CPI AEROSTRUCTURES INC
10KSB, 1998-03-31
AIRCRAFT PARTS & AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT, NEC
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<PAGE>

                     U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                   FORM 10-KSB

[X] Annual Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
    1934 (Fee required)

For the fiscal year ended     December 31, 1997
                          ---------------------------

[ ] Transition Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
    of 1934 (No fee required)

For the transition period from ______________ to _________________

                         Commission file number 1-11398

                            CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC.
                 ----------------------------------------------
                 (Name of Small Business Issuer in Its Charter)

            New York                                            11-2520310
- ---------------------------------                           -------------------
(State or Other Jurisdiction                                 (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Organization)                           Identification No.)


200A Executive Drive, Edgewood, New York                          11717
- ----------------------------------------                        ----------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                        (Zip Code)

                                 (516) 586-5200
                ------------------------------------------------
                (Issuer's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

         Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

                                               Name of Each Exchange on Which
Title of Each Class                               Each Class is Registered
- -------------------                               ------------------------
        None                                                None
- -------------------                               ------------------------

              Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:

                     Common Stock, $.001 par value per share
                     ---------------------------------------
                                (Title of Class)

      Check whether the issuer: (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 past 90 days. Yes [X]  No [ ]

      Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item
405 of Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB
or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [ ]

      The issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year were $13,015,393.

      The aggregate market value of the 6,761,342 shares of voting stock held by
non-affiliates computed by reference to the closing price at which the stock was
sold on March 17, 1998, was $16,903,355.

      As of March 17, 1998, the Issuer had 7,945,342 shares of Common Stock,
$.001 par value, outstanding.

      Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format: Yes [ ]  No [X]
<PAGE>

                            CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC.
                         FORM 10-KSB ANNUAL REPORT-1997
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I                                                                      PAGE

Item 1.   Description of Business..........................................   3
Item 2.   Description of Property..........................................  10
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings................................................  10
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..............  11

PART II

Item 5.   Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.........  11
Item 6.   Management's Discussion and Analysis . . . . . . . . . . ........  12
Item 7.   Financial Statements.............................................  14
Item 8.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and 
          Financial Disclosure.............................................  14

PART III

Item 9.   Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons;
          Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act................  15
Item 10.  Executive Compensation...........................................  16
Item 11.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management...  19
Item 12.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions...................  21
Item 13.  Exhibits, List and Reports on Form 8-K...........................  21


                                        2
<PAGE>

Item 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

      (a) Business Development


      CPI Aerostructures, Inc. is comprised of two distinct entities: CPI
Aerostructures, Inc. ("CPI") and Kolar, Inc. ("Kolar") (collectively the
"Company"). CPI is engaged in contract production of structural aircraft parts
and sub-assemblies for the commercial and military sectors of the aircraft
industry. In connection with its commercial assembly operations, CPI provides
engineering, technical and program management services to its customers. Kolar
manufactures precision machine parts and sub-assemblies for the electronics
industry, including computer and microwave device manufacturers, as well as
the materials handling, aerospace and banking industries.

      CPI was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in January
1980 under the name Composite Products International, Inc. The Company changed
its name to Consortium of Precision Industries, Inc. in April 1989 and to CPI
Aerostructures, Inc. in July 1992. In September 1992, the Company completed its
initial public offering with the Company receiving net proceeds of approximately
$4,600,000.

      Kolar was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in July
1997 to acquire Kolar Machine, Inc., a precision machining and assembly
manufacturer located in Ithaca, New York. On October 9, 1997, CPI purchased
substantially all of the assets of Kolar and the related real property for
approximately $14.5 million. The deal was accomplished using cash and debt
financing which was provided by the Chase Manhattan Bank and "a seller's note."

      Certain statements discussed in this Report include forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including the timely delivery
and acceptance of the Company's products, the timing of commercial and
government funding approvals, and the other risks detailed from time to time in
the Company's SEC reports.

      (b) Business of Issuer

      CPI is engaged in contract production of structural aircraft parts and
sub-assemblies for the commercial and military sectors of the aircraft industry.
The following table sets forth information relating to the approximate dollar
amounts and percentages of CPI's revenues from the commercial and military
sectors of the aircraft industry:

                                                  Years Ended
                                      December 31,             December 31,
                                         1996                     1997
                                      ------------             ------------
                                        (Dollar amounts in thousands)
Commercial                      $   5,120        75.6%   $   4,171        42.5%
Military                            1,650        24.4        5,654        57.5
                                ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------
  Total                         $   6,770       100.0%   $   9,825       100.0%
                                =========   =========    =========   =========

      Kolar manufactures precision parts and sub-assemblies for a variety of
different markets. Kolar accounted for approximately 25% of the Company's 1997
total revenues from the date of acquisition, October 9, 1997, to December 31,
1997.

Products

      CPI


                                        3
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      CPI's products are sub-assemblies (a series of parts fitted together to
form a complex aerodynamic structure). These products are incorporated into jet
engine housings (nacelles) by CPI's customers or aircraft manufacturers to form
final aircraft assemblies. CPI's products are custom designed and developed to
fit precise certification standards imposed by CPI's customers and applicable
regulatory bodies. Due to the critical functions served by CPI's products,
sub-assemblies are often manufactured using durable, heat-resistant, and/or
light-weight metals, including titanium, inconel and various metal alloys
containing similar properties.

      CPI's principal commercial aircraft products include aprons and engine
mounts, which are structures used to attach jet engine housings to aircraft.
Apron assemblies are panels that function as the aerodynamic surface between
pylons (structures which attach nacelles to the wing or fuselage) and nacelles.
As of December 31, 1997, CPI had delivered two engineering prototypes, three
development units, six flight test units and 178 (76 during 1997) production
units of an apron assembly to Rohr Industries, Inc. ("Rohr") for the McDonnell
Douglas MD-90, a 150-200 seat jet aircraft which received FAA certification in
November 1994.

      Aft fairing assemblies are the exterior portion of a pylon. CPI produces
aft assemblies and portions of the upper forward section of the pylon under an
agreement with Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.) as agent for Shin-Meiwa Industry Co., Ltd.,
a Japanese aerospace firm, in connection with the production of the McDonnell
Douglas MD-11 Tri-jet, an existing 250 to 275 seat jet aircraft. The McDonnell
Douglas MD-11 received FAA certification in November 1991.

      CPI also assembles structural replacement parts for military aircraft,
including spoilers, flaps, ducts, skins and doors. Spoilers and flaps are
aerodynamic panels attached to the wings of an aircraft that enable an aircraft
to ascend and brake during takeoff and landing. Ducts are open panels to enable
free airflow within an aircraft. Skins are the outer layer of an aircraft. CPI
has the capabilities to produce additional aircraft products for both commercial
and military applications.

      Kolar

      Kolar's principal products include detail parts and major sub-assemblies
for high speed machines that route printed circuit boards through a series of
operations while inserting and bonding components to the board. The eventual
printed circuit boards are used in ATM machines, computers, and a variety of
other electronic devices.

      In the materials handling market, Kolar's customer produces high speed
equipment used for the weighing and measuring of cartons and containers.

Customers and Contracts

      CPI

      Commercial

      Pursuant to long-term agreements with Rohr (now owned by B. F. Goodrich),
a leading commercial aircraft supplier of nacelles, CPI operates as a
subcontractor under Rohr's production programs with The Boeing Company. In June
1994, Rohr sold its corporate jet business to the Nordam Corporation ("Nordam")
and the CPI's agreement with Rohr concerning the Hawker 1000 was transferred to
Nordam. For the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, sales of CPI's products
to Rohr/Nordam accounted for approximately 75% and 41%, respectively, of CPI's
revenues.

      CPI's commercial agreements generally provide that the price for products
is subject to annual adjustment calculated in accordance with an escalation
formula (based on statistics published by the United States Department of
Labor), which account primarily for industry costs for labor and materials. In
addition, the agreements contain repricing provisions which adjust the price
under certain circumstances as a result of changes in the scope, design,
quantity or delivery schedule provisions.


                                        4
<PAGE>

      CPI's agreements with Rohr and Nordam contain provisions that allow
termination of such contracts at will, in whole or in part, at the convenience
of the customer and generally provide that the customer must reasonably
compensate CPI for work performed through the termination date which has
happened and may occur again.

      In May 1990, CPI entered into an agreement with Rohr, pursuant to which
CPI agreed to provide Rohr with pan assemblies in connection with production of
the Boeing 757 jet aircraft. The agreement, as revised, obligates CPI to deliver
a total of 296 units to Rohr, for a fixed aggregate base price of $2,545,000,
all of which had been delivered as of December 31, 1996. CPI also provides Rohr
with spars for use in connection with production of the Boeing 757 aircraft
pursuant to purchase orders submitted to CPI from time to time by Rohr. As of
December 31, 1996, CPI had delivered an aggregate of 721 spars, for an aggregate
purchase price of $2,263,000. In December 1997, based on information received
from the customer, CPI recognized a termination of this agreement, for both the
pan assemblies and spars, and recorded a non-cash charge to cost of sales (using
the percentage of completion method of accounting) amounting to approximately
$605,000. For the year ended December 31, 1996, approximately 4% of the
Company's revenues were derived from the sale of pan assemblies and spars under
this program. No revenues were recorded in 1997.

      In March 1991, CPI entered into an agreement with Rohr, pursuant to
which CPI agreed to provide Rohr with apron assemblies and related components
in connection with production of the McDonnell Douglas MD-90 jet aircraft. CPI
delivered 62 production units during 1996. As of December 31, 1997, CPI had
delivered an aggregate of two engineering prototypes, three development units,
six flight testing units and 178 production units (76 during 1997). During the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, approximately 58% and 37%,
respectively, of CPI's revenues were derived from this program. Boeing has
announced that it plans to terminate the McDonnell Douglas MD-90 program in
mid 1999 unless it receives sufficient additional orders for such aircraft. In
the event that such termination occurs, there would be no expected financial
impact on CPI in 1998 but would adversely affect 1999's results of operations.

      McDonnell Douglas completed FAA certification for this aircraft at the end
of 1994. Under CPI's agreement, CPI must deliver an annual average minimum of
three and an annual average maximum of 12 apron assemblies per month until at
least 1,000 apron assemblies are delivered. The agreement obligates CPI to
deliver an aggregate of 1,000 apron assemblies to Rohr at a fixed aggregate base
price (originally contracted in 1991 unescalated dollars) of $22,000,000. Due to
modifications in the design of the apron, the price of the production units has
increased significantly.

      In October 1988, CPI entered into an agreement with Rohr, which contract
was sold to Nordam, pursuant to which CPI agreed to provide Nordam with pylons,
engine mounts and all related sub-assemblies and components for use in
connection with production of the Hawker 1000 Executive Jet, an existing eight
to ten seat aircraft. For the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997,
approximately 12% and 11%, respectively, of CPI's revenues were derived under
this program. The original agreement obligated CPI to deliver a total of 300
pylons to Nordam at a fixed aggregate base price (in 1988 unescalated dollars)
of $10,300,000.

      In September 1995, CPI received notice from Nordam of a termination of
CPI's contract with Nordam for the manufacture of pylons. The portion of the
contract relating to the manufacture of engine mounts has not been terminated,
and sales of engine mounts are expected to continue under the contract. The
engine mounts for this jet are also common to other executive jets and may be
used for other executive jets. CPI recorded a charge against cost of sales of
approximately $1,473,000 (using the percentage of completion method of
accounting) during the fourth quarter of 1995, but also negotiated a termination
payment with Nordam, which had a positive impact on CPI's cash flow. The amount
of the termination payment was $750,000 and was received in November 1996.

      In May 1992, CPI commenced production of aft fairing assemblies for
Shin-Meiwa Industry Co., Ltd. ("Shin-Meiwa"), a Japanese aerospace firm. On
December 10, 1992, CPI executed an agreement with Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.,
as agent for Shin-Meiwa to produce aft fairing assemblies in connection with the
production program for the McDonnell Douglas MD-11. CPI's current arrangement
with Shin-Meiwa provides for CPI to assemble products


                                        5
<PAGE>

using tooling and component parts provided by Shin-Meiwa. The contract provides
for the delivery of 251 pieces for an aggregate of approximately $1,590,000. As
of December 31, 1996 and 1997, CPI had delivered 155 and 167, respectively,
fairing assemblies pursuant to purchase orders. CPI expects to deliver 22 new
units in 1998.

      Military

      CPI supplies structural aircraft parts and sub-assemblies to the military
under prime contracts with several branches of the United States Government. For
the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, 24% and 58%, respectively, of CPI's
revenues were derived from military contracts. The increased level of revenues
from the military sector resulted primarily from the following two contracts:

      On September 19, 1995, CPI was awarded a contract by the United States Air
Force for the A-10 Aircraft program. CPI will produce leading edge panels for
such aircraft. The total award amount is approximately $3,354,000, with all
deliveries expected to be completed during 1999.

      On September 22, 1995, CPI was awarded a contract by the United States Air
Force for the C-5 Aircraft program. CPI is producing structural supports, plates
and brackets, mount assemblies, air deflectors, mounting blocks, hinge brackets,
plate assemblies, fairings, landing gear door assemblies and panel assemblies
for such aircraft. As of March 3, 1998, the total contract value was $4,878,000
with additional orders anticipated, although no assurances can be given as to
any additional orders.

      As of December 31, 1996 and 1997, CPI had nine and thirteen military
contracts, respectively, in various stages of completion. Contract terms are
generally one to two years. Product prices under these contracts are fixed. Each
contract obligates CPI to deliver a specific quantity of units according to
specified delivery schedules. Each contract contains repricing clauses which
adjust the fixed price for each product delivered in the event that the
government requests design, quantity or schedule changes for products. CPI
generally provides its own tooling to produce products under military contracts.
CPI typically recovers all of its tooling costs under a contract following the
delivery of the first unit produced. For contracts with an aggregate dollar
amount in excess of $100,000 CPI is generally entitled to receive progress
payments to cover approximately 90% of CPI's total costs at the time of the
request.

      Pursuant to military contracts, CPI provides a warranty which covers
defects in materials and workmanship for products delivered to the government.
The warranty provides for the replacement or repair of defective products. CPI
is not required under its contracts to carry liability insurance. Such contracts
incorporate by reference the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) which provide
that the government generally acts as a self-insurer for loss of or damage to
property that occurs after acceptance of delivered products and results from
defects or deficiencies of the products.


      Kolar

      Kolar operates almost solely on a purchase order basis with its
current customers. The one exception is the Purchase Agreement described below
entered into between Universal Instrument Corporation ("Universal") and Kolar in
November 1997. Kolar has long-standing relationships with its two major
customers, including Universal, which together comprise over 75% of Kolar's
revenues.

      Universal has been Kolar's customer for approximately twelve years, and
accounted for more than 60% of Kolar's revenues in 1997 as Kolar's largest
customer. Kolar manufactures detail parts and a major sub-assembly for
Universal's high speed machines that route printed circuit boards through a
series of operations while inserting and bonding components to the board. Kolar
also produces numerous other detail parts for various applications in Universal



                                        6
<PAGE>

machinery. In November 1997, Universal entered into a Purchase Agreement with 
Kolar setting forth the terms and conditions under which Universal is purchasing
products from Kolar. The agreement is for four years, unless earlier terminated,
however, it does not provide for any fixed quantities of sales and is subject to
Kolar's receipt of purchase orders thereunder.

      Hi Speed Checkweigher ("Hi Speed") is Kolar's second largest customer and
has been a customer of Kolar for approximately 40 years. Hi Speed accounted for
approximately 12% of Kolar's revenues in 1997. Hi Speed produces high speed
equipment used for the weighing and measuring of cartons and containers.

Production and Assembly

      CPI

      CPI's assembly operations consist primarily of incorporating component
aircraft parts supplied by third parties into complex sub-assemblies to satisfy
specific customer requirements and precision certification standards. CPI
subcontracts production of component parts in its assembly operations, which are
shaped, formed, welded and/or machined to specified configurations. This allows
CPI to avoid additional costs of extensive manufacturing and production
facilities, parts fabrication and expensive capital equipment. CPI's employees
process component parts to add drilling, routing, boring and other processes
prior to assembly. Components are placed, attached and incorporated into final
assemblies by CPI-trained personnel. CPI's operations are generally conducted on
a five-day basis with single shifts. CPI packages its products in accordance
with specifications for shipment to its customers. CPI's customers are generally
responsible for arranging product shipment by common carrier.

      Kolar

      Kolar's production operations consist primarily of machining raw materials
such as aluminum and steel into component parts to satisfy specific customer
requirements and precision standards. In the assembly operations, Kolar
incorporates machined parts, which it manufactures, with components purchased
from subcontractors, to produce assemblies used in high speed, automated
equipment. Kolar packages its products in accordance with specifications for
shipment to its customers. Kolar is generally responsible for arranging product
shipment, usually using its own vehicles.

Marketing

      To date, substantially all of CPI's and Kolar's marketing activities have
been conducted by members of management. Such activities have consisted
primarily of personal contact with potential customers.

      CPI's sales cycle, which generally commences at the time a prospective
customer issues a request for proposal and ends upon execution of a contract
with the customer, typically ranges from six months to one year. A portion of
CPI's commercial marketing efforts involves responding to requests from
potential contractors. CPI obtains military contracts for its products and
services through the process of competitive bidding.

      Additionally, both CPI and Kolar have signed agreements with a number of
sales representatives to market the Company's products to a broader base of
customers.

Backlog

      CPI produces custom sub-assemblies pursuant to long-term contracts and
customer purchase orders. Backlog consists of aggregate contract values under
basic ordering agreements or for production orders, excluding the portion
previously included in operating revenues on the basis of percentage of
completion accounting, and including estimates of future contract price
escalation. All of CPI's backlog is subject to termination at will and
rescheduling, without


                                        7
<PAGE>

significant penalty. As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, CPI's backlog was
approximately $26 million and $49 million, respectively.

      Of CPI's backlog at December 31, 1997, approximately 85% and 15% is
attributable to commercial and military contracts, respectively. Approximately
$8.5 million (33%) of CPI's current backlog at December 31, 1997 is scheduled
for delivery during the year ending December 31, 1998.

Raw Materials, Suppliers and Manufacturers

      The Company makes extensive use of metals, including, titanium, inconel,
steel, aluminum and alloys as raw materials in the production of its products.
Rod, bar tubing and extrusions made of aluminum, steel and titanium and other
materials such as rubber and adhesives are also utilized. The Company's decision
to purchase certain raw materials is generally based on required specifications
of its customers. The Company purchases all of its supply of metals and other
raw materials pursuant to purchase orders from third party distributors who
purchase raw materials from original manufacturers located throughout the United
States. While the Company attempts to maintain alternative sources of supply for
the Company's raw materials and believes that alternative sources are currently
available for most of such materials.

      CPI subcontracts production of substantially all component parts
incorporated into its products to third party manufacturers under firm fixed
price orders. CPI's decision to purchase certain components is generally based
upon whether such components are available to meet required specifications and
at a cost and delivery consistent with customer requirements. CPI, from time to
time, is required to purchase custom made parts from sole suppliers and
manufacturers in order to meet specific customer requirements. To date, CPI has
not experienced material delays in connection with obtaining custom parts.

      The Company generally does not maintain supply agreements with its
suppliers or manufacturers and purchases raw materials and component parts
pursuant to purchase orders in the ordinary course of business. The Company
believes that the supplies of materials through the end of 1998 will be
adequate.

Competition

      The markets for CPI's products are highly competitive. CPI competes with
numerous well-established foreign and domestic subcontractors engaged in the
supply of aircraft parts and assemblies to the commercial sector of the aircraft
industry, including Northrop Grumman Corporation, Aeronca, Inc., Shin-Meiwa and
other subcontractors throughout the world. CPI also faces competition from
foreign and domestic prime contractors, including Nordam, all of whom possess
greater resources than CPI, thereby permitting such companies to implement
extensive production programs in response to orders from aircraft manufacturers.
The market for large commercial jet aircraft is dominated by The Boeing Company
and Airbus Industries, which typically contract production of assemblies to a
limited number of large commercial contractors. Consequently, CPI's ability to
increase market penetration in the commercial sector may be limited by the
relatively limited number of prime contractors in this market.

      CPI competes on the basis of price, development and production
capabilities and service. To the extent possible, CPI seeks to limit its
operations to the assembly of complex sub-assemblies while subcontracting
production of component parts, which allows CPI to avoid the significant costs
associated with maintaining capital equipment.

      CPI also faces competition from numerous military subcontractors. CPI
competes for military contracts on the basis of price. CPI is able to obtain
military contracts that are "set-aside" for small businesses.

      While the markets for Kolar's products are also highly competitive, its
track record of superior performance with its mature customer base has given
Kolar a slight advantage over new entrants into the precision machining
business, and specifically in the Upstate New York area.


                                        8
<PAGE>

      Kolar's two most significant competitors are DFF Corporation of
Massachusetts and Arlington Machine of New York State. DFF Corporation has a
large facility and assembly capability. Arlington Machine has excellent
machining capabilities. Both competitors have a price structure similar to
Kolar.

Government Regulation

      The Company is subject to regulations administered by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, various state agencies and county and local authorities acting
in cooperation with Federal and state authorities. Among other things, these
regulatory bodies impose restrictions to control air, soil and water pollution,
to protect against occupational exposure to chemicals, including health and
safety risks, and to require notification or reporting of the storage, use and
release of certain hazardous chemicals and substances. The extensive regulatory
framework imposes compliance burdens and risks on the Company. Governmental
authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and to
obtain injunctions or impose civil and criminal fines in the case of violations.

      The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
of 1980 ("CERCLA") imposes strict, joint and several liability on the present
and former owners and operators of facilities which release hazardous substances
into the environment. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
("RCRA"), regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage and
disposal of hazardous waste. In New York, the handling, storage and disposal of
hazardous substances is governed by the Environmental Conservation Law, which
contains the New York counterparts of CERCLA and RCRA. In addition, the
Occupational Safety and Health Act, which requires employers to provide a place
of employment that is free from recognized and preventable hazards that are
likely to cause serious physical harm to employees, obligates employers to
provide notice to employees regarding the presence of hazardous chemicals and to
train employees in the use of such substances.

      CPI's operations require the use of a limited amount of chemicals and
other materials for painting and cleaning, including solvents and thinners, that
are classified under applicable laws as hazardous chemicals and substances. CPI
has obtained a permit from the Town of Islip, New York, Building Division in
order to maintain a paint booth containing flammable liquids.

      The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with all
federal, state and local laws and regulations governing its operations and has
obtained all material licenses and permits required for the operations of its
business.

Warranty

      Pursuant to all of CPI's commercial contracts, CPI warrants that products
will strictly conform to all specifications provided by the customer and will be
free from defects in material and workmanship for a specified period (ranging
from one to four years). CPI's liability is limited to repair or replacement of
defective products. Notwithstanding such limitation, CPI agreed to indemnify the
customers for any costs, damages, expenses or other loss or liability incurred
or paid (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of asserted claims
for property damage, personal injury or death, or any other damages, including
claims of consequential loss and breach of contract as a result of, among other
things, the performance of work, products or workmanship, provided that such
claims do not arise as a result of the sole fault of the customers.

      Pursuant to military contracts, CPI provides a warranty which covers
defects in materials and workmanship for products delivered to the government.
The warranty provides for the replacement or repair of defective products. CPI
is not required under its contracts to carry liability insurance. Such contracts
incorporate by reference the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) which provide
that the government generally acts as a self-insurer for loss of or damage to
property that occurs after acceptance of delivered products and results from
defects or deficiencies of the products.


                                        9
<PAGE>

      Kolar generally warrants its products to be free from defects in
materials, workmanship and manufacturing processes for a specified period,
ranging from one to four years from the date of shipment.

Insurance

      CPI maintains a $2 million general liability insurance policy, a $10
million products liability insurance policy, and a $5 million umbrella liability
insurance policy. Kolar maintains a $1 million general and products liability
insurance policy, and a $10 million umbrella liability insurance policy. The
Company believes this coverage is adequate for the types of products presently
marketed.

Proprietary Information

      None of CPI's current assembly processes or products are protected by
patents. CPI relies on proprietary know-how and confidential information and
employs various methods to protect the processes, concepts, ideas and
documentation associated with its products. However, such methods may not afford
complete protection and there can be no assurance that others will not
independently develop such processes, concepts, ideas and documentation. CPI has
registered the name CPI Aerostructures and its logo as trademarks.

Employees

      As of March 3, 1998, CPI employed 25 full-time employees including its two
executive officers, and two part-time employees. As of March 3, 1998, Kolar
employed 94 full-time employees including one officer, and one part-time
employee.

      The Company also employs temporary personnel with specialized disciplines
on an as-needed basis. None of the Company's employees are members of unions.
The Company believes that its relations with its employees are good.

Item 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

      CPI Aerostructures' executive offices and production facilities are
situated in an approximate 25,000 square foot building located at 200A Executive
Drive, Edgewood, New York 11717. CPI Aerostructures occupies this facility under
a lease with an unaffiliated landlord, which commenced on December 1, 1995 and
ends on March 31, 1999. The current monthly base rental is $13,046, plus common
area costs, increasing to $13,451, plus common area costs, over the term of the
lease. The Company believes that its facilities are adequate for its current
needs.

      Kolar's executive offices and production facilities are situated in
approximately 46,000 square feet in a total of four buildings that the Company
owns. The buildings are located at 407 Cliff Street, Ithaca, New York, 618 West
Buffalo Street, Ithaca, New York, 604 Elmira Road, Ithaca, New York and 612
Elmira Road, Ithaca, New York.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

      On or about November 22, 1995, CPI commenced an action in the Supreme
Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau, against VTX Electronics Corp.
alleging breach of a contract signed between the parties on August 24, 1995. The
Company seeks damages in the amount of $400,000. Defendant VTX answered and
counterclaimed for $150,000. The matter was in the discovery phase before VTX
filed for bankruptcy protection in January, 1997 under Chapter 11 of the
Bankruptcy Code. On or about December 1, 1997, the Company agreed to settle any
and all claims against VTX and VTX agreed to settle any and all claims and
counterclaims against the Company. The parties filed a Stipulation of Dismissal
with prejudice in the matter in March 1998.

      In July, 1996 Rickel & Associates, Inc. ("Rickel"), former consultants to
the Company, commenced an action in the Supreme Court of the State of New York,
County of New York against the Company. Rickel alleged breach of


                                       10
<PAGE>

a Consulting Agreement dated January 26, 1995 pursuant to which Rickel alleged
it is owed $70,000 and is entitled to 120,000 stock options which the Company
has canceled. The Company denied the allegations, claiming that Rickel did not
perform as required under the Consulting Agreement, and that Rickel fraudulently
induced the Company to enter into the Consulting Agreement. This action is in
the discovery stage.

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

      None

                                     PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Market Information

      The Company's securities have been traded in the over-the-counter market
and listed on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation
SmallCap Market ("Nasdaq/SmallCap") since December 22, 1995, and quoted on the
Nasdaq National Market System and traded on the Boston Stock Exchange prior to
such date, beginning on September 16, 1992. The Company's Units, each consisting
of one share of Common Stock and one Common Stock warrant traded under the
NASDAQ symbol CPIAU until January 19, 1993; the Common Stock trades under the
NASDAQ symbol CPIA and the Warrants traded under the NASDAQ symbol The CPIAW.
The Warrants were traded until January 12, 1995 when they were redeemed.

      The following tables set forth for the last two fiscal years, the range of
high and low trade prices of CPI's Common Stock for the periods indicated and
the range of high and low closing prices of CPI's Common Stock since January 1,
1996, as reported by NASDAQ. NASDAQ prices represent inter-dealer quotations,
without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not necessarily
represent actual transactions.

NASDAQ
Security         Period                                 High          Low
- --------         ------                                 ----          ---
Common Stock     1997                                                     

                 Quarter Ended March 31, 1997           $2 3/4        $2 3/8

                 Quarter Ended June 30, 1997            $2 13/16      $1 3/8

                 Quarter Ended September 30, 1997       $3            $1 5/6

                 Quarter Ended December 31, 1997        $6            $2 13/16


Common Stock     1996

                 Quarter Ended March 31, 1996           $1 9/16       $3/4

                 Quarter Ended June 30, 1996            $3 3/8        $1 1/16

                 Quarter Ended September 30, 1996       $4            $1 5/8

                 Quarter Ended December 31, 1996        $2 13/16      $1 7/8


                                       11
<PAGE>

      On March 17, 1998, the closing sale price for the Company's Common Stock
on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market was $2.50.

Holders

      On March 17, 1998, there were 333 holders of record of the Company's
Common Stock. The Company reasonably believes that there are in excess of 400
beneficial holders of its Common Stock.

Dividend Policy

      To date, the Company has not paid any dividends on its Common Stock. The
payment of dividends, if any, in the future is within the discretion of the
Board of Directors and will depend on the Company's earnings, if any, its
capital requirements and financial condition and other relevant factors. The
Board of Directors does not intend to declare any cash or other dividends in the
foreseeable future, but instead intends to retain earnings, if any, for use in
the Company's business operations.

      In addition, the Company's Credit Agreement with its several lenders
provides that the Company may not declare or pay any dividend on its Common
Stock so long as any amounts are owing to the several lenders. See "Item 6.
Management's Discussion and Analysis - Financing Arrangements."

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS FROM REGISTERED
SECURITIES

      None

Item 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

      The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with
the Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing under Item 7 of this
Report.

General

      Consistent with industry practice, CPI uses the percentage of completion
method of accounting for its business. Under this method, CPI recognizes
revenues as costs are incurred under its contracts, measured by the percentage
of actual costs incurred to date against estimated total costs. Under CPI's
commercial contracts, CPI does not receive cash payments until products are
shipped. Accordingly, revenues may be recognized by CPI even though associated
cash payments have not been received. Provisions for estimated losses on
uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are
determined. Changes in contract performance may result in revisions to costs and
income, which are recognized in the period in which revisions are determined to
be required. CPI's recorded revenues may be written-off in later periods in the
event CPI's cost estimates prove to be inaccurate or a contract is terminated.
For Kolar, revenue is recognized when goods are shipped to customers.

Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 1997 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 1996

      The Company's revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997 ("1997")
were $13,015,000 compared to $6,770,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996
("1996"), representing an increase of $6,245,000, or 92%. Of this increase,
$3,190,000 relates to sales by Kolar for the period October 9, 1997 to
December 31, 1997, and a significant portion relates to revenues recorded from 
CPI's new military contracts, which have increased since late 1995. During 
1994, CPI began manufacturing for production under the MD-90 program. As of 
December 31, 1997, CPI had


                                       12
<PAGE>

delivered 178 production units out of a total contract of 1,000. Boeing has
announced that it plans to terminate the McDonnell Douglas MD-90 program in
mid 1999 unless it receives sufficient additional orders for such aircraft. In
the event that such termination occurs, there would be no expected financial
impact on CPI in 1998 but would adversely affect 1999's results of operations.

      Commercial aircraft programs represented approximately 32% of total
revenues for 1997, as compared to 76% for 1996.

      Gross profit for 1997 was $3,807,000 compared to $2,590,000 for 1996,
representing an increase of $1,217,000, or 47%. Gross profit as a percentage of
revenues for 1997 was 29%, compared to 38% for 1996, representing a decrease of
9 percentage points. This decrease in gross profit percentage was attributable
primarily to the termination of the pan assemblies and spars purchase order for
the Boeing 757 in 1997.

      Selling, general and administrative expenses for 1997 were $2,016,000
compared to $1,751,000 for 1996, representing an increase of $265,000, or 15%.
This increase is primarily attributable to non-cash charges related to the
acquisition of Kolar, such as amortization of goodwill and loan commitment fees.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues for
1997 and 1996 were 15% and 26%, respectively. Interest expense for 1997 was
$306,000, compared to $111,000 for 1996, representing an increase of $195,000 or
176%. The increase is attributable to a substantial increase of debt during
1997, primarily from the Company's purchase of Kolar, Inc.

      The net income for 1997 was $949,000 compared to $504,000 for 1996,
representing an increase of $445,000. Basic earnings per share was $0.14 on
6,582,479 average shares outstanding, compared to $0.10 per share (re-stated
from prior year's amount) on 4,831,588 average shares outstanding for fiscal
1996. Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.12 per share from $0.09 per
share in 1996 on 7,645,603 and 5,664,815 weighted average shares outstanding,
respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

      The Company has financed its working capital requirements during the past
two years through proceeds received from the exercise of warrants, a June 1996
Private Placement (the "1996 Placement")and from operations. A large portion of
the Company's cash has been used for costs incurred on various commercial
contracts that are in process. These costs are components of "Costs and
estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts" and
represents the aggregate costs and related earnings for uncompleted contracts
for which the customer has not yet been billed. These costs and earnings are
recovered upon shipment of products and presentation of billings in accordance
with contract terms. CPI's continued requirement to incur significant costs, in
advance of receipt of associated cash for commercial contracts has caused an
increase in the gap between aggregate costs and earnings and the related
billings to date.

      Net cash used in operating activities for 1997 was $1,386,000, as
compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $588,000 for 1996.
This decrease in cash was primarily attributable to net income of $949,000,
depreciation and amortization of $401,000, an increase in deferred income
taxes of $19,000, and an increase in income taxes payable of $543,000, offset
by an increase in accounts receivable of $296,000, an increase in costs and
estimated earnings in excess of billings of $1,218,000, an increase in
inventory of $262,000, and a decrease in accounts payable of $1,497,000.

      Net cash provided by financing activities was $12,772,000 in 1997, as
compared to net cash used in financing activities of $642,000 in 1996. The
Company repaid long term debt of $10,000 in 1997, as compared to $2,324,000 in
1996. The Company received $2,414,000 from the exercise of stock options and
warrants in 1997, as compared to the receipt of $105,000 in 1996. Net cash
used in investing activities of $10,254,000 for 1997 and $45,000 for 1996
resulted from the Company's purchase of Kolar in 1997, and the purchase of
property and equipment in 1996.


                                       13
<PAGE>

      As a result of the foregoing, the Company's cash at December 31, 1997
increased by $1,132,000 from the prior year to $2,032,000.

Year 2000 Problem

      The Company believes that many of its suppliers and customers have year
2000 Issues ("Year 2000 Issue") which could affect the Company. Many older
computer software programs recognize only the last two digits of the year in any
date (e.g., '98" for "1998"). These programs were designed and developed without
considering the impact of the upcoming change in the century. If the software is
not reprogrammed or replaced, many computer applications could fail or create
erroneous results at the Year 2000. The Company will commence a program to
pursue compliance by those with whom it electronically interconnects. It is not
possible, however, at present, to quantify the overall cost of resolving this
issue for the Company's suppliers and customers. The Company has been advised
that its own software has been designed and developed with a resolution to the
Year 2000 Issue and as such the Company presently believes that the cost of
fixing the Year 2000 Issue will not have a material effect on the Company's
current financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

Financing Arrangements

      The Company has an agreement with The Chase Manhattan Bank and Mellon Bank
providing a line of credit through October 31, 1998, which will be used for
working capital and other corporate purposes as needed. The Company has
available up to $1,000,000 under the line of credit, subject to limits based on
amounts of accounts receivable and inventory, as defined. Interest is at the
bank's prime rate plus 1%. The line of credit is secured by substantially all
assets of the Company. As of December 31, 1997, there was no outstanding balance
on this line of credit.

