TOTAL CONTROL PRODUCTS INC
8-K, 1998-06-19
INDUSTRIAL INSTRUMENTS FOR MEASUREMENT, DISPLAY, AND CONTROL
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                         SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                          
                              Washington, D.C.  20549

                                       FORM 8-K

                                   CURRENT REPORT 


                          Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934



Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 8, 1998
                                                  --------------

                             Total Control Products, Inc.             
                ------------------------------------------------------
                (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)




         Illinois                       333-18539               36-3209178 
- ----------------------------       -------------------      -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction       (Commission              (I.R.S. Employer
      of incorporation)            File number)             Identification No.)



2001 North Janice Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois                                60160    
- ----------------------------------------           ------------
(Address of principal executive offices)           (Zip Code)



Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (708) 345-5500
                                                     ---------------


                   _____________________________________________________
                   Former name or former address, if changed since last report

 
<PAGE>

Item 5.   OTHER EVENTS.

     On June 8, 1998, a wholly owned subsidiary of Total Control Products, 
Inc. (the "Registrant"), purchased substantially all of the assets of the 
Deeco Systems division (the "Division") of Lucas Automation and Control 
Engineering, Inc., a Virginia corporation (the "Seller").  The aggregate 
consideration paid or to be paid by Registrant to Seller in connection with 
this transaction was (a) $5.5 million, subject to certain adjustments, paid 
at the closing; and (b) up to an additional $2 million if the Division meets 
certain financial targets during its 1999 fiscal year, from February 1, 1998 
through January 31, 1999.  A copy of the Acquisition Agreement is attached 
hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and is hereby incorporated by reference.

     Additionally, in connection with the transaction, Registrant executed a 
guaranty agreement (the "Guaranty") with Seller, whereby Registrant 
guaranteed the performance of all of the obligations of its subsidiary under 
the Agreement. A copy of the Guaranty is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and 
is hereby incorporated by reference.

     A copy of the press release of the Registrant, dated June 8, 1998, is 
attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3 and is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 7.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS.

          (c)  Exhibits

          10.1 Acquisition Agreement dated as of June 8, 1998 by and between VA
               Acquisition Corp., an Illinois corporation, and Lucas Automation
               and Control Engineering, Inc., a Virginia corporation.

          10.2 Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 8, 1998 executed by
               Registrant.

          10.3 Press Release dated June 8, 1998. 

<PAGE>

                                      SIGNATURE


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

Dated: June 17, 1998      TOTAL CONTROL PRODUCTS, INC.


                          By: /s/   Nic Gihl                      
                              -----------------------------
                              Name: Nic Gihl
                              Title:    President, Chief Executive Officer
                                        and Chairman

<PAGE>


 
                                        INDEX



Exhibit
Number    Description of Document                      
- --------  --------------------------

10.1      Acquisition Agreement dated as of June 8, 1998 by and between VA
          Acquisition Corp., an Illinois corporation, and Lucas Automation and
          Control Engineering, Inc., a Virginia corporation.

10.2      Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 8, 1998 executed by Registrant.

10.3      Press Release dated June 8, 1998.



<PAGE>

                            ACQUISITION AGREEMENT
                                       
                                       
     THIS ACQUISITION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made this 8th day of 
June, 1998, by and between LUCAS AUTOMATION & CONTROL ENGINEERING INC., a 
corporation incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, with 
its principal place of business at 1000 Lucas Way, Hampton, Virginia 23666 
(hereinafter referred to as "Seller"), and VA ACQUISITION CORP., a 
corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois, with its 
principal place of business at 2001 N. Janice Avenue, Melrose Park, Illinois 
60160 (hereinafter referred to as "Buyer"), a wholly owned subsidiary of 
Total Control Products, Inc., an Illinois corporation ("TCP").

                                   RECITALS:
                                       
     A.   Seller is engaged, at its facility at 31047 Genstar Road, Hayward, 
California, (the "Premises") in the design, manufacture, assembly and sale of 
environment resistant electronic interface equipment with flat panel displays 
(the "Business").

     B.   Upon the terms set forth in this Agreement, Seller desires to sell 
to Buyer and Buyer desires to purchase from Seller various assets associated 
with the Business;

     Therefore, in consideration of the mutual promises and mutual covenants 
contained in this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, the 
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Seller and Buyer 
agree as follows:

1.   ACQUISITION OF ASSETS.

     1.1  PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS.  Seller hereby sells, conveys, 
transfers, assigns and delivers to Buyer, and Buyer hereby buys and acquires 
from Seller, all of Seller's right, title and interest in and to the Assets 
(as defined in Section 1.2) and the Business as a going concern and all 
goodwill associated with the Business, free and clear of all liens, claims, 
encumbrances or security interests of any kind.

     1.2  DEFINITION OF ASSETS.  For purposes of this Agreement, and except 
as provided in Section 1.4 below, the "Assets" means and includes the assets, 
properties and rights of Seller which, as of the date hereof, Seller owns or 
has a right to use and are used exclusively in the Business.  The Assets 
include without limitation the following:

          1.2.1     TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY.  All machinery, equipment, 
tools, computer hardware, fixtures and other tangible personal property 
located at the Premises, including that listed in Schedule 1.2.1 (the 
"Equipment"), but excluding any computer hardware as described in Section 
1.4.6.

          1.2.2     INVENTORIES.  All inventories of raw materials, operating 
supplies, packaging materials, component parts, replacement and spare parts, 
work in process and finished 

                                          

<PAGE>

goods used exclusively in the Business (the "Inventories"), but excluding 
customer inventories as described in Section 1.4.2.

          1.2.3     PURCHASE CONTRACTS.  All of Seller's rights in and to 
contracts made or orders given by Seller (the "Purchase Contracts") relating 
to the purchase of materials, utilities, chemicals, parts, supplies, 
commodities and services for use in the Business, all as listed in Schedule 
1.2.3.

          1.2.4     SALES CONTRACTS.  All of Seller's rights in and to 
contracts made or orders given to Seller (the "Sales Contracts") listed in 
Schedule 1.2.4 for the sale of products manufactured or services delivered by 
the Business ("Products').

          1.2.5     OTHER CONTRACTS.  All of Seller's rights in and to those 
contracts, licenses, manufacturer's representative agreements, commission 
sales agreements, distributor agreements, or other agreements, all as listed 
on Schedule 1.2.5 to which Seller is a party and entered into for the benefit 
of the Business (the "Other Contracts").  The Purchase Contracts, Sales 
Contracts and Other Contracts are hereinafter collectively referred to as the 
"Assigned Contracts".

          1.2.6     PERMITS.  All permits, approvals and qualifications, to 
the extent legally transferable, which have been issued to Seller by any 
state or local governmental agency and relate to the conduct of the Business 
and listed in Schedule 1.2.6.  Buyer shall be responsible for the proper 
transfer of all existing facility permits, including without limitation all 
air use and hazardous waste generation permits and notifications to the 
extent required by California law.

          1.2.7     PERSONAL PROPERTY LEASES.  Subject to the provisions of 
Section 1.3, all leases for machinery, equipment and other tangible personal 
property leased from third persons and listed in Schedule 1.2.5 (the 
"Personal Property Leases").

          1.2.8      BOOKS AND RECORDS.  Except as provided in Section 1.4.7 
books and records, files and other documents (including such items recorded 
on computer storage media) used exclusively in the ongoing operation of the 
Business and access to all other books, records, files and other documents 
which may be necessary to such ongoing operations for the purpose of copying 
such materials on reasonable notice to Seller by Buyer.

          1.2.9     INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.  The following intellectual 
property rights, together with any associated goodwill (the "Intellectual 
Property Rights"):

               1.2.9.1  (i) inventions, patents, patent applications and 
patent rights (the "Patents"), (ii) trademarks, service marks, slogans, trade 
dress, trade names, symbols and logos (collectively the "Trademarks"); and 
(iii) copyrights and copyright applications, each of (i), (ii) and (iii) as 
set forth on Schedule 1.2.9.1;

               1.2.9.2  licenses to Seller under any Patents, copyrights, 
Trademarks, trade secrets or other proprietary rights as set forth on 
Schedule 1.2.5;

                                       2

<PAGE>

               1.2.9.3  all licenses and property rights in computer software 
used in the Business, including all documentation and source codes with 
respect to such software which is in Seller's possession or control and 
rights related thereto as set forth in Schedule 1.2.5; but excluding the MIS 
software as described in Schedule 3.4.9 and

               1.2.9.4  the trade secrets of or pertaining to the Business, 
customer lists, customer records and information and customer requirements, 
specifications, plans, designs, research data, proprietary know-how, 
formulas, processes, manufacturing methods, drawings, blueprints, flow 
sheets, equipment and parts lists and descriptions and related instructions 
and manuals used exclusively in the Business, and all goodwill and royalties 
and the licenses, agreements and other contracts and commitments relating to 
any of the foregoing.

          1.2.10  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.  All accounts receivable and all other 
trade amounts which third parties owe to Seller in connection with the 
Business, whether arising from the sale of products or services provided or 
otherwise as set forth on the Closing Balance Sheet (the "Accounts 
Receivable").  Intercompany receivables from business in the LucasVarity 
Group are not included in the Assets.

          1.2.11  PREPAID ITEMS AND UTILITY DEPOSITS.  All of Seller's right, 
title and interest in and to expenses and charges prepaid by Seller in 
connection with the Business including, without limitation, advances, 
deposits (for utilities or otherwise) and prepaid rent (the "Prepaid Items") 
as set forth on Schedule 1.2.11.

          1.2.12  NAME.  Seller's rights to the names "DEECO", "DEECO 
SYSTEMS", "DECO", "TOUCH ASSIST", "POWER ASSIST" and "SEALTOUCH" and any 
variations thereof.

          1.2.13  SALES AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS.  Except as provided in 
Section 1.4.3, all sales and promotional materials, catalogues and 
advertising literature used in connection with or relating to the Business.

          1.2.14  TELEPHONE NUMBERS.  All of Seller's rights to the telephone 
numbers of Seller relating exclusively to the operation of the Business.

          1.2.15  WORLD WIDE WEB.  All rights, title and interest in Seller's 
world wide web site, commonly known by the address WWW.DEECO.COM, but 
excluding access rights to Seller's server, and as soon as reasonably 
practicable after the date hereof, Buyer shall delete all LucasVarity name(s) 
and Logos from the current site at Buyer's expense.

