13.3 NO COMPETITION WITH TRADEMARKED PRODUCT.  During the term of this 
Agreement, Licensee shall not enter another license Agreement for products 
that would directly compete with the Trademarked Product.

ARTICLE 14
APPROVALS AND QUALITY STANDARDS

14.1 ADVANCE APPROVAL.   Prior to any use of any Trademark, Licensee shall, at
Licensee's expense, submit to Licensor, for Licensor's written approval, the
following:  (a) two (2) specimens of each Product on which the Trademark is to
appear (the "Specimens"); (b) all artwork which Licensee intends to use in
connection with the Trademark; and (c) all packaging, advertising and
promotional literature which Licensee intends to use in the marketing or
merchandising of the Trademarked Product. Licensor shall give Licensee written
notice of approval or disapproval within ten (10) business days from its
receipt of the Specimens, and should Licensor disapprove, its written notice
shall explain in detail the reasons for disapproval so that Licensee may
prepare and submit new specimens and/or samples.

14.2 STANDARDS.  After Licensor has given its written approval of said 
Specimens, then the approved product, quality, packaging, advertising and 
promotional literature shall be the standard for all Trademarked Product 
produced thereafter (the "Approved Quality").

14.3 PERIODIC SAMPLES.  Thereafter, consecutively at four (4) month intervals,
Licensee shall, at Licensee's expense, submit to Licensor not less than two (2)
randomly selected production run samples of the Trademarked Product.


                                     -8-
<PAGE>   9



14.4 APPROVED QUALITY STANDARDS.  Without the prior written approval of 
Licensor, Licensee shall not sell or distribute any Trademarked Product which 
deviates from the Approved Quality more than the deviation which would occur 
as a result of normal deviations in raw material characteristics.

14.5 PRODUCT SERVICING AND REPAIRS.  Licensee will propose, in a timely manner,
a mechanism by which Licensee will respond to inquiries from consumers and third
party appliance repair vendors regarding the operation of Trademarked Product
and the procedures for obtaining parts for, or repairs to, Trademarked Product
which mechanism shall be designed to minimize any confusion with Licensor's
existing customer service operations.

14.6 PERIODIC REVIEW MEETINGS.  Licensee will conduct periodic meetings with
Licensor to review Licensee's progress and performance under the terms of this
Agreement.

ARTICLE 15
RESTRICTIONS UPON SUBCONTRACTS

Licensee shall not enter into subcontracts for the manufacture of Trademarked
Product without the express written consent of Licensor, which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld.  Licensee is responsible for the work of any
subcontractor and for any debts, obligations or liabilities incurred by any
such subcontractor in connection with the Trademark Product.  Licensee shall
discontinue using any subcontractor who shall fail to comply with the Approved
Quality standards.

ARTICLE 16
ASSIGNMENT; TRANSFERS; SUBLICENSE

Except as otherwise explicitly provided herein, Licensee may not enter into any
sublicense for the use of the Trademark by others.  This Agreement shall not be
assignable by Licensee without the prior written consent of Licensor.  Such
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, except that no such prior written
consent shall be required for any assignment of this Agreement by Licensee to a
successor in interest of Licensee as a result of any merger, consolidation or
other corporate reorganization involving Licensee or a sale by Licensee of a
substantial part of its assets provided that no more than twenty percent (20%)
of the business of such successor (measured by revenues) competes directly with
Licensor.

ARTICLE 17
NO DILUTION OF TRADEMARK OR ATTACK UPON TRADEMARK

17.1 LIMIT ON USE.  Licensee shall not at any time use, promote, advertise,
display or otherwise publish any Trademark or any material utilizing or
reproducing any Trademark in whole or in part, except as specifically provided
in this Agreement, without the prior written consent of Licensor, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld.

                                     -9-
<PAGE>   10




17.2 NOTICE.  Licensee shall cause to appear on all Trademarked Product and on
all materials on, or in connection with which, any Trademark is used, such
legends, markings, and notices as may be required by law to give appropriate
notice of all trademark, trade name or other rights therein or pertaining
thereto.

17.3 MATERIALS AND DOCUMENTS.  Licensee shall provide all materials and execute
all documents required by law incident to the maintenance and/or preservation
of the Trademark and Licensor's rights therein.

17.4 NO CONTEST OF TRADEMARK VALIDITY.  Licensee shall not contest the validity
of the Trademark or any rights of Licensor therein, nor shall Licensee
willingly become an adverse party in litigation in which others shall contest
the Trademark or Licensor's said rights. In addition thereto, Licensee shall
not in any way seek to avoid its obligations hereunder because of the assertion
or allegation by any persons, entities or government agencies, bureaus, or
instrumentalities that any Trademark is invalid or ineffective or by reason of
any contest concerning the rights of Licensor therein.

17.5 NO OTHER TRADEMARK PROTECTION.  Licensee shall not seek any state, Federal,
foreign or other statutory trademark or service mark or other protection for
the Trademark as they are used in connection with the Licensee's goods or
services and all use of the Trademark shall be for the sole benefit of
Licensor.

ARTICLE 18
INFRINGEMENT AND OTHER TRADEMARK LITIGATION

18.1 TRADEMARK DEFENSE.  Licensee shall apprise Licensor immediately upon
discovery of any possible infringement of the Trademark which comes to the
attention of Licensee.  Licensor, at its sole cost and expense, and in its own
name, may prosecute and defend any action or proceeding which Licensor deems
necessary or desirable to protect the Trademark, including but not limited to
actions or proceedings involving their infringement.  Upon written request by
Licensor, Licensee shall join Licensor at Licensor's sole expense in any such
action or proceeding.  However, Licensee shall not commence any action or
proceeding to protect the Trademark or any action or proceeding alleging
infringement thereof without the prior written consent of Licensor.  Licensee
may prosecute and defend, at its sole expense and in its own name, any action
or proceeding to protect its designs or styles.  Any and all damages recovered
in any action or proceeding commenced by Licensor shall belong solely and
exclusively to Licensor.

18.2 NO LIABILITY FOR VIOLATION.  Licensor shall have no liability to Licensee
or any other person, nor shall there be by any right of contribution
against Licensor therefor, for any action or proceeding alleging any violation
of any antitrust, trade regulation, or similar statute, or for unfair
competition.  Furthermore, in the event of any threatened or actual action or
proceeding in which Licensee and Licensor are or may be charged with jointly
violating any antitrust, trade regulation or similar statute, or any law
pertaining to unfair competition, Licensee may, at its




                                     -10-
<PAGE>   11
option, elect to be represented in such threatened or actual action or
proceeding by Licensor's counsel at no cost to Licensee for fees, costs or
expenses.  Should Licensee elect in such event to be represented by Licensor's
counsel, then Licensee shall relinquish any right to control or direct such
threatened or actual action or proceeding and Licensor shall maintain full
control thereof.  Such representation of Licensee shall continue only so long
as Licensor's counsel, in its sole and absolute discretion, believes that it
may properly and ethically represent both Licensor and Licensee.  In the event
that Licensor's counsel decides that it may no longer properly and ethically
represent both Licensor and Licensee, then Licensor's counsel shall continue to
represent Licensor only, and Licensee's continued defense shall be at
Licensee's sole expense and shall be conducted by separate counsel.

ARTICLE 19
ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS UPON USE OF THE TRADEMARK

It is the intention of the parties hereto and the purpose of this Article 19
that all of the Trademarked Product be identified to the general public by the
Trademark.  Licensee shall use a registration indicator in the form of a
circled-R or "TM" symbol in conjunction with the Trademark when so instructed
by the Licensor.  Licensee further agrees to assist Licensor, at Licensor's
expense, in obtaining registrations for the Trademark in the event any
Trademark is not yet registered for the Trademarked Product.  Licensee shall use
notice language in the manufacture, sale, advertising or other promotion of the
Trademarked Product as follows:

"White-Westinghouse is a registered trademark of White Consolidated Industries,
Inc., and is used under license" or other such language as Licensor designates
in writing.

ARTICLE 20
DEFAULTS BY LICENSEE

20.1 DEFAULTS.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, in
the event Licensee shall default in the performance of any of the terms,
conditions or obligations to be performed by Licensee hereunder, and if such
default involves the payment of money and the same shall not be cured
within ten (10) days after Licensor gives written notice to Licensee of such
default, or if such default involves performance other than the payment of
money and the same is not cured within fifteen (15) days after Licensor gives
written notice to Licensee of such default, then and in any such event,
Licensor may immediately and without prior notice terminate this Agreement and
all of the rights and obligations hereunder (except as otherwise expressly
provided by this Agreement).  In the event that a Receiver is appointed to, or
one or more creditors take possession of all, or substantially all, of the
assets of Licensee, or if Licensee shall make a general assignment for the
benefit of creditors, or if any action is taken or suffered by Licensee under
any state or Federal insolvency or bankruptcy act, then this Agreement and all
of the rights and obligations hereunder (except as otherwise expressly provided
by this Agreement) shall immediately, and without notice or need of any further
action by any party hereto, terminate.

        


                                     -11-
<PAGE>   12


20.2 TIME FOR PERFORMANCE.  The time for performance of any act required of
either party shall be extended by a period equal to the period during which
such party was reasonably prevented from performance by fire, flood, storm, or
other like casualty beyond such party's control.

ARTICLE 21
LICENSOR'S RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION

21.1 RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION.  In the event this Agreement is terminated for
any reason, or expires according to its terms, Licensee shall assign,
transfer and transmit to Licensor any and all rights of Licensee in the
Trademark, including associated goodwill, and shall not thereafter manufacture,
sell, or use the Trademark in any manner; provided that Licensee may continue
to use the Trademark in connection with the advertising and sale of Trademarked
Product and may continue to use the Trademark in connection with the
manufacture of Trademarked Product, which are in the process of being completed
at time of said termination, for two hundred and seventy (270) days after the
termination of this Agreement; further provided, however, that all sums then
due to Licensor pursuant to this Agreement have first been paid; and further
provided, that Licensee shall, within thirty (30) days after said termination,
deliver to Licensor a detailed schedule of all inventory of Trademarked Product
in Licensee's possession (constructive or otherwise).  After the expiration of
the aforesaid 270 day period, Licensee shall destroy all Trademarked Product
and packaging and promotional material remaining in Licensee's possession which
are identified in any manner by or with the Trademark.  Notwithstanding the
above, Licensor shall have the right to purchase such excess stock of
Trademarked Product, in whole or in part, prior to any sale or offer of sale by
Licensee to any third party, for an amount equal to the wholesale cost of such
Trademarked Product as indicated in Licensee's then current catalogue.

21.2 CONTINUATION OF AGREEMENT TERMS.  Licensee shall continue to abide
by the terms of this Agreement with respect to such Trademarked Product during
the 270 day period specified in Section 21.1 of this Agreement.  Upon
termination of the aforesaid 270 day period, all labels, signs, packages,
wrappers, cartons, circulars, advertisements, and other items bearing or
containing any reproduction or representation of any Trademark shall
automatically and without cost to Licensor become the property of Licensor, and
Licensee shall immediately deliver the same to Licensor's place of business or
other location designated by Licensor.  The reasonable cost of such delivery
shall be paid by Licensor.

21.3 LICENSEE'S OBLIGATIONS.  The termination of this Agreement for any reason
shall not relieve Licensee of any accrued obligations to Licensor nor shall such
action relieve Licensee of any obligation or duty which accrued on or after the
termination or expiration of this Agreement.

21.4 NO RIGHT IN LICENSEE.  Except for the right to use the Trademark as
specifically provided for in this Agreement, (i) Licensee shall have no right,
title or interest in or to the Trademark; and (ii) upon and after the
termination of this Agreement, all rights granted to Licensee hereunder,
together with any interest in and to the Trademark that Licensee may acquire,
shall forthwith and without further act or instrument be assigned to and revert
to the Licensor.  In 


                                     -12-
<PAGE>   13
addition, Licensee shall execute any instruments requested by Licensor
to accomplish or confirm the foregoing. Any such assignment, transfer or
conveyance shall be without consideration other than the mutual agreements
contained herein.

21.5 SURVIVAL OF TERMS.  The provisions of this Article 21 shall survive the
termination (or expiration) of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 22
LICENSOR COVENANT

During the Contract Term or Extension Terms hereof, Licensor agrees that it will
not, either alone or acting together with a third party, manufacture, market,
sell or distribute any Product in the Territory, provided that during the final
ninety (90) days of any Contract or Extension Term hereof, and upon
prior written notice to Licensee, Licensor shall have the right to design and
manufacture such products and to negotiate and conclude such agreements as it
desires pursuant to which it may grant licenses to any party or parties of any
or all of the rights herein granted to Licensee; provided, however, that no
such products shall be shipped by Licensor or any third party other than
Licensee prior to the expiration or termination of this Agreement (exclusive of
the additional two hundred seventy (270) day period as provided in Article 21 
hereof).

ARTICLE 23
GOODWILL

Licensee acknowledges and recognizes that the Trademark is of substantial
significance and value to Licensor and that said Trademark has acquired
valuable secondary meaning, value and goodwill.  Except as may be otherwise
specified in this Agreement, Licensee shall not use any Trademark or any name
or symbol similar thereto as part of its name or symbol or as part of the name
or symbol of any corporation, partnership, joint venture, proprietorship or
other entity or person which it controls or with which it is affiliated.

ARTICLE 24
INSURANCE

Licensee shall at all times carry product liability insurance with respect to
the Trademarked Product with a limit of liability of not less than $2 million
and Licensor shall be named therein as an additional insured as its interests
may appear.  Such insurance may be obtained in connection with a policy of
product liability insurance which covers products other than the Trademarked
Product and shall provide for at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to
Licensor of the cancellation or substantial modification thereof.  Licensee
shall deliver to Licensor a certificate evidencing the existence of such
insurance policies promptly after their Issuance.

ARTICLE 25


                                     -13-


<PAGE>   14
AGENTS, FINDERS AND BROKERS

Each of the parties to this Agreement shall be responsible for the payment of
any and all agent, brokerage and/or finder commissions, fees and related
expenses incurred by it in connection with this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby and shall indemnify the other and hold it harmless from any
and all liability (including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees
and disbursements paid or incurred in connection with any such liability) for
any agent, brokerage and/or finder commissions, fees and related expenses
claimed by its agent, broker or finder, if any, in connection with this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Licensor's sole
agent/finder/broker in connection with this Agreement is Leveraged Marketing
Corporation of America ("LMCA") with offices at 156 West 56th Street, New York,
New York 10019. All commissions, fees, and/or other monies due LMCA in
connection with this Agreement shall be borne exclusively by Licensor as per
the Agency Agreement of March 1, 1995.

ARTICLEE 26
RESERVED RIGHTS

Rights not herein specifically granted to Licensee are reserved by Licensor and
may be used by Licensor without limitation.  Any use by Licensor of such
reserved rights, including but not limited to the use or authorization of the
use of any Trademark in any manner whatsoever not inconsistent with Licensee's
right hereunder, shall not be deemed to be interference with or infringement or
any of Licensee's rights.

ARTICLE 27
APPLICABLE LAW

This Agreement shall be construed and governed, in all respects, by the law of
the State of Ohio applicable to contracts made and to be performed in that
state without reference to any provisions relating to conflicts of law.  Any
legal action or proceeding of any sort against Licensor by or on behalf of
Licensee shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in Cuyahoga
County, Ohio.

ARTICLE 28
NON-AGENCY OF PARTIES

This Agreement does not constitute or appoint Licensee as the agent or legal
representative of Licensor, or Licensor as the agent or legal representative of
Licensee, for any purpose whatsoever.  Licensee is not granted any right or
authority to assume or to create any obligation or responsibility, express or
implied, on behalf of or in the name of, Licensor or to bind Licensor in any
manner or thing whatsoever, nor is Licensor granted any right or authority to
assume or create any obligation or responsibility, express or implied, on
behalf of or in the name of Licensee, or to bind Licensee in any manner or
thing whatsoever.  No joint venture or partnership between the parties hereto
is intended or shall be inferred.


                                     -14-
<PAGE>   15

ARTICLE 29
AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

This Agreement may be amended or modified only in a writing executed by the
parties hereto, and either party hereto may waive any of its rights hereunder
or performance by the other party of any of its obligations hereunder, only by
instrument in writing.  In the event either party hereto shall at any time
waive any of its rights under this Agreement or the performance by the other
party of any of its obligations hereunder, such waiver shall not be construed
as a continuing waiver of the same rights or obligations, or a waiver of any
other rights or obligations.

ARTICLE 30
ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties as to the
Trademark Products, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings
relating to the subject matter hereof.

ARTICLE 31
SEPARABILITY OF PROVISIONS

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or
unenforceable under present or future laws, such provisions shall be fully
severable.  This Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal,
invalid or unenforceable provisions had never comprised a part of this
Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full
force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or
unenforceable provision or by its severance from this Agreement. Furthermore,
in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there shall be
added automatically as part of this Agreement, a provision as similar in terms
to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be
legal, valid or enforceable.

ARTICLE 32
COUNTERPARTS; HEADINGS

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same
instrument. The headings herein are set out for convenience of reference only
and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 33
BINDING EFFECT

This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and, subject to the provisions of Article 16 of this Agreement,
their respective permitted successors and assigns.


                                     -15-
<PAGE>   16



ARTICLE 34
INDEMNIFICATION

34.1 LICENSOR INDEMNIFIED PARTIES; BASIC INDEMNIFICATION.  For purposes of this
Section, "Licensor Indemnified Parties" refers to Licensor and officers,
directors, employees and agents of Licensor.  Licensee shall indemnify and hold
harmless the Licensor Indemnified Parties and each of them from and against the
costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys fees
and costs) of any and all claims, suits, losses, damages, costs, demands,
obligations, investigations, causes of action, and judgments arising out of:

(a)   the actual or alleged unauthorized use by Licensee of any trademark
      (including, without limitation, the Trademark), patent, process, method
      or device;

(b)   the actual or alleged infringement by Licensee of any copyrights,
      trade name or patent or any act by Licensee held to constitute libel,
      slander or defamation;

(c)   the invasion by Licensee of the right of privacy, publicity, or other
      property  right;

(d)   the failure to perform of, or any defect in, or use of, the Trademark
      Product, including without limitation any injuries to the person or to 
      property arising therefrom;

(e)   the infringement or breach of other personal or property right of any
      person, firm or corporation by Licensee, its officers, employees,
      agents, or anyone directly or indirectly acting by, through, on behalf
      of, or pursuant to contractual or any other relationship with Licensee;
      and

(f)   Licensee's sales and/or promotional efforts; provided, however, that the
      indemnification obligations of Licensee pursuant to this Article 34
      shall not apply with respect to any of the events set forth in (a)
      through (f) above to the extent that such event is attributable to any
      event described under Section 34.2 hereof as to which Licensor shall
      indemnify Licensee.

34.2 LICENSEE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES; BASIC INDEMNIFICATION.  For purposes of this
Section, "Licensee Indemnified Parties" refers to Licensee and officers,
directors, employees and agents of Licensee. Licensor shall indemnify and hold
harmless the Licensee Indemnified Parties and each of them from and against the
cost and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees
and costs) of any and all claims, suits, losses, damages, costs, demands,
obligations, investigations, causes of action, and judgments arising out of any
assertion or allegation by any persons, entities or government agencies that
any Trademark infringes any trademark, trade name or any other personal or
property right of a third party.

34.3 INDEMNIFICATION FOR BREACH.  Each party hereto shall indemnify and forever
hold harmless the other party against and from any and all claims, suits,
losses, damages, costs, obligations, liabilities, judgments, damages and
expenses, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys'


   
    

                                     -16-


<PAGE>   17
fees arising out of breach or alleged breach by such party of any
provision of this Agreement, or any misrepresentation made by such party herein
or any act not expressly authorized herein.

34.4 SURVIVAL OF TERMS. The provisions of this Article 34 shall survive the
termination (or expiration) of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 35
INFORMATION

35.1 CONFIDENTIALITY.  Licensor and Licensee may from time to time disclose to
each other sales, engineering, applications, drawings, designs and any other
knowledge, information, techniques, know-how or data pertaining to the
manufacture, use, application, marketing, distribution and sale of the
Trademarked Product or other products of Licensor or Licensee (the
"Information").  Each party hereto shall hold in confidence all such data and
information and shall not disclose such data and information except to such
personnel and employees as are necessary for the effective performance of this
Agreement or as otherwise permitted by this Agreement.  Licensor and Licensee
shall cause all data, documents or other written or printed materials embodying
the Information to be plainly marked to indicate the secret and confidential
nature thereof and to prevent unauthorized access thereto, or reproduction or
use thereof. Licensor and Licensee shall take any necessary action, including
court proceedings, to comply and to compel compliance with the provisions of
this Article 35.  The obligations undertaken by Licensor and Licensee pursuant
to this Article 35 shall not apply to any such data or information which is or
becomes published or otherwise generally available to the public without fault
of a party hereto or is otherwise lawfully acquired by a party hereto and such
obligations shall, as so limited, survive the expiration or termination of this
Agreement.  Upon termination of this Agreement, either Party hereto may request
the prompt return of all written materials received from the other Party
including originals, copies, extractions, translations and reproductions
thereof.  This Agreement is not intended to and shall not be construed to give
either Party any vested right, title or interest in the Trademarked Product or
the Information.