      On October 9,1997, the Company incurred significant indebtedness in
connection with the acquisition of Kolar, Inc. The Company entered into a term
loan agreement jointly with The Chase Manhattan Bank and Mellon Bank in the
amount of $9,400,000. This loan is payable in quarterly installments of
$587,000, plus monthly interest at the Bank's published prime rate plus 1.5%,
maturing December 31, 2001. This loan is collateralized by all of the assets
of the Company and its subsidiary. The Company also entered into a mortgage
loan agreement with The Chase Manhattan Bank in the amount of $975,000. This
loan is payable in monthly installments of $9,487, including interest at 8.3%,
maturing October 31, 2007. This loan is collateralized by Kolar's land and
building. Additionally, the Company entered into a subordinated note agreement
with the seller of Kolar in the amount of $4,000,000. Interest only is payable
monthly at 8%, maturing December 31, 2001. This note is currently convertible
into 1,000,000 shares of CPI common stock.

Inflation

      Inflation has historically not had a material effect on the Company's
operations.

Impact of Accounting Standards Adopted by the Company

      The impact of recently adopted accounting standards is discussed in Note 1
of Notes to Financial Statements.

Item 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

      This information appears following Item 13 of this Report and is
incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

            None


                                       14
<PAGE>

                                    PART III

Item 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE
        WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

      The directors and executive officers of the Company are as follows:

           Name                 Age           Position
           ----                 ---           --------

Arthur August                   63        Chairman of the Board of Directors,
                                          President, Chief Executive Officer and
                                          Director

Theodore J. Martines (1)(2)     65        Executive Vice President, Secretary/
                                          Treasurer and Director

Walter Paulick (1)(2)           51        Director

Kenneth McSweeney (1)(2)        66        Director

- ----------

(1) Member of Compensation Committee.

(2) Member of Audit Committee.

      Arthur August, a founder of the Company, has been the Chairman of the
Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director since January 1980.
From 1956 to 1979, Mr. August was employed by Northrop Grumman Corporation
("Grumman"), an aerospace products manufacturer, where he last held the position
of Deputy Director. Mr. August holds a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from
the Academy of Aeronautics (1956), a B.S. degree in Industrial Management from
C. W. Post College (1963), a Masters degree in Engineering from New York
University (1965) and is a graduate of the Program for Management Development at
the Harvard Graduate School of Business (1977).

      Theodore J. Martines has been the Executive Vice President,
Secretary/Treasurer and a director of the Company since December 1984. From 1957
to 1983, Mr. Martines was employed by Grumman where he last held the position of
Director of Contracts and Business Analysis. From 1955 to 1957, Mr. Martines was
employed by Sperry (Unisys) Corp. as a design engineer. Mr. Martines holds a
degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and an MBA
degree from Adelphi University.

      Walter Paulick has been a director of the Company since April 1992. Mr.
Paulick is currently a self employed financial consultant. From 1982 to November
1992, Mr. Paulick was a Vice President of Parr Development Company, Inc., a real
estate development company. From 1980 to 1982, Mr. Paulick was employed by Key
Bank, where he last held the position of Vice President. From 1971 to 1980, Mr.
Paulick was a Vice President of National Westminster U.S.A.

      Kenneth McSweeney has been a director of the Company since February 1998.
He has provided various consulting services for the Company since January 1995.
Mr. McSweeney is currently an independent consultant to various aerospace
corporations. From 1961 to 1995, Mr. McSweeney served in various management
positions for the Grumman Corporation, most recently as the Vice President of
their Aerostructures Division and a Director of Business


                                       15
<PAGE>

Development for the Mideast and gulf coast region. Mr. McSweeney has extensive
experience in aerostructures and logistics support products and is a licensed
professional engineer in New York State. He holds a Bachelor and Master of
Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of
Brooklyn and a Masters in Business Management from CW Post College. He also
completed the Executive Development Program at the Cornell School of Business
and Public Administration.

      All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders
and the election and qualification of their successors. Directors currently
receive no cash compensation for serving on the Board of Directors. Directors
receive stock options and reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred as
compensation for attending meetings. Officers are elected annually by the Board
of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board.

Compliance with 16(a) of the Exchange Act

      Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's Officers, Directors and persons who own more than ten percent of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Officers, Directors and ten percent stockholders are required by regulation to
furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based
solely on the Company's copies of such forms received or written representations
from certain reporting persons that no Form 5's were required for those persons,
the Company believes that, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, all
filing requirements applicable to its Officers, Directors and greater than ten
percent beneficial owners were complied with except that Mr. August filed a late
Form 5.

Item 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

      The following table sets forth all compensation awarded to, earned by, or
paid for all services rendered to the Company, a small business issuer, during
the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, by the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and the Company's only other executive officer whose total
compensation exceeded $100,000.

                               Annual Compensation      Long Term Compensation
                               -------------------      ----------------------
                                                                Awards
                                                              Securities
Name and                                                      Underlying
Principal Position(1)      Year    Salary($)  Bonus($)        Options (#)
- ---------------------      ----    ---------  --------        --------
Arthur August,             1997    $294,730    $22,500        200,000
Chief Executive            1996    $271,148    $12,611          -0-
Officer and President      1995    $256,281        -0-         50,000

Theodore J. Martines,      1997    $172,145   $  9,000        115,000
Executive Vice             1996    $164,211   $  5,044          -0-
President and Director     1995    $153,988        -0-         40,000

- ----------

(1)   The Summary Compensation Table does not list Daniel Liguori, President of
      Kolar, who earned $31,735 subsequent to the October 9, 1997 closing of
      CPI's acquisition of Kolar and who is scheduled to earn in excess of
      $100,000 in salary and bonus under his employment contract in the fiscal
      year ending December 31, 1998. See Executive Compensation - Employment
      Agreements.


                                       16
<PAGE>

                        OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

                                                       Number of    Percent of
                                      Securities     Total Options    Exercise
                                      Underlying       Granted to     or Base
                         Options     Employees in        Price      Expiration
Name                  Granted(#)(1)  Fiscal Year(2)     ( $/SH)        Date
- --------------------  -------------  -------------   -------------  ----------

Arthur August              5,940          1.5%          $2.06         2/03/02
                          44,052         11.2%          $2.27         2/03/02
                         100,000         25.5%          $1.99         5/21/02
                          50,000         12.7%          $1.99         5/21/02
                                                                   
Theodore J. Martines      40,000         10.2%          $2.06         2/03/02
                          75,000         19.1%          $1.81         5/21/02
                                                               


(1)   Stock options granted under the Company's 1992 Employee Stock Option Plan
      (the "1992 Plan") and 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan (the "1995 Plan")
      are intended to qualify as incentive stock options ("ISO's") under Section
      422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Under the terms of
      the 1992 Plan and the 1995 Plan, ISO's may be granted to officers and
      other key employees of the Company for a maximum term of 10 years. The
      price per share of an ISO may not be less than the fair market value of
      the Company's shares on the date the ISO is granted. However, ISO's
      granted to persons owning more than 10% of the Company's Common Stock may
      not have a term in excess of five years and may not have an option price
      of less than 110% of the fair market value per share of the Company's
      shares on the date the ISO is granted. The maximum number of ISO's is
      limited to such number so that the aggregate fair market value, determined
      as of the date the ISO's are granted, of the shares of Common Stock with
      respect to which ISO's are exercisable for the first time during any
      calendar year shall not exceed $100,000. Any options granted in excess of
      the $100,000 limitation would not qualify as ISO's under the Internal
      Revenue Code.

(2)   The Company granted a total of 487,500 options to employees in the fiscal
      year ended December 31, 1997.


               Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and
                                FYE Option Values

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Number of Unexercised    Value of Unexercised
                                                      Options at FYE(#)     In-The-Money Options at
                      Shares Acquired      Value        Exercisable/          FYE ($)Exercisable/
Name                  on Exercise (#)    Realized     Unexercisable (1)          Unexercisable
- ----                  ---------------    --------     -----------------          -------------
<S>                   <C>                <C>        <C>                     <C>
Arthur August               -0-             -0-          250,000/-0-              $128,983/-0-
Theodore J. Martines        -0-             -0-          155,000/-0-              $97,575/-0-
</TABLE>

(1)   On December 31, 1997, the last reported sales price of the Company's
      Common Stock on the NASDAQ Small Cap Market was $2.375.

      The Company has no long-term incentive plan awards.


                                       17
<PAGE>

Directors' Compensation

      Directors currently receive no cash compensation for serving on the Board
of Directors other than reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in
attending meetings. However, the Company's two non-officer directors have each
received stock options from the Company. Mr. Paulick received options to
purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Mr. McSweeney
received options to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock in 1998. See "Stock
Options" below.

Employment Agreements

      Messrs. August and Martines are employed by the Company as Chairman of the
Board, President and Chief Executive Officer; and Executive Vice President,
Secretary and Treasurer; respectively, pursuant to employment agreements which
expire on September 15, 1998. The employment agreements, entered into effective
September 16, 1995, provide Messrs. August and Martines with annual base
salaries of $251,942, and $157,464, respectively, during the first year, which
increased at a rate of 8% per annum in the second and third years. Pursuant to
their employment agreements, Mr. August and Mr. Martines were entitled to
receive an annual bonus equal to 2.5% and 1%, respectively, of the Company's net
income for the years ending December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and for the period
January 1, 1998 through September 15, 1998 when the employment agreements
expire. No bonuses were paid in 1995, bonuses of $12,611 and $5,044 were paid to
Messrs. August and Martines, respectively, for 1996 and bonuses of $22,500 and
$9,000 were accrued to Messrs. August and Martines, respectively, for 1997.

      The agreements with Messrs. August and Martines provide that during the
term of employment with the Company, and for a period of one-year thereafter,
the employees will not compete with the Company or engage in any activities that
would interfere with the performance of their duties as employees of the
Company. The agreements provide that the Company will maintain hospital and
health insurance benefits for the employee following retirement.

      Daniel Liguori is employed as President of Kolar pursuant to an employment
agreement which expires on October 9, 2000 unless earlier terminated for cause.
The Employment agreement, entered into effective October 9, 1997, provides Mr.
Liguori with an annual base salary of $150,000 and may be extended, at Mr.
Liguori's election, for three years unless earlier terminated for cause. The
agreement with Mr. Liguori provides that during the term of employment with
Kolar, and for a period of five years thereafter, Mr. Liguori will not compete
with Kolar.

Employee Benefit Plans

      On February 1, 1991, the Board of Directors adopted a Qualified Sick Pay
Plan (the "QSP Plan") which covers full-time executive officers and managers.
The QSP Plan provides covered employees with an income during periods of
disability due to sickness or injury and is funded through the purchase of
disability income insurance policies.

      On September 11, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors instituted a
fully-qualified 401(k) Employees Savings Plan. The plan is totally voluntary and
employee contributions to the plan commenced on October 1, 1996. Inherent in the
plan is a Company option to make voluntary contributions to the account of its
employees.

Stock Options

      1995 Employee Stock Option Plan

      The Company has granted options under the 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan
(the "1995 Option Plan"), which currently authorizes the grant of 600,000
options, to purchase an aggregate of 590,000 shares of Common Stock, at exercise
prices ranging from $1.06 to $3.00 per share, to certain employees, executive
officers, and directors of the


                                       18
<PAGE>

Company including: five-year options to purchase an aggregate of 250,000 shares
of Common Stock granted to Arthur August, Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer and President; five year options to purchase 40,000
shares of Common Stock to Theodore J. Martines, Executive Vice President;
five-year options to purchase an aggregate of 75,000 shares of Common Stock to
Stanley Wunderlich, a former Director; five year options to purchase 10,000
shares of Common Stock to Walter Paulick, a Director, five year options to
purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock to Kenneth McSweeney, a Director, and
five-year options to fourteen non-executive officer employees to purchase an
aggregate of 143,400 shares of Common Stock. As of March 23, 1998, options to
purchase 523,400 shares were outstanding and options to purchase an additional
10,000 shares were available, under the 1995 Option Plan.

      1992 Employee Stock Option Plan

      As of the date of this Report, a total of 432,000 options have been
granted under the Company's 1992 Employee Stock Option Plan (the "1992 Plan");
194,836 have been forfeited; options to purchase an aggregate of 189,000 shares
of Common Stock remain outstanding; and 12,836 shares remain eligible for the
grant of options. Outstanding options are held by 15 different persons including
options to purchase: 40,000 shares held by Theodore Martines, Executive Vice
President, exercisable at $1.31 per share and 75,000 shares exercisable at $1.81
per share; 10,000 shares held by Walter Paulick, a director, exercisable at
$1.00 per share, and 5,000 shares exercisable at $2.00 per share.

      Other Options

      In October 1994, the Company granted an option to purchase 10,000 shares
at $3.00 per share (as amended) to a consultant. On January 26, 1995, the
Company granted an option to purchase 120,000 shares of Common Stock at $3.00
per share to Rickel and Associates, in consideration of business consulting
services to be performed for the Company. This option was canceled in April
1996, because of Rickel & Associates' non-performance and is the subject of a
lawsuit. See "Item 3. Legal Proceedings." An option to purchase 20,000 shares of
Common Stock was issued to the Company's counsel in April 1995 exercisable at
$2.00 per share.

Item 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

      The following table sets forth, as of the date hereof, certain information
concerning those persons known to the Company, based on information obtained
from such persons, with respect to the beneficial ownership (as such term is
defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of Common Stock
by (i) each person known by the Company to be the owner of more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) each director, (iii) the Chief
Executive Officer and the Company's only other executive officer whose total
compensation exceeded $100,000 and (iv) all directors and executive officers as
a group:


                                       19
<PAGE>

Name and Address                      Shares              Percent of
of Beneficial Owner           Beneficially Owned(1)     Common Stock(2)
- -------------------           ---------------------     ---------------

Arthur August (3)               1,100,000    (4)             13.6%
                                                       
Theodore J. Martines(3)           280,000    (5)              3.3%
                                                       
Walter Paulick(3)                  25,000    (6)              *
                                                       
Kenneth McSweeney(3)                5,000    (7)              *
                                                       
All Directors and               1,399,923    (8)             17.6%
Executive Officers                                  
as a group (four persons)

- ----------

*     Less than 1% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company.

(1)   Unless otherwise noted, the Company believes that all persons named in the
      table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of
      Common Stock beneficially owned by them, subject to community property
      laws, where applicable. A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of
      securities that can be acquired by such person within 60 days from the
      date hereof upon the exercise of warrants or options.

(2)   Based on 7,945,342 shares issued and outstanding. Each beneficial owner's
      percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options or warrants
      that are held by such person (but not those held by any other person) and
      which are exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof have been
      exercised.

(3)   The business address of such person is care of the Company, 200A Executive
      Drive, Edgewood, New York 11717.

(4)   Includes 150,000 shares of Common Stock which Mr. August has the right to
      acquire within 60 days upon exercise of options granted pursuant to the
      Company's 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan. Excludes an aggregate of 90,000
      shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. August's children or held in trust for
      Mr. August's grandchildren, and 9,000 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr.
      August's wife, all of which shares Mr. August disclaims beneficial
      ownership, and 100,000 shares of Common Stock underlying options not 
      currently exercisable.

(5)   Includes 144,923 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Martines has the right
      to acquire within 60 days upon exercise of options granted pursuant to
      both of the Company's 1992 Employee Stock Option Plan and its 1995
      Employee Stock Option Plan. Excludes 75,000 shares of Common Stock owned
      by Mr. Martines' wife and an aggregate of 60,000 shares of Common Stock
      held in trust for three children and two grandchildren of Mr. Martines,
      all of which shares Mr. Martines disclaims beneficial ownership, and 
      10,077 shares of Common Stock underlying options not currently 
      exercisable.

(6)   Includes 25,000 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Paulick has the right to
      acquire within 60 days upon exercise of options granted pursuant to the
      Company's 1992 Employee Stock Option Plan.

(7)   Includes 5,000 shares of Common Stock which Mr. McSweeney has the right to
      acquire within 60 days upon exercise of incentive stock options granted
      pursuant to the Company's 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan.

(8)   Includes an aggregate of 435,000 shares of Common Stock which Messrs.
      August, Martines, Paulick and McSweeney have the right to acquire within
      60 days upon exercise of outstanding options.


                                       20
<PAGE>

Item 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

      For information concerning employment agreements with, compensation of,
and stock options granted to the Company's executive officers and directors, see
"Item 10. Executive Compensation -- Employment Agreements; and Stock Options."

      On January 1, 1996, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with
Stanley Wunderlich. Mr. Wunderlich was a Director of the Company from November
1995 until February 1, 1998, when he resigned from the Board of Directors. The
agreement terminated by its own terms on December 31, 1997. The Company and Mr.
Wunderlich entered into a new consulting agreement on January 1, 1998, when
Mr. Wunderlich was still a Director of the Company. This agreement terminates 
on December 31, 1999, unless sooner terminated on sixty days notice of either
party. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Wunderlich provides the Company with
financial advisory consulting services including, but not limited to,
assisting with financial public relations, arranging meetings with securities
analysts and money managers, rendering advice with regard to changes in the
capitalization or corporate structure of the Company, and advising the Company
in connection with potential mergers or acquisitions. In consideration for
these services, Mr. Wunderlich is compensated at the rate of $1,000 per month,
including reasonable expenses. In addition, as further compensation for these
consulting services, Mr. Wunderlich was granted 75,000 non-qualified stock
options exercisable at a price of $2.50 per share for a period of five years.

      On September 11, 1996, the Company granted to Walter Paulick, a Director,
5,000 non-qualified stock options exercisable at a price of $2.06 per share for
a period of five years. On May 22, 1997, the Company granted to Mr. Paulick
5,000 incentive stock options exercisable at a price of $1.81 per share for a
period of five years. On February 2, 1998, the Company granted to Mr. Paulick
5,000 incentive stock options exercisable at a price of $2.31 per share for a
period of five years.

      On February 4, 1997, the Company granted to Arthur August, its President
and Chief Executive Officer 44,052 incentive stock options exercisable at a
price of $2.27 per share for a period of five years and 5,948 non-qualified
stock options exercisable at a price of $2.06 per share for a period of five
years. On May 22, 1997, the Company granted Mr. August 150,000 incentive
stock options exercisable at a price of $1.99 per share for a period of five
years and vesting in the years 1998 to 2000.

      On February 4, 1997, the Company granted to Theodore J. Martines, its
Executive Vice President, 40,000 incentive stock options exercisable at a price
of $2.06 per share for a period of five years. On May 22, 1997, the Company
granted to Mr. Martines 75,000 incentive stock options exercisable at a price
of $1.81 per share for a period of five years and vesting in the years 1997
to 1999.

      On October 9, 1997, Kolar entered into an employment agreement with Daniel
Liguori as President of Kolar for three years subject to earlier termination for
cause. Pursuant to the agreement, Kolar will pay Mr. Liguori an annual base
salary during the term of $150,000. In addition, Mr. Liguori may extend the term
of the agreement for an additional three year period subject to earlier
termination for cause.

      On February 2, 1998, the Company granted to Kenneth McSweeney, a Director,
5,000 non-qualified stock options exercisable at a price of $2.31 per share for
a period of five years.

Item 13. EXHIBITS, LIST AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits

3.1     Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended.(1)

3.2     Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant.(1)


                                       21
<PAGE>

4.1     Form of Underwriter's Warrants issued to the Underwriter.(1)

4.2     Form of Registration Rights Agreement dated June 17, 1996. (9)

4.3     Form of Subscription Agreement. (9)

4.4     Form of Placement Agent Warrants dated June 17, 1996 (9)

4.5     Form of Consultant's Warrants dated April 3, 1996 (9)

4.6     Form of Redeemable Common Share Purchase Warrant dated June 17, 1996.
        (9)

10.1    Employment Agreement between Registrant and Arthur August dated
        September 15, 1995. (8)

10.2    Employment Agreement between Registrant and Theodore J. Martines dated
        September 15, 1995. (8)

10.3    1992 Stock Option Plan. (1)

10.4    1995 Employee Stock Option Plan.

10.5    Rohr Basic Purchase Agreement dated March 12, 1991 for Apron Assembly on
        McDonnell Douglas MD-90.(1)

10.6    Rohr Basic Purchase Agreement dated May 8, 1990 for Boeing 757 Lower Pan
        Assembly.(1)

10.7    Form of military contract.(1)

10.8    Registrant's Sick Pay Plan.(1)

10.9    Basic Agreement for Sub-Assembly dated December 10, 1992 by and between
        the Registrant and Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.(2)

10.10   Lock-Up/Modification Agreement dated September 24, 1994 by and between
        the Company and Whale Securities Co., L.P. (6)

10.11   First Amendment to BPA MD-90-AP-91-the Company by and between the
        Company and Rohr, Inc. for MD90 V2500 Apron Assembly. (6)

10.12   Lease dated November 15, 1995 by and between the Company and Heartland
        Rental Properties Partnership for the Company's facilities in Edgewood,
        New York. (8)

10.13   Solicitation Contract dated September 19, 1995 from the Department of
        the Air Force. (8)

10.14   Solicitation Contract dated September 22, 1995 from the Department of
        the Air Force. (8)

10.15   Placement Agent Agreement dated May 10, 1996 between the Company and the
        Placement Agent. (9)

10.16   Financial Consulting Agreement dated April 3, 1996 between the Company
        and the Placement Agent. (9)

10.17   Financial Consulting Agreement dated September 11, 1996 between the
        Company and Andreas Zigouras.(10)


                                       22
<PAGE>

10.18   Line of Credit Agreement dated September 15, 1996 between the Company
        and The Chase Manhattan Bank.(10)

10.19   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 9, 1997 by and among Kolar
        Machine, Inc., a New York corporation, Daniel Liguori, Registrant and
        Kolar, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of
        Registrant. (11)

*10.20  Consulting Agreement dated January 1, 1998 between the Company and
        Stanley Wunderlich.

*10.21  Credit Agreement dated as of October 9 , 1997 among CPI Aerostructures,
        Inc., Kolar, Inc., as Borrower, the Several Lenders from Time to Time
        Parties Hereto and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent.

*10.22  Employment Agreement between Kolar, Inc. and Daniel Liguori dated
        October 9, 1997.

*10.23  Purchase Agreement dated as of November 10, 1997 between Kolar and
        Universal Instruments Corporation.

11.1    Statement regarding computation of per share earnings.(2)

16.1    Letter on change in certifying accountant. (7)

*21.1   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

*23.1   Consent of Goldstein Golub Kessler & Company, P.C.

*27.1   Financial Data Schedule

- ------------------------
*Filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB.

(1) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No.
33-49270) declared effective on September 16, 1992 and incorporated herein by
reference.

(2) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for December
31, 1992 and incorporated herein by reference.

(3) Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-49270) declared effective on October
26, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.

(4) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for December
31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.

(5) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2
(No. 33-83150) declared effective October 7, 1994 and incorporated herein by
reference.

(6) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference.

(7) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K for April
29, 1994, as amended, and incorporated herein by reference.

(8) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
December 31, 1996, as amended, and incorporated herein by reference.


                                       23
<PAGE>

(9) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Current Report of Form 8-K for June 19,
1996 and incorporated herein by reference.

(10) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.

(11) Filed as an exhibit to CPI's Current Report on Form 8-K for September 9,
1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

      On September 16, 1997 the Registrant filed a Report on Form 8-K dated
September 9, 1997 reporting that it had entered into an agreement to acquire
Kolar Machine, Inc. (Item 5)

      On October 22, 1997, the Registrant filed a Report on Form 8-K, dated
October 9, 1997, reporting the completion of its acquisition of Kolar Machine,
Inc. (Item 2)

      On December 16, 1997, the Registrant filed an Amendment to its Report on
Form 8-K dated October 9, 1997, reporting the Financial Information and Pro
Forma Financial Information in connection with its acquisition of Kolar. (Item
7)


                                       24




<PAGE>



                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY


                                    INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------









<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                            <C>
Independent Auditor's Report                                                                    F-1


Consolidated Financial Statements:

   Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1997                                                        F-2

   Statement of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996                           F-3

   Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996             F-4

   Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996                       F-5

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                F-6 - F-16
</TABLE>
<PAGE>


















INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT




To the Board of Directors
CPI Aerostructures, Inc. and Subsidiary


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of CPI
Aerostructures, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1997 and the related
consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CPI
Aerostructures, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1997, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.




GOLDSTEIN GOLUB KESSLER & COMPANY, P.C.
New York, New York

February 6, 1998

                                                                           F-1
<PAGE>



                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                                    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASSETS (Notes 7 and 10)

Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1)                               $  2,032,183
  Accounts receivable (Note 1)                                        1,820,278
  Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
   on uncompleted contracts (Notes 1, 4 and 13)                      12,923,769
  Inventory (Notes 1 and 5)                                           2,317,131
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets                             123,411
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Total current assets                                           19,216,772

Property, Plant and Equipment, net (Notes 1 and 6)                    5,734,572

Goodwill (Note 3)                                                     7,615,863

Other Assets (Note 1)                                                   546,638

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total Assets                                                  $33,113,845
===============================================================================

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:
  Accounts payable                                                 $  2,435,361
  Accrued expenses                                                      387,654
  Current portion of long term debt (Note 7)                          2,385,075
  Income taxes payable                                                  543,000
  Deferred income taxes (Note 9)                                        775,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Total current liabilities                                       6,526,090

Long-term Debt (Note 7)                                              11,979,814

Deferred Income Taxes (Note 9)                                           12,000

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total liabilities                                              18,517,904
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 8, 12, 13 and 15)

Shareholders' Equity (Notes 2 and 11):
  Common stock - $.001 par value; authorized 15,000,000 shares,
   issued and outstanding 7,902,655 shares                                7,903
  Additional paid-in capital                                         11,845,965
  Retained earnings                                                   2,742,073

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total shareholders' equity                                     14,595,941
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                    $33,113,845
===============================================================================

                                See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                                                           F-2
 <PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


 
                                                                         CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY


                                                                                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended December 31,                                                            1997                 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                   <C>         
Revenue (Notes 1 and 16)                                                      $  13,015,393         $  6,769,712

Cost of sales (Note 1)                                                            9,208,745            4,179,823
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gross profit                                                                      3,806,648            2,589,889

Selling, general and administrative expenses (Note 1)                             2,016,490            1,751,064

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from operations                                                            1,790,158              838,825
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other (income) expense:
  Interest income                                                                   (42,090)             (36,724)
  Interest expense                                                                  306,446              110,631
  Other expense (income)                                                             15,075               (6,558)

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other expenses, net                                                           279,431               67,349
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income before provision for income taxes and extraordinary item                   1,510,727              771,476

Provision for income taxes (Note 9)                                                 562,000              318,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income before extraordinary item                                                    948,727              453,476

Extraordinary item - gain on early extinguishment of debt (Note 2)                   -                    50,947

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                                    $     948,727          $   504,423
================================================================================================================

Earnings per common share - basic (Note 1):
  Income before extraordinary item                                            $        .14          $        .09
  Extraordinary item                                                                  -                      .01

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (Note 11)                                                        $        .14          $        .10
================================================================================================================

Earnings per common share - diluted (Note 1):
  Income before extraordinary item                                            $        .12          $        .08
  Extraordinary item                                                                  -                      .01

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (Note 11)                                                        $        .12          $        .09
================================================================================================================

Shares used in computing earnings per common share (Note 1):
  Basic                                                                          6,582,479             4,831,588
  Diluted                                                                        7,645,603             5,664,815
================================================================================================================

                                                                  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                 
                                                                                                             F-3
</TABLE>
 <PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 
 
                                                                               CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY


                                                                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Additional                             Total
                                          Common                           Paid-in          Retained     Shareholders'
                                          Shares            Amount         Capital          Earnings           Equity
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>               <C>         <C>                <C>            <C>         
Balance at January 1, 1996                3,728,304         $3,728      $  7,436,079       $1,288,923     $  8,728,730

Net income                                       -              -                 -           504,423          504,423

Shares issued upon exercise
 of stock options                            13,500             14            14,576               -            14,590

Shares issued through  private
 placement (Note 2)                       2,050,000          2,050         1,606,043               -         1,608,093

Shares issued upon exercise of stock
 warrants                                    84,906             85            89,930               -            90,015
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at December 31, 1996              5,876,710          5,877         9,146,628        1,793,346       10,945,851

Net income                                   -               -                 -              948,727          948,727

Shares issued upon exercise
 of stock options                            69,100             69           120,647            -              120,716

Shares issued in conjunction
 with acquisition                           100,000            100           287,400            -              287,500

Shares issued upon exercise
 of stock warrants                        1,856,845          1,857         2,291,290            -            2,293,147

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1997              7,902,655         $7,903       $11,845,965       $2,742,073      $14,595,941
======================================================================================================================
 
                                                                        See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                                                                                                   F-4
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                               CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY


                                                                                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended December 31,                                                                    1997                1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>                    <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                                          $     948,727       $    504,423
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)
   operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                                                           400,602             81,648
    Deferred income taxes                                                                    19,000            346,000
    Loss on sale of fixed assets                                                             38,473              -
    Extraordinary item                                                                        -                (78,947)
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable                                           (295,944)         1,316,210
      Increase in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on
       uncompleted contracts                                                             (1,217,508)        (2,028,871)
      Increase in inventory                                                                (261,662)             -
      Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets                                  11,715            248,456
      (Increase) decrease in other assets                                                   (75,183)            46,293
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses                       (1,497,393)           152,879
      Increase in income taxes payable                                                      543,000              -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                             (1,386,173)           588,091
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                                 (89,878)           (45,301)
  Proceeds from sale of fixed assets                                                          6,295              -
  Cash paid for acquisition net of cash acquired (Note 3)                               (10,170,064)             -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Net cash used in investing activities                                          (10,253,647)            (45,301)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from issuance of notes payable                                                10,375,000
  Repayment of long-term debt                                                               (10,111)        (2,324,184)
  Principal payments under capital lease obligations                                         (6,547)           (30,023)
  Proceeds from exercise of stock warrants                                                2,293,147             90,015
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options                                                   120,716             14,590
  Proceeds from private placement, net of costs of private placement of $442,000              -              1,608,093
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                             12,772,205           (641,509)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash                                                           1,132,385            (98,719)

Cash at beginning of year                                                                   899,798            998,517
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash at end of year                                                                   $   2,032,183       $    899,798
======================================================================================================================

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

  Cash paid during the year for:
    Interest                                                                          $     306,000       $    133,000
======================================================================================================================
    Income taxes                                                                      $      40,000       $     13,000
======================================================================================================================
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:

  Stock issued in connection with acquisition (Note 3)                                $     287,500
======================================================================================================================
  Notes payable issued in connection with acquisition (Note 3)                        $   4,000,000
======================================================================================================================
                                                                        See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                                                                                                   F-5
</TABLE>
<PAGE>



                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 1. PRINCIPAL        The Company consists of CPI Aerostructures, Inc. ("CPI")
    BUSINESS         and Kolar, Inc. ("Kolar"), a wholly owned subsidiary formed
    ACTIVITY AND     in October 1997 (see Note 3), collectively the "Company."
    SUMMARY OF       acquisition.
    SIGNIFICANT
    ACCOUNTING       CPI's operations consist of the design and production of
    POLICIES:        complex aerospace structural subassemblies under U.S.
                     government and commercial contracts. The length of the
                     Company's contracts varies but is typically between 1 and
                     2 years for U.S. government contracts and up to 10 years
                     for commercial contracts.
                  
                     Kolar's principal business is the precision computer
                     numerical control machining of metal products on a
                     contract-order basis. The Company operates in and
                     distributes from New York State.

                     CPI's revenue is recognized based on the percentage of
                     completion method of accounting for long-term contracts,
                     measured by the percentage of total costs incurred to
                     date to estimated total costs for each contract. Contract
                     costs include all direct material, labor costs, tooling
                     and those indirect costs related to contract performance,
                     such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and
                     depreciation costs. Selling, general and administrative
                     costs are charged to expense as incurred. Estimated
                     losses on uncompleted contracts are recognized in the
                     period in which such losses are determined. Changes in
                     job performance may result in revisions to costs and
                     income and are recognized in the period in which
                     revisions are determined to be required. In accordance
                     with industry practice, costs and estimated earnings in
                     excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, included in
                     the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, contain
                     amounts relating to contracts and programs with long
                     production cycles, a portion of which will not be
                     realized within one year. CPI's recorded revenue may be
                     adjusted in later periods in the event that CPI's cost
                     estimates prove to be inaccurate or a contract is
                     terminated. Kolar's revenue is recognized when goods are
                     shipped to customers.

                     Inventory is stated at the lower of cost (first-in,
                     first-out method) or market.

                     In December 1997, based on information received from Rohr
                     Industries, Inc. ("Rohr"), CPI recognized a termination of
                     its agreement to produce pan assemblies and spars for the
                     Boeing 757, and recorded a noncash charge to cost of sales
                     amounting to approximately $605,000.

                     During 1995, CPI received formal notification from Nordam
                     Corporation that it was terminating the pylon portion of
                     its contract with the Company. In 1996, the Company
                     negotiated the final settlement of this terminated contract
                     which resulted in the Company adjusting operations by
                     approximately $371,000. The effect of this adjustment is
                     included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
                     The Company received $750,000 in 1996 in final settlement
                     of this terminated contract.

                     The Company maintains cash in bank deposit accounts which,
                     at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company
                     has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The
                     Company believes it is not exposed to any significant
                     credit risk on cash.

                     The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an
                     original maturity of three months or less to be cash
                     equivalents.

                                                                           F-6
<PAGE>
                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and
                     equipment is provided for by the straight-line method over
                     the estimated useful lives of the respective assets or the
                     life of the lease, for leasehold improvements.

                     The Company has incurred approximately $549,000 of costs of
                     obtaining debt, and has deferred such costs. These costs
                     will be amortized over the life of the debt. The
                     unamortized portion of these deferred financing costs,
                     approximately $517,000 at December 31, 1997, are included
                     in other assets.

                     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
                     generally accepted accounting principles requires the use
                     of estimates by management. Actual results could differ
                     form these estimates.