     1.3  CONSENTS TO ASSIGNMENTS.  Other provisions hereof notwithstanding, 
this Agreement will not be deemed an assignment or transfer, or an attempted 
assignment or transfer, of any right or privilege if such assignment or 
transfer would constitute a breach or violation of any contract, lease, 
permit or license under state, federal or local law.  To the extent that any 
consent, approval or waiver is required for Seller's transfer of any right or 
interest to Buyer in respect of any Assets, Seller will use its best efforts 
to obtain such consent, approval and/or waiver and Buyer 

                                             3
<PAGE>


agrees to cooperate with Seller and provide information and/or documentation 
as may be reasonably necessary to obtain such consent, approval and/or 
waiver.  If obtaining such consents and approvals involves the payment of any 
fees, charges or costs, any such amounts shall be paid by Buyer, but no such 
amounts shall be incurred or paid without Buyer's prior written consent, 
unless specifically required to be paid by Seller under applicable laws or 
regulations.  If any consent to the transfer or assignment to Buyer is not 
obtained, or if an attempted transfer or assignment would be ineffective or 
would materially affect the rights or privileges of Buyer, or if a contract 
is assigned to Buyer pursuant to the provisions hereof and the other 
contracting party thereafter raises objections to the assignment and refuses 
to allow Buyer to perform the contract on the terms therein provided, or 
threatens to terminate the contract or sue for damages, Buyer and Seller 
shall cooperate in any arrangement Buyer may reasonably request to provide 
Buyer the benefits under such contract.  Cooperation may include, without 
limitation, an arrangement between Buyer and Seller pursuant to which Seller 
shall nominally perform an order or contract as an agent for Buyer or Buyer 
shall serve as a subcontractor of Seller, and in any event, Buyer shall 
retain the economic benefits or detriments of the order or contract.

     1.4  EXCLUDED ASSETS.  Other provisions hereof notwithstanding, Seller 
will not sell to Buyer and Seller will retain as its own property all of 
Seller's rights in and to each and all of the following assets, properties 
and rights related to the Business as of the  date hereof, which hereby are 
excluded from the Assets:

          1.4.1  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.  All cash, cash equivalents and 
bank deposits and certificates of deposit.

          1.4.2  CUSTOMER INVENTORIES.  All customer owned inventories 
located at Seller's Premises, whether raw materials, supplies, component 
parts, work in progress or finished goods as set forth on Schedule 1.4.2

          1.4.3  GOODWILL, NAME AND TRADEMARK.  The names and expressions 
"Lucas", "Varity", "LucasVarity", "Lucas Control Systems", any variations 
thereof, and any logos or symbols thereof, whether used as a trade name, 
trademark or otherwise, along with any other trade names or assumed names of 
the Seller, and any goodwill associated therewith, except those set forth 
under Sections 1.2.9 or 1.2.12 provided that for a period of up to  one 
hundred eighty (180) days after the  date hereof, Buyer may continue to use 
all existing sales and marketing brochures and other promotional materials, 
notwithstanding the fact that they contain the LucasVarity trade names, as 
long as  Buyer prominently identifies on any  material or document containing 
such trademarks by way of a stamp, sticker or other imprint, the fact that it 
is no longer affiliated with  Seller, LucasVarity, or their affiliates.  
Thereafter, all such materials and documents shall be destroyed or returned 
to Seller.  In no event, however, will Buyer continue to use any invoices, 
purchase orders, order forms, business cards or letterhead containing the 
LucasVarity trade names after the  date hereof.

          1.4.4  GROUP SUPPLIER CONTRACTS.  All of Seller's rights in and to 
any Supplier Contracts for goods or services which have been established by 
an affiliate of Seller as part of the 

                                           4
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LucasVarity Group purchasing program and in which the Business participates 
or is eligible to participate including those set out in Schedule 1.4.4.

          1.4.5  EXCLUDED CONTRACTS.  All contracts, claims and rights (and 
benefits arising therefrom) binding on Seller, other than the Assigned 
Contracts, Personal Property Leases or Intellectual Property Rights.

          1.4.6.  MIS HARDWARE.  All MIS server hardware and server 
connecting equipment located in the Premises to be used in providing MIS 
services as set out in Section 3.4.9.

          1.4.7  CORPORATE AND BUSINESS RECORDS.  All corporate documents and 
records, including, without limitation, minute books, stock records, 
certificates, all tax records and any records relating to any asset retained 
by Seller and any liability or obligation of Seller, which Buyer is not 
required to assume hereunder (the "Books and Records").

          1.4.8  BENEFIT PLANS.  Any and all Plans, Welfare Plans and other 
Employee Benefit Plans, (each as defined herein) including without 
limitation, all plan documents, trust agreements and insurance policies 
relating thereto, and all papers, documents and records relating thereto, and 
all assets thereof as set forth on Schedule 1.4.8.

2.   CONSIDERATION FOR ASSETS.

     2.1  PURCHASE PRICE.  Upon the terms of this Agreement, in consideration 
for the purchase of the Assets, Buyer will (a) pay to Seller the sum of Five 
Million Five Hundred Thousand ($5,500,000.00) Dollars in United States 
currency as adjusted under Section 2.3 (the "Purchase Price"), and (b) assume 
the Assumed Liabilities (as hereafter defined).

     2.2  PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE.  The Purchase Price shall be paid as 
follows: (a) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000), has been 
previously paid by Buyer to Seller and shall be credited against the Purchase 
Price, and (b) Five Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand ($5,250,000.00) 
Dollars ("Closing Payment")  shall be paid by Buyer to Seller on the date 
hereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account of 
Seller at:

                                 CITIBANK, NA
                              NEW YORK, NEW YORK
                           ABA/Routing # 021-000-089
                     Credit to:     Lucas Control Systems
                             Account No. 4064-5436
                                       
     2.3  PURCHASE PRICE ADJUSTMENT.    The Purchase Price shall be adjusted 
as follows:

          2.3.1     BOOKINGS CREDIT.  The Purchase Price shall be adjusted in 
accordance with this Section 2.3.1 with respect to orders for the sale of 
products, parts, repairs or engineering or consulting services of the 
Business (collectively, the "Products") received during the 1998 fiscal year 
(the "1998 fiscal year") which runs from February 1, 1998 through January 31, 
1999 (the 

                                            5

<PAGE>

"Bookings").  The value of each order shall consist of the net sales price of 
the order (excluding from the total invoice amount taxes, freight, insurance 
and customs duties) for the sale of Products less the amount of returns, 
credits or adjustments with respect to such Products.  (a) For any order of 
Products received from the customers set out on Schedule 2.3.1(a) only the 
portion of any order(s) received during the 1998 fiscal year with a requested 
shipping date within twelve (12) months from the date of such order shall be 
included in Bookings, (b) for all other orders of Products from any source, 
including, without limitation, customers, sales agents, or representatives, 
distributors or others (but excluding TCP, its affiliates or any of the 
persons listed on Schedule 2.3.1(a), provided, that if such Products are sold 
by TCP or its affiliates, such sales shall be included in Bookings to the 
extent such sales were made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 
2.3.1), only that the portion of any order(s) of Products received during the 
1998 fiscal year with a requested shipping date prior to April 1, 1999, shall 
be included in Bookings, and (c) the amount of any removal or deletion of 
open but unfilled orders from  a fiscal year prior to the 1998 fiscal year 
shall not be deducted from Bookings.  The Bookings received by Seller from 
February 1, 1998 through the date hereof  are set forth in Schedule 2.3.1(B). 
 Schedule 2.3.1(c) includes a list of all open purchase orders and 
anticipated shipping dates of all such orders.  Following the close of the 
1998 fiscal year Buyer shall provide to Seller not later than February 15, 
1999, a report of the 1998 fiscal year Bookings (the "1998 Report")  which 
report shall be in a form similar to and consistent with Schedule 2.3.1(B).  
Seller shall have until February 28, 1999 to respond in writing to Buyer with 
any objections or challenges to  the 1998 Report (the "Dispute Notice").  If 
the Seller does not respond in writing to the 1998 Report by February 28, 
1999, such Report shall be final and binding on the parties hereto.  If 
Seller delivers a Dispute Notice to Buyer on or prior to February 28, 1999 
and Buyer and Seller cannot resolve any dispute between them concerning the 
amount of the 1998 fiscal year Bookings by March 12, 1999, both parties 
hereby agree that such dispute shall immediately be submitted to an 
independent auditor from the firm of Ernst & Young for binding arbitration 
and determination of the amount of 1998 fiscal year Bookings, which 
determination shall be rendered in not more than thirty (30) days from the 
date of receipt by the above firm of the  Dispute Notice provided by either 
Buyer or Seller (or both of them) and whose determination shall be final and 
binding on the parties hereto.  The costs and fees of such independent 
auditor shall be shared equally by Buyer and Seller.  Following the 
determination of the amount of the 1998 fiscal year Bookings, either as a 
result of an agreement between Buyer and Seller, or the arbitration of the 
auditor, the Purchase Price for the Assets shall be increased by One Dollar 
Sixty Cents ($1.60) for each One Dollar ($1.00) that the 1998 fiscal year 
Bookings exceed Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00), up to a maximum 
increase in the Purchase Price of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00).  Such 
increase in the Purchase Price, if any, shall be paid by Buyer to Seller by 
wire transfer of immediately available funds to the same account of Seller as 
set forth in Section 2.2.1 above or to such other account as Seller may 
direct to Buyer in writing.  Buyer shall make such payment, if any, upon the 
earlier of: (i) March 1, 1999, if Seller makes no objections or challenges to 
the 1998 Report ; or (ii) ten (10) days after the resolution of any dispute 
as to the 1998 fiscal year Bookings, whether as a result of agreement by 
Buyer and Seller or determination of the 1998 fiscal year Bookings by the 
independent auditor.  In the event that the 1998 fiscal year Bookings are 
less than Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00), there shall be no 
adjustment to the Purchase Price as a result of such shortfall.

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          2.3.2     NET WORTH ADJUSTMENT.  The value by which the book value 
of the Assets as of the  close of business on June 5, 1998 exceeds the book 
value of the Assumed Liabilities as of the close of business on June 5, 1998 
shall be known as "Net Worth".  Not later than July 6, 1998, Seller shall 
prepare and deliver to Buyer a balance sheet of the Business as of the close 
of business on June 5, 1998 showing the book value of the Assets as the only 
assets of the Business, and showing the book value of the Assumed Liabilities 
as the only liabilities of the Business (the "Closing Balance Sheet").  The 
Closing Balance Sheet shall be prepared from Seller's books and records in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") applied 
consistently with those used in preparing the year end balance sheet of the 
Business except for (i) GAAP exceptions of a non-material nature consistent 
with those applied by Seller in the year end balance sheet,  (ii) Excluded 
Assets and Retained Liabilities shall not be included in the Closing Balance 
Sheet, (iii) the Closing Balance Sheet shall contain prorata accruals for 
utilities, property taxes, sales commissions, and like items, (iv) 
Inventories shall be determined pursuant to a physical count, the cost of 
which shall be borne by Seller and at which both Buyer and Seller may be 
represented (each at its own cost), and (v) the Closing Balance Sheet shall 
contain (i) a warranty reserve equal to $80,000; (ii) an Accounts Receivable 
reserve for doubtful accounts equal to $25,000 and (iii) an Inventory reserve 
equal to $784,000. Buyer shall have thirty (30) days after receipt of the 
Closing Balance Sheet to dispute any of the items contained on the Closing 
Balance Sheet by delivering written notice of such dispute to Seller (a "Net 
Worth Dispute Notice").  If Buyer does not deliver a Net Worth Dispute Notice 
to Seller within such thirty (30) day period, the Closing Balance Sheet shall 
be final and binding on the parties hereto.  If Buyer delivers a Net Worth 
Dispute Notice to Seller within such thirty (30) day period and   Buyer and 
Seller cannot resolve any dispute between them concerning the Closing Balance 
Sheet within ten (10) days after Seller's receipt of the Net Worth Dispute 
Notice,  both parties hereby agree that such dispute shall immediately be 
submitted to an independent auditor from the firm of Ernst & Young for 
binding arbitration and determination of the Net Worth of the Business as of 
the  date hereof which determination shall be rendered in not more than 
thirty (30) days from the date of receipt by the above firm of the notice of 
dispute provided by either Buyer or Seller (or both of them) and whose 
determination shall be final and binding on the parties hereto.  The costs 
and fees of such independent auditor shall be shared equally by Buyer and 
Seller.  Following determination of the Net Worth of the Business either as a 
result of an agreement between Buyer and Seller or the arbitration of the 
auditor, the Purchase Price  shall be decreased by One Dollar ($1.00) for 
each One Dollar ($1.00) that the Net Worth is less than Three Million  Two 
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,200,000.00) and shall be increased by One Dollar 
($1.00) for each One Dollar ($1.00) that the Net Worth is more than Three 
Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,300,000.00).  Such adjustment to 
the Purchase Price (if any) shall be paid by Seller  to Buyer or Buyer to 
Seller, as the case may be, not later than ten (10) days after the final 
determination of Net Worth in immediately available funds.