35.2 SURVIVAL OF TERMS.  The provisions of this Article 35 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 36
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Unless expressly approved in advance in writing by the other party,
neither party shall make any public announcement regarding the subject matter
or existence of this Agreement except as required by law.  If such announcement
is required by law, the announcing party shall give the other party reasonable
notice of such announcement and shall consult with the other party regarding
such announcement.

                                     -17-


<PAGE>   18
ARTICLE 37
ADDRESSES FOR NOTICE

All notices, statements, consents, instructions or other documents required or
authorized to be given hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be delivered
personally to an officer, partner or authorized representative of the other
party or by facsimile and confirmed by certified mail, return receipt
requested, addressed to the parties concerned as follows:


to Licensee at:         Salton/Maxim Housewares, Inc.
                        550 Business Center Drive
                        Mt. Prospect, Illinois 60056
                        Facsimile: 708-803-8080

with copies to:         Neal Aizenstein, Esq.
                        Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal
                        8000 Sears Tower
                        Chicago, Illinois 60606
                        Facsimile: 312-876-7934


and to Licensor at:     White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
                        11770 Berea Road
                        Cleveland, Ohio 44111
                        Facsimile: 216-252-8158


with copies to:         Ms. M. Sharon Schiller, Trademark Counsel
                        White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
                        11770 Berea Road
                        Cleveland, Ohio 44111, 
                        Facsimile 216-252-8158

and
                        Mr. Allan R. Feldman
                        Leveraged Marketing Corporation of America
                        156 West 56th Street
                        New York, New York 10019
                        Facsimile: 212-581-1461


and shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt.


                                     -18-
<PAGE>   19


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed on the day and year first
written above.

White Consolidated Industries, Inc. (Licensor)



__________________________________________________

By:  Stanley R. Miller
     Assistant Secretary



Salton/Maxim Housewares, Inc. (Licensee)


__________________________________________________

By:  William B. Rue
     Senior Vice President/COO


                                     -19-


<PAGE>   20
                                                                 EXHIBIT A

[*]

   
irons
can openers
mixers
food processors
electric knives
popcorn makers
toaster
toaster ovens
coffee makers
espresso/cappuccino makers
bread machines
pasta makers
doughnut makers
woks
pressure cookers
ice tea makers
sandwich makers
waffle irons/waffle makers
pancake grills
portable grilling machines
ice cream makers
yogurt makers
juice makers
juice extractors
    




<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.31

                               LICENSE AGREEMENT


     AGREEMENT ("Agreement") made and effective this 21st day of May, 1996 by
and between White Consolidated Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation having
its principal office at 11770 Berea Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44111 ("Licensor"),
and Salton/Maxim Housewares, Inc., a Delaware corporation having its principal
office at 550 Business Center Drive, Mt. Prospect, Illinois 60056 (hereinafter
referred to as "Licensee").

     WHEREAS, Licensor is the owner of the trademark White-Westinghouse and
associated designs and trade dress (together, the "Trademark"), and is using
the Trademark throughout the World; and

     WHEREAS, Licensor has the right to grant Licensee the license, right and
permission to use the Trademark; and

     WHEREAS, Licensee is in the business of manufacturing, distributing and
selling articles described and specified on Exhibit A hereto (the "Products"),
and desires to secure the license, right and permission to use the Trademark
upon, and in connection with, the manufacturing, distributing and selling of
such Products; and

     WHEREAS, the Products that are the subject of this Agreement have been
defined by the parties as listed on Exhibit A hereto (and any other articles
which the parties mutually agree to be subject to the provisions of this
Agreement which, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, bear the
Trademark (collectively, the "Trademarked Product"); and

     WHEREAS, Licensor desires to grant to Licensee, and Licensee desires to
accept from Licensor, a license to use the Trademark in the design,
manufacture, advertising, sale and promotion of the Products, subject to each
of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and
provisions herein contained and wishing to be bound hereby, the parties hereto
do hereby agree as follows:

Article 1
GRANT OF LICENSE AND DESIGNATION OF TRADEMARK PRODUCTS

Effective upon the execution of this Agreement, Licensor hereby grants to
Licensee, for the period hereinafter specified and upon the terms, provisions
and conditions of this Agreement, the exclusive right and license to use the
Trademark within the geographic area described in Article 2 hereof, in the
design, manufacture, advertising, sale and promotion of the Trademarked
Product.

In the event of any good faith disputes between the parties to this Agreement
regarding the definition of Trademarked Product, the final decision regarding
such definition shall rest in 

<PAGE>   2
Licensor's sole and absolute discretion. The rights granted to Licensee herein
are limited to use on or in connection with the Trademarked Product and
Licensee specifically agrees not to use the Trademark in any manner or
on any product, service or item, except as set forth in this Agreement.
Licensee recognizes that Licensor sells products of the same description as
some of the products licensed herein, namely, humidifiers and air cleaners.
Licensee agrees not to challenge Licensor's continued right to sell such
products under the Trademark.

ARTICLE 2
GEOGRAPHIC AREA

The rights granted to Licensee hereunder may be exercised by Licensee within
the USA and Canada (the "Territory"), and Licensee shall have exclusive rights
with respect to the use of the Trademark in connection with the Trademarked
Product.  Upon Licensee's request, Licensor may, in its discretion, extend the
areas in which Licensee may exercise said rights, but any such extension shall,
in each instance, be evidenced by a written and duly executed amendment to this
Agreement for such periods and upon such terms and conditions as shall be
determined by Licensor.  From time to time Licensor may wish to purchase
Trademarked Product for sale outside the Territory.  Licensee agrees to sell
Trademarked Product to Licensor at the same price Licensee sells Trademarked
Product to its best customer.

ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LICENSOR

3.1 ORGANIZATION AND POWER.  Licensor is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Licensor has all corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.

3.2 AUTHORIZATION.  The execution, delivery and performance by Licensor of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby has been
duly and validly authorized by all requisite corporate action, and no other
corporate act or proceeding on the part of Licensor is necessary to authorize
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation
of the transaction contemplated hereby.

3.3 NO VIOLATION.  Licensor is not subject to nor obligated under its
certificate of incorporation or bylaws, any applicable law, rule or regulation
of any governmental authority, or any agreement, instrument, license or permit,
or subject to any order, writ, injunction or decree, which would be breached or
violated by its execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement.

3.4 OWNERSHIP OF TRADEMARK.  Licensor is the owner of the Trademark and, to
Licensor's knowledge, the use of the Trademark in the design, manufacture,
advertising, sale and promotion of any of the Trademarked Product will not
infringe any intellectual property or any other rights of any third party.


                                     -2-





<PAGE>   3
3.5 RIGHT TO GRANT LICENSE.  Licensor has the full right, power and authority
to grant the license as set forth in Article 1 hereof.

ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LICENSEE

4.1 ORGANIZATION AND POWER.  Licensee is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Licensee has all corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.

4.2 AUTHORIZATION.   The execution, delivery and performance by Licensee of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby has been
duly and validly authorized by all requisite corporate action, and no other
corporate act or proceeding on the part of Licensee is necessary to authorize
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation
of the transaction contemplated hereby.

4.3 NO VIOLATION.  Licensee is not subject to nor obligated under its
certificate of incorporation or bylaws, any applicable law, rule or regulation
of any governmental authority, or any agreement, instrument, license or permit,
or subject to any order, writ, injunction or decree, which would be breached or
violated by its execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 5
TERM OF AGREEMENT

5.1 CONTRACT TERM.  The Contract Term for each of Category 1, Category 2 and
Category 3 Trademarked Product commences on the date first mentioned above and
ends on December 31, 1998 at midnight Eastern Standard Time, unless sooner
terminated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

5.2 EXTENSION TERMS. Licensor hereby grants to Licensee the option to extend
the term of this Agreement for up to thirteen (13) one (1) year periods
commencing as of January 1,1999 and ending on December 31, 2011, at midnight
Eastern Standard Time, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms
of this Agreement with such extended term(s) to be subject to the same terms
and conditions as provided herein except that as a condition to the extension
term(s), Licensee must achieve specified levels of Minimum Sales during the
then preceding Contract or Extension Term of this Agreement as set forth in
Article 8 hereof.  Such option to extend the term of this Agreement must be
exercised by Licensee, if at all, by giving written notice to Licensor at least
one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the expiration of the then preceding
Contract Term of this Agreement.  Licensor may terminate this Agreement without
cause, in respect of some or all of the Trademarked Product provided however,
that such termination shall not be permitted within the first 5 (five years)
following the Effective Date of this Agreement.  Notice of termination must be
given in writing to the other Party hereto 1 (one) year prior to the
termination date.  Licensee shall have the right to sell off inventory of
Trademarked Product in accordance with Article 21.  Neither Licensor nor
Licensee shall be liable for any compensation or damages by reason of such
early termination.



                                     -3-
<PAGE>   4

ARTICLE 6
ROYALTIES

6.1 EARNED ROYALTIES OF CATEGORIES 1 AND 3 OF TRADEMARKED PRODUCT.   Subject to
Article 7 hereof, Licensee shall pay to Licensor for the rights granted
hereunder a sum equal to the following percentages of the Net Invoice Value of
Trademarked Product sold by Licensee (the "Royalties"):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     TRADEMARKED PRODUCT - WHOLESALE PRICE
                                     -------------------------------------
                                     UNDER $10.00/UNIT     $10.00 OR MORE/UNIT
<S>                                         <C>                   <C>
Contract Term                               2.0%                  3.0%
First Extension Term                        3.0%                  3.0%
Second and Third Extension Term(s)          3.0%                  3.5%
Fourth and Future Extension Term(s)         3.0%                  4.0%
</TABLE>

The Royalties shall be remitted in accordance with Article 7.4 of this
Agreement.

6.2 EARNED ROYALTIES CATEGORY 2.  Subject to Article 7 hereof, Licensee shall
pay to Licensor for the rights granted hereunder a sum equal to two percent
(2%) of the Net Invoice Value of Trademarked Product sold by Licensee (the
"Royalties").  The Royalties shall be remitted in accordance with Article 7.4
of this Agreement. 

6.3 DEFINITION OF NET INVOICE VALUE.  As used throughout this Agreement, the
term "Net Invoice Value" shall mean the aggregate of the invoiced amounts of
Trademarked Product sold by Licensee, less (a) returned goods, refunds, credits
and allowances actually made or allowed to customer with respect to Trademarked
Product, (b) freight or handling charges charged to customers or incurred on
returned goods, and (c) sales and excise taxes actually paid ("NIV").

ARTICLE 7
MINIMUM ROYALTY PAYMENTS

7.1 MINIMUM ROYALTIES.  The minimum royalties for the Contract Term shall be
paid as follows:

Category 1:  Sixty-five thousand dollars ($65,000) in advance upon execution
of this Agreement.  The Minimum Royalty for each Extension Term as shown below
shall be payable in four (4) 


                                     -4-


<PAGE>   5
equal installments each by the thirtieth day of March, June, September and
December of the respective Term.

Category 2: Eighty-five thousand dollars ($85,000) in advance of execution of
this Agreement and the balance of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) payable on
or before December 31, 1998. The Minimum Royalty for each Extension Term as
shown below shall be payable in four (4) equal installments each by the 30th
day of March, June, September and December of the respective term.
        
Category 3:  Forty-thousand dollars ($40,000) in advance on execution of this
Agreement and the balance in eight (8) equal installments of $5,125 each by
the 30th day of March, June, September and December of 1997 and 1998.  The
Minimum Royalty for each extension term shall be paid in four (4) equal
installments each by the 30th day of March, June, September and December of the
respective term. 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      Category 1         Category 2         Category 3
                      -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                      Minimum Royalties  Minimum Royalties  Minimum Royalties
                      -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
<S>      <C>         <C>                <C>                <C>
 Term     Year
- -------  ------
Initial   1996/8      $65 Thousand       $100 Thousand      $83 Thousand

Ext. 1    1999         78 Thousand        100 Thousand       98 Thousand
Ext. 2    2000        106 Thousand        120 Thousand      127 Thousand
Ext. 3    2001        127 Thousand        140 Thousand      148 Thousand
Ext. 4    2002        159 Thousand        180 Thousand      204 Thousand
Ext. 5    2003        193 Thousand        200 Thousand      227 Thousand
Ext. 6    2004        228 Thousand        240 Thousand      272 Thousand
Ext. 7    2005        273 Thousand        300 Thousand      341 Thousand
Ext. 8    2006        318 Thousand        360 Thousand      409 Thousand
Ext. 9    2007        363 Thousand        420 Thousand      477 Thousand
Ext. 10   2008        409 Thousand        520 Thousand      568 Thousand
Ext. 11   2009        454 Thousand        620 Thousand      636 Thousand
Ext. 12   2010        499 Thousand        740 Thousand      704 Thousand
Ext. 13   2011        545 Thousand        800 Thousand      749 Thousand
</TABLE>

7.2 INITIAL ROYALTY PAYMENT.  Licensee shall pay Licensor an Initial Royalty
Payment of:  Category 1:  Sixty-five thousand ($65,000); Category 2:
Eighty-five thousand ($85,000); Category 3: forty thousand dollars ($40,000)
upon execution of this Agreement.  The Initial Royalty Payment for each
Category shall be applied against the first royalties payable for that Category 
respectively, pursuant to Article 7.4 of this Agreement. 
        
7.3 MINIMUM ROYALTY PAYMENTS.  To the extent that the aggregate, cumulative,
Minimum Royalties set forth above exceeds the aggregate, cumulative Earned
Royalties paid to Licensor by the end of the Contract Term or Extension Term,
as applicable, Licensee shall pay Licensor such excess with the Royalty payment
for the last fiscal quarter of the Contract Term or such Extension Term, as
applicable, in accordance with Article 7.4.

7.4 APPLICATION OF EARNED ROYALTIES.  The Earned Royalties to be paid under
Article 6 shall be applied against the Minimum Royalties due under this Article
7, and Licensee shall pay by each due date specified in this Article 7 the sum
of:  (i) the Minimum Royalties as specified 



                                     -5-


<PAGE>   6
above; plus (ii) the excess, if any, of the Earned Royalties (per Article 6)
over the Minimum Royalties for the then current term payable by such due date
(such sum hereinafter referred to as the "Royalty Payment"). Each Royalty
Payment, payable in U.S. currency, shall be remitted by check at Licensor's
address as provided in this Agreement.

7.5 QUARTERLY REPORTS OF SALES AND ROYALTY PAYMENTS. On or before the twentieth
(20th) day of each January, April, July and October during the Contract Term
and any Extension Term, Licensee  shall deliver to Licensor the following:  
(i) a written statement, certified to be true and correct by the Chief 
Financial Officer of Licensee, setting forth the Gross and NIV sales for each 
Trademarked Product during the preceding calendar quarter and a calculation of
the Royalties payable under Article 6 and 7 of this Agreement for such period,
and (iv) a check payable to Licensor in full payment of the amount due under 
Articles 6 and 7 of this Agreement for such period.  Each Royalty payment, 
payable in U.S. currency, shall be remitted by check at Licensor's address 
as provided in this Agreement.

7.6 QUARTERLY REPORT OF SALES AND ROYALTY PAYMENTS.  Licensee shall report 
Gross and NIV sales separately for Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 of
Trademarked Product, respectively, in accordance with Article 7.4, and also
report Consolidated Gross and NIV sales ("Consolidated Sales") which shall
include Gross and NIV sales of Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 of the
Trademarked Product, in accordance with Article 7.4.

ARTICLE 8
MINIMUM SALES OF TRADEMARKED PRODUCT

8.1 FAILURE TO MEET MINIMUM SALES IN CATEGORY 1, CATEGORY 2 AND CATEGORY 3 OF
TRADEMARKED PRODUCT.  Licensee shall use its best efforts to advertise and sell
Trademarked Product in the Territory during the Term of this Agreement.  Should
Licensee fail to achieve a level of NIV sales equal to the combined minimum
sales of Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3 of Trademarked Product, as set
for below, which, for purposes of this Paragraph 8.1, Licensee may accumulate
over any two consecutive Terms, then Licensor may, at its option, elect to
terminate Licensee's grant in, of or to that Category(ies) of Trademarked
Product for which Licensee shall not have achieved minimum sales for two
consecutive Terms by written notice delivered to Licensee within sixty (60) days
after the end of any period in which Licensee failed to maintain such required
Minimum Sales.  Such termination shall be effective upon delivery of said 
notice but shall not affect Licensee's outstanding indebtedness to Licensor or
any of the provisions relating thereto, nor shall it affect Category(ies) of 
Trademarked Product for which Licensee achieves the Minimum NIV Sales as set 
forth below in this Article 8.1.


                                     -6-


<PAGE>   7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       Category 1     Category 2     Category 3
                       -------------  -------------  -------------
 Term     Year         Minimum Sales  Minimum Sales  Minimum Sales
- -------  ------        -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>      <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Initial  1996/8        $4.0 Million   $5.0 Million   $5.0 Million

Ext. 1   1999           4.0 Million    5.0 Million    5.0 Million
Ext. 2   2000           5.0 Million    6.0 Million    6.0 Million
Ext. 3   2001           6.0 Million    7.0 Million    7.0 Million
Ext. 4   2002           7.0 Million    9.0 Million    9.0 Million
Ext. 5   2003           8.5 Million   10.0 Million   10.0 Million
Ext. 6   2004          10.0 Million   12.0 Million   12.0 Million
Ext. 7   2005          12.0 Million   15.0 Million   15.0 Million
Ext. 8   2006          14.0 Million   18.0 Million   18.0 Million
Ext. 9   2007          16.0 Million   21.0 Million   21.0 Million
Ext. 10  2008          18.0 Million   26.0 Million   25.0 Million
Ext. 11  2009          20.0 Million   31.0 Million   28.0 Million
Ext. 12  2010          22.0 Million   37.0 Million   31.0 Million
Ext. 13  2011          24.0 Million   40.0 Million   33.0 Million
</TABLE>

ARTICLE 9
ADVERTISING AND ART WORK

9.1 ADVANCE SUBMISSION.  Licensee shall submit to Licensor for approval all
advertising and promotional items, programs and materials relating to the 
Trademarked Product at least fourteen (14) days prior to intended usage.  
Licensor shall provide Licensee with written approval or disapproval within 
ten (10) business days after Licensor's receipt thereof.  Should Licensor 
disapprove, its written notice shall explain in detail the reasons for 
disapproval so that Licensee may prepare and submit new advertising and art 
work.

9.2 ART WORK.  Licensor shall make available to Licensee any and all necessary
film, photostats, artwork and full color reproductions of its Trademark,
artwork, designs and other materials necessary for Licensee's use in accordance
with this Agreement.

9.3 EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT.  Licensee shall reimburse Licensor's reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses, including, reasonable hourly charges for creative
personnel incurred by Licensor in the preparation for Licensee, when and if
required, of new artwork, mechanical, and film.  All charges shall be agreed to
prior to the time such expenses are incurred, and all sums due to Licensor
under this Article 9 shall be paid by Licensee upon receipt of an appropriate
invoice.

ARTICLE 10
LICENSEE'S RECORDS

Licensee shall keep and maintain at its regular place of business separate and
complete books and records of all business transacted by Licensee in connection
with Category 1, Category 2, Category 3 of Trademarked Product, including, but
not limited to, books and records relating to Gross and NIV of sales and orders
for Trademarked Product.  Such books and records shall be maintained in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and procedures
consistently applied.  Licensor or its duly authorized agents or
representatives shall have the 



                                     -7-


<PAGE>   8
right to inspect said books and records at Licensee's premises during
Licensee's regular business hours upon reasonable prior notice to Licensee.

ARTICLE 11
LICENSEE'S ANNUAL REPORTS AND ANNUAL ROYALTY PAYMENTS

On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the second (2nd) month following the
end of Licensee's fiscal year, Licensee shall render to Licensor a statement
certified by Licensee's Chief Financial Officer disclosing gross and NIV value
of sales.  Royalties due and Royalties paid for Licensee's preceding fiscal
year, and for any Contract or Extension Term which ended within said fiscal
year, relating to Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 of Trademarked Product.
If said statement discloses that Licensee has paid Royalties in excess of the
amounts required to be paid, Licensor shall apply said excess to the next
Royalty payment or, if no further Royalty payments are due, such excess shall
be remitted to Licensee.

