CORE INDUSTRIES INC
8-K/A, 1996-02-22
INSTRUMENTS FOR MEAS & TESTING OF ELECTRICITY & ELEC SIGNALS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              Washington, DC 20549


                                   FORM 8-K/A
                                Amendment No. 1


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


      Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): December 15, 1995


                              CORE INDUSTRIES INC
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


          Nevada                        1-5024               38-1052434
(State or other jurisdiction       (Commission file         IRS Employer
     of incorporation)                  Number           Identification No.)


P. O. Box 2000, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan                     48304
 (Address of principal executive offices)                    (Zip code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (810) 642-3400

<PAGE>

ITEM 2.  ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS.

         On December 15, 1995, Core Industries Inc (the  "Registrant")  acquired
CMB Industries ("CMB") in a merger  transaction.  CMB, a privately held producer
of specialty valves, has annual revenues of approximately $30 million. CMB stock
was  acquired by the  Registrant  in the merger.  The capital  investment  was a
combination of debt  assumptions and notes payable issued  totaling  $13,550,000
and 857,283 shares of the Registrant's  common stock,  which stock had a closing
price of $13.50 per share on December 14, 1995.

         Subsequent  to the  transaction  there  were  10,684,464  shares of the
Registrant's common stock issued and outstanding.

         A copy of the press  release  dated  December  15,  1995  issued by the
Registrant  relating to the closing of the sale is attached as Exhibit 99 hereto
and is incorporated by reference.

ITEM 7.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

(a)      Financial Statements of Business Acquired

                  The audited  balance  sheets of CMB  Industries as of December
         31, 1994 and 1993, and the related statements of income,  stockholders'
         equity,  and cash  flows for the years  then  ended are filed with this
         report beginning on Page F-4.

(b)      Pro Forma Financial Information

                  The  following  unaudited  pro  forma  condensed  consolidated
         financial statements are filed with this report:

                  Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance
                    Sheet as of December 1, 1995........................Page F-1

                  Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements
                    of Earnings:
                           Year ended August 31, 1995...................Page F-2
                           First Quarter ended December 1, 1995.........Page F-3

         The Pro Forma  Condensed  Consolidated  Balance Sheet as of December 1,
1995, and the Pro Forma  Condensed  Consolidated  Statements of Earnings for the
year ended August 31, 1995,  and the three months ended  December 1, 1995 assume
the merger took place on September 1, 1994.  The pro forma  information is based
on historical  financial  statements of the Registrant and CMB, giving effect to
the  transactions  and  adjustments in the  accompanying  notes to the pro forma
financial statements.

         The  unaudited  pro  forma  condensed  financial  statements  have been
prepared by Registrant based upon assumptions deemed proper by it. The unaudited
pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein are shown
for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily  indicative of the future
financial  position or results of operations of Registrant,  or of the financial
position  or results  of  operations  of  Registrant  that  would have  actually
occurred  had the  transaction  been in effect as of the date or for the periods
presented.  The results of  operations  have not been  adjusted for the benefits
from  synergies of the  combined  operations  related to  marketing  and product
efforts,  purchasing advantages and other combined benefits.  The results of CMB
Industries  during  the  periods  shown  reflect  unusual  costs in new  product
development and  introduction.  Also, the  concentration  of most of CMB's sales
from its "Poly-jet"  product line (10-15% of total sales) into several different
months within a year may distort the overall  results of CMB for any  particular
cutoff period.

<PAGE>

         The unaudited pro forma  condensed  consolidated  financial  statements
should be read in  conjunction  with the  historical  financial  statements  and
related notes of Registrant.

(c)      Exhibits

        *2.1      Agreement  and Plan of  Merger between Core Industries Inc and
                  CMB Industries

         99       Press release dated December 15, 1995.

                  *The Registrant will supply the  Commission upon  request with
                   copies of any  schedules to Exhibits  which are not included 
                   herein.

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

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

                                             CORE INDUSTRIES INC

                                             By:  /s/ RAYMOND H. STEBEN, JR.
                                                  --------------------------
                                                  Raymond H. Steben, Jr.
                                                  V.P.-Finance and CFO

Dated: February 22, 1996

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
             Core Industries Inc and Subsidiaries and CMB Industries
           Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
                                December 1, 1995
<CAPTION>
                                                 As Reported
                                             ---------------------- 
                                                 Core
                                           Industries
                                              Inc and        CMB        Pro Forma     Pro Forma
                                         Subsidiaries    Industries   Adjustments  Consolidated
                                             --------      --------      --------      --------
                                                               (000s omitted)
<S>                                          <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
               ASSETS                                       
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents                    $    537     ($   262)           --       $    275
Accounts receivable                            43,941        5,165            --         49,106
Inventories                                    41,913        7,936            --         49,849
Prepaid expenses                                  504           32            --            536
Deferred taxes on income                        5,487           --            --          5,487
Net assets held for disposition                16,780           --            --         16,780
                                             --------      --------      --------      --------
   TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                      $109,162      $ 12,871           --       $122,033
                                             --------      --------      --------      --------

Property, plant and equipment                $ 55,709      $  9,041           --       $ 64,750
Less accumulated depreciation                  33,371         6,331           --         39,702
                                             --------      --------      --------      --------
   Total Property, Plant and Equipment       $ 22,338      $  2,710           --       $ 25,048
                                             --------      --------      --------      --------

Goodwill                                     $  6,701           --        $15,199(b)   $ 21,900
Other assets                                    8,583      $    122           --          8,705
                                             --------      --------      --------      --------
   Total Other Assets                        $ 15,284      $    122      $ 15,199      $ 30,605
                                             --------      --------      --------      --------
                                             $146,784      $ 15,703      $ 15,199      $177,686
                                             ========      ========      ========      ========
        LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable                               $   1,487      $  8,650        $6,474(a)  $  16,611
Accounts payable                                8,468         3,090           --         11,558
Accrued payroll and other expenses              9,556           664           --         10,220
Dividends payable                                 590           --            --            590
Taxes on income                                 1,966           --            --          1,966
Long-term debt due with one year                4,610           --            --          4,610
                                            ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------
   TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                $  26,677     $  12,404     $   6,474     $  45,555
                                            ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------

Long-term debt, less current portion           32,499           --            --         32,499
Deferred taxes on income                        1,810           --            --          1,810
Accrued employee benefits                       2,962           --            451(d)      3,413

Stockholders's Equity:
   Common stock                             $  11,237     $   4,085     ($  4,085)    $  11,237
   Additional paid-in capital                   1,001           --          7,501(c)      8,502
   Retained earnings                           76,320          (786)          786        76,320
   Cumulative translation adjustments             976           --            --            976
   Treasury stock                              (6,698)          --          4,072(c)     (2,626)
                                            ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------
   TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY               $  82,836     $   3,299     $   8,274     $  94,409
                                            ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------
                                            $ 146,784     $  15,703     $  15,199     $ 177,686
                                            =========     =========     =========     =========
<FN>
(a) Additional debt required in connection with acquisition.
(b) The  excess  of cost  over the  estimated  fair  value of CMB's  assets  and
    liabilities.
(c) Reflects the issuance of 857,000 shares of common stock from treasury.
(d) Projected benefit obligation respect to CMB's pension plan.
</FN>
</TABLE>
                                       F-1
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
             Core Industries Inc and Subsidiaries and CMB Industries
       Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Unaudited)
                           Year Ended August 31, 1995
<CAPTION>
                                                  As Reported
                                           -------------------------
                                                Core
                                          Industries
                                             Inc and          CMB         Pro Forma       Pro Forma
                                        Subsidiaries       Industries    Adjustments    Consolidated
                                           ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                    (000s omitted, except per-share data)
<S>                                        <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Net Sales                                  $ 187,897       $  26,987             --        $ 214,884

Cost of Sales                              $ 121,088       $  17,469             --        $ 138,557
Depreciation & Amortization                    4,364           1,013             380 (b)       5,757
Selling, General and
       Administration Expenses                43,126           7,710             --           50,836
Interest Expense                               3,355             812             212 (a)       4,379
Other Expense (Income)                          (929)            (93)            --           (1,022)
                                           ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
                                           $ 171,004       $  26,911       $     592       $ 198,507
                                           ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------

Earnings Before Income Taxes               $  16,893       $      76       ($    592)      $  16,377

Taxes on Income                                6,200               1             (50)(c)       6,151
                                           ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------

Net Earnings                               $  10,693       $      75       ($    542)      $  10,226
                                           =========       =========       =========       =========


Earnings Per Share                         $    1.09             --              --        $    0.96
                                           =========       =========       =========       =========
         
Average Shares Outstanding                     9,809             --              857 (c)      10,666
                                           =========       =========       =========       =========
<FN>
(a) Interest expense on $15 million on Registrant's estimated short term rate of
    6.9% - less CMB's actual interest (CMB's rate approximated 8%).
(b) Amortization over 40 years of cost in excess of net assets acquired.
(c) Decrease in income tax provisions associated with (a) above. (No tax benefit
    for  amortization  in  (b) above).  Also  provide  tax  on  CMB  earnings at
    Registrant's rate (CMB was "S" Corporation).
(d) To reflect  shares issued in connection  with  acquisition as if transaction
    had been completed at beginning of period.
</FN>
</TABLE>
                                       F-2
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
             Core Industries Inc and Subsidiaries and CMB Industries
       Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Unaudited)
                       Three Months Ended December 1, 1995
<CAPTION>
                                                   As Reported
                                           -------------------------
                                                Core
                                          Industries
                                             Inc and         CMB           Pro Forma       Pro Forma
                                        Subsidiaries      Industries     Adjustments    Consolidated
                                           ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                    (000s omitted, except per-share data)
<S>                                        <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>      
Net Sales                                  $  46,437       $   6,898             --        $  53,335

Cost of Sales                              $  29,999       $   4,300             --        $  34,299
Depreciation & Amortization                    1,210             255             152 (b)       1,617
Selling, General and
       Administration Expenses                10,760           1,897             --           12,657
Interest Expense                                 805             187              55 (a)       1,047
Other Expense (Income)                          (127)              8             --             (119)
                                           ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
                                           $  42,647       $   6,647       $     207       $  49,501
                                           ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------


Earnings Before Income Taxes               $   3,790       $     251      ($     207)      $   3,834

Taxes on Income                                1,380               0              71 (c)       1,451
                                           ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------

Net Earnings                               $   2,410       $     251      ($     278)      $   2,383
                                           =========       =========       =========       =========

Earnings Per Share                         $    0.25             --              --        $    0.22
                                           =========       =========       =========       =========

Average Shares Outstanding                     9,827             --              857 (c)      10,684
                                           =========       =========       =========       =========
<FN>
(a) Interest expense on $15 million on Registrant's estimated short term rate of
    6.45% - less CMB's actual interest (CMB's rate ranged from 7 1/2% to 8%).
(b) Amortization over 40 years of cost in excess of net assets acquired.
(c) Decrease in income tax provisions associated with (a) above. (No tax benefit
    for  amortization in (b)).  Also provide tax on CMB earnings at Registrant's
    rate (CMB was "S" Corporation).
(d) To reflect  shares issued in connection  with  acquisition as if transaction
    had been completed at beginning of period.
</FN>
</TABLE>
                                       F-3
<PAGE>

                                 CMB INDUSTRIES
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                           December 31, 1994 and 1993



                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


Report of Independent  Auditors................................................1

Financial Statements

    Balance Sheets.............................................................2

    Statements of Income.......................................................3

    Statements of Stockholders' Equity.........................................4

    Statements of Cash Flows.................................................5-6

    Notes to Financial Statements...........................................7-12

                                      F-4

<PAGE>

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CMB INDUSTRIES

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of CMB Industries as of December
31, 1994 and 1993, and the related statements of income,  stockholders'  equity,
and cash flows for the years then  ended.  These  financial  statements  are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material  respects,  the financial position of CMB Industries as of December
31, 1994 and 1993 and the results of its  operations  and its cash flows for the
years then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in note 10 to the  financial  statements,  the Company  changed its
method of accounting for income taxes in the year ending December 31, 1993.