     2.4  PURCHASE PRICE ALLOCATION.    Seller and Buyer agree that the 
Purchase Price shall be allocated among the Assets, tangible and intangible 
on the basis of an allocation (the "Allocation") determined by Buyer. The 
Allocation shall, on delivery, become part of this Agreement for all 
purposes. Seller and Buyer agree to report, pursuant to Section 1060 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended and the regulations promulgated 
thereunder, if and when required, the Allocation of the Purchase Price, as 
adjusted, among the Assets in a manner 

                                          7

<PAGE>

entirely consistent with such Allocation in the preparation and filing of all 
tax returns (including IRS Form 8594).

     2.5  ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES.  On the terms of this Agreement, Buyer 
shall assume as of the date hereof, and shall thereafter pay, perform and 
discharge when due those liabilities and obligations of Seller (and only 
those liabilities and obligations of Seller) specifically identified in this 
Section 2.5 (the "Assumed Liabilities"):

          2.5.1     ASSIGNED CONTRACTS.  All of Seller's obligations and 
liabilities arising after the date hereof  under the Assigned Contracts and 
not arising as a result of the breach or violation of any such agreement 
prior to the date hereof.

          2.5.2     LEASES.  Seller's obligations and liabilities arising 
after the date hereof  under and related to the Personal Property Leases and 
not arising as a result of the breach or violation of any such lease prior to 
the date hereof.

          2.5.3     ACCOUNTS PAYABLE.  All accounts payable which have been 
incurred in the usual and ordinary course of the Business and as set out on 
the Closing Balance Sheet.

          2.5.4     ACCRUED EXPENSES.  All of Seller's obligations and 
liabilities for accrued but unpaid payroll, payroll taxes, vacation, 
commissions and other business related miscellaneous accruals (the "Accrued 
Expenses") all as set out on the Closing Balance Sheet, including accrued 
liabilities of the Business, if any, under the contracts of Seller not 
assumed by Buyer, .

          2.5.5     PRODUCT WARRANTIES.  Seller's obligations and liabilities 
for product returns, repairs and adjustments as set out in Section 6.6

     2.6  RETAINED LIABILITIES.  Buyer shall not assume or be liable for any 
liabilities or obligations of Seller, whenever arising and whether primary or 
secondary, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, contractual, tortuous 
or otherwise, other than those specifically identified or described in  
Section 2.5 (all such liabilities and obligations of Seller other than those 
specifically assumed by Buyer identified or described in  Section 2.5 are 
hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Retained Liabilities").  Seller 
agrees to promptly pay and discharge when due all of the Retained 
Liabilities. The Retained Liabilities shall include, without limitation, all 
trade account payables and accrued and unpaid expenses of Seller not included 
on the Closing Balance Sheet, accounts payable, expenses incurred by Seller 
in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (including legal, 
accounting and investment banking expenses), bank indebtedness or 
indebtedness for borrowed money, accrued wages, accrued vacation, payroll and 
withholding tax liability not included on the Closing Balance Sheet, 
contingent liabilities, all liabilities, whether actual or contingent, 
associated with the Plans, Welfare Plans and Employee Benefit Plans (as 
defined herein) whether owed to beneficiaries, benefit providers, plans or 
trusts, governmental regulators or any other party, liabilities under 
agreements not assumed by Buyer, claims relating to returns of product which 
were sold by Seller prior to the date hereof (other than as provided in 
Section 6.6), environmental liabilities (except as provided in Section 7.3), 
Tax (as 

                                       8

<PAGE>


defined herein) liabilities and liabilities to any affiliate of Seller.  As 
used in this Agreement, "Taxes" means all federal, state, local, foreign and 
other net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, 
transfer, franchise, profits, license, lease, service, service use, 
withholding, payroll, employment, social security, Medicare or other health 
program, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property (including 
property Taxes assessed against a landlord of Seller, but borne by Seller 
pursuant to a lease), windfall profits, customs, duties or other taxes, fees, 
assessments or charges of any kind whatever of a nature similar to taxes, 
together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax or other 
additional amounts with respect thereto.

          2.6.1     BENEFIT PLANS.  Without limiting the generality of the 
foregoing, Buyer shall not assume or be liable for any obligation or 
liability now or hereafter arising under, or in connection with, or in 
respect of the Plans, Welfare Plans or other Employee Benefit Plans or any 
other plan, fund or program which Seller has at any time directly or 
indirectly maintained, sponsored or contributed to.

          2.6.2     INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS.  Buyer shall not assume or 
be liable for any obligation or liability now or hereafter arising under, or 
in connection with, or in respect of any incentive compensation plan which 
Seller maintained or provided as part of the Business, including without 
limitation, any bonus plans, stay-on incentives, and retention bonus schemes  
including those set forth on Schedule 2.6.2, except for accrued but unpaid 
commissions, if any, as set out on the Closing Balance Sheet.

          2.7  NO EXPANSION OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.  The assumption by Buyer 
of the Assumed Liabilities shall not expand the rights or remedies of any 
third party against Buyer or Seller as compared to the rights and remedies 
which such third party would have had against Seller had Buyer not assumed 
the Assumed Liabilities.  Without limiting the generality of the preceding 
sentence, the assumption by Buyer of the Assumed Liabilities shall not create 
any third party beneficiary rights.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless 
and to the extent that Seller has specifically made a representation or 
warranty under the provisions of Section 4 hereof, Seller does not represent 
or warrant to Buyer the rights or remedies of any third party concerning the 
Assumed Liabilities.

3.   CLOSING.

     3.1  CLOSING .  The transactions herein contemplated and required by 
this Agreement will be completed and closed by Seller and Buyer at a meeting 
("Closing") at  Seller's offices  on the date hereof.  The Closing shall be 
deemed effective as of the close of business Pacific time, on the date hereof.

     3.2  BUYER'S OBLIGATION.  At the Closing, in addition to any other 
documents specifically required to be delivered or acts required to be 
performed by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement, Buyer will deliver to Seller, 
at Buyer's expense, in proper form for recording (if recording thereof is 
required):

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<PAGE>

          3.2.1     by wire transfer the portion of the Purchase Price to 
Seller's bank account set forth in Section 2.2(b);

          3.2.2     an agreement of assumption (the "Assumption Agreement") 
under the terms of which Buyer assumes Seller's liabilities and obligations 
pursuant to Section 2.5.

          3.2.3     a certificate of good standing of Buyer under the laws of 
the State of Illinois;

          3.2.4     an opinion of Buyer's counsel, D'Ancona & Pflaum, in a 
form reasonably satisfactory to Seller's counsel;

          3.2.5     an executed sublease agreement for the Premises (the 
"Sublease");

          3.2.6  an executed guarantee by TCP of Buyer's obligations arising 
under this Agreement;

          3.2.7     all other documents and agreements reasonably required to 
be delivered by Buyer as a condition to Closing.

     3.3  SELLER'S OBLIGATIONS.  At the Closing , in addition to any other 
documents specifically required to be delivered or acts required to be 
performed by Seller pursuant to this Agreement, Seller will deliver to Buyer, 
at Seller's expense, in proper form for recording (if recording thereof is 
required):

          3.3.1     a fully executed Bill of Sale, Assignment and Conveyance 
for the Assets;

          3.3.2     executed Assignment(s) of Patents;

          3.3.3     executed Assignment(s) of the Intellectual Property 
Rights;

          3.3.4     a certificate of good standing of Seller under the laws 
of the Commonwealth of Virginia;

          3.3.5     an opinion of Seller's in-house counsel in a form 
reasonably satisfactory to Buyer's counsel;

          3.3.6     evidence of the third party consents contemplated by 
Section 1.3, the lack of which would have a material adverse effect upon the 
Business;

          3.3.7     an executed sublease for the Premises;

          3.3.8     all other documents and agreements reasonably required to 
be delivered by Seller as a condition to Closing.

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<PAGE>


     3.4  ADDITIONAL OBLIGATIONS.  The parties agree to the following:

          3.4.1     TRANSFER TAXES.  In accordance with applicable statutes 
and regulations, any and all transfer or sales taxes payable as a result of 
the transaction contemplated and required by this Agreement shall be paid by 
the required party under such statute; provided however, that Buyer shall be 
responsible for any amount of tax resulting from a valuation of the Equipment 
in excess of the book value as set out on the Closing Balance Sheet.

          3.4.2     EXPENSES.  Unless otherwise required by applicable law or 
regulation, Buyer shall be responsible for costs, fees or expenses to obtain 
or transfer any permits or approvals required in the operation of the 
Business. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each of the parties 
hereto shall bear such party's own expenses in connection with this Agreement 
and the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, all 
legal costs and expenses.

          3.4.3     ACCESS.  For a period of seven (7) years after the 
Closing, Buyer will afford to Seller and its accountants and attorneys 
reasonable access to the books and records which Seller delivers to Buyer 
hereunder, and will permit Seller to make extracts and copies therefrom for 
any proper purpose. For a period of seven (7) years after the Closing, Seller 
will afford to Buyer and its accountants and attorneys reasonable access to 
the books and records which Seller retains pursuant to Section 1.4.7 and will 
permit Buyer to make extracts and copies therefrom for any proper purpose.

          3.4.4     TRADE NAMES.  After the Closing, except as provided in 
Section 1.4.3, Buyer will not use any of Seller's or Seller's affiliates' 
trade names, trademarks, logos or symbols, including "Lucas", "Varity", 
"LucasVarity", "Lucas Control Systems" and any variations thereof, and, as 
soon as reasonably practicable after the date hereof, shall remove such names 
and trademarks from all products, packaging material and business forms and 
will not use or apply such names or trademarks to any product, packaging, 
business forms or otherwise.  At any time after the date hereof, Seller and 
Seller's affiliates shall cease to use and shall not license or permit any 
third party to use the names "DEECO", "DEECO SYSTEMS", "DECO", "SEALTOUCH", 
"TOUCH ASSIST", "POWER ASSIST", or any name, slogan, logo, trade name, trade 
dress or trademark which is similar or deceptively similar to any of the 
aforementioned, provided however, that Seller shall place a stamp, sticker or 
imprint upon existing business Brochures of Lucas Control Systems which may 
include the names "DEECO" or "DEECO SYSTEMS" indicating that DEECO is no 
longer affiliated with Seller, LucasVarity or their affiliates.