                     In 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
                     Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, Accounting for
                     Stock-Based Compensation. In accordance with the provisions
                     of SFAS No. 123, the Company has elected to apply APB
                     Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting
                     for its stock options issued to employees and, accordingly,
                     does not recognize additional compensation cost as required
                     by the new principle. The Company, however, has provided
                     the pro forma disclosures as if the Company had adopted the
                     cost recognition requirements (see Note 11).

                     In 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per
                     Share. The prior year's earnings per common share data has
                     been restated to conform to the provisions of this
                     statement. Basic earnings per common share is computed
                     using the weighted average number of shares outstanding.
                     Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the
                     weighted average number of shares outstanding adjusted for
                     the incremental shares attributed to outstanding options
                     and warrants to purchase common stock. Incremental shares
                     of 1,063,124 and 833,227 were used in the calculation of
                     diluted earnings per common share in 1997 and 1996,
                     respectively.

                     In June 1997, the Financcial Accounting Standards Board
                     (the "FASB") issued Statement No. 130, Reporting
                     Comprehensive Income ("SPAS 130"), and Statement No. 131,
                     Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
                     Information ("SFAS 131"). In February, 1998 the FASB
                     issued Statement 132 ("SFAS 132") Employer's Disclosures
                     about Pension and any other Postretirement Benefits. The
                     Company is required to adopt these Statements in 1998.
                     SFAS 130 establishes new standards for reporting and
                     displaying comprehensive income and its components. SFAS
                     131 requires disclosure of certain information regarding
                     accruing segments, products and services, geographic
                     areas of operation and major customers. SFAS 132 revises
                     employer's disclosures about pension and other
                     post-retirement benefits plans. Adoption of these
                     Statements is expected to have no impact on the Company's
                     consolidated financial position, results of operations or
                     cash flows.

<PAGE>

 2. PRIVATE          On June 19, 1996, the Company announced it had completed a 
    PLACEMENT:       $2,050,000 private placement of its equity securities (the 
                     "1996 Private Placement"). This placement consisted of 82  
                     units sold at $25,000 each. Each unit was comprised of     
                     25,000 shares of common stock, and initially 12,500 Class B
                     common stock purchase warrants. Each warrant enabled the   
                     holder to purchase an additional share of common stock at  
                     an exercise price of $2 per share. The warrants may not be 
                     exercised more than five years from the date of issuance.  
                     The Company filed a registration statement, which was      
                     declared effective on August 29, 1996, to register the     
                     warrants and the shares of common stock issued in the 1996 
                     private placement. The net proceeds of this offering were  
                     used, along with working capital, to extinguish long-term  
                     debt of the Company held by Chrysler Capital Corporation.  
                     This resulted in an extraordinary gain of $50,947, net of  
                     $28,000 of income taxes, from the early extinguishment in  
                     1996.
                   
                     On June 27, 1997, the Company announced it had increased
                     the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the
                     Company's Class B common stock purchase warrants issued in
                     the Company's 1996 private placement from 1 to 1.33336
                     common shares effective as of June 27, 1997 through August
                     4, 1997. Seventy-nine of the eighty-two warrant holders
                     exercised their warrants. The three warrant holders who did
                     not exercise their warrants had the warrants redeemed for
                     $.05 per warrant. The majority of the proceeds from these
                     warrant exercises was used by the Company to help
                     facilitate the acquisition of substantially all of the
                     assets of Kolar Machine, Inc. ("KMI") (see Note 3).

                                                                             F-7


<PAGE>

                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

               
 3. ACQUISITION:     On October 9, 1997, the Company acquired substantially all
                     of the assets and assumed substantially all of the
                     liabilities of KMI, a privately owned precision machine and
                     assembly manufacturer which services the electronics
                     industry, including computer and microwave device
                     manufacturers, as well as the materials handling, aerospace
                     and banking industries for approximately $10,000,000 cash,
                     and a $4,000,000 note payable. Additionally, the Company
                     incurred approximately $465,000 of costs in connection with
                     this acquisition, which includes the land and buildings
                     described in the next paragraph.

                     Additionally, the Company acquired land and buildings owned
                     by the sole shareholder (the "Seller") of KMI.

                     This acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase. The
                     fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed
                     amounted to approximately $9,636,000 and $2,916,000,
                     respectively, which resulted in an excess of cost over the
                     fair value of the net assets acquired, (goodwill)
                     of approximately $7,745,000 which is being amortized over
                     15 years. The acquisition was financed through a
                     $10,375,000 term loan payable jointly to The Chase
                     Manhattan Bank and Mellon Bank, and a $4,000,000 note
                     payable issued to the Seller (see Note 7). The operations
                     of KMI are included in the consolidated financial
                     statements from October 9, 1997, the date of acquisition.
           
                     The Seller's note is convertible into 1,000,000 shares of
                     the Company's common stock at the option of the Seller. The
                     note may be converted at any time between February 14, 1998
                     and the maturity date of the note. The conversion of this
                     note has not been included in computing diluted earnings
                     per share as such conversion would be antidilutive.

                     Additionally, the Company entered into a three-year
                     employment agreement with the Seller to become the
                     president of Kolar.
<PAGE>

                     The following pro forma information assumes that this
                     acquisition occurred on January 1, 1996:

Pro Forma Information (unaudited):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   Year ended December 31,                                 1997                   1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>                    <C>        
                   Net sales                                             $25,303,451            $20,634,632
===========================================================================================================

                   Income before extraordinary item                     $  1,688,376           $  1,136,878
                   Extraordinary item                                         -                      50,947
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Net income                                           $  1,688,376           $  1,187,825
===========================================================================================================

                   Earnings per common share - basic:
                     Income before extraordinary item            $            .25      $             .23
                     Extraordinary item                                         -                    .01
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Net earnings                                  $            .25      $             .24
===========================================================================================================

                   Earnings per common share - diluted:
                     Income before extraordinary item            $            .22      $             .20
                     Extraordinary item                                         -                    .01
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Net earnings                                  $            .22      $             .21
===========================================================================================================

                   Shares used in computing earnings per common
                    share:
                     Basic                                                 6,657,479              4,931,588
                     Diluted                                               7,720,603              5,764,815
===========================================================================================================
</TABLE>


                                                                           F-8

<PAGE>



                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. COSTS AND        At December 31, 1997, costs and estimated earnings in
    ESTIMATED        excess of billings on uncompleted contracts consist of:
    EARNINGS IN   
    EXCESS OF
    BILLINGS ON
    UNCOMPLETED
    CONTRACTS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    U.S.
                                                                 Government       Commercial          Total
                     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>             <C>               <C>
                      Costs incurred on uncompleted
                       contracts                                 $4,608,726      $19,944,845       $24,553,571
                      Estimated earnings                          2,055,290       13,880,949        15,936,239
                      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  6,664,016       33,825,794        40,489,810
                      Less billings to date                       5,670,477       21,895,564        27,566,041
                      ========================================================================================
                      Costs and estimated earnings
                       in excess of billings on
                       uncompleted contracts                     $  993,539      $11,930,230       $12,923,769
                      ========================================================================================
</TABLE>
                     Unbilled costs and estimated earnings are billed in
                     accordance with applicable contract terms. As of December
                     31, 1997, approximately $5,600,000 of the balances above
                     are not expected to be collected within one year.

 5. INVENTORY:       Inventory consists of the following:

                     Raw materials                           $   859,561
                     Work-in-progress                            599,403
                     Finished goods                              858,167
                     ===================================================
                                                              $2,317,131
                     ===================================================


 6. PROPERTY, PLANT  Property, plant and equipment, at cost, consists of the
    AND EQUIPMENT:   following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  Estimated
                     December 31, 1997                                                           Useful Life
                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     <S>                                                     <C>                 <C>
                     Land                                                    $   412,200
                     Machinery and equipment                                   4,732,182        5 to 10 years
                     Building                                                    887,800             39 years
                     Furniture and fixtures                                       41,686              7 years
                     Automobiles and trucks                                       93,015              5 years
                     Leasehold improvements                                       62,991              3 years
                     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               6,229,874
                     Less accumulated depreciation and amortization              495,302
                     ========================================================================================
                                                                              $5,734,572
                     ========================================================================================
</TABLE>
                                                                           F-9
<PAGE>

                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7. LONG-TERM        Long-term debt consists of the following: 
    DEBT:           
                     Note payable - bank (a)                    $  9,400,000
                     Note payable - bank (b)                         964,889
                     Note payable - Seller (c)                     4,000,000
                     -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  14,364,889
                     Less current maturities                       2,385,075
                     =======================================================
                                                                 $11,979,814
                     =======================================================
                    
                     (a)  The note is payable to a commercial bank in
                          quarterly installments of $587,500, plus monthly
                          interest at the bank's published prime rate (8.5% at
                          December 31, 1997) plus 1.5% maturing December 31,
                          2001. This note is collateralized by all of the
                          assets of the Company.

                     (b)  The note is payable to a commercial bank in monthly
                          installments of $9,487, including interest at 8.3%,
                          maturing October 31, 2007. This note is
                          collateralized by Kolar's land and building.

                     (c)  Note payable to the Seller (See Note 3) bears
                          interest at 8% per annum, interest is payable
                          monthly, and matures December 31, 2001.

                     Maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

                     Year ending December 31,

                              1998                        $  2,385,075
                              1999                           2,388,583
                              2000                           2,392,441
                              2001                           6,396,685
                              2002                              51,353
                           Thereafter                          750,752
                           ===========================================
                                                           $14,364,889
                           ===========================================

                     At December 31, 1997, the carrying value of the Company's
                     long-term debt approximates its estimated fair value
                     based upon current borrowing rates for similar issues.


 8. COMMITMENTS:     The Company leases office and warehouse facilities under a
                     noncancelable operating lease expiring in March 1999.

                     The aggregate future minimum rental commitments under
                     this lease at December 31, 1997 are payable as follows:

                     Year ending December 31,

                             1998                             $161,211
                             1999                               40,353
                             =========================================
                                                              $201,564
                             =========================================

                     Total rental expense for the years ended December 31,
                     1997 and 1996 amounted to $157,280 and $146,050,
                     respectively.

                                                                          F-10
<PAGE>


                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     The Company is required to pay additional expenses, as
                     defined.

 9. INCOME TAXES:    The provision for income taxes attributable to income
                     before extraordinary item consists of the following:

                     Year ended December 31,          1997             1996
                     --------------------------------------------------------

                     Current:
                       Federal                       $501,000            -
                       State and local                 42,000            -
                     --------------------------------------------------------
                                                      543,000            -
                     --------------------------------------------------------

                     Deferred:
                       Federal                         17,000         $283,000
                       State and local                  2,000           35,000
                     ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                       19,000          318,000
                     ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                     $562,000         $318,000
                     =========================================================

                     The deferred income tax provision, resulting from the
                     differences in the recording of assets and liabilities
                     for federal income tax and financial reporting purposes,
                     consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     Year ended December 31,                      1997                1996
                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>                 <C>      
                     Long-term contracts                        $(29,000)           $  88,000
                     Property, Plant and Equipment               (15,000)              40,000
                     Net operating loss carryforward              63,000              190,000
                     ========================================================================
                                                                $ 19,000             $318,000
                     ========================================================================
</TABLE>

                     The difference between the income tax provision computed
                     at the federal statutory rate and the actual tax
                     provision is accounted for as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1997             1996
                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>              <C>     
                     Taxes computed at the federal statutory rate            $514,000         $262,000
                     State income taxes, including deferred, net of
                      federal benefit                                          30,000           24,000
                     Other, including officers' life insurance and
                      various permanent differences                            18,000           32,000
                     =================================================================================
                                                                             $562,000         $318,000
                     =================================================================================
</TABLE>
                                                                          F-11
<PAGE>

                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     The components of deferred income tax liabilities are as
                     follows:


                                                    Current          Noncurrent
                     ----------------------------------------------------------
                     Long Term Contracts            $775,000               -
                     Property, Plant and Equipment        -             $12,000
                     ==========================================================
                                                    $775,000            $12,000
                     ==========================================================

10. LINE OF CREDIT:  The Company has a $1,000,000 line of credit agreement,
                     expiring October 31, 1998, with The Chase Manhattan Bank
                     and Mellon Bank for working capital and other corporate
                     purposes as needed. Borrowings are subject to limits
                     based on amounts of accounts receivable and inventory, as
                     defined. Interest is at the banks' prime rate plus 1%.
                     The line of credit is collaterized by substantially all
                     assets of the Company. As of December 31, 1997, there was
                     no outstanding balance on this line of credit.

11. EMPLOYEE         In April 1992, the Company adopted the 1992 Stock Option
    STOCK OPTION     Plan (the "1992 Plan"). The 1992 Plan, for which 250,000
    PLANS:           common shares are reserved for issuance, provides for the
                     issuance of either incentive stock options or
                     nonqualified stock options to employees, consultants or
                     others who provide services to the Company. The initial
                     options granted to employees and directors with three or
                     more years of service became exercisable as to one-third
                     of the shares each year beginning on September 16, 1992.
                     The initial options granted to those with less than three
                     years of service became exercisable as to one-third of
                     the shares each year beginning on September 16, 1993. The
                     options may not be exercised more than five years from
                     the date of issuance. In 1995, the option price for all
                     outstanding employees' and director's stock options was
                     lowered to $3.00.

                     In 1995, the Company adopted the 1995 Stock Option Plan
                     (the "1995 Plan"), as amended, for which 600,000 common
                     shares are reserved for issuance. The 1995 Plan provides
                     for the issuance of either incentive stock options or
                     nonqualified stock options to employees, consultants or
                     others who provide services to the Company. The options'
                     exercise price is equal to the closing price of the
                     Company's shares on the day of issuance, except for
                     incentive stock options granted to the Company's
                     president, which are exercisable at 110% of the closing
                     price of the Company's shares on the date of issuance.

                     The Company has 12,836 options available for future grant
                     under the 1992 Plan and 95,000 options available for
                     grant under the 1995 Plan.

                                                                          F-12
<PAGE>


                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     If the Company had elected to recognize compensation cost
                     based on the fair value of the options granted at grant
                     date as prescribed by SFAS No. 123, net income and
                     earnings per share would have been adjusted to the pro
                     forma amounts indicated in the table below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        As Reported                      Pro Forma
                                                    1997           1996             1997           1996
                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>     
                     Net income                   $948,727       $504,423         $803,019       $463,081
                     ====================================================================================
                     Earnings per share:
                       Basic                      $    .14       $    .10         $    .12       $    .09
                       Diluted                         .12            .09              .10            .08
                     ====================================================================================
</TABLE>

                     A summary of the status of the Company's two stock option
                     plans as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and changes during
                     those years are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997                         1996
                     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Weighted-                   Weighted-
                                                                        Average                     Average
                                                                       Exercise                    Exercise
                     Fixed Options                         Options       Price        Options        Price
                     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
                     Outstanding at beginning
                      of year                              333,835       $2.07         276,335       $2.34
                     Granted during year                   487,500        1.97         101,000        1.47
                     Exercised                             (69,100)       1.75         (13,500)       1.08
                     Forfeited                            (124,835)       3.00         (30,000)       3.00
                     ========================================================================================
                     Outstanding at end of year            627,400       $1.84         333,835       $2.07
                     ========================================================================================
</TABLE>

                     The following table summarizes information about stock
                     options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Weighted-
                                                    Number                   Average
                                                  Outstanding               Remaining
                        Range of                      and                  Contractual               Exercise
                     Exercise Price               Exercisable                 Life                     Price
                     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>                      <C>                       <C>  
                     $1.00 - $3.00                    627,400               3.88 years                $1.84
                     ========================================================================================
</TABLE>

                     The Company's assumptions used to calculate the fair
                     values of options issued were (i) risk-free interest rate
                     of 7.5%, (ii) expected life of five years, (iii) expected
                     volatility of 159.05%, and (iv) expected dividends of zero.

                                                                          F-13
<PAGE>


                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. WARRANTS         The Company sold 100,000 warrants to the Company's
    AND OPTIONS:     Underwriter ("Underwriter's Warrants") in September 1992
                     for an aggregate of $100. The Underwriter's Warrants, as
                     adjusted, entitle the Underwriter, or its assignees, to 
                     purchase up to 566,038 shares of common stock at an     
                     exercise price of $1.06 and an aggregate of 100,000     
                     warrants exercisable at $2.50. All of the Underwriter's 
                     Warrants expire on September 24, 1999. In 1997, 206,141 
                     of the Underwriter's Warrants were exercised.

                     In February 1995, the Company issued stock options to a
                     consultant to purchase 120,000 common shares at $3.00 per
                     share, which options and accompanying consulting
                     agreement were terminated by the Company and are the
                     subject of a lawsuit. In April 1995, the Company also
                     granted options to purchase 20,000 shares at $2.00 per
                     share to its counsel. All of these options are outside
                     the employee stock option plans and expire in April 2000.
                     In January 1996, the Company issued stock options to
                     purchase 18,500 shares at $1.06 per share to a director.

                     In March 1996, the Company issued 300,000 warrants to
                     Barber and Bronson, Inc. as partial compensation for
                     acting as the Company's Placement Agent for its private
                     placement of equity. These warrants entitle the Placement
                     Agent to purchase 300,000 shares of common stock at an
                     exercise price of $1 during the five-year period
                     commencing June 19, 1996. In 1997, 30,000 of these
                     warrants were exercised.

                     The Company's Placement Agent also received a warrant
                     ("Placement Agent's Warrant") in June 1996. The Placement
                     Agent's Warrant entitles the Placement Agent to purchase
                     up to 8.2 units, each consisting of 25,000 shares of
                     common stock and warrants to purchase 12,500 common
                     shares, at an exercise price of $1.00 during the
                     five-year period commencing June 19, 1996. The Placement
                     Agent, pursuant to a consulting agreement, provided
                     financial consulting services for two years, starting
                     March 5, 1996 at a rate of $3,000 per month. In August
                     1997, the Placement Agent exercised all of its Placement
                     Agent Warrants, to help facilitate the acquisition
                     described in Note 3.

                     In September 1996, the Company issued options to purchase
                     10,000 shares of common stock to two directors at an
                     exercise price of $2.00 per share of common stock. These
                     options expire in 2001.

                     In February 1997, the Company issued options to purchase
                     10,000 shares of common stock to two directors at an
                     exercise price of $2.06 per share of common stock. These
                     options expire in 2002.

13. MD-90            In March 1991,  CPI entered into an agreement  with Rohr,
    CONTRACT:        pursuant to which the Company agreed to provide Rohr with
                     apron assemblies and related components in connection
                     with production of the then proposed McDonnell Douglas
                     MD-90 jet aircraft. During the year ended December 31,
                     1997, approximately 24% of the Company's revenue was
                     derived from this program, as compared with 58% in 1996.
                     As of December 31, 1997, an aggregate of $9,945,495 was
                     included in costs and estimated earnings in excess of
                     billings on uncompleted contracts. McDonnell Douglas
                     received FAA certification for the MD-90 in November
                     1994.

                                                                          F-14
<PAGE>

                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     In 1997, the Boeing Company acquired the McDonnell
                     Douglas Corporation. Boeing has announced that it plans
                     to terminate the MD-90 program in 1999 unless it receives
                     sufficient additional orders for such aircraft. To date
                     the Company has received no notice of termination. Such
                     termination and the termination of the Rohr agreement
                     would have a material effect on the Company's financial
                     position.

14. EMPLOYEE         On September 11, 1996, CPI's board of directors instituted
    BENEFIT PLANS:   a defined contribution plan under Section 401(k) of the
                     Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") wherein qualified
                     employees may contribute a percentage of their pretax
                     eligible compensation to the plan. The Company, at the
                     option of the board of directors, may make contributions
                     to the plan on behalf of employees. The amount of
                     contributions accrued by the Company in 1997 and 1996
                     amounted to $45,878 and $40,982, respectively.

                     Kolar has a defined contribution plan under Section
                     401(k) of the Code wherein qualified employees may
                     contribute a percentage of their pretax eligible
                     compensation to the plan and the Company will match a
                     percentage of each employee's contribution. Additionally,
                     Kolar has a profit-sharing plan covering all eligible
                     employees. Contributions by the Company are at the
                     discretion of management. Contributions to the Kolar
                     plans for both the matching and profit-sharing elements
                     of the plans for the year ended December 31, 1997
                     amounted to $3,374.


15. CONTINGENCIES:   From time to time the Company is subject to routine
                     litigation incidental to its business. The Company
                     believes that the settlement of any pending legal
                     proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on
                     the Company's financial condition.

16. SEGMENT          In 1997, the Company's operations have been classified into
    INFORMATION:     two business segments: production of complex aerospace
                     structural subassemblies ("Aerospace") and computer
                     numerical control machining of metal products
                     ("Machining").

                     Summarized financial information by business segment for
                     1997 is as follows:

                     Net sales:
                       Aerospace                                  $ 9,825,309
                       Machining                                    3,190,084
                     ========================================================
                                                                  $13,015,393
                     ========================================================

                     Operating income:
                       Aerospace                                  $ 1,453,103
                       Machining                                      337,055
                     ========================================================
                                                                  $ 1,790,158
                     ========================================================

                                                                          F-15
<PAGE>


                                       CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

                                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Total assets:
                       Aerospace                                 $15,040,385
                       Machining                                  18,073,460
                     =======================================================
                                                                 $33,113,845
                     =======================================================
                     Depreciation and amortization:
                       Aerospace                              $       69,069
                       Machining                                     331,533
                     =======================================================
                                                               $     400,602
                     =======================================================

                     Capital expenditures:
                       Aerospace                              $       77,537
                       Machining                                      12,341
                     =======================================================
                                                              $       89,878
                     =======================================================


17. MAJOR            Approximately 23% and 63% of the Company's sales in 1997
    CUSTOMERS:       and 1996, respectively, were to Rohr. Approximately 43%
                     and 24% of the Company's sales in 1997 and 1996,
                     respectively, were to the U.S. Government ("US Gov").
                     Approximately 19% of the Company's sales in 1997 was to
                     Universal Instruments Inc. ("Universal"). Approximately
                     11% of the Company's sales in 1996 was to the Nordam
                     Corporation.
   
                     In 1997, approximately 40%, 21% and 17% of accounts
                     receivable were due from Universal, US Gov and Rohr,
                     respectively.         

                                                                          F-16



<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


Dated:  March 27, 1998                            CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC.


                                                  By: /s/ Arthur August
                                                     --------------------
                                                     Arthur August,
                                                     President

      In accordance with the Exchange Act, this Report has been signed below by
the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on
the dates indicated:

      Signature                        Title                         Date
      ---------                        -----                         ----

/S/ Arthur August                 Chairman of the Board,        March 27, 1998
- ------------------------          President (Principal 
Arthur August                     Executive Officer)   
                                  and Director         

/S/ Theodore J. Martines          Executive Vice                March 27, 1998
- ------------------------          President (Principal    
Theodore J. Martines              Accounting and Financial
                                  Officer) and Director   

/S/ Walter Paulick                Director                      March 27, 1998
- ------------------------
Walter Paulick

/S/ Kenneth McSweeney             Director                      March 27, 1998
- ------------------------
Kenneth McSweeney


                                       25



<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.                   Description                         Page No.


10.20               Consulting Agreement dated
                    January 1, 1998 between the Company
                    and Stanley Wunderlich

10.21               Credit Agreement dated as of October 9,
                    1997 among CPI Aerostructures, Inc.,
                    Kolar, Inc., as Borrower, the Several
                    Lenders from Time To Time Parties
                    Hereto and The Chase Manhattan Bank,
                    as Administrative Agent

10.22               Employment Agreement dated as of
                    October 9, 1997 between Kolar and
                    Daniel Liguori

10.23               Purchase Agreement dated as of
                    November 10, 1997 between Kolar and
                    Universal Instruments Corporation

21.1                Subsidiaries of the Registrant


23.1                Consent of Goldstein Golub Kessler &
                    Company, P.C.

27.1                Financial Data Schedule


                                       26



                                  EXHIBIT 10.20

                              CONSULTING AGREEMENT
<PAGE>

C.S.F.G.
CONSULTING
FOR STRATEGIC GROWTH, LTD.

8 THE HEMLOCKS
ROSLYN ESTATES, NY 11576
Tel:    (516) 625-4523
Mobile: (516) 729-3714
Fax:    (515) 625-4523
        1-800-625-2236

                                 January 1, 1998

Mr. Arthur August
President & CEO
CPI Aerostructures, Inc.
200A Executive Drive
Edgewood, NY 11717

Dear Mr. August,

This Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1998 is entered into by and between CPI
Aerostructures, Inc. (the " Company") with offices at 200A Executive Drive,
Edgewood, NY 11717 and Consulting for Strategic Growth, Ltd. (the "Consultant")
with offices located at 8 The Hemlocks, Roslyn Estates, NY 11576.

                                    RECITALS

Whereas the Consultant has experience in the investment banking and financial
services business, and Whereas, the consultant desires to provide the financial
advisory services (the "Services") set forth in Section 3 hereof to the Company,
and the Company desires to retain the Consultant, who will assign Mr. Stanley
Wunderlich to provide the Services to the Company.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual Covenants and
agreement hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as
follows:

1.    Retention. The Company hereby retains the Consultant, and the Consultant
      agrees to be retained by the Company, to perform the Services as a
      Consultant to the Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
      The parties agree that the Consultant shall be retained by the Company as
      an independent contractor on a consulting basis and not as an employee of
      the Company.

2     Term. The terms of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof and
      shall end on December 31, 1999, unless terminated earlier pursuant to
      Section 7. Hereof.

3.    Duties of Consultant. During the term of the Agreement Consultant shall
      provide the Company with such regular and customary consulting advice as
      is reasonably requested by the Company, within the scope of the services
      enumerated below. It is understood and acknowledged by the parties that
      the value of Consultant's advice is not readily quantifiable, and that
      Consultant shall be obligated to render advice upon the request of the
      Company, in good faith, but not be obligated to spend any specific amount
      of time in so doing. Consultants duties shall include, but will not
      necessarily be limited to, providing recommendations concerning one or
      more
<PAGE>

      of the following financial and related matters upon the request of the
      Board of Directors of the Company and/or its President.

      a.    Assisting in the introduction of the Company to retail registered
            representatives at various registered broker/dealers;

      b.    Arranging, on behalf of the Company, meetings with securities
            analysts of nationally recognized and regional investment banking
            firms on a quarterly basis or more frequently;

      c.    Arranging, on behalf of the Company, meetings in or within 50 miles
            of New York City and Boston with "Small cap" money managers who
            manage funds in both North America and Europe, on a quarterly basis
            or more frequently;

      d.    Rendering advice with regard to any of the following corporate
            finance matters: (1) changes in the capitalization of the Company;
            (2) changes in the Company's corporate structure; (3) review budgets
            and business plans; (4) planning the Company's financial
            requirements;

      e.    Furnish advice to the Company in connection with the prospective
            acquisition and/or merger candidates;

      f.    Participating as an observer or advisor at meetings of the Company's
            Board of Directors or any committee thereof;

      g.    Using its best efforts to cause at least two research reports
            concerning the Company to be written and disseminated by at least
            two regional investment banking firms;

      h.    Using its best efforts to provide the Company with four
            market-makers in its Common Stock, which market makers have not
            previously made a market in the Company's securities; and

      i.    Promptly upon request by the Company, preparing press releases for
            the Company and promptly distributing them to the appropriate news
            and wire services.

      j.    Send by-monthly fax messages to select list of institutional
            accounts, and interested parties, which would include analyst's
            broker/dealers and retail brokers. (BLAST FAX)

4.    Compensation. In consideration for the services rendered by Consultant to
      the Company pursuant to this Agreement, the Company shall pay to the
      Consultant $1,000 upon the signing of this agreement, and $1,000 (by the
      tenth of each month) for each successive month during the term of this
      Agreement. (subject to review and adjustment by mutual consent.) This fee
      will include all regular, ongoing routine out of pocket expenses,
      including communications, mailings, fax broadcasts, etc. Unusual special
      requests would be paid for by the Company, i.e. Trip to California.

5.    Confidentiality. Consultant acknowledges that, as a consequence of its
      relationship with the Company, it has been and will continue to be given
      access to ideas, trade secrets, methods, customer information, business
      plans and other confidential and proprietary information of the Company
      (collectively, "Confidential Information"). Consultant agrees that it
      shall maintain in confidence, and shall not disclose directly or
      indirectly, to any third parties or use for any purposes (other than the
      performance hereof), any Confidential Information for the term of this
      Agreement and a period of seven years thereafter, unless previously
      approved by the Company in writing. The parties hereto agree that
      irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of
      this Section 5 are not performed by the Consultant in accordance with
      their specific terms or are otherwise breached by the Consultant. It is
      accordingly agreed that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction or
<PAGE>

      injunctions to prevent breaches of this section 5 and to enforce
      specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court of the United
      States or any State having jurisdiction in addition to any other remedy to
      which they are entitled at law or in equity.

6.    Pursuant to its 1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended, the Company agrees to
      grant non-qualified stock options (the "Options") to the Consultant to
      purchase 75,000 fully paid and non-enforceable shares of Common Stock of
      the Company ("the Shares") exercisable at $2.50 per Share. The Options
      shall become exercisable on September 22, 1998 and shall be exercisable
      for as long as the consultant is retained by the Company and in no case
      for less than five years from the date hereof. The Company hereby agrees
      to register the Options and the Shares with the Securities and Exchange
      commission on the Company's next available Form S-8 Registration
      Statement, or any successor form.

7.    Termination: This agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of:
      (i) Expiration of the term of the agreement; or 
      (ii) Sixty (60) days written notice by either parts

8.    Compliance with Law. The Consultant agrees that in performing this
      agreement, that the Consultant shall comply with the applicable provisions
      of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The applicable rules and
      regulations of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and
      any other applicable federal, state or foreign laws, rules and
      regulations.

9.    Indemnity. The consultant shall indemnify the Company, it directors,
      officers, stockholders, representatives, agent s and affiliates
      (collectively, the "Affiliated Parties") from and against any and all
      losses, damages, fines, fees penalties, deficiencies, expenses, including
      expenses of investigation, court costs and fees and expenses of attorneys,
      which the Company or its Affiliated Parties may sustain at any time
      resulting from, arising out of or relating to the breach or failure to
      comply with any of the covenants or agreements of the Consultant or its
      Affiliated Parties contained in this Agreement.

10.   Notices. Notices, other communications or deliveries required or permitted
      under this Agreement shall be in writing delivered by hand against
      receipt, certified mail return receipt, or reputable overnight courier to
      the addresses set forth below or such address as a party may designate in
      accordance with this paragraph and shall be effective upon the earlier of:

      (i)   actual receipt; (ii) three (3) calendar days if sent by certified
            mail; or one (1) day if sent by overnight courier.

            A.    To the Company at:
                  200 A Executive Drive
                  Edgewood, NY 11717
                  Attn: Arthur August

            B.    To the Consultant at:
                  8 The Hemlocks
                  Roslyn Estates, NY 11576.

11.   Applicable Law. This agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of
      the State of New York without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

      If the foregoing sets forth your understanding of our agreement, kindly
indicate your agreement by signing on the space provided below.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     Consulting for Strategic Growth, Ltd.
<PAGE>

                                     By:  /s/ Stanley Wunderlich
                                          -----------------------------------
                                          Name: Stanley Wunderlich, Chairman

Agreed and Accepted by:

By: /s/ Arthur August
    -----------------------------------
    Name: Arthur August, president & CEO



                                  Exhibit 10.21
                                Credit Agreement
<PAGE>

CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of October 9, 1997, among CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC., a
New York corporation ("Holdings"), KOLAR, INC., a Delaware corporation (the
"Borrower"), the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from
time to time parties to this Agreement (the "Lenders"), and THE CHASE MANHATTAN
BANK, as administrative agent.

            The parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

                             SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

            1.1 Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the terms listed in
this Section 1.1 shall have the ------------- respective meanings set forth in
this Section 1.1.

            "ABR": for any day, a rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary,
to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal --- to the greater of (a) the Prime Rate in effect
on such day and (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus
1/2 of 1%. For purposes hereof: "Prime Rate" shall mean the rate of interest per
annum publicly announced from time to time by the Reference Lender as its prime
rate in effect at its principal office in New York City (the Prime Rate not
being intended to be the lowest rate of interest charged by the Reference Lender
in connection with extensions of credit to debtors); and "Federal Funds
Effective Rate" shall mean, for any day, the weighted average of the rates on
overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System
arranged by federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business
Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so
published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for
the day of such transactions received by the Reference Lender from three federal
funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it. Any change in the ABR due
to a change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be
effective as of the opening of business on the effective day of such change in
the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate, respectively.

            "Acquisition": as defined in Section 4(b)

            "Acquisition Agreement": the collective reference to the Asset
Purchase Agreement, dated September 9, 1997, among Holdings, the Borrower, the
Seller and Daniel Liguori, together with each agreement constituting an Exhibit
thereto.

            "Adjustment Date": as defined in the Pricing Grid.

            "Administrative Agent": The Chase Manhattan Bank, together with its
affiliates, as the arranger of the Commitments and as the administrative agent
for the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, together with
any of its successors.

            "Affiliate": as to any Person, any other Person which, directly or
indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control with,
such Person. For purposes of this definition, "control" of a Person means the
power, directly or indirectly, either to (a) vote 10% or more of the securities
having ordinary voting power for the election of directors (or persons
performing similar functions) of such Person or (b) direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether by contract or
otherwise.

            "Agreement": this Credit Agreement, as amended, supplemented or
otherwise modified from time to time.

            "Alternative Note": as defined in Section 10.6(f).

            "Alternative Noteholder": as defined in Section 10.6(f).

            "Applicable Margin": for each Tranche A Term Loan, 1.50%; provided,
that on and after the first Adjustment Date occurring after the end of the
Holdings' 1998 fiscal year, the Applicable Margin will be determined pursuant to
the Pricing Grid.
<PAGE>

            "Asset Sale": any Disposition of Property by Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries (excluding any such Disposition permitted by clause (a), (b) or (c)
of Section 6.5).

            "Assignee": as defined in Section 10.6(c).

            "Assignor": as defined in Section 10.6(c).

            "Board": the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the
United States (or any successor).

            "Business": as defined in Section 3.17.

            "Business Day": a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on
which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to
close.

            "Capital Expenditures": for any period, with respect to any Person,
the aggregate of all expenditures by such Person and its Subsidiaries for the
acquisition or leasing (pursuant to a capital lease) of fixed or capital assets
or additions to equipment (including replacements, capitalized repairs and
improvements and fixed assets acquired under capital leases during such period)
which should be capitalized under GAAP on a consolidated balance sheet of such
Person and its Subsidiaries.

            "Capital Lease Obligations": as to any Person, the obligations of
such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other
arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a
combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and
accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP
and, for the purposes of this Agreement, the amount of such obligations at any
time shall be the capitalized amount thereof at such time determined in
accordance with GAAP.