ARTICLE 12
AUDIT BY LICENSOR

If Licensor so chooses, it may (at its expense, except as provided below) cause
its independent accountants to audit or review, upon reasonable prior notice to
Licensee, all books and records of Licensee pertaining Trademarked Product.
Licensor shall deliver to Licensee not later than sixty (60) days from
Licensor's receipt of the applicable Report a statement describing its
objections (if any) to Licensee's determination of the Royalties for the
applicable period. Each of Licensor and Licensee shall use reasonable efforts
to resolve any such disputes, but if a final resolution is not obtained within
thirty (30) days after Licensor has submitted its objections, any remaining
disputes will be resolved by an accounting firm mutually agreeable to Licensor
and Licensee (the fees and expenses of such firm to be paid by Licensor, except
as provided below). If Licensor and Licensee are unable to mutually agree on
such an accounting firm, a "big-six" accounting firm shall be selected by lot
after eliminating one firm designated as objectionable by each of Licensor and
Licensee.  The determination of any accounting firm so selected shall be
conclusive and binding upon the parties.  In the event any such audit or review
as finally determined pursuant to this Article 12 shall disclose that Licensee
has underpaid Royalties for any reporting period, Licensee shall forthwith upon
written demand of Licensor pay the amount, if any, by which the Royalties owing
exceed Royalties paid, plus interest of ten percent (10%) per annum on such
amounts, accruing from the date on which such amounts were due to the date on
which sum amounts are paid.  Should such audit disclose that the Royalties paid
exceeded the Royalties due, any excess amount revealed by such audit will be
remitted to Licensee.  If Licensor causes its own independent accountants to
review the Reports described herein and the effect of such review as finally
determined pursuant to this Article 12 is that the amount of the Royalties for
the applicable period is understated by two percent (2%) or more, then Licensee
shall pay the reasonable costs of Licensor's independent accountant and the
reasonable costs of any mutually selected accountant or other accountant
selected pursuant to this Article 12.



                                     -8-


<PAGE>   9


ARTICLE 13
LICENSEE OBLIGATIONS

13.1 LICENSEE DILIGENCE.  Licensee shall design, manufacture, advertise, sell 
and ship Trademarked Product and shall continuously and diligently during the 
Term hereof procure and maintain facilities and trained personnel sufficient and
adequate to accomplish the foregoing all to the extent and in a manner no less
thorough, diligent and professional than the same accorded by Licensee for
Licensee's most favored premium products and/or services.  Cessation of the
above for a continuous period of ninety (90) days shall be grounds for
termination by Licensor without notice. The marketing of Trademarked Product
shall be conducted in a manner consistent with enhancing the long-term value of
the Trademark.  It is in the interest of the parties that Trademarked Product
be sold simultaneously through a wide range of retailers. Accordingly, Licensee
shall continuously and diligently design, price and promote differentiated
versions of Trademarked Product, i.e., "White-Westinghouse Elite" to retailers
in all major classes of trade including department stores (i.e., Macy's,
Burdine's, Bloomingdale's, etc.), regional discounters (i.e., Caldor, Bradlees,
etc.), specialty electronic chains (i.e., The Wiz, etc.), mail order, premium
and television shop services.  Licensee shall exhibit Trademarked Product in
exhibit or booth space at the annual Housewares Show and other appropriate
trade shows.

13.2 LICENSOR INSPECTION RIGHTS.  Licensor shall have the right upon reasonable
prior notice to Licensee to inspect any of Licensee's facilities pertaining to
the Trademarked Product during regular business hours.  Licensor shall conduct
such inspection in the presence of an officer, partner or authorized
representative of Licensee.

13.3 NO COMPETITION WITH TRADEMARKED PRODUCT.  During the term of this 
Agreement, Licensee shall not enter another license Agreement for products 
that would directly compete with the Trademarked Product.

13.4 FORFEITURE OF CATEGORIES OF TRADEMARKED PRODUCT FOR NON-USE.  Licensee's
failure to introduce for sale, by the commencement of the First Extension Term,
any of the eleven (11) Trademarked Product listed on Exhibit A shall be deemed
a forfeiture of its grant to use the Trademark on that Product.  Failure of
Licensee to ship any of the Trademarked Product listed on Schedule A for a
period of one (1) year shall be deemed a forfeiture of its Grant to use the
Trademark on that Product.

13.5 FINANCIAL STANDARDS.  Licensee shall provide its financial statements to
Licensor annually or as requested by Licensor, which are to be prepared in
accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Should Licensee's net worth fall below $* Dollars,
Licensor may, at its option, terminate this Agreement.  Likewise, Licensor 
may terminate this Agreement immediately if Licensee incurs net operating 
losses for three or more consecutive years.



                                     -9-


<PAGE>   10


ARTICLE 14
APPROVALS AND QUALITY STANDARDS

14.1 ADVANCE APPROVAL.  Prior to any use of any Trademark, Licensee shall, at
Licensee's expense, submit to Licensor, for Licensor's written approval, the
following:  (a) two (2) specimens of each Product on which the Trademark is to
appear (the "Specimens"); (b) all artwork which Licensee intends to use in
connection with the Trademark; and (c) all packaging, advertising and
promotional literature which Licensee intends to use in the marketing or
merchandising of the Trademarked Product. Licensor shall give Licensee written
notice of approval or disapproval within ten (10) business days of its receipt
of the Specimens, and should Licensor disapprove, its written notice shall
explain in detail the reasons for disapproval so that Licensee may prepare and
submit new specimens and/or samples.

14.2 STANDARDS.   After Licensor has given its written approval of said
Specimens, then the approved product, quality, packaging, advertising and
promotional literature shall be the standard for all Trademarked Product
produced thereafter (the "Approved Quality").

14.3 PERIODIC SAMPLES.  Thereafter, consecutively at four (4) month intervals,
Licensee shall, at Licensee's expense, submit to Licensor not less than two (2)
randomly selected production run samples of the Trademarked Product.

14.4 APPROVED QUALITY STANDARDS.  Without the prior written approval of 
Licensor, Licensee shall not sell or distribute any Trademarked Product which 
deviates from the Approved Quality more than the deviation which would occur 
as a result of normal deviations in raw material characteristics.

14.5 SERVICING AND REPAIRS.  Licensee will propose, in a timely manner, a
mechanism by which Licensee will respond to inquires from consumers and third
party appliance repair vendors regarding the operation of Trademarked Product
and the procedures for obtaining parts for, or repairs to, Trademarked Product
which mechanism shall be designed to minimize any confusion with Licensor's
existing customer service operations.

14.6 PERIODIC REVIEW MEETINGS.  Licensee will conduct periodic meetings with
Licensor to review Licensee's progress and performance under the terms of this
Agreement.

ARTICLE 15
RESTRICTIONS UPON SUBCONTRACTS

Licensee shall not enter into subcontracts for the manufacture of Trademarked
Product without the express written consent of Licensor, which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld.  Licensee is responsible for the work of any
subcontractor and for any debts, obligations or liabilities incurred by any
such subcontractor in connection with the Trademarked Product.   Licensee shall
discontinue using any subcontractor who shall fail to comply with the Approved
Quality standards.



                                     -10-


<PAGE>   11


ARTICLE 16
ASSIGNMENT; TRANSFERS; SUBLICENSE

Except as otherwise explicitly provided herein, Licensee may not enter into any
sublicense for the use of the Trademark by others.  This Agreement shall not be
assignable by Licensee without the prior written consent of Licensor.  Such
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, except that no such prior written
consent shall be required for any assignment of this Agreement by Licensee to a
successor in interest of Licensee as a result of any merger, consolidation or
other corporate reorganization involving Licensee or a sale by Licensee of a
substantial part of its assets provided that no more than twenty percent (20%)
of the business of such successor (measured by revenues) competes directly with
Licensor.

ARTICLE 17
NO DILUTION OF TRADEMARK OR ATTACK UPON TRADEMARK

17.1 LIMIT ON USE.  Licensee shall not at any time use, promote, advertise,
display or otherwise publish any Trademark or any material utilizing or
reproducing any Trademark in whole or in part, except as specifically provided
in this Agreement, without the prior written consent of Licensor, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld.

17.2 NOTICE.  Licensee shall cause to appear on all Trademarked Product and on
all materials on, or in connection with which, any Trademark is used, such
legends, markings, and notices as may be required by law to give appropriate
notice of all trademark, trade name or other rights therein or pertaining
thereto.

17.3 MATERIALS AND DOCUMENTS.  Licensee shall provide all materials and execute
all documents required by law incident to the maintenance and/or preservation
of the Trademark and Licensor's rights therein.

17.4 NO CONTEST OF TRADEMARK VALIDITY. Licensee shall not contest the validity 
of the Trademark or any rights of Licensor therein, nor shall Licensee willingly
become an adverse party in litigation in which others shall contest the
Trademark or Licensor's said rights.  In addition thereto, Licensee shall not
in any way seek to avoid its obligations hereunder because of the assertion or
allegation by any persons, entities or government agencies, bureaus, or
instrumentalities that any Trademark is invalid or ineffective or by reason of
any contest concerning the rights of Licensor therein.

17.5 NO OTHER TRADEMARK PROTECTION.  Licensee shall not seek any state, federal,
foreign or other statutory trademark or service mark or other protection for
the Trademark as they are used in connection with the Licensee's goods or
services and all use of the Trademark shall be for the sole benefit of
Licensor.



                                     -11-


<PAGE>   12


ARTICLE 18
INFRINGEMENT AND OTHER TRADEMARK LITIGATION

18.1 TRADEMARK DEFENSE.  Licensee shall apprise Licensor immediately upon
discovery of any possible infringement of the Trademark which comes to the
attention of Licensee.  Licensor, at its sole cost and expense, and in its own
name, may prosecute and defend any action or proceeding which Licensor deems
necessary or desirable to protect the Trademark, including but not limited to
actions or proceedings involving their infringement.  Upon written request by
Licensor, Licensee shall join Licensor at Licensor's sole expense in any such
action or proceeding.  However, Licensee shall not commence any action or
proceeding to protect the Trademark or any action or proceeding alleging
infringement thereof without the prior written consent of Licensor.  Licensee
may prosecute and defend, at its sole expense and in its own name, any action
or proceeding to protect its designs or styles.  Any and all damages recovered
in any action or proceeding commenced by Licensor shall belong solely and
exclusively to Licensor.

18.2 NO LIABILITY FOR VIOLATION.  Licensor shall have no liability to
Licensee or any other person, nor shall there be by any right of contribution
against Licensor therefor, for any action or proceeding alleging any violation
of any antitrust, trade regulation, or similar statute, or for unfair
competition. Furthermore, in the event of any threatened or actual action or
proceeding in which Licensee and Licensor are or may be charged with jointly
violating any antitrust, trade regulation or similar statute, or any law
pertaining to unfair competition, Licensee may, at its option, elect to be
represented in such threatened or actual action or proceeding by Licensor's
counsel at no cost to Licensee for fees, costs or expenses.  Should Licensee
elect in such event to be represented by Licensor's counsel, then Licensee
shall relinquish any right to control or direct such threatened or actual
action or proceeding and Licensor shall maintain full control thereof.  Such
representation of Licensee shall continue only so long as Licensor's counsel,
in its sole and absolute discretion, believes that it may properly and
ethically represent both Licensor and Licensee.  In the event that Licensor's
counsel decides that it may no longer properly and ethically represent both
Licensor and Licensee, then Licensor's counsel shall continue to represent
Licensor only, and Licensee's continued defense shall be at Licensee's sole
expense and shall be conducted by separate counsel.

ARTICLE 19
ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS UPON USE OF THE TRADEMARK

It is the intention of the parties hereto and the purpose of this Article 19
that all of the Trademarked Product be identified to the general public by the
Trademark.  Licensee shall use a registration indicator in the form of a
circled-R or "TM" symbol in conjunction with the Trademark when so instructed
by the Licensor.  Licensee further agrees to assist Licensor, at Licensor's
expense, in obtaining registrations for the Trademark in the event any
Trademark is not yet registered for the Trademarked Product.  Licensee shall
use notice language in the manufacture, sale, advertising or other promotion of
the Trademarked Product as follows: 


                                     -12-


<PAGE>   13
"White-Westinghouse" is a registered trademark of White Consolidated Industries,
Inc., and is used under license" or other such language as Licensor designates
in writing.


ARTICLE 20
DEFAULTS BY LICENSEE

20.1 DEFAULTS.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, in the
event Licensee shall default in the performance of any of the terms, conditions
or obligations to be performed by Licensee hereunder, and if such default
involves the payment of money and the same shall not be cured within ten (10)
days after Licensor gives written notice to Licensee of such default, or if 
such default involves performance other than the payment of money and the same
is not cured within fifteen (15) days after Licensor gives written notice to 
Licensee of such default, then and in any such event, Licensor may immediately
and without prior notice terminate this Agreement and all of the rights and 
obligations hereunder (except as otherwise expressly provided by this 
Agreement).  In the event that a Receiver is appointed to, or one or more 
creditors take possession of all, or substantially all, of the assets of 
Licensee, or if Licensee shall make a general assignment for the benefit of 
creditors, or if any action is taken or suffered by Licensee under any state 
or federal insolvency or bankruptcy act, then this Agreement and all of the 
rights and obligations hereunder (except as otherwise expressly provided by 
this Agreement) shall immediately and without notice or need of any further 
action by any party hereto, terminate.

20.2 TIME FOR PERFORMANCE.  The time for performance of any act required of
either party, shall be extended by a period equal to be period during which
such party was reasonably prevented from performance by fire, flood, storm, or
other like casualty beyond such party's control.

ARTICLE 21
LICENSOR'S RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION 

21.1 RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION.  In the event this Agreement is terminated 
for any reason, or expires according to its terms, Licensee shall assign, 
transfer and transmit to Licensor any and all rights of Licensee in the
Trademark, including associated goodwill, and shall not thereafter manufacture,
sell, or use the Trademark in any manner; provided that Licensee may continue
to use the Trademark in connection with the advertising and sale of Trademarked
Product and may continue to use the Trademark in connection with the
manufacture of Trademarked Product, which are in the process of being completed
at time of said termination, for two hundred and seventy (270) days after the
termination of this Agreement; further  provided, however, that all sums then
due to Licensor pursuant to this  Agreement have first been paid; and further
provided that Licensee shall,  within thirty (30) days after said termination,
deliver to Licensor a detailed schedule  of all inventory of Trademarked
Product in Licensee's possession (constructive or otherwise).  After the
expiration of the aforesaid 270 day period, Licensee shall destroy all
Trademarked Product and packaging and promotional material  remaining in
Licensee's possession which are identified in any manner by or  with the 



                                     -13-


<PAGE>   14
Trademark.  Notwithstanding the above, Licensor shall have the right to
purchase such excess stock of Trademarked Product, in whole or in part, prior
to any sale or offer of sale by Licensee to any third party, for an amount
equal to the wholesale cost of such Trademarked Product as indicated in
Licensee's then current catalogue.

21.2 CONTINUATION OF AGREEMENT TERMS.  Licensee shall continue to abide by the
terms of this Agreement with respect to such Trademarked Product during the 
270 day period specified in Section 21.1 of this Agreement.  Upon termination of
the aforesaid 270 period, all labels, signs, packages, wrappers, cartons,
circulars, advertisements, and other items bearing or containing any
reproduction or representation of any Trademark shall automatically and without
cost to Licensor become the property of Licensor, and Licensee shall
immediately deliver the same to Licensor's place of business or other location
designated by Licensor.  The reasonable cost of such delivery shall be paid by
Licensor.
        
21.3 LICENSEE'S OBLIGATIONS.  The termination of this Agreement for any reason
shall not relieve Licensee of any accrued obligations to Licensor nor shall
such action relieve Licensee of any obligation or duty which accrued on or
after the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

21.4 NO RIGHT IN LICENSEE.  Except for the right to use the Trademark as
specifically provided for in this Agreement, (i) Licensee shall have no right,
title or interest in or to the Trademark; and (ii) upon and after the
termination of this Agreement, all rights granted to Licensee hereunder,
together with any interest in and to the Trademark that Licensee may acquire,
shall forthwith and without further act or instrument be assigned to and revert
to the Licensor.  In addition, Licensee shall execute any instruments requested
by Licensor to accomplish or confirm the foregoing.  Any such assignment,
transfer or conveyance shall be without consideration other than the mutual
agreements contained herein.

21.5 SURVIVAL OF TERMS.  The provisions of this Article 21 shall survive the
termination (or expiration) of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 22
LICENSOR COVENANT

During the Contract Term or Extension Term hereof, Licensor agrees that
it will not, either alone or acting together with a third party, manufacture,
market, sell or distribute any Product in the Territory, provided that during
the final ninety (90) days of any Contract or Extension Term hereof, and upon 
prior written notice to Licensee, Licensor shall have the right to design and 
manufacture such products and to negotiate and conclude such agreements as it 
desires pursuant to which it may grant licenses to any party or parties of any
or all of the rights herein granted to Licensee; provided, however, that no such
products shall be shipped by Licensor or any third party other than Licensee
prior to the expiration or termination of this Agreement (exclusive of the
additional two hundred and seventy (270) day period as provided in Article 21 
hereof).



                                     -14-


<PAGE>   15

ARTICLE 23
GOODWILL

Licensee acknowledges and recognizes that the Trademark is of substantial
significance and value to Licensor and that said Trademark has acquired
valuable secondary meaning, value and goodwill.  Except as may be otherwise
specified in this Agreement, Licensee shall not use any Trademark or any name
or symbol similar thereto as part of its name or symbol or as part of the name
or symbol of any corporation, partnership, joint venture, proprietorship or
other entity or person which it controls or with which it is affiliated.

ARTICLE 24
INSURANCE

Licensee shall at all times carry product liability insurance with respect to
the Trademarked Product with a limit of liability of not less than $2 million
and Licensor shall be named therein as an additional insured as its interests
may appear.  Such insurance may be obtained in connection with a policy of
product liability insurance which covers products other than the Trademarked
Product and shall provide for at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice
to Licensor of the cancellation or substantial modification thereof.  Licensee
shall deliver to Licensor a certificate evidencing the existence of such
insurance policies promptly after their issuance.

ARTICLE 25
AGENTS, FINDERS AND BROKERS

Each of the parties to this Agreement shall be responsible for the payment of
any and all agent, brokerage and/or finder commissions, fees and related
expenses incurred by it in connection with this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby and shall indemnify the other and hold it harmless from any
and all liability (including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees
and disbursements paid or incurred in connection with any such liability) for
any agent, brokerage and/or finder commissions, fees and related expenses
claimed by its agent, broker or finder, if any, in connection with this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Licensor's sole
agent/finder/broker in connection with this Agreement is Leveraged Marketing
Corporation of America ("LMCA") with offices at 156 West 56th Street, New York,
New York 10019.  All commissions, fees, and/or other monies due LMCA in
connection with this Agreement shall be borne exclusively by Licensor as per
the Agency Agreement of March 1, 1995.

ARTICLE 26
RESERVED RIGHTS

Rights not herein specifically granted to Licensee are reserved by Licensor and
may be used by Licensor without limitation.  Any use by Licensor of such
reserved rights, including but not limited to the use or authorization of the
use of any Trademark in any manner whatsoever not


                                     -15-


<PAGE>   16
inconsistent with Licensee's right hereunder, shall not be deemed to be
interference with or infringement or any of Licensee's rights.

ARTICLE 27
APPLICABLE LAW

This Agreement shall be construed and governed, in all respects, by the law of
the State of Ohio applicable to contracts made and to be performed in that
state without reference to any provisions relating to conflicts of law.  Any
legal action or proceeding of any sort against Licensor by or on behalf of
Licensee shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in Cuyahoga
County, Ohio.

ARTICLE 28
NON-AGENCY OF PARTIES

This Agreement does not constitute or appoint Licensee as the agent or legal
representative of Licensor, or Licensor as the agent or legal representative of
Licensee, for any purpose whatsoever.  Licensee is not granted any right or
authority to assume or to create any obligation or responsibility, express or
implied, on behalf of or in the name of, Licensor or to bind Licensor in any
manner or thing whatsoever, nor is Licensor granted any right or authority to
assume or create any obligation or responsibility, express or implied, on
behalf of or in the name of Licensee, or to bind Licensee in any manner or
thing whatsoever.  No joint venture or partnership between the parties hereto
is intended or shall be inferred.

ARTICLE 29
AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

This Agreement may be amended or modified only in a writing executed by the
parties hereto, and either party hereto may waive any of its rights hereunder
or performance by the other party of any of its obligations hereunder, only by
instrument in writing.  In the event either party hereto shall at any time
waive any of its rights under this Agreement or the performance by the other
party of any of its obligations hereunder, such waiver shall not be construed
as a continuing waiver of the same rights or obligations, or a waiver of any
other rights or obligations.



ARTICLE 30
ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties as to the
Trademark Products, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings
relating to the subject matter hereof.


                                     -16-


<PAGE>   17

ARTICLE 31
SEPARABILITY OF PROVISIONS

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or
unenforceable under present or future laws, such provisions shall be fully
severable.  This Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal,
invalid or unenforceable provisions had never comprised a part of this
Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full
force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or
unenforceable provision or by its severance from this Agreement.  Furthermore,
in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there shall be
added automatically as part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms
to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be
legal, valid or enforceable.