          3.4.5     EMPLOYEE MATTERS.  Buyer shall offer employment to all 
employees of Seller listed on Schedule 3.4.8, (the "Transferred Employees"). 
On the date hereof, Buyer shall have the right, but not the obligation, to 
hire each of the other employees of the Business including those employees on 
short term disability or workers' compensation leave who are released to 
return to work by November 1, 1998 (the "Other Employees").  The total 
compensation contained in the offer of employment to such Transferred 
Employees shall be substantially equivalent to the total compensation  
provided by Seller to such employees 

                                     11

<PAGE>

immediately prior to the date hereof.  Except as provided in Section 3.4.8, 
Buyer, in its sole discretion, shall determine the period of employment for 
each Transferred Employee and the Other Employees hired by Buyer and the 
parties acknowledge that as of the date hereof the Transferred Employees and 
the Other Employees shall cease to be employees of Seller.  Buyer shall be 
responsible for all claims, causes of action, judgments, damages including 
reasonable attorney fees, penalties and liabilities including severance 
payments, if any (other than the severance obligations contained in the 
agreements listed on Schedule 2.6.2), arising out of, resulting from or 
related to the employment, offer of employment or termination of the 
Transferred Employees and the Other Employees after the  date hereof, and 
Buyer shall indemnify and hold Seller harmless from and against any such 
claims, including without limitation, "WARN" Act claims, claims of 
constructive termination or otherwise arising from the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement.  Buyer shall not be responsible for any 
claims or liabilities arising out of, resulting from or related to Seller's 
employment of the Transferred Employees or the Other Employees prior to the 
date hereof and Seller shall indemnify and hold Buyer harmless from and 
against any such claims.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that 
any employees of the Business who are on short term disability or workers' 
compensation leave as of the date hereof do not return to work due to 
circumstances beyond the control of Buyer by November 1, 1998, Seller shall 
indemnify and hold Buyer harmless for all costs and expenses incurred by 
Buyer after November 1, 1998 with respect to such employees.

          3.4.6  TRANSITION.  In order to assist Buyer in the transition of 
the Business, Seller agrees to enter into an arrangement with Buyer known as 
a secording arrangement whereby Seller's employee, Thomas Kramer, shall 
remain an employee of Seller, but shall perform services for and under the 
direction and control of Buyer for a period beginning on the date hereof and 
ending on January 31, 1999.  As consideration for this arrangement , Buyer 
agrees to reimburse Seller on a monthly basis for the full cost of this 
employee, including without limitation, wages of approximately 10,000 DM per 
month, the cost of benefits provided to such employee, the rental of Mr. 
Kramer's office in Seller's facility in Wendlingen, Germany at US$1,000.00 
per month,  bonuses (to be determined by Buyer in its sole discretion), and 
reimbursement of expenses, including car allowance, of approximately 5,000 DM 
per month approved by Buyer during the term of the arrangement.  Seller shall 
not increase the salary or benefits of Mr. Kramer without the written consent 
of Buyer which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

          3.4.7     SUBLEASE. Seller currently occupies the Premises, 
pursuant to a lease of real property ("Lease").  Buyer agrees to sublease 
from Seller the Premises under the terms and conditions as are contained in 
the Sublease for a term beginning on the  date hereof and ending on January 
31, 1999.  In the event that Buyer wishes to assume the Lease in its entirety 
or to sublease the Premises for the balance of the term of the Lease, Buyer 
shall so notify Seller in writing not later than August 1, 1998.  In the 
event that Buyer elects to occupy the Premises after January 31, 1999, Buyer 
shall either assume the Lease or sublease the Premises from Seller (both 
subject to the consent of the Lessor under the Lease) for the entire balance 
of the term of the Lease. If Buyer elects not to remain in the Premises after 
January 31, 1999, Buyer shall, not later than that date, vacate the Premises 
and surrender same to Seller in substantially the same condition as upon 
commencement of Buyer's occupancy.

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<PAGE>


          3.4.8     BOOKINGS. Buyer agrees that beginning on the date hereof 
until January 31, 1999, Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to 
retain the services of the employees listed on Schedule 3.4.8.  Buyer further 
agrees not to relocate the manufacture of the products of the Business away 
from the Premises prior to October 1, 1998.  Through January 31, 1999, Buyer 
shall use  commercially reasonable efforts to maximize the Bookings of the 
Business and shall pursue, accept and list Bookings in a manner consistent 
with the past practices of the Business.  Buyer shall provide to Seller 
monthly reports of Bookings within  ten (10) business days after the end of 
each month and upon the reasonable request of Seller shall meet with Seller 
quarterly to review the interim progress of Bookings between the  date hereof 
and January 31, 1999.  At such meeting(s) Buyer shall provide to Seller data 
and information reasonably sufficient for Seller to determine the actual 
amount of Bookings received through the end of the last monthly report and 
the likely prospects of any additional Bookings which may then be 
contemplated by or known to Buyer.  In determining the total Bookings, (a) 
all products of TCP or its affiliates ordered by the customers listed on 
Schedule 2.3.1(a) in accordance with Section 2.3.1 shall be included in 
Bookings; (b) all orders for TCP's or its affiliates' products that are 
placed in accordance with Section 2.3.1 by previous customers of the Business 
(other than from customers listed on Schedule 2.3.1(a)), to the extent that 
the products ordered by such customers are similar to the products previously 
purchased by such customers from the Business, shall be included in Bookings; 
and (c) any orders of TCP's or its affiliates' products that are placed by 
the sales representatives employed by the Business immediately prior to the 
date hereof in accordance with Section 2.3.1 hereof shall be included in 
Bookings to the extent that the products ordered perform identical functions 
to products sold or offered by the Business immediately prior to the date 
hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer shall not be obligated to accept 
any order for the sale of products unless the estimated material costs with 
respect to such order are less than or equal to sixty-five percent (65%) of 
the net invoice amount (excluding taxes, freights, insurance and custom 
duties) of such order.

     3.4.9     MIS SERVICES.  Seller agrees to provide to Buyer access to 
Seller's central computer system substantially equivalent to that which 
existed prior to Closing, including without limitation, use of the "Growth 
Power" software for the use of the Business at its present location for a 
term beginning on the  date hereof and ending not later than January 31, 
1999. Buyer shall pay Seller on a monthly basis an access fee of Five 
Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) per month for the first three (3) months and Ten 
Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) per month thereafter or a prorated amount 
thereof for any partial month.  Buyer may terminate such service upon at 
least thirty (30) days prior written notice to Seller.  Seller shall endeavor 
to provide the services set forth on Schedule 3.4.9 and to provide Buyer with 
access to the computer system, but Seller makes no warranty to Buyer 
regarding the accuracy, completeness, adaptability, or functionality of any 
such services or software provided to Buyer pursuant to this Section, and 
Seller shall not be liable to Buyer or any third party regarding Buyer's use 
of or access to Seller's computer system.

          3.4.10  CONTRACT NOVATION.  To the extent required by applicable 
law or regulations, Buyer at its own expense shall be responsible for  
novation of the government purchase contracts set out on Schedule 3.4.10.  
Seller shall assist in these requests for novation as 

                                         13

<PAGE>

reasonably requested by Buyer, and Seller shall execute such documents as may 
be reasonably required as part of such novation requests.

                                         14

<PAGE>


4.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER.

     4.1  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.    Seller hereby makes the 
following representations and warranties to Buyer as of the date hereof:

          4.1.1     CORPORATE ORGANIZATION.  Seller (a) is a corporation duly 
organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the 
Commonwealth of Virginia; and (b) is duly qualified or licensed to do 
business and is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which it owns or 
leases property relating to the Business or in which the conduct of the 
Business requires it to so qualify or be licensed.

          4.1.2     AUTHORITY.  Seller has full power and authority 
(corporate and other) to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the 
other documents referenced herein and the transactions contemplated hereby, 
and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other 
documents referenced herein have been duly authorized and approved by all 
necessary corporate action, and this Agreement and the other documents 
referenced herein constitute a valid and binding agreement of Seller, 
enforceable against Seller in accordance with their respective terms.

          4.1.3     NO CONFLICT.  Seller's execution and delivery of this 
Agreement and performance of its obligations hereunder (i) are not in 
violation or breach of, and will not conflict with or constitute a default 
under, any of the terms of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws or 
other governing documents of Seller or any note, debt instrument, security 
agreement, lease, deed of trust or mortgage, or any other contract, agreement 
or commitment binding upon Seller or affecting any of the Assets, (ii) will 
not conflict with or violate any applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, 
order or decree of any government, governmental instrumentality or court 
having jurisdiction over Seller, or any of the Assets, and (iii) do not 
require any material consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration, 
of or registration with, any domestic governmental or regulatory authority.

          4.1.4  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  Seller holds all material permits, 
licenses, variances, exemptions, orders and approvals of any court, arbitral, 
tribunal, administrative agency or commissioner or other governmental or 
other regulatory authority or agency ("Governmental Entities") necessary for 
the lawful conduct of the Business (the "Permits"), all of which are listed 
on Schedule 1.2.6 attached hereto.  Seller is in substantial compliance with 
the terms of the Permits.  Seller is in substantial compliance with all laws, 
ordinances or regulations of all Governmental Entities in connection with the 
operation of the Business.

          4.1.5  BOOKS AND RECORDS.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1.5 
Seller's books, accounts and records relating to the Business are, and have 
been, maintained in a usual, regular and ordinary manner, in accordance with 
GAAP except for non-material exceptions thereto and all material transactions 
to which Seller is or has been a party with respect to the operation of the 
Business are properly reflected therein.

                                        15

<PAGE>


          4.1.6  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  Schedule 4.1.6 attached hereto 
contains complete and accurate copies of the unaudited balance sheets of the 
Business as of and for the fiscal years ended January 31, 1998 and 1997 and 
statements of income of the Business for fiscal year ending January 31, 1998 
(the "Financial Statements").  Schedule 4.1.6 also contains complete and 
accurate copies of the unaudited balance sheet and statement of income of the 
Business for the three (3) month period ended May 1, 1998 (the "Interim 
Financial Statements"). Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1.6 the Financial 
Statements and the Interim Financial Statements fairly present in all 
material respects the financial position of the Business as of the dates 
thereof and the results of operations and cashflows of the Business for the 
periods covered by said statements, all in accordance with GAAP, except for 
non-material exceptions consistently applied by the Business.

          4.1.7  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.  None of the trade receivables and 
notes receivable which are reflected on the Financial Statements, the Interim 
Financial Statements or which arose subsequent to the date of the Interim 
Financial Statements, is or was to Seller's knowledge subject to any 
counterclaim or set off.  Except as set out on Schedule 4.1.7 all of such 
trade receivables arose out of bona fide, arms-length transactions for the 
sale of goods or performance of services, and all such trade receivables and 
notes receivable are good and collectible (or have been collected) in the 
ordinary course of business using normal collection practices at the 
aggregate recorded amounts thereof, less the amount of applicable reserves 
for doubtful accounts and for allowances and discounts.  Seller has no 
outstanding sales on consignment, sales on approval, sales on return or 
guaranteed sales in connection with the operation of the Business.