            "Capital Stock": any and all shares, interests, participations or
other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of a corporation, any
and all equivalent ownership interests in a Person (other than a corporation)
and any and all warrants, rights or options to purchase any of the foregoing.

            "Cash Equivalents": (a) marketable direct obligations issued by, or
unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States Government or issued by any
agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in
each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition; (b)
Dollar-denominated certificates of deposit, time deposits, eurodollar time
deposits or overnight bank deposits having maturities of one year or less from
the date of acquisition issued by any Lender or by any commercial bank organized
under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof having
combined capital and surplus of not less than $1,000,000,000; (c) commercial
paper of an issuer rated at least A-1 by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services
("S&P") or at least P-1 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), if both
of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of commercial paper
issuers generally, and maturing within six months from the date of acquisition;
(d) tax exempt securities maturing within one year from the date of acquisition
and rated at least A by S&P or at least A2 by Moody's; and (e) money market
funds that invest substantially exclusively in investments of the type described
above and that have aggregate assets of at least $2,500,000,000.

            "Closing Date": the date on which the conditions precedent set forth
in Section 4 shall have been satisfied, which date is October 9, 1997.

            "Code": the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to
time.

            "Collateral": all Property of the Loan Parties, now owned or
hereafter acquired, upon which a Lien is purported to be created by any Security
Document.

            "Commitment": as to any Lender, the sum of the Tranche A Term Loan
Commitment and the Tranche B Term Loan Commitment of such Lender.
<PAGE>

            "Commonly Controlled Entity": an entity, whether or not
incorporated, which is under common control with the Borrower within the meaning
of Section 4001 of ERISA or is part of a group which includes the Borrower and
which is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

            "Compliance Certificate": a certificate duly executed by a
Responsible Officer substantially in the form of Exhibit B.

            "Consolidated Accounts Payable": at any date, the aggregate amount
at such date of accounts payable owed by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries to
any other Person.

            "Consolidated Accounts Receivable": at any date, the aggregate
outstanding amount at such date of receivables generated in the ordinary course
of business and owing to Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries by any other
Person.

            "Consolidated Cash Dividends": for any period, the aggregate amount
of Restricted Payments made by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries during such
period (excluding any such Restricted Payments permitted by clause (a) or (b) of
Section 6.6).

            "Consolidated Cash Flow": for any period, Consolidated EBITDA for
such period minus the sum for such period of (a) Consolidated Unfunded Capital
Expenditures, (b) Consolidated Cash Dividends and (c) Consolidated Cash Tax
Payments.

            "Consolidated Cash Tax Payments": for any period, cash income taxes
paid by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in respect
of such period.

            "Consolidated Current Portion of Long Term Debt": as of the last day
of any period, the aggregate principal amount of all Funded Debt of Holdings or
any of its Subsidiaries that is required to be repaid at any time during the
period of four consecutive fiscal quarters commencing on the next succeeding
day.

            "Consolidated Debt Service Ratio": for any period, the ratio of (a)
Consolidated Cash Flow for such period to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense plus
the Consolidated Current Portion of Long Term Debt determined in respect of such
period.

            "Consolidated EBITDA": for any period, Consolidated Net Income for
such period plus, without duplication and to the extent reflected as a charge in
the statement of such Consolidated Net Income for such period, the sum of (a)
total income tax expense, (b) interest expense, amortization or writeoff of debt
discount and debt issuance costs and commissions, discounts and other fees and
charges associated with Indebtedness (including the Loans), (c) depreciation and
amortization expense, (d) amortization of intangibles (including, but not
limited to, goodwill) and organization costs and (e) any other non-cash charges,
and minus, to the extent included in the statement of such Consolidated Net
Income for such period, the sum of (a) interest income, (b) any extraordinary or
non-recurring income or gains (including, whether or not otherwise includable as
a separate item in the statement of such Consolidated Net Income for such
period, gains on the sales of assets outside of the ordinary course of business)
and (c) any other non-cash income, all as determined on a consolidated basis.

            "Consolidated Interest Expense": for any period, total cash interest
expense (including that attributable to Capital Lease Obligations) of Holdings
and its Subsidiaries for such period with respect to all outstanding
Indebtedness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation,
all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to
letters of credit and bankers' acceptance financing and net costs under Interest
Rate Protection Agreements to the extent such net costs are allocable to such
period in accordance with GAAP).

            "Consolidated Lease Expense": for any period, the aggregate amount
of fixed and contingent rentals payable by the Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries for such period with respect to leases of real and personal
property.
<PAGE>

            "Consolidated Leverage Ratio": at any date, the ratio of (a)
Consolidated Unsubordinated Liabilities at such date to (b) the sum of
Consolidated Tangible Net Worth plus Consolidated Subordinated Debt at such
date.

            "Consolidated Net Income": for any period, the consolidated net
income (or loss) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded (a) the
income (or deficit) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a
Subsidiary of Holdings or is merged into or consolidated with Holdings or any of
its Subsidiaries, (b) the income (or deficit) of any Person (other than a
Subsidiary of Holdings) in which Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries has an
ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income is actually
received by Holdings or such Subsidiary in the form of dividends or similar
distributions and (c) the undistributed earnings of any Subsidiary of Holdings
to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar
distributions by such Subsidiary to the Borrower or Holdings is not at the time
permitted by the terms of any Contractual Obligation (other than under any Loan
Document) or Requirement of Law applicable to such Subsidiary.

            "Consolidated Net Working Assets": the excess of (a) the sum of
Consolidated Accounts Receivable, inventory and prepaid and other current assets
(excluding cash and Cash Equivalents) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries over (b)
the sum of Consolidated Accounts Payable, accrued liabilities and accrued taxes
and other current liabilities of Holdings and its Subsidiaries excluding the
current portion of long term indebtedness.

            "Consolidated Net Worth": as of any date, all items which in
conformity with GAAP would be included under shareholders' equity on a
consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries at such date.

            "Consolidated Senior Funded Debt": as to any Person, all
Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness under the Seller Note) of such Person that
matures more than one year from the date of its creation or matures within one
year from such date but is renewable or extendible, at the option of such
Person, to a date more than one year from such date or arises under a revolving
credit or similar agreement that obligates the lender or lenders to extend
credit during a period of more than one year from such date, including, without
limitation, all current maturities and current sinking fund payments in respect
of such Indebtedness whether or not required to be paid within one year from the
date of its creation and, in the case of the Borrower, Indebtedness in respect
of the Loans.

            "Consolidated Subordinated Debt": at any date, the aggregate
principal amount of all Indebtedness (other than Consolidated Unsubordinated
Liabilities) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries at such date, determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

            "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth": as of any date, Consolidated Net
Worth after deducting therefrom the following: (a) any surplus resulting from
the write-up of assets subsequent to December 31, 1996; (b) goodwill, including,
without limitation, any amounts (however designated on the balance sheet)
representing the cost of acquisitions in excess of underlying tangible assets or
capitalized transaction costs; (c) patents, trademarks, copyrights and other
Intellectual Property; (d) leasehold improvements not recoverable at the
expiration of a lease; and (e) deferred charges (including, but not limited to,
unamortized debt discount and expense, organization expenses and experimental
and development expenses).

            "Consolidated Unfunded Capital Expenditures": for any period, with
respect to any Person, all Capital Expenditures made by such Person during such
period except to the extent financed with Indebtedness.

            "Consolidated Unsubordinated Liabilities": at any date, the
aggregate amount of all liabilities (including, without limitation,
Indebtedness, trade payables and accrued expenses, but excluding Indebtedness
under the Seller Note) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries at such date, determined
on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

            "Continuing Directors": the directors of Holdings on the Closing
Date, and each other director, if, in each case, such other director's
nomination for election to the board of directors of Holdings is recommended by
at least 66-2/3% of the then Continuing Directors.
<PAGE>

            "Contractual Obligation": as to any Person, any provision of any
security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other
undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its
Property is bound.

            "Default": any of the events specified in Section 7, whether or not
any requirement for the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, has been
satisfied.

            "Disposition": with respect to any Property, any sale, lease, sale
and leaseback, assignment, conveyance, transfer or other disposition thereof;
and the terms "Dispose" and "Disposed of" shall have correlative meanings.

            "Dollars" and "$": dollars in lawful currency of the United States
of America.

            "Employment Agreement": the Employment Agreement dated October 9,
1997 between the Borrower and Daniel Liguori.

            "Environmental Laws": any and all foreign, Federal, state, local or
municipal laws, rules, orders, regulations, statutes, ordinances, codes,
decrees, requirements of any Governmental Authority or other Requirements of Law
(including common law) regulating, relating to or imposing liability or
standards of conduct concerning protection of human health or the environment,
as now or may at any time hereafter be in effect.

            "ERISA": the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended from time to time.

            "Event of Default": any of the events specified in Section 7,
provided that any requirement for the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or
both, has been satisfied.

            "Excess Cash Flow": for any fiscal year of Holdings, the excess, if
any, of (a) the sum, without duplication, of (i) Consolidated Net Income for
such fiscal year, (ii) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash charges
deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (iii) decreases in
Consolidated Net Working Assets for such fiscal year, and (iv) an amount equal
to the aggregate net non-cash loss on the Disposition of Property by Holdings
and its Subsidiaries during such fiscal year (other than sales of inventory in
the ordinary course of business), to the extent deducted in arriving at such
Consolidated Net Income over (b) the sum, without duplication, of (i) an amount
equal to the amount of all non-cash credits included in arriving at such
Consolidated Net Income, (ii) the aggregate amount actually paid by Holdings and
its Subsidiaries in cash during such fiscal year on account of Capital
Expenditures (excluding the principal amount of Indebtedness incurred in
connection with such expenditures), (iii) all optional prepayments of the Loans
during such fiscal year, (iv) the aggregate amount of all regularly scheduled
principal payments of Funded Debt (including, without limitation, the Loans) of
Holdings and its Subsidiaries made during such fiscal year, (v) increases in
Consolidated Net Working Assets for such fiscal year, and (vi) an amount equal
to the aggregate net non-cash gain on the Disposition of Property by Holdings
and its Subsidiaries during such fiscal year (other than sales of inventory in
the ordinary course of business), to the extent included in arriving at such
Consolidated Net Income.

            "Excess Cash Flow Application Date": as defined in Section 2.6(c).

            "Facility": each of (a) the Tranche A Term Loan Commitments and the
Tranche A Term Loans made thereunder (the "Tranche A Term Loan Facility") and
(b) the Tranche B Term Loan Commitments and the Tranche B Term Loans made
thereunder (the "Tranche B Term Loan Facility").

            "Funded Debt": as to any Person, all Indebtedness of such Person
that matures more than one year from the date of its creation or matures within
one year from such date but is renewable or extendible, at the option of such
Person, to a date more than one year from such date or arises under a revolving
credit or similar agreement that obligates the lender or lenders to extend
credit during a period of more than one year from such date, including, without
limitation, all current maturities and current sinking fund payments in respect
of such Indebtedness whether or not
<PAGE>

required to be paid within one year from the date of its creation and, in the
case of the Borrower, Indebtedness in respect of the Loans.

            "GAAP": generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States of America as in effect from time to time set forth in the opinions and
pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants and the statements and pronouncements of the
Financial Accounting Standards Board and the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or in such other statements by such other
entity as may be in general use by significant segments of the accounting
profession, which are applicable to the circumstances of Holdings as of the date
of determination, except that for purposes of Section 6.1, GAAP shall be
determined on the basis of such principles in effect on the date hereof and
consistent with those used in the preparation of the most recent audited
financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 3.1(b). In the event that any
"Accounting Change" (as defined below) shall occur and such change results in a
change in the method of calculation of financial covenants, standards or terms
in this Agreement, then Holdings and the Administrative Agent agree to enter
into negotiations in order to amend such provisions of this Agreement so as to
equitably reflect such Accounting Changes with the desired result that the
criteria for evaluating Holdings' financial condition shall be the same after
such Accounting Changes as if such Accounting Changes had not been made. Until
such time as such an amendment shall have been executed and delivered by
Holdings, the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, all financial
covenants, standards and terms in this Agreement shall continue to be calculated
or construed as if such Accounting Changes had not occurred. "Accounting
Changes" refers to changes in accounting principles required by the promulgation
of any rule, regulation, pronouncement or opinion by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or, if
applicable, the Securities and Exchange Commission (or successors thereto or
agencies with similar functions).

            "Governmental Authority": any nation or government, any state or
other political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising executive,
legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining
to government (including, without limitation, the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners).

            "Guarantee and Collateral Agreement": the Guarantee and Collateral
Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A, as the same may be amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

            "Guarantee Obligation": as to any Person (the "guaranteeing
person"), any obligation of (a) the guaranteeing person or (b) another Person
(including, without limitation, any bank under any letter of credit) to induce
the creation of which the guaranteeing person has issued a reimbursement,
counterindemnity or similar obligation, in either case guaranteeing or in effect
guaranteeing any Indebtedness, leases, dividends or other obligations (the
"primary obligations") of any other third Person (the "primary obligor") in any
manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any
obligation of the guaranteeing person, whether or not contingent, (i) to
purchase any such primary obligation or any Property constituting direct or
indirect security therefor, (ii) to advance or supply funds (1) for the purchase
or payment of any such primary obligation or (2) to maintain working capital or
equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or
solvency of the primary obligor, (iii) to purchase Property, securities or
services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary
obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary
obligation, (iv) under any take-or-pay contract or (v) otherwise to assure or
hold harmless the owner of any such primary obligation against loss in respect
thereof; provided, however, that the term Guarantee Obligation shall not include
endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of
business. The amount of any Guarantee Obligation of any guaranteeing person
shall be deemed to be the lower of (a) an amount equal to the stated or
determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Guarantee
Obligation is made and (b) the maximum amount for which such guaranteeing person
may be liable pursuant to the terms of the instrument embodying such Guarantee
Obligation, unless such primary obligation and the maximum amount for which such
guaranteeing person may be liable are not stated or determinable, in which case
the amount of such Guarantee Obligation shall be such guaranteeing person's
maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the
Borrower in good faith.

            "Guarantor": each party to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
other than the Borrower.

            "Incur": as defined in Section 6.2.
<PAGE>

            "Indebtedness": of any Person at any date, without duplication, (a)
all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such
Person for the deferred purchase price of Property or services (other than
current trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of such Person's
business) or relating to advance or progress payments, (c) all obligations of
such Person evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar instruments,
(d) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other
title retention agreement with respect to Property acquired by such Person (even
though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in
the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such Property), (e)
all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (f) all obligations of such
Person, contingent or otherwise, as an account party under acceptance, letter of
credit or similar facilities (g) all obligations of such Person, contingent or
otherwise, to purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any
Capital Stock (other than common stock) of such Person, (h) all Guarantee
Obligations of such Person in respect of obligations of the kind referred to in
clauses (a) through (g) above; (i) all obligations of the kind referred to in
clauses (a) through (h) above secured by (or for which the holder of such
obligation has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any
Lien on Property (including, without limitation, accounts and contract rights)
owned by such Person, whether or not such Person has assumed or become liable
for the payment of such obligation; and (j) for the purposes of Section 7(e)
only, all obligations of such Person in respect of Interest Rate Protection
Agreements.

            "Insolvency": with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the condition
that such Plan is insolvent within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA.

            "Insolvent": pertaining to a condition of Insolvency.

            "Intellectual Property": the collective reference to all rights,
priorities and privileges relating to intellectual property, whether arising
under United States, multinational or foreign laws or otherwise, including,
without limitation, copyrights, copyright licenses, patents, patent licenses,
trademarks, trademark licenses, technology, know-how and processes, and all
rights to sue at law or in equity for any infringement or other impairment
thereof, including the right to receive all proceeds and damages therefrom.

            "Interest Payment Date": the last Business Day of each calendar
month, commencing with the last Business Day of October 1997.

            "Intercreditor Agreement": an Intercreditor and Subordination
Agreement. dated October 9, 1997 among the Subordinated Lenders (as defined
therein), Holdings, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, as amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

            "Interest Rate Protection Agreement": any interest rate protection
agreement, interest rate futures contract, interest rate option, interest rate
cap or other interest rate hedge arrangement, to or under which the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries is a party or a beneficiary on the date hereof or
becomes a party or a beneficiary after the date hereof.

            "Lien": any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit
arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge or other security
interest or any preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential
arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement and any capital lease having
substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

            "Liquidity Ratio": at any date, the ratio of (a) cash plus Cash
Equivalents plus Consolidated Accounts Receivable at such date to (b)
Consolidated Accounts Payable plus Indebtedness outstanding under lines of
credit at such date, determined with respect to Holdings and its Subsidiaries on
a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

            "Loan": any Tranche A Term Loan or Tranche B Term Loan.

            "Loan Documents": this Agreement, the Security Documents and the
Notes.

            "Loan Parties": Holdings, the Borrower and each Subsidiary of
Holdings which is a party to a Loan Document.
<PAGE>

            "Material Adverse Effect": a material adverse effect on (a) the
business, assets, property, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or
prospects of Holdings and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (b) the validity
or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or the
rights or remedies of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders hereunder or
thereunder.

            "Material Environmental Amount": an amount payable by Holdings
and/or its Subsidiaries in excess of $25,000 for remedial costs, compliance
costs, compensatory damages, punitive damages, fines, penalties or any
combination thereof.

            "Materials of Environmental Concern": any gasoline or petroleum
(including crude oil or any fraction thereof) or petroleum products or any
hazardous or toxic substances, materials or wastes, defined or regulated as such
in or under any Environmental Law, including, without limitation, asbestos,
polychlorinated biphenyls and urea-formaldehyde insulation.

            "Mortgaged Properties": the real properties listed on Schedule 1.1B
and any other real property subject to a Mortgage.

            "Mortgages": each of the mortgages and deeds of trust made by any
Loan Party in favor of, or for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent for the
benefit of the Lenders, substantially in the form of Exhibit D (with such
changes thereto as shall be advisable under the law of the jurisdiction in which
such mortgage or deed of trust is to be recorded), as the same may be amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

            "Multiemployer Plan": a Plan which is a multiemployer plan as
defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

            "Net Cash Proceeds": (a) in connection with any Asset Sale or any
Recovery Event, the proceeds thereof in the form of cash and Cash Equivalents
(including any such proceeds received by way of deferred payment of principal
pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment
receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received) of such Asset Sale or
Recovery Event, net of attorneys' fees, accountants' fees, investment banking
fees, amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness secured by
a Lien expressly permitted hereunder on any asset which is the subject of such
Asset Sale or Recovery Event (other than any Lien pursuant to a Security
Document) and other customary fees and expenses actually incurred in connection
therewith and net of taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a
result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or
deductions and any tax sharing arrangements) and (b) in connection with any
issuance or sale of equity securities or debt securities or instruments or the
incurrence of loans, the cash proceeds received from such issuance or
incurrence, net of attorneys' fees, investment banking fees, accountants' fees,
underwriting discounts and commissions and other customary fees and expenses
actually incurred in connection therewith.

            "Non-Excluded Taxes": as defined in Section 2.10(a).

            "Non-U.S. Lender": as defined in Section 2.10(b).

            "Notes": the collective reference to any promissory note evidencing
Loans.

            "Obligations": the unpaid principal of and interest on (including,
without limitation, interest accruing after the maturity of the Loans or the
extensions of credit under a Permitted Line of Credit, as the case may be, and
interest accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, or the
commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding, relating to
the Borrower, whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest
is allowed in such proceeding) the Loans or extensions of credit under a
Permitted Line of Credit, as the case may be, and all other obligations and
liabilities of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or to any Lender (or, in
the case of Interest Rate Protection Agreements, any affiliate of any Lender),
whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, or now
existing or hereafter incurred, which may arise under, out of, or in connection
with, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, any Permitted Line of Credit, any
Interest Rate Protection Agreement entered into with any
<PAGE>

Lender or any affiliate of any Lender or any other document made, delivered or
given in connection herewith or therewith, whether on account of principal,
interest, reimbursement obligations, fees, indemnities, costs, expenses
(including, without limitation, all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel
to the Administrative Agent or to any Lender that are required to be paid by the
Borrower pursuant hereto) or otherwise.

            "Participant": as defined in Section 11.6(b).

            "PBGC": the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established
pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA (or any successor).

            "Permitted Lines of Credit": as defined in Section 6.2(e).

            "Person": an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability
company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association,
joint venture, Governmental Authority or other entity of whatever nature.

            "Plan": at a particular time, any employee benefit plan which is
covered by ERISA and in respect of which the Borrower or a Commonly Controlled
Entity is (or, if such plan were terminated at such time, would under Section
4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an "employer" as defined in Section 3(5) of
ERISA.

            "Prepayment Premium": for any prepayment of a Tranche B Term Loan, a
premium (as liquidated damages and not as penalty) equal to (a) in the case of
any such prepayment made within the one year period prior to the final stated
maturity date (the "Maturity Date") of the Tranche B Term Loans, all reasonable
losses, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, any interest
paid by the relevant Lender to lenders of funds borrowed by it to make or carry
its Tranche B Term Loan and losses sustained by the relevant Lender in
connection with the re-employment of such funds) which the relevant Lender may
incur with respect to its Tranche B Term Loan, or (b) in the case of any such
prepayment made earlier than one year prior to the Maturity Date, the sum of the
present values, each determined at the appropriate Discount Rate, of the excess,
if any, of (i) the amount of interest computed at the Fixed Rate on the
principal amount of the relevant Lender's Tranche B Term Loan (after giving
effect to any scheduled amortization occurring prior to the first day of each
Calculation Period) deemed to be due on the last day of each Calculation Period
during the remaining term of the Tranche B Term Loans over (ii) the amount of
each corresponding interest of payment computed according to the following
formula:


                                       n=x
            PV             =           E              NET(n)
                                       n=1

                                       (Px(L-R))  x         Days(n) - Days(n)-1
                                                           ---------------------
                                                                    360
            NET(n)      =_________________________________
                                                           (Days(n) - Days0)
                                                           ----------------
                                                                 360

                                                  (1+Z(n))

            X = Number, or fraction thereof, of Calculation
                Periods from date of prepayment to date of final
                fixed maturity.

            P = Principal Prepaid.

            L = Fixed Rate.
<PAGE>

                        R = Redeployment Rate.

Days(n)-Days(N-1)=      For each Calculation Period "n", the actual number of
                        days elapsed during that Calculation Period.

Days(n)-Days(0)=        For each Calculation Period "n", the actual number of
                        days elapsed from the date of prepayment to the last day
                        of that Calculation Period.

                        Z =   For each Calculation Period "n", the Discount Rate
                              for that Calculation Period.


For the purposes of this definition:

                  "Calculation Period" shall mean each annual period commencing
      on the Closing Date and each anniversary thereof, except for the initial
      Calculation Period following prepayment, which shall commence on the date
      of such prepayment and end on the next following anniversary date of the
      Closing Date.

                  "Discount Rate" shall mean for each Calculation Period, the
      fixed per annum rate, as determined by the relevant Lender in its sole
      discretion on the date of such prepayment, that would be bid by a fixed
      rate payor under an arm's-length interest rate swap transaction having (i)
      a term approximately equal to such Calculation Period, (ii) a notional
      amount equal to the amount of such prepayment, (iii) a floating rate of
      LIBOR (determined by the relevant Lender in accordance with its customary
      practices) for the notional amount and (iv) a counterparty of
      creditworthiness acceptable to the relevant Lender.

                  "Fixed Rate" shall mean the fixed rate of interest with
      respect to the Tranche B Term Loans set forth in this Agreement.

                  "Redeployment Rate" shall mean, at any time, the fixed per
      annum rate (calculated on the basis of a single annual interest payment),
      as determined by the relevant Lender in its sole discretion on the date of
      any prepayment of the Tranche B Term Loans, that would be bid by a fixed
      rate payor under an arm's-length interest rate swap transaction having (i)
      a term approximately equal to the period commencing on the date of such
      prepayment and ending on the Maturity Date, (ii) a notional amount equal
      to the amount of such prepayment, (iii) a floating rate of LIBOR
      (determined by the relevant Lender in accordance with its customary
      practices) for the amount and (iv) a counterparty of creditworthiness
      acceptable to the relevant Lender.

                  "Pricing Grid": the pricing grid attached hereto as Annex A.

                  "Pro Forma Balance Sheet": as defined in Section 3.1(a).

                  "Projections": as defined in Section 5.2(c).

                  "Properties": as defined in Section 3.17.

                  "Property": any right or interest in or to property of any
      kind whatsoever, whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or
      intangible, including, without limitation, Capital Stock.

                  "Recovery Event": any settlement of or payment in respect of
      any property or casualty insurance claim or any condemnation proceeding
      relating to any asset of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its
      Subsidiaries.

                  "Reference Lender": The Chase Manhattan Bank.

                  "Register": as defined in Section 10.6(d).

                  "Regulation U": Regulation U of the Board as in effect from
      time to time.
<PAGE>

                  "Reorganization": with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the
      condition that such plan is in reorganization within the meaning of
      Section 4241 of ERISA.

                  "Reportable Event": any of the events set forth in Section
      4043(b) of ERISA, other than those events as to which the thirty day
      notice period is waived under subsection .13, .14, .16, .18, .19 or .20 of
      PBGC Reg. ss. 2615.

                  "Required Lenders": the holders of more than 65% of the
      outstanding principal amount of the Loans, or, at any time when there
      shall be less than three Lenders, each Lender.

                  "Required Prepayment Lenders": the holders of more than 65% of
      the outstanding principal amount of the Tranche A Term Loans, or, at any
      time when there shall be less than three Tranche A Term Loan Lenders, each
      Tranche A Term Loan Lender.

                  "Requirement of Law": as to any Person, the Certificate of
      Incorporation and By-Laws or other organizational or governing documents
      of such Person, and any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination
      of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case
      applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its Property or to
      which such Person or any of its Property is subject.

                  "Responsible Officer": the chief executive officer, president
      or chief financial officer of Holdings or the Borrower, as the case may
      be, but in any event, with respect to financial matters, the chief
      financial officer of Holdings or the Borrower, as the case may be.

                  "Restricted Payments": as defined in Section 6.6.

                  "Security Documents": the collective reference to the
      Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, the Mortgages and all other security
      documents hereafter delivered to the Administrative Agent granting a Lien
      on any Property of any Person to secure the obligations and liabilities of
      any Loan Party under any Loan Document.

                  "Seller": Kolar Machine, Inc. a New York corporation.

                  "Seller Note": the collective reference to the promissory note
      dated October 9, 1997 in the amount of $4,000,000 issued by the Borrower
      to the Seller, together with any guarantee of Holdings in respect thereof.

                  "Seller Security Documents": the collective reference to the
      Guaranty Agreement, dated October 9, 1997 among Holdings, the Borrower,
      the Seller and Daniel Liguori; the Security Agreement, dated October 9,
      1997 among Holdings, the Borrower and the Seller.

                  "Single Employer Plan": any Plan which is covered by Title IV
      of ERISA, but which is not a Multiemployer Plan.

                  "Solvent": when used with respect to any Person, means that,
      as of any date of determination, (a) the amount of the "present fair
      saleable value" of the assets of such Person will, as of such date, exceed
      the amount of all "liabilities of such Person, contingent or otherwise",
      as of such date, as such quoted terms are determined in accordance with
      applicable federal and state laws governing determinations of the
      insolvency of debtors, (b) the present fair saleable value of the assets
      of such Person will, as of such date, be greater than the amount that will
      be required to pay the liability of such Person on its debts as such debts
      become absolute and matured, (c) such Person will not have, as of such
      date, an unreasonably small amount of capital with which to conduct its
      business, and (d) such Person will be able to pay its debts as they
      mature. For purposes of this definition, (i) "debt" means liability on a
      "claim", and (ii) "claim" means any (x) right to payment, whether or not
      such a right is reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed,
      contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable,
      secured or unsecured or (y) right to an equitable remedy for breach of
      performance if such breach gives rise to a right to payment, whether or
      not such right to an equitable remedy is reduced to judgment, fixed,
      contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed, undisputed, secured or
      unsecured.

<PAGE>

                  "Subsidiary": as to any Person, a corporation, partnership,
      limited liability company or other entity of which shares of stock or
      other ownership interests having ordinary voting power (other than stock
      or such other ownership interests having such power only by reason of the
      happening of a contingency) to elect a majority of the board of directors
      or other managers of such corporation, partnership or other entity are at
      the time owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled,
      directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by
      such Person. Unless otherwise qualified, all references to a "Subsidiary"
      or to "Subsidiaries" in this Agreement shall refer to a Subsidiary or
      Subsidiaries of Holdings (including, without limitation, the Borrower and
      its Subsidiaries).

                  "Tranche A Term Loan": as defined in Section 2.1.

                  "Tranche A Term Loan Commitment": as to any Lender, the
      obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Tranche A Term Loan to the
      Borrower hereunder in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set
      forth under the heading "Tranche A Term Loan Commitment" opposite such
      Lender's name on Schedule 1.1A. The original aggregate amount of the
      Tranche A Term Loan Commitments is $9,400,000.

                  "Tranche A Term Loan Lender": each Lender which has a Tranche
      A Term Loan Commitment or which has made a Tranche A Term Loan.

                  "Tranche A Term Loan Percentage": as to Tranche A Term Loan
      Lender at any time, the percentage which such Lender's Tranche A Term Loan
      Commitment then constitutes of the aggregate Tranche A Term Loan
      Commitments (or, at any time after the Closing Date, the percentage which
      the aggregate principal amount of such Lender's Tranche A Term Loans then
      outstanding constitutes of the aggregate principal amount of the Tranche A
      Term Loans then outstanding).

                  "Tranche B Term Loan": as defined in Section 2.1.

                  "Tranche B Term Loan Commitment": as to Tranche B Term Loan
      Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Tranche B Term
      Loan to the Borrower hereunder in a principal amount not to exceed the
      amount set forth under the heading "Tranche B Term Loan Commitment"
      opposite such Lender's name on Schedule 1.1A. The original aggregate
      amount of the Tranche B Term Loan Commitments is $975,000.

                  "Tranche B Term Loan Lender": each Lender which has a Tranche
      B Term Loan Commitment or which has made a Tranche B Term Loan.

                  "Tranche B Term Loan Percentage": as to any Lender at any
      time, the percentage which such Lender's Tranche B Term Loan Commitment
      then constitutes of the aggregate Tranche B Term Loan Commitments (or, at
      any time after the Closing Date, the percentage which the aggregate
      principal amount of such Lender's Tranche B Term Loans then outstanding
      constitutes of the aggregate principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loans
      then outstanding).

                  "U.S. Taxes": as defined in Section 10.6(d).

                  "Wholly Owned Subsidiary": as to any Person, any other Person
      all of the Capital Stock of which (other than directors' qualifying shares
      required by law) is owned by such Person directly and/or through other
      Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.

            1.2 Other Definitional Provisions. (a) Unless otherwise specified
therein, all terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings
when used in the other Loan Documents or any certificate or other document made
or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto.

            (b) As used herein and in the other Loan Documents, and any
certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto,
accounting terms relating to Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries not
defined in Section 1.1 and accounting terms partly defined in Section 1.1, to
the extent not defined, shall have the respective meanings given to them under
GAAP.
<PAGE>

            (c) The words "hereof", "herein" and "hereunder" and words of
similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a
whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and Section,
Schedule and Exhibit references are to this Agreement unless otherwise
specified.

            (d) The meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally
applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms.

                   SECTION 2. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF COMMITMENTS

            2.1 Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, (a)
each Tranche A Term Loan Lender severally agrees to make a term loan (a "Tranche
A Term Loan") to the Borrower on the Closing Date in an amount not to exceed the
amount of the Tranche A Term Loan Commitment of such Lender and (b) each Tranche
B Term Loan Lender severally agrees to make a term loan (a "Tranche B Term
Loan") to the Borrower on the Closing Date in an amount not to exceed the amount
of the Tranche B Term Loan Commitment of such Lender.

            2.2 Procedure for Borrowing. The Borrower shall give the
Administrative Agent irrevocable notice (which notice must be received by the
Administrative Agent prior to 10:00 A.M., New York City time, one Business Day
prior to the anticipated Closing Date) requesting that the Lenders make the
Loans on the Closing Date and specifying the amount to be borrowed. Upon receipt
of such notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender
thereof. Not later than 12:00 Noon, New York City time, on the Closing Date each
Lender shall make available to the Administrative Agent at its office specified
in Section 10.2 an amount in immediately available funds equal to the Loan or
Loans to be made by such Lender. The Administrative Agent shall credit the
account of the Borrower on the books of such office of the Administrative Agent
with the aggregate of the amounts made available to the Administrative Agent by
the Lenders in immediately available funds.

            2.3 Repayment of Loans. (a) The Tranche A Term Loans shall mature in
16 consecutive quarterly installments payable on the last Business Day of each
March, June, September and December, commencing on March 31, 1998 and ending on
December 31, 2001, each of which shall be in an aggregate amount equal to
$587,500.

            (b) The Tranche B Term Loans shall mature in 120 equal monthly
installments payable on the dates and in the aggregate amounts set forth on
Schedule 2.3(b), and a final principal payment of the unpaid principal balance
plus interest due and owing thereon on.

            2.4 Fees. (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent
the fees in the amounts and on the dates previously agreed to in writing by the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

            (b) The Borrower agrees that in the event that the outstanding
principal amount of the Loans is not reduced to $3,500,000 or less by March 31,
1999, then on March 31, 1999 the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent,
for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, an additional fee in the aggregate
amount of $200,000.

            2.5 Optional Prepayments. The Borrower may at any time and from time
to time prepay the Loans, in whole or in part, subject to payment of the
Prepayment Premium in the case of the Tranche B Term loans, upon irrevocable
notice delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five Business Days prior
thereto, which notice shall specify the date and amount of prepayment. Upon
receipt of any such notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each
relevant Lender thereof. If any such notice is given, the amount specified in
such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein, together
with accrued interest to such date on the amount prepaid. Partial prepayments
shall be in an aggregate principal amount of $100,000 or a whole multiple
thereof.

            2.6 Mandatory Prepayments. (a) Unless the Required Prepayment
Lenders shall otherwise agree, if additional Capital Stock or Indebtedness shall
be issued or Incurred by Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
(excluding any Indebtedness Incurred in accordance with Section 6.2 as in effect
on the date of this Agreement), an amount equal to 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds
thereof shall be applied on the date of such issuance or Incurrence toward the
prepayment of the Tranche A Term Loans.
<PAGE>

            (b) Unless the Required Prepayment Lenders shall otherwise agree, if
on any date Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall (i) receive
Net Cash Proceeds from any Asset Sale or Recovery Event or (ii) receive any
purchase price adjustment pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement then such Net
Cash Proceeds or purchase price adjustment, as the case may be, shall be applied
within 10 days after such date toward the prepayment of the Tranche A Term
Loans.