ARTICLE 32
COUNTERPARTS; HEADINGS

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same
instrument.  The headings herein are set out for convenience of reference only
and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 33
BINDING EFFECT

This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and, subject to the provisions of Article 16 of this Agreement,
their respective permitted successors and assigns.

ARTICLE 34
INDEMNIFICATION

34.1 LICENSOR INDEMNIFIED PARTIES; BASIC INDEMNIFICATION.  For purposes of this
Section, "Licensor Indemnified Parties" refers to Licensor and officers,
directors, employees and agents of Licensor.  Licensee shall indemnify and hold
harmless the Licensor Indemnified Parties and each of them from and against the
costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees
and costs) of any and all claims, suits, losses, damages, costs, demands,
obligations, investigations, causes of action, and judgments arising out of:

(a)     the actual or alleged unauthorized use by Licensee of any trademark 
        (including, without limitation, the Trademark), patent, process, 
        method or device;
(b)     the actual or alleged infringement by Licensee of any copyrights, trade
        name or patent or any act by Licensee held to constitute libel, slander
        or defamation; the invasion by Licensee of the right of privacy, 
        publicity, or other property right;
(d)     the failure to perform of, or any defect in, or use of, the Trademarked
        Product, including without limitation any injuries to the person or to
        property arising therefrom;
(e)     the infringement or breach of other personal or property right of any
        person, firm or corporation by Licensee, its officers, employees,
        agents, or anyone directly or indirectly acting by, through, on behalf
        of, or pursuant to contractual or any other relationship with Licensee;
        and
(f)     Licensee's sales and/or promotional efforts; provided; however, that 
        the indemnification obligations of Licensee pursuant to this Article 34
        shall not apply with

                                     -17-


<PAGE>   18
respect to any of the events set forth in (a) through (f) above to the extent
that such event is attributable to any event described under Section 34.2 
hereof as to which Licensor shall indemnify Licensee.


34.2 LICENSEE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES; BASIC INDEMNIFICATION.  For purposes of this
Section, "Licensee Indemnified Parties" refers to Licensee and officers,
directors, employees and agents of Licensee.  Licensor shall indemnify and hold
harmless the Licensee Indemnified Parties and each of them from and against the
cost and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees
and costs) of any and all claims, suits, losses, damages, costs, demands,
obligations, investigations, causes of action, and judgments arising out of any
assertion or allegation by any persons, entities or government agencies that
any Trademark infringes any trademark, trade name or any other personal or
property right of a third party.

34.3 INDEMNIFICATION FOR BREACH.  Each party hereto shall indemnify and forever
hold harmless the other party against and from any and all claims, suits,
losses, damages, costs, obligations, liabilities, judgments, damages and
expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees arising out
of breach or alleged breach by such party of any provision of this Agreement,
or any misrepresentation made by such party herein or any act not expressly
authorized herein.

34.4 SURVIVAL OF TERMS.  The provisions of this Article 34 shall survive the
termination (or expiration) of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 35
INFORMATION

35.1 CONFIDENTIALITY. Licensor and Licensee may from time to time disclose to
each other sales, engineering, applications, drawings, designs and any other
knowledge, information, techniques, know-how or data pertaining to the
manufacture, use, application, marketing, distribution and sale of the
Trademarked Product or other products of Licensor or Licensee (the
"Information"). Each party hereto shall hold in confidence all such data and
information and shall not disclose such data and information except to such
personnel and employees as are necessary for the effective performance of this
Agreement or as otherwise permitted by this Agreement. Licensor and Licensee
shall cause all data, documents or other written or printed


                                     -18-


<PAGE>   19
materials embodying the Information to be plainly marked to indicate the 
secret and confidential nature thereof and to prevent unauthorized access 
thereto, or reproduction or use thereof.   Licensor and Licensee shall take 
any necessary action, including court proceedings, to comply and to compel 
compliance with the provisions of this Article 35.  The obligations undertaken
by Licensor and Licensee pursuant to this Article 35 shall not apply to any 
such data or information which is or becomes published or otherwise generally 
available to the public without fault of a party hereto or is otherwise 
lawfully acquired by a party hereto and such obligations shall, as so limited,
survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.  Upon termination of 
this Agreement, either party hereto may request the prompt return of all 
written materials received from the other party including originals, copies, 
extractions, translations and reproductions thereof.  This Agreement is not 
intended to and shall not be construed to give either party any vested right, 
title or interest in the Trademarked Product or the Information.

35.2 CONFIDENTIALITY OF TERMS OF AGREEMENT.  Licensee shall not disclose to any
third party information relating to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
including royalty rates, the amounts of Minimum NIV Sales or Minimum Royalties
or the amount of the Initial Royalty Payment pursuant to this Agreement.

35.3 SURVIVAL OF TERMS.  The provisions of this Article 35 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 36
ANNOUNCEMENTS

36.1 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS.  Unless expressly approved in advance in writing by
the other party, neither party shall make any public announcement regarding the
subject matter or existence of this Agreement except as required by law.  If
such announcement is required by law, the announcing party shall give the other
party reasonable notice of such announcement and shall consult with the other
party regarding such announcement.

36.2 IMMEDIATE DISCLOSURE OF PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS.  Licensee shall include
Licensor and its agent, LMCA, among its list of recipients for press releases
and all other public announcements regarding its

ARTICLE 37
ADDRESSES FOR NOTICE

All notices, statements, consents, instructions or other documents required or
authorized to be given hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be delivered
personally to an officer, partner or authorized representative of the other
party or by facsimile and confirmed by certified mail, return receipt
requested, addressed to the parties concerned as follows:

                                     -19-


<PAGE>   20



<TABLE>
      <S>                  <C>
      to Licensee at:      Salton/Maxim Housewares, Inc.
                           550 Business Center Drive
                           Mt Prospect, Illinois 60056
                           Facsimile:  708-803-8080

      with copies to:      Neal Aizenstein, Esq.
                           Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal
                           8000 Sears Tower
                           Chicago, Illinois 60606
                           Facsimile:  312-876-7934

      and to Licensor at:  White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
                           11770 Berea Road
                           Cleveland, Ohio 44111
                           Facsimile: 216-252-8158

      with copies to:      Ms. M. Sharon Schiller, Trademark Counsel
                           White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
                           11770 Berea Road
                           Cleveland, Ohio 44111
                           Facsimile:  216-252-8158

</TABLE>



                                     -20-


<PAGE>   21



and                       Mr. Allan R. Feldman
                          Leveraged Marketing Corporation of America
                          156 West 56th Street
                          New York, New York  10019
                          Facsimile:  212-581-1461


and shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed on the day and year 
first written above.


White Consolidated Industries, Inc. (Licensor)



__________________________________________________

By:  Stanley R. Miller
     Assistant Secretary



Salton/Maxim Housewares, Inc. (Licensee)



__________________________________________________

By:  William B. Rue
     Senior Vice President/COO


                                     -21-
<PAGE>   22
                                   EXHIBIT A

                            Effective:  May 21, 1996


Category 1:   Personal Care
              1.  Hair Dryers
              2.  Hair Curlers
              3.  Curling Wands and brushes
              4.  Make-up Mirrors
              5.  Nail, Face Feet and Body Care Products
              6.  Massagers

Category 2:   Fans and Heaters
              7.  Portable Cooling Fans
              8.  Portable Room Heaters and Heater/Fan Combinations

Category 3:   Tabletop Air Cleaners and Humidifiers
              9.  Portable Room Air Cleaners
              10. Portable Room Air Ionizers and Air Cleaner/Ionizer
                  Combinations
              11. Portable Room Humidifiers


                                     -22-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.32







                 PURCHASE, DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING AGREEMENT


                                 BY AND BETWEEN


                         SALTON/MAXIM HOUSEWARES, INC.


                                      AND


                               KMART CORPORATION





                           _________________________

                                JANUARY 27, 1997
                           _________________________





<PAGE>   2



                 PURCHASE, DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING AGREEMENT

     This Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of January 27, 1997 (the
"Execution Date") between Salton/Maxim Housewares, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Salton"), and Kmart Corporation, a Michigan corporation ("Kmart").

                                    PREAMBLE

     WHEREAS, pursuant to License Agreements by and between White Consolidated
Industries, Inc. ("WCI") and Salton (the "License Agreements"), Salton has the
exclusive right and license within the United States to use the trademark
"White-Westinghouse" and all associated designs and trade dress (together, the
"Trademark") in connection with the design, manufacture, advertising, sale and
promotion of, among others, the products listed on Exhibit A hereto, each of
which will bear and include the Trademark (such products bearing the Trademark
are hereinafter referred to as the "Products");

     WHEREAS, Kmart is a leading discount retailer of various consumer and
other products, including products similar to the Products; and

     WHEREAS, Salton desires to grant to Kmart certain exclusive rights and
obligations to purchase, distribute, sell, market and promote the Products in
the United States, and Kmart desires to accept and exercise these rights and
obligations, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement.

     WHEREAS, simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Kmart is
executing an agreement with New M-Tech Corporation, an affiliate of Salton, as
defined in Section 1.1 below (the "New Tech Agreement"), for the use of the
Trademark on Audio products, Video products, Telephones, Telephone Answering
Machines and Telephone accessories all as specifically described therein, which
agreement is critical to Kmart's overall program for use of the Trademark on
Products under this Agreement with Salton, is a primary inducement for Kmart's
entering into, and is a continuing necessary component of and precondition to
Kmart's performance under this Agreement with Salton.

     Accordingly, in consideration of the foregoing, and for other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

                              TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. DEFINITIONS

      As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
           meaning given to them below:

      1.1  "Affiliate" means any Person involved in a situation where,
           directly or indirectly, one Person controls, or has the power to
           control, the other Person or a third party controls, or has the
           power to control, both Persons.
      
      1.2  "Discount Department Store" shall include, without
           limitation, the Persons listed on Schedule 1.2 hereof as well as all
           department stores which are similar to Discount Department Stores in
           terms of market niche, size and product pricing which now or
           hereafter may exist.



<PAGE>   3




      1.3  "Person" shall include any individual, corporation,
           partnership, association, cooperative, joint venture, or any other
           form of business entity recognized under the law.

      1.4  "sale" shall mean any action involving selling.

      1.5  "sell" shall mean to, directly or indirectly, sell,
           distribute, supply, solicit or accept orders for, negotiate for the
           sale or distribution of, or take any other action that is in
           furtherance of, any of the foregoing.  "Sell" also includes any other
           forms of that verb, whether active or passive, or in the past,
           present, or future tense.

      1.6  "United States" shall mean the United States of America,
           including Puerto Rico and Guam.

2. APPOINTMENT

      2.1  Appointment by Salton; Acceptance by Kmart.  Subject to the
           provisions of this Agreement, Salton hereby appoints Kmart as the
           sole and exclusive Discount Department Store to purchase,
           distribute, sell, market and promote the Products in the United
           States and Kmart hereby accepts such appointment. The rights granted
           to Kmart under this Agreement shall hereinafter collectively be
           referred to as the "Right."  No other Discount Department Store
           shall have any such Right during the Term of this Agreement and/or
           any extension or renewal thereof, regardless of source (i.e.,
           whether from Salton or any other entity) subject to Sections 10.4
           and 10.5 hereof.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this
           Agreement shall be deemed to preclude the sale of Products (i) by
           entities or stores other than Discount Department Stores including,
           without limitation, retail department stores, specialty housewares,
           gourmet and kitchen stores and national cable television programs or
           (ii) by any Person outside the United States.  Furthermore, nothing
           in this Agreement shall preclude Kmart from purchasing products of
           the type listed on Exhibit A hereto from any sources other than
           Salton if such products do not bear or include or are not sold under
           the Trademark, and no payments shall be due to Salton hereunder in
           respect of such sales.

      2.2  Territorial Limitations.  Salton covenants and agrees that,
           during the term of this Agreement or until this Agreement is
           terminated in accordance with the provisions of Article 10 below:

           2.2.1 Salton shall not, directly or indirectly, sell
                 any Product to a Discount Department Store in the United
                 States, subject to Sections 10.4 and 10.5 hereof.

           2.2.2 Except with the prior written consent of Salton
                 (which consent may be refused in the sole, absolute and
                 arbitrary discretion of Salton), Kmart shall not sell any
                 Product to any Person outside the United States.  The United
                 States includes Puerto Rico and Guam.

                                       2



<PAGE>   4
 



            2.2.3   The parties acknowledge and agree that the relationship
                    hereby established between Kmart and Salton is solely that
                    of buyer and seller of goods that each is an independent
                    contractor engaged in the operation of its own respective
                    business, that neither party shall be considered to be the
                    agent of the other party for any purpose whatsoever, except
                    as otherwise expressly indicated in this Agreement, and
                    that, except as otherwise expressly indicated in this
                    Agreement, neither party has any authority to enter into any
                    contract, assume any obligations or make any warranties or
                    representations on behalf of the other party.  Nothing in
                    this Agreement shall be construed to establish a partnership
                    or joint venture relationship between Salton and Kmart.
                    Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed in any way to
                    constitute a sublicense by Salton of its rights under the
                    License Agreement, and the relationship between the parties
                    hereto shall at all times be as set forth in this paragraph.

3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SALTON

   3.1      Salton represents and warrants to Kmart as follows:

            3.1.1   Organization, Power and Authority.  It is duly organized
                    and validly existing under the laws of the State of
                    Delaware, has all requisite power and authority to conduct
                    its business as now, and as proposed to be, conducted and to
                    execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this
                    Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly authorized,
                    executed and delivered by Salton and represents a valid and
                    binding obligation enforceable against Salton in accordance
                    with its terms.

            3.1.2   No Conflicts; Consents.  Execution and delivery hereof, or
                    performance by Salton hereunder, shall not (a) violate or
                    create a default under (i) Salton's Certificate of
                    Incorporation or by-laws (true and correct copies of which
                    have been delivered to Kmart), (ii) any mortgage, indenture,
                    agreement, note or other instrument to which it is a party
                    or to which its assets are subject including, without
                    limitation, the License Agreement or (iii) any court order
                    or decree or other governmental directive or (b) result in
                    the action of any lien, charge or encumbrance on any
                    material portion of Salton's assets, except as contemplated
                    hereby.

            3.1.3   Brokers.  No broker, investment banker, financial advisor
                    or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's,
                    financial advisor's or other similar fee or commission in
                    connection with the transactions contemplated by this
                    Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of
                    Salton.

            3.1.4   Trademark/Compliance with Laws.  It has the contractual
                    right and authority to use the Trademark for the Products as
                    provided in this Agreement and to grant to Kmart all rights
                    which are set forth in this Agreement including but not
                    limited to the "Right" described in Section 2.1 herein,
                    including but not limited to, the right to import all
                    Products into the United States for the full duration of
                    this Agreement; and Salton shall provide U.S. Customs with



                                      3
<PAGE>   5




                    sufficient proof and documentation to enable Kmart to do so.
                    (Notwithstanding the foregoing, Salton shall have up to ten
                    (10) business days to correct any such U.S. Customs Problems
                    which do not affect Kmart's ability to use the Trademark in
                    connection with the sale of any of the Products pursuant to
                    this Agreement.)  In addition, no other Discount Department
                    Store shall have the right to use the Trademark in
                    connection with the sale of any of the Products or sell
                    Products bearing the Trademark or have any of Kmart's rights
                    hereunder during the Term of this Agreement and any renewal
                    and/or extension hereof.  Furthermore, this Agreement as
                    well as Salton's performance hereunder shall be in
                    compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations
                    other than immaterial violations.  Any claim which Kmart
                    reasonably believes impairs or would impair Kmart's ability
                    to receive any of the benefits of this Agreement, or any
                    failure under this Agreement and/or under the NewTech
                    Agreement with respect to this (or the Salton Agreement's)
                    Section 3.1.4 and/or Section 2.1, whether such failure
                    relates to any or all Products, shall entitle Kmart, in
                    addition to all other rights and remedies, without resort to
                    the notice and cure requirements under Section 10.3 herein,
                    to immediately terminate this Agreement and owe nothing to
                    Salton except for payment for Products accepted and sold by
                    Kmart through the date of termination.

       3.1.5        Qualifications.  Throughout the Term of this Agreement and 
                    any renewal or extension hereof, Salton shall comply with 
                    the following requirements:

                    a.   New Vendor Packet Compliance. Salton must have executed
                         and delivered to Kmart all documents required by
                         Kmart's New Vendor Packet, including, but not limited
                         to, Kmart's agreement on standard purchase order terms
                         and conditions attached as Exhibit B (collectively, the
                         "Related Documents") and must currently be in full
                         compliance with the same except as required by this
                         Agreement.  Salton's execution of this Agreement shall
                         constitute Salton's acceptance of and agreement to the
                         terms and conditions contained in all of the Related
                         Documents to the extent not inconsistent with the terms
                         of this Agreement.

                    b.   Kmart Corporation Code of Business Conduct. Salton must
                         be in full compliance with the Kmart Code of Business
                         Conduct and all applicable laws, rules and regulations,
                         including but not limited to child, forced, and prison
                         labor laws and must not have violated the Code of
                         Business Conduct or  applicable laws during the twelve
                         calendar months preceding the date of execution of this
                         Agreement.


                    c.   Continuing Business Conduct with Kmart Foreign
                         Subsidiaries and Operations. Salton must not restrict 
                         or curtail in any way its historical business practices
                         and course of dealing with Kmart's foreign subsidiaries
                         and other foreign operations if any existed.




                                       4
<PAGE>   6




                      d.  Industry Performance.  Salton must at a minimum meet
                          normal industry standards for performance regarding
                          timing and completion levels of fill rates without
                          substitutions.

                      e.  Electronic Data Interchange. Salton must accommodate
                          and participate in Kmart's electronic data interchange
                          program.


4.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF KMART

     4.1       Kmart represents and warrants to Salton as follows:

               4.1.1  Organization, Power and Authority.  It is duly organized
                      and validly existing under the laws of the State of
                      Michigan, has all requisite power and authority to conduct
                      its business as now, and as proposed to be, conducted and
                      to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this
                      Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly authorized,
                      executed and delivered by Kmart and represents a valid and
                      binding obligation enforceable against Kmart in accordance
                      with its terms.

               4.1.2  No Conflicts; Consents.  Execution and delivery
                      hereof, or performance by Kmart hereunder, shall not (a)
                      of Incorporation or by-laws (true and correct copies of
                      which have been delivered to Salton), (ii) any mortgage,
                      indenture, agreement, note or other instrument to which it
                      is a party or to which its assets are subject or (iii) any
                      court order or decree or other governmental directive or
                      (b) result in the action of any lien, charge or
                      encumbrance on any material portion of Kmart's assets.

               4.1.3  Brokers.  No broker, investment banker, financial advisor 
                      or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's,
                      financial advisor's or other similar fee or commission in
                      connection with the transactions contemplated by this
                      Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of
                      Kmart.

5.   MINIMUM ORDERS; OTHER OBLIGATIONS

   
     5.1       Minimum Product Orders/Sales and Exclusive Remedy. 
               Subject to Section 5.2 hereof, during the Term of this  
               Agreement, Kmart agrees to place orders for a minimum   
               U.S. dollar amount of Products within each category     
               specified below (each, a "Category") from Salton [*] (the 
               "Minimum Product Orders") at the purchase prices        
               determined in accordance with Sections 7.1.1 and 7.1.2  
               hereof during the periods (each, a "Period," and        
               together, the "Periods") in each case as specified below
               ($ in millions).  All Products ordered prior to the date
               of this Agreement shall be credited against the Minimum 
               Product Orders for the initial Period of this Agreement.    
    