          4.1.8  INVENTORY.  All Inventories of the Business consists of 
items of a quantity and quality historically useable and/or saleable in the 
normal course of the Business, some of which items may be saleable in excess 
of one year.  Items of slow-moving material which may be saleable in excess 
of two years have been written down by twenty-five percent (25%) consistent 
with the past practice of the Business on an item by item basis.  To Seller's 
knowledge, the Inventories are free from defects in materials and/or 
workmanship.  All Inventories reflected in the Financial Statements or the 
Interim Financial Statements are valued at the lower of cost or market with 
cost determined by the first in first out accounting method.  Since April 30, 
1998, there has not been a material change in the level of the Inventories.  
All Inventories except for demonstration equipment, tooling or inventory set 
out on Schedule 4.1.8 are, and all other tools, dies, jigs, patterns, molds, 
equipment, supplies and other materials used in the production of Inventories 
are, located at the Premises.  To Seller's knowledge, all Inventories have 
been produced in material compliance with applicable laws.

          4.1.9  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.  Except as set out on Schedule 4.1.9 
(a) Seller is the owner of or duly licensed to use each Trademark and its 
associated goodwill; (b) each Trademark registration exists and has been 
maintained in good standing; (c) each Patent exists, is owned by or licensed 
to Seller, and has been maintained in good standing; (d) each copyright 
registration exists and is owned by Seller; (e) Seller has not received any 
notice that any other firm, corporation, association or person claims the 
right to use in connection with similar or closely related goods and in the 
same geographic area, any mark which is identical or confusingly similar to 
any of the Trademarks; (f) Seller has no knowledge of any claim that any 
third party 

                                       16

<PAGE>

asserts ownership rights in any of the Intellectual Property Rights; (g) 
Seller has no knowledge of any claim or any reason to believe that Seller's 
use of any Intellectual Property Right infringes any right of any third 
party; (h) Seller has no knowledge or any reason to believe that any third 
party is infringing on any of Seller's rights in any of the Intellectual 
Property Rights; and (i) Seller has no knowledge or any reason to believe 
that any of its actions have infringed or are infringing on any third party's 
intellectual property rights.

          4.1.10  TITLE TO THE ASSETS.  Seller has and will transfer to  
Buyer good and marketable title to the Assets, free and clear of all 
mortgages, easements, leases, agreements, restrictions, security interests, 
pledges, liens or encumbrances of any kind, or any conditional sale agreement 
or other title retention agreement.

          4.1.11  REAL ESTATE.  (a) Except for the storage space described on 
Schedule 1.2.5 and the Premises, Seller does not use any real estate in 
connection with the operation of the Business.  The Premises is leased to 
Seller pursuant to the Lease.  None of the improvements comprising the 
Premises, or the businesses conducted or proposed to be conducted by Seller 
thereon, are in material violation of any applicable law.  No material 
expenditures are required to be made for the repair or maintenance of any 
improvements on the Premises or for the Premises to be used for its intended 
purpose.  Seller is not in material default under any agreement relating to 
the Premises nor, to the best knowledge of Seller, is any other party thereto 
in default thereunder.  There are no condemnation proceedings pending or, to 
the best of Seller's knowledge, threatened with respect to any portion of the 
Premises.  (b) No Governmental Authority has asserted any challenges or 
appeals regarding the amount of the taxes on, or the assessed valuation of, 
the Premises, and Seller has no special arrangement or agreement with any 
Governmental Authority with respect thereto.  There is no tax assessment (in 
addition to the normal, annual general real estate tax assessment, including, 
ad valorem property taxes imposed upon the real and personal property owned 
by the Seller for 1998) pending or, to the best of Seller's knowledge, 
threatened with respect to any portion of the Premises to the extent Seller 
is liable for payment therefor.

          4.1.12  EQUIPMENT..  To the best of Seller's knowledge all tangible 
assets and facilities of Seller included in the Assets are in good operating 
condition and repair (ordinary wear and tear excepted).  The Equipment 
transferred to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement is, to the best of Seller's 
knowledge, sufficient to carry on the Business as it was conducted by Seller 
immediately prior to Closing.

          4.1.13  ASSIGNED CONTRACTS.  Except as set out on Schedule 4.1.13 
Seller is not a party to, or bound by, or the issuer or beneficiary of, any 
undischarged written or oral contract, other than the Assigned Contracts, 
which was entered into by Seller in connection with the operation of the 
Business, including, without limitation: (i) any agreement or arrangement 
obligating Seller to pay or receive, or pursuant to which Seller has 
previously paid or received, an amount in excess of $20,000 (other than 
purchase orders and sales orders entered into in the ordinary course of 
business); (ii) any agreement or arrangement which by its terms cannot be 
terminated by Seller for a period in excess of thirty (30) days without 
payment or penalty; (iii) any employment or consulting agreement; (iv) any 
agreement restricting in any manner Seller's 

                                         17

<PAGE>

right to compete with any other person or entity in connection with the 
operation of the Business, or the right of any other party to compete with 
Seller in connection with the operation of the Business; (v) any secrecy or 
confidentiality agreement; or (vi) any requirements contract.  To the best of 
Seller's knowledge, each of the Assigned Contracts is in full force and 
effect and binding upon the parties hereto, and neither Seller nor any other 
party is in default under any of the Assigned Contracts.  Seller has not 
assigned any of its rights under any of the Assigned Contracts to any person 
or entity.

          4.1.14  LEASES.  Schedule 1.2.7 sets forth a complete list of the 
Personal Property Leases and  Exhibit 3.4.7(a) lists the Real Property Lease 
with sublease rights being assigned under the terms of this Agreement.  To 
the best of Seller's knowledge, each of the Personal Property Leases and the 
Real Property Leases are in full force and effect and neither Seller nor any 
other party is in default under any of the Personal Property Leases and the 
Real Property Leases.  Seller has not assigned any of its rights under any of 
the Personal Property Leases or the Real Property Leases to any person or 
entity.

          4.1.15  LITIGATION.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.1.15, there 
is no litigation or proceeding, in law or in equity, and there are no 
proceedings or governmental investigations before any Governmental Authority, 
pending or, to the best of Seller's knowledge, threatened against Seller, or 
any of Seller's officers or directors, with respect to or affecting the 
Business or related to the consummation of the transaction contemplated 
hereby.  There are no facts known to Seller which, if known by a potential 
claimant or governmental authority, would give rise to a claim or proceeding 
which, if asserted or conducted with results unfavorable to Seller, would 
have a material adverse effect on the Business before or after the Closing.

          4.1.16  WARRANTIES.  Except as disclosed on the Schedule 4.1.16, 
Seller has made no oral or written warranties in connection with the 
operation of the Business, with respect to the quality or absence of defects 
of its products or services.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.1.17, there 
are no material claims pending, or to Seller's knowledge, anticipated or 
threatened with respect to the quality of or absence of defects in any of the 
products or services of the Business.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 
4.1.16, Seller has not been paid or been required to pay direct, incidental, 
or consequential damages to any person in connection with any of such 
products or services.

          4.1.17  PRODUCT LIABILITY.  Seller has received no notice nor does 
Seller have any knowledge relating to any claim (other than a product 
warranty claim) involving any product manufactured, produced, distributed or 
sold by or on behalf of Seller in connection with the operation of the 
Business resulting from an alleged defect in design, manufacture, materials 
or workmanship, or any alleged failure to warn, or from any breach of implied 
warranties or representations.

          4.1.18  ARBITRATION.  Seller is not a party to, or bound by, any 
decree, order or arbitration award (or agreement entered into in any 
administrative, judicial or arbitration proceeding with any Governmental 
Authority) with respect to or affecting the Business.

                                            18

<PAGE>


          4.1.19  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1.19, 
neither Seller nor any corporation or business which is now or at the 
relevant time was an affiliate of Seller as determined under the Code section 
414(b), (c), (m) or (o) ("ERISA Affiliate") maintains, administers, 
contributes to or has any liability under, or has maintained, administered, 
contributed to or had any liability under, nor do the employees relating to 
the Business or any ERISA Affiliate receive or have any reason to expect to 
receive as a condition of employment, benefits pursuant to any employee 
pension benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) ("Plan"), 
including, without limitation, any multi-employer plan as defined in Section 
3(37) of ERISA ("Multi-Employer Plan") or any non-qualified deferred 
compensation plan or retirement plan; employee welfare benefit plan (as 
defined in Section 3(1)of ERISA) ("Welfare Plan"), including any other plan, 
program, agreement or arrangement under which former employees relating to 
the Business or an ERISA Affiliate (or their beneficiaries) are entitled, or 
current employees relating to the Business or an ERISA Affiliate will be 
entitled, following termination of employment, to medical, health or life 
insurance or other benefits other than pursuant to benefit contribution 
rights granted by statute or federal law or bonus, stock, stock purchase or 
stock option plan, severance plan, salary continuation, vacation, sick leave, 
fringe benefit, incentive, insurance, welfare or similar plan or arrangement 
("Employee Benefit Plan").

          4.1.20  LABOR MATTERS.  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.1.20 or 
for events that occur after the date hereof which are disclosed in writing by 
Seller to Buyer, (a) there is no labor strike, dispute, slowdown, work 
stoppage or lockout pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened 
against or affecting the Business, and during the past three years, there has 
not been any such action; (b) to Seller's knowledge, there are no union 
claims or petitions to represent the employees of Seller relating to the 
Business; (c) Seller is not a party to or bound by any collective bargaining 
or similar agreement with any labor organization, or work rules or practices 
agreed to with any labor organization or employee association applicable to 
employees of Seller relating to the Business; (d) none of the employees of 
Seller relating to the Business are represented by any labor organization and 
Seller has no knowledge of any current union organizing activities among such 
employees, nor to Seller's knowledge does any question concerning 
representation exist concerning such employees; (e) in connection with the 
Business, Seller is, and has at all times been, in material compliance with 
all applicable employment laws and practices, including, without limitation, 
any such laws relating to employment discrimination, occupational safety and 
health and unfair labor practices; (f) in connection with the Business, there 
is no unfair labor practice charge or complaint against Seller pending or, to 
the best knowledge of Seller, threatened before the National Labor Relations 
Board or any charges or complaints, or facts which could give rise to a 
charge or complaint, pending or threatened with any Governmental Entity who 
has jurisdiction over unlawful employment practices; (g) there is no 
grievance or arbitration proceeding arising out of any collective bargaining 
agreement or other grievance procedure pending relating to the Business; (h) 
Seller is not delinquent in payments to any of its employees of the Business 
for wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses or other direct compensation for 
any services performed by them prior to the Closing or amounts required to be 
reimbursed to such employees; (i) upon termination of the employment of any 
of the employees of the Business after the Closing, Seller will not be liable 
to any of such employees for severance pay except as set out in Section 
3.4.5; (j) the employment of each of the Business' employees is terminable at 
will without cost to Seller except for 

                                         19

<PAGE>


payments required under the Plans, Welfare Plans and Employee Benefit Plans 
and payment of accrued salaries or wages and vacation pay; (k) no employee or 
former employee of the Business has any right to be rehired by Seller prior 
to Seller hiring a person not previously employed by Seller; and (l) Schedule 
4.1.20 contains a true and complete list of all employees of the Business who 
are employed by Seller as of the date hereof, and said list correctly 
reflects their base salaries, wages, (other than benefits under the Plans, 
Welfare Plans and Employee Benefit Plans), dates of employment and positions.