            (c) Unless the Required Prepayment Lenders shall otherwise agree,
if, for any fiscal year of the Borrower commencing with the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1998, there shall be Excess Cash Flow, the Borrower shall, on the
relevant Excess Cash Flow Application Date, apply 50% of such Excess Cash Flow
toward the prepayment of the Tranche A Term Loans. Each such prepayment shall be
made on a date (an "Excess Cash Flow Application Date") no later than five days
after the earlier of (i) the date on which the financial statements of Holdings
referred to in Section 5.1(a), for the fiscal year with respect to which such
prepayment is made, are required to be delivered to the Lenders and (ii) the
date such financial statements are actually delivered.

            2.7 Interest Rates and Payment Dates. (a) At any time when
paragraphs (b) and (c) below are not applicable, the Tranche A Term Loans shall
bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the ABR plus the Applicable Margin.

            (b) (i) If all or a portion of the principal amount of any Loan
shall not be paid when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or
otherwise), all outstanding Loans (whether or not overdue) shall bear interest
at a rate per annum which is equal to the rate that would otherwise be
applicable thereto pursuant to the provisions of this Section 2.7 plus 2% and
(ii) if all or a portion of any interest payable on any Loan or any other amount
payable hereunder shall not be paid when due (whether at the stated maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise), such overdue amount shall bear interest at a rate
per annum equal to the rate applicable to Tranche A Term Loans or Tranche B Term
Loans, as the case may be, plus 2%, in each case, with respect to clauses (i)
and (ii) above, from the date of such non-payment until such amount is paid in
full (as well after as before judgment).

            (c) (i) In all instances other than as described in paragraph (b)
above, if requested by the Administrative Agent, at any time when an Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Tranche A Term Loans shall
bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the ABR plus the Applicable Margin
plus 2% and (ii) in all instances other than as described in paragraph (b)
above, if requested by the Administrative Agent, at any time when an Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Tranche B Term Loans shall
bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the amount set forth in paragraph (d)
below plus 2%.

            (d) The Tranche B Term Loans shall bear interest at a rate per annum
equal to 8.3%.

            (e) Interest in respect of the Tranche A Term Loans shall be payable
in arrears on each Interest Payment Date, provided that interest accruing
pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 2.7 shall be payable from time to time
on demand.

            (f) Interest in respect of the Tranche B Term Loans shall be payable
on the dates and in the amounts specified in Schedule 2.3(b), provided that
interest accruing pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 2.7 shall be payable
from time to time on demand..


            2.8 Computation of Interest and Fees. (a) Interest, fees and
commissions payable pursuant hereto shall be calculated on the basis of a
360-day year for the actual days elapsed. Any change in the interest rate on a
Loan resulting from a change in the ABR shall become effective as of the opening
of business on the day on which such change becomes effective.

            (b) Each determination of an interest rate by the Administrative
Agent pursuant to any provision of this Agreement shall be conclusive and
binding on the Borrower and the Lenders in the absence of manifest error.
<PAGE>

            2.9 Pro Rata Treatment and Payments. (a) Each borrowing by the
Borrower from the Lenders hereunder shall be made pro rata according to the
respective Tranche A Term Loan Percentages or Tranche B Term Loan Percentages,
as the case may be, of the relevant Lenders.

            (b) Each payment (including each prepayment) on account of principal
of and interest on the Loans shall be made pro rata according to the respective
outstanding principal amounts of the Tranche A Term Loans or the Tranche B Term
Loans, as the case may be, then held by the Lenders. The amount of each
principal payment of the Loans pursuant to Section 2.5 or 2.6 shall be applied
to reduce the then remaining installments of the Tranche A Term Loans or Tranche
B Term Loans, as the case may be, in inverse order based upon the then remaining
principal amount thereof. Amounts prepaid on account of the Loans may not be
reborrowed.

            (c) All payments (including prepayments) to be made by the Borrower
hereunder, whether on account of principal, interest, fees or otherwise, shall
be made without setoff or counterclaim and shall be made prior to 12:00 Noon,
New York City time, on the due date thereof to the Administrative Agent, for the
account of the Lenders, at the Administrative Agent's office specified in
Section 10.2, in Dollars and in immediately available funds. The Administrative
Agent shall have the right to charge any account maintained by the Borrower with
the Administrative Agent to the extent necessary to make any such payment. The
Administrative Agent shall distribute such payments to the Lenders promptly upon
receipt in like funds as received.

            2.10 Taxes. (a) All payments made by the Borrower under this
Agreement shall be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding
for or on account of, any present or future income, stamp or other taxes,
levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions or withholdings, now or
hereafter imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by any Governmental
Authority, excluding net income taxes and franchise taxes (imposed in lieu of
net income taxes) imposed on the Administrative Agent or any Lender as a result
of a present or former connection between the Administrative Agent or such
Lender and the jurisdiction of the Governmental Authority imposing such tax or
any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein (other than any
such connection arising solely from the Administrative Agent or such Lender
having executed, delivered or performed its obligations or received a payment
under, or enforced, this Agreement or any other Loan Document). If any such
non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions or
withholdings ("Non-Excluded Taxes") are required to be withheld from any amounts
payable to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder, the amounts so
payable to the Administrative Agent or such Lender shall be increased to the
extent necessary to yield to the Administrative Agent or such Lender (after
payment of all Non-Excluded Taxes) interest or any such other amounts payable
hereunder at the rates or in the amounts specified in this Agreement, provided,
however, that the Borrower shall not be required to increase any such amounts
payable to any Lender that is not organized under the laws of the United States
of America or a state thereof to the extent such Lender's compliance with the
requirements of Section 2.10(b) at the time such Lender becomes a party to this
Agreement fails to establish a complete exemption from such withholding.
Whenever any Non-Excluded Taxes are payable by the Borrower, as promptly as
possible thereafter the Borrower shall send to the Administrative Agent for its
own account or for the account of such Lender, as the case may be, a certified
copy of an original official receipt received by the Borrower showing payment
thereof. If the Borrower fails to pay any Non-Excluded Taxes when due to the
appropriate taxing authority or fails to remit to the Administrative Agent the
required receipts or other required documentary evidence, the Borrower shall
indemnify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders for any incremental taxes,
interest or penalties that may become payable by the Administrative Agent or any
Lender as a result of any such failure. The agreements in this Section 2.10
shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the Loans and
all other amounts payable hereunder.

            (b) Each Lender (or Transferee) that is not a citizen or resident of
the United States of America, a corporation, partnership or other entity created
or organized in or under the laws of the United States of America (or any
jurisdiction thereof), or any estate or trust that is subject to federal income
taxation regardless of the source of its income (a "Non-U.S. Lender") shall
deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of a
Participant, to the Lender from which the related participation shall have been
purchased) two copies of either U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 1001 or Form
4224, or, in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender claiming exemption from U.S. federal
withholding tax under Section 871(h) or 881(c) of the Code with respect to
payments of "portfolio interest", a Form W-8, or any subsequent versions thereof
or successors thereto (and, if such Non-U.S. Lender delivers a Form W-8, an
annual certificate representing that such Non-U.S. Lender is not a "bank" for
purposes of Section 881(c) of the Code,
<PAGE>

is not a 10-percent shareholder (within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of
the Code) of the Borrower and is not a controlled foreign corporation related to
the Borrower (within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the Code)), properly
completed and duly executed by such Non-U.S. Lender claiming complete exemption
from, or a reduced rate of, U.S. federal withholding tax on all payments by the
Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Such forms shall be
delivered by each Non-U.S. Lender on or before the date it becomes a party to
this Agreement (or, in the case of any Participant, on or before the date such
Participant purchases the related participation). In addition, each Non-U.S.
Lender shall deliver such forms promptly upon the obsolescence or invalidity of
any form previously delivered by such Non-U.S. Lender. Each Non-U.S. Lender
shall promptly notify the Borrower at any time it determines that it is no
longer in a position to provide any previously delivered certificate to the
Borrower (or any other form of certification adopted by the U.S. taxing
authorities for such purpose). Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Section 2.10(b), a Non-U.S. Lender shall not be required to deliver any form
pursuant to this Section 2.10(b) that such Non-U.S. Lender is not legally able
to deliver.

                    SECTION 3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

            To induce the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to enter into
this Agreement and to make the Loans, Holdings and the Borrower hereby jointly
and severally represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent and each Lender
that:

            3.1 Financial Condition. (a) The unaudited pro forma consolidated
and consolidating balance sheet of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries as
of June 30, 1997 (including the notes thereto) (the "Pro Forma Balance Sheet"),
copies of which have heretofore been furnished to each Lender, has been prepared
giving effect (as if such events had occurred on such date) to (i) the
consummation of the Acquisition, (ii) the Loans to be made and the Seller Note
to be issued on the Closing Date and the use of proceeds thereof and (iii) the
payment of fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing. The Pro Forma
Balance Sheet has been prepared based on the best information available to
Holdings and the Borrower as of the date of delivery thereof, and presents
fairly on a pro forma basis the estimated financial position of Holdings and its
consolidated Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997, assuming that the events
specified in the preceding sentence had actually occurred at such date.

            (b) The audited consolidated balance sheet of Holdings as at
December 31, 1996, and the related consolidated statements of income and of cash
flows for the fiscal year ended on such dates, reported on by and accompanied by
an unqualified report from Goldstein, Golub, Kessler & Company, P.C., present
fairly the consolidated financial condition of Holdings as at such date, and the
consolidated results of its operations and its consolidated cash flows for the
respective fiscal years then ended. The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of
Holdings as at June 30, 1997, and the related unaudited consolidated statements
of income and cash flows for the 6-month period ended on such date, present
fairly the consolidated financial condition of Holdings as at such date, and the
consolidated results of its operations and its consolidated cash flows for the
6-month period then ended (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments). All
such financial statements, including the related schedules and notes thereto,
have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied consistently throughout the
periods involved (except as approved by the aforementioned firm of accountants
and disclosed therein). Holdings and its Subsidiaries do not have any material
Guarantee Obligations, contingent liabilities and liabilities for taxes, or any
long-term leases or unusual forward or long-term commitments, including, without
limitation, any interest rate or foreign currency swap or exchange transaction
or other obligation in respect of derivatives, which are not reflected in the
most recent financial statements referred to in this paragraph (b). During the
period from December 31, 1996 to and including the date hereof there has been no
Disposition by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries of any material part of its
business or Property.

            3.2 No Change. Since December 31, 1996 there has been no development
or event which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

            3.3 Corporate Existence; Compliance with Law. Each of Holdings, the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries (a) is duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (b) has
the corporate power and authority, and the legal right, to own and operate its
Property, to lease the Property it operates as lessee and to conduct the
business in which it is currently engaged, (c) is duly qualified as a foreign
corporation and in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where its
ownership, lease or operation of Property or the conduct
<PAGE>

of its business requires such qualification and (d) is in compliance with all
Requirements of Law except to the extent that the failure to comply therewith
could not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.

            3.4 Corporate Power; Authorization; Enforceable Obligations. Each
Loan Party has the corporate power and authority, and the legal right, to make,
deliver and perform the Loan Documents to which it is a party and, in the case
of the Borrower, to borrow hereunder. Each Loan Party has taken all necessary
corporate action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of the
Loan Documents to which it is a party and, in the case of the Borrower, to
authorize the borrowings on the terms and conditions of this Agreement. No
consent or authorization of, filing with, notice to or other act by or in
respect of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required in
connection with the Acquisition and the borrowings hereunder or with the
execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability of this Agreement
or any of the Loan Documents, except the filings referred to in Section 3.19.
Each Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of each Loan
Party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document upon
execution will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of each Loan
Party thereto, enforceable against each such Loan Party in accordance with its
terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement
of creditors' rights generally and by general equitable principles (whether
enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law).

            3.5 No Legal Bar. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the borrowings hereunder and the use of
the proceeds thereof will not violate any Requirement of Law or any Contractual
Obligation of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and will not
result in, or require, the creation or imposition of any Lien on any of their
respective properties or revenues pursuant to any Requirement of Law or any such
Contractual Obligation (other than the Liens created by the Security Documents).
No Requirement of Law or Contractual Obligation applicable to the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.

            3.6 No Material Litigation. No litigation, investigation or
proceeding of or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority is pending or,
to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened by or against Holdings,
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or against any of their respective
properties or revenues (a) with respect to any of the Loan Documents or any of
the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or (b) which could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

            3.7 No Default. Neither Holdings, the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries is in default under or with respect to any of its Contractual
Obligations in any respect which could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

            3.8 Ownership of Property; Liens. Each of Holdings, the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries has title in fee simple to, or a valid leasehold interest in,
all its real property, and good title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, all
its other Property, and none of such Property is subject to any Lien except as
permitted by Section 6.3.

            3.9 Intellectual Property. Holdings, the Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all Intellectual Property necessary
for the conduct of its business as currently conducted. No material claim has
been asserted and is pending by any Person challenging or questioning the use of
any Intellectual Property or the validity or effectiveness of any Intellectual
Property, nor does Holdings or Borrower know of any valid basis for any such
claim. The use of Intellectual Property by Holdings, the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries does not infringe on the rights of any Person in any material
respect.

            3.10 Taxes. Each of Holdings, the Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries has filed or caused to be filed all Federal, state and other
material tax returns which are required to be filed and has paid all taxes shown
to be due and payable on said returns or on any assessments made against it or
any of its Property and all other taxes, fees or other charges imposed on it or
any of its Property by any Governmental Authority (other than any the amount or
validity of which are currently being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings and with respect to which reserves in conformity with GAAP have been
provided on the books of Holdings, the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, as
<PAGE>

the case may be); no tax Lien has been filed, and, to the knowledge of Holdings
and the Borrower, no claim is being asserted, with respect to any such tax, fee
or other charge.

            3.11 Federal Regulations. No part of the proceeds of any Loans will
be used for "purchasing" or "carrying" any "margin stock" within the respective
meanings of each of the quoted terms under Regulation G or Regulation U of the
Board as now and from time to time hereafter in effect or for any purpose which
violates the provisions of the Regulations of the Board.

            3.12 Labor Matters. There are no strikes or other labor disputes
against Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pending or, to the
knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened that (individually or in the
aggregate) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Hours
worked by and payment made to employees of Holdings, the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any
other applicable Requirement of Law dealing with such matters that (individually
or in the aggregate) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect. All payments due from Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
on account of employee health and welfare insurance that (individually or in the
aggregate) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect if not
paid have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of Holdings, the
Borrower or the relevant Subsidiary.

            3.13 ERISA. Neither a Reportable Event nor an "accumulated funding
deficiency" (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of
ERISA) has occurred during the five-year period prior to the date on which this
representation is made or deemed made with respect to any Plan, and each Plan
has complied in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA
and the Code. No termination of a Single Employer Plan has occurred, and no Lien
in favor of the PBGC or a Plan has arisen, during such five-year period. The
present value of all accrued benefits under each Single Employer Plan (based on
those assumptions used to fund such Plans) did not, as of the last annual
valuation date prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed
made, exceed the value of the assets of such Plan allocable to such accrued
benefits by a material amount. Neither the Borrower nor any Commonly Controlled
Entity has had a complete or partial withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan
which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a material
liability under ERISA, and neither the Borrower nor any Commonly Controlled
Entity would become subject to any material liability under ERISA if the
Borrower or any such Commonly Controlled Entity were to withdraw completely from
all Multiemployer Plans as of the valuation date most closely preceding the date
on which this representation is made or deemed made. No such Multiemployer Plan
is in Reorganization or Insolvent.

            3.14 Investment Company Act; Other Regulations. No Loan Party is an
"investment company", or a company "controlled" by an "investment company",
within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. No Loan
Party is subject to regulation under any Requirement of Law (other than
Regulation X of the Board) which limits its ability to incur Indebtedness.

            3.15 Subsidiaries. The Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 3.15
constitute all the Subsidiaries of Holdings at the date hereof.

            3.16 Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans shall be used to
finance a portion of the Acquisition and to pay related fees and expenses.

            3.17 Environmental Matters.

            (a) The facilities and properties owned, leased or operated by
      Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (the "Properties") do
      not contain, and to the best of their knowledge have not previously
      contained, any Materials of Environmental Concern in amounts or
      concentrations or under circumstances which (i) constitute or constituted
      a violation of, or (ii) could give rise to liability under, any
      Environmental Law, except in either case insofar as such violation or
      liability, or any aggregation thereof, could not reasonably be expected to
      result in the payment of a Material Environmental Amount.
<PAGE>

            (b) The Properties and all operations at the Properties are in
      material compliance, and have, to the best of their knowledge in the last
      five years been in material compliance, with all applicable Environmental
      Laws, and there is no contamination at, under or about the Properties or
      violation of any Environmental Law with respect to the Properties or the
      business operated by Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
      (the "Business") which could materially interfere with the continued
      operation of the Properties or materially impair the fair saleable value
      thereof. Neither Holdings, the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has
      assumed any liability of any other Person under Environmental Laws.

            (c) Neither Holdings, the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has
      received or is aware of any notice of violation, alleged violation,
      non-compliance, liability or potential liability regarding environmental
      matters or compliance with Environmental Laws with regard to any of the
      Properties or the Business, nor does Holdings or the Borrower have
      knowledge or reason to believe that any such notice will be received or is
      being threatened, except insofar as such notice or threatened notice, or
      any aggregation thereof, does not involve a matter or matters that could
      reasonably be expected to result in the payment of a Material
      Environmental Amount.

            (d) To the best of Holdings and the Borrower's knowledge, since the
      date hereof Materials of Environmental Concern have not been transported
      or disposed of from the Properties in violation of, or in a manner or to a
      location which could give rise to liability under, any Environmental Law,
      nor have any Materials of Environmental Concern been generated, treated,
      stored or disposed of at, on or under any of the Properties in violation
      of, or in a manner that could give rise to liability under, any applicable
      Environmental Law, except insofar as any such violation or liability
      referred to in this paragraph, or any aggregation thereof, could not
      reasonably be expected to result in the payment of a Material
      Environmental Amount.

            (e) No judicial proceeding or governmental or administrative action
      is pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings and the Borrower, threatened,
      under any Environmental Law to which Holdings, the Borrower or any
      Subsidiary is or will be named as a party with respect to the Properties
      or the Business, nor are there any consent decrees or other decrees,
      consent orders, administrative orders or other orders, or other
      administrative or judicial requirements outstanding under any
      Environmental Law with respect to the Properties or the Business, except
      insofar as such proceeding, action, decree, order or other requirement, or
      any aggregation thereof, could not reasonably be expected to result in the
      payment of a Material Adverse Amount.

            (f) To the best of their knowledge, there has been no release or
      threat of release of Materials of Environmental Concern at or from the
      Properties, or arising from or related to the operations of Holdings, the
      Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with the Properties or otherwise
      in connection with the Business, in violation of or in amounts or in a
      manner that could give rise to liability under Environmental Laws, except
      insofar as any such violation or liability referred to in this paragraph,
      or any aggregation thereof, could not reasonably be expected to result in
      the payment of a Material Environmental Amount.

            3.18 Accuracy of Information, etc. No statement or information
contained in this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any other document,
certificate or statement furnished to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders or
any of them, by or on behalf of any Loan Party for use in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents,
contained as of the date such statement, information, document or certificate
was so furnished, any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a
material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or
therein not misleading. The projections and pro forma financial information
contained in the materials referenced above are based upon good faith estimates
and assumptions believed by management of the Borrower to be reasonable at the
time made, it being recognized by the Lenders that such financial information as
it relates to future events is not to be viewed as fact and that actual results
during the period or periods covered by such financial information may differ
from the projected results set forth therein by a material amount. As of the
date hereof, each of the representations and warranties contained in the
Acquisition Agreement is true and correct in all material respects. There is no
fact known to any Loan Party that could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect that has not been expressly disclosed herein, in the
other Loan Documents, or in any other documents, certificates and statements
furnished to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders for use in connection with
the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents.
<PAGE>

            3.19 Security Documents. (a) The Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
is effective to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of
the Lenders, a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Collateral
described therein and proceeds thereof. In the case of the Pledged Stock
described in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, when stock certificates
representing such Pledged Stock are delivered to the Administrative Agent, and
in the case of the other Collateral described in the Guarantee and Collateral
Agreement, when financing statements in appropriate form are filed in the
offices specified on Schedule 3.19(a), the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
shall constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right,
title and interest of the Loan Parties in such Collateral and the proceeds
thereof, as security for the Obligations (as defined in the Guarantee and
Collateral Agreement), in each case prior and superior in right to any other
Person.

            (b) Each of the Mortgages is effective to create in favor of the
Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a legal, valid and
enforceable Lien on the Mortgaged Properties described therein and proceeds
thereof, and when the Mortgages are filed in the offices specified on Schedule
3.19(b), each such Mortgage shall constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and
security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in the
Mortgaged Properties and the proceeds thereof, as security for the Obligations
(as defined in the relevant Mortgage), in each case prior and superior in right
to any other Person.

            3.20 Solvency. Each Loan Party is, and after giving effect to the
Acquisition and the incurrence of all Indebtedness and obligations being
incurred in connection herewith and therewith will be and will continue to be,
Solvent.

            3.21 Senior Indebtedness. The obligations of each of holdings and
the Borrower under the Loan documents to which it is a party, including without
limitation, the Obligations, constitute "Senior Indebtedness" of each of
Holdings and the Borrower under and as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement
dated October 9, 1997.

            3.22 Regulation H. No Mortgage encumbers improved real property
which is located in an area that has been identified by the Secretary of Housing
and Urban Development as an area having special flood hazards and in which flood
insurance has been made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of
1968.

                         SECTION 4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

            The agreement of each Lender to make the Loan requested to be made
by it is subject to the satisfaction, prior to or concurrently with the making
of such Loan on the Closing Date, of the following conditions precedent:

            (a) Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i)
      this Agreement, executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of
      Holdings and the Borrower, (ii) the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement,
      executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of Holdings and the
      Borrower, (iii) each of the Mortgages, executed and delivered by a duly
      authorized officer of each party thereto, and (iv) for the account of each
      relevant Lender, Notes conforming to the requirements hereof and executed
      and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Borrower.

            (b) Acquisition, etc. The following transactions shall have been
      consummated, in each case on terms and conditions satisfactory to the
      Lenders:

                  (i) the consummation of the transactions described in the
            Acquisition Agreement (the "Acquisition"); and

                  (ii) the issuance of the Seller Note.

            (c) Pro Forma Balance Sheet; Financial Statements of Holdings. The
      Lenders shall have received (i) the Pro Forma Balance Sheet (ii) audited
      consolidated financial statements of Holdings for the 1995 and 1996 fiscal
      years and (iii) interim consolidated financial statements of Holdings for
      each fiscal quarter or month

<PAGE>

      ended after December 31, 1996, certified by the chief financial officer of
      Holdings, and such financial statements shall not, in the judgment of the
      Lenders, reflect any adverse change in the consolidated financial
      condition of Holdings as reflected in the financial statements referred to
      in clause (iii) above.

            (d) Financial Statements of Seller. The Lenders shall have received
      (i) audited consolidated financial statements of Seller for the 1995 and
      1996 fiscal years and (ii) interim consolidated financial statements of
      Seller for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1997 and such financial
      statements shall not, in the judgment of the Lenders, reflect any adverse
      change in the consolidated financial condition of the Seller as reflected
      in the financial statements referred to in clause (i) above.

            (e) Approvals. All governmental and third party approvals (including
      landlords' and other consents) necessary in connection with the
      Acquisition, the continuing operations of Holdings, the Borrower and its
      Subsidiaries and the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been
      obtained and be in full force and effect, and all applicable waiting
      periods shall have expired without any action being taken or threatened by
      any competent authority which would restrain, prevent or otherwise impose
      adverse conditions on the Acquisition or the financing contemplated
      hereby.

            (f) Lien Searches and Security. (i) The Administrative Agent shall
      have received the results of a recent lien search in each of the
      jurisdictions where assets of the Loan Parties are located, and such
      search shall reveal no liens on any of the assets of Loan Parties except
      for liens permitted by Section 6.3.

                  (ii) Any and all Indebtedness of the Seller shall have been
repaid in full and the Administrative Agent shall have received UCC-3's
terminating (or assigning to the Administrative Agent for the pro-rata benefit
of the Lenders as determined by the Administrative Agent and its counsel) such
lenders security interest in the collateral.

            (g) Environmental Assessment. The Administrative Agent shall have
      received an environmental assessment with respect to the real properties
      of the Borrower specified by the Administrative Agent.

            (h) Expenses. The Administrative Agent shall have received
      satisfactory evidence that the fees and expenses to be incurred in
      connection with the Acquisition and the financing thereof shall not exceed
      $1,000,000.

            (i) Closing Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have
      received, with a counterpart for each Lender, a certificate of each Loan
      Party, dated the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit C,
      with appropriate insertions and attachments.

            (j) Legal Opinions. The Administrative Agent shall have received the
      following executed legal opinions:

                  (i) the legal opinion of Snow Becker Krauss P.C., counsel to
            Holdings and its Subsidiaries, substantially in the form of Exhibit
            F; and

                  (ii) each legal opinion delivered in connection with the
            Acquisition Agreement, accompanied by a reliance letter in favor of
            the Lenders.

      Each such legal opinion shall cover such other matters incident to the
      transactions contemplated by this Agreement as the Administrative Agent
      may reasonably require.

            (k) Pledged Stock; Stock Powers. The Administrative Agent shall have
      received the certificates representing the shares of Capital Stock pledged
      pursuant to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, together with an
      undated stock power for each such certificate executed in blank by a duly
      authorized officer of the pledgor thereof.
<PAGE>

            (l) Filings, Registrations and Recordings. Each document (including,
      without limitation, any Uniform Commercial Code financing statement)
      required by the Security Documents or under law or reasonably requested by
      the Administrative Agent to be filed, registered or recorded in order to
      create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the
      Lenders, a perfected Lien on the Collateral described therein, prior and
      superior in right to any other Person, shall be in proper form for filing,
      registration or recordation.

            (m) Mortgages, etc. (i) The Administrative Agent shall have received
      a Mortgage with respect to each Mortgaged Property, executed and delivered
      by a duly authorized officer of each party thereto.

            (ii) The Administrative Agent shall have received, and the title
      insurance company issuing the policy referred to in Section 4(m)(iii) (the
      "Title Insurance Company") shall have received, maps or plats of an
      as-built survey of the sites of the Mortgaged Properties certified to the
      Administrative Agent and the Title Insurance Company in a manner
      satisfactory to them, dated a date satisfactory to the Administrative
      Agent and the Title Insurance Company by an independent professional
      licensed land surveyor satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the
      Title Insurance Company, which maps or plats and the surveys on which they
      are based shall be made in accordance with the Minimum Standard Detail
      Requirements for Land Title Surveys jointly established and adopted by the
      American Land Title Association and the American Congress on Surveying and
      Mapping in 1992, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
      there shall be surveyed and shown on such maps, plats or surveys the
      following: (A) the locations on such sites of all the buildings,
      structures and other improvements and the established building setback
      lines; (B) the lines of streets abutting the sites and width thereof; (C)
      all access and other easements appurtenant to the sites; (D) all roadways,
      paths, driveways, easements, encroachments and overhanging projections and
      similar encumbrances affecting the site, whether recorded, apparent from a
      physical inspection of the sites or otherwise known to the surveyor; (E)
      any encroachments on any adjoining property by the building structures and
      improvements on the sites; (F) if the site is described as being on a
      filed map, a legend relating the survey to said map; and (G) the flood
      zone designations, if any, in which the Mortgaged Properties are located.

            (iii) The Administrative Agent shall have received in respect of
      each Mortgaged Property a mortgagee's title insurance policy (or policies)
      or marked up unconditional binder for such insurance. Each such policy
      shall (A) be in an amount satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; (B) be
      issued at ordinary rates; (C) insure that the Mortgage insured thereby
      creates a valid first Lien on such Mortgaged Property free and clear of
      all defects and encumbrances, except as disclosed therein; (D) name the
      Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders as the insured
      thereunder; (E) be in the form of ALTA Loan Policy - 1970 (Amended
      10/17/70 and 10/17/84) (or equivalent policies); (F) contain such
      endorsements and affirmative coverage as the Administrative Agent may
      reasonably request and (G) be issued by title companies satisfactory to
      the Administrative Agent (including any such title companies acting as
      co-insurers or reinsurers, at the option of the Administrative Agent). The
      Administrative Agent shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that
      all premiums in respect of each such policy, all charges for mortgage
      recording tax, and all related expenses, if any, have been paid.

            (iv) If requested by the Administrative Agent, the Administrative
      Agent shall have received (A) a policy of flood insurance which (1) covers
      any parcel of improved real property which is encumbered by any Mortgage
      (2) is written in an amount not less than the outstanding principal amount
      of the indebtedness secured by such Mortgage which is reasonably allocable
      to such real property or the maximum limit of coverage made available with
      respect to the particular type of property under the National Flood
      Insurance Act of 1968, whichever is less, and (3) has a term ending not
      later than the maturity of the Indebtedness secured by such Mortgage and
      (B) confirmation that the Borrower has received the notice required
      pursuant to Section 208(e)(3) of Regulation H of the Board.

            (v) The Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of all
      recorded documents referred to, or listed as exceptions to title in, the
      title policy or policies referred to in Section 5.1(m)(iii) and a copy of
      all other material documents affecting the Mortgaged Properties.

            (n) Solvency Opinion. Intentionally Omitted.
<PAGE>

            (o) Insurance. The Administrative Agent shall have received
      insurance certificates satisfying the requirements of Section 5.3 of the
      Guarantee and Collateral Agreement except in the case of Holdings such
      requirements shall be satisfied no later than 5 days after the Closing
      Date.

            (p) Good Standing Certificates. The Administrative Agent shall have
      received good standing certificates in respect of the jurisdiction of
      incorporation of each Loan Party and each other jurisdiction where such
      Loan Party has material operations.

            (q) Change in Business. In the judgment of the Lenders, there shall
      have occurred no material adverse change in the business, condition
      (financial or otherwise), operations, performance, properties or prospects
      of the Borrower, Holdings or the Seller since December 31, 1996.

            (r) Accounts. The Administrative Agent shall have received the most
      recent (to be dated within 30 days of the Closing Date) aging of accounts
      receivable (by account) of the Borrower, Holdings, and the Seller, in form
      and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

            (s) Prior Indebtedness. Any Indebtedness assumed by the Borrower in
      connection with the Acquisition shall be in amounts, and on terms,
      satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

            (t) Employment Agreements. The Administrative Agent shall have
      received, in form and substance satisfactory to it, copies of all
      employment agreements and management consulting agreements relating to the
      Borrower and Holdings, including, without limitation, employment,
      consulting and restrictive covenant agreements between the Borrower and
      Mr. Daniel Liguori.

            (u) Leases. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have
      received and be satisfied with the documents listed on Schedule 4(u)
      attached hereto, which shall include all material lease agreements
      affecting the Borrower, Holdings and the Seller which such schedule shall
      include without limitation the lessor, the lessee, the term of the lease,
      the annual lease expenditure, the expiration of the lease and whether such
      lease is an operating or a capital lease.

            (v) Fees and Expenses. All accrued fees and expenses (including the
      fees and disbursements of counsel billed to the Administrative Agent)
      shall have been paid.

            (w) Purchase Price; Acquisition Agreement. The purchase price under
      the Acquisition Agreement shall not exceed $13,000,000 (subject to the
      purchase price adjustment specified therein), inclusive of the principal
      amount of the Seller Note. The Administrative Agent shall be reasonably
      satisfied with the form and substance of the Acquisition Agreement. No
      provision of the Acquisition Agreement shall have been modified, and no
      waiver or consent shall have been granted by Holdings or the Borrower
      thereunder.

            (x) Litigation. There shall exist no action, suit, investigation,
      litigation or proceeding pending or threatened in any court of before any
      arbitrator or governmental instrumentality that, in the reasonable
      judgment of the Administrative Agent and its counsel, would be likely to
      have a material adverse effect on (i) the business, condition (financial
      or otherwise), operations, performance, properties or prospects of the
      Borrower, Holdings or the Seller or (ii) the acquisition contemplated by
      Acquisition Agreement and this Agreement.

            (y) Equity Offering. Holdings shall have received net proceeds from
      the exercise of warrants to purchase its common stock of not less than
      $2,000,000.

            (z) Key Man Insurance. The Administrative Agent shall have received
      a collateral assignment (including insurer acknowledgment) of a key man
      life insurance policy on the life of Mr. Daniel Liguori in an amount not
      less than $8,000,000.

            (aa) Intentionally omitted.
<PAGE>

            (bb) Asset Valuation. The Administrative Agent, shall have received,
      and be satisfied with, the costs and valuations of assets purchased from
      the Seller under the Acquisition Agreement and all agreements relating
      thereto.

            (cc) Material Loan or Credit Agreements. The Administrative Agent,
      shall have received, and be satisfied with, all loan or credit agreements
      entered into by Holdings or the Borrower.

            (dd) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and
      warranties made by any Loan Party in or pursuant to the Loan Documents
      shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date as if made on and
      as of such date.

            (ee) No Default. No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
      and be continuing on such date or after giving effect to the making of the
      Loans requested to be made on the Closing Date.

            (ff) Miscellaneous. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall
      have received such other documents or information as the Administrative
      Agent and the Lenders shall reasonably request.

                        SECTION 5. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

            Holdings and the Borrower hereby jointly and severally agree that,
so long as the Commitments remain in effect, or any Loan or other amount is
owing to any Lender or the Administrative Agent hereunder, each of Holdings and
the Borrower shall and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to:

            5.1 Financial Statements. Furnish to the Administrative Agent and
each Lender:

            (a) (i) as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after
      the end of each fiscal year of Holdings, a copy of the audited
      consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of Holdings and its
      consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such year and the related
      audited consolidated and consolidating statements of income and of cash
      flows for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the
      figures for the previous year, reported on without a "going concern" or
      like qualification or exception, or qualification arising out of the scope
      of the audit, by Goldstein, Golub, Kessler & Company, P.C. or other
      independent certified public accountants of nationally recognized standing
      and (ii) a copy of any management letter prepared by Holdings' or the
      Borrower's accountants; and

            (b) as soon as available, but in any event not later than 45 days
      after the end of each of the first three quarterly periods of each fiscal
      year of Holdings, the unaudited consolidated and consolidating balance
      sheet of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such
      quarter and the related unaudited consolidated and consolidating
      statements of income and of cash flows for such quarter and the portion of
      the fiscal year through the end of such quarter, setting forth in each
      case in comparative form the figures for the previous year, certified by a
      Responsible Officer as being fairly stated in all material respects
      (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments);

            (c) as soon as available, but in any event not later than 15 days
      after the Closing Date, consolidated financial statements of the Seller
      from January 1, 1997 through the Closing Date prepared on a "review" basis
      by the certified public accountant of the Seller reflecting a net worth of
      not less than $3,350,000 provided, however, that the Seller did not incur
      a net loss for its fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1997;

            (d) as soon as available, but in any event not later than 45 days
      after the Closing Date, audited interim consolidated financial statements
      of the Seller for the nine month period ending September 30, 1997,
      certified by Goldstein, Golub Kessler & Company, P.C and reflecting a net
      worth of not less than $3,350,000 provided, however, that the Seller did
      not incur a net loss for its fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1997;
<PAGE>

            (e) as soon as available, but in any event not later than 45 days
      after the Closing Date, an unaudited proforma consolidated and
      consolidating balance sheet of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries
      as of September 30, 1997 having been prepared giving effect to (i) the
      Acquisition, (ii) the Loans and Seller Note and (iii) payments of fees and
      expenses and reflecting a Tangible Net Worth of not less than $3,200,000;

all such financial statements shall be complete and correct in all material
respects and shall be prepared in reasonable detail and in accordance with GAAP
applied consistently throughout the periods reflected therein and with prior
periods (except as approved by such accountants or officer, as the case may be,
and disclosed therein).