   
* Confidential Treatment Requested
    



                                       5
<PAGE>   7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Category                Up to and                                                          
  (In                   Including   7/1/98-   7/1/99-   7/1/00-   7/1/01-  7/1/02-  7/1/03-
Millions                 6/30/98    6/30/99   6/30/00   6/30/01   6/30/02  6/30/03  6/30/04
- --------                ---------   -------   -------   -------   -------  -------  -------
<S>                      <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      
 Kitchen                                                                                      
Housewares:              $40.0       $50.0     $52.0     $54.1     $56.2    $ 58.5   $ 60.8   
Personal                                                                                      
  Care:                   13.0        13.5      14.1      14.6      15.2      15.8     16.4   
Heaters/Fans:             18.0        18.7      19.5      20.2      21.1      21.9     22.8   
Electric                                                                                      
  Air                                                                                         
Cleaners                 $ 6.0       $ 6.2     $ 6.5     $ 6.8     $ 7.0    $  7.3   $  7.6   
                         
                                                                                              
  and                                                                                         
Humidifiers:                                                                                  
 Total                   -----       -----     -----     -----     -----    ------   ------   
                         $77.0       $88.4     $92.1     $95.7     $99.5    $103.5   $107.6   
                         =====       =====     =====     =====     =====    ======   ======   
</TABLE>


   
         Specific purchase orders shall be issued by Kmart from time to
         time for the Products being purchased ("Specific Purchase Orders"). 
         The Specific Purchase Orders shall be in the form and substance of the
         form of purchase order annexed hereto as Exhibit C for domestic orders
         and Exhibit D for import orders, both of which are incorporated herein
         by this reference ("Purchase Order Forms") and shall govern and
         control the terms of each purchase by Kmart of Products hereunder;
         provided, that in the event of a conflict between the terms set forth
         in a Specific Purchase Order and in this Agreement, the terms set
         forth in this Agreement shall be determinative of such conflict.  Each
         Specific Purchase Order may be accepted or rejected by Salton,
         provided that:  (i) Salton's failure to provide Kmart with written
         notice of rejection of any Specific Purchase Order within five (5)
         days of Kmart's issuance thereof shall constitute Salton's acceptance
         of such Specific Purchase Order; and (ii) Salton is required to 
         accept all Specific Purchase Orders for which [*], and all such Orders 
         shall automatically qualify as accepted by Salton; and (iii) Salton 
         is required to accept all Specific Purchase Orders which Salton is to
         fill [*] ("Direct Salton Orders"), provided (a) they are issued at 
         prices negotiated by Kmart and Salton or; (b) are consistent with 
         prices quoted by Salton to Kmart; and (c) are issued within ninety 
         (90) days of the required delivery date and; (d) are in an order 
         quantity which is not inconsistent with the average order quantity on
         Specific Purchase Orders issued by Kmart to Salton [*] over the 
         preceding one hundred twenty (120) days, and all such Orders placed 
         shall automatically qualify as accepted by Salton.  Notwithstanding 
         the foregoing, Salton shall use its best efforts to fill all Specific
         Purchase Orders, placed by Kmart in less than ninety (90) days from 
         the required delivery date.  For purposes of this Agreement, in the
         event that Kmart issues a Specific Purchase Order which is accepted by
         Salton as set forth above and Salton [*] fails through no fault of
         Kmart to timely deliver conforming Products to or on behalf of Kmart
         by the required delivery date specified therein, or if for any reason,
         but through no fault of Kmart, Salton is unable to procure Products
         [*] then [*] the Minimum Product Orders in the applicable Category
         shall be reduced by the dollar amount set forth in the Specific 
         Purchase Order(s) related thereto, whether or not such Products are
         ultimately purchased by Kmart.
    

   
* Confidential Treatment Requested
    

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<PAGE>   8
   
         Kmart's deductions for documented claims whether under the Specific
         Purchase Orders or otherwise, shall not reduce Kmart's fulfillment of
         the Minimum Product Orders, and for purposes of determining if Kmart
         has issued the Minimum Product Orders, Kmart shall be deemed to have
         purchased all Products covered by a remittance regardless of
         offsets/deductions for claims.  If, however, Kmart issues a Specific
         Purchaser Order which is accepted by Salton as set forth above and
         Salton [*] timely delivers conforming Products to or on behalf of Kmart
         by the required delivery date specified therein, and Kmart fails to
         remit payment for such conforming Products so delivered, then such
         Products shall not be counted for purposes of determining if Kmart has
         issued the Minimum Product Orders, unless and until such Products are
         ultimately paid for by Kmart.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Kmart
         shall not be relieved of any obligation to pay for conforming Products
         timely delivered to or on behalf of Kmart in accordance with any
         Specific Purchase Order.
    

         Subject to Sections 5.1 above and 5.2 below, in the event that
         Kmart fails to place the Minimum Product Orders in any of the
         Categories specified above within any of the periods specified above,
         then Kmart shall be required to pay Salton within thirty (30) days
         following the end of any such period, as Salton's sole and exclusive
         remedy hereunder and upon receipt of an invoice from Salton therefor,
         an amount equal to (i) (A) the Minimum Product Orders in such Category
         less (B) the Actual Order Amount in such Category multiplied by (ii)
         five percent (5%) (the "Fee(s)").  The "Actual Order Amount" for
         purposes of this Section 5.1 shall mean, subject to Section 5.1 above
         and Section 5.2 below, the positive amount, if any, obtained by adding
         (i) the actual amount of Products ordered by Kmart in the applicable
         Category during the applicable Period (adjusted upwards pursuant to
         Section 5.1 above and 5.2 below) and (ii) the excess, if any, of (A)
         the actual amount of Products ordered by Kmart in the applicable
         Category during the Period (adjusted upwards pursuant to Section 5.1
         above and 5.2 below) immediately prior to the applicable Period (the
         "Prior Period") less (B) the Minimum Product Orders in the applicable
         Category for the Prior Period.  In no event, however, shall Salton's
         Fees (for both ordered and unordered Products) ever exceed the amount
         Salton would have received in any Category under Section 5.1 herein if
         Kmart had met all Minimum Product Order commitments stated therein,
         and Salton shall reconcile and refund all Fees received in excess
         thereof subject to Section 7.1.2 hereof.  For example, if during the
         Period from the Execution Date of this Agreement through June 30,
         1998, Kmart issues Product Orders in the Kitchen Housewares Category
         equal to an aggregate of $48.0 million and, if during the period from
         July 1, 1998 through June 30, 1999, Kmart issues Product Orders in the
         Kitchen Housewares Category equal to an aggregate of $41.0 million,
         then Kmart shall pay Salton, as Salton's sole and exclusive remedy for
         Kmart's failure to issue the Minimum Product


   
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<PAGE>   9
           Orders for the Products, an amount equal to $50,000 on or before 
           July 30, 1999 ($1.0 million x 5%).  Product Orders in a particular 
           Category may not be used to satisfy the Minimum Product Orders in 
           any other Category.

      5.2  Reduction of Minimum Product Orders.  In the event that during 
           any Period aggregate retail sales of Products in the United
           States for a particular Category have decreased from the Prior
           Period (the amount of such reduction of sales in the United States
           of Products in any particular Category is hereinafter expressed as a
           percentage, and the amount by which such percentage exceeds 10% is
           hereinafter referred to as the "Reduction Percentage"), then the
           Minimum Product Orders for that Category for the Period following
           the Prior Period (the "Adjustment Period") shall be reduced.  This
           reduction shall be in an amount (the "Reduction Amount") equal to
           (i) the higher of (A) the Minimum Product Order commitment for the
           applicable Category for the Adjustment Period or (b) the actual
           Product Orders by Kmart of the Products in the applicable Category
           during the Prior Period (the "Actual Prior Period Orders")
           multiplied by (ii) the Reduction Percentage.  The Reduction Amount
           will then be subtracted from the higher of (i) the Minimum Product
           Order commitment for the applicable Category for the Adjustment
           Period or (ii) the Actual Prior Period Orders, to determine the new
           Minimum Product Order commitment for the applicable Category for the
           Adjustment Period; provided, however, that if this computation
           yields an amount greater than the Minimum Product Order commitment
           for such Period, then no adjustment shall be made.  In addition, an
           adjustment may only be made to the extent that it would not reduce
           the Minimum Product Order commitment for the Adjustment Period below
           80% of the amount specified for such Period for the applicable
           Category under Section 5.1.  All computations will be based on
           prices that do not include any internal Kmart charges.  By way of
           example only, if retail sales of Kitchen Housewares in the United
           States decrease by 30% during the Period from July 1, 1999 to June
           30, 2000 and Kmart issues orders for $60.0 million of Products in
           the Kitchen Housewares Category during the Period from July 1, 1999
           to June 30, 2000, then the Minimum Product Orders commitment for
           Kitchen Housewares for the Period from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001
           shall be reduced from $54.1 million to $43.2 million ([30%-10%] x
           $60.0 = $12.0 million; $12.0 million subtracted from $54.1 million
           = $42.1 million; however, the Minimum Product Orders can never be
           reduced under this Section 5.2 by more than 80% of $54.1 million
           (which equals $43.2 million).  For purposes of this Section 5.2,
           sales of Products in the United States within a particular Category
           shall be determined by reference to applicable information published
           in the most widely-circulated trade publication containing such
           information; provided, that if Kmart and Salton are unable to agree
           upon the publication from which such information is to be derived,
           then the applicable information shall be derived by reference to a
           trade publication selected by Kmart and a trade publication selected
           by Salton, and the applicable sales information shall be determined 
           on the basis of the average of the data contained in the two 
           publications.

   
      5.3  Retail Sales Price.  Kmart shall have sole discretion in setting the
           sales price for the sale of the Products to its customers.
    





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<PAGE>   10

6.   DELIVERY

      6.1  Availability of Products.  Products shall be shipped in
           accordance with the Specific Purchase Orders.  Salton shall use its
           reasonable best efforts to make available to Kmart sufficient
           quantities of the Products to satisfy Kmart's Product Orders.

      6.2  Product Forecasts.  To assist Salton in production scheduling
           for the manufacture of the Products, Kmart shall provide to Salton,
           monthly, a six month rolling forecast of its requirements for
           Products.  The first forecast shall be provided by Kmart to Salton
           within thirty (30) business days of the Execution Date of this
           Agreement (to forecast the requirements for the six months ended
           June 30, 1997 and for the next five succeeding calendar months) and
           thereafter shall be provided to Salton on or before the 20th day of
           each month (to forecast the requirements for the next six succeeding
           calendar months).  It is understood and agreed that all forecasts
           are estimates only and Kmart shall only be bound to purchase the
           Products pursuant to Specific Purchase Orders issued by it to
           Salton, subject to the satisfaction of the Minimum Product Order
           commitment set forth in Section 5.1 hereof; and the Fee on any
           shortfall in the Minimum Product Order for any Category and Kmart's
           payment for conforming Products ordered and timely delivered through
           the date of Termination shall be Salton's sole and exclusive remedy
           hereunder.

      6.3  Shipping Arrangements; Risk of Loss.  The shipping
           arrangements, insurance and risk of loss relating to Products
           purchased hereunder shall be specified in each Specific Purchase
           Order.

7. MANUFACTURE OF PRODUCTS; PRICE AND PAYMENT TERMS

   
      7.1  Manufacture of Products. All Products for which Specific Purchase
           Orders have been issued (subject to Section 5.1 of this Agreement)
           may be manufactured by or on behalf of Salton [*] Salton acknowledges
           and Kmart acknowledges (based upon Salton's representation) that
           under the License Agreement WCI has the right before the initial
           order of a new Product within ten (10) days of submission by Salton,
           to approve or reject the Product specimen, related artwork and
           packaging, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld and shall
           be automatic unless rejection is communicated in writing to Kmart
           within the ten (10) day period. In each such case, Salton shall be
           solely responsible for making timely submission to WCI and timely
           written communication to Kmart of any rejection; and Kmart shall have
           no liability, whatsoever, for any claim or failure relating to or
           arising from this Section 7.1.
    

                 7.1.1  Direct Salton Orders.  In the event that Kmart elects
                        in its sole and absolute discretion to procure the
                        manufacture of Products directly by or on behalf of
                        Salton, then Kmart shall enter into an agreement with
                        Salton for such Products as Kmart desires to purchase
                        and Salton is willing to manufacture pursuant to a
                        purchase order identical in all respects to the

   
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<PAGE>   11

   
         Purchase Order Form annexed hereto as Exhibit C for domestic
         orders and Exhibit D for import orders (the "Direct Purchase Order"). 
         The price to Kmart of Products under a Direct Purchase Order, and all
         other terms and conditions not specified in this Agreement or in the
         Purchase Order Form, shall be determined by mutual agreement
         acceptable to each of Kmart and Salton in its sole discretion at or
         prior to the time the applicable Direct Purchase Order is issued by
         Kmart and accepted by Salton.
    

   
7.1.2    Orders from [*] pursuant to a purchase order identical in all respects
         to the Purchase Order Form annexed hereto as Exhibit C for
         domestic orders and Exhibit D for import orders (the "[*] Purchase
         Order").  Kmart shall make direct payments to [*] of the amounts owed
         under such [*] Purchase Order for conforming Products timely delivered
         (the "[*] Payments").  Salton shall remain liable for the [*] Payments
         in the event Kmart fails to make such [*] Payments.  Kmart shall
         indemnify and hold harmless Salton and its officers, directors,
         employees and agents from and against any claim, liability or damages,
         including related costs and attorneys' fees, of which it is timely
         advised in writing resulting from the failure by Kmart to make [*]
         Payments, or otherwise perform, in accordance with the terms of the
         [*] Purchase Orders unless such failure is caused or contributed to by
         Salton, Windmere or WCI.  Kmart shall control the defense and
         settlement of any claims for which such indemnify is provided. 
         Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to limit or restrict
         Kmart in any fashion from dealing directly with [*] Salton shall not
         be liable for the failure to perform, including warranties, [*] unless
         and except to the extent that such failure is caused or contributed to
         by Salton, Windmere or WCI.
    

   
7.1.3    Purchase Orders from Kmart to Salton Relating to [*] Kmart
         agrees that delivery [*] of the Products in conformity with the
         applicable [*] Purchase Order shall be deemed, without any further
         agreement or instrument, the agreement of Kmart to purchase such
         Products from Salton in the manner set forth in Section 7.1.2 above
         and in this Section 7.1.3 on exactly the same terms and conditions
         provided [*] under the [*] Purchase Order issued by Kmart at a price
         equal to the sum of (i) the [*] Payment for such Products plus (ii)
         five percent (5%) of the "first cost" of such [*] Payment (the "first
         cost" being the price up to the f.o.b. point of shipment, net of any
         taxes, freight costs, customs fees, duties, etc.).  (The amounts set
         forth in (i) and (ii) are collectively referred to herein as the
         "Salton Payment").  Upon delivery [*] of the conforming Products
         identified in the [*] Purchase Order to Kmart, together with the
         related invoice, Kmart shall at its sole and exclusive option either
         (i) pay the Salton Payment to Salton whereupon Salton shall pay the
         [*] Payment to [*] or (ii) pay the [*] Payment directly to  [*] and
         remit the difference between the Salton Payment and the [*] Payment
         directly to Salton. Kmart's exercise of either of the preceding
         options shall extinguish any and  all rights of Salton to such
         payments.
    

   
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<PAGE>   12
   
    

   
7.1.4      Aggregate Sales Reports.  Within ten (10) days after the end of
           each calendar month during the term of this Agreement, Kmart
           shall provide Salton with a written statement (the "Kmart
           Statement") indicating, with respect to the preceding month, (i) the
           aggregate dollar amount of all purchases of Products [*] under this
           Agreement and the quantity and types of Products so purchased, (ii)
           the aggregate dollar amount of [*] Payments made directly to [*]
           upon delivery of the Products, (iii) the aggregate dollar amount of
           the Salton Payments made directly to Salton upon delivery of
           conforming Products.  Salton shall have the right, upon reasonable
           notice and at reasonable times, within six (6) months following its
           receipt of the Kmart Statement to review the books and records of
           Kmart with respect only to (i), (ii) and (iii) above for the period
           covered by such Kmart Statement, to confirm the accuracy of the
           payments made hereunder provided that such right of review shall not
           be exercisable more than once per year and provided further that is
           such review reveals an underpayment of more than one percent (1%) of
           the amount to which Salton is entitled hereunder, then Salton may
           conduct such review twice per year.  The cost and expenses of such
           examination shall be paid solely by Salton; provided, that if such
           examination reveals an underpayment to either Salton of more than
           one percent (1%) of the amount to which Salton is entitled
           hereunder, then the reasonable out of pocket costs and expenses of
           such examination shall be paid by Kmart upon receipt of an invoice
           therefor with support documentation attached.  Notwithstanding the
           foregoing, the first Aggregate Sales Report will not be issued until
           after February 15, 1997. 
    

   
7.1.5      Examination by Independent Auditors.  The independent auditors
           for each of Salton and Windmere-Durable Holdings, Inc. ("Windmere")
           presently Deloitte & Touche and Grant Thornton L.L.P., shall have
           the right during the term of this Agreement at any time that either
           Salton or Windmere requires audited financial statements (e.g. in
           connection with the preparation of their respective annual reports,
           bank loans or certain acquisitions) to review the books and records
           of Kmart, but in no event more than twice per year.  Any additional
           audits shall be conducted only with Kmart's express prior written
           consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, and shall be only
           for the purpose of confirming the accuracy of, and relating only to,
           the financial information required to be provided to Salton
           hereunder as set forth in Section 7.1.4 herein, including, all [*]
           Purchase Orders.  All information obtained by such auditors in the
           course of such review shall be maintained by such auditors as
           confidential and shall not be disclosed to any party, including
           Windmere and/or Salton, without the express prior written consent of
           Kmart.  The cost and expenses of such examination shall be paid
           solely by Salton and/or Windmere, as the case may be; provided, that
           if such
    


   
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<PAGE>   13
           examination reveals an underpayment of more than one percent
           (1%) of the amount to which Salton is entitled hereunder, then the
           reasonable out of pocket costs and expenses of such examination
           shall be paid by Kmart upon receipt of an invoice therefor with
           support documentation attached.

   
    7.1.6  Assignment of Rights.  In consideration of Kmart entering into this
           Agreement and agreeing to pay [*] directly  subject to and in
           accordance with the terms hereof, this Agreement  shall constitute
           the automatic assignment to Kmart of all rights  of Salton against
           [*] with respect  to Products purchased from [*] pursuant  to this
           Agreement, which rights may not be enforced by Salton.   Salton
           shall have no liability with respect to any non-performance  of 
           [*] unless Salton, Windmere or WCI causes or contributes to such
           non-performance.  This Agreement shall also  constitute the
           automatic and irrevocable assignment of the [*] Payment portion of
           the Salton Payment to [*], and such payment is not assignable to any
           other party, including Salton.
    

   
    7.1.7  Sole and Exclusive Remedy of Salton.  Salton's sole and exclusive 
           remedy relating to any [*] Purchase Order or any failure under
           this entire Section 7 shall be against Kmart for its payment of the
           difference between the Salton Payment and the [*] Payment or for
           enforcement of Kmart's indemnification obligation under Section
           7.1.2 hereunder.  Salton shall have no right to enforce against
           Kmart, Kmart's payment of the [*] Payment portion of the Salton
           Payment unless Kmart shall have wrongfully failed to pay such amount
           to [*] upon timely delivery of conforming Products under a [*]
           Purchase Order.  Salton shall have no right to enforce performance
           or seek any other remedy against [*] hereunder or under any [*]
           Purchase Order.
    

    7.1.8  Invoicing Requirements/Payment Terms.

           A.  Salton will follow the invoicing requirements provided by
               Kmart from time to time.

           B.  Payment for all Direct Salton Orders of Products f.o.b.
               Asia ("Import Products") and purchased hereunder shall be as
               follows:  (i) Direct Salton Orders shall be made by wire
               transfer within five (5) business days following the receipt of
               goods ("ROG") provided the International Department has received
               (i) the original invoice, (ii) an original signed bill of lading
               and (iii) the customary signed Kmart Inspection certificate for
               goods manufactured overseas.

           C.  Payment for all domestic Direct Salton Orders purchased 
               hereunder shall be made by check issued within ten (10) business 
               days of receipt of goods ("ROG") provided Kmart has received 
               the applicable invoice.

   
           D.  Payment for all domestic and Import [*] Orders purchased 
               hereunder shall be made pursuant to Section 7.1.3
    

   
* Confidential Treatment Requested
    



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<PAGE>   14




                herein. If Kmart, in its sole and exclusive discretion
                exercises the payment option set forth in (ii) under Section
                7.1.3, Salton shall invoice Kmart for the difference between
                the Salton Payment and the TPM Payment after Salton receives
                each Aggregate Sales Report described in Section 7.1.4 herein.
                Salton shall prepare and submit 2 invoices covering each
                Aggregate Sales Report: one for import orders and one for
                domestic orders.  The invoices shall be directed to:

                FOR DOMESTIC ORDERS:              FOR IMPORT ORDERS:
                Bryan Atkinson                    Linda Peterson
                Manager, Accounting Operations    Director, International
                Kmart Corporation                   Administration
                3100 West Big Beaver Road         Kmart Corporation
                Troy, MI 48084                    3100 West Big Beaver Road
                                                  Troy, MI 48084

Kmart shall pay all such invoices within ten (10) business days of receipt.