          4.1.21  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.  The Assets and the Business are in 
substantial compliance with all Environmental Laws (as herein defined) and 
Environmental Permits (as herein defined).  A copy of any notice, citation, 
inquiry or complaint relating to the Assets or the Business which Seller has 
received in the past three years of any alleged violation of any 
Environmental Law or Environmental Permit is contained in Schedule 4.1.21 
attached hereto. Seller possesses all Environmental Permits which  are 
required for the operation of the Business, and is in compliance with the 
provisions of all such Environmental Permits.  Copies of all Environmental 
Permits relating to the Business and issued to Seller are contained in 
Schedule 4.1.21.  As used in this Agreement, "Environmental Laws" means all 
federal, state and local statutes, regulations, ordinances, rules, 
regulations and policies, all court orders and decrees and arbitration 
awards, and the common law, which pertain to environmental matters or 
contamination of any type whatsoever; and "Environmental Permits" means 
licenses, permits, registrations, governmental approvals, agreements and 
consents which are required under or are issued pursuant to "Environmental 
Laws".

          4.1.22  INTERIM CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.  Except as otherwise 
contemplated by this Agreement or as disclosed on Schedule 4.1.22, since 
January 31, 1998, Seller has not, in connection with the operation of the 
Business; (a) sold, assigned, leased, exchanged, transferred or otherwise 
disposed of any material portion of the Business' assets or property, except 
for sales of Inventories and cash applied in the payment of liabilities of 
the Business, in the usual and ordinary course of business in accordance with 
Seller's past practices; (b) suffered any material casualty, damage, 
destruction or loss, or interruption in use, of any material asset, property 
or portion of Inventories (whether or not covered by insurance), on account 
of fire, flood, riot, strike or other hazard or Act of God; (c) made or 
suffered any material change in the conduct or nature of any aspect of the 
Business, whether or not made in the ordinary course of business or whether 
or not such change had a material adverse effect of the Business; (d) waived 
any material right arising out of the conduct of, or with respect to, the 
Business; (e) made any change in accounting methods or principles; (f) 
written-off any material assets as unusable, or obsolete or for any other 
reason; or (g) without limitation by the enumeration of any of the foregoing, 
entered into any transaction other than in accordance with past practices.  
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller shall not be deemed to have breached 
the terms of this Section 4.1.22 by entering into this Agreement or by 
consummating the transactions contemplated hereby.

          4.1.23  AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS.  For purposes of this Agreement, 
the term "Related Party" shall mean: any division of Seller (other than the 
Business), any present or former officer, director, stockholder or affiliate 
of Seller or any predecessor in interest to Seller, any present or former 
known spouse, ancestor or descendant of any of the aforementioned 

                                         20

<PAGE>

persons or any trust or other similar entity for the benefit of any of the 
foregoing persons. No property or interest in any property (including, 
without limitation, designs and drawings concerning machinery) which relates 
to and is or will be necessary or useful in the present or currently 
contemplated future operation of the Business, is presently owned by or 
leased or licensed by or to any Related Party.  In its operation of the 
Business, Seller has not bought or sold from a Related Party, any raw 
materials, parts, components, or finished products or any engineering or 
marketing services related thereto.  The Financial Statements and the Interim 
Financial Statements do not exclude any direct costs related to the operation 
of the Business which were incurred by Seller.

          4.1.24  SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS, SUPPLIERS AND EMPLOYEES.  Schedule 
4.1.2 sets forth an accurate list of the Business' Significant Customers (as 
defined herein), Significant Suppliers (as defined herein) and Significant 
Employees (as defined herein).  Seller has no knowledge of any intention or 
indication of intention by a (a) Significant Customer to terminate its 
business relationship with the Business or to limit or alter its business 
relationship with the Business in any material respect; (b) Significant 
Supplier to terminate its business relationship with the Business or to limit 
or alter its business relationship with the Business in any material respect; 
or (c) Significant Employee intends to terminate or has terminated his 
employment with the Business.  As used herein, "Significant Customer" means 
the 10 largest customers of the Business measured in terms of sales volume in 
dollars for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998 and 1997.  "Significant 
Supplier" means any supplier of the Business from whom Seller has purchased 
$100,000 or more of goods for the Business during the fiscal year ended 
January 31, 1998 or 1997; and "Significant Employee" means all persons listed 
on Schedule 3.4.8.

          4.1.25  BRIBES.  In connection with the operation of the Business, 
neither Seller nor, to Seller's knowledge, any of its former or current 
officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives has made or 
received, directly or indirectly, any bribes or kickbacks, illegal political 
contributions, payments from corporate funds not recorded on the books and 
records of Seller, payments from corporate funds to governmental officials, 
in their individual capacities, for the purpose of affecting their action or 
the action of the government they represent, to obtain favorable treatment in 
securing business or licenses or to obtain special concessions, or illegal 
payments from corporate funds to obtain or retain business.

          4.1.26  ADVISOR FEES.  W. Y. Campbell Company has been retained by 
Seller as its advisor in the sale of the Assets.  The payment of any 
commission or any other fee due to W. Y. Campbell & Company upon consummation 
of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement shall be the sole 
responsibility of the Seller.  Seller further represents and warrants that no 
other broker, advisor or finder has been involved with this transaction or is 
entitled to a commission or fee in connection herewith.

          4.1.27  PROJECTIONS.  All projections and proforma financial and 
other information used in or to compile any projections or business plans 
provided by Seller are based on good faith estimates and assumptions by the 
management of Seller, it being recognized by Buyer that projections as to 
future events are not to be viewed as fact and that actual results during the 

                                         21

<PAGE>

periods covered by any such projections may differ from the projected 
results, and the differences may be material.

          4.1.28  ACCURACY OF STATEMENTS.  To the best knowledge of Seller, 
no representation or warranty made by Seller in this Agreement or any 
schedule or other agreement to be furnished to Buyer pursuant to this 
Agreement contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state 
a material fact necessary to make the statements not misleading.  The 
representations and warranties of Seller shall be deemed to be made as of the 
Closing Date.

          4.1.29  SELLER'S KNOWLEDGE.  As used in this Agreement "Seller's 
Knowledge" and words of similar import shall mean the actual knowledge after 
due inquiry of the following individuals who are employees of Seller: R. 
Davies, R. DeWelt, D. Mehring, F. Worth, D. Moffit, C. McManus, A. Ortega, J. 
Blasius, J. Ormaner.

5.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER.

     5.1  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  Buyer hereby makes the following 
representations and warranties to Seller as of the date hereof:

          5.1.1  CORPORATION ORGANIZATION.  (a) Buyer is a corporation duly 
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State 
of Illinois; and (b) is duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in 
good standing in all jurisdictions in which it owns or leases property 
relating to the Business or in which the conduct of the Business requires it 
to so qualify or be licensed.

          5.1.2  AUTHORITY.  Buyer has full power and authority (corporate 
and other) to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the other 
documents referenced herein and the transactions contemplated hereby, and the 
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other documents 
referenced herein have been duly authorized and approved by all necessary 
corporate action, and this Agreement and the other documents referenced 
herein constitutes a valid and binding Agreement of Buyer.

          5.1.3  NO CONFLICT.  Buyer's execution and delivery of this 
Agreement and performance of its obligations hereunder (i) are not in 
violation or breach of, and will not conflict with or constitute a default 
under, any of the terms of the articles of incorporation or by-laws, or other 
governing documents of Buyer or any note, debt instrument, security 
agreement, lease, deed of trust or mortgage, or any other contract, agreement 
or commitment binding upon Buyer or any of its assets or properties, and (ii) 
will not conflict with or violate any applicable law, rule, regulations, 
judgment, order or decree or any government, governmental instrumentality or 
court having jurisdiction over Buyer, or any of its assets or properties, and 
(iii) do not require any material consent, approval or authorization of, or 
declaration, of or registration with, any domestic governmental or regulatory 
authority.

          5.1.4     ADVISOR FEES.  Michael Blitzer Associates has been 
retained by Buyer as its advisor in the purchase of the Assets.  The payment 
of any commission or any other fee due to 

                                        22

<PAGE>


Michael Blitzer Associates upon consummation of the transaction contemplated 
by this Agreement shall be the sole responsibility of Buyer.  Buyer further 
represents and warrants that no other broker, advisor or finder has been 
involved with this transaction or is entitled to a commission or fee in 
connection herewith.

          5.1.5  BUYER'S CAPACITY.  Buyer and TCP collectively have the 
financial and other capacity necessary to enable them to satisfy Buyer's 
obligations under this Agreement, and any other documents and instruments to 
be executed and delivered pursuant hereto and to consummate the transactions 
contemplated hereby and at Closing will not be insolvent.

          5.1.6  ACCURACY OF STATEMENTS.  To the best knowledge of Buyer, no 
representation or warranty made by Buyer in this Agreement or any schedule or 
agreement to be furnished herewith contains or will contain any untrue 
statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact 
necessary to make the statements not misleading.  The representations and 
warranties of Buyer shall be deemed to be made as of the date hereof.

          5.1.7  RELIANCE.  Buyer has conducted an independent inquiry of the 
Business.  Buyer has relied on the results of such inquiry (for which Seller 
does not bear any responsibility) and the representations and warranties of 
Seller contained in Section 4 of this Agreement, including the Schedules 
relating thereto.  The representations and warranties of Seller contained in 
Section 4 constitute the sole and exclusive representations and warranties of 
Seller to Buyer in connection with this Agreement and the transactions 
contemplated hereby and Buyer acknowledges that all other representations and 
warranties or any projections or business plans of Seller are specifically 
disclaimed and may not be relied upon or serve as a basis for a claim against 
Seller.

          5.1.8  BUYER'S KNOWLEDGE.  As used in this Agreement, "Buyer's 
Knowledge" and words of similar import shall mean the actual knowledge, after 
due inquiry of the following individuals who are employees of Buyer: N. Gihl, 
P. Nicholson, M. Howlett, D. Lambert, B. Morgan and E. Foster.

6.   COVENANTS.

     6.1  CONFIDENTIALITY.  As a further inducement for Buyer to enter into 
this Agreement, Seller agrees that for the longest period permitted by law 
after the date hereof, Seller shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, hold 
in the strictest confidence, and not, without the prior written approval; of 
Buyer, use for its own benefit or the benefit of any party other than Buyer 
or disclose to any person, firm or corporation other than Buyer any 
Confidential Information.  For purposes of this Agreement, intending that the 
term shall be broadly construed to include anything protectible as a trade 
secret or confidential information under applicable law, "Confidential 
Information" shall mean all information, and all documents and other tangible 
items which record information relating to or useful in connection with the 
Business, which at the time or times concerned is protectible as a trade 
secret or confidential information under applicable law; provided that 
confidential information  shall not  include any information to the extent 
that (i) the disclosure of such information to a third party is reasonably 
required in 

                                     23

<PAGE>

connection with the fulfillment of a party's obligations under this 
Agreement, and such third party shall enter into an agreement to keep such 
information confidential, (ii) such information shall become generally known 
to the public through no violation of Sections 6.1 or 6.5 of this Agreement, 
and (iii)  the disclosure of such information is required by a court of 
competent jurisdiction or by law.