            5.2 Certificates; Other Information. Furnish to the Administrative
Agent and to each Lender or, in the case of clause (g), to the relevant Lender:

            (a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements
      referred to in Section 5.1(a), a certificate of the independent certified
      public accountants reporting on such financial statements stating that in
      making the examination necessary therefor no knowledge was obtained of any
      Default or Event of Default, except as specified in such certificate;

            (b) concurrently with the delivery of any financial statements
      pursuant to Section 5.1, (i) a certificate of a Responsible Officer
      stating that, to the best of each such Responsible Officer's knowledge,
      each Loan Party during such period has observed or performed all of its
      covenants and other agreements, and satisfied every condition, contained
      in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party to
      be observed, performed or satisfied by it, and that such Responsible
      Officer has obtained no knowledge of any Default or Event of Default
      except as specified in such certificate and (ii) in the case of quarterly
      or annual financial statements, (x) a Compliance Certificate containing
      all information necessary for determining compliance by Holdings, the
      Borrower and its Subsidiaries with the provisions of this Agreement
      referred to therein as of the last day of the fiscal quarter or fiscal
      year of the Borrower, as the case may be, prepared by Holdings'
      accountants in the case of annual financial statements or by a Responsible
      Officer of Holdings in the case of quarterly financial statements, and (y)
      to the extent not previously disclosed to the Administrative Agent, a
      listing of any county or state within the United States where any Loan
      Party keeps inventory or equipment and of any Intellectual Property
      acquired by any Loan Party since the date of the most recent list
      delivered pursuant to this clause (y) (or, in the case of the first such
      list so delivered, since the Closing Date);

            (c) as soon as available, and in any event no later than 90 days
      after the end of each fiscal year of Holdings, a detailed consolidated and
      consolidating budget for the life of the Tranche A Term Loans (including a
      projected consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of Holdings and its
      Subsidiaries as of the end of the following fiscal year, and the related
      consolidated and consolidating statements of projected cash flow,
      projected changes in financial position and projected income), and, as
      soon as available, significant revisions, if any, of such budget and
      projections with respect to such fiscal years (collectively, the
      "Projections"), which Projections shall in each case be accompanied by a
      certificate of a Responsible Officer stating that such Projections are
      based on reasonable estimates, information and assumptions and that such
      Responsible Officer has no reason to believe that such Projections are
      incorrect or misleading in any material respect;

            (d) within 90 days after the end of each fiscal quarter of Holdings,
      a narrative discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results
      of operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal quarter and
      for the period from the beginning of the then current fiscal year to the
      end of such fiscal quarter, as compared to the portion of the Projections
      covering such periods and to the comparable periods of the previous year;

            (e) no later than 10 Business Days prior to the effectiveness
      thereof, copies of substantially final drafts of any proposed amendment,
      supplement, waiver or other modification with respect to the Acquisition
      Agreement, the Seller Security Documents or the Seller Note;

            (f) within five days after the same are sent, copies of all
      financial statements and reports which Holdings or the Borrower sends to
      the holders of any class of its debt securities or public equity
      securities and within five days after the same are filed, copies of all
      financial statements and reports which Holdings or the
<PAGE>

      Borrower may make to, or file with, the Securities and Exchange Commission
      or any successor or analogous Governmental Authority; and

            (g) promptly, such additional financial and other information as any
      Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

            5.3 Payment of Obligations. Pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy at
or before maturity or before they become delinquent, as the case may be, all its
material obligations of whatever nature, except where the amount or validity
thereof is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
and reserves in conformity with GAAP with respect thereto have been provided on
the books of Holdings, the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be.

            5.4 Conduct of Business and Maintenance of Existence, etc. (a) (i)
Continue to engage in business of the same general type as now conducted by it,
(ii) preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence
and (iii) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges and
franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except,
in each case, as otherwise permitted by Section 6.4 and except, in the case of
clause (iii) above, to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (b) comply with all Contractual
Obligations and Requirements of Law except to the extent that failure to comply
therewith could not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

            5.5 Maintenance of Property; Insurance. (a) Keep all Property useful
and necessary in its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear
and tear excepted, (b) maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance
companies insurance on all its Property in at least such amounts and against at
least such risks (but including in any event fire, public liability, product
liability, employee fidelity and business interruption) as are usually insured
against in the same general area by companies engaged in the same or a similar
business or as shall be reasonably required by the Administrative Agent and (c)
deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders a report of a reputable
insurance broker with respect to such insurance concurrently with each delivery
of audited annual financial statements pursuant to Section 5.1 and such
supplemental reports with respect thereto as the Administrative Agent may from
time to time reasonably request.

            5.6 Inspection of Property; Books and Records; Discussions. (a) Keep
proper books of records and account in which full, true and correct entries in
conformity with GAAP and all Requirements of Law shall be made of all dealings
and transactions in relation to its business and activities and (b) upon notice
given reasonably in advance permit representatives of any Lender to visit and
inspect any of its properties and examine and make abstracts from any of its
books and records at any reasonable time and as often as may reasonably be
desired and to discuss the business, operations, properties and financial and
other condition of Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with officers and
employees of Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and with its
independent certified public accountants. The aforementioned inspection rights
shall include asset reviews of the books and records of the Borrower and
Holdings to be performed by representatives of the Administrative Agent as
required by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in their sole discretion.
The reasonable costs and expenses for one such asset review per year shall be
for the account of the Borrower and Holdings. If there shall occur a Default or
Event of Default, additional asset reviews, as required by the Required Lenders,
shall be performed, the reasonable costs and expenses of which shall be for the
account of the Borrower and Holdings.


            5.7 Notices. Promptly give notice to the Administrative Agent and
each Lender of:

            (a) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default;

            (b) any (i) default or event of default under any Contractual
      Obligation of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii)
      litigation, investigation or proceeding which may exist at any time
      between Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and any
      Governmental Authority, which in either case, if not cured or if adversely
      determined, as the case may be, could reasonably be expected to have a
      Material Adverse Effect;
<PAGE>

            (c) any litigation or proceeding affecting Holdings, the Borrower or
      any of its Subsidiaries in which the amount involved is $25,000 or more
      and not covered by insurance or in which injunctive or similar relief is
      sought;

            (d) the following events, as soon as possible and in any event
      within 30 days after the Borrower knows or has reason to know thereof: (i)
      the occurrence of any Reportable Event with respect to any Plan, a failure
      to make any required contribution to a Plan, the creation of any Lien in
      favor of the PBGC or a Plan or any withdrawal from, or the termination,
      Reorganization or Insolvency of, any Multiemployer Plan or (ii) the
      institution of proceedings or the taking of any other action by the PBGC
      or the Borrower or any Commonly Controlled Entity or any Multiemployer
      Plan with respect to the withdrawal from, or the termination,
      Reorganization or Insolvency of, any Plan; and

            (e) any development or event which has had or could reasonably be
      expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Each notice pursuant to this Section 5.7 shall be accompanied by a statement of
a Responsible Officer setting forth details of the occurrence referred to
therein and stating what action Holdings, the Borrower or the relevant
Subsidiary proposes to take with respect thereto.

            5.8 Environmental Laws. (a) Comply in all material respects with,
and ensure compliance in all material respects by all tenants and subtenants, if
any, with, all applicable Environmental Laws, and obtain and comply in all
material respects with and maintain, and ensure that all tenants and subtenants
obtain and comply in all material respects with and maintain, any and all
licenses, approvals, notifications, registrations or permits required by
applicable Environmental Laws.

            (b) Conduct and complete all investigations, studies, sampling and
testing, and all remedial, removal and other actions required under
Environmental Laws and promptly comply in all material respects with all lawful
orders and directives of all Governmental Authorities regarding Environmental
Laws.

            5.9 Additional Collateral, etc. (a) With respect to any Property
acquired after the Closing Date by Holdings, the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries (other than (x) any Property described in paragraph (b) or (c)
below and (y) any Property subject to a Lien expressly permitted by Section
6.3(g)) as to which the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders,
does not have a perfected Lien, promptly (i) execute and deliver to the
Administrative Agent such amendments to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
or such other documents as the Administrative Agent deems necessary or advisable
in order to grant to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a
security interest in such Property and (ii) take all actions necessary or
advisable to grant to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders,
a perfected first priority security interest in such Property, including without
limitation, the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements in such
jurisdictions as may be required by the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement or by
law or as may be requested by the Administrative Agent.

            (b) With respect to any fee interest in any real estate acquired
after the Closing Date by Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
(other than any such real estate subject to a Lien expressly permitted by
Section 6.3(g)), promptly (i) execute and deliver a first priority mortgage or
deed of trust, as the case may be, in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the
benefit of the Lenders, covering such real estate, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (ii) if requested by the
Administrative Agent, provide the Lenders with (x) title and extended coverage
insurance covering such real estate in an amount at least equal to the purchase
price of such real estate (or such other amount as shall be reasonably specified
by the Administrative Agent) as well as a current ALTA survey thereof, together
with a surveyor's certificate and (y) any consents or estoppels reasonably
deemed necessary or advisable by the Administrative Agent in connection with
such mortgage or deed of trust, each of the foregoing in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (iii) if requested by
the Administrative Agent, deliver to the Administrative Agent legal opinions
relating to the matters described above, which opinions shall be in form and
substance, and from counsel, reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative
Agent.
<PAGE>

            (c) With respect to any new Subsidiary created or acquired after the
Closing Date by Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, promptly (i)
execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) such amendments to the
Guarantee and Collateral Agreement as the Administrative Agent deems necessary
or advisable in order to grant to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of
the Lenders, a perfected first priority security interest in the Capital Stock
of such new Subsidiary which is owned by Holdings, the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries and (y) such amendments to this Agreement as shall be deemed
necessary by the Administrative Agent to reflect the existence of such
Subsidiary, (ii) deliver to the Administrative Agent the certificates
representing such Capital Stock, together with undated stock powers, in blank,
executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of Holdings, the Borrower or
such Subsidiary, as the case may be, (iii) cause such new Subsidiary (A) to
become a party to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement and (B) to take such
actions necessary or advisable to grant to the Administrative Agent for the
benefit of the Lenders a perfected first priority security interest in the
Collateral described in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement with respect to
such new Subsidiary, including, without limitation, the filing of Uniform
Commercial Code financing statements in such jurisdictions as may be required by
the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement or by law or as may be requested by the
Administrative Agent, and (iv) if requested by the Administrative Agent, deliver
to the Administrative Agent legal opinions relating to the matters described
above, which opinions shall be in form and substance, and from counsel,
reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

            5.10 Interest Rate Protection Agreement. On or prior to October 31,
1997, the Borrower shall enter into an Interest Rate Protection Agreement
covering a notional principal amount equal to 50% of the Tranche A Term Loans
with counterparties and on such rate and other terms, conditions, and maturities
as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

            5.11 Landlord Waiver and Consent. Within 30 days from the Closing
Date the Administrative agent shall have received a Landlord Waiver and Consent,
from HeartLand Rental Properties, a New York corporation (the "Lessor"),
satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent, in connection
with the property leased by the Lessor to Holdings and located at 200 Executive
Drive Edgewood, New York 11717.

                          SECTION 6. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

            Holdings and the Borrower hereby jointly and severally agree that,
so long as the Commitments remain in effect, or any Loan or other amount is
owing to any Lender or the Administrative Agent hereunder, each of Holdings and
the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly:

            6.1 Financial Condition Covenants.

            (a) Consolidated Leverage Ratio. Permit the Consolidated Leverage
Ratio at any time during any period set forth below to exceed the ratio set
forth below opposite such period:

                                                          Consolidated
                Period                                   Leverage Ratio
                ------                                   --------------
            Closing Date - 12/30/98                            1.75:1.0
            12/31/98 - 12/30/99                                1.25:1.0
            12/31/99 - 12/30/00                                0.75:1.0
            12/31/00 and thereafter                            0.50:1.0

            (b) Liquidity Ratio. Permit the Liquidity Ratio at any time during
any period set forth below to be less than the ratio set forth below opposite
such period:

                Period                                   Liquidity Ratio
                ------                                   ---------------
            Closing Date - 12/30/98                            1.25:1.0
            12/31/98 - 12/30/99                                1.50:1.0
<PAGE>

            12/31/99 - 12/30/00                                1.75:1.0
            12/31/00 and thereafter                            2.00:1.0

            (c) Consolidated Tangible Net Worth. Permit Consolidated Tangible
Net Worth as at any time during any period set forth below to be less than the
amount set forth below opposite such period:

                                                              Consolidated
                Period                                     Tangible Net Worth
                ------                                     ------------------
            Closing Date - 12/30/97                            $3,200,000
            12/31/97 - 12/30/98                                $3,300,000
            12/31/98- 12/30/99                                 $6,500,000

and for each comparable period thereafter commencing December 31 of a fiscal
year through December 30 of the following fiscal year, an amount equal to the
sum of $4,500,000 plus the actual Consolidated Tangible Net Worth as of December
31 of the immediately preceding fiscal year; provided, however, that upon
receipt by the Administrative Agent of the financial statements referred to in
Section 5.1(e), the Administrative Agent shall have the right to adjust the
negative covenant level, in a positive amount, commensurate with the original
amounts set forth above which were based on the financial statements reviewed by
the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 3.1(a).

            (d) Consolidated Debt Service Ratio. Permit the Consolidated Debt
Service Ratio for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of Holdings
ending during any period set forth below to be less than the ratio set forth
below opposite such period:

                                                            Consolidated Debt
                Period                                        Service Ratio
                ------                                        -------------
            Closing Date - 12/30/99                             1.25:1.0
            12/31/99 and thereafter                             1.50:1.0

; provided, that for the purposes of determining the ratio described above for
the fiscal quarters of Holdings ending December 31, 1997, March 31, 1998 and
June 30, 1998, Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to the Borrower and
Consolidated Interest Expense, as the case may be, for the relevant period shall
be deemed to equal Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to the Borrower or
Consolidated Interest Expense, as the case may be, for such fiscal quarter (and,
in the case of the latter two such determinations, each previous fiscal quarter
commencing after the Closing Date) multiplied by 4, 2 and 4/3, respectively.


            (e) Consolidated Senior Funded Indebtedness Ratio. Permit the ratio
of Consolidated Senior Funded Indebtedness to Consolidated Cash Flow as at the
last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of Holdings ending
during any period with any fiscal quarter set forth below to exceed the ratio
set forth below opposite such period:

                                                       Consolidated
                Period                        Senior Funded Indebtedness Ratio
                ------                        --------------------------------
            Closing Date - 12/30/98                      4.50:1.0
            12/31/98 - 12/30/99                          2.00:1.0
            12/31/99 - 12/30/00                          1.50:1.0
            12/31/00 and thereafter                      1.00:1.0

; provided, that for the purposes of determining the ratio described above for
the fiscal quarters of Holdings ending December 31, 1997, March 31, 1998 and
June 30, 1998, Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to the Borrower for the
relevant period shall be deemed to equal Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to
the Borrower for such fiscal quarter (and, in the case of the latter two such
determinations, each previous fiscal quarter commencing after the Closing Date)
multiplied by 4, 2 and 4/3, respectively.
<PAGE>

            (f) Consolidated Lease Expense. Permit Consolidated Lease Expense to
exceed $500,000 during any fiscal year of Holdings.

            6.2 Limitation on Indebtedness. Create, incur, assume or suffer to
exist (in each case, to "Incur") any Indebtedness, except:

            (a) Indebtedness of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document;

            (b) Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted by Section 6.3(g) in an
      aggregate principal amount not to exceed $750,000 at any one time
      outstanding;

            (c) Intentionally Omitted.

            (d) subordinated Indebtedness of Holdings and the Borrower in
      respect of the Seller Note in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed
      $4,000,000;

            (e) Indebtedness incurred under lines of credit ("Permitted Lines of
      Credit") from one or more Lenders in an aggregate principal amount not to
      exceed $1,000,000 at any one time provided that the outstanding amount
      thereof shall be reduced to zero for at least 30 consecutive days during
      each fiscal year of Holdings;

            (f) Indebtedness incurred pursuant to any Interest Rate Protection
      Agreement in respect of the Tranche A Term Loans; and

            (g) Indebtedness resulting from intercompany loans made by Holdings
      to the Borrower or by the Borrower to Holdings.

            6.3 Limitation on Liens. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist
any Lien upon any of its Property or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter
acquired, except for:

            (a) Liens for taxes not yet due or which are being contested in good
      faith by appropriate proceedings, provided that adequate reserves with
      respect thereto are maintained on the books of Holdings or its
      Subsidiaries, as the case may be, in conformity with GAAP;

            (b) carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', materialmen's,
      repairmen's or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business
      which are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or which are being
      contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;

            (c) pledges or deposits in connection with workers' compensation,
      unemployment insurance and other social security legislation;

            (d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts
      (other than for borrowed money), leases, statutory obligations, surety and
      appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature
      incurred in the ordinary course of business;

            (e) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar
      encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business which, in the
      aggregate, are not substantial in amount and which do not in any case
      materially detract from the value of the Property subject thereto or
      materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of Holdings
      or any of its Subsidiaries;

            (f) Liens in existence on the date hereof listed on Schedule 6.3(f);

            (g) Liens securing Indebtedness of Holdings or any of its
      Subsidiaries incurred pursuant to Section 6.2(b) to finance the
      acquisition of fixed or capital assets, provided that (i) such Liens shall
      be created
<PAGE>

      substantially simultaneously with the acquisition of such fixed or capital
      assets, (ii) such Liens do not at any time encumber any Property other
      than the Property financed by such Indebtedness, (iii) the amount of
      Indebtedness secured thereby is not increased and (iv) the principal
      amount of such Indebtedness shall not exceed 100% of the purchase price of
      such assets;

            (h) Liens created pursuant to the Security Documents or the Seller
      Security Documents; and

            (i) any interest or title of a lessor under any lease entered into
      by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of its
      business and covering only the assets so leased.

            6.4 Limitation on Fundamental Changes. Enter into any merger,
consolidation or amalgamation, or liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself (or
suffer any liquidation or dissolution), or Dispose of, all or substantially all
of its Property or business, or make any material change in its present method
of conducting business, except:

            (a) any Subsidiary of the Borrower may be merged or consolidated
      with or into the Borrower (provided that the Borrower shall be the
      continuing or surviving corporation); and

            (b) any Subsidiary of the Borrower may Dispose of any or all of its
      assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower.

            6.5 Limitation on Sale of Assets. Dispose of any of its Property or
business (including, without limitation, receivables and leasehold interests),
whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or, in the case of any Subsidiary,
issue or sell any shares of such Subsidiary's Capital Stock to any Person,
except:

            (a) (i) the Disposition of obsolete or worn out property in the
      ordinary course of business and (ii) the sale of receivables in the
      ordinary course of business to collection agencies for the purpose of
      collecting overdue amounts owing in respect thereof, so long as the
      aggregate value of all Property sold pursuant to this paragraph (a) does
      not exceed $10,000 in any fiscal year of Holdings;

            (b) the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business; and

            (c) Dispositions permitted by Section 6.4(b).

            6.6 Limitation on Dividends. Declare or pay any dividend on, or make
any payment on account of, or set apart assets for a sinking or other analogous
fund for, the purchase, redemption, defeasance, retirement or other acquisition
of, any shares of any class of Capital Stock of Holdings, the Borrower or any
Subsidiary or any warrants or options to purchase any such Capital Stock,
whether now or hereafter outstanding, or make any other distribution in respect
thereof, either directly or indirectly, whether in cash or property or in
obligations of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary (collectively,
"Restricted Payments"), except that:

            (a) any Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Borrower; and

            (b) the Borrower may pay dividends to Holdings.

            6.7 Limitation on Capital Expenditures. Make or commit to make (by
way of the acquisition of securities of a Person or otherwise) any Capital
Expenditure, except Capital Expenditures of Holdings and its Subsidiaries in the
ordinary course of business not exceeding $750,000 in the aggregate in any
fiscal year of Holdings.

            6.8 Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances. Make any advance,
loan, extension of credit (including by way of guaranty in favor of third
parties) or capital contribution to, or purchase any stock, bonds, notes,
debentures or other securities of or any assets constituting all or a material
part of a business unit of, or make any other investment in, any Person, except:

            (a) extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business;
<PAGE>

            (b) investments in Cash Equivalents;

            (c) Guarantee Obligations permitted by Section 6.2(a) or 6.2(d);

            (d) the Acquisition; and

            (e) loans, advances and investments between Holdings and the
      Borrower.

            6.9 Limitation on Payments and Modifications with respect to Seller
Note, Seller Security Documents, the Employment Agreement and Acquisition
Agreement. (a) Make or offer to make any optional payment, prepayment,
repurchase or redemption of or otherwise defease or segregate funds with respect
to any Indebtedness (other than (i) Indebtedness under any Loan Document or (ii)
Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 6.2(e)) or (b) amend, modify, waive or
otherwise change, or consent or agree to any amendment, modification, waiver or
other change to, any of the terms of the Seller Note, the Seller Security
Documents, the Employment Agreement or the Acquisition Agreement.

            6.10 Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates. Enter into any
transaction, including, without limitation, any purchase, sale, lease or
exchange of Property, the rendering of any service or the payment of any
management, advisory or similar fees, with any Affiliate (other than Holdings or
the Borrower) unless such transaction is (a) otherwise permitted under this
Agreement, (b) in the ordinary course of business of Holdings, the Borrower or
such Subsidiary, as the case may be, and (c) upon fair and reasonable terms no
less favorable to Holdings, the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be,
than it would obtain in a comparable arm's length transaction with a Person
which is not an Affiliate.

            6.11 Limitation on Sales and Leasebacks. Enter into any arrangement
with any Person providing for the leasing by Holdings, the Borrower or any
Subsidiary of real or personal property which has been or is to be sold or
transferred by Holdings, the Borrower or such Subsidiary to such Person or to
any other Person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such Person on
the security of such property or rental obligations of Holdings, the Borrower or
such Subsidiary.

            6.12 Limitation on Changes in Fiscal Periods. Permit the fiscal year
of Holdings or the Borrower to end on a day other than December 31 or change
Holdings' or the Borrower's method of determining fiscal quarters.

            6.13 Limitation on Negative Pledge Clauses. Enter into or suffer to
exist or become effective any agreement which prohibits or limits the ability of
Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its Property or revenues, whether now owned
or hereafter acquired, other than (a) this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents and (b) any agreements governing any purchase money Liens otherwise
permitted hereby (in which case, any prohibition or limitation shall only be
effective against the assets financed thereby).

            6.14 Limitation on Restrictions on Subsidiary Distributions. Enter
into or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or
restriction on the ability of any Subsidiary of the Borrower to (a) pay
dividends or make any other distributions in respect of any Capital Stock of
such Subsidiary held by, or pay any Indebtedness owed to, the Borrower or any
other Subsidiary of the Borrower, (b) make loans or advances to the Borrower or
any other Subsidiary of the Borrower or (c) transfer any of its assets to the
Borrower or any other Subsidiary of the Borrower, except for such encumbrances
or restrictions existing under the Loan Documents.

            6.15 Limitation on Lines of Business. Enter into any business,
either directly or through any Subsidiary, except for those businesses in which
Holdings and its Subsidiaries are engaged on the date of this Agreement or which
are reasonably related thereto.

            6.16 Limitation on Change in Accounting Treatment. Change its
accounting treatment or reporting practices except as required by changes in
GAAP.
<PAGE>

                          SECTION 7. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

            If any of the following events shall occur and be continuing:

            (a) The Borrower shall fail to pay (i) any principal of any Loan
      when due in accordance with the terms hereof and (ii) any interest thereon
      or any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document
      within two business days when due in accordance with the terms hereof or
      thereof; or

            (b) Any representation or warranty made or deemed made by any Loan
      Party herein or in any other Loan Document or which is contained in any
      certificate, document or financial or other statement furnished by it at
      any time under or in connection with this Agreement or any such other Loan
      Document shall prove to have been inaccurate in any material respect on or
      as of the date made or deemed made; or

            (c) (i) Any Loan Party shall default in the observance or
      performance of any other agreement contained in this Agreement or any
      other Loan Document (other than as provided in paragraph (a) or (b) of
      this Section) or (ii) an "Event of Default" under and as defined in any
      Mortgage shall have occurred and be continuing; or

            (d) Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall (i)
      default in making any payment of any principal of any Indebtedness
      (including, without limitation, any Guarantee Obligation, but excluding
      the Loans) on the scheduled or original due date with respect thereto; or
      (ii) default in making any payment of any interest on any such
      Indebtedness beyond the period of grace, if any, provided in the
      instrument or agreement under which such Indebtedness was created; or
      (iii) default in the observance or performance of any other agreement or
      condition relating to any such Indebtedness or contained in any instrument
      or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event
      shall occur or condition exist, the effect of which default or other event
      or condition is to cause, or to permit the holder or beneficiary of such
      Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or
      beneficiary) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such
      Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity or (in the case of
      any such Indebtedness constituting a Guarantee Obligation) to become
      payable; provided, that a default, event or condition described in clause
      (i), (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph (e) shall not at any time constitute
      an Event of Default under this Agreement unless, at such time, one or more
      defaults, events or conditions of the type described in clauses (i), (ii)
      and (iii) of this paragraph (e) shall have occurred and be continuing with
      respect to Indebtedness the outstanding principal amount of which exceeds
      in the aggregate $25,000; or

            (e) (i) Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall
      commence any case, proceeding or other action (A) under any existing or
      future law of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, relating to
      bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of debtors, seeking to
      have an order for relief entered with respect to it, or seeking to
      adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization,
      arrangement, adjustment, winding-up, liquidation, dissolution, composition
      or other relief with respect to it or its debts, or (B) seeking
      appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator or other
      similar official for it or for all or any substantial part of its assets,
      or Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall make a general
      assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or (ii) there shall be
      commenced against Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries any
      case, proceeding or other action of a nature referred to in clause (i)
      above which (A) results in the entry of an order for relief or any such
      adjudication or appointment or (B) remains undismissed, undischarged or
      unbonded for a period of 60 days; or (iii) there shall be commenced
      against Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries any case,
      proceeding or other action seeking issuance of a warrant of attachment,
      execution, distraint or similar process against all or any substantial
      part of its assets which results in the entry of an order for any such
      relief which shall not have been vacated, discharged, or stayed or bonded
      pending appeal within 60 days from the entry thereof; or (iv) Holdings,
      the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall take any action in
      furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence
      in, any of the acts set forth in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) above; or (v)
      Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall generally not, or
      shall be unable to, or shall admit in writing its inability to, pay its
      debts as they become due; or
<PAGE>

            (f) (i) Any Person shall engage in any "prohibited transaction" (as
      defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) involving any
      Plan, (ii) any "accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined in Section 302
      of ERISA), whether or not waived, shall exist with respect to any Plan or
      any Lien in favor of the PBGC or a Plan shall arise on the assets of the
      Borrower or any Commonly Controlled Entity, (iii) a Reportable Event shall
      occur with respect to, or proceedings shall commence to have a trustee
      appointed, or a trustee shall be appointed, to administer or to terminate,
      any Single Employer Plan, which Reportable Event or commencement of
      proceedings or appointment of a trustee is, in the reasonable opinion of
      the Required Lenders, likely to result in the termination of such Plan for
      purposes of Title IV of ERISA, (iv) any Single Employer Plan shall
      terminate for purposes of Title IV of ERISA, (v) the Borrower or any
      Commonly Controlled Entity shall, or in the reasonable opinion of the
      Required Lenders is likely to, incur any liability in connection with a
      withdrawal from, or the Insolvency or Reorganization of, a Multiemployer
      Plan or (vi) any other event or condition shall occur or exist with
      respect to a Plan; and in each case in clauses (i) through (vi) above,
      such event or condition, together with all other such events or
      conditions, if any, could, in the sole judgment of the Required Lenders,
      reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

            (g) One or more judgments or decrees shall be entered against
      Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries involving in the
      aggregate a liability (not paid or fully covered by insurance as to which
      the relevant insurance company has acknowledged coverage) of $50,000 or
      more, and all such judgments or decrees shall not have been vacated,
      discharged, stayed or bonded pending appeal within 30 days from the entry
      thereof; or

            (h) Any of the Security Documents shall cease, for any reason, to be
      in full force and effect, or any Loan Party or any Affiliate of any Loan
      Party shall so assert, or any Lien created by any of the Security
      Documents shall cease to be enforceable and of the same effect and
      priority purported to be created thereby; or

            (i) The guarantee contained in Section 9 hereof or in Section 2 of
      the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement shall cease, for any reason, to be
      in full force and effect or any Loan Party or any Affiliate of any Loan
      Party shall so assert; or

            (j) (i) any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections
      13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
      "Exchange Act")), shall become, or obtain rights (whether by means or
      warrants, options or otherwise) to become, the "beneficial owner" (as
      defined in Rules 13(d)-3 and 13(d)-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or
      indirectly, of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock of Holdings;
      (ii) the board of directors of Holdings shall cease to consist of a
      majority of Continuing Directors; (iii) Holdings shall cease to own and
      control, of record and beneficially, directly, 100% of each class of
      outstanding Capital Stock of the Borrower free and clear of all Liens
      (except Liens created by the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement); or (iv)
      any direct or indirect parent of Holdings or the Borrower (other than
      Holdings) shall be created unless (x) such parent becomes a party to the
      Guarantee and Collateral Agreement as a guarantor and a grantor and (y)
      such amendments to the Loan Documents as the Required Lenders shall
      request shall be entered into (including, in any event, amendments
      subjecting such parent and its subsidiaries to the covenants contained
      herein); or

            (k) the Seller Note or any guarantee thereof shall cease, for any
      reason, to be validly subordinated to the obligations of the relevant Loan
      Party under the Loan Documents to which it is a party to the extent
      provided in the Intercreditor Agreement or the Seller, any Loan Party or
      any of their respective Affiliate's shall so assert; or

            (l) the Borrower shall fail to maintain a key man life insurance
      policy on the life of Mr. Daniel Liguori for the period covering the
      Employment Agreement (such Employment Agreement may not be amended without
      the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent) in an amount at
      least equal to the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Tranche A
      Term Loans as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal year of
      Holdings; or
<PAGE>

            (m) (i) Mr. Daniel Liguori shall cease to manage or oversee the
      day-to-day operations of the Borrower at any time on or prior to the third
      anniversary of the Closing Date or (ii) Mr. Arthur August shall cease to
      manage or oversee the day-to-day operations of Holdings at any time during
      the term of this Agreement;

then, and in any such event, (A) if such event is an Event of Default specified
in paragraph (e) above with respect to the Borrower, automatically the Loans
hereunder (with accrued interest thereon) and all other amounts owing under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall immediately become due and payable,
and (B) if such event is any other Event of Default, with the consent of the
Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent may, or upon the request of the
Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent shall, by notice to the Borrower,
declare the Loans hereunder (with accrued interest thereon) and all other
amounts owing under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to be due and
payable forthwith, together with, in the case of the Tranche B Term Loans, the
Prepayment Premium, whereupon the same shall immediately become due and payable.
Except as expressly provided above in this Section, presentment, demand, protest
and all other notices of any kind are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower.

                       SECTION 8. THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

            8.1 Appointment. Each Lender hereby irrevocably designates and
appoints the Administrative Agent as the agent of such Lender under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and each such Lender irrevocably
authorizes the Administrative Agent, in such capacity, to take such action on
its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents
and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated
to the Administrative Agent by the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement, the
Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those
expressly set forth herein, or any fiduciary relationship with any Lender, and
no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or
liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or
otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent.

            8.2 Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may execute any
of its duties under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by or through
agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel
concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Administrative Agent shall
not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys
in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.

            8.3 Exculpatory Provisions. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any
of its respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or
affiliates shall be (i) liable for any action lawfully taken or omitted to be
taken by it or such Person under or in connection with this Agreement or any
other Loan Document (except to the extent that any of the foregoing are found by
a final and nonappealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have
resulted from its or such Person's own gross negligence or willful misconduct)
or (ii) responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recitals,
statements, representations or warranties made by any Loan Party or any officer
thereof contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in any
certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in,
or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this
Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness,
genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan
Document or for any failure of any Loan Party a party thereto to perform its
obligations hereunder or thereunder. The Administrative Agent shall not be under
any obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or
performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this
Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or
records of any Loan Party.

            8.4 Reliance by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall
be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any
instrument, writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit,
letter, telecopy, telex or teletype message, statement, order or other document
or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been
signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons and upon advice and
statements of legal counsel (including, without limitation, counsel to Holdings
or the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts
<PAGE>

selected by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may deem and
treat the payee of any Note as the owner thereof for all purposes unless a
written notice of assignment, negotiation or transfer thereof shall have been
filed with the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be fully
justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any
other Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of
the Required Lenders (or, if so specified by this Agreement, all Lenders) as it
deems appropriate or it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the
Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by
reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. The Administrative Agent
shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting,
under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in accordance with a request
of the Required Lenders (or, if so specified by this Agreement, all Lenders),
and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall
be binding upon all the Lenders and all future holders of the Loans.

            8.5 Notice of Default. The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed
to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default
hereunder unless the Administrative Agent has received notice from a Lender,
Holdings or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or
Event of Default and stating that such notice is a "notice of default". In the
event that the Administrative Agent receives such a notice, the Administrative
Agent shall give notice thereof to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall
take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be
reasonably directed by the Required Lenders (or, if so specified by this
Agreement, all Lenders); provided that unless and until the Administrative Agent
shall have received such directions, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not
be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with
respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the
best interests of the Lenders.