7.1.9    Stand-by Letter of Credit.  Kmart shall open, within ten (10) business
         days of the Execution Date, a transferable and assignable stand-by
         irrevocable letter of credit in the sum of $10,000,000 in favor of
         Salton from a financial institution reasonably acceptable to Salton
         ("Letter of Credit") which can only be drawn upon for Kmart's failure
         to pay for Direct Salton Orders of conforming Products which are
         timely shipped f.o.b. Asia as further described in this Section and
         for no other reason (including, but not limited to, any Salton
         Payment) Salton shall have as its sole and exclusive remedy for
         Kmart's failure to pay for such Products, notwithstanding Section
         10.3 herein, the right to draw on the Letter of Credit at any time and
         from time to time provided all of the following procedures are
         followed by Salton and all of the following conditions are met: 
         (i) Kmart has failed to pay for such Products as provided herein (ii)
         Salton has provided Kmart with the required written notice and
         opportunity to cure pursuant to Section 10.3 herein and has submitted
         an affidavit signed by the Chief Financial Officer of Salton as
         follows:  "Salton has timely delivered conforming Products f.o.b. Asia
         to Kmart, Kmart has taken deliveries of such Products and Salton has
         invoiced Kmart therefor.  Kmart Corporation owes Salton/Maxim
         Housewares, Inc. $___________ pursuant to invoices [invoice numbers to
         be inserted] (iii) A copy of such invoices and the corresponding
         inspection certificates indicating that the Products have passed
         inspection and corresponding original bills of lading duly signed by
         an authorized officer of Kmart are annexed to the affidavit; (iv);
         Kmart has failed to pay the amount owing when due after receipt of an
         invoice therefor and a notice specifying such amount and describing
         the obligation including respective purchase order number(s), (v). 
         Kmart has received such notice on _____, sixty (60) days have elapsed
         (for individual obligations of up to $2 million) or thirty (30) days
         have elapsed (for individual obligations of more than $2 million), and
         Kmart has failed to pay the amount owing or provide proof that the
         amount is not owing.


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<PAGE>   15




        Salton shall provide Kmart with ten (10) days prior written notice of
        its intent to submit such affidavit to draw on the Letter of
        Credit and shall not be entitled to submit such affidavit if Kmart can
        prove payment of the amount claimed owing or that the goods were not
        conforming or timely delivered or otherwise resolve the dispute within
        such ten (10) day period.  The Letter of Credit shall be in form and
        substance reasonably satisfactory to Salton and shall terminate on
        December 15, 1997.

7.1.10  Currency Exchange.  Prices charged Kmart and payments made by Kmart to
        Salton for the Products shall be in U.S. dollars.

8. RETURNS, ALLOWANCES AND WARRANTIES

   8.1  Terms of Specific Purchase Order to Control.  The terms and
        conditions of this Agreement, including the Purchase Order Forms, as
        well as the terms and conditions set forth in each Specific Purchase
        Order shall determine the rights and obligations of the parties with
        respect to returns, allowances and warranties relating to Products
        ordered thereunder.

9.   DAMAGES, INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE

        9.1  Indemnification.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, Salton
        shall reimburse, indemnify, defend and hold harmless, Kmart, its 
        directors, officers and employees and subsidiaries and
        affiliates and each of their respective directors, officers and
        employees from and against any damage, loss, expense or penalty, or any
        claim or action therefor, by or on behalf of any person or entity,
        arising out of the performance or failure of performance of this
        Agreement including but not limited, to any claim or failure with
        respect to Sections 2 or 3 hereof.

        Salton shall reimburse, indemnify, defend and hold harmless Kmart, its
        directors, officers and employees and subsidiaries and affiliates and
        each of their respective directors, officers and employees from and
        against all third-party claims alleging that any Products and or any
        Right furnished under this Agreement infringe any patent, copyright,
        trademark or other proprietary right or constitute a misuse of any
        trade secret information and shall pay all costs, attorneys fees,
        settlement payments and damages arising in connection with any such
        claims.  Kmart agrees to timely advise Salton of any such suit, claim
        or proceeding, and to extend reasonable cooperation to Salton in the
        defense or settlement of such suit, claim or proceeding, but Salton
        shall have sole control thereof.  In the event that an injunction is
        obtained against Kmart's use, purchase, distribution, sale, marketing
        and/or promotion of any Products and/or any Right in whole or in part,
        Salton shall promptly, at its option either: (a) procure for Kmart the
        right to continue using, purchasing, distributing, selling, marketing
        and/or promoting such Products enjoined from use, or (b) replace or
        modify the same so that Kmart's use, sale or possession is not subject
        to any such injunction, or (c) at Kmart's option refund to Kmart all    
        amounts paid to Salton for such Products and such Right, including but
        not limited to all Salton Payments.







                                       14
<PAGE>   16




      9.2  Insurance.  Salton shall, during the Term of this Agreement,
           maintain the following insurance coverages as indicated or as
           required by law, whichever shall be greater, with insurers in good
           standing and authorized to do business under the laws of the
           State(s) where performance hereunder shall occur:

           (a)  Comprehensive General Liability, naming Kmart as an additional
                insured including, but not limited to, Contractual
                Liability and Products Liability, with broad form property
                damage and bodily injury (including Personal Injury) coverage. 
                The minimum limits for each shall be $2,000,000 per occurrence.

           (b)  All insurance required in Exhibits B and C hereto, as well as
                that required under each Purchase Order.

           (c)  Employee fidelity insurance, workers compensation insurance and
                employer's liability insurance as required by all
                applicable federal, state or other laws, rules or regulations.

           Prior to execution of this Agreement, Salton shall tender to Kmart
           certificates of insurance evidencing the coverage required to
           be maintained by Salton hereunder.  The certificates must provide
           that no change or cancellation of insurance shall be made without
           thirty (30) days prior written notice to Kmart.


      9.3  Survival.  The provisions of this Section 9 shall
           survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.


10.  TERM AND TERMINATION

     10.1  Term.  The Term of this Agreement shall be a period,
           commencing on the Execution Date and terminating on June 30, 2004,
           unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Section 10 of this
           Agreement.

     10.2  Extension of Terms.  If neither Kmart nor Salton terminate this
           Agreement pursuant to Section 10.3, 10.4 or 10.5, as
           applicable, Kmart shall have the right to extend the term of this
           Agreement for successive one-year periods through June 30, 2011, by
           delivering written notice to Salton of its desire to so extend this
           Agreement on or before May 30 of any year during the Term or any
           extension period, as applicable.  Upon any such extension, the
           Minimum Product Orders for each Category shall be increased at an
           annual rate of no more than four percent (4%) from the amount of
           Minimum Product Orders in the immediately preceding year during each
           year in which the Term has been so extended.  Kmart may terminate
           this Agreement without cause on sixty (60) days prior written notice
           at any time during any extension period without cost or penalty.

     10.3  Termination by Either Party. The occurrence of one or more of
           the following events shall constitute a default of the party
           responsible for the occurrence of such event ("Default"):



                                       15
<PAGE>   17
     (a)    Material breach of the Agreement, including, without limitation,
            (i) the failure of Salton to supply Products and/or provide
            services as provided for herein with such diligence as will insure
            compliance with all delivery, installation, completion and other
            dates specified herein, (ii) the failure of Kmart to pay or
            reimburse any material amounts which are due to be paid or
            reimbursed hereunder; (iii) any failure relating to Section 2.1,
            Section 3.1.4 and/or Section 9 herein; or (iv) New Tech's breach of
            the NewTech Agreement;

     (b)    Failure or material breach of any material condition, obligation,
            covenant, representation or warranty set forth herein; or

     (c)    Insolvency, or the institution of proceedings by or against a party
            under any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency law or an
            assignment for the benefit of all or substantially all creditors
            which proceeding is not stayed within sixty (60) days of filing; or
            the cessation of operations or doing business for any reason.

     Upon the occurrence of a Default, the non-defaulting party shall provide
     written notice (the "Notice") to the defaulting party specifying the
     nature of the Default and the conduct required to cure such Default.  The
     defaulting party shall have 60 days following the date the Notice is
     received by the non-defaulting party to cure the Default (30 days for
     non-payment by Kmart under a Specific Purchase Order where the amount
     involved exceeds $2,000,000).  If the Default is not cured by the
     defaulting party within such period, the non-defaulting party may elect to
     either specifically enforce performance hereof  or terminate this
     Agreement.  If, however, Kmart defaults Salton's remedies shall not
     exceed the amount Salton would have received as its sole and exclusive
     remedy under Section 5 herein with respect to Minimum Product Orders which
     have not been placed as of the effective date of the Default or
     Termination.  In the event of Salton's Default or wrongful termination of
     this Agreement, Kmart shall not owe Salton any damages under Section 5 of
     this Agreement.

     A party's failure to demand cure of or terminate this Agreement as a
     result of a prior Default shall not be deemed a waiver by the party of the
     right to demand cure of or to terminate this Agreement as a result of a
     subsequent Default. Unless otherwise indicated to the contrary in this
     Agreement, the rights set  forth hereinabove are cumulative and in
     addition to those otherwise provided by law.

10.4 Termination at Option of Kmart.  (a) Kmart shall have the right to
     terminate this Agreement without cause in its sole discretion effective on
     June 30, 2002, by giving Salton written notice at any time up to June 30,
     2000.  Following delivery of such notice to Salton, the parties shall
     continue to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement
     through June 30, 2002; provided, that the Minimum Product Purchase
     commitment, for the period of July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002, as set
     forth in Section 5.1 hereof, shall be reduced to 25% of the amounts set
     forth in said Section 5.1; and provided further, that after June 30, 2000,
     Salton may commence marketing plans for the sale of Products to any other
     Person, including other Discount Department Stores, and, after July        
     31, 2001 Salton may




                                       16
<PAGE>   18

           market and sell Products to any other Person, including Discount
           Department Stores, notwithstanding Section 2.1 hereof. If Kmart
           does not elect to terminate this Agreement in accordance with the
           foregoing sentences of this Section 10.4, then Kmart shall have the
           right to terminate this Agreement without cause in its sole
           discretion effective June 30, 2003 and on each June 30 thereafter
           during the term of this Agreement by giving written notice to Salton
           of its desire to so terminate this Agreement.  Upon any such
           termination, Kmart shall owe nothing to Salton beyond payment for
           Products accepted by Kmart as of the effective date of termination. 
           Kmart shall be required to perform all Specific Purchase Orders
           issued prior to the effective date of such termination, and Kmart
           shall have no further obligation following such termination.

           (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is specifically agreed by      
           the parties hereto that in the event Kmart terminates the Agreement
           at any time and such termination is not in accordance with this
           Section 10.4(a), or is otherwise in violation or breach of this
           Agreement, Kmart's liability hereunder shall not exceed an amount
           equal to the Fees specified in Section 5 herein for the Minimum
           Product Orders which have not been placed as of the effective date
           of such termination and for payment for Orders of conforming
           Products timely delivered through the date of such termination,
           Kmart shall be required to perform all Specific Purchase Orders
           issued prior to the effective date of such termination, and Kmart
           shall have no further obligation following such termination.

      10.5 Termination at Option of Salton. Salton shall have the right to 
           terminate this Agreement effective on June 30, 2002, by giving Kmart
           written notice at any time up to June 30, 2000.  Following delivery
           of such notice to Kmart, the parties shall continue to be bound by   
           all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement through June 30,
           2002; provided, that the Minimum Product Purchase commitment, for
           the period of July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002, as set forth in
           Section 5.1 hereof, shall be reduced to 25% of the amounts set forth
           in said Section 5.1; and provided further, that after June 30, 2000,
           Salton may commence marketing plans for the sale of Products to any
           other Person, including other Discount Department Stores, and, after
           July 31, 2001 Salton may market and sell Products to any other
           Person, including Discount Department Stores, notwithstanding
           Section 2.1 hereof.  In the event that Salton does not elect to
           terminate this Agreement in accordance with the foregoing sentences
           of this Section 10.5, then Salton shall have the right to terminate
           this Agreement without cause in its sole discretion effective June
           30, 2003 and on each June 30 thereafter during the term of this
           Agreement by giving at least 12 months prior written notice to Kmart
           of its desire to so terminate this Agreement.  Upon any such
           termination, Kmart shall owe nothing to Salton beyond payment for
           Products accepted by Kmart as of the effective date of such
           termination.

      10.6 Duties Following Termination.  Upon Termination of this
           Agreement, neither party shall have any obligation to the other
           party except as hereinafter set forth in this Section 10.6.
           Notwithstanding the termination or expiration of this Agreement
           pursuant to this Article 10 or any other provision of this
           Agreement, unless otherwise indicated in this Agreement, all rights
           and obligations which were incurred or which matured under specific
           Purchase Orders issued prior to the effective date of termination or
           expiration shall survive termination and be subject to enforcement
           under the terms of this Agreement.  Termination of this Agreement
           shall not affect any duty of Kmart or Salton under Sections 9.1,
           11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 12.1, 12.4, 12.6, 12.11, 12.13 or 12.14 existing
           prior to the

           

                                       17
<PAGE>   19
           effective date of termination or expiration, all of which are
           intended to survive termination. Kmart shall have the right to
           distribute, sell, market and promote all existing inventory of
           Products ordered pursuant to Specific Purchase Orders prior to the
           termination of this Agreement, and to use all packaging materials,
           labels, tags, signage, advertising and promotional materials to
           effectuate the sale of such Products.

    10.7   Non-interference.  Except for negotiations involving Salton
           or with a Third Party Manufacturer, Kmart agrees that, except with
           Salton, it will not, during the Term of this Agreement or any
           extension or renewal thereof negotiate, obtain information or
           discuss with or enter into any agreement with any person or entity
           covering the licensing, purchase, sale, marketing or distribution of
           the Trademark for any of the Categories of Product purchased by
           Kmart from Salton.

    10.8   Termination of the NewTech Agreement.  If the NewTech Agreement is
           terminated at any time for any reason, Kmart may, in its sole
           option, elect to terminate this Agreement, and upon such
           termination, owe nothing further under this Agreement beyond payment
           for Products accepted and sold by Kmart through the date of
           termination.

11. CONFIDENTIALITY/PRESS RELEASES

    11.1   Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure. Salton agrees that any
           and all information in any form that is provided to Salton or any of
           its representatives as part of this Agreement is provided and
           received in confidence, and Salton, shall at all times preserve and
           protect the confidentiality of such information, and of any other
           proprietary or non-public information of or relating to Kmart or any
           of its related companies of which it or any of its representatives
           becomes aware or acquires during the performance of this Agreement
           (such information is hereinafter referred to as "Confidential
           Information"). Salton also agrees that it shall take all reasonable
           steps to ensure that such Confidential Information will not be
           disclosed to, or used by any person, association or entity except
           its own employees, and then only to the extent necessary to permit
           it to perform this Agreement.

           Each of Salton and Kmart agrees to keep the Minimum Product Orders,
           pricing, and Term of this Agreement (including rights of extension
           and termination) strictly confidential, except that each of Salton
           and Kmart shall be permitted to disclose any and all information
           concerning the transactions contemplated hereby to the extent it is
           legally required to do so, whether under applicable securities laws
           or otherwise,  provided, that Salton will use its reasonable best
           efforts to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any
           other applicable regulator or court a request for confidential
           treatment of the pricing and other business terms set forth in this
           Agreement.

           In the course of performance of this Agreement, Salton may disclose
           certain information to Kmart which Salton considers proprietary and
           confidential.  In order


      

                                       18
<PAGE>   20





            to be considered as proprietary and confidential and, thus, subject
            to the following restrictions, Salton must comply with both of the
            following requirements prior to disclosure of the information: (i)
            the information must be clearly and conspicuously identified in
            writing as "PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF SALTON';
            and (ii) Salton must limit its dissemination of the information to
            an authorized representative of Kmart (i.e., one listed on attached
            Exhibit E) with a need to know such information in furtherance of
            the performance of this Agreement (the "Authorized Recipient")
            Provided Salton has complied with (i) and (ii) above, the
            Authorized Recipient shall maintain the confidentiality of such
            information to the same extent Kmart protects its own proprietary
            information and shall not disclose it to anyone other than Kmart
            employees, agents and/or consultants with a need to know who shall
            also be subject to this restriction.

            Confidential Information shall not include information that a party
            can demonstrate by written evidence:

            (i)   is in the public domain (provided that
                  information in the public domain has not and does not come
                  into the public domain as a result of the disclosure by the
                  receiving party or any of its Affiliates);

            (ii)  is known to the receiving party or any of its
                  Affiliates prior to the disclosure by the other party; or

            (iii) becomes available to the party on a
                  non-confidential basis from a source other than an Affiliate
                  of that party or the disclosing party.

      11.2  Press Releases.  Salton shall not issue any press releases
            relating to this Agreement or its relationship with Kmart without
            the prior written approval by an authorized representative of either
            the Corporate Affairs Department or the Investor Relations
            Department of Kmart as to the contents thereof.
      11.3  The Press Release confidentiality and non-disclosure
            obligations contained herein shall survive and continue after
            termination of this Agreement or any related agreements the parties
            may execute, and shall bind each of Salton's and Kmart's legal
            representatives, successors and assigns.

12. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

      12.1  Dispute Resolution.  All disputes arising out of, or in
            relation to, this Agreement (other than disputes arising out of any
            claim by a third party in an action commenced against a party) shall
            be referred for decision forthwith to a senior executive of each
            party who is not personally involved in the dispute.  If no
            agreement can be reached through this process within thirty (30)
            days of request by one party to the other to nominate a senior
            executive for dispute resolution, then either party shall be
            entitled to pursue any and all available legal remedies.



                                       19
<PAGE>   21





      12.2 No Assignment.  Other than as specifically set forth in this
           Agreement, this Agreement may not be assigned nor may the
           performance of any duties hereunder be delegated by either party
           without the prior written consent of the other party; provided, that
           any such attempted assignment shall be void and shall not relieve
           the assignor from any of its obligations hereunder or under any
           other document or agreement delivered by such party pursuant to, or
           delivered (or acknowledged to have been delivered) contemporaneously
           with or in connection with the execution of, this Agreement, which
           shall continue to be binding upon such party notwithstanding any
           such attempted assignment.

      12.3 Notices.  Any notice required or permitted to be given under
           this Agreement shall be sufficiently given if in writing and
           delivered by registered or certified mail (return receipt
           requested), facsimile (with confirmation of transmittal), overnight
           courier (with confirmation of delivery), or hand delivered to the
           appropriate party at the address set forth below, or at such other
           address as such party may from time to time specify for that purpose
           in a notice similarly given:


<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
If to Salton:                               Salton/Maxim Housewares, Inc.
                                            550 Business Center Drive
                                            Mt. Prospect, Illinois 60056
                                            Attn:  William B. Rue
                                            Fax: (847) 803-8080

with a copy to (other than                  Greenberg, Traurig, Hoffman, Lipoff,
regularly prepared notices, reports, etc.   Rosen & Quentel, P.A.
required to be delivered hereunder):        1221 Brickell Avenue
                                            Miami, Florida 33131
                                            Attn: Cesar L. Alvarez
                                            Fax: (305) 579-0717

                                            and
                                            Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal
                                            8000 Sears Tower
                                            Chicago, Illinois 60606
                                            Attn:  Neil Aizenstein
                                            Fax:  (312) 876-7934

If to Kmart:                                Kmart Corporation
                                            3100 W. Big Beaver Road
                                            Troy, Michigan 48084
                                            Attn:  Divisional Vice President
                                            Home Electronics/Home Appliances
                                            Fax:  (810) 643-1054

with a copy to (other than                  Kmart Corporation
regularly prepared notices, reports, etc.   Legal Department
required to be delivered hereunder):        3100 W. Big Beaver Road
                                            Troy, Michigan 48084
                                            Attn:  General Counsel
</TABLE>




                                       20
<PAGE>   22





            Any such notice shall be effective (i) if sent by mail, as
            aforesaid, three (3) business days after mailing, (ii) if sent by
            facsimile, as aforesaid, when sent, and (iii) if sent by courier or
            hand delivered, as aforesaid, when received.  Provided, that if any
            such notice shall have been sent by mail and if on the date of
            mailing thereof or during the period prior to the expiry of the
            third business day following the date of mailing there shall be a
            general postal disruption (whether as a result of rotating strikes
            or otherwise) in the United States, then such notice shall not
            become effective until the third business day following the date of
            resumption of normal mail service.

      12.4  Governing Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. THIS AGREEMENT
            SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN EXECUTED AND DELIVERED IN TROY,
            MICHIGAN, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED, INTERPRETED AND ENFORCED UNDER
            AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN.
            SALTON AGREES TO EXERCISE ANY RIGHT OR REMEDY IN CONNECTION WITH
            THIS AGREEMENT EXCLUSIVELY IN, AND HEREBY SUBMITS TO THE
            JURISDICTION OF, THE STATE OF MICHIGAN COURTS OF OAKLAND COUNTY,
            MICHIGAN OR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

      12.5  Binding Agreement.  This Agreement shall be binding upon the
            parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted
            assigns, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
      
      12.6  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement and all other documents and
            instruments specifically incorporated by reference herein contain
            the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect
            to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes all
            negotiations, prior discussions and agreements relating to the
            subject of this Agreement. Any terms or conditions in any forms of
            Salton used in the performance of this Agreement which are in
            conflict with or in addition to the terms and conditions of this
            Agreement shall be void. This Agreement may not be amended or
            modified except by a written instrument signed by all of the parties
            hereto.
      
      12.7  Headings.  The headings to the various articles and
            paragraphs of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience only
            and shall not affect the meaning of the language contained in this
            Agreement.
      
      12.8  Waiver.  The waiver by any party of any breach by another
            party of any term or condition of this Agreement shall not
            constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach or nullify the
            effectiveness of that term or condition.
  