     6.2  INJUNCTIVE RELIEF.  The Seller and Buyer acknowledge and agree that 
the remedy at law for any breach of any of their respective obligations under 
Sections 3.4.3 through 3.4.10 or Sections 6.1, 6.4, 6.5 or 6.8 hereof would 
be inadequate, and agree and consent that temporary and permanent injunctive 
relief may be granted in a proceeding which may be brought to enforce any 
provision of Sections 3.4.3 through 3.4.10 or Sections 6.1, 6.4, 6.5 or 6.8 
without the necessity of proof of actual damage.  Seller and Buyer recognize 
that the absence of a time limitation in Section 6.1 is reasonable and 
properly required for the protection of Buyer and in the event that the 
absence of such limitation is deemed to be unreasonable by a court of 
competent jurisdiction, the parties agree and submit to the imposition of 
such a limitation as said court shall deem reasonable.

     6.3  THIRD PARTY CONSENTS.  Prior to the Closing, each of Seller and 
Buyer shall use all reasonable efforts to obtain the agreements, 
authorizations, consents, orders and approvals of federal, state and local 
regulatory bodies and officials, courts and other third parties that may be 
or become necessary for the performance of their respective obligations 
pursuant to this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions 
contemplated by this Agreement and shall cooperate fully with each other in 
seeking promptly to obtain such agreements, authorizations, consents, orders 
and approvals as may be necessary for the performance of their respective 
obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Neither Seller nor Buyer shall take 
any action that is likely to have the effect of delaying, impairing or 
impeding the receipt of any required agreements or approvals and each shall 
use all reasonable efforts to secure such agreements or approvals as promptly 
as possible.

     6.4  FURTHER ACTION.  Buyer and Seller shall execute such other 
documents and take such further action, at or after the Closing, as may be 
reasonably required or desirable to carry out the provisions of this 
Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  Upon the 
terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Buyer and Seller shall 
take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all 
other things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective 
as promptly as practicable the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,  
and to obtain in a timely manner all necessary waivers, consents and 
approvals and to effect all necessary registrations and filings.

     6.5  ANNOUNCEMENTS.  Except as and to the extent required by applicable 
law, neither Buyer nor Seller shall make any public announcements in respect 
of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or 
otherwise communicate with any third party, including, without limitation, 
news media, without the prior written consent of the other party which 
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, and Buyer and Seller shall 
cooperate as to the timing and contents of any such announcement.

                                      24

<PAGE>


     6.6  PRODUCT RETURNS AND ADJUSTMENTS.  Buyer shall assume all 
obligations under written or implied warranties to repair or replace 
defective products which were sold by Seller prior to the  date hereof up to 
the amount shown on the Closing Balance Sheet for product warranty reserves.  
If Buyer incurs direct material and labor costs in excess of such reserved 
amount, Buyer's right of reimbursement shall be subject to the 
indemnification procedures set forth in Section 7.  Buyer shall have all 
obligations under written or implied warranties to repair or replace 
defective products which are sold after the date hereof, and Buyer shall 
indemnify and hold Seller harmless with respect thereto under the 
indemnification procedures set forth in Section 7.

     6.7  PRODUCTS LIABILITY.  Seller shall retain all liability including 
personal injury and property damage (whether based on "strict liability" laws 
or otherwise), arising out of or in connection with any products sold by 
Seller prior to the date hereof, and Seller shall indemnify and hold Buyer 
harmless with respect thereto under the indemnification procedures set forth 
in Section 7.  Buyer shall have all liability including personal injury and 
property damage (whether based on "strict liability" laws or otherwise), 
arising out of or in connection with any products sold after the  date 
hereof, and Buyer shall indemnify and hold Seller harmless with respect 
thereto under the indemnification procedures set forth in Section 7.

     6.8  NON-SOLICITATION.  Seller agrees, for a period of two (2) years 
following the  date hereof, not to solicit any third-party customers of the 
Business who purchased DEECO product line applications from Seller within two 
years prior to the  date hereof.  Seller shall be restricted from soliciting 
such third party customers only for the sale of products of Seller that are 
in direct competition with the products produced  in the Business as of the  
date hereof.  Seller also agrees that for a period of two (2) years after the 
date hereof, Seller shall not take any action which is calculated to persuade 
any salaried, technical or professional employees, representatives or agents 
of Buyer to terminate their association with Buyer.

          6.9  PAYMENTS OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.  In the event Seller shall 
receive after the Closing any instrument of payment of any of the Accounts 
Receivable, Seller shall forthwith delivery it to Buyer, endorsed where 
necessary, without recourse, in favor of Buyer.  If Buyer does not receive 
payment of the full amount of the Accounts Receivable from each of M-Tech or 
Palomar Spectrum on or prior to ninety (90) days after the date hereof, (a) 
Seller shall promptly pay to Buyer an amount equal to the uncollected balance 
of those receivables; and (b) Buyer shall convey to Seller the rights to the 
uncollected portion of such receivables.

7.   DAMAGES AND INDEMNIFICATION.

     7.1  INDEMNIFY BY SELLER.  Seller shall defend, indemnify, and hold 
harmless Buyer and Buyer's affiliates, and their respective directors, 
officers, employees, shareholders, representatives, and agents, against and 
with respect to any and all losses, costs, damages, assessments, 
administrative fines or penalties, liability, obligations, claims or expenses 
(including reasonable professional fees and similar expenses) (collectively, 
the "Losses") from, resulting by reason of or arising in connection with: (a) 
any and all liabilities of Seller of any nature, whether accrued, absolute, 
contingent, or otherwise, other than the Assumed Liabilities;  

                                         25

<PAGE>

(b) any inaccuracy in or breach of any of the representations, or, warranties 
 made or to be performed by Seller pursuant to this Agreement or under any of 
the other certificates, agreements or other documents delivered by Seller in 
connection herewith or any breach thereof arising from a claim asserted by a 
third party, or (c) any breach of any covenants or agreements made or to be 
performed by Seller pursuant to this Agreement or under any of the other 
certificates, agreements or other documents delivered by Seller in connection 
herewith; or (d) Seller's operation of the Business prior to the date hereof.

     7.2  INDEMNITY BY BUYER.  Buyer shall defend, indemnify, and hold 
harmless Seller and Seller's affiliates, and their respective directors, 
officers, employees, shareholders, representatives, and agents, against and 
with respect to any and all Losses from, resulting by reason of or arising in 
connection with: (a) any inaccuracy in or breach of any of the 
representations, or warranties made or to be performed by Buyer pursuant to 
this Agreement or under any of the other certificates, agreements or other 
documents delivered by Buyer in connection herewith or any breach thereof 
arising from a claim asserted by a third party,  (b) any breach of any 
covenants or agreements made or to be performed by Buyer pursuant to this 
Agreement or under any of the other certificates, agreements or other 
documents delivered by Buyer in connection herewith; (c) any claim or demand 
made or liability asserted against Seller due to Buyer's failure or alleged 
failure to pay, perform or discharge any Assumed Liability or (d) Buyer's 
operation of the Business after the date hereof.

     7.3  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS INDEMNIFICATION.  This Section 7.3 shall 
constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to environmental 
matters and shall control in the event of conflict with any other term, 
provision or agreement, whether written or oral.

          7.3.1     PRE-EXISTING CONTAMINATION.  As used herein, the term 
"Pre-existing Contamination" shall mean any contamination in violation of any 
Environmental Law which existed or occurred prior to the  date hereof, or any 
condition, whether or not on or off site which is related to, migrated from 
or is associated with any such contamination.

          7.3.2     LIABILITY.  It is the intention of both Buyer and Seller 
that Seller shall retain any and all liability imposed by any Environmental 
Law for Pre-existing Contamination and further that Buyer and Seller agree 
that any release or similar action caused by Buyer or its agents which 
results in or exacerbates any contamination is the responsibility of Buyer.  
It shall be the burden of  Seller to establish than any contamination was not 
a  Pre-existing Contamination.  Moreover, any liability imposed by an 
Environmental Law which does not relate to any contamination caused during 
the period of time that Buyer occupied the Premises  shall be the sole 
responsibility of Seller.  This discovery by Buyer of any violation of an 
Environmental Law that occurred prior to the date hereof, or environmental 
condition related to Pre-existing Contamination, shall require a 
comprehensive study to determine the extent of any Pre-existing 
Contamination.  The scope of such investigation and the cost thereof shall be 
the sole obligation of Seller.  Buyer agrees that all data obtained and 
reports developed as a result of any such investigation are confidential, and 
all data and reports shall be so labeled, but that such reports and data will 
be provided to Seller under an obligation of confidentiality.  Unless 
otherwise required by law, Buyer will not disclose any such data or reports 
to any third party, including, 

                                         26

<PAGE>

but not limited to governmental agencies, individuals, corporations, or the 
public without the prior written consent of Seller.

          7.3.4     REMEDIATION.   Seller shall indemnify and hold Buyer 
harmless for any and all liabilities imposed on Buyer for the clean-up or 
remediation of any Pre-existing Contamination.

     7.4  UCC BULK SALES INDEMNIFICATION.  Buyer hereby waives Seller's 
compliance with the Uniform Commercial Code provisions of California law 
regarding bulk transfers.  Other provisions hereof notwithstanding, Seller 
will indemnify and hold Buyer harmless from all Losses attributable to 
Seller's failure to comply with any provision of such laws in respect of the 
Assets sold to Buyer hereunder.

     7.5  INDEMNIFICATION NOTICE.  The party seeking indemnification under 
this Section 7 agrees to give prompt notice to the party against whom 
indemnity may be sought (the "Indemnifying Party") of the assertion of any 
claim or the commencement of any suit, action or proceeding in respect of 
which indemnity may be sought under this section; provided, however, that in 
the event such notice is not given or is delayed and the Indemnifying Party 
is not materially prejudiced thereby, the Indemnified Party's rights 
hereunder shall not be affected.  The Indemnifying Party shall have the right 
at its own expense, to control the defense and the Indemnifying Party shall 
not settle the matter without the consent of the Indemnified Party, which 
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  The Indemnified Party shall have 
the right to participate in such defense by notice to the Indemnifying Party. 
 If upon the Indemnifying Party's consent, the Indemnified Party assumes such 
defense, the Indemnified Party shall not settle the matter without the 
consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably 
withheld.

     7.6  LIMITATION ON LIABILITY.  The Indemnifying Party shall not have any 
liability or obligation to the Indemnified Party under Sections 7.1(b)  or 
7.2(a), (i) for any individual claims or losses which amount to $2,500.00 or 
less ("Excluded Claims"); (ii) unless the aggregate cumulative total of all 
Losses under Sections 7.1(b) or 7.2(a), as the case may be, other than 
Excluded Claims incurred by the Indemnified Party exceeds Seventy-Five 
Thousand Dollars($75,000), but once all Losses incurred by the Indemnified 
Party under Sections 7.1(b) or 7.2(a), as the case may be, exceed such 
amount, the Indemnified Party shall be entitled to indemnification for all 
Losses under Sections 7.1(b) or 7.2(a), as the case may be, from the first 
dollar of Losses, excluding all Excluded Claims, and (iii) to the extent that 
the Indemnified Party actually receives insurance proceeds to cover any such 
Losses under Sections 7.1(b) or 7.2(a), as the case may be.  Notwithstanding 
any other provision of this Agreement, the total maximum aggregate 
indemnification for all Losses incurred by the Indemnified Party pursuant to 
Section 7.1(b) or Section 7.2(a), as the case may be, shall not exceed one 
half of the Purchase Price.  The Indemnified Party shall not be entitled to 
make any claim for a breach of a representation or warranty pursuant to 
Sections 7.1(b) or 7.2(a) at any time after the period of time set forth in 
Section 8.3.