            8.6 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders. Each
Lender expressly acknowledges that neither the Administrative Agents nor any of
its respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or
affiliates have made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by
the Administrative Agent hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs
of a Loan Party or any affiliate of a Loan Party, shall be deemed to constitute
any representation or warranty by the Administrative Agent to any Lender. Each
Lender represents to the Administrative Agent that it has, independently and
without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on
such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own
appraisal of and investigation into the business, operations, property,
financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their
affiliates and made its own decision to make its Loans hereunder and enter into
this Agreement. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and
without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on
such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,
continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or
not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make
such investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business,
operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the
Loan Parties and their affiliates. Except for notices, reports and other
documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the
Administrative Agent hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty
or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information
concerning the business, operations, property, condition (financial or
otherwise), prospects or creditworthiness of any Loan Party or any affiliate of
a Loan Party which may come into the possession of the Administrative Agent or
any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or
affiliates.

            8.7 Indemnification. The Lenders agree to indemnify the
Administrative Agent in its capacity as such (to the extent not reimbursed by
Holdings or the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of Holdings or the
Borrower to do so), ratably according to their respective Tranche A Term Loan
Percentages and Tranche B Term Loan Percentages in effect on the date on which
indemnification is sought under this Section 8.7 (or, if indemnification is
sought after the date upon which the Commitments shall have terminated and the
Loans shall have been paid in full, ratably in accordance with such Percentages
immediately prior to such date), from and against any and all liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs,
expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever which may at any time
(including, without limitation, at any time following the payment of the Loans)
be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent in any
way relating to or arising out of, the Commitments, this Agreement, any of the
other Loan Documents or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or
therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken
or omitted by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with any of the
foregoing; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the payment of any
portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses or
<PAGE>

disbursements which are found by a final and nonappealable decision of a court
of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the Administrative Agent's gross
negligence or willful misconduct. The agreements in this Section 8.7 shall
survive the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

            8.8 Administrative Agent in Its Individual Capacity. The
Administrative Agent and its affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from
and generally engage in any kind of business with any Loan Party as though the
Administrative Agent was not the Administrative Agent. With respect to its Loans
made or renewed by it and with respect to any Letter of Credit issued or
participated in by it, the Administrative Agent shall have the same rights and
powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as any Lender and may
exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and the terms
"Lender" and "Lenders" shall include the Administrative Agent in its individual
capacity.

            8.9 Successor Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may
resign as Administrative Agent upon 10 days' notice to the Lenders and the
Borrower. If the Administrative Agent shall resign as Administrative Agent under
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, then the Required Lenders shall
appoint from among the Lenders a successor agent for the Lenders, whereupon such
successor agent shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties of the
Administrative Agent, and the term "Administrative Agent" shall mean such
successor agent effective upon such appointment and approval, and the former
Administrative Agent's rights, powers and duties as Administrative Agent shall
be terminated, without any other or further act or deed on the part of such
former Administrative Agent or any of the parties to this Agreement or any
holders of the Loans. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as
Administrative Agent by the date that is 10 days following a retiring
Administrative Agent's notice of resignation, the retiring Administrative
Agent's resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and the
Lenders shall assume and perform all of the duties of the Administrative Agent
hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor
agent as provided for above. After any retiring Administrative Agent's
resignation as Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Section 8 shall
inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while
it was Administrative Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

            8.10 Authorization to Release Liens. The Administrative Agent is
hereby irrevocably authorized by each of the Lenders to release any Lien
covering any Property of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries that is the subject
of a Disposition which is permitted by this Agreement or which has been
consented to in accordance with Section 10.1.

                              SECTION 9. GUARANTEE

            9.1 Guarantee. In order to induce the Administrative Agent and the
Lenders to execute and deliver this Agreement and to make or maintain the Loans
hereunder, and in consideration thereof, Holdings hereby unconditionally and
irrevocably guarantees to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of
the Lenders, the prompt and complete payment and performance by the Borrower
when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the
Obligations, and Holdings further agrees to pay any and all expenses (including,
without limitation, all reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel)
which may be paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent or by the Lenders in
enforcing, or obtaining advice of counsel in respect of, any of their rights
under the guarantee contained in this Section 9. The guarantee contained in this
Section 9, subject to Section 9.5, shall remain in full force and effect until
the Obligations are paid in full and the Commitments are terminated,
notwithstanding that from time to time prior thereto the Borrower may be free
from any Obligations.

            Holdings agrees that whenever, at any time, or from time to time, it
shall make any payment to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on account of
its liability under this Section 9, it will notify the Administrative Agent and
such Lender in writing that such payment is made under the guarantee contained
in this Section 9 for such purpose. No payment or payments made by the Borrower
or any other Person or received or collected by the Administrative Agent or any
Lender from the Borrower or any other Person by virtue of any action or
proceeding or any setoff or appropriation or application, at any time or from
time to time, in reduction of or in payment of the Obligations shall be deemed
to modify, reduce, release or otherwise affect the liability of Holdings under
this Section 9 which, notwithstanding any such payment or payments, shall remain
liable for the Obligations until, subject to Section 9.5, the Obligations are
paid in full and the Commitments are terminated.
<PAGE>

            9.2 No Subrogation, Contribution, Reimbursement or Indemnity.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9, Holdings hereby
irrevocably waives all rights which may have arisen in connection with the
guarantee contained in this Section 9 to be subrogated to any of the rights
(whether contractual, under the United States Bankruptcy Code (or similar action
under any successor law or under any comparable law), including Section 509
thereof, under common law or otherwise) of the Administrative Agent or any
Lender against the Borrower or against the Administrative Agent or any Lender
for the payment of the Obligations, until the Obligations shall have been paid
in full, and the Commitments shall have been terminated. Holdings hereby further
irrevocably waives all contractual, common law, statutory and other rights of
reimbursement, contribution, exoneration or indemnity (or any similar right)
from or against the Borrower or any other Person which may have arisen in
connection with the guarantee contained in this Section 9, until the Obligations
shall have been paid in full, and the Commitments shall have been terminated. So
long as the Obligations remain outstanding, if any amount shall be paid by or on
behalf of the Borrower to Holdings on account of any of the rights waived in
this Section 9.2, such amount shall be held by Holdings in trust, segregated
from other funds of Holdings, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by Holdings, be
turned over to the Administrative Agent in the exact form received by Holdings
(duly indorsed by Holdings to the Administrative Agent, if required), to be
applied against the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in such order as
the Administrative Agent may determine. The provisions of this Section 9.2 shall
survive the term of the guarantee contained in this Section 9 and the payment in
full of the Obligations and the termination of the Commitments.

            9.3 Amendments, etc. with respect to the Obligations. Holdings shall
remain obligated under this Section 9 notwithstanding that, without any
reservation of rights against Holdings, and without notice to or further assent
by Holdings, any demand for payment of or reduction in the principal amount of
any of the Obligations made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender may be
rescinded by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, and any of the Obligations
continued, and the Obligations, or the liability of any other party upon or for
any part thereof, or any collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of
offset with respect thereto, may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be
renewed, extended, amended, modified, accelerated, compromised, waived,
surrendered or released by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, and this
Agreement, any other Loan Document, and any other documents executed and
delivered in connection therewith may be amended, modified, supplemented or
terminated, in whole or in part, as the Lenders (or the Required Lenders, as the
case may be) may deem advisable from time to time, and any collateral security,
guarantee or right of offset at any time held by the Administrative Agent or any
Lender for the payment of the Obligations may be sold, exchanged, waived,
surrendered or released. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall
have any obligation to protect, secure, perfect or insure any Lien at any time
held by it as security for the Obligations or for the guarantee contained in
this Section 9 or any property subject thereto.

            9.4 Guarantee Absolute and Unconditional. Holdings waives any and
all notice of the creation, renewal, extension or accrual of any of the
Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance by the Administrative Agent or
any Lender upon the guarantee contained in this Section 9 or acceptance of the
guarantee contained in this Section 9; the Obligations, and any of them, shall
conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or incurred, or renewed,
extended, amended or waived, in reliance upon the guarantee contained in this
Section 9; and all dealings between the Borrower or Holdings, on the one hand,
and the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, on the other, shall likewise be
conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance upon the
guarantee contained in this Section 9. Holdings waives diligence, presentment,
protest, demand for payment and notice of default or nonpayment to or upon the
Borrower or Holdings with respect to the Obligations. The guarantee contained in
this Section 9 shall be construed as a continuing, absolute and unconditional
guarantee of payment without regard to (a) the validity or enforceability of
this Agreement or any other Loan Document, any of the Obligations or any
collateral security therefor or guarantee or right of offset with respect
thereto at any time or from time to time held by the Administrative Agent or any
Lender, (b) any defense, setoff or counterclaim (other than a defense of payment
or performance) which may at any time be available to or be asserted by the
Borrower against the Administrative Agent or any Lender, or (c) any other
circumstance whatsoever (with or without notice to or knowledge of the Borrower
or Holdings) which constitutes, or might be construed to constitute, an
equitable or legal discharge of the Borrower for the Obligations, or of Holdings
under the guarantee contained in this Section 9, in bankruptcy or in any other
instance. When the Administrative Agent or any Lender is pursuing its rights and
remedies under this Section 9 against Holdings, the Administrative Agent or any
Lender may, but shall be under no obligation to, pursue such rights and remedies
as it may have against the Borrower or any other Person or against any
collateral security or guarantee for the Obligations or any right of offset with
respect thereto, and any failure by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to
pursue such other rights or remedies
<PAGE>

or to collect any payments from the Borrower or any such other Person or to
realize upon any such collateral security or guarantee or to exercise any such
right of offset, or any release of the Borrower or any such other Person or of
any such collateral security, guarantee or right of offset, shall not relieve
Holdings of any liability under this Section 9, and shall not impair or affect
the rights and remedies, whether express, implied or available as a matter of
law, of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders against Holdings.

            9.5 Reinstatement. The guarantee contained in this Section 9 shall
continue to be effective, or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time
payment, or any part thereof, of any of the Obligations is rescinded or must
otherwise be restored or returned by the Administrative Agent or any Lender upon
the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of the
Borrower or upon or as a result of the appointment of a receiver, intervenor or
conservator of, or trustee or similar officer for, the Borrower or any
substantial part of its Property, or otherwise, all as though such payments had
not been made.

            9.6 Payments. Holdings hereby agrees that any payments in respect of
the Obligations pursuant to this Section 9 will be paid to the Administrative
Agent without setoff or counterclaim in Dollars at the office of the
Administrative Agent specified in Section 10.2.

                            SECTION 10. MISCELLANEOUS

            10.1 Amendments and Waivers. Neither this Agreement, any other Loan
Document, nor any terms hereof or thereof may be amended, supplemented or
modified except in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10.1. The
Required Lenders and each Loan Party to the relevant Loan Document may, or, with
the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent and each
Loan Party to the relevant Loan Document may, from time to time, (a) enter into
written amendments, supplements or modifications hereto and to the other Loan
Documents for the purpose of adding any provisions to this Agreement or the
other Loan Documents or changing in any manner the rights of the Lenders or of
the Loan Parties hereunder or thereunder or (b) waive, on such terms and
conditions as the Required Lenders or the Administrative Agent, as the case may
be, may specify in such instrument, any of the requirements of this Agreement or
the other Loan Documents or any Default or Event of Default and its
consequences; provided, however, that no such waiver and no such amendment,
supplement or modification shall (i) forgive the principal amount or extend the
final scheduled date of maturity of any Loan, extend the scheduled date of any
amortization payment in respect of any Loan, reduce the stated rate of any
interest without the consent of each Lender directly affected thereby, (ii)
amend, modify or waive any provision of this Section 10.1 or reduce any
percentage specified in the definition of Required Lenders or Required
Prepayment Lenders, consent to the assignment or transfer by any Loan Party of
any of its rights and obligations under any Loan Documents or release any
Collateral or any guarantee of the Obligation's, in each case without the
written consent of all Lenders or (iii) amend, modify or waive any provision of
Section 8 without the consent of the Administrative Agent. Any such waiver and
any such amendment, supplement or modification shall apply equally to each of
the Lenders and shall be binding upon the Loan Parties, the Lenders, the
Administrative Agent and all future holders of the Loans. In the case of any
waiver, the Loan Parties, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall be
restored to their former position and rights hereunder and under the other Loan
Documents, and any Default or Event of Default waived shall be deemed to be
cured and not continuing; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or
other Default or Event of Default, or impair any right consequent thereon.

            10.2 Notices. All notices, requests and demands to or upon the
respective parties hereto to be effective shall be in writing (including by
telescope), and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to
have been duly given or made when delivered, or three Business Days after being
deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, or, in the case of telescope notice,
when received, addressed as follows in the case of Holdings, the Borrower and
the Administrative Agent, and as set forth in an administrative questionnaire
delivered to the Administrative Agent in the case of the Lenders, or to such
other address as may be hereafter notified by the respective parties hereto:
<PAGE>

      Holdings:                     CPI Aerostructures, Inc.
                                    200A Executive Drive
                                    Edgewood, NY 11717
                                    Attn: Arthur August, President
                                    Telecopier No.: (516) 586-5840


      The Borrower:                 Kolar, Inc.
                                    200A Executive Drive
                                    Edgewood, NY 11717
                                    Attn: Arthur August, President
                                    Telecopier No.: (516) 586-5840


      The Administrative Agent:     The Chase Manhattan Bank
                                    395 North Service Road
                                    Suite 302
                                    Melville, New York 11747
                                    Attn: Relationship Manager - CPI 
                                          Aerostructures, Inc.

      If to the Mortgagee:          The Chase Manhattan Bank
                                    Real Estate Finance Unit
                                    270 Park Avenue - 43rd Floor
                                    New York, New York 10017


      With a copy to:               The Chase Manhattan Bank
                                    Legal Department
                                    270 Park Avenue - 39th Floor
                                    New York, New York 10017
      Attention:                    Robert B. Lynch

provided that any notice, request or demand to or upon the Administrative Agent
or the Lenders shall not be effective until received.

            10.3 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. No failure to exercise and no
delay in exercising, on the part of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any
right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under the other Loan Documents
shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of
any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.
The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided are cumulative and
not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.

            10.4 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations
and warranties made hereunder, in the other Loan Documents and in any document,
certificate or statement delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith
shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of the
Loans hereunder.

            10.5 Payment of Expenses and Taxes. The Borrower agrees (a) to pay
or reimburse the Administrative Agent for all its out-of-pocket costs and
expenses incurred in connection with the development, preparation and execution
of, and any amendment, supplement or modification to, this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents and any other documents prepared in connection herewith or
therewith, and the consummation and administration of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, including, without limitation, the reasonable
fees and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent, (b) to pay or
reimburse each Lender and the Administrative
<PAGE>

Agent for all its costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement
or preservation of any rights under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and
any such other documents, including, without limitation, the fees and
disbursements of counsel (including the allocated fees and expenses of in-house
counsel) to each Lender and of counsel to the Administrative Agent, (c) to pay,
indemnify, and hold each Lender and the Administrative Agent harmless from, any
and all recording and filing fees and any and all liabilities with respect to,
or resulting from any delay in paying, stamp, excise and other taxes, if any,
which may be payable or determined to be payable in connection with the
execution and delivery of, or consummation or administration of any of the
transactions contemplated by, or any amendment, supplement or modification of,
or any waiver or consent under or in respect of, this Agreement, the other Loan
Documents and any such other documents, and (d) to pay, indemnify, and hold each
Lender and the Administrative Agent and their respective officers, directors,
employees, affiliates, agents and controlling persons (each, an "indemnity")
harmless from and against any and all other liabilities, obligations, losses,
damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements
of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the execution, delivery,
enforcement, performance and administration of this Agreement, the other Loan
Documents and any such other documents, including, without limitation, any of
the foregoing relating to the Acquisition, the use of proceeds of the Loans or
the violation of, noncompliance with or liability under, any Environmental Law
applicable to the operations of Holdings, the Borrower any of its Subsidiaries
or any of the Properties (all the foregoing in this clause (d), collectively,
the "indemnified liabilities"), provided, that the Borrower shall have no
obligation hereunder to any indemnity with respect to indemnified liabilities to
the extent such indemnified liabilities are found by a final and nonappealable
decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnity. The agreements in this
Section 10.5 shall survive repayment of the Loans and all other amounts payable
hereunder.

            10.6 Successors and Assigns; Participations and Assignments. (a)
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Holdings, the
Borrower, the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, all future holders of the Loans
and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower may not
assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without
the prior written consent of each Lender.

            (b) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower, in
accordance with applicable law, at any time sell to one or more banks, financial
institutions or other entities (each, a "Participant") participating interests
in any Loan owing to such Lender, any Commitment of such Lender or any other
interest of such Lender hereunder and under the other Loan Documents. In the
event of any such sale by a Lender of a participating interest to a Participant,
such Lender's obligations under this Agreement to the other parties to this
Agreement shall remain unchanged, such Lender shall remain solely responsible
for the performance thereof, such Lender shall remain the holder of any such
Loan for all purposes under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall continue to deal solely and directly
with such Lender in connection with such Lender's rights and obligations under
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. In no event shall any Participant
under any such participation have any right to approve any amendment or waiver
of any provision of any Loan Document, or any consent to any departure by any
Loan Party therefrom, except to the extent that such amendment, waiver or
consent would reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Loans, or postpone
the date of the final maturity of the Loans, in each case to the extent subject
to such participation. The Borrower agrees that if amounts outstanding under
this Agreement and the Loans are due or unpaid, or shall have been declared or
shall have become due and payable upon the occurrence of an Event of Default,
each Participant shall, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, be
deemed to have the right of setoff in respect of its participating interest in
amounts owing under this Agreement to the same extent as if the amount of its
participating interest were owing directly to it as a Lender under this
Agreement, provided that, in purchasing such participating interest, such
Participant shall be deemed to have agreed to share with the Lenders the
proceeds thereof as provided in Section 10.7(a) as fully as if it were a Lender
hereunder. The Borrower also agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to
the benefits of Section 2.10 with respect to its participation in the
Commitments and the Loans outstanding from time to time as if it was a Lender;
provided that such Participant shall have complied with the requirements of said
Section and provided, further, that no Participant shall be entitled to receive
any greater amount pursuant to any such Section than the transferor Lender would
have been entitled to receive in respect of the amount of the participation
transferred by such transferor Lender to such Participant had no such transfer
occurred.

            (c) Any Lender (an "Assignor") may, in accordance with applicable
law, at any time and from time to time assign to any Lender or any affiliate
thereof or, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent
<PAGE>

(which, in each case, shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), to an
additional bank, financial institution or other entity (an "Assignee") all or
any part of its rights and obligations under this Agreement pursuant to an
Assignment and Acceptance, substantially in the form of Exhibit E, executed by
such Assignee and such Assignor (and, in the case of an Assignee that is not
then a Lender or an affiliate thereof, by the Borrower and the Administrative
Agent) and delivered to the Administrative Agent for its acceptance and
recording in the Register. Any such assignment shall be ratable as between the
Facilities unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent. Upon such
execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date
determined pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, (x) the Assignee
thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent provided in such
Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder
with a Commitment and/or Loans as set forth therein, and (y) the Assignor
thereunder shall, to the extent provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, be
released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an
Assignment and Acceptance covering all of an Assignor's rights and obligations
under this Agreement, such assigning Lender shall cease to be a party hereto).
Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 10.6, the consent of the Borrower
shall not be required, and, unless requested by the Assignee and/or the
Assignor, new Notes shall not be required to be executed and delivered by the
Borrower, for any assignment which occurs at any time when any Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing.

            (d) The Administrative Agent shall maintain at its address referred
to in Section 10.2 a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and
a register (the "Register") for the recordation of the names and addresses of
the Lenders and the Commitments of, and the principal amount of the Loans owing
to, each Lender from time to time. The entries in the Register shall be
conclusive, in the absence of manifest error, and the Borrower, each other Loan
Party, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose
name is recorded in the Register as the owner of the Loan recorded therein for
all purposes of this Agreement..

            (e) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an
Assignor and an Assignee (and, in the case of an Assignee that is not then a
Lender or an affiliate thereof, by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent)
together with payment to the Administrative Agent of a registration and
processing fee of $3,000, the Administrative Agent shall (i) promptly accept
such Assignment and Acceptance and (ii) record the information contained therein
in the Register on the effective date determined pursuant thereto.

            (f) (i) The Loans made by each Lender shall be evidenced by a Note
issued by the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit G, payable to the
order of such Lender (or, if required by such Lender, payable to such Lender or
its registered assigns (an "Alternative Note")). Each Lender is hereby
authorized to record, on the schedule annexed to and constituting a part of the
relevant Note, information regarding the relevant Loans made by such Lender, and
any such recordation shall constitute prima facie evidence of the accuracy of
the information so recorded, provided that the failure to make any such
recordation or any error in such recordation shall not affect the Borrower's
obligations hereunder or under any Note. On or prior to the effective date of an
Assignment and Acceptance, the Borrower, at its own expense, shall execute and
deliver to the Administrative Agent, in exchange for the relevant Notes, new
Notes to the order of the Assignee and, if applicable, the Assignor. Such new
Notes shall be dated the Closing Date and shall otherwise be in the form of the
Notes replaced thereby.

            (ii) Any Non-U.S. Lender that could become completely exempt from
withholding of any tax, assessment or other charge or levy imposed by or on
behalf of the United States or any taxing authority thereof ("U.S. Taxes") in
respect of payment of any Obligations due to such Non-U.S. Lender under this
Agreement if the Obligations were in registered form for U.S. federal income tax
purposes may request the Borrower (through the Administrative Agent), and the
Borrower agrees thereupon, to exchange any promissory note(s) evidencing such
Obligations for an Alternative Note. Alternative Notes may not be exchanged for
promissory notes that are not Alternative Notes. Each Non-U.S. Lender that holds
Alternative Note(s) (an "Alternative Noteholder") (or, if such Alternative
Noteholder is not the beneficial owner thereof, such beneficial owner) shall
deliver to the Borrower prior to or at the time such Non-U.S. Lender becomes an
Alternative Noteholder each of the forms and certifications required by Section
2.10(b). An Alternative Note and the Obligation(s) evidenced thereby may be
assigned or otherwise transferred in whole or in part only by registration of
such assignment or transfer of such Alternative Note and the Obligation(s)
evidenced thereby on the Register (and each Alternative Note shall expressly so
provide). Any assignment or transfer of all or part of such Obligation(s) and
the Alternative Note(s) evidencing the same shall be registered on the Register
only upon surrender for registration of assignment or transfer of the
Alternative Note(s) evidencing such Obligation(s), duly endorsed by
<PAGE>

(or accompanied by a written instrument of assignment or transfer duly executed
by) the Alternative Noteholder thereof, and thereupon one or more new
Alternative Note(s) in the same aggregate principal amount shall be issued to
the designated Assignee(s). No assignment of an Alternative Note and the
Obligations evidenced thereby shall be effective unless it has been recorded in
the Register.

            (g) For avoidance of doubt, the parties to this Agreement
acknowledge that the provisions of this Section 10.6 concerning assignments of
Loans and Notes relate only to absolute assignments and that such provisions do
not prohibit assignments creating security interests, including, without
limitation, any pledge or assignment by a Lender of any Loan or Note to any
Federal Reserve Bank in accordance with applicable law.

            10.7 Adjustments; Set-off. (a) Except to the extent that this
Agreement provides for payments to be allocated to the Lenders under a
particular Facility, if any Lender (a "Benefitted Lender") shall at any time
receive any payment of all or part of its Loans owing to it, or interest
thereon, or receive any collateral in respect thereof (whether voluntarily or
involuntarily, by set-off, pursuant to events or proceedings of the nature
referred to in Section 7(e), or otherwise), in a greater proportion than any
such payment to or collateral received by any other Lender, if any, in respect
of such other Lender's Loans owing to such other Lender, or interest thereon,
such Benefitted Lender shall purchase for cash from the other Lenders a
participating interest in such portion of each such other Lender's Loan owing to
each such other Lender, or shall provide such other Lenders with the benefits of
any such collateral, or the proceeds thereof, as shall be necessary to cause
such Benefitted Lender to share the excess payment or benefits of such
collateral or proceeds ratably with each of the Lenders; provided, however, that
if all or any portion of such excess payment or benefits is thereafter recovered
from such Benefitted Lender, such purchase shall be rescinded, and the purchase
price and benefits returned, to the extent of such recovery, but without
interest.

            (b) In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided
by law, each Lender shall have the right, without prior notice to Holdings or
the Borrower, any such notice being expressly waived by Holdings and the
Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law, upon any amount becoming due
and payable by Holdings or the Borrower hereunder (whether at the stated
maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) to set off and appropriate and apply
against such amount any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand,
provisional or final), in any currency, and any other credits, indebtedness or
claims, in any currency, in each case whether direct or indirect, absolute or
contingent, matured or unmatured, at any time held or owing by such Lender or
any branch or agency thereof to or for the credit or the account of Holdings or
the Borrower. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify Holdings, the Borrower and
the Administrative Agent after any such setoff and application made by such
Lender, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the
validity of such setoff and application.

            10.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by one or more of
the parties to this Agreement on any number of separate counterparts (including
by telescope), and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to
constitute one and the same instrument. A set of the copies of this Agreement
signed by all the parties shall be lodged with the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent.

            10.9 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement which is
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

            10.10 Integration. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents
represent the agreement of Holdings, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and
the Lenders with respect to the subject matter hereof, and there are no
promises, undertakings, representations or warranties by the Administrative
Agent or any Lender relative to subject matter hereof not expressly set forth or
referred to herein or in the other Loan Documents.

            10.11 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
OF THE PARTIES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND
INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
<PAGE>

            10.12 Submission To Jurisdiction; Waivers. Each of Holdings and the
Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

            (a) submits for itself and its Property in any legal action or
      proceeding relating to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to
      which it is a party, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in
      respect thereof, to the non-exclusive general jurisdiction of the Courts
      of the State of New York, the courts of the United States of America for
      the Southern District of New York, and appellate courts from any thereof;

            (b) consents that any such action or proceeding may be brought in
      such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to
      the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such
      action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not
      to plead or claim the same;

            (c) agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding
      may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail
      (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to Holdings
      or the Borrower, as the case may be at its address set forth in Section
      10.2 or at such other address of which the Administrative Agent shall have
      been notified pursuant thereto;

            (d) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect
      service of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the
      right to sue in any other jurisdiction; and

            (e) waives, to the maximum extent not prohibited by law, any right
      it may have to claim or recover in any legal action or proceeding referred
      to in this Section 10.12 any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential
      damages.

            10.13 Acknowledgments. Each of Holdings and the Borrower hereby
acknowledges that:

            (a) it has been advised by counsel in the negotiation, execution and
      delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

            (b) neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender has any
      fiduciary relationship with or duty to Holdings or the Borrower arising
      out of or in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Loan
      Documents, and the relationship between Administrative Agent and Lenders,
      on one hand, and Holdings and the Borrower, on the other hand, in
      connection herewith or therewith is solely that of debtor and creditor;
      and

            (c) no joint venture is created hereby or by the other Loan
      Documents or otherwise exists by virtue of the transactions contemplated
      hereby among the Lenders or among Holdings, the Borrower and the Lenders.

            10.14 WAIVERS OF JURY TRIAL. HOLDINGS, THE BORROWER, THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE LENDERS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY
WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT
OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.
<PAGE>

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

                               CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC.


                               By:
                                   ---------------------------------
                                   Name:
                                   Title:


                               KOLAR, INC.

                               By:
                                   ---------------------------------
                                   Name:
                                   Title:


                               The CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as Administrative Agent
                               and as a Lender

                               By:
                                   --------------------------------- 
                                   Name:
                                   Title:
<PAGE>

                                                                         Annex A

                    PRICING GRID FOR THE TRANCHE A TERM LOANS

================================================================================
  Consolidated Tangible       Consolidated Leverage Ratio     Applicable Margin
        Net Worth
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  less than or equal to          greater than 1.0 to 1.0             1.50%
        $7,500,000                                                   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 greater than $7,500,000      less than or equal to 1.0 to           1.25%
and less than or equal to     1.0 and greater than 0.6 to
       $12,000,000                        1.0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 greater than $12,000,000     less than or equal to 0.6 to           0%
                                          1.0                        
================================================================================

Changes in the Applicable Margin resulting from changes in Consolidated Tangible
Net Worth and the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall become effective on the date
(the "Adjustment Date") that is five Business Days after the date which audited
annual financial statements (together with the requisite Compliance Certificate)
are delivered to the Lenders pursuant to Section 5.1 (but in any event not later
than the 90th day after the end of each fiscal year) and shall remain in effect
until the next change to be effected pursuant to this paragraph. If any
financial statements referred to above are not delivered within the time period
specified above, then, until such financial statements are delivered,
Consolidated Tangible Net Worth and the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as at the
end of the fiscal year that would have been covered thereby shall for the
purposes of this paragraph be deemed to be less than $7,500,000 and greater than
1.0 to 1.0, respectively. In addition, at all times while a Default or an Event
of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Consolidated Tangible Net
Worth and the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall for the purposes of this
paragraph be deemed to be less than $7,500,000 and greater than 1.0 to 1.0,
respectively. If on any Adjustment Date Consolidated Tangible Net Worth and the
Consolidated Leverage Ratio would result in different Applicable Margins, the
higher Applicable Margin shall govern.
<PAGE>

                                                                  EXECUTION COPY



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

                                   $10,375,000

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                      among

                            CPI AEROSTRUCTURES, INC.

                                  KOLAR, INC.,
                                  as Borrower,

                               The Several Lenders
                        from Time to Time Parties Hereto,
                                       and
                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                             as Administrative Agent


                           Dated as of October 9, 1997

================================================================================
<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.......................................................33
      1.1  Defined Terms.....................................................33
      1.2  Other Definitional Provisions.....................................45

SECTION 2. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF COMMITMENTS...................................45
      2.1  Commitments.......................................................45
      2.2  Procedure for Borrowing...........................................46
      2.3  Repayment of Loans................................................46
      2.4  Fees.   ..........................................................46
      2.5  Optional Prepayments..............................................46
      2.6  Mandatory Prepayments.............................................46
      2.7  Interest Rates and Payment Dates..................................47
      2.8  Computation of Interest and Fees..................................47
      2.9  Pro Rata Treatment and Payments...................................47
      2.10 Taxes  ...........................................................48

SECTION 3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES....................................49
      3.1  Financial Condition...............................................49
      3.2  No Change.........................................................49
      3.3  Corporate Existence; Compliance with Law..........................49
      3.4  Corporate Power; Authorization; Enforceable Obligations...........50
      3.5  No Legal Bar......................................................50
      3.6  No Material Litigation............................................50
      3.7  No Default........................................................50
      3.8  Ownership of Property; Liens......................................50
      3.9  Intellectual Property.............................................50
      3.10 Taxes  ...........................................................50
      3.11 Federal Regulations...............................................51
      3.12 Labor Matters.....................................................51
      3.13 ERISA  ...........................................................51
      3.14 Investment Company Act; Other Regulations.........................51
      3.15 Subsidiaries......................................................51
      3.16 Use of Proceeds...................................................51
      3.17 Environmental Matters.............................................51
      3.18 Accuracy of Information, etc......................................52
      3.19 Security Documents................................................53
      3.20 Solvency..........................................................53
      3.21 Senior Indebtedness...............................................53
      3.22 Regulation H......................................................53
                                                                    
SECTION 4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT..............................................53
                             ................................................53

SECTION 5. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.............................................57
      5.1  Financial Statements..............................................57
      5.2  Certificates; Other Information...................................58
      5.3  Payment of Obligations............................................59
      5.4  Conduct of Business and Maintenance of Existence, etc. ...........59
<PAGE>

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

      5.5  Maintenance of Property; Insurance................................59
      5.6  Inspection of Property; Books and Records; Discussions............60
      5.7  Notices ..........................................................60
      5.8  Environmental Laws................................................61
      5.9  Additional Collateral, etc........................................61
      5.10 Interest Rate Protection Agreement................................62
      5.11 LandLord Waiver and Consent.......................................62

SECTION 6.  NEGATIVE COVENANTS...............................................62
      6.1  Financial Condition Covenants.....................................62
      6.2  Limitation on Indebtedness........................................63
      6.3  Limitation on Liens...............................................64
      6.4  Limitation on Fundamental Changes.................................65
      6.5  Limitation on Sale of Assets......................................65
      6.6  Limitation on Dividends...........................................65
      6.7  Limitation on Capital Expenditures................................65
      6.8  Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances.....................65
      6.9  Limitation on Payments and Modifications with respect to Seller 
                 Note, Seller Security Documents, the Employment Agreement 
                 and Acquisition Agreement. .................................66
      6.10 Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates........................66
      6.11 Limitation on Sales and Leasebacks................................66
      6.12 Limitation on Changes in Fiscal Periods...........................66
      6.13 Limitation on Negative Pledge Clauses.............................66
      6.14 Limitation on Restrictions on Subsidiary Distributions............66
      6.15 Limitation on Lines of Business...................................66
      6.16 Limitation on Change in Accounting Treatment......................66
                                                                        
SECTION 7. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.................................................67

SECTION 8. THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT..........................................69
      8.1  Appointment.......................................................69
      8.2  Delegation of Duties..............................................69
      8.3  Exculpatory Provisions............................................69
      8.4  Reliance by Administrative Agent..................................70
      8.5  Notice of Default.................................................70
      8.6  Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders............70
      8.7  Indemnification...................................................71
      8.8  Administrative Agent in Its Individual Capacity...................71
      8.9  Successor Administrative Agent....................................71
      8.10 Authorization to Release Liens....................................71

SECTION 9. GUARANTEE.........................................................71
      9.1  Guarantee.........................................................71
      9.2  No Subrogation, Contribution, Reimbursement or Indemnity..........72
      9.3  Amendments, etc. with respect to the Obligations..................72
      9.4  Guarantee Absolute and Unconditional..............................73
      9.5  Reinstatement.....................................................73
      9.6  Payments..........................................................73

SECTION 10. MISCELLANEOUS....................................................73
      10.1 Amendments and Waivers............................................73
      10.2 Notices...........................................................74
<PAGE>

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

      10.3  No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies...................................75
      10.4  Survival of Representations and Warranties.......................75
      10.5  Payment of Expenses and Taxes....................................75
      10.6  Successors and Assigns; Participations and Assignments...........76
      10.7  Adjustments; Set-off.............................................77
      10.8  Counterparts.....................................................78
      10.9  Severability.....................................................78
      10.10  Integration.....................................................78
      10.11  GOVERNING LAW...................................................78
      10.12  Submission To Jurisdiction; Waivers.............................78
      10.13  Acknowledgments.................................................79
      10.14  WAIVERS OF JURY TRIAL...........................................79
<PAGE>

SCHEDULES:
- ----------

1.1A                     Commitments
1.1B                     Mortgaged Property
2.3(b)                   Tranche B Payments
3.15                     Subsidiaries
3.19(a)                  UCC Filing Jurisdictions
3.19(b)                  Mortgage Filing Jurisdictions
4(u)                     Leases
6.2(c)                   Existing Indebtedness
6.3(f)                   Existing Liens

EXHIBITS:
- ---------

A                        Form of Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
B                        Form of Compliance Certificate
C                        Form of Closing Certificate
D                        Form of Mortgage
E                        Form of Assignment and Acceptance
F                        Form of Legal Opinion of Snow Becker Krauss
G                        Form of Term Note



                                  EXHIBIT 10.22

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                               WITH DANIEL LIGUORI
<PAGE>

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

      THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of
this ________ of August 1997, by and between KOLAR, INC., a New York corporation
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation"), and DANIEL LIGUORI (hereinafter
referred to as the "Employee").