      12.9  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in identical
            duplicate copies exchanged by facsimile transmission.  The parties
            agree to execute two identical original copies of the Agreement
            after exchanging signed facsimile versions.  Each identical
            counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all of which together
            shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
      12.10 Severability of Provisions.  If, for any reason whatsoever,
            any term, covenant or condition of this Agreement or the application
            thereof to any party or circumstance

                                       21



<PAGE>   23





            is to any extent held or rendered invalid, unenforceable or
            illegal, then such term, covenant or condition:

                       (i) is deemed to be independent of the remainder of such
                  document and to be severable and divisible therefrom and its
                  validity, unenforceability or illegality does not affect,
                  impair or invalidate the remainder of such document or any
                  part thereof; and

                       (ii) continue to be applicable and enforceable to the
                  fullest extent permitted by law against any party and
                  circumstances other than those as to which it has been held
                  or rendered invalid, unenforceable or illegal.

    12.11   Limitation on Damages.  Except with respect to Salton's
            liability under Section 9 of this Agreement, neither party shall be
            liable to the other party for incidental, consequential, punitive or
            exemplary damages arising in connection with this Agreement or the
            performance, omission of performance or termination hereof, even if
            said party has been advised of the possibility of such damages and
            without regard to the nature of the claim or the underlying theory
            or cause of action (whether in contract, tort or otherwise).  In
            addition, in no event shall Kmart be liable for direct or any other
            damages in excess of the amount to which Salton is entitled to under
            Section 5 herein for Minimum Product Orders which have not been
            placed as of the effective date of the Default or Termination plus
            payment due for Products accepted by Kmart as of such date, nor
            shall Kmart's aggregate liability under this Agreement exceed such
            amount.

    12.12   Force Majeure.  Time is of the essence in the performance of
            all parts of this Agreement; provided, however, performance by
            either party shall be excused during the period in which such
            performance is made reasonably impossible because of a strike, act
            of God or change in laws ("Force Majeure").  Salton, however, shall
            use reasonable diligence to procure substitute performance.  If the
            period during  which performance is excused due to Force Majeure
            exceeds ten (10) days, then either party may terminate its
            obligations under any Specific Purchase Orders without liability,
            and such cancelled Order(s) shall continue to count towards
            fulfillment of the commitments set forth in Section 5 herein.  If
            the period of Force Majeure excusing Salton's performance exceeds
            120 days and such non-performance relates to more than 20% of the
            Minimum Product Orders during any Period, then Kmart may terminate
            this entire Agreement without further obligation to Salton.  Upon
            any such termination, nothing shall be due from Kmart beyond payment
            for Products accepted by Kmart as of the effective date of
            termination.

  12.13     Kmart Marks.  Salton acknowledges Kmart Properties Inc.'s
            ("KPI") exclusive right, title and interest in and to all
            trademarks, trade names, service marks, logos, assignees, program
            and event names, identifications and other proprietary rights and
            privileges which it licenses to Kmart with the right to sublicense
            (the "Kmart Marks").  This Agreement and its various provisions are
            not a license or assignment of any right, title or interest in the
            Kmart Marks by KPI or Kmart to Salton.  Salton shall not in any
            manner represent that it has any ownership in the Kmart Marks and
            shall not do or cause to be done anything impairing Kmart's
            exclusive license in



                                       22
<PAGE>   24


           the Kmart Marks.  Salton shall not use, print or duplicate the
           Kmart Marks except and only if Salton has obtained prior approval
           as provided herein.  Salton's use of the Kmart Marks is limited to
           the Term of this Agreement; upon termination hereof, Salton shall
           immediately cease all use of the Kmart Marks.  Salton shall not
           assign or attempt to assign any rights with regard to the Kmart
           Marks which arise hereunder; any such attempted assignment shall be
           void.

    12.14  White Westinghouse Marks.  Kmart acknowledges WCI's
           exclusive right, title and interest in and to the Trademarks.  This
           Agreement and its various provisions are not a license or assignment
           of any right, title or interest in the Trademark or the License
           Agreement by Salton or WCI to Kmart.  Kmart shall not do or cause to
           be done anything impairing Salton's exclusive license in the
           Trademark. Kmart's use of the Trademark is limited to the terms and
           conditions contained in this Agreement; upon termination hereof,
           Kmart shall immediately cease all use of the Trademark other than in
           connection with the sale, advertising or merchandising of Product
           inventory and order commitments (if any) existing at the time of
           such termination.  Kmart shall not assign or attempt to assign any
           rights with regard to the Trademark which arise hereunder; any such
           attempted assignment shall be void.
    12.15  No Third Party Beneficiaries.  The parties hereto expressly
           agree that there shall be no third party beneficiaries to this
           Agreement.
  
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of
the Execution Date.


SALTON/MAXIM HOUSEWARES, INC.      KMART CORPORATION
By:                                By:
         (Signature)                       (Signature)
Name:                              Name:
Title:                             Title:



                                       23

<PAGE>   25





                                                                       EXHIBIT A
                            DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCTS


                              KITCHEN HOUSEWARES:

                Irons
                Can Openers
                Mixers
                Food Processors
                Electric Knives
                Popcorn Makers
                Toasters
                Toaster Ovens
                Coffee Makers
                Espresso/Cappuccino Makers
                Bread Machines
                Pasta Makers
                Doughnut Makers
                Woks
                Pressure Cookers
                Ice Tea Makers
                Sandwich Makers
                Waffle Irons/Waffle Makers
                Pancake Grills
                Portable Grilling Machines
                Ice Cream Makers
                Yogurt Makers
                Juice Makers
                Juice Extractors


                                 PERSONAL CARE:

                Hair Dryers
                Hair Curlers
                Curling Wands and Brushes
                Make up Mirrors
                Nail, Face, Feet and Body Care Products
                Massagers

                               FANS AND HEATERS:

                Portable Cooling Fans
                Portable Room Heaters and Heater/Fan
                Combinations

                     ELECTRIC AIR CLEANERS AND HUMIDIFIERS:

                Humidifiers
                Air Cleaners


                                       24










<PAGE>   26
                                  SCHEDULE 1.2
                           DISCOUNT DEPARTMENT STORES


                      
Ames Dept. Stores
Baby Superstore
Best Buy
Best Products Co.
Bradlees
Caldor Corp.
Circuit City Stores
Comp USA
Consolidated Stores
Dayton Hudson/Target
Dollar General
Dollar Tree Stores
Duckwall-ALCO Stores
Family Bargain
Family Dollar
50-Off Stores
Fred's 
Good Guys
Hills
Home Shopping Network
L. Luria & Son
Lechters
Loehmann's Inc.
MacFrugal's Bargains
Melville Corp.
Meyer (Fred)
Montgomery Wards
99 Cents Only
Office Depot
OfficeMax
Pamida
Phar-Mor
Price Costco
Roberds
Ross Stores
S & K Famous Brands
Sears 
Service Merchandise
ShopKo Stores
Staples
Tops Appliance City
Toys "R" Us
Tuesday Morning
Value City Dept. Stores
Venture
Waban
Wal-Mart Stores
Woolworth
                      
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
            PURCHASE ORDER TERMS AND CONDITIONS                        EXHIBIT B
    

Vendor and Kmart Corporation, 3100 West Big Beaver Road, Troy Michigan
48084-3163, ("Buyer") agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to be
bound by all terms and conditions contained or incorporated herein, all of
which are a part of each Purchase Order issued to Vendor by Buyer ("Order") and
should be carefully read.  Any provisions in Vendor's invoices, billing
statements, acknowledgment forms or similar documents which are inconsistent
with the provisions of an Order shall be of no force or effect.  The cost price
set forth in each Order includes the cost of manufacturing packaging, labeling
and shipping unless otherwise specified in the Order.

1.  Vendor's Acceptance. Vendor's commencement of or promise of shipment of 
    the Merchandise shall constitute Vendor's agreement that it shall
    deliver the Merchandise in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
    applicable Order. Vendor agrees to follow the shipping and invoicing
    instructions issued by Buyer's stores, warehouses, buying offices and
    Transportation and Accounting Departments, which instructions are
    incorporated by reference into the applicable Order.

2.  Vendor's Representations and Warranties. Vendor represents and warrants to 
    Buyer, in addition to all warranties implied by law, that each item of
    Merchandise described on the face of an Order (or in an EDI or telephone
    Order), together with all related packaging and labeling and other material
    furnished by Vendor ("Merchandise"), shall : (a) be free from defects in
    design, workmanship and/or materials including without limitation, such
    defects as could create a hazard to life or property; (b) conform in all
    respects with all applicable federal, state and local laws, Orders and
    regulations, including without limitation, those regarding (I) safety, (ii)
    content, (iii) flammability, (iv) weights, measures and sizes, (v) special
    use, care, handling, cleaning or laundering instructions or warnings, (vi)
    processing, manufacturing, labeling, advertising, selling, shipping and
    invoicing, (vii) registration and declaration responsibility, and (viii)
    occupational safety and health; (c) copyright not infringe or encroach upon
    Buyer's or any third party's personal, contractual or proprietary rights,
    including without limitation, patents trademarks, copyrights, rights of
    privacy or trade secrets; and (d) conform to all of Buyer's specifications
    and to all articles shown to Buyer as Merchandise samples.

3.  Vendor's indemnification of Buyer. Vendor agrees to reimburse, indemnify, 
    hold harmless and to defend at its expense (or to pay any attorney's
    fees incurred by Buyer) Buyer and its subsidiary and affiliate companies
    against all damage, loss, expenses, claim, liability or penalty, including
    without limitation, claims of infringement of patents, copyrights,
    trademarks, unfair composition, bodily injury, property or other damage,
    arising out of any use, possession, consumption or sale of said Merchandise
    and form any failure of Vendor to property perform an Order.  Vendor shall
    not be relieved of the forgoing indemnity and related obligations by
    allegations or any claim of negligence on the part of Buyer; provided,
    however, Vendor shall not remain or be liable hereunder to the extent any
    injury or damage is finally judicially determined to have been proximately
    caused by the sole negligence of 






<PAGE>   28


    Buyer.  Vendor shall obtain adequate insurance to cover such liability      
    under each Order and shall provide copies of the applicable certificate(s)
    of insurance annually to Buyers's Vendor Database Department at the above
    address.

4.  Defective or Non-conforming Merchandise. If any Merchandise is defective, 
    unsuitable, does not conform to all terms hereof and of the Order and
    all warranties implied by law, Buyer may at its options return it to Vendor
    for full credit or refund of the purchase price or repair it at Vendor's
    expense, and may charge Vendor such price or expense and the cost of any
    incurred inbound and outbound freight and a handling, storage and
    inspection charge of 7 1/2% of the returned Merchandise invoice price. Buyer
    shall be under no duty to inspect any Merchandise before resale thereof,
    and resale, or repackaging or repacking for the purpose of resale, shall
    not constitute a waiver of, or otherwise limit, any of the Buyer's rights
    resulting from defective or non-conforming Merchandise.

5.  Buyers Right to Cancel.  Buyer may without notice cancel, terminate and/or
    rescind all or part of an Order in the event Vendor Breaches or fails
    to perform any of its obligations in any material respect, or in the event
    Vendor becomes insolvent or proceedings are instituted by or against Vendor
    under any provisions of any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency laws
    or Vendor ceased its operation.  Time is of the essence to each Order and
    Vendor's failure to meet any delivery date shall constitute a material
    breach of the Order. Vendor agrees to inform Buyer immediately in writing
    of any failure to timely ship all or any part of an Order, and Buyer's
    acceptance of any Merchandise after the applicable delivery date shall not
    constitute a waiver of, or otherwise limit, any of Buyer's rights resulting
    form the late delivery nor obligate Buyer to accept delivery of additional
    Merchandise under the Order.

6.  Special Features. All Merchandise designs, patents and trade names which 
    are supplied by Buyer to Vendor or which are distinctive of Buyer's
    private label Merchandise ("Special Features") shall be the property of
    Buyer and shall be used by Vendor only for Buyer. Buyer may use the Special
    Features on or with respect to goods manufactured by others and obtain
    legal protection for the Special Features including, without limitation,
    patents, patent designs, copyrights and trademarks.  Merchandise with
    Special Features which is not delivered to Buyer for any reason shall not
    be sold or transferred to any third party without written authorization of
    Buyer and unless and until all labels, tags, packaging and markings
    identifying the Merchandise to Buyer have been removed.

7.  Deductions and Set off. Any sums payable to Vendor shall be subject to 
    all claims and defenses of Buyer, whether arising from this or any
    other transaction, and Buyer may set off and deduct against any such sums
    all present and future indebtedness of Vendor to Buyer. Buyer shall provide
    a copy of the deduction voucher(s) for debits taken by Buyer against
    Vendor's account as a result of any returns or adjustments.  Vendor shall
    be deemed to have accepted each such deduction unless Vendor, within 90
    days following receipt of the deduction voucher, notifies Buyer in writing
    as to why a deduction should not be made and provides documentation of the
    reason(s) given.  Such written notice shall be directed to Buyer's Vendor
    Audit Department at the above address.  Buyer shall not be liable to Vendor
    for any interest or late charges.



<PAGE>   29


8.  Michigan Contract and Jurisdiction.  EACH ORDER, AND ALL OTHER ASPECTS
    OF THE BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUYER AND VENDOR, SHALL BE
    CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF
    MICHIGAN.  VENDOR AGREES, WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION WHICH RELATES TO
    ANY ORDER OR WHICH OTHERWISE ARISES DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY OUT OF OR IN
    CONNECTION WITH SAID BUSINESS RELATION OR ANY TRANSACTION OF ANY NATURE
    BETWEEN BUYER AND VENDOR, TO COMMENCE SAME (I) EXCLUSIVELY IN (AND VENDOR
    HEREBY CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF) THE STATE OF MICHIGAN COURTS OF
    OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN OR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT IN DETROIT,
    MICHIGAN; AND (II) WITHIN 18 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF BUYER'S LAST ORDER TO
    VENDOR OR THE PERIOD PRESCRIBED BY THE APPLICABLE STATUE OF LIMITATIONS,
    WHICHEVER IS SOONER.

9.  Miscellaneous. (A) All rights granted to Buyer hereunder shall be in 
    addition to and not in lieu of Buyer's rights arising by operation of
    law. (B) any provisions of a hard copy Order which are typewritten or
    handwritten by Buyer shall supersede any contrary or inconsistent printed
    provisions therein. (c) No modification of terms of an Order shall be
    valid without the written authorization of Buyer. (D) Should any of the
    provisions of an Order be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to
    be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of any remaining
    provisions.

10. Direct to Store and Distribution Center Invoice & Shipping Instructions. 
    (a) Each invoice shall include Buyer's Order number, Vendor's
    stock/style number, and Buyer's code number for each item on the invoice. 
    No substitutions of Merchandise shall be made without the written
    authorization of Buyer. (B) Each Order may be invoiced separately. (c) an
    Order may not be filled at a price higher than that shown on its face or
    transmitted without the written authorization of Buyer. (D) If freight
    costs are to be paid by Buyer, Vendor shall ship via the method and/or
    route specified in the instruction provided by Buyer's Transportation
    Department, shall make ONE COMPLETE shipment of the Merchandise and shall
    NOT make PARTIAL shipments without the written authorization of Buyer. (E)
    Vendor shall make n NO PACKAGE QUANTITY CHANGE on an Order without the
    written authorization of the Buyer.

11. Additional Distribution Center Shipping Instructions. (A) The applicable 
    bill of lading must be delivered to the Distribution Center at time of
    Merchandise delivery. (B) Vendor shall mar the contents of each
    Distribution Center carton clearly on the outside of the carton, case, or
    package. (c) Merchandise not packaged or shipped in quantities Order by
    Buyer shall at Buyer's option be returned to Vendor at Vendor's expense. 
    Vendor shall be charged a handling charge of 7 1/2% of the Merchandise
    invoice price on all Merchandise not packaged or shipped as Ordered.

12. Merchandise Testing, Merchandise shall, at Buyer's option, be subject to 
    domestic or overseas testing.  



<PAGE>   30

    Vendor agrees to pay for all fees and costs associated with such testing
    (which fees and costs are set forth in Buyer's current Quality Assurance
    Manual or other documentation provided to Vendor), The testing of Vendor's
    Merchandise by or on behalf of Kmart is not a substitute for Vendor's
    responsibilities, hereunder including without limitation, those relating to
    warranty and indemnification under Paragraphs 2 and 3 above.

13. Buyer Information/Orders. Buyer may at its discretion provide Vendor with 
    certain confidential or proprietary information relating to Buyer's
    purchase and/or sale of Vendor's Merchandise.  Vendor acknowledges that
    such information, together with any other information of or pertaining to
    Buyer provided to Vendor by Buyer or learned by Vendor as a consequence of
    the business relationship between Buyer and Vendor (the "Buyer
    Information") is provided and received in confidence and Vendor shall at
    all times preserve and protect the confidentiality thereof. Vendor agrees
    to take all necessary steps to ensure that the Buyer Information shall not
    be disclosed to, or used by any person, association or entity except
    Vendor's own employees having a need to know.  BUYER MAKES NO WARRANTY WITH
    RESPECT TO THE BUYER INFORMATION OR THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS THEREOF. 
    AND IS PROVIDING SAME ON AN 'AS IS' BASIS; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES WITH
    RESPECT TO THE Buyer INFORMATION, INCLUDING HOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
    FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXCLUDED.  Vendor acknowledges and
    agrees that any sales forecast, quantity purchase estimates or similar
    projections received from Buyer are not purchase commitments of Buyer, but
    rather represent estimates for planning purposes only, and that the Buyer
    shall have no obligation to purchase or otherwise compensate Vendor for any
    of Vendor's finished products, or unfinished raw materials, not covered by
    an Order.

14. Food Vendors. The following amendments to the above terms and conditions 
    hall apply to any food products purchased from Vendor by Buyer (any
    other Merchandise purchased from Vendor by Buyer shall be governed by the
    foregoing, without amendment): (I) Paragraph 4 - delete "or repair it at
    Vendor's expense" in line 3 and delete "and a handling, storage and
    inspection charge of 7 1/2% of the returned Merchandise invoice price"
    starting in Line 4; (ii) Paragraph 10 - delete the remainder of (d)
    starting with ", shall make ONE COMPLETE ..." starting in line 6; and (iii)
    Paragraph 12 - delete in its entirety.






<PAGE>   31


                                                              [KMART LETTERHEAD]

___________ 19___________

Dear Sir/Madam:

This letter will confirm that the Purchase Order Terms and Conditions on the
reverse side hereof (the "Terms") shall apply to all purchase orders issued to
Vendor by Kmart, whether by telephone, hard copy, electronically or otherwise.
Please note that the instructions in item 11 of the Terms are applicable to
Distribution Center purchase orders only.

Receipt of this confirmation is REQUIRED before Vendor will be authorized to
receive purchase orders from Kmart Corporation.

Please have the chairman, president or a vice president of Vendor confirm that
the Terms will apply to all Kmart orders issued to Vendor by signing and
returning one original of this letter (WITH NO CHANGES OF ANY KIND) to the
address below no later than 7 business days from the above date.  Retain the
other original or a copy for your files.  This letter must be signed by the
company which is paid by Kmart.

Very truly yours,
Kmart Corporation



- ---------------------------------   --------------------------------------------
Signature                           Registered Legal Name of Vendor


- ---------------------------------   --------------------------------------------
Title                               Address

                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    City                 State       Zip


                                    -------------------------------------------
                                    Vendor Officer Signature
                                    (Chairman, President or Vice President only)

                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Print Name
RETURN TO:
ATTN
    -----------------------------   --------------------------------------------
KMART CORPORATION                   Title
3100 WEST BIG BEAVER ROAD
TROY MI  48084-3163




<PAGE>   32
                PURCHASE ORDER TERMS AND CONDITIONS                  EXHIBIT C

Vendor and Kmart Corporation, 3100 West Big Beaver Road, Troy Michigan
48084-3163, ("Buyer") agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to be
bound by all terms and conditions contained or incorporated herein, all of
which are a part of each Purchase Order issued to Vendor by Buyer ("Order") and
should be carefully read.  Any provisions in Vendor's invoices, billing
statements, acknowledgment forms or similar documents which are inconsistent
with the provisions of an Order shall be of no force or effect.  The cost price
set forth in each Order includes the cost of manufacturing packaging, labeling
and shipping unless otherwise specified in the Order.

1.    Vendor's Acceptance. Vendor's commencement of or promise of shipment of
      the Merchandise shall constitute Vendor's agreement that it shall
      deliver the Merchandise in accordance with the terms and conditions of
      the applicable Order.  Vendor agrees to follow the shipping and
      invoicing instructions issued by Buyer's stores, warehouses, buying
      offices and Transportation and Accounting Departments, which
      instructions are incorporated by reference into the applicable Order.
      