8     MISCELLANEOUS.

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<PAGE>


     8.1  ASSIGNMENT.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by either 
party, except upon written consent of the other party.

     8.2  NOTICES.  All notices, consents, approvals or other notifications 
required or permitted to be sent by one party to the other party hereunder 
shall be in writing and may be delivered by hand, by facsimile, by nationally 
recognized overnight courier service, or by United States mail.  Notices 
delivered by United States mail shall be deemed given three (3) business days 
after being deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, registered 
or certified mail.  Notices delivered by hand, by facsimile or by nationally 
recognized overnight courier service shall be deemed given on the first 
business day following receipt; provided, however, that a notice delivered by 
facsimile shall only be effective if such notice is also delivered by hand, 
or deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, registered or 
certified mail, on or before two (2) business days after its delivery by 
facsimile.  All notices shall be addressed to such other party at the address 
set forth below, or, the last address of such party as shall have been 
communicated to the other party:

If to Seller                     Lucas Automation & Control
                                 Engineering, Inc.
                                 1000 Lucas Way
                                 Hampton, Virginia  23666
                                 Attention:  Robert Davies
                                 Fax No. 757 766 2666
                                 
with a copy to:                  Robert A. Leier, Esquire
                                 LucasVarity
                                 13873 Park Center Road
                                 Hallmark Building - Suite 65
                                 Herndon, Virginia  20171
                                 Fax No. 703 834 2648
                                 
If to Buyer:                     Total Control Products, Inc.
                                 2001 N. Janice Avenue
                                 Melrose Park, Illinois  60160
                                 Attention:  Nicholas Gihl
                                 Fax No. 708 345 6792
                                 
with a copy to:                  Mark S. Albert, Esquire
                                 D'Ancona & Pfluam
                                 30 North LaSalle - Suite 2900
                                 Chicago, Illinois  60602
                                 Fax No. 312 580 0923
                                 

     8.3  SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The representations 
and warranties contained herein or in any schedule or other document attached 
hereto shall be deemed 

                                     28

<PAGE>

representations and warranties of the party by whom or on whose behalf the 
same are delivered and all representations and warranties made by such party 
to this Agreement shall survive the Closing for a period not to exceed 
eighteen (18) months, except that the representations and warranties set 
forth in Sections 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.10,  4.1.21, 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 
shall survive the Closing for a period not to exceed five (5) years. Any 
claim based upon a breach of such warranty or representation must be 
initiated within the above terms.

     8.4  SEVERABILITY.  If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement 
shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such 
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any of the other 
provisions of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be construed as if 
such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained 
herein.

     8.5  GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in 
accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of California, except 
where the laws of some other jurisdiction mandatorily apply.

     86   ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement together with the Schedules 
hereto, embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties 
hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior 
agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof.

     8.7  WAIVER.  This Agreement  and the terms hereof may be changed, 
waived, modified, discharged or terminated only by an instrument in writing 
signed by the party against which enforcement of such change, waiver, 
modification, discharge or termination is sought.  No waiver of any right or 
remedy in respect of any occurrence or event on one occasion shall be deemed 
a waiver of such right or remedy in respect of such occurrence or event on 
any other occasion unless specifically provided for in writing executed by 
the party to be so bound.

     8.8  COOPERATION.  Seller and Buyer shall fully cooperate with one 
another and shall provide to each other any assistance reasonably required to 
complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     8.9  HEADINGS.  The headings in this Agreement are for purposes of 
reference only, and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning thereof.

     8.10 EXECUTION.  This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in 
several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of 
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

     8.11 INTERPRETATION AND AGREEMENT PREPARATION.    The parties hereto 
agree that this Agreement is the product of negotiations between 
sophisticated parties and individuals, all of whom were represented by 
counsel, and each of whom had an opportunity to participate in, and did 
participate in, the drafting of each provision hereof.  Accordingly, 
ambiguities in this Agreement, if any, shall not be construed strictly or in 
favor of or against any party hereto but rather shall be given a fair and 
reasonable construction.

                                        29

<PAGE>

     8.12 CONSENTS.  Whenever the terms of this Agreement require the consent 
of a party be provided, unless this Agreement stipulates otherwise, such 
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

     8.13 ARBITRATION.  Other than as provided in Section 6.2, any  dispute 
arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall 
be settled by arbitration before a single arbitrator in accordance with the 
Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in San 
Francisco, California and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator 
may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  The parties 
acknowledge that time is of the essence in connection with resolving any 
dispute and that the parties will cooperate with each other to promptly 
arbitrate any such matters.  The arbitrator shall award the prevailing party 
all costs, attorney fees, and other out-of-pocket expenses relating to the 
dispute incurred by such party.

     8.14 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  Subject to Section 8.1 hereof, this 
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors 
and permitted assigns of each of the parties.

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

LUCAS AUTOMATION & CONTROL       
ENGINEERING INC.                          VA ACQUISITION CORP.
                                 
By: /S/ ROBERT DAVIES                     By: /S/ NICHOLAS GIHL
    ----------------------                    -----------------------
        Robert Davies                             Nicholas Gihl
Its: President                            Its: President

                                        30

<PAGE>


                               GUARANTY AGREEMENT
                                       
     THIS GUARANTY AGREEMENT dated June 8, 1998, by TOTAL CONTROL PRODUCTS 
INC., an Illinois corporation ("Guarantor"), is made and given to LUCAS 
AUTOMATION & CONTROL ENGINEERING INC., a Virginia corporation ("Lucas").

                                   RECITALS

     A.   Guarantor is the owner of all the outstanding shares of VA 
ACQUISITION CORP., an Illinois corporation ("Subsidiary").

     B.   Subsidiary and Lucas have entered into the Acquisition Agreement 
for the sale of assets dated June 8, 1998 (the "Agreement").  Section 3.2.6 
of the Agreement provides that Guarantor will deliver this guaranty as a 
condition to the consummation of the transactions contemplated under the 
Agreement.

                                  AGREEMENTS

     1.   In order to induce Lucas to consummate the Agreement and in 
consideration of the material benefits to be derived by Guarantor from the 
performance by Subsidiary under the Agreement, and for other valuable 
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, 
Guarantor hereby guarantees to Lucas the prompt and complete payment and 
performance when due or when required to be performed of the obligations and 
liabilities of Subsidiary arising under the Agreement and under the documents 
delivered by Subsidiary pursuant to the Agreement (all such liabilities and 
obligations being hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Liabilities") 
to the extent that Subsidiary would be liable for such amounts.  Guarantor 
further agrees to pay any and all reasonable expenses which may be paid or 
incurred by Lucas in enforcing its rights with respect to the Liabilities 
and/or this Guaranty (including all reasonable legal fees and expenses), if 
the Guarantor is found to be liable for such Liabilities.

     2.   Initially capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have 
the respective meanings set forth in the Agreement.

     3.   The obligations of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall remain in 
full force and effect until all the Liabilities have been indefeasibly paid 
and performed or until Subsidiary is no longer liable to Lucas under the 
Agreement and payment of the Liabilities is not subject to rescission or 
repayment under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, 
arrangement or similar proceeding affecting Subsidiary.  This is a guaranty 
of payment and not of collection.

     4.   Guarantor waives any and all notice of the creation, renewal, 
extension or accrual of any of the Liabilities and notice of or proof of 
reliance by Lucas upon this Guaranty or acceptance of this Guaranty and the 
Liabilities.  Guarantor waives diligence, presentment, protest, demand for 
payment and notice of default or non-payment to or upon Subsidiary or 
Guarantor with respect to the Liabilities.  This Guaranty shall remain in 
full force and effect 

                                      1

<PAGE>

and be binding in accordance with and to the extent of its terms upon the 
Guarantor and its successors and assigns, and shall enure to the benefit of 
Lucas and its successors and assigns, until either (a) all the Liabilities 
shall have been indefeasibly satisfied by payment in full or the obligations 
of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall have been indefeasibly satisfied by 
payment in full, or (b) Subsidiary's obligations under the Agreement have 
expired or terminated, whichever first occurs.

     5.   This Guaranty 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 
Liabilities is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned by Lucas 
upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization 
of Subsidiary or upon or as a result of the appointment of a receiver, 
intervenor or conservator of, or trustee or similar officer for, Subsidiary 
or any substantial part of its property, or otherwise, all as though such 
payments had not been made.

     6.   No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of 
Lucas, any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver 
thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or 
privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of 
any other power or right.  The rights and remedies herein provided are 
cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

     7.   No provision of this Guaranty shall be waived, amended or 
supplemented except by a written instrument executed by Guarantor and Lucas. 
This Guaranty shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in 
accordance with the laws of the State of California.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor has executed this Guaranty on the day and 
year first above written.

                              TOTAL CONTROL PRODUCTS INC.

                              By: /S/ NICHOLAS GIHL
                                  ----------------------------------
                                  NICHOLAS GIHL, President

                                          2

<PAGE>


Total Control Acquires Industrial Computer Company

MELROSE PARK, Ill., June 8 -- Total Control Products, Inc. announced that it 
has signed an agreement to acquire substantially all of the net operating 
assets of Deeco Systems (Deeco), a designer and manufacturer of flat panel 
factory automation products, for $5.5 million in cash and an earn out of up 
to $2 million if certain financial targets for the twelve month period ended 
January 31, 1999 are met. Deeco is an operating business unit within 
LucasVarity's Electrical and Electronic Systems Division.  Revenues of Deeco 
were approximately $15 million for the twelve months ended January 31, 1998. 

Total Control designs, develops and markets products and technology for the 
control segment of the industrial automation market. These products range 
from closed architecture programmable logic controller operator interfaces 
and industrial computers to open architecture control software and systems, 
and are sold primarily through an international network of independent 
distributors. 

For further information contact Peter Nicholson, Chief Financial Officer at 
Total Control Products, Inc., 2001 N. Janice Ave. Melrose Park, Ill., 60160, 
708-345-5500 or Juli Ballesteros, Communications Manager, North America, 
Electrical and Electronic Systems Division at LucasVarity at 703-834-2810.

NOTE: Statements and projections concerning the future financial condition, 
results of operations and business of Total Control Products, Inc. and 
subsidiaries are "forward-looking"' statements which are inherently 
uncertain. Actual performance and results are subject to many risk factors, 
including changing market conditions, the timing of new product introductions 
by the Company, its competitors or third parties, the loss of any significant 
distributors, currency fluctuations, disruption in the supply of components 
for the Company's products, and other factors discussed in the Company's 
March 11, 1997 prospectus for its initial public offering. 

SOURCE: Total Control Products, Inc.



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