/s/ NOEL CLEVENGER & COMPANY
- ----------------------------
Noel Clevenger & Company
1001 North Demaree
Visalia, CA 93291


March 16, 1995

                                      F-5

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
CMB INDUSTRIES
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 1994 and 1993
<CAPTION>
                                                                             1994            1993
                                                                     ------------    ------------
<S>                                                                  <C>             <C>     
ASSETS                                                                       --              --
Current Assets
    Cash and Short-Term Investments                                  $    432,630    $    294,162
    Accounts Receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
        $88,460 in 1994 and $70,595 in 1993                             4,084,935       2,773,413
    Receivable from Affiliated Entities                                      --            74,526
    Notes Receivable from Stockholders (Note 3)                           700,000            --
    Notes Receivable (Note 3)                                              50,000            --
    Inventory (Note 2)                                                  8,360,766       8,561,161
    Prepaid Expenses                                                       29,895          94,448
    Deferred Taxes (Note 10)                                                7,826          23,115
                                                                     ------------    ------------
           Total Current Assets                                        13,666,052      11,820,825

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Note 4)                             5,811,881       6,224,613
Product Process Improvement Costs (Note 5)                              1,145,372       1,069,858
Patents, Net of Accumulated Amortization of $2,490,700 in 1994
    and $2,478,700 in 1993                                                 97,726          13,187
Other                                                                      31,706           4,464
                                                                     ------------    ------------
                                                                     $ 20,752,737    $ 19,132,947
                                                                     ============    ============

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
    Accounts Payable                                                 $  2,476,799    $  2,583,961
    Accrued Liabilities                                                 1,064,506       1,269,551
    Current Portion of Capital Lease Obligations (Note 8)                 198,323         175,212
    Note Payable (Note 7)                                               4,073,952       2,700,000
    Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Note 7)                         170,000
                                                                     ------------    ------------
           Total Current Liabilities                                    7,983,580       6,728,724

Long-Term Debt, Less Current Maturities (Note 7)                        1,530,000            --
Notes Payable to Stockholders (Note 6)                                  3,107,089       5,107,089
Obligations under Capital Leases (Note 8)                                 185,110         383,434
Deferred Taxes (Note 10)                                                   12,332           2,787

Stockholders' Equity
    Common Stock, no par value; 10,000 shares authorized, 6,650
        shares issued and outstanding in 1994 and 1993                  4,085,000       4,085,000
    Retained Earnings                                                   4,164,860       3,057,860
    Excess of Additional Pension Liability Over Unrecognized Prior
        Service Cost (Note 9)                                            (315,234)       (231,947)
                                                                     ------------    ------------
           Total Stockholders' Equity                                   7,934,626       6,910,913
                                                                     ------------    ------------
                                                                     $ 20,752,737    $ 19,132,947
                                                                     ============    ============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.

                                      F-6

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
CMB INDUSTRIES
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For The Years Ended December 31, 1994 and 1993
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1994           1993
                                                                  ------------   ------------
<S>                                                               <C>            <C> 

Revenues
    Sales                                                         $ 29,161,481   $ 23,588,761
    Other Income                                                        19,046         17,706
                                                                  ------------   ------------
        Total Revenues                                              29,180,527     23,606,467

Costs and Expenses
    Cost of Goods Sold                                              19,879,479     16,659,799
    Selling                                                          5,444,959      4,807,866
    General and Administrative                                       2,000,272      1,805,229
    Interest                                                           723,183        494,104
    Litigation Settlement (Note 11)                                       --          425,000
                                                                  ------------   ------------
       Total Costs and Expenses                                     28,047,893     24,191,998
                                                                  ------------   ------------

    Income (Loss) Before Provision for State Income Taxes and
        Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle        1,132,634       (585,531)

        Provision for State Income Taxes                                25,634          5,972
                                                                  ------------   ------------

    Income (Loss) Before Cumulative Effect of a Change in
        Accounting Principle                                         1,107,000       (591,503)

    Cumulative Effect on Prior Years of Adopting a Required New
        Method of Accounting for Income Taxes - FASB 109
        (Note 10)                                                         --           30,047
                                                                  ------------   ------------

        Net Income (Loss)                                         $  1,107,000   $   (561,456)
                                                                  ============   ============ 
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.

                                      F-7

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
CMB INDUSTRIES
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For The Years Ended December 31, 1994 and 1993
<CAPTION>
                                           Common        Retained
                                           Stock         Earnings        Other          Total
                                        -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Balance at December 31, 1992            $ 4,085,000   $ 3,695,606    $  (239,356)   $ 7,541,250

    Net Income                                 --        (561,456)          --         (561,456)

Dividends Paid From
    Undistributed Retained Earnings            --         (76,290)          --          (76,290)

Reduction in Excess Pension
    Liability Over Unrecognized Prior
    Service Cost (Note 9)                      --            --            7,409          7,409
                                        -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
Balance at December 31, 1993              4,085,000     3,057,860       (231,947)     6,910,913

    Net Income                                 --       1,107,000           --        1,107,000

Increase in Excess Pension
    Liability Over Unrecognized Prior
    Service Cost (Note 9)                      --            --          (83,287)       (83,287)
                                        -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
Balance at December 31, 1994            $ 4,085,000   $ 4,164,860    $  (315,234)   $ 7,934,626
                                        ===========   ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.

                                      F-8

<PAGE>

<TABLE>

CMB INDUSTRIES
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For The Years Ended December 31, 1994 and 1993
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1994           1993
                                                                     -----------    -----------

<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
    Net Income (Loss)                                                $ 1,107,000    $  (561,456)
    Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net
        Cash Provided by Operating Activities
           Depreciation and Amortization                               1,049,465        939,495
           Provision for Losses on Accounts Receivable                    70,000         74,210
           Gain on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment                 (10,552)        (8,876)
           Change in Assets and Liabilities
               Decrease (Increase) in Receivables                     (1,306,996)       107,800
               Decrease (Increase) in Inventories                        200,395     (1,921,997)
               Decrease in Prepaid Expenses                               64,553        125,403
               Increase in Other Assets                                  (27,242)        (1,893)
               Decrease (Increase) in Deferred Tax Asset                  24,834        (24,875)
               Increase in Patents                                       (96,493)        (2,749)
               (Decrease) Increase in Accounts Payable                  (107,162)     1,015,041
               (Decrease) Increase in Accrued Liabilities               (205,045)       561,457
               Decrease (Increase) in Excess of Additional Pension
                Liability Over Unrecognized Prior Service Cost           (83,287)         7,409
                                                                     -----------    -----------
                Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities                679,470        308,969

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
    Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment                   11,979          8,876
    Disbursements on Notes Receivable                                   (750,000)          --
    Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment                          (701,720)      (907,972)
                                                                     -----------    -----------
               Net Cash Used in Investing Activities                  (1,439,741)      (899,096)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
    Proceeds from Debt Borrowings                                      4,629,486      1,050,000
    Payments on Notes Payable to Shareholders                         (2,250,000)          --
    Proceeds from Borrowing Under Notes Payable to
        Shareholders                                                     250,000           --
    Principal Payments on Debt                                        (1,555,534)      (200,000)
    Principal Payments on Capital Lease Obligations                     (175,213)      (154,795)
    Dividends Paid to Stockholders                                          --          (76,290)
                                                                     -----------    -----------
               Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities                 898,739        618,915

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                                138,468         28,788

Beginning of Year-Cash and Cash Equivalents                              294,162        265,374
                                                                     -----------    -----------
End of Year-Cash and Cash Equivalents                                $   432,630    $   294,162
                                                                     ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.

                                      F-9

<PAGE>

CMB INDUSTRIES
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
For The Years Ended December 31, 1994 and 1993

                                                               1994         1993
                                                           --------     --------
Supplemental Disclosures

Cash Paid During the Year For:
    Interest (Net of $80,842 Capitalized in 1993)          $654,386     $425,454
    Income Taxes                                           $   --       $    800

See accompanying notes.

                                      F-10

<PAGE>

CMB INDUSTRIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For The Years Ended December 31, 1994 and 1993

1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Operations
     CMB  Industries  (the  Company),  a  closely-held  California  corporation,
     manufactures  and  distributes  commercial  valves and backflow  prevention
     devices through its Febco division.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
     For the purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company  considers all highly
     liquid  instruments  with a maturity of three months or less at acquisition
     to be cash equivalents.

Inventory
     Inventory is stated at the lower of cost  (first-in,  first-out  method) or
     market.  Manufacturing  overhead  is  applied  to  inventory  based  on the
     material cost of inventory.

Property, Plant and Equipment
     Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  carried  at cost net of  accumulated
     depreciation   and   amortization.   Depreciation  is  provided  using  the
     straight-line  method  over  the  estimated  useful  lives  of the  assets;
     generally 5 to 25 years for buildings and improvements;  10 to 12 years for
     machinery, equipment and casting patterns; and 5 to 10 years for furniture,
     fixtures and vehicles.

     All maintenance and repair expenses are expensed as incurred.  Expenditures
     that increase the value or productive capacity of assets are capitalized.

Patents
     Patents are stated at cost and are amortized using the straight-line method
     over the  remaining  lives of the  patents,  ranging  from five to fourteen
     years.

2. Inventory

Inventory is comprised of the following at December 31:

                                                       1994                 1993
                                                 ----------           ----------

Raw Materials                                    $4,211,866           $4,146,537
Work in Progress                                     35,029            1,166,617
Finished Goods                                    4,113,871            3,248,007
                                                 ----------           ----------
                                                 $8,360,766           $8,561,161
                                                 ==========           ==========

                                      F-11

<PAGE>

CMB INDUSTRIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For The Years Ended December 31, 1994 and 1993

3. Notes Receivable

During 1994, the Company loaned $50,000 to an outside product  representative in
the form of five notes  receivable of $10,000 each bearing interest at 7.5%. The
notes mature on various dates in 1995.

The Company made cash advances to shareholders aggregating $700,000 during 1994.
Such advances are due upon demand and are non-interest bearing.

4. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is comprised of the following at December 31:

                                                             1994           1993
                                                       -----------   -----------

Land                                                   $   777,981   $   777,981
Buildings and Improvements                               3,707,557     3,704,675
Machinery and Equipment                                  6,370,875     6,518,295
Casting Patterns                                         1,393,463       837,889
Furniture and Fixtures                                     779,817       778,357
Vehicles                                                      --          13,575
                                                       -----------   -----------
                                                        13,029,693    12,630,772
Less:  Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization         7,217,812     6,406,159
                                                       -----------   -----------
                                                       $ 5,811,881   $ 6,224,613
                                                       ===========   ===========

5. Product Process Improvement Costs

Product Process  Improvement  Costs include costs  associated with getting newly
developed  Febco  product  ready for large  volume  production  and the costs of
testing and  obtaining  certification  by various  agencies  with  authority  in
regional markets  throughout the United States.  The Company has began producing
and  selling new product in the "Large  Device"  line in certain  regions of the
United  States and  therefore  costs  associated  with the large device line are
being  amortized  over a five  year  period.  Amortization  expense  for the new
product line was $154,135 and $112,989 in 1994 and 1993, respectively.

6. Notes Payable to Stockholders

The notes  payable to  stockholders  at December 31, 1994 and 1993 are unsecured
and due on demand. However, as noted in the June 1994 bank credit agreement more
fully  described in Note 7, amounts  payable to certain  stockholders,  up to an
aggregate  of  $3,000,000,  are  subordinated  in  right  of  repayment  to  all
obligations  of the  Company  to the  Bank.  Accordingly,  the  obligations  are
classified as long-term  for purposes of these  financial  statements.  Interest
under the notes is  payable at 1/4% above the Wells  Fargo Bank  reference  rate
(7.930% at December 31, 1994). Interest expense related to such notes aggregated
$315,586  and  $330,099  in 1994 and  1993,  respectively.  Unpaid  interest  to
stockholders amounted to $114,576 and $60,181 at December 31, 1994 and 1993.

                                      F-12

<PAGE>

CMB INDUSTRIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For The Years Ended December 31, 1994 and 1993

7. Debt

In July 1994,  the Company  entered into a newly amended  credit  agreement with
Wells  Fargo Bank to replace  the credit  facilities  previously  in place.  The
amended credit agreement provides for a $5,000,000 revolving line of credit. The
revolving line of credit is available through June 15, 1995.

Borrowings under the line of credit  aggregated  $4,073,952 at December 31, 1994
with  interest  payable  monthly at 1/4% above the Bank's  prime  rate.  Amounts
outstanding  under  the  Line  are due June  15,  1995  and are  secured  by the
Company's  accounts  receivable and inventory.  The agreement  contains  various
covenants including maintenance of certain financial ratios, restrictions on the
amount of dividends and on new obligations which may be incurred. As of December
31, 1994, all covenants were complied with or waived.

Additionally,  the  Company  has a term loan  payable  to Wells  Fargo  Bank for
$1,700,000,  with an additional  $300,000 loan  commitment  available.  The loan
bears  interest  at 3/8% above the prime  rate,  and is  payable in sixty  equal
principal  payments  including monthly interest,  until completely repaid at the
maturity date, June 15, 2000. The payments will begin July 15, 1995. The loan is
secured by accounts receivable, inventory and equipment.

The note payable at December 31, 1993  represents the amount  outstanding  under
the then $3,500,000 line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank.

Maturities of Long-Term Debt as of December 31, 1994 are as follows:

      1995                                                           $  170,000
      1996                                                              340,000
      1997                                                              340,000
      1998                                                              340,000
      1999 and Thereafter                                               510,000
                                                                     ----------
                                                                     $1,700,000
                                                                     ==========

8. Capital Lease Obligations

The Company  leases two machining  centers  under  capital  lease  arrangements.
Future  minimum  payments by year,  and in aggregate,  under such capital leases
consist of the following at December 31, 1994:

      1995                                                           $  235,008
      1996                                                              195,840
                                                                     ----------
      Total Minimum Lease Payments                                      430,848
      Amount Representing Interest                                      (47,415)
                                                                     ----------
      Net Present Value of Minimum Lease Payments                       383,433
      Less:  Current Maturities                                         198,323
                                                                     ----------
                                                                     $  185,110
                                                                     ==========

                                      F-13

<PAGE>

CMB INDUSTRIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For The Years Ended December 31, 1994 and 1993

8. Capital Lease Obligations (Continued)

The cost and  accumulated  epreciation  of assets  obtained  under capital lease
transactions were as follows at December 31:

                                                            1994            1993
                                                        --------        --------
Cost                                                    $880,346        $880,346
Less:  Accumulated  Depreciation                         398,250         272,487
                                                        --------        --------
                                                        $482,096        $607,859
                                                        ========        ========

The Company has the option to purchase the machining  centers for stated amounts
at anytime  throughout the term of the lease. In addition,  the lessor has a put
option which would  require the Company to exercise  the purchase  option at the
end of the lease for approximately $80,000.

9.  Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans

The Company has a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its
employees. Benefits are based on years of service and compensation levels of the
employees.  The Company's  funding  policy is to contribute  the minimum  annual
contributions required by applicable regulations.

The Plan's  funded  status and amounts  recognized  in the  Company's  financial
statements as of December 31 are as follows:

                                                            1994           1993
                                                     -----------    -----------
Actuarial Present Value of  Benefit  Obligations:
   Accumulated Benefit Obligation, Including
      Vested Benefits of Approximately
      $1,052,900 and $980,700 in 1994 and
      1993, Respectively                             $(1,096,104)   $(1,045,641)
                                                     ===========    ===========

Projected Benefit Obligation for Services
    Rendered to Date                                 $(1,569,230)   $(1,452,910)
Plan Assets at Fair Value                                947,524        913,861
                                                     -----------    -----------

Projected Benefit Obligation In Excess of
    Plan Assets                                         (621,706)      (539,049)
Unrecognized Net Loss From Past Experience
    Different From That Assumed and Effects
       of Changes in Assumptions                         838,248        706,485
Unrecognized Prior Service Cost                            5,998          6,855
Unrecognized Net Asset Being Recognized
    Over 14 years                                        (49,889)       (67,270)
Adjustment Required to Recognize Minimum Liability      (321,231)      (238,801)
                                                     -----------    -----------
        Accrued Pension Liability                    $  (148,580)   $  (131,780)
                                                     ===========    ===========

                                      F-14

<PAGE>

CMB INDUSTRIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For The Years Ended December 31, 1994 and 1993

9. Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans (Continued)
                                                              1994         1993
Net Pension Cost Includes the Following Components:      ---------    ---------
  Service Cost - Benefits Earned During the Period       $ 172,800    $ 172,533
  Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation            108,124      109,805
  Actual Return on Plan Assets                              49,862      (10,275)
  Net Amortization and Deferral                           (110,164)     (17,296)
                                                         ---------    ---------
Net Pension Cost                                         $ 220,622    $ 254,767
                                                         =========    =========

The  weighted-average  discount rate and rate of increase in future compensation
levels used in determining the actuarial  present value of the projected benefit
obligation  were 8% and  5%,  respectively,  in  1994  and  1993.  The  expected
long-term rate of return on assets was 8% and 8.5% in 1994 and 1993. Plan assets
are invested  primarily in a money fund which invests in short-term money market
instruments.

The Company has a  profit-sharing  plan covering  substantially  all  employees.
Company  contributions are determined annually by the Board of Directors.  There
were no contributions to the plan in 1994 or 1993.

10.  Income Taxes

The  Company  files  its  federal  and  state  income  tax  returns  as  an  "S"
corporation.  As such, income taxes on the Company's  earnings are generally the
responsibility of the individual stockholders rather than the Company. For state
income tax  purposes,  the Company  pays a tax of 1.5% on its taxable  income in
1994 and 2.5% in 1993.

The Company has  approximately  $2,400,000 of net operating  loss carry forwards
available  at December  31,  1994,  which can be used to offset  future  taxable
income for franchise tax purposes,  subject to certain  limitations.  Such carry
forwards expire through 2007. At January 1, 1993,  generally accepted accounting
principles  required  the Company to adopt FASB No.109 -  Accounting  for Income
Taxes. This pronouncement requires deferred income taxes be measured utilizing a
balance sheet approach as opposed to the income statement  approach  required by
APB No.11.

The  cumulative  effect on the  prior  year as a result  of this  change  was to
increase  income by $30,047.  The  following  balances are the major  components
contained in the balance sheet:

                                                         1994              1993
                                                     --------          --------
Deferred Tax Assets                                  $ 29,833          $ 47,893
Deferred Tax Liabilities                              (34,339)          (27,565)
                                                     --------          --------
    Net Deferred Tax
        Assets (Liabilities)                         $ (4,506)         $ 20,328
                                                     ========          ========

Included in Deferred Tax Assets is an allowance to reduce deferred tax assets by
$18,000 and $20,220 in 1994 and 1993.  This allowance is the result of reserving
fifty  percent of the  Company's  total net  operating  loss carry  forwards  of
$2,400,000 and $2,680,000 in 1994 and 1993.

                                      F-15

<PAGE>

CMB INDUSTRIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For The Years Ended December 31, 1994 and 1993

10.  Income Taxes (Continued)

Deferred  income taxes are provided with respect to differences in the timing of
recognition  of certain  income and expense  items for  financial  statement and
taxable income  reporting  purposes.  Such  differences  relate primarily to the
method of accounting for contingency losses,  inventory  obsolescence  reserves,
inventory overhead allocations, special tooling costs and pension expenses.

The provision  for state income taxes for the years ended  December 31, 1994 and
1993 consists of the following:

                                                        1994                1993
                                                     -------             -------
Current                                              $   800             $   800
Deferred                                              24,834               5,172
                                                     -------             -------
Total Provision                                      $25,634             $ 5,972
                                                     =======             =======

Additionally,  as a result of an enacted  change in the  franchise tax rate from
2.5% to 1.5% for  taxable  years  beginning  in 1994,  total  net  deferred  tax
benefits were reduced by $9,612 in 1993.

11.  Commitments, Contingency and Concentrations of Credit Risk

Commitments
     Effective  January 1, 1992, the Company  entered an agreement to pay one of
     its key employees  300,000 over a ten year period ending December 31, 2001.
     The  annual  payments  of  $30,000  become  due and  payable  each year the
     employee remains employed by the Company.

Contingency
     In 1993,  the  Company  was a  defendant  in a lawsuit  alleging  breach of
     contract,   fraud  and  breach  of  expressed  and  implied  warranties  in
     connection  with the 1991 sale by the  Company of its Bailey  Division.  In
     1994,  the Company and the plaintiff  reached a settlement in the amount of
     $425,000,  which was  recognized  as an  expense in the  accompanying  1993
     financial statements.

Concentrations of Credit Risk
     The  Company   manufactures  and  sells  commercial   valves  and  backflow
     prevention devices to distributors  located primarily throughout the United
     States for use in the installation of waterworks, irrigation, plumbing, and
     fire sprinkler systems. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of
     its  customers'   financial   condition  and  generally  does  not  require
     collateral.  At December  31,  1994,  accounts  receivable  from  customers
     concentrated in the irrigation and plumbing  industries were  approximately
     $1,623,730  and  $1,122,060,  respectively.  Receivables  generally are due
     within 45 days.  Credit losses have been within  management's  expectations
     and comparable to losses for the portfolio as a whole.

12.  Related Party Transactions

During the years ended  December  31,  1993,  CMB paid legal  expenses  totaling
approximately $41,500 on behalf of the shareholders corporate interests.

                                      F-16

<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit Number        Description

     2.1              Agreement and Plan of Merger between Core Industries Inc
                      and CMB Industries

     99               Press release of the Registrant issued December 15, 1995.

                                      F-17


                                                                     EXHIBIT 2.1


                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER


         This  Agreement and Plan of Merger  ("Agreement"),  dated  December 14,
1995,  is among Core  Industries  Inc, a Nevada  corporation  ("Core"),  and CMB
Industries,  a California corporation ("CMB"), and the undersigned  shareholders
of CMB (the "Shareholders").

                                    Recitals

         A. CMB is based in Fresno,  California,  and is a manufacturer of water
valves for various applications including environmental protection,  irrigation,
waterworks, plumbing, and fireline and industrial markets (the "Business").

         B. The Boards of Directors of Core and CMB have deemed it advisable and
in the  best  interests  of  their  respective  companies  and  such  companies'
shareholders  that  CMB be  merged  with  and  into  Core  (the  "Merger")  and,
accordingly, have approved this Agreement.

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
set forth in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

         1. The Merger.

                  1.1 Terms of the Merger.

                  (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, CMB
will be merged with and into Core,  which will be, and is sometimes  referred to
as, the  "Surviving  Corporation."  Upon such  Merger,  the  separate  corporate
existence of CMB will cease,  and the  Surviving  Corporation  will have all the
rights and liabilities of each of CMB and Core.

                  (b) The  closing of the Merger (the  "Closing")  will occur on
the day on which all  conditions  to the Closing are  satisfied  or duly waived,
unless the parties hereto agree  otherwise.  The date of the Closing is referred
to hereinafter as the "Closing Date." Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement
to the contrary or the actual filing date of any  certificate  in respect of the
Merger,  from and  after  the  close of  business  on  November  24,  1995  (the
"Effective Date"), all sales and related  transactions in the ordinary course of
business  shall be  conducted  by CMB as the  agent for and on behalf of Core in
respect  of the  Business.  Accordingly,  on the  Closing  Date,  Core  shall be
entitled to receive the proceeds  from such sales,  and Core shall have the risk
of loss with  respect  to the  collection  of such  proceeds  to the  extent not
collected prior to the Closing.  Thus, as between the parties, (i) the sales and
business  of CMB will be deemed to have been  transacted  by Core from and after
the  Effective  Date and (ii) Core will be deemed to have borne the risk of loss
with  respect to the proceeds of such sales from and after the  Effective  Date;
provided, however, that this Section 1.1(b) shall not be interpreted as limiting
the meaning or scope of any  representations  and warranties made by CMB and the
Shareholders in this Agreement, including those set forth in Article 2 hereof.

<PAGE>

                  (c)  Simultaneously  with the  Closing,  CMB and Core will (i)
execute and file all  necessary  certificates  and  documents  with  appropriate
governmental  agencies  or  authorities  and (ii) take  such  other  actions  as
required under applicable law to effectuate the Merger.

                  (d)  Consistent  with the other terms of this  Agreement,  the
parties intend that, for federal income tax purposes, the Merger will qualify as
a tax-free  reorganization  under  Section 368 of the  Internal  Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code").

                  (e) The Articles of Incorporation of Core will be the Articles
of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation.

                  (f) Upon the Closing  and  without  any further  action on the
part of Core or CMB,  the By-Laws of Core will be the  By-Laws of the  Surviving
Corporation  and thereafter may be amended or repealed in accordance  with their
terms or the Articles of Incorporation of Core and as provided by law.

                  (g)  The  directors  of  Core  upon  the  Closing  will be the
directors  of  the  Surviving  Corporation,  until  the  earlier  of  their  (i)
resignation,  (ii) removal or (iii)  respective  successors are duly elected and
qualified, as the case may be.

                  (h) The officers of Core upon the Closing will be the officers
of the Surviving  Corporation  until the earlier of their (i) resignation,  (ii)
removal or (iii) respective successors are duly appointed and qualified,  as the
case may be.

                  1.2 Merger Consideration and Conversion of Shares.

                  (a) For purposes of this  Agreement,  the following terms will
have the following meanings:

                           (i)  "Aggregate  Merger Shares" the 857,283 shares of
         Core Common Stock to be issued by Core to the  Shareholders  as part of
         the Merger Consideration.

                           (ii) "CMB Bank Debt" means the outstanding  aggregate
         indebtedness  of CMB for all borrowed  money,  from,  banks,  financial
         institutions  and others,  including  without  limitation,  Wells Fargo
         Bank,  National  Association  ("Bank")  pursuant to that certain Credit
         Agreement entered into as of July 15, 1994 by and between CMB and Bank,
         as amended by that certain First Amendment to Credit Agreement  entered
         into as of January 27, 1995 and that certain Second Amendment to Credit
         Agreement  entered  into as of June 15,  1995.  CMB Bank  Debt does not
         include any trade debt of CMB, the Shareholder  Debt, or capital leases
         or tax liabilities of CMB.

                           (iii) "CMB Capital  Stock" means all of the shares of
         the capital stock,  whether common or preferred,  of CMB outstanding as
         of the Closing Date, together with

                                       2

<PAGE>

         all options,  warrants or rights to purchase or  otherwise  acquire any
         CMB Capital Stock, regardless of whether vested or unvested.

                           (iv) "Core Common Stock" means the common stock,  par
         value $1.00, of Core.

                           (v)  "Merger   Shares"  means  the  quotient  of  the
         Aggregate  Merger Shares  divided by the aggregate  number of shares of
         CMB Capital Stock.

                           (vi)  "Promissory  Notes" means the promissory  notes
         issued by Core in favor of the Shareholders,  as of the Effective Date,
         in the form  attached  hereto as Exhibit  1.2(a)(vi),  in the aggregate
         face amount of  $4,980,000  (but in the separate  face amounts shown on
         Schedule  1.2(a)(vi))  and  increased  by the product of the  Aggregate
         Merger  Shares  and the cash  dividends  paid per share of Core  Common
         Stock,  during the period from the Effective  Date to the Closing Date,
         subject to adjustment as follows: (A) if the CMB Bank Debt is less than
         the Targeted  Bank Debt,  the aggregate  face amount of the  Promissory
         Notes will be  increased by a sum equal to the  difference  between the
         Targeted Bank Debt and the CMB Bank Debt;  and (B) if the CMB Bank Debt
         is more than the Targeted Bank Debt such  aggregate face amount will be
         reduced by a sum equal to the difference  between the CMB Bank Debt and
         the  Targeted  Bank  Debt;  provided,  further,  that  the  adjustments
         described  in (A) and (B) above shall be  determined  as of the Closing
         Date.

                           (vii) "Targeted Bank Debt" means $5,586,663.

                  (b) The  consideration to be paid by the Company in the Merger
will be the Merger  Consideration  (as defined in Section  1.2(c)(iii)  herein).
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no fractional shares
of Core  Common  Stock  will be  issued.  In lieu  thereof,  a person  otherwise
entitled to a fractional  share of Core Common Stock will instead be entitled to
a cash payment  equal to the fraction of such share  multiplied by the Per Share
Price.

                  (c)  Except  as  otherwise  provided,  upon the  Closing,  the
outstanding  shares of CMB Capital  Stock will be cancelled and retired and will
cease to exist and will be converted into:

                           (i) the Aggregate Merger Shares;

                           (ii) a contingent right to receive  payment(s) ("Earn
         Out  Payments")  determined  in accordance  with the attached  Schedule
         1.2(c)(ii),  (notwithstanding  anything  herein to the  contrary,  such
         contingent  rights  will  be  governed  solely  by the  terms  of  this
         Agreement,  including the attached Schedule 1.2(c)(ii), and will not be
         represented by any certificate or other instrument or documents); and

                                       3

<PAGE>

                           (iii)  payees'   interest  in  the  Promissory  Notes
         consistent with Section 1.2(a)(vi) hereof  Collectively,  (i), (ii) and
         (iii) of this  subparagraph  (c)  will be  referred  to as the  "Merger
         Consideration".

                  (d) By virtue of the Merger and without  any  further  action,
every share of CMB Capital Stock and every option and warrant, whether exercised
or unexercised, or right to convert into or to acquire any shares of CMB Capital
Stock,  outstanding as of the Closing,  except as  specifically  provided for in
this Section 1.2 or Section 1.7, will be cancelled and retired and will cease to
exist and will not be converted into stock or other securities,  or the right to
acquire stock or other securities,  of the Surviving Corporation or into cash or
the right to receive cash.

                  (e)   Notwithstanding   anything  to  the   contrary  in  this
Agreement,  the  maximum  amount that Core will be required to pay to or for the
benefit of the holders of CMB Capital Stock, and options and warrants to acquire
CMB Capital Stock,  assuming that there are no dissenting  shareholders pursuant
to applicable law, will be the Merger Consideration.

         1.3 Exchange of Certificates.

                  (a) At the Closing,  the certificates  representing  shares of
CMB Capital Stock  ("Certificate" or  "Certificates")  will be exchanged for the
Merger Consideration.

                  (b) Until surrendered and exchanged in accordance with Section
1.3(a), each Certificate will, after the Closing,  represent solely the right to
receive that portion of the Merger Consideration for the number of shares of CMB
Capital Stock  evidenced by such  Certificate and will have no other rights From
and after Closing Date,  the Surviving  Corporation  will be entitled to treat a
Certificate or Certificates  that have not yet been  surrendered for exchange as
having been converted, notwithstanding any failure to Surrender such Certificate
or Certificates.

                  (c)  Except  as  provided  for in  the  Promissory  Notes,  no
interest will accrue or be payable on any Merger Consideration.

                  (d) In lieu of any fractional shares, holders of shares of CMB
Capital Stock otherwise  entitled to fractional  shares of the Core Common Stock
will be entitled to receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the fraction of
such share of the Core Common Stock  otherwise  issuable  multiplied  by the Per
Share Price.

                  (e) Upon the Closing,  the stock transfer books of CMB will be
closed and no transfer of CMB Capital Stock will  thereafter be made.  If, after
the Closing Date, a Certificate or Certificates representing any such Shares are
presented,  they will be  cancelled,  retired and  exchanged as provided in this
Agreement.

                  1.4  Further  Assurances.  Each  party  and its  officers  and
directors will execute and make all proper documents and do all things necessary
or proper to vest title in any property

                                       4

<PAGE>

or rights of CMB in the  Surviving  Corporation  or  otherwise  to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement.

                  1.5  Board of  Directors.  CMB,  acting  through  its Board of
Directors, has or will:

                  (a) give notice to and bold a meeting of its shareholders,  or
otherwise solicit the required consent of such shareholders,  for the purpose of
adopting and approving this Agreement and all agreements and documents  executed
and/or delivered in connection with this Agreement or the Merger  (collectively,
including this Agreement, the "Merger Agreements"), and the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreements (the "Transactions");

                  (b)   recommend,   through  its  Board  of   Directors,   such
shareholder approval; and

                  (c) use its best  efforts  to  obtain  the  necessary  vote or
written  consent of its  shareholders  required  by  applicable  law in favor of
adoption and approval of the Merger Agreements and the Transactions.

                  1.6  Registration.  Prior to January 31, 1996, and as provided
for in more  detail in  Section  4.5,  Core will  file with the  Securities  and
Exchange  Commission  a S-3  Registration  Statement  pursuant to which the Core
Common Stock to be issued to the  Shareholders,  in connection  with the Merger,
will be registered.

                  1.7  Dissenters'  Rights;  Effect of  Acceptance of the Merger
Consideration.

                  (a)   Notwithstanding   anything  to  the   contrary  in  this
Agreement,  any shares of CMB Capital Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
Closing held by a holder who has demanded and  perfected the right for appraisal
of such  shares in  accordance  with  applicable  law and who, as of the Closing
Date,  has not  effectively  withdrawn or lost such right to such appraisal will
not be converted into or represent a right to receive the Merger  Consideration,
but  such  holder  will be  entitled  only  to such  rights  as are  granted  by
applicable law.

                  (b) CMB will give the  Company  prompt  written  notice of any
documents  or  communications  served  pursuant to  applicable  law or otherwise
received by CMB relating to any shareholder's rights of appraisal or dissent.

                  (c) CMB will not,  except  with the prior  written  consent of
Core,  make any payment with respect to any demands for appraisals of any shares
of CMB Capital Stock,  offer to settle or settle any such demands or approve any
withdrawal of any such demands Such consent will not be unreasonably withheld by
the Company.

         2.   Representations,   Warranties   and   Covenants  of  CMB  and  the
Shareholders.  CMB and each of Kevin K. Coyne and Thomas F. Coyne (collectively,
the "Principal Shareholders"),

                                       5

<PAGE>

jointly and severally,  represent,  warrant and covenant to Core, as of the date
of this  Agreement and through and including the Effective  Date and the Closing
Date, as follows:

                  2.1  Organization;  Qualification.  CMB is a corporation  duly
incorporated,  validly  existing  and in good  standing  under  the  laws of the
jurisdiction of its  incorporation  and has all requisite power and authority to
own,  lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being
conducted  CMB is duly  qualified  or  licensed  and is in good  standing  to do
business in each  jurisdiction in which the nature of the business  conducted by
it has made its  qualification  or licensing a legal  requirement  and where the
failure to be so qualified or licensed  would have a material  adverse effect on
the business, prospects, assets or condition (financial or otherwise) of CMB.

                  2.2 Jurisdictions of Qualification. Schedule 2.2 is a true and
complete  list of each  jurisdiction  in which  CMB is,  as of the date  hereof,
qualified or licensed to do business.

                  2.3 No  Subsidiaries  or Other  Investments or Interests.  CMB
does not have or own, or have any right to acquire, directly or indirectly,  any
securities  or other  direct or  indirect  ownership  or other  interest  in any
corporation or other entity.

                  2.4 Capitalization.

                  (a) As of the date of this Agreement,  the authorized  capital
stock of CMB consists of 10,000  shares of common stock,  without par value,  of
which 6,650 shares are issued and outstanding. All the outstanding shares of CMB
Capital Stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and
free of  preemptive  rights  Schedule  2.4 is a true  and  complete  list of all
persons or  entities  who  beneficially  own any of the  issued and  outstanding
shares of CMB Capital  Stock,  and the number of each such shares  owned by such
persons or entities.

                  (b) Except as set forth in Schedule  2.4,  there are no voting
trusts or other agreements, understandings, subscription, option, warrant, call,
right, convertible security, contract, commitment,  understanding or arrangement
relating to the issuance, sale, delivery or transfer of any securities of CMB.

                  2.5 Authority Relative to the Merger Agreements.

                  (a) The Board of  Directors of CMB (i) has approved the Merger
Agreements and the Transactions, (ii) has authorized the execution, delivery and
performance  of the Merger  Agreements  and (iii) has  directed  that the Merger
Agreements and consummation of the Transactions be submitted to the shareholders
of CMB for approval and  adoption at a meeting or by written  consent.  No other
corporate  authorizations  or  proceedings  on the part of CMB  (other  than the
approval by the  shareholders of CMB of the Merger Agreement and consummation of
the Transactions) are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate any
of the Transactions.

                                       6

<PAGE>

                  (b) Each of the Merger  Agreements to which CMB is a party has
been duly and validly  executed and delivered by CMB and constitutes a valid and
binding  agreement  of CMB,  enforceable  against CMB in  accordance  with their
respective terms.

                  (c) CMB has the power and  authority  to enter into the Merger
Agreements  and,  upon  appropriate  vote  or  consent  of its  shareholders  in
accordance  with  applicable  law and  Section  1.5  above,  to  consummate  the
Transactions.

                  2.6 No Conflicts;  Consents.  Except as identified in Schedule
2.6,  neither  the  execution  and  delivery of the Merger  Agreements,  nor the
consummation  of  the  Transactions,  nor  compliance  by  CMB  with  any of the
provisions of the Merger Agreements, will:

                  (a) violate any provision of the Articles of  Incorporation or
Bylaws of CMB or any  statute,  code,  ordinance,  rule,  regulation,  judgment,
order, writ, decree or injunction  applicable to CMB or any of its properties or
assets;

                  (b) violate,  or conflict  with,  or result in a breach of any
provision of, or constitute a default under, or any event which, with or without
due notice or lapse of time,  or both,  would  constitute  a default  under,  or
result in the  termination  of, or accelerate  the  performance  required by, or
result in the  creation of any Lien (as defined in Section  2.9(a))  upon any of
the properties or assets of CMB under, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed
of trust, license,  lease,  agreement or other instrument or obligation to which
CMB is a party,  or by which CMB or any of its properties or assets may be bound
or  affected,   including,  without  limitation,  any  agreement,   arrangement,
document,  policy or obligation  disclosed or required to be disclosed in any of
the  Exhibits  or  Schedules  to this  Agreement,  except  where  such  default,
termination,  acceleration,  or  creation  of a Lien  would not have a  material
adverse effect on the Merger or the business,  prospects,  assets, properties or
condition (financial or otherwise) of CMB; or

                  (c) require any consent, approval,  authorization or permit of
or from, or filing with or notification to, any court, government,  governmental
authority or other regulatory or administrative  agency or commission,  domestic
or foreign  (each,  a  "Governmental  Entity"),  except (i) filing  articles and
certificates of merger pursuant to the laws of any state, (ii) filings under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino  Antitrust  Improvements  Act of 1976,  as  amended  (the "HSR
Act"),  or  (iii)  consents,  approvals,  authorizations,  permits,  filings  or
notifications  which, if not obtained or made, will not,  individually or in the
aggregate,  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the  Merger  or the  business,
prospects, assets, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of CMB.

                  2.7   Anti-Takeover   Laws   Inapplicable.    There   are   no
anti-takeover   laws,   including,   without   limitation,   any  "fair  price,"
"moratorium,"  "control share  acquisition" or other form of anti-takeover  law,
statute or  regulation,  applicable to or in  connection  with any of the Merger
Agreements or any of the Transactions.

                  2.8 Real  Property.  As of the  Effective  Date,  CMB will not
beneficially own or have any right to acquire any real property.

                                       7

<PAGE>

                  2.9 Personal Property.

                  (a) Except as disclosed on Schedule  2.9(a) and (i)  statutory
liens  that  were  created,  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business  and do not
materially  detract from the value of the affected  assets or materially  impair
the  use  thereof  in the  operation  of the  business  of CMB and  (ii)  leased
interests in property owned by others and leased interests in property leased to
others,  CMB has good and marketable  title to, and the right to use, all of the
personal property  reflected in the Financial  Statements (as defined in Section
2.14 hereof), or acquired since the date of such financial statements,  free and
clear of all liens, security interests, charges and claims ("Liens").

                  (b) CMB has maintained its real property,  personal  property,
buildings, fixtures and structures in a reasonable,  businesslike manner. Except
as provided in Schedule 2.9(b),  there are no defects in such personal  property
and such personal  property is in good operating  condition and repair (ordinary
wear and tear excepted),  except where the failure of such personal  property to
be in good operating  condition would not have a material  adverse effect on the
business, prospects, assets or condition (financial or otherwise) of CMB.

                  2.10 Real and Personal  Property  Leases.  Schedule  2.10 is a
true and complete  list of all leases of real or personal  property to which CMB
is a party, whether as lessor or lessee.

                  2.11  Licenses  and  Permits.  Schedule  2.11  is a  true  and
complete  list of all licenses,  franchises,  permits,  registrations  and other
authorizations,  and all applications therefor (collectively, the "Permits"), of
any Governmental  Entity necessary to, or required by, CMB in the conduct of its
business  except  those  which the  failure to obtain  would not have a material
adverse  effect on the business,  assets,  prospects or condition  (financial or
otherwise) of CMB.  Except as described in Schedule 2.11, CMB has maintained all
of the Permits in full force and effect, and is in compliance with the terms and
conditions of the Permits and has not, as of the date hereof, received notice or
have knowledge of any violation thereof CMB has the continued unrestricted right
to use the  Permits  CMB has not  received  any notice  that any  revocation  or
limitation of any of the Permits is threatened or pending.

                  2.12 Certain Transactions.

                  (a) Other than  distributions to shareholders of CMB, salaries
and benefits to officers and  directors of CMB and loans from and to CMB and its
shareholders,  interest on any such loans,  and  expense  reimbursements  in the
ordinary  course of business and not material in the aggregate to CMB,  Schedule
2.12(a) is a true and complete  list and brief  description  of all contracts or
other  transactions  entered into or agreed to within three years of the date of
this Agreement, and all currently effective contracts and other transactions, in
each case, involving CMB with respect to which any officer,  director,  employee
or shareholder of CMB, or any person related to any of the foregoing by blood or
marriage,  is or was a party or is or was in any  other way  involved.  True and
complete  copies of all such  contracts and all  documentation  relating to such
transactions,   including,   without  limitation,  all  amendments  thereto  and
modifications thereof, have been delivered to the Company.

                                       8

<PAGE>

                  (b)  Schedule   2.12(b)  is  a  true  and  complete  list  and
description  of all  suppliers  of  products  or  services  to  CMB,  and of all
customers of CMB who have  received  products or services from CMB, in each case
aggregating  more than  $25,000.00 in any of calendar  years 1993 or 1994 or the
period from January 1, 1995 to  September  30,  1995,  together  with the dollar
amounts purchased for each of such years and nine month period.

                  2.13  Compliance  with  Applicable  Law. Except as provided in
Schedule  2.13,  the  business and  activities  of CMB (a) are  presently  being
conducted in compliance  with all  requirements  of law and all  requirements of
Governmental  Entities having  jurisdiction over CMB, and (b) were not conducted
in violation of any of such laws or such requirements since the incorporation of
CMB, except where the failure to comply with such requirements or any violations
do not, and in so far as  reasonably  can be foreseen  will not, have a material
adverse  effect on the business,  prospects,  assets or condition  (financial or
otherwise)  of CMB. CMB has not failed to file with any  Governmental  Entity or
other third party any  statement,  report,  information  or form required by any
applicable  law,  regulation  or order and where the failure to file will have a
material  adverse  effect  on  the  business,  prospects,  assets  or  condition
(financial or otherwise) of CMB. To the best  knowledge of CMB and the Principal
Shareholders,  there is no pending or threatened change of any law,  regulation,
order, license or permit, including without limitation, the Permits; which could
adversely  affect the  business,  prospects,  assets,  properties  or  condition
(financial or otherwise) of CMB.  Except as provided in Schedule  2.13,  CMB has
not, since the  incorporation  of CMB,  received a notice of violation of, or to
the best knowledge of CMB and the Principal Shareholders, been threatened with a
charge of  violating,  or been under  investigation  with  respect to a possible
violation of, any provision of any law, regulation or decree, which has not been
complied  with,  rescinded  or resolved or the statute of  limitations  expired.
Except  as set  forth in  Schedule  2.13,  no  investigation  or  review  by any
Governmental Entity concerning any such possible violation by CMB is pending or,
to the best knowledge of CMB and the Principal Shareholders, threatened, nor has
any Governmental Entity indicated an intention to conduct the same.

                  2.14 Financial Statements.

                  (a) CMB has  previously  delivered  to Core true and  complete
copies of  audited  financial  statements  of CMB as of  December  31,  1994 and
December 31, 1993,  including  balance  sheets as of such  respective  dates and
statements  of income  for  fiscal  years  ended on such  dates,  and an audited
balance  sheet of CMB as of October  27,  1995 (the  "Closing  Balance  Sheet"),
together  with  the  notes  to  such  financial  statements  and  balance  sheet
(collectively,  the  "Audited  Statements")  and true  and  complete  copies  of
unaudited  financial  statements of CMB, including balance sheets and statements
of income,  for the dates and periods  shown on the attached  Schedule 2.14 (the
"Interim  Statements").  The Audited  Statements and the Interim  Statements are
collectively referred to herein as the "Financial Statements".

                  (b) The  Financial  Statements  are true and  complete  and in
accordance  with the books and records of CMB. The Audited  Statements have been
prepared in  accordance  with GAAP and applied on a basis  consistent  with such
statements for prior periods (except as may

                                       9

<PAGE>

be indicated  in the notes  thereto).  Subject to  customary  year-end and audit
adjustments  in the case of the  Interim  Statements,  (i)  each of the  balance
sheets included in the Financial Statements fairly presents, as of its date, the
financial  condition  and assets and  liabilities  of CMB;  and (ii) each of the
income  statements and statements of changes in financial  position  included in
the Financial  Statements  fairly  presents the results of operations of CMB for
the relevant period.

                  (c)  Except  as set  forth in  Schedule  2.14(c),  CMB has not
written off, nor will it write off prior to the Closing Date, any account,  note
or other  receivable  or other asset set forth on the Closing  Balance  Sheet or
otherwise relating to any period ending after the Effective Date.

                  2.15 Receivables.  All account,  note and other receivables of
CMB shown in any of the  Financial  Statements  arose in the ordinary  course of
business at the aggregate amounts thereof and are valid and collectible,  net of
the allowance for doubtful accounts set forth on the Financial  Statements,  and
the  statements of aging of accounts  receivable in CMB's  internally  generated
financial  statements  previously  provided to Core are true and accurate in all
material respects. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.15, none of the receivables
of CMB is subject to any offset, recoupment, setoff or counter-claim and, to the
best  knowledge  of CMB and the  Principal  Shareholders,  there are no facts or
circumstances,  whether asserted or unasserted, that could give rise to any such
claim.  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.15, no receivables are contingent upon
performance of any obligation or contract. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.15,
no person or entity has any Lien on any of such  receivables,  and no  agreement
for deduction or discount has been made with respect to any of such receivables.
All accounts,  notes and other  receivables of CMB,  whether or not reflected on
any of the Financial  Statements,  are valid  obligations of the debtor and have
arisen only in the ordinary course of business and, to the best knowledge of CMB
and the Principal  Shareholders,  in accordance  with the debtor's normal credit
policies.

                  2.16 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. To the best knowledge
of CMB and the Principal  Shareholders,  CMB does not have any claim, liability,
commitment, obligation or indebtedness, whether as primary obligor, guarantor or
otherwise,  and whether  accrued,  absolute,  contingent or otherwise,  known or
unknown,  and whether due or to become due, including,  without limitation,  any
such claim, liability, commitment, obligation or indebtedness relating to taxes,
interest or penalties,  whether  foreign,  state,  federal,  local or otherwise,
other than (a) those reflected in the Financial Statements,  if required by GAAP
to be reflected on a balance sheet, (b) routine accounts payable incurred by CMB
in the ordinary course of business since the Effective Date, (c) those disclosed
in  Schedule  2.16,  or  (d)  those  which  would  not,  individually  or in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the business,  prospects, assets or
condition (financial or otherwise) of CMB.

                  2.17  Guarantees.  Except as set forth on Schedule  2.17,  CMB
does not have any power of attorney  outstanding  or any obligation or liability
as guarantor, surety, consignor,  endorser, co-maker, indemnitor or in any other
capacity in respect to the obligations of any person, corporation,  partnership,
joint venture, association, organization or other entity.

                                       10

<PAGE>

                  2.18 Tax Matters.

                  (a) CMB has provided the Company with true and complete copies
of each federal,  state, local and foreign income tax return and state sales and
use tax return filed by CMB.

                  (b) CMB has duly and timely  filed all tax or tax  information
returns,  reports,  declarations,  or information statements with respect to any
taxes for any taxable period  (collectively,  "Tax Returns").  The  Shareholders
will  prepare or cause to be  prepared,  file or cause to be filed,  in a manner
consistent with prior years and applicable laws and regulations, all Tax Returns
required to be filed for all taxable periods of CMB ending on or before December
31, 1995, including a final federal income tax return on IRS Form 11205, a final
California income tax return and a final income tax return of any other state or
locality in which CMB is required to file such returns and,  with respect to all
of which, Core shall cooperate by providing access to the Shareholders and their
accountants  to the CMB books and records  necessary  to prepare  such  returns.
Except as set forth on Schedule 2.18(b), CMB has duly paid all taxes payable, or
claimed to be payable, at any time to any federal, state, county, local, foreign
or other taxing authority in respect of any taxable period,  including,  without
limitation, any penalty or interest relating to any of such taxes.

                  (c)  Except  for  those  withholdings  set  forth on  Schedule
2.18(c),  all taxes which CMB was  required  by law to withhold or collect  have
been duly withheld or collected and, to the extent required, have been paid over
to the  proper  Governmental  Entities  on a timely  basis,  including,  without
limitation, all taxes in connection with amounts owing to employees,  creditors,
independent contractors and third parties.

                  (d) Except as set forth on Schedule  2.18(d),  none of the tax
returns of CMB has been  examined by the Internal  Revenue  Service (the "IRS"),
any other taxing authority or any other Governmental Entity, and no inquiry with
respect to CMB's taxes or tax returns is being made or has been made by the IRS,
any other taxing authority or any other Governmental Entity. Except as set forth
on Schedule 2.18(d), no state of facts exists which could constitute grounds for
any  material tax  liability  with  respect to CMB or any of its  properties  or
assets.  There are no outstanding  agreements or waivers extending the statutory
period of limitations applicable to any tax return of CMB for any period.

                  (e) CMB has not made any  payments nor is it obligated to make
any payments  that would not be deductible  under Section 280G of the Code.  CMB
has not made, nor is CMB required to make,  any adjustment  under Section 481(a)
of the Code by reason of a change in accounting methods or otherwise.

                  (f) CMB has not at any time consented under Section  341(f)(1)
of the Code to have the provisions of Section 341(f)(2) of the Code apply to any
sale of its capital stock.

                  (g) CMB has not filed,  and will not file  through the Closing
Date,  any state or local Tax  Returns on a unitary or  combined  basis with any
other person.

                                       11

<PAGE>

                  (h) CMB has properly elected under Section 1362(a) of the Code
to be treated as an S Corporation,  within the meaning of Section 1361(a) of the
Code, for all of its taxable years  beginning  January 1, 1986 and will continue
to qualify as an S Corporation within the meaning of the Code at all times up to
the Closing Date and,  accordingly,  has and will have no liability  for federal
income taxes with respect to any taxable period.

                  2.19 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth
in Schedule 2.19, or as otherwise provided in this Agreement,  since October 27,
1995, CMB has conducted its business in the usual and customary  manner,  in the
ordinary  course and consistent  with past practices and,  without  limiting the
generality of the foregoing:

                  (a)  CMB  has  not  made  any  change  in  its   Articles   of
Incorporation,  Bylaws or authorized securities.  CMB has not (i) issued or sold
any stock,  securities  or  options,  warrants  to  purchase,  scrip,  rights to
subscribe for, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating, to any
shares of capital  stock,  bonds or other  securities of CMB, (ii)  purchased or
entered into any  arrangement or contract with respect to the purchase or voting
of shares of its capital stock, (iii) entered into any call,  demand,  contract,
understanding  or  arrangement  with respect to any shares of its capital stock,
bonds or other securities, (iv) adjusted, split, combined or reclassified any of
its capital stock,  bonds or other securities,  or (v) made any other changes in
its capital structure.

                  (b) CMB has not  borrowed  any  amount  and has not  incurred,
assumed,  become  subject to or guaranteed any  liability,  whether  absolute or
contingent.

                  (c) CMB has not made any changes in its  practices  or methods
of accounting.

                  (d) CMB has not made any change in or introduced  any pension,
retirement,  profit  sharing or bonus  arrangement  or other  employee  welfare,
benefit arrangement or other Benefit Plan (as defined in Section 2.24).

                  (e) CMB has not suffered any  material  adverse  change in its
business,  prospects,   operations,   operating  results,  properties,   assets,
liabilities,  working  capital,  reserves,  earnings or condition  (financial or
otherwise),  except for events or conditions of a general  economic nature or of
industry-wide application.

                  (f)  CMB  has not  suffered  any  event  or  condition  of any
character  which,  either  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,   would  likely
materially  adversely  affect its  business,  prospects,  operations,  operating
results, properties, assets, liabilities, working capital, reserves, earnings or
condition (financial or otherwise), except for events or conditions of a general
economic nature or of industry-wide application.

                  (g) Other than in the ordinary course of business, CMB has not
suffered any damage, destruction or loss, whether covered by insurance or not.

                                       12

<PAGE>

                  (h)  CMB has  not  declared,  set  aside,  made  or  paid  any
dividend,  distribution  or  payment,  whether in cash,  stock,  property or any
combination thereof, with respect to any of its securities  (including,  without
limitation, CMB Capital Stock) or otherwise for the benefit of any shareholders,
nor has it reclassified any of such securities  (including,  without limitation,
CMB Capital Stock).

                  (i) CMB has not  instituted  any  change  with  respect to the
management  or  supervisory  personnel  of CMB. CMB has used its best efforts to
preserve intact all of its business  organizations and to retain the services of
its officers and key employees.

                  (j) Since December 31, 1994, CMB has not increased any salary,
wages,  compensation or fringe or other benefits payable or to become payable to
its officers,  directors or employees,  except for any such  increases  that are
required by state or federal  minimum  wage terms,  except as  described  on the
attached Schedule 2.19.

                  (k)  The  Board  of  Directors  of CMB  has  not  adopted  any
resolution  giving to any holder of CMB Capital Stock appraisal,  dissenters' or
similar rights.

                  (1) No amendment has been made to any Benefit Plan (as defined
in Section 2.24) and no  arrangement  has been adopted which would be a "Benefit
Plan."

                  (m) CMB has not made any tax  election  nor has it  settled or
compromised any income or other tax liability or refund.

                  (n) CMB has not  paid,  discharged  or  satisfied  any  claim,
liability or  obligation,  whether  absolute,  accrued,  asserted or unasserted,
contingent or otherwise, other than the payment,  discharge or satisfaction,  in
the ordinary course of business  consistent with past practices or in accordance
with their terms,  of liabilities  reflected or reserved  against in the balance
sheet of CMB for the period ended October 27, 1995.

                  (o) CMB has not entered into, amended,  modified or terminated
any material  agreement,  commitment or  transaction  other than in the ordinary
course of business.

                  (p)  CMB has not  made  any  provision  for  price  discounts,
markdowns or other special considerations in respect of its goods or services.

                  (q)  CMB has  not  written  off  any  account,  note or  other
receivable  or portion  thereof  as  uncollectible,  other than in the  ordinary
course of business.

                  (r) CMB has not sold, transferred, leased, mortgaged, pledged,
subjected to any Lien or otherwise  disposed of any of its properties or assets,
real,  personal or mixed,  tangible or  intangible,  other than in the  ordinary
course of business.

                                       13

<PAGE>

                  (s) CMB has not  experienced  any  shortage of supplies  which
would  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the  business,  prospects,  assets,
condition (financial or otherwise) or operations of CMB.

                  (t) CMB has not entered into any agreement or understanding to
do any of the foregoing.

                  2.20 Certain Agreements. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.20,
CMB is not a party to, nor is it  negotiating in respect of, any oral or written
agreement or  commitment  which creates a liability or obligation on the part of
CMB or a third party in excess of $25,000.00.

                  2.21  Patents,   Trademarks  and  Similar  Rights.  Except  as
indicated on Schedule 2.21, CMB is the sole owner,  free from any Liens,  of all
patents,   trademarks,   service  marks,  trade  names,  copyrights,   licenses,
processes, designs, formulas, computer programs, trade secrets, source codes and
object  codes,  inventions,  product  manufacturing  instructions,   technology,
research  and  development,  intellectual  property  rights,  know-how and other
rights (including any registrations and applications for registration for any of
the  foregoing)  that  are  owned  or  used  by CMB or  that  are  necessary  or
appropriate  for the  operation  of its  business as  presently  conducted or as
proposed to be conducted and the absence of which would have a material  adverse
effect on the business, prospects, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or
operations  of  CMB  (each,  a  "Proprietary   Right"  and   collectively,   the
"Proprietary Rights"). Schedule 2.21 accurately and completely identifies all of
the  Proprietary  Rights,  including the  jurisdictions  in which they have been
registered or in which applications for registration have been filed.

                  2.22 Contracts Relating to the Proprietary Rights.

                  (a) Schedule  2.22(a)  contains a true and  complete  list and
description  of all  contracts,  oral or  written,  pursuant  to  which  CMB has
authorized  any  person or entity to use,  or  pursuant  to which any  person or
entity has the right to use, any of the Proprietary Rights owned or used by CMB,
including, without limitation, on a temporary or trial basis.

                  (b) Schedule  2.22(b)  contains a true and  complete  list and
description  of all royalty or  contingent  compensation  arrangements  or other
contracts, oral or written, regarding or pertaining to any Proprietary Right.

                  2.23  Status  of the  Proprietary  Rights.  Except as noted in
Schedule  2.23 and except for matters or claims  which would not have a material
adverse  effect on the  business,  prospects,  assets,  condition  (financial or
otherwise) or operations of CMB:

                  (a) No Proprietary  Right  presently  being used,  licensed or
sold, or contemplated  to be used,  licensed or sold, by CMB infringes on or, to
the best  knowledge of CMB and the Principal  Shareholders,  is infringed by any
rights owned or held by any other person or entity.

                                       14

<PAGE>

                  (b) There is no  pending  or  threatened  claim or  litigation
against CMB or any other person or entity  contesting or, if decided  adversely,
affecting the right of CMB to use, license or sell any Proprietary Right.

                  (c)  To  the  best   knowledge   of  CMB  and  the   Principal
Shareholders,  no pending or proposed  patent,  trademark,  service mark,  trade
name, copyright,  license,  process,  design,  formula,  computer program, trade
secret,   source  code  or  object  code,   invention,   product   manufacturing
instruction, technology, research and development,  intellectual property right,
know-how or other right presently being licensed,  sold or employed, or proposed
to be licensed,  sold or employed,  by any person or entity infringes on, or may
infringe on, or adversely  affects,  or may adversely  affect,  any  Proprietary
Right,  nor is there any pending or proposed  statute,  law,  rule,  regulation,
standard or code that may adversely affect any Proprietary Right presently being
used, licensed or sold, or proposed to be used, licensed or sold, by CMB.

                  (d) CMB  uses and has used its  best  efforts  to  secure  and
maintain its rights in the Proprietary Rights.

                  2.24 ERISA Compliance.

                  (a) Schedule 2.24(a) contains a list and brief  description of
all "employee pension benefit plans" (as defined in Section 3(2) of the Employee
Retirement  Income  Security  Act of  1974,  as  amended  ("ERISA"))  (sometimes
referred to herein as "Pension Plans"), all "employee welfare benefit plans" (as
defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) and all other bonus, pension,  profit sharing,
deferred compensation,  incentive compensation, stock ownership, stock purchase,
stock option,  stock bonus,  phantom  stock,  retirement,  vacation,  severance,
disability, death benefit, welfare, Christmas bonus, hospitalization, medical or
other  plan,  arrangement  or  understanding,  whether or not  legally  binding,
providing  benefits  to any current or former  employee,  officer or director of
CMB, or  maintained  or  contributed  to by CMB for the benefit of any employee,
officer  or   director  of  CMB   currently   or  within  the  last  five  years
(collectively, "Benefit Plans").

                  (b) On or  prior  to the  date  of  this  Agreement,  CMB  has
delivered to the Company  true and complete  copies of (i) each Benefit Plan or,
in the case of any unwritten Benefit Plan,  descriptions  thereof, (ii) the most
recent  annual  report  on Form 5500  filed  with the IRS with  respect  to each
Benefit  Plan, if any such report was  required,  (iii) the most recent  summary
plan  description for each Benefit Plan for which such summary plan  description
is required,  (iv) each trust agreement and group annuity  contract  relating to
any Benefit  Plan,  and (v) the most  recent  actuarial  report  relating to any
Benefit Plan.

                  (c) Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.24(c), all Pension Plans
have been the subject of  determination  letters from the IRS to the effect that
such Pension Plans are qualified  and exempt from federal  income taxes,  and no
such  determination  letter has been revoked nor has revocation been threatened,
nor has any such Pension Plan been amended since the date of

                                       15

<PAGE>

its most recent determination letter or application therefor in any respect that
could adversely affect its qualification or increase its costs.

                  (d) Except as disclosed on Schedule  2.24(d),  no Pension Plan
that  CMB  maintains,  or  to  which  CMB  is or  was  previously  obligated  to
contribute,  had, as of the respective last annual  valuation date for each such
Pension Plan, any "unfunded benefit liabilities," based on actuarial assumptions
which have been furnished to Core. None of the Pension Plans has an "accumulated
funding  deficiency," whether or not waived. None of CMB, any officer of CMB nor
any of the  Benefit  Plans  which  are  subject  to  ERISA,  including,  without
limitation,  the Pension Plans, or any trusts created thereunder, or any trustee
or administrator thereof, has engaged in a "prohibited transaction" or any other
breach of fiduciary  responsibility that could subject CMB or any officer of CMB
to the tax or penalty  on  prohibited  transactions  or to any  liability  under
ERISA. Except as disclosed on Schedule 2.24(d),  (i) neither any of such Pension
Plans nor any of such  trusts  have  been  terminated,  nor has  there  been any
"reportable  event" with respect to which the 30-day notice  requirement has not
been waived and CMB is not aware of any other  reportable  events  with  respect
thereto during the last five years;  and (ii) CMB has never had an obligation to
contribute to a  "multiemployer  plan" as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA.  No
liability to the Pension Benefit  Guaranty  Corporation (the "PBGC") has been or
is  expected  to be incurred  with  respect to any  Benefit  Plan by reason of a
Benefit Plan termination.  The PBGC has not instituted  proceedings to terminate
any Benefit Plan. Except as noted on Schedule 2.24(d),  there is no Benefit Plan
to which  Title IV of ERISA  applies  which has  terminated  and whose  "date of
termination"  occurred after September 1, 1974 or any such Benefit Plan to which
Tide IV of ERISA applies which has partially terminated.  No event has occurred,
and there exists no condition or set of circumstances  which presents a material
risk of the termination or partial  termination of any such Benefit Plan,  which
could result in a liability on the part of CMB to the PBGC.

                  (e) With  respect  to any  Benefit  Plan  that is an  employee
welfare  benefit  plan,  except as  disclosed in Schedule  2.24(e),  (i) no such
Benefit Plan is unfunded or funded through a welfare  benefits  fund,  (ii) each
such Benefit Plan that is a group health plan complies in all material  respects
with the  applicable  requirements  of the Code and the Social  Security Act and
(iii) each such  Benefit  Plan,  including,  without  limitation,  any such plan
covering  retirees  or other  former  employees,  may be amended  or  terminated
without  liability to the Surviving  Corporation,  Core or CMB on or at any time
after the Effective Date of the Merger.

                  (f)  Each  Benefit  Plan  and  all  related   trust  or  other
agreements  conform in form and  operation to, and comply with,  all  applicable
laws and regulations, including, without limitation, ERISA and the Code, and all
reports or  information  relating to each such Benefit Plan required to be filed
with any Governmental Entity or disclosed to participants have been timely filed
and disclosed.

                  (g) Except as disclosed in Schedule  2.24(g) the  consummation
of the  Transactions  will not (i) entitle any current or former employee of CMB
to severance pay,

                                       16

<PAGE>

unemployment  compensation or any other payment,  or (ii) accelerate the time of
payment or  vesting  or  increase  the  amount of  compensation  due to any such
employee or former employee.

                  (h) CMB has not announced a plan to create or amend,  nor does
it have any legally binding  commitment to create or amend,  any Benefit Plan or
to create any new arrangement which would be a Benefit Plan.

                  (i) All  insurance  premiums with respect to any Benefit Plan,
including,  without  limitation,  premiums to the PBGC,  have been paid in full.
Except as disclosed on Schedule 2.24(i), there are no retrospective  adjustments
provided for under any insurance  contracts  maintained  pursuant to any Benefit
Plan with  regard  to  policy  years or other  periods  ending on or before  the
Effective Date of the Merger.

                  (j) No Benefit  Plan,  or the  deduction of any  contributions
thereto by CMB,  has been the subject of audit by the IRS or the  Department  of
Labor,  and no  litigation  or asserted  claims exist against CMB or any Benefit
Plan or fiduciary  with respect  thereto,  other than such benefit claims as are
made in the normal operation of a Benefit Plan. To the best knowledge of CMB and
the  Principal  Shareholders,  there are no facts  which  could give rise to any
action,  suit,  grievance,  arbitration  or other claim in  connection  with any
Benefit Plan..

                  (k) With respect to any Benefit  Plan which covers  current or
former  employees,  officers or  directors  who are not  residents of the United
States of America, any references in this Section 2.24 to ERISA, the Code or any
other  applicable  law will be read to mean any applicable law of similar import
for the jurisdiction in which such individuals reside.

                  2.25 Labor and Employment-Related Matters.

                  (a)  Except as set forth in  Schedule  2.25(a)  and except for
matters  which  would  not  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the  business,
prospects,  assets or  condition  (financial  or  otherwise)  of CMB,  CMB is in
compliance  with all federal,  state,  local,  foreign and other laws respecting
employment  and  employment  practices,  terms and  conditions of employment and
wages and  hours,  and there are no  arrears  in the  payment  of wages,  taxes,
unemployment  insurance  contributions or workers'  compensation  assessments or
penalties.

                  (b) None of the employees of CMB is  represented  by any labor
union.  There  is no  pending  question,  petition,  claim or  assertion  or any
organizational  campaign concerning  representation of any employees of CMB. CMB
is not a party to or bound by any collective bargaining  agreement.  There is no
pending  litigation or other proceeding or, to the best knowledge of CMB and the
Principal  Shareholders,  basis  for any  unasserted  claim  against  CMB by any
employee or group of employees of CMB, including, without limitation, claims for
contract, tort, discrimination,  employee benefits,  wrongful termination or any
common law or statutory claims.

                                       17

<PAGE>

                  (c) CMB has provided the Company with a true and complete list
of the payroll of CMB as of the date of this  Agreement.  Except as set forth on
Schedule   2.25(c),   CMB  has  not  entered  into  any   agreement,   made  any
representation  or taken any action that could cause any of its  employees to be
terminable  other than at-will,  with or without cause, or to be entitled to the
payment of any severance or other  obligation  or liability,  except as provided
generally to employees pursuant to applicable state or federal law.

                  (d)  CMB  has  not  entered  into  any   agreement   which  is
inconsistent  with the following:  any ideas,  inventions or other  intellectual
property rights  conceived,  created,  developed or enhanced while any person or
entity was acting as an employee or independent  contractor of CMB or any of its
affiliates  or of any  customer  of CMB,  whether  by or with  the  help of such
employee or  independent  contractor  or  otherwise,  is the sole and  exclusive
property of CMB, or of a customer of CMB in cases in which such  customer  has a
written agreement with CMB so providing, and will be, from and after the Closing
Date, the sole and exclusive property of the Surviving Corporation.

                  (e) Each  employee  of CMB is not  under any  applicable  law,
rule,  regulation or guideline,  an employee or a "leased employee" of any other
person or entity, including, without limitation, any customer of CMB.

                  (f) CMB has deducted  and remitted to the relevant  Government
Entities all income taxes,  unemployment insurance contributions and other taxes
or amounts which it is required to deduct and remit to any Government Entity and
CMB has made all required filing in respect thereof.

                  2.26  Insurance.  Schedule 2.26 is a true and complete list of
all  policies  of  liability,  fire,  workers'  compensation  and other forms of
insurance  owned  or held  by or for the  benefit  of CMB or its  properties  or
assets, including, without limitation, any self insurance, specifying any notice
or  other  information   possessed  by  CMB  regarding  possible  claims  under,
cancellation of or premium  increases  thereon.  All current  premiums have been
paid with respect to all of such policies. Each of such policies is underwritten
by  unaffiliated  insurers and is sufficient for all applicable  requirements of
law.

                  2.27 Legal  Proceedings,  Etc. Except as set forth in Schedule
2.27, there are no legal, administrative, arbitration or other actions, suits or
proceedings  or  governmental  claims or  investigations  or  proceedings of any
customer advisory board or similar  organization pending or, to the knowledge of
CMB,  threatened  against,  or brought by or on behalf of, CMB or affecting  its
business,  prospects,  assets, properties or condition (financial or otherwise).
Except as set forth in Schedule  2.27,  CMB and its properties or assets are not
subject  to any  order,  decree,  injunction  or  judgment,  whether  entered by
consent,   stipulation  or  otherwise,   before  or  in  connection   with,  any
Governmental Entity. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as
set forth in Schedule 2.27, there are no products'  liability  claims,  warranty
claims or other claims  whatsoever  which,  if decided  adversely,  would have a
material adverse effect on any of the businesses,  prospects, assets, properties
or condition (financial or otherwise) of CMB.

                                       18

<PAGE>

                  2.28 Environmental  Matters.  Except as expressly disclosed in
the attached Schedule 2.28:

                  (a) CMB has not used, generated, transported, stored, treated,
manufactured,  refined,  handled,  produced,  processed or disposed of Hazardous
Materials (as defined below) on, from or affecting its real  property,  personal
property, buildings,  fixtures and structures (collectively,  the "Property") in
any manner which violates any  Environmental  Laws (as defined  below);  and, no
prior owner of the  Property  or any  existing or prior  tenant,  sub-tenant  or
occupant of the  Property has used,  generated,  transported,  stored,  treated,
manufactured,  refined,  handled,  produced,  processed or disposed of Hazardous
Materials  on, from or affecting  the Property in any manner which  violates any
Environmental Laws.

                  (b) CMB has not received any notice, claim, order or directive
concerning  any  violations  (or is aware  of any  existing  violations)  of any
Environmental  Laws at,  in,  or from  the  Property;  and  there  have  been no
lawsuits, proceedings,  citations, notices of violations, settlements, claims or
actions  commenced or  threatened  concerning  Hazardous  Materials  on, from or
affecting the Property or CMB by any person.

                  (c)  No  Hazardous   Materials  have  been  released  into  or
deposited  upon or below the  surface  of the  Property  or into any water on or
about or below the surface of the Property.

                  (d) There are no  underground  tanks  located  in or under the
Property.

                  (e) No asbestos or urea  formaldehyde was used in constructing
the  improvements on the Property or is incorporated  into such  improvements or
the appurtenances thereto.

                  (f) The  Property  has not been used as a landfill  or for the
deposit of waste material.

                  (g) As used  herein,  "Hazardous  Materials"  shall  mean  any
substance: (i) the presence of which requires investigation or remediation under
any federal,  state or local  statute,  regulation,  ordinance,  order,  action,
policy or  common  law;  or (ii)  which is or  becomes  defined  as a  "chemical
substance,"   "hazardous   chemical,"  "air  contaminant,"   "hazardous  waste,"
"hazardous substance," "pollutant," or "contaminant" under any federal, state or
local statute,  regulation,  rule or ordinance or amendments  thereto including,
without limitation, the Comprehensive  Environmental Response,  Compensation and
Liability  Act (42 U.S.C.  Section  9601 et seq.),  the  Emergency  Planning and
Community, Right-To-Know Act 942 U.S.C. Section 11001 et seq.), the Occupational
Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C.  Section 651 et seq.), the Hazard Communication
Standard (29 C.F.R.  Section  1910.1200),  and/or the Resource  Conservation and
Recovery  Act (42  U.S.C.  Section  6901 et  seq.);  or (iii)  which  is  toxic,
explosive,  corrosive,   flammable,   infectious,   radioactive,   carcinogenic,
mutagenic,   or  otherwise   hazardous  and  is  or  becomes  regulated  by  any
governmental  authority,  agency,  department,   commission,  board,  agency  or
instrumentality of the United States, the State of California, any

                                       19

<PAGE>

local  government  or any  political  subdivision  thereof;  or (iv)  except  as
disclosed in Schedule 2.28, the presence of which upon,  about,  adjacent to, or
beneath the  Property at any time prior to Closing  Date causes or  threatens to
cause a nuisance upon the Property or poses or threatens to pose a hazard to the
health or safety of persons or to the environment  on, or about,  adjacent to or
in the vicinity of the Property;  (v) that is, or could be  characterized  as, a
contaminant  or  irritant  by  any  governmental  authority;  or  (vi)  that  is
petroleum,   its  constituents,   distillates,   including   gasoline,   or  its
by-products.

                  (h)  "Environmental  Laws"  means all  applicable  present and
future statutes,  regulations,  rules,  ordinances,  codes,  licenses,  permits,
orders, approvals, plans, authorizations,  concessions,  franchises, and similar
items, of all governmental agencies, departments,  commissions, boards, bureaus,
local  governments,  and  political  subdivisions  thereof  and  all  applicable
judicial, administrative, and regulatory decrees, judgments, and orders relating
to the  protection  of  human  health  or the  environment,  including,  without
limitation: (i) all requirements pertaining to reporting, licensing, permitting,
investigation,  and remediation of any actual or threatened  escape,  dispersal,
seepage, migration,  emission,  discharge, or release of Hazardous Materials, or
hazardous or toxic  substances,  materials or wastes whether solid,  liquid,  or
gaseous  in  nature,  anywhere,  including,  without  limitation,  into the air,
surface water, groundwater,  soils, interior of a building or structure, or upon
or into the land, or relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use,
treatment,  storage,  disposal,  transport,  or handling of Hazardous Materials,
chemical substances, pollutants, contaminants, or hazardous or toxic substances,
materials,  or wastes, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous in nature; and (ii) all
requirements  pertaining to the protection of the health and safety of employees
or the public.

                  2.29 Finder's  Fees.  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.29, no
broker,  finder or other  person or entity is  entitled  to any  brokerage  fee,
commission  or finder's fee in connection  with any of the Merger  Agreements or
any of the  Transactions  on account of any actions or  agreements  of CMB,  the
Shareholders or any of its or their representatives.

                  2.30 CMB's Board of Directors' Action. To the extent permitted
by  applicable  law,  the Board of  Directors  of CMB,  by  consent in lieu of a
meeting or at a meeting duly called and held,  has by the requisite  vote of all
directors  present or otherwise acting (a) determined that the Merger Agreements
to which  CMB is a party  and the  Transactions  are  advisable  and in the best
interests of CMB and its shareholders, (b) resolved to recommend the approval of
the Merger  Agreements and the  Transactions by the holders of CMB Capital Stock
and directed that the Merger  Agreements and the  Transactions  be submitted for
consideration  by the holders of CMB Capital Stock at a special  meeting of such
holders and (c) adopted a resolution  to elect not to be subject to any takeover
law,  including without  limitation,  those described in Section 2.7 above, that
may  purport  to be  applicable  to or in  connection  with  any of  the  Merger
Agreements or any of the Transactions.

                  2.31  Enforceability  and Status of the  Contracts.  Except as
disclosed on Schedule 2.31, each contract, lease, insurance policy or other item
listed  in or set  forth on or  required  to be  listed  in or set  forth on any
Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement, including, without

                                       20

<PAGE>

limitation,  Schedule 2.10,  Schedule 2.12(a),  Schedule 2.20, Schedule 2.22(a),
Schedule  2.22(b),   Schedule  2.24(a)  or  Schedule  2.26  (collectively,   the
"Contracts"), is valid and enforceable and in full force and effect. There is no
default  under any of the  Contracts,  or any event  which,  with or without due
notice or lapse of time or both,  would  constitute  such a  default,  except as
disclosed  on  Schedule  2.32 or where  such  default  would not have a material
adverse  effect on the business,  prospects,  assets or condition  (financial or
otherwise)  of CMB. CMB and each other party to any of the  Contracts  has fully
paid and performed all of its obligations and duties accrued or due under all of
the  Contracts.  True and complete  copies of all of the  Contracts,  including,
without limitation,  all amendments thereto and modifications thereof, have been
delivered or made available to Core prior to the date of this Agreement. None of
the  Contracts  will be affected  by, or terminate or lapse by reason of, any of
the Merger Agreements or any of the Transactions.

                  2.32 Product Warranty. The aggregate expenses incurred by CMB,
during the fiscal  year ended  December  31,  1994,  for  replacement  or repair
thereof or other  damages based upon failure of such products to comply with the
applicable  warranties of CMB did not exceed $130,000.  Except for any warranty,
guaranty,  or other  indemnity  implied by law, no product  manufactured  by CMB
prior  to the  Closing  Date is  subject  to any  guaranty,  warranty,  or other
indemnity,  beyond the  applicable  terms and conditions of sale or lease as set
forth in Schedule 2.32.

                  2.33 Product  Liability.  No person or entity has asserted any
claim or has threatened to assert any claim, which, if successful,  would result
in a liability for CMB arising out of any injury to individuals or property as a
result of the ownership,  possession,  or use of any product manufactured by CMB
prior to the Closing Date.

                  2.34 Disclosure. There is no fact or circumstance known to CMB
which  materially  adversely  affects,  or which in the  future  may  materially
adversely  affect,  the business,  prospects,  assets,  condition  (financial or
otherwise)  or operations of CMB,  which fact or  circumstance  has not been set
forth in this Agreement or the Schedules to this Agreement. No representation or
warranty by CMB in any of the Merger  Agreements  and no statement  contained in
any  document,  including,  without  limitation,  the financial  statements  and
disclosure schedules,  certificate or other writing furnished or to be furnished
by or on behalf  of CMB  pursuant  to or in  connection  with any of the  Merger
Agreements  or  any of the  Transactions  contains  any  untrue  statement  of a
material fact or omits any material fact necessary to make the statements herein
or  therein,  in light of the  circumstances  under  which they were  made,  not
misleading.

         3. Representations,  Warranties and Covenants of Core. Core represents,
warrants  and  covenants  to CMB and the  Shareholders,  as of the  date of this
Agreement and through and including the Effective  Date and the Closing Date, as
follows:

                  3.1  Organization;  Qualification.  Core is a corporation duly
incorporated,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state
of incorporation and has all

                                       21

<PAGE>

requisite  power and authority to own,  lease and operate its  properties and to
carry on its business as now being conducted. Core is duly qualified or licensed
and is in good standing to do business in each  jurisdiction in which the nature
of the business  conducted by it has made its qualification or licensing a legal
requirement.

                  3.2 Authority Relative to the Merger Agreements.

                  (a) The Board of  Directors  of Core has  approved  the Merger
Agreements  (including  the  Promissory  Notes)  and  the  Transactions  and has
authorized the execution,  delivery and performance of the Merger Agreements. No
other corporate authorizations or proceedings on the part of Core or the Company
are necessary to consummate any of the Transactions.

                  (b) Each of the Merger  Agreements  (including  the Promissory
Notes) to which Core is a party has been duly and validly executed and delivered
by Core,  and  constitute  valid and  binding  agreements  of Core,  enforceable
against it in accordance with their respective terms.

                  (c) Core has the power and  authority to enter into the Merger
Agreements (including the Promissory Notes) and to consummate the Transactions.

                  (d) The  Aggregate  Merger  Shares,  upon  their  issuance  in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement,  will be duly  authorized,  validly
issued,  fully paid and nonassessable,  and issued in compliance with applicable
federal and state laws..

                  3.3 No Conflicts;  Consents.  Except as identified in Schedule
3.3,  neither  the  execution  and  delivery of the Merger  Agreements,  nor the
consummation  of the  Transactions,  nor  compliance  by  Core  with  any of the
provisions of the Merger Agreements, will:

                  (a) violate any provision of the  corporate  charter or bylaws
of Core or any statute,  code, ordinance,  rule,  regulation,  judgment,  order,
writ,  decree  or  injunction  applicable  to Core or any of its  properties  or
assets;

                  (b) violate,  or conflict  with,  or result in a breach of any
provision of, or constitute a default under, or any event which, with or without
due notice or lapse of time,  or both,  would  constitute  a default  under,  or
result in the  termination  of, or accelerate  the  performance  required by, or
result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the  properties or assets of Core
under, any note,  bond,  mortgage,  indenture,  deed of trust,  license,  lease,
agreement or other  instrument  or  obligation  to which Core is a party,  or by
which  Core  or any of its  properties  or  assets  may be  bound  or  affected,
including, without limitation, any agreement,  arrangement,  document, policy or
obligation  disclosed  or required  to be  disclosed  in any of the  Exhibits or
Schedules to this Agreement; or

                  (c) require any consent, approval,  authorization or permit of
or from, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity,  except (i)
filing  articles and  certificates  of merger pursuant to the laws of any state,
(ii) filings required under the securities or blue sky laws

                                       22

<PAGE>

of the  various  states,  (iii)  filings  under the HSR Act,  or (iv)  consents,
approvals,  authorizations,  permits,  filings or  notifications  which,  if not
obtained or made, will not,  individually  or in the aggregate,  have a material
adverse effect on the Merger or the business,  prospects,  assets, properties or
condition (financial or otherwise) of Core.

                  3.4  Capitalization.  As of the  date of this  Agreement,  the
authorized  capital stock of Core consists of 100,000 shares of preferred stock,
$1.00 par value, of which none are outstanding,  and 20,000,000 shares of common
stock, $1.00 par value, of which 11,237,172 shares are issued and outstanding as
of August 31, 1995 (including  1,410,160 shares which are Treasury Shares).  All
the  outstanding  shares  of Core  Capital  Stock are duly  authorized,  validly
issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights.

                  3.5 SEC  Reports.  Core  has  filed  all  forms,  reports  and
documents  required  to be  filed  by Core  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission  ("SEC")  relating  to periods  ending on and after  August 31,  1993
(collectively,  "Core's SEC  Reports").  Core's SEC Reports have complied in all
material  respects with all  applicable  requirements  of the  Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act," and Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act.") As of their respective  dates,  none of Core's SEC
Reports,   including   any  financial   statements  or  schedules   included  or
incorporated by reference therein,  contained any untrue statement of a material
fact or omitted to state a material fact  required to be stated or  incorporated
by reference  therein or necessary in order to make the statements  therein,  in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  Core has
heretofore delivered to CMB, in the form filed with the SEC, those of Core's SEC
Reports identified in the attached Schedule 3.5.

                  3.6 Disclosure Materials.

                  (a) Any  information  which is  provided  by Core  about  Core
("Core Disclosure  Materials") to CMB for inclusion in the disclosure  materials
prepared by CMB pursuant to Section 4.5 will be true in all material respects.

                  (b)  There  is no fact or  circumstance  known  to Core  which
materially  adversely  affects,  or which  in the  future  materially  adversely
affects, the business,  prospects,  assets or condition (financial or otherwise)
or operations of Core, which fact or circumstance has not been set forth in this
Agreement,  the Schedules to this  Agreement,  or Core's SEC Reports or the Core
Disclosure  Materials.  None of the information contained in the Core Disclosure
Materials  or any  representation  or  warranty  of  Core  in any of the  Merger
Agreements contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material  fact  required to be stated  therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading in any material respect.

                  3.7  Finder's  Fees.  Except as set forth on Schedule  3.7, no
broker,  finder or other  person or entity is  entitled  to any  brokerage  fee,
commission or finder's fee in connection

                                       23

<PAGE>

with any of the Merger  Agreements or any of the  Transactions on account of any
actions or agreements of Core or any representatives of Core.

         4. Covenants of the Parties.

                  4.1 Due Diligence.  Prior to the date of this Agreement,  Core
and its  representatives  have  conducted  a review of  certain  materials  made
available  to them by or on  behalf  of CMB.  From  the  date of this  Agreement
through the Closing Date, CMB and its officers, directors, employees and agents,
has and  will  give to Core,  its  counsel,  accountants  and  other  authorized
representatives,  full  access to all of CMB's  assets,  properties,  personnel,
technology  and technical  information,  books of account,  leases,  agreements,
commitments and records,  and will furnish Core and its representatives with all
such information concerning CMB as Core may request. No investigation by Core or
any  of its  representatives  will  relieve  CMB or  any  Shareholder  from  any
liability under or in connection with any of the Merger Agreements or any of the
Transactions  or  affect,  in  any  manner,  the  representations,   warranties,
covenants or agreements  of CMB under any of the Merger  Agreements or any other
term or condition of any of the Merger Agreements.

                  4.2 Acquisition Proposals.

                  (a) Neither CMB nor any of the Shareholders will, nor will CMB
nor any of the  Shareholders  authorize  or  permit  any  officer,  director  or
employee  of or any  investment  banker,  financial  advisor,  attorney or other
advisor or  representative of CMB or any Shareholder to, directly or indirectly,
(i) solicit,  initiate or encourage the submission of any  Acquisition  Proposal
(as defined in subsection (c) below), (ii) enter into any agreement with respect
to  any  Acquisition  Proposal,  or  (iii)  participate  in any  discussions  or
negotiations  regarding, or furnish to any person or entity any information with
respect to, or take any other action to  facilitate  any inquiries or the making
of any proposal that constitutes,  or may reasonably be expected to lead to, any
Acquisition Proposal.  Without limiting the foregoing, it is understood that any
violation of this Section 4.2(a) by any employee,  director or officer of CMB or
any Shareholder or any investment banker,  financial advisor,  attorney or other
advisor  retained  by CMB or any  Shareholder,  whether  or not such  person  is
purporting  to act on behalf of CMB or any  Shareholder  or  otherwise,  will be
deemed to be a breach of this Section 4.2(a) by CMB or such Shareholder.

                  (b) CMB and each of the Shareholders will promptly advise Core
orally and in writing of any  Acquisition  Proposal or any inquiry  with respect
to, or which could lead to, any Acquisition  Proposal,  the terms and conditions
of such inquiry or Acquisition  Proposal (including  financial) and the identity
of the person or entity making any such Acquisition Proposal or inquiry. CMB and
each of the Shareholders will keep Core fully informed of the status and details
of any such Acquisition Proposal or inquiry.

                                       24

<PAGE>

                  (c) "Acquisition  Proposal" means any proposal for a merger or
other business combination  involving CMB or to acquire in any manner,  directly
or indirectly, including, without limitation, through any reverse acquisition in
which CMB is the acquirer in form, (i) a material  equity  interest in CMB, (ii)
any material  amount of any  security of CMB that has power to vote,  approve or
consent  to any  corporate  action or (iii) any  assets of CMB that could not be
sold by CMB in the ordinary course of business.

                  4.3 Supplemental Information and Documents.  From time to time
prior to the Closing Date, CMB and each of the Shareholders will deliver to Core
supplemental or other  information  and documents  concerning  events,  facts or
circumstances  subsequent to the date of this  Agreement  which could render any
statement,  representation,  warranty, covenant or other agreement in any of the
Merger  Agreements  or any  information  contained  in any  Exhibit or  Schedule
inaccurate  or incomplete  or which  documents  would have been required to have
been delivered if existing prior to the date of this Agreement.  The obligations
of CMB and each of the Shareholders  pursuant to this Section 4.3 will not limit
or affect any right or remedy Core might  otherwise have under any of the Merger
Agreements  or  otherwise  with  respect  to  any  such  supplemental  or  other
information or documents, including, without limitation pursuant to Section 5 or
Section 7 below. CMB and each of the Shareholders will cooperate, and will cause
its  employees  to  cooperate,  with  Core and all of its  representatives  with
respect  to  making  available  all  information   requested  by  Core  and  its
representatives.

                  4.4 Filings. If required, the parties have filed or will file,
as applicable,  with the United States Department of Justice (the  "Department")
and the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC")  notifications with respect to this
Agreement  and the Merger  pursuant to the HSR Act.  The parties  will  promptly
comply with any request by the Department or the FTC for additional documents or
information.  The parties will prepare and give or make any necessary notices or
filings under any other federal,  state, local, foreign or other laws, rules and
regulations  which  may be  required  in  connection  with  any  of  the  Merger
Agreements or any of the Transactions.

                  4.5  Private  Placement  Information,  Registration  of Merger
Shares.

                  (a) Core, at its expense,  shall  prepare a private  placement
memorandum or similar  document (the "PPM") and shall deliver the PPM to CMB for
delivery to the Shareholders prior to the Closing.  Core will include in the PPM
copies of any of Core's SEC Reports described in Rule  502(b)(2)(ii)(B)  and (C)
of  Regulation  D under the  Securities  Act,  which  have not  previously  been
provided to the Shareholders,  and such other  information  concerning Core, its
business and assets and Merger  Shares as Core deems  necessary  or  appropriate
(such SEC  Reports  and other  information  being  referred  to as the "Core PPM
Information"). CMB shall have exclusive responsibility for preparing, or causing
its counsel to prepare,  and  delivering to Core in writing for inclusion in the
PPM all other information to be included in the PPM (the "CMB PPM Information"),
for the accuracy and  completeness of the CMB PPM Information and for the timely
delivery of the PPM to Shareholders of CMB.

                                       25

<PAGE>

                  (b) Core,  at its  expense,  shall  prepare  and, on or before
January 31, 1996, file with the SEC a Registration  Statement (the "Registration
Statement") on Form S-3, or other  appropriate  form, for the offering and sales
on a delayed or continuous  basis  pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
by the Shareholders of the Merger Shares to be issued to the Shareholders in the
Merger.   The  section  of  the   Registration   Statement   entitled  "Plan  of
Distribution"  shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Item 508
of Regulation S-K  promulgated  under the Securities  Act.  Notwithstanding  any
other provision of this Agreement or the "Plan of Distribution" contained in the
Registration  Statement,  the selling Shareholders shall agree to limitations on
resale set forth in Section  2(d) of the  Standstill  Agreement  (as  defined in
Section 5.1 (n-1) hereof;  provided,  however,  that the  foregoing  restriction
shall  not  apply to and  shall  not be  taken  into  account  for  purposes  of
determining  whether any other transfer complies with the foregoing  restriction
(i) any transfer by will or the laws of intestacy,  (ii) any transfer by a trust
which is a Shareholder to the beneficiaries of such trust, (iii) any transfer by
a Shareholder to another Shareholder, (iv) any transfer by a Shareholder to such
Shareholders' or lineal descendants of such Shareholder or (v) any transfer by a
Shareholder to a trust of the beneficial  interests in which are owned by one or
more  of the  members  of  the  group  consisting  of the  Shareholder  and  the
individuals  described in the preceding  clause (iv).  Core will have  exclusive
responsibility for the preparation,  filing,  accuracy,  and completeness of the
Registration  Statement,  and any amendments or supplements thereto except as to
information  therein  and  any  amendments  or  supplements  thereto,  that  the
Shareholders  shall have furnished in writing to Core expressly for inclusion in
the Registration  Statement or any amendment or supplement  thereto.  Core shall
furnish  to the  'Shareholders,  for their  review  and  comment,  copies of the
Registration  Statement and any amendment or  supplement  thereto,  in the forms
proposed  to be filed by Core,  not less than five  business  days  prior to the
filing thereof with the SEC, and the  Shareholders  shall advise Core in writing
of any  recommended  changes to the  Registration  Statement or any amendment or
supplement  thereto  within  three  business  days  following  receipt  of  such
documents  from  Core.  Core will  furnish  to the  Shareholders,  copies of the
Registration  Statement,  any prospectus relating to the Registration  Statement
(as  amended  or  supplemented  from  time to  time,  a  "Prospectus"