2.    Vendor's Representations and Warranties. Vendor represents and warrants
      to Buyer, in addition to all warranties implied by law, that each item
      of Merchandise described on the face of an Order (or in an EDI or
      telephone Order), together with all related packaging and labeling and
      other material furnished by Vendor ("Merchandise"), shall : (a) be free
      from defects in design, workmanship and/or materials including without
      limitation, such defects as could create a hazard to life or property;
      (b) conform in all respects with all applicable federal, state and
      local laws, Orders and regulations, including without limitation, those
      regarding (I) safety, (ii) content, (iii) flammability, (iv) weights,
      measures and sizes, (v) special use, care, handling, cleaning or
      laundering instructions or warnings, (vi) processing, manufacturing,
      labeling, advertising, selling, shipping and invoicing, (vii)
      registration and declaration responsibility, and (viii) occupational
      safety and health; (C) not infringe or encroach upon Buyer's or any third
      party's personal, contractual or proprietary rights, including without
      limitation, patents trademarks, copyrights, rights of privacy or trade
      secrets; and (d) conform to all of Buyer's specifications and to all
      articles shown to Buyer as Merchandise samples.
      
3.    Vendor's indemnification of Buyer. Vendor agrees to reimburse,
      indemnify, hold harmless and to defend at its expense (or to pay any
      attorney's fees incurred by Buyer) Buyer and its subsidiary and
      affiliate companies against all damage, loss, expenses, claim,
      liability or penalty, including without limitation, claims of
      infringement of patents, copyrights, trademarks, unfair composition,
      bodily injury, property or other damage, arising out of any use,
      possession, consumption or sale of said Merchandise and form any
      failure of Vendor to property perform an Order.  Vendor shall not be
      relieved of the forgoing indemnity and related obligations by
      allegations or any claim of negligence on the part of Buyer; provided,
      however, Vendor shall not remain or be liable hereunder to the extent
      any injury or damage is finally judicially determined to have been
      proximately caused by the sole negligence of 
<PAGE>   33

      Buyer.  Vendor shall obtain adequate insurance to cover such liability
      under each Order and shall provide copies of the applicable
      certificate(s) of insurance annually to Buyers's Vendor Database  
      Department at the above address.
      
4.    Defective or Non-conforming Merchandise. If any Merchandise is
      defective, unsuitable, does not conform to all terms hereof and of the
      Order and all warranties implied by law, Buyer may at its options
      return it to Vendor for full credit or refund of the purchase price or
      repair it at Vendor's expense, and may charge Vendor such price or
      expense and the cost of any incurred inbound and outbound freight and a
      handling, storage and inspection charge of 7 1/2% of the returned
      Merchandise invoice price.  Buyer shall be under no duty to inspect any
      Merchandise before resale thereof, and resale, or repackaging or
      repacking for the purpose of resale, shall not constitute a waiver of,
      or otherwise limit, any of the Buyer's rights resulting from defective
      or nonconforming Merchandise.
      
5.    Buyers Right to Cancel. Buyer may without notice cancel, terminate
      and/or rescind all or part of an Order in the event Vendor Breaches or
      fails to perform any of its obligations in any material respect, or in
      the event Vendor becomes insolvent or proceedings are instituted by or
      against Vendor under any provisions of any federal or state bankruptcy
      or insolvency laws or Vendor ceased its operation.  Time is of the
      essence to each Order and Vendor's failure to meet any delivery date
      shall constitute a material breach of the Order.  Vendor agrees to
      inform Buyer immediately in writing of any failure to timely ship all
      or any part of an Order, and Buyer's acceptance of any Merchandise
      after the applicable delivery date shall not constitute a waiver of, or
      otherwise limit, any of Buyer's rights resulting form the late delivery
      nor obligate Buyer to accept delivery of additional Merchandise under
      the Order.
      
6.    Special Features. All Merchandise designs, patents and trade names
      which are supplied by Buyer to Vendor or which are distinctive of
      Buyer's private label Merchandise ("Special Features") shall be the
      property of Buyer and shall be used by Vendor only for Buyer.  Buyer
      may use the Special Features on or with respect to goods manufactured
      by others and obtain legal protection for the Special Features
      including, without limitation, patents, patent designs, copyrights and
      trademarks.  Merchandise with Special Features which is not delivered
      to Buyer for any reason shall not be sold or transferred to any third
      party without written authorization of Buyer and unless and until all
      labels, tags, packaging and markings identifying the Merchandise to
      Buyer have been removed.
      
7.    Deductions and Set off. Any sums payable to Vendor shall be subject to
      all claims and defenses of Buyer, whether arising from this or any
      other transaction, and Buyer may set off and deduct against any such
      sums all present and future indebtedness of Vendor to Buyer.  Buyer
      shall provide a copy of the deduction voucher(s) for debits taken by
      Buyer against Vendor's account as a result of any returns or
      adjustments.  Vendor shall be deemed to have accepted each such
      deduction unless Vendor, within 90 days following receipt of the
      deduction voucher, notifies Buyer in writing as to why a deduction
      should not be made and provides documentation of the reason(s) given.
      Such written notice shall be directed to Buyer's Vendor Audit
      Department at the above address.  Buyer shall not be liable to Vendor
      for any interest or late charges.






<PAGE>   34



      
8.    Michigan Contract and Jurisdiction. EACH ORDERS AND ALL OTHER ASPECTS OF
      THE BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUYER AND VENDOR, SHALL BE CONSTRUED
      AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF
      MICHIGAN.  VENDOR AGREES, WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION WHICH RELATES TO
      ANY ORDER OR WHICH OTHERWISE ARISES DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY OUT OF OR IN
      CONNECTION WITH SAID BUSINESS RELATION OR ANY TRANSACTION OF ANY NATURE
      BETWEEN BUYER AND VENDOR, TO COMMENCE SAME (I) EXCLUSIVELY IN (AND
      VENDOR HEREBY CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF) THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
      COURTS OF OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN OR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT IN
      DETROIT, MICHIGAN; AND (II) WITHIN 18 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF BUYER'S
      LAST ORDER TO VENDOR OR THE PERIOD PRESCRIBED BY THE APPLICABLE STATUE OF
      LIMITATIONS, WHICHEVER IS SOONER.

9.    Miscellaneous. (A) All rights granted to Buyer hereunder shall be in
      addition to and not in lieu of Buyer's rights arising by operation of
      law. (B) any provisions of a hard copy Order which are typewritten or
      handwritten by Buyer shall supersede any contrary or inconsistent printed
      provisions therein. (c) No modification of terms of an Order shall be
      valid without the written authorization of Buyer. (D) Should any of the
      provisions of an Order be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction
      to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of any
      remaining provisions.

10.   Direct to Store and Distribution Center Invoice & Shipping
      Instructions. (a) Each invoice shall include Buyer's Order number,
      Vendor's stock/style number, and Buyer's code number for each item on
      the invoice.  No substitutions of Merchandise shall be made without the
      written authorization of Buyer. (B) Each Order may be invoiced
      separately. (c) an Order may not be filled at a price higher than
      that shown on its face or transmitted without the written authorization
      of Buyer. (D) If freight costs are to be paid by Buyer, Vendor shall
      ship via the method and/or route specified in the instruction provided
      by Buyer's Transportation Department, shall make ONE COMPLETE shipment
      of the Merchandise and shall NOT make PARTIAL shipments without the
      written authorization of Buyer. (E) Vendor shall make n NO PACKAGE
      QUANTITY CHANGE on an Order without the written authorization of the
      Buyer.
      
11.   Additional Distribution Center Shipping Instructions. (A) The
      applicable bill of lading must be delivered to the Distribution Center
      at time of Merchandise delivery. (B) Vendor shall mar the contents of
      each Distribution Center carton clearly on the outside of the carton,
      case, or package. (c) Merchandise not packaged or shipped in
      quantities Order by Buyer shall at Buyer's option be returned to Vendor
      at Vendor's expense.  Vendor shall be charged a handling charge of 7
      1/2% of the Merchandise invoice price on all Merchandise not packaged
      or shipped as Ordered.
      
12.   Merchandise Testing. Merchandise shall, at Buyer's option, be subject to
      domestic or overseas testing.  Vendor agrees to pay for all fees and
      costs associated with such testing
<PAGE>   35
      (which fees and costs are set forth in Buyer's current Quality
      Assurance Manual or other documentation provided to Vendor).  The testing
      of Vendor's Merchandise by or on behalf of Kmart is not a substitute for
      Vendor's responsibilities, hereunder including without limitation, those
      relating to warranty and indemnification under Paragraphs 2 and 3 above.

13.   Buyer Information/Orders. Buyer may at its discretion provide Vendor
      with certain confidential or proprietary information relating to
      Buyer's purchase and/or sale of Vendor's Merchandise.  Vendor
      acknowledges that such information, together with any other information
      of or pertaining to Buyer provided to Vendor by Buyer or learned by
      Vendor as a consequence of the business relationship between Buyer and
      Vendor (the "Buyer Information") is provided and received in confidence
      and Vendor shall at all times preserve and protect the confidentiality
      thereof. Vendor agrees to take all necessary steps to ensure that the
      Buyer Information shall not be disclosed to, or used by any person,
      association or entity except Vendor's own employees having a need to
      know.  BUYER MAKES NO WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE BUYER INFORMATION OR
      THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS THEREOF.  AND IS PROVIDING SAME ON AN 'AS
      IS' BASIS; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE Buyer INFORMATION,
      INCLUDING HOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
      ARE EXCLUDED.  Vendor acknowledges and agrees that any sales forecast,
      quantity purchase estimates or similar projections received from Buyer
      are not purchase commitments of Buyer, but rather represent estimates for
      planning purposes only, and that the Buyer shall have no obligation to
      purchase or otherwise compensate Vendor for any of Vendor's finished
      products, or unfinished raw materials, not covered by an Order.

14.   Food Vendors. The following amendments to the above terms and
      conditions hall apply to any food products purchased from Vendor by
      Buyer (any other Merchandise purchased from Vendor by Buyer shall be
      governed by the foregoing, without amendment): (I) Paragraph 4 - delete
      "or repair it at Vendor's expense" in line 3 and delete "and a
      handling, storage and inspection charge of 7 1/2% of the returned
      Merchandise invoice price" starting in Line 4; (ii) Paragraph 10 -
      delete the remainder of (d) starting with ", shall make ONE COMPLETE
      ..." starting in line 6; and (iii) Paragraph 12 - delete in its
      entirety.

<PAGE>   36

                                                              [KMART LETTERHEAD]

___________ 19___________

Dear Sir/Madam:

This letter will confirm that the Purchase Order Terms and Conditions on the
reverse side hereof (the "Terms") shall apply to all purchase orders issued to
Vendor by Kmart, whether by telephone, hard copy, electronically or otherwise.
Please note that the instructions in item 11 of the Terms are applicable to
Distribution Center purchase orders only.

Receipt of this confirmation is REQUIRED before Vendor will be authorized to
receive purchase orders from Kmart Corporation.

Please have the chairman, president or a vice president of Vendor confirm that
the Terms will apply to all Kmart orders issued to Vendor by signing and
returning one original of this letter (WITH NO CHANGES OF ANY KIND) to the
address below no later than 7 business days from the above date.  Retain the
other original or a copy for your files.  This letter must be signed by the
company which is paid by Kmart.

Very truly yours,
Kmart Corporation



- ---------------------------------   --------------------------------------------
Signature                           Registered Legal Name of Vendor


- ---------------------------------   --------------------------------------------
Title                               Address

                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    City                 State       Zip


                                    -------------------------------------------
                                    Vendor Officer Signature
                                    (Chairman, President or Vice President only)

                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Print Name
RETURN TO:
ATTN
    -----------------------------   --------------------------------------------
KMART CORPORATION                   Title
3100 WEST BIG BEAVER ROAD
TROY MI  48084-3163
<PAGE>   37
                   TERMS AND CONDITIONS                               EXHIBIT D


THIS ORDER CONTRACT IS UPON THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1.   Seller's commencement of or promise of shipment of the Merchandise shall
     constitute Seller's agreement that it will deliver the Merchandise in
     accordance with the terms and conditions contained or incorporated herein,
     all of which are a part of the Order Contract and should be carefully read.
     Any provision in Seller's invoices, billing statements, acknowledgments
     forms or other documents which are inconsistent with the provisions of this
     Order Contract shall be of no force or effect.

2.   Seller represents and warrants to Kmart Corporation ("Buyer"), in addition
     to all warranties implied by law, that each item of Merchandise described
     on the face hereof, together with all retail packaging, labeling, and other
     material furnished by seller ("Merchandise") shall (a) be free from defects
     in design, workmanship or materials, including without limitation such
     defects as could create a hazard to life or property, (b) conform in all
     respects with all applicable federal, state and local laws, orders and
     regulations, including, without imitation, those concerning the marking of
     the country of origin, fiber content, care labeling and shrinkage, as
     Merchandise not in compliance and not properly marked is subject to heavy
     penalty (c) not infringe or encroach upon Buyer's or any third party's
     personal, contractual or proprietary rights, including, without limitation,
     patents, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, rights of privacy or trade
     secrets; and (d) conform to all of Buyer's specifications and to all
     articles shown to Buyer as Merchandise samples.  Seller further represents
     and warrants that it has ascertained that no child, forced or prison labor
     is utilized in the manufacture of Merchandise.

3.   Seller agrees to reimburse, indemnify, hold harmless and defend at Seller's
     expense (or pay any attorney's fees incurred by Buyer) Buyer and its
     subsidiary and affiliate companies against all damage, loss, expense,
     claim, liability, fine, settlement or penalty, including, without
     limitation, claims of infringement of patents, copyrights and trademarks,
     unfair competition, bodily injury, or property or other damage arising out
     of any use, possession, consumption or sale of the Merchandise or failure
     to provide complete, accurate and acceptable (to U.S. Customs) information
     and documentation relating to, without limitation, the country of origin or
     failure of Seller to perform promptly this Order Contract. Seller shall
     obtain adequate insurance to cover its liability under this Order Contract
     and shall provide copies of the applicable certificates(s) of insurance to
     Buyer

4.   Acceptance of Merchandise by Buyer after inspection does not release or
     discharge Seller from any liability for damages or from any other remedy of
     Buyer for Seller's breach of any promise or warranty, expressed or implied.
     This Order of Contract may at Buyer's option be deemed canceled if the
     Merchandise ordered herein is not covered by a full set of "Clean" "On
     Board" Ocean Bills of Lading and Buyer's inspection Certificate dated on or
     before the shipping date specified on the face hereof.  Any such
     cancellation shall be without prejudice to all other rights and remedies
     occurring to Buyer by reason of Seller's breach, unless a written extension
     of shipping date(s) was previously granted in writing to Seller by Buyer,
     if any of the terms, conditions, or warranties of or underlying this Order
     Contract, express 
<PAGE>   38
     or implied, are not strictly complied with by Seller with respect to any
     shipment or installment shipment of the Merchandise order  herein, Buyer
     has the right, in addition to all other rights and remedies accruing to
     Buyer by reason of Seller's breach, to refuse to accept any or all
     deliveries of Merchandise ordered herein, buy any acceptance by Buyer of
     any such singular shipment or installment shipment shall not be deemed
     (whether or not Buyer notifies Seller of its demand for strict compliance
     with respect to future shipment installments) a waiver by Buyer of any of
     its rights to refuse any future shipments hereunder or of any other rights
     or remedies.

5.   All Merchandise design, patents and trademarks which are supplied by Buyer
     to Seller or which are distinctive of Buyer's private label Merchandise
     ("Special Features") shall be the property of Buyer and shall be used by
     Seller only for Buyer.  Buyer may use the Special Features on or with
     respect to goods manufactured by others and obtain legal protection for the
     Special Features including, without limitation, patents, design patents,
     copyrights and trademarks. Merchandise which is not delivered to Buyer for
     any reason shall not be sold or transferred to any third party without
     written authorization of Buyer and unless and until all labels, tags,
     packaging and markings identifying the Merchandise to Buyer have been
     removed.

6.   THIS ORDER CONTRACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE
     WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN. ANY UNSETTLED DISPUTE
     HEREUNDER WHERE THE AMOUNT IN CONTROVERSY IS LESS THAN OR EQUALS $50,000
     (U.S.) SHALL BE FINALLY SETTLED BY ARBITRATION, HELD IN THE UNITED STATES
     OF AMERICAN AT DETROIT, MICHIGAN AND CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES
     OF THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION.  JUDGEMENT UPON ANY ARBITRATION
     AWARD RENDERED, IF NOT SATISFIED WITHIN NINETY (90) DAYS, MAY BE ENTERED IN
     ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION, OR APPLICATION MAY BE MADE TO ANY SUCH COURT
     FOR A JUDICIAL RECOGNITION, ACCEPTANCE AND ORDER OF ENFORCEMENT, AS THE
     CASE MAY BE IN ANY UNSETTLED DISPUTE HEREUNDER WHERE THE AMOUNT IN
     CONTROVERSY EXCEEDS$50,000 (U.S.). IT IS HEREBY MUTUALLY AGREED THAT SELLER
     SHALL EXERCISE ANY RIGHT OR REMEDY EXCLUSIVE IN, AND HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE
     JURISDICTION OF, THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

7.    (A) All rights granted to Buyer hereunder shall be in addition to and not
     in lieu of Buyer's rights arising by operation of law; (b) any provision of
     this Order Contract which are typewritten or handwritten by Buyer shall
     supersede any contrary or inconsistent printed provisions; (c) no
     modification of terms of this Order Contract shall be valid, including,
     without limitation, price increase, unless in writing and signed by Buyer;
     (d) should any of the provision of this Order Contract be declared by a
     court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such decision shall not
     affect the validity of any remaining provision; (e) all of the terms herein
     shall apply to additional quantities of Merchandise order by Buyer except
     to the extent covered by a new written agreement; and (f) all documents
     prepared in connection 
<PAGE>   39
     with this Order Contract must be written in the English language and in
     U.S. currency figures.

8.   Neither this Order Contract nor any right, duty or obligation hereunder is
     assignable without the prior written consent of Buyer, nor shall Buyer be
     under any obligation TO recognize any assignment of monies payable
     hereunder.

9.   Seller agrees to prepare and produce all documents which are necessary for
     the Merchandise to clear U.S. Customs and which are otherwise required by
     applicable laws or regulations, the Letter of Credit or instructions set
     forth on the face hereof.

10.  All shipping cartons are to be marked and packed in accordance with Buyer's
     international Department Standard Instructions to foreign Shippers In
     addition, Seller agrees to follow any shipping instructions issued directly
     to Seller by Buyer's International Department

11.  Without in any way limiting Buyer's other rights and remedies arising under
     paragraph 2 above, seller agrees that any Merchandise, packaging that (1)
     misstates the true country of origin, or (2) is made in whole or in part by
     child or prison labor, will be a material breach of this Order Contract
     resulting in cancellation of this Order Contract and Liability of Seller to
     Buyer for liquidated damages equal to t the total FOB-factory cost of the
     Merchandise plus all freight, import/export charges and other costs
     incurred for the shipment or return (or destruction at Buyer's election)
     of seized or redelivered Merchandise.

12.  Except for the right to receive payment, Seller hereby assigns all of its
     rights (expressed and implied under any purchase order Seller issues to a
     manufacturer for Merchandise or any component thereof covered by this Order
     Contract including, without limitation, right of warranty and
     indemnification obligation on the part of Buyer to a manufacturer in
     connection with the Merchandise.  This partial assignments shall not act to
     limit Buyer's rights and remedies elsewhere under this Order Contract.

13.  Merchandise shall, at Buyer's option, be subject to domestic or overseas
     testing. Seller agrees to pay for all fees and costs associated with such
     testing (which fees and costs are set forth in Buyer's current Quality
     Assurance Manual or other documentation provided to Seller).  The testing
     of Seller's Merchandise by or on behalf of Kmart is not a substitute for
     Seller's responsibilities, hereunder including without limitation, those
     relating to warranty and indemnification under Paragraphs 2 and 3 above.

             Address All Correspondence
             Regarding This Order Contract To:      Kmart Corporation
                                                    International Department
                                                    3100 West Big Beaver Road
                                                    Troy MI       48084-3163
<PAGE>   40
                                   EXHIBIT E

                      AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF KMART

Senior Vice President General Merchandise Manager, Hardlines
Divisional Vice President, Merchandising Hardlines
Buyer, Appliances, Music, Electronics



                                       26

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM BALANCE
SHEET AND STATEMENT OF OPERATION AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE
TO SUCH.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S. CURRENCY
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-28-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUN-29-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-28-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
<CASH>                                              41
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   37,931
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,390
<INVENTORY>                                     30,699
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                74,345
<PP&E>                                          16,373
<DEPRECIATION>                                   9,424
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  98,180
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           59,860
<BONDS>                                            889
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           130
<OTHER-SE>                                      37,301
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    98,180
<SALES>                                         93,699
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                93,699
<CGS>                                           61,978
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   65,983
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,099
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  7,860
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,754
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                  0
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     5,106
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .40
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .40
        

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