      WHEREAS, Employee will serve the Corporation as the President of Kolar,
Inc., a subsidiary of CPI Aerostructures, Inc.; and

      WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to initiate an agreement setting forth
the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Employee shall serve in such
capacity.

      NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties
hereto do hereby agree as follows:

1. Employment.

      The Corporation hereby employs Employee, and Employee hereby agrees to
continue to serve the Corporation as its employee, upon the terms and conditions
set forth herein.

2. Term.

      The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date of this Agreement
(the "Effective Date") and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, shall
continue until the third anniversary date of the Effective Date; provided,
however, that the term of this Agreement shall be continued and extended for an
additional three-year period upon the Employee's election to do so, subject to
earlier termination as provided herein.

3. Duties

      During the period of employment hereunder, Employee shall serve as
President of Kolar and shall be responsible for the management of the operations
of Kolar subject to the directions of the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
The Employee shall serve the Corporation faithfully, diligently, and to the best
of his ability. The Employee shall devote substantially all of the Employee's
time, energy and skill to the business of the Corporation. The Corporation may
also have the Employee perform services on behalf of any subsidiaries in a
manner to be mutually agreed upon with the Employee.

4. Compensation

      4.1 The Corporation will pay the Employee an annual base salary during the
term hereof of $150,000 commencing on the Effective Date.

      4.2 Compensation payable to the Employee pursuant to this paragraph 4
shall be paid on a weekly basis and the Corporation shall withhold the amounts
as required by the appropriate federal, state and local tax laws. If this
Agreement is terminated other than for Cause, the remainder of all compensation
payable to Employee pursuant to this Agreement shall be due and payable.

      4.3 Compensation payable to the Employee pursuant to this paragraph 4
shall terminate immediately if this Agreement is terminated for Cause, as set
forth in paragraph 8 herein.

5. Expenses

      5.1 The Employee is authorized to incur ordinary and reasonable expenses
in connection with the performance of his duties hereunder. The Corporation
shall directly reimburse Employee for all expenses incurred
<PAGE>

by the Employee in the performance of his duties hereunder. The Employee shall
submit an itemized account of such expenditures, together with such invoices,
vouchers, memoranda and such additional documents and information as may be
required by the Corporation to support the deduction of the expenses for federal
and state income tax purposes.

      5.2 The Corporation shall pay automobile expenses for the Employee during
the term of this Agreement, to be used in connection with the business of the
Corporation. To the extent such automobile is used by the Employee for personal
transportation, such personal usage shall be deemed to be additional
compensation paid by the Corporation to the Employee and is therefore subject to
state and federal tax as additional income.

6. Vacation and Fringe Benefits

      6.1 Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the Employee from receiving or
participating in, subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, all paid
vacation and fringe benefits such as medical, disability, hospital and health
insurance plans, and profit sharing, pension and stock option plans, life
insurance and other plans, if any, which the Corporation may generally make
available to its employees.

      6.2 In the event of termination of employment of the Employee, for a
reason other than for Cause or death, the Employee shall be entitled to purchase
from the Corporation any policies of life insurance on the Employee's life for a
purchase price equal to the interpolated terminal reserve value as determined by
the issuer of such policy or policies. The Corporation shall transfer to the
Employee any disability policy or policies held by the Corporation on the
Employee. In addition, the Corporation shall continue to maintain hospital and
health insurance for the Employee.

7. Death or Disability

      7.1 In the event of the permanent disability of the Employee, as
hereinafter defined, the Corporation shall have the right thereafter to
terminate the Employee's employment under this Agreement by sending written
notice of such termination to the Employee, and thereupon his employment
hereunder shall terminate. In the event of such termination, the Employee shall
be compensated as set forth in paragraph 4.1 hereof through the date of such
termination or the date which is six (6) months from the date the disability
first occurred, whichever is later. In addition, the Corporation shall transfer
to the Employee any disability policy or policies held by the Corporation or the
Employee.

      For the purposes of this Agreement, "permanent disability" shall be
limited to a medical disability and shall mean: that the Employee shall have had
appointed a guardian or conservator to act for him and such appointment shall
have been made by a court of competent jurisdiction; or a physical or mental
disability resulting from injury, disease or other cause, which renders the
Employee incapable of performing his duties hereunder and which appears to be
permanent in nature and contemplates the continued, necessary and substantial
loss of the Employee's ability to fulfill his obligations to the Corporation.
The permanency of the disability shall be presumed if the Employee is unable to
assume his duties for the Corporation for a continuous period of six (6) months.
If a disagreement arises as to whether a condition of disability exists, the
Employee shall submit to a physical examination by a physician of his own choice
and by a physician of the Corporation's choice. If either physician so chosen
does not agree as to the determination of disability, the two physicians shall
mutually select a third qualified physician, whose determination shall be
conclusive upon all parties. Each party shall bear the expense of the physician
selected by such party and the expense of the third physician shall be borne
equally by the Employee and the Corporation. The Employee hereby consents to the
examination provided for herein, and waives, if applicable, any privilege which
exists between any physician and the Employee as a result of such termination.

8. Termination

      8.1 In addition to, and not in lieu of, the termination provisions set
forth in paragraph 7 hereof, the Corporation shall have the right to terminate
for Cause the employment of the Employee hereunder at any time effective
immediately upon delivery of written notice to the Employee setting forth the
reason or reasons for such
<PAGE>

termination. For the purposes of this paragraph 8, the term "termination for
Cause" shall mean that the Employee is guilty of (i) reckless disregard to
perform his duties as set forth in paragraph 3 herein, (ii) willful misfeasance,
or (iii) a conviction of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude.

      8.2 In the event that the employment of the Employee is terminated for
Cause by the Corporation pursuant to this paragraph 8, the Employee shall not be
entitled to receive the compensation provided in paragraph 4 hereof after the
date of such termination.

9. Restrictive Covenant

      9.1 The Employee hereby agrees that during the term of this Agreement, the
Employee will not, directly or indirectly, become an owner, officer, director,
stockholder, partner, employee, independent contractor, consultant to, investor
in or have any other interest in any other business occupation, enterprise,
trade or activity involved in the same or similar scope of business as that of
the Corporation other than the Corporation (except as set forth below) or that
competes or attempts to compete with the Corporation, (collectively referred to
as a "Competitor"), unless such opportunity has first been presented in writing
to the Corporation and the Corporation has, in writing, declined to participate
in such activity or investment and has approved in writing, the Employee's
participation therein as not interfering with the Employee's duties hereunder
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Nothing herein contained
shall be construed as preventing the Employee from purchasing securities in any
entity, if such purchases shall not result in his owning beneficially 5% or more
of the equity securities of such company, provided such investment is not made
in a company directly or indirectly in competition with the Corporation or any
subsidiary.

      9.2 Upon termination of the Employee's employment with the Corporation for
any reason, Employee shall not, within a period of five (5) years from the date
of such termination render services of any nature, directly or indirectly, to
any Competitor, with the business engaged in by the Corporation or any
subsidiary on the date of such termination if such Competitor is located within
a 500 mile radius of Ithaca, New York or if outside of such 500 mile radius
shall not do business with any customer of Kolar.

      9.3 Any and all trade secrets and confidential information relating to the
Corporation heretofore or hereafter received by the Employee shall be kept and
maintained by him on a strictly confidential basis and in complete secrecy, and
the Employee shall not disclose for a period of five (5) years from the date on
which disclosed to the Employee, either orally, in writing, or otherwise, in any
manner, directly or indirectly, any such trade secrets or confidential
information which the Employee has acquired, except to other employees of the
Corporation to the extent that any such employees require such secrets and
information in the performance of their duties to the Corporation.

      9.4 The Employee shall not induce or encourage, or assist or participate
in any way in inducing or encouraging, any employee, officer, director or
independent contractor to resign from, terminate or cease any position,
agreement, employment or relationship with the Corporation and shall not in any
way interfere with or induce or encourage any breach of any such agreement,
employment or relationship. During the period of one (1) year after any
termination of Employee's employment by the Corporation, the Employee shall not
hire, retain or employ any person who is or has been an employee, officer or
independent contractor of the Corporation.

      9.5 During the period of the Employee's employment or retention by the
Corporation, and for a period of five (5) years after any termination of such
retention or employment, the Employee shall not, in connection with any
Competitor solicit, do business with or provide goods or services to any entity
that, before such termination, was a customer or client of the Corporation or a
party to any agreement with the Corporation or that received goods, services or
information from the Corporation. The Employee shall not interfere with or
intervene in any transaction or relationship between the Corporation and any
such entity. The Employee shall not induce, encourage or recommend, directly or
indirectly, that any such entity engage in any business or transaction with any
third party in connection with any business, commercial activity or field
engaged in by the Corporation prior to such termination. The Employee shall not
knowingly or intentionally damage or destroy the reputation or goodwill of the
Corporation
<PAGE>

or any regard for the Corporation among its suppliers, employees, independent
contractors, customers or others that have acquired goods or services from the
Corporation or that have engaged in any transaction with the Corporation.

      9.6 Except as permitted in Sections 9.1 and 9.2 hereof, the Employee
represents to the Corporation that he does not intend to engage in, to have any
interest in or to be connected with, and will not engage in or have any interest
in or be connected with, during the period of his employment or retention by the
Corporation and for five (5) years after any termination of such retention or
employment, directly or indirectly, any Competitor of the Corporation. The
Employee acknowledges that the Corporation will retain or employ the Employee in
reliance on the foregoing representations, as set forth in Sections 9.1, 9.2,
9.3, 9.4 and 9.5 here and the provisions of this Agreement and that such
representations and provisions are material and essential inducements to the
Corporation to retain or employ the Employee. The Employee acknowledges that he
has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions under this
Section 9 and the rights and remedies of the Corporation under this Agreement.
The Employee acknowledges and agrees that such restrictions, rights and remedies
are reasonable in duration and territory, are designed to eliminate competition
that would be unfair to the Corporation do not stifle the Employee's skill and
experience, would not operate as a bar to the Employee disproportionate to the
detriment to the Employee. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that the
relevant areas and markets in which the Corporation and any affiliates will
conduct business and will compete include the area of Employee's
non-competition. The Employee acknowledges that markets, business and
competition relating to the activities of the Corporation in connection with
which the employee is employed or retained is located within a 500 mile radius
of Ithaca, New York. Employee acknowledges and agrees that the geographic region
of non-competition is reasonable and appropriate for the purposes of the parties
to this Agreement.

      9.7 The provisions of this Section 9 shall not be held invalid or
unenforceable because of the scope of the territory or actions subject hereto or
restricted hereby, or the period of time within which such provisions are
effective, but the maximum territory, the action subject to such provisions and
the period of time during which such provisions are enforceable and effective
shall be subject to determination and limitation in accordance with Section 11.4
of this Agreement.

      9.8 The provisions of this paragraph 9 shall survive the termination or
expiration of this Agreement irrespective of the reason therefor.

10. Remedies

      In the event the Employee violates any of the provisions of paragraph 9
hereof, the Corporation shall sustain irreparable harm and, therefore, in
addition to any other remedies which the Corporation may have under this
Agreement or otherwise, the Corporation shall be entitled to institute and
prosecute proceedings, at law or in equity, in any court of common jurisdiction,
to obtain an injunction restraining Employee from committing or continuing any
such violation. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as prohibiting the
Corporation from pursuing any other remedy or remedies, including, without
limitation, recovery of damages.

11. Miscellaneous Provisions

      11.1 Any notice to be given hereunder by the Corporation or the Employee
shall be given in writing and delivered in person or forwarded by certified
mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the address indicated below,
unless the party given any such notice has been notified in writing, or a change
of such address:

To the Corporation:                       CPI Aerostructures, Inc.
                                          200A Executive Drive
                                          Edgewood, New York  11717
                                          Attention: Arthur August
<PAGE>

To the Employee:                          Daniel Liguori
                                          101 Maplewood Road
                                          Ithaca, NY  14850

Any such notice shall be deemed effective seventy-two (72) hours after posting,
if mailed, or upon date of delivery to a responsible person at the party's place
of business or residence.

      11.2 This Agreement contains the complete understanding and agreement of
the parties hereto with respect to all matters referred to herein, and all prior
representations, negotiations and understandings are superseded hereby and
merged into this Agreement. No party shall be liable or bound to any other
person hereto in any manner by an agreement, warranty, representation or
guarantee, except as specifically set forth herein.

      11.3 In the event either party hereto finds it necessary to employ legal
counsel to bring an action at law or other proceedings against the other party
to enforce any of the terms, covenants or conditions hereof, the party
prevailing in any such action or other proceeding shall be paid all reasonable
attorneys' fees by the other party, all such attorneys' fees, as determined by
the Court and not by jury, shall be included in any such judgment.

      11.4 Should any part of this Agreement, for any reason whatsoever, be
declared invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced in whole or in part,
such decision shall not affect the validity of any remaining portion, which
remaining portion shall remain in full force and effect as if this Agreement had
been executed with the invalid portion thereof eliminated, and it is hereby
declared the intention of the parties hereto that they would have executed the
remaining portion of this Agreement without including therein any portion which
may for any reason be declared invalid.

      11.5 Subject to the rights of the Employee pursuant to paragraph 9 hereof,
this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor
of the Corporation, and any successor shall be deemed as substituted for the
Corporation under the terms hereof. As used in this Agreement, the term
"successor" shall include any person, firm, corporation, or other business
entity which at any time, whether by merger, purchase, or otherwise acquires all
or substantially all of the assets of the business of the Corporation.

      11.6 This Agreement and the rights of the parties hereto shall be governed
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

      11.7 The paragraph headings of this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and shall not expand, limit or define the text thereof. Reference
to a paragraph number shall include all of its subparagraphs.
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment
Agreement on the date first herein above written.


"EMPLOYEE"                         "CORPORATION"

                                   KOLAR, INC.
                                   a New York corporation


                                   By
- ----------------------------------    -------------------------
DANIEL LIGUORI                     Name:  Arthur August
                                   Title: Chairman of the Board



                                  EXHIBIT 10.23

                           PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
                               KOLAR AND UNIVERSAL
<PAGE>

INTRODUCTION (THE PARTIES)

      This Agreement, effective as of November 10, 1997, by and between KOLAR
      INC., a company of the state of Delaware, having a principal place of
      business at 407 Cliff Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 (hereinafter referred to as
      ("KOLAR") and UNIVERSAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION (hereinafter referred to
      as UNIVERSAL), a Corporation of the State of Delaware, having a principal
      place of business at 90 Bevier Street, Binghamton, New York, 13904.

                                    RECITALS

      UNIVERSAL may purchase from KOLAR and KOLAR is willing to sell to
      UNIVERSAL, Product for integration and installation by UNIVERSAL with
      UNIVERSAL'S equipment upon the terms and conditions that are hereinafter
      set forth.

      THEREFORE, KOLAR AND UNIVERSAL AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

                                   DEFINITIONS

      For the purposes of this Agreement, and solely for that purpose, the terms
      set forth herein will be defined as follows:

      A.    The "PA" is a document which identifies agreed to pricing of
            Products to be provided by KOLAR to UNIVERSAL.

      B.    "Product" will mean those components and assemblies referenced by
            part number and revision in the PA's identified in Exhibit A. PA's
            referenced in Exhibit A may only be modified upon the mutual consent
            of both parties.

      C.    "Replacement Parts" will mean all the individual parts, components
            or assemblies used to maintain or repair UNIVERSAL machines.

1. SALES, PRICING AND PAYMENT

      A.    KOLAR agrees to sell to UNIVERSAL Products in accordance with this
            AGREEMENT.

      B.    UNIVERSAL may offer to purchase additional Products from KOLAR. The
            terms of this agreement apply to any additions mutually agreed by
            KOLAR and UNIVERSAL. Such additions shall be added to a PA
            identified in Exhibit A.

      C.    Exhibit B defines the method for establishing price and agreed to
            cost reduction expectations.

      D.    If KOLAR offers Products to a third party at a price less than that
            charged UNIVERSAL or a first tier source of UNIVERSAL, such lower
            prices will be made available to UNIVERSAL and

<PAGE>

            made available to first tier sources of UNIVERSAL. Such lower prices
            will be made available within thirty (30) calendar days of their
            offer to a third party.

      E.    Payment to KOLAR for Products purchased by UNIVERSAL will be made in
            US dollars, net 30 days after receipt of Product by UNIVERSAL.

2. SPECIFICATIONS AND DESIGN

      No modifications to the specification or design of a Product listed on a
      PA identified in Exhibit A will be made without UNIVERSAL'S prior written
      consent. UNIVERSAL agrees to accommodate the change within twelve months
      of notification.

3. TOOLING

      A.    All molds, jigs, fixtures, dies and patterns (hereinunder "Tooling")
            paid for by UNIVERSAL will become the property of UNIVERSAL. Tooling
            paid for or provided by UNIVERSAL under this Agreement will be
            marked "Property of Universal Instruments Corporation" with the
            appropriate tool number assigned and will be consigned to KOLAR.
            UNIVERSAL has the right at any time to remove any or all UNIVERSAL
            owned Tooling at no charge to UNIVERSAL. KOLAR will modify UNIVERSAL
            owned Tooling, as directed by UNIVERSAL, maintain and provide all
            necessary repairs, at UNIVERSAL'S expense for the Tooling herein.
            KOLAR will be responsible for any damage not attributable to normal
            wear and tear of Tooling. UNIVERSAL makes no warranties of any kind
            as to the suitability of the Tooling provided and KOLAR assumes full
            responsibility to qualify any or all Tooling in accordance with
            UNIVERSAL approved process. KOLAR assumes all risks and liabilities
            for property damage or personal injury that may arise from the
            installation, modification, operation and removal of Tooling.

      B.    Tooling paid for by KOLAR will become the property of KOLAR.

      C.    KOLAR will restrict the use of Tooling developed and manufactured on
            behalf of UNIVERSAL to process UNIVERSAL Product.

      D.    The provisions of this Particle 3 shall survive termination of this
            Agreement.

4. PURCHASE COMMITMENT

      A.    UNIVERSAL'S obligation to purchase is limited to those commitments
            established by UNIVERSAL'S Kanban, Linestocking, Vendor Schedule,
            Purchase Order and agreed to exception as set forth in Exhibit C.

      B.    If the KANBAN delivery mechanism is used, UNIVERSAL shall only be
            held liable for the cost of one Kanban release quantity or the
            equivalent of four weeks demand, whichever the lesser. Release
            quantity or demand will be defined by the Kanban lot sizing software
            provided by UNIVERSAL. Reimbursement will only be made for material
            that is unique to UNIVERSAL and has been obsoleted by engineering
            change or has not been requested by UNIVERSAL for a period in excess
            of one year.
<PAGE>

      C.    If the LINE STOCKING delivery mechanism is used UNIVERSAL shall only
            be held liable for the cost of a quantity equal to the average
            weekly quantity delivered over the four week period prior to a
            schedule change. Reimbursement will only be made for material that
            is unique to UNIVERSAL and has been obsoleted by engineering change
            or has not been requested by UNIVERSAL for a period in excess of one
            year.

      D.    If a VENDOR SCHEDULE delivery mechanism is used UNIVERSAL shall only
            be held liable for the cost of four weeks worth of unconsumed
            requirements. KOLAR will be responsible for providing documentation
            to substantiate a claim. Reimbursement will only be made for
            material that is unique to UNIVERSAL and has been obsoleted by
            engineering change or has not been requested by UNIVERSAL for a
            period in excess of one year.

5. SHIPPING

      A.    KOLAR will package the Products for shipment to avoid damage during
            normal handling and in accordance with UNIVERSAL'S packaging
            specification 43233602.

      B.    All goods must be prepared for shipment at KOLAR'S expense in
            conformance with the Carriers' tariffs to insure safe delivery at
            the lowest cost. Containers and closures must meet the requirements
            of the National Motor Freight Classification, Uniform Freight
            Classification Rules and Regulations and tariffs of other common
            Carriers applicable to the mode of transportation. KOLAR will mark
            containers, packages, etc. with necessary lifting, loading and
            shipping information, KOLAR should release shipment to the Carrier
            with no valuations. If KOLAR prepays the transportation charges,
            such charges must be supported by a copy of the Carrier's bill or
            other evidence satisfactory to UNIVERSAL. Failure to submit such
            proof at the time UNIVERSAL is billed or within 30 days after such
            evidence is requested by UNIVERSAL will constitute a waiver by KOLAR
            of such charges. Excess shipping costs due to KOLAR'S delinquency or
            failure to follow standard routing instructions without an
            authorized deviation from UNIVERSAL will be KOLAR'S responsibility.

      C.    Releases/packing slips must reference UNIVERSAL'S part number, PA
            number, quantity and warehouse location.

      D.    Products will be shipped F.O.B. shipping point to UNIVERSAL'S
            designated locations.

6. QUALITY

      KOLAR will be responsible for Product quality and where applicable
      compliance with UNIVERSAL'S specifications and standards. UNIVERSAL may
      reject any or all Product which contains defective material, workmanship,
      or does not conform to UNIVERSAL'S specifications and standards. Rejected
      material may be returned at KOLAR'S invoice price, plus additional
      handling cost incurred by UNIVERSAL. Payment by UNIVERSAL will not
      constitute acceptance.

7. WARRANTY AND REWORK
<PAGE>

      A.    KOLAR expressly warrants all Product against defects resulting from
            the design, workmanship, materials and/or manufacture of the Product
            and will conform to specifications and standards for a period of two
            years from the date of acceptance. Notice of all claims by UNIVERSAL
            under this warranty will be given to KOLAR within two years of
            delivery. Said Product must be operated within the limits of the
            performance specifications. Provided that UNIVERSAL notifies KOLAR
            as provided for above with respect to any defect, KOLAR will at
            KOLAR'S expense and at KOLAR'S option, promptly replace or accept
            the return of (and credit UNIVERSAL for) any defective Product. All
            costs of shipment to and from KOLAR will be the responsibility of
            KOLAR.

            THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER STATUTORY,
            EXPRESSED, OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR
            USE AND MERCHANTABILITY EXCEPT AS TO TITLE.

      B.    If received Product is found to be defective, and UNIVERSAL has the
            capability to repair and time does not permit normal replacement
            processing, KOLAR agrees to reimburse UNIVERSAL for the cost of that
            repair. UNIVERSAL will notify KOLAR of the anticipated cost and
            approval before starting repair.

8. SALE OF PRODUCT OR EQUIPMENT TO OTHERS

      KOLAR agrees to sell Products made to UNIVERSAL'S drawing and/or
      specification only to UNIVERSAL or UNIVERSAL designated third parties. It
      is the responsibility of KOLAR to ensure that the Product ordered is for
      direct sale to UNIVERSAL, or UNIVERSAL designated third parties, and not
      to others. In the event that the Product ordered from KOLAR is from a
      designated that request will be referred to UNIVERSAL'S Worldwide Parts
      Service and Distribution for quotation and availability.

9. DISCONTINUANCE/ALLOCATION OF PRODUCT

      KOLAR agrees to notify UNIVERSAL, in writing within 48 hours, after a
      decision that a Product listed on a PA is being discontinued or going on
      allocation. An appropriate product support plan will be developed jointly
      with UNIVERSAL prior to the actual discontinuance or allocation. If
      required by UNIVERSAL, KOLAR agrees to service and support form, fit and
      function-compatible engineered replacements to UNIVERSAL for seven years
      after the announcement to discontinue a Product.

10. PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS

      A.    Except with respect to Products manufactured to UNIVERSAL
            specifications, KOLAR agrees to indemnify and hold UNIVERSAL and
            their end users harmless against all claims that the Products
            produced by KOLAR and any related documentation infringe any patent,
            copyright, trade secrets or other intellectual property rights of
            third parties.
<PAGE>

            KOLAR hereby represents to UNIVERSAL that it is has no knowledge of
            any such claim of infringement. Each party hereby agrees to give the
            other party prompt written notice of any claim of infringement of
            which it hereafter becomes aware. KOLAR will assume the defense of
            any suit, action, proceeding or objection based on any such claim of
            infringement brought against UNIVERSAL and/or end user(s) relating
            to the Products and/or any related documentation by reputable
            counsel retained at the expense of KOLAR and will pay any damages
            assessed against or otherwise payable by UNIVERSAL and/or end user
            in any such suit as a result of the final disposition of any such
            claim, suit, action, proceeding or objection. UNIVERSAL will give
            KOLAR the cooperation it requires, at KOLAR'S sole cost for all
            expenses incurred by UNIVERSAL except for salaries of the employees
            of UNIVERSAL and fees and expenses of any counsel retained by
            UNIVERSAL in the defense of any such claim, suit, action, proceeding
            or objection. Notwithstanding the forgoing, UNIVERSAL may be
            represented in any such suit by its Counsel at its own cost and
            expense.

      B.    In the event of any claim that the use or sale of the Products or
            any part thereof or any related documentation furnished by KOLAR is
            alleged to infringe on any third party patent, copyright or other
            intellectual property right, KOLAR, at its sole cost and expense,
            will promptly and expeditiously take one of the following action:
            (a) procure for UNIVERSAL the right to continue the use and sale of
            the Products, part and/or documentation; (b) modify the infringing
            portions of the Products, part and/or documentation so they become
            non- infringing or (c) replace the Product with non-infringing
            product with the same form, fit and function.

      C.    The provisions of this Article 10 shall survive any termination of
            this Agreement.

11. TERM AND TERMINATION

      A.    Unless earlier terminated pursuant to the other provisions of this
            Article 11, this Agreement will be deemed effective as of the date
            written above and will continue in full force and effect for a
            period of four years.

      B.    Except as expressly provided herein, the expiration or termination
            of this Agreement will not affect or impair the rights, liabilities,
            and obligations of either party to the other as provided pursuant to
            this Agreement or under any purchase order for Products existing
            prior to such expiration or termination, nor will such expiration or
            termination relieve either party of any obligation or liability
            accrued under this Agreement or pursuant to any purchase order prior
            to such expiration or termination, nor effect or impair the rights
            of either party arising under this Agreement prior to such
            expiration or termination.

      C.    In the event that there is a material breach by UNIVERSAL of any of
            the terms or conditions of this Agreement and if UNIVERSAL fails to
            cure such breach within 30 days after written notice from KOLAR
            describing the breach and requesting its cure, then KOLAR may
            terminate this Agreement effective at the end of said 30 days;
<PAGE>

12. SEVERABILITY

      In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement will
      for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any
      respect, except in those instances where removal or elimination of such
      invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision or provisions would result in
      a failure of consideration under this Agreement, such invalidity,
      illegality, or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
      hereof, and this Agreement will be construed as if such invalid, illegal,
      or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

13. FORCE MAJEURE

      Neither party shall be responsible for delays in performance due to causes
      beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of God, war (whether
      declared or undeclared), fire or strikes.

14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

      This Agreement and the Exhibits attached hereto shall constitute the
      entire agreement between UNIVERSAL and KOLAR with respect to the
      transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes all prior agreements and
      understandings between the parties relating to such transactions. No
      amendment to or modification of this Agreement will be binding unless in
      writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of both parties and
      attached hereto as Exhibit D. No provision contained on the reverse side
      of any KOLAR Quotation, acceptance, invoice or any other KOLAR
      acknowledgment form will be effective.

15. ASSIGNABILITY

      This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the prior
      consent of the other party however, either party may assign this Agreement
      to any entity which acquires substantially all of the assets or business
      of the Assignor, without such consent.

16. RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES

      Both parties are independent contractors under this Agreement. Nothing
      contained in this Agreement is intended or is to be construed to
      constitute UNIVERSAL and KOLAR as partners, agents, or joint ventures with
      respect to this Agreement. Neither party hereto shall have an express or
      implied right or authority to assume or create any obligations on behalf
      or in the name of the other party or to bind the other party to any
      contract, agreement, or undertaking with any third party.

17. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

      KOLAR will comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules
      and regulations. KOLAR warrants that all goods and services supplied
      pursuant to this Agreement will have been produced in compliance with all
      applicable federal, state and local laws, orders, rules and regulations.
      KOLAR will indemnify UNIVERSAL and its customers for loss or damage
      sustained because of KOLAR'S noncompliance with any law, order, rule or
      regulation.

      KOLAR will furnish to UNIVERSAL any information required by UNIVERSAL and
      reasonably available to KOLAR during the term of the Agreement or any
      extensions hereof to enable UNIVERSAL to comply with the requirements of
      any federal, state and/or government agency.
<PAGE>

18. USE AND HANDLING OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

      A.    "Hazardous Materials" will mean any hazardous or toxic substance,
            material or waste (including constituents thereof) that is or
            becomes regulated by governmental authorities including any material
            or substance that is:

            i.    listed or defined as a "hazardous waste", "hazardous
                  substance" or "toxic substance" under the environmental laws;

            ii.   petroleum and its by-products;

            iii.  asbestos, radon gas, urea formaldehyde foam insulation;

            iv.   polychlorinated biphenyl; or

            v.    designated as a hazardous or toxic substance or waste or by
                  words similar in import by any local, state, or federal
                  environmental law or regulation.

      B.    Prior to commencing any activity and/or bringing any materials onto
            UNIVERSAL premises (owned or leased), KOLAR will:

            i.    Identify to the designated UNIVERSAL representative all
                  hazardous materials that KOLAR will use to perform the
                  services identified in the specification and indicate the
                  amount of such hazardous material that will be required to
                  perform the services on a weekly basis. All materials to be
                  used on UNIVERSAL premises must be reviewed and approved by
                  the designated UNIVERSAL representative.

            ii.   Clearly label all hazardous materials which UNIVERSAL permits
                  KOLAR to bring onto UNIVERSAL premises and inform all
                  employees of UNIVERSAL who have a need to know as to the
                  nature and potential hazards of such materials.

            iii.  Provide to the designated UNIVERSAL representative Material
                  Safety Data Sheets (OSHA form 20 or the equivalent) for all
                  hazardous materials identified above.

19. OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES

      The manufacturer/KOLAR of any material purchased under this Agreement is
      certifying by acceptance of this Agreement that either the material is not
      manufactured with any substance that harms public health and environment
      by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere or if the material was
      manufactured with ozone destroying substances, the manufacturer/KOLAR
      certifies that the material is labeled according to the Clean Air Act
      Amendments of 1990 public law 101-549 Section 611(d)(2) or any alternative
      labeling that the Environmental Protection Agency has determined
      acceptable.

20. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

      This order incorporated by reference: (a) all provisions of 41 C.F.R.
      60-1.4 and 60-2 as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
      52.222-26(b)(1)-(11) pertaining to the Equal Opportunity clause; (b) all
      provisions of 41 C.F.R. 60-250 as implemented by FAR 52.222-35 and - 37
      pertaining to employment reports and affirmative action for disabled
      veterans and veterans of the
<PAGE>

      Vietnam Era; and (c) all provisions of 41 C.F.R. 60-741 as implemented by
      FAR 52.222-36 pertaining to affirmative action for handicapped/disabled
      workers. KOLAR agrees to comply with any and all applicable State and
      Local Government Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action laws,
      including any and all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances
      and other guidelines.

21. EEO-1 REPRESENTATION

      KOLAR represents that it has submitted Standard Form 100 (EEO-1)
      compliance reports as required by 41 C.F.R. 60-1.7 as implemented by FAR
      52.222-22.

22. CERTIFICATION OF NON SEGREGATED FACILITIES

      KOLAR certifies that in compliance with 41 C.F.R. 60-1.8 as implemented by
      FAR 52.222-21, it does not and will not maintain or provide for its
      employees any segregated facilities at any of its establishments and that
      it does not and will not permit its employees to perform their services at
      any location under its control where segregated facilities are maintained.
      KOLAR agrees that breach of this certification is a violation of the Equal
      Opportunity clause incorporated herein. KOLAR further agrees that it will
      either: (a) obtain certifications of non-segregated facilities from
      proposed subcontractors for specific time periods; or (b) obtain
      certifications of non-segregated facilities from proposed subcontractors
      before the award of any subcontracts subject to the Equal Opportunity
      clause will retain such certifications in its files and forward the Notice
      set forth in FAR 52.222-21 to proposed subcontractors.

23. APPLICABLE LAW

      This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the
      laws of the State of New York without regard to the conflicts of laws
      provisions thereof.

24. EXHIBITS

      The Exhibits listed below are attached and made a part of this Agreement:

25. REFERENCE MATERIAL

      The following reference material can be found on the UNIVERSAL web site
      "uic.com";

                Kanban Procedure
                Packaging Specification

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement to be
      effective as of the date first above written.


      UNIVERSAL INSTRUMENTS                        KOLAR
      CORPORATION

      (  )  BY:                                    BY:   
                -------------------------------        ------------------------
            Ian deSouza                  (date)                       (date)
            Vice President Corporate Operations
<PAGE>

      (  )  BY:                                    BY: 
                -------------------------------        ------------------------
            Marshall Viall               (date)
            Purchasing Agent, Commodity Team Leader


<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT 21.1

                         SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 21.1

                         SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

      Name             State of Incorporation              Percentage Owned
- ----------------       ----------------------              ----------------

Kolar, Inc.                  Delaware                            100%


<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT 23.1

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

The Board of Directors
CPI Aerostructures, Inc.

We consent to incorporation by reference in registration statements No.
333-11669 on Form S-8 and registration statement No. 333-08391 on Form S-3 of
CPI Aerostructures, Inc. of our report dated February 6, 1998, relating to the
consolidated balance sheets of CPI Aerostructures, Inc. and Subsidiay as of
December 31, 1997, and the related consolidated statements of income,
shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period
ended December 31, 1997, which report appears in the December 31, 1997 annual
report on Form 10-KSB of CPI Aerostructures, Inc.

Goldstein Golub Kessler & Company, P.C.
New York, New York
March 31, 1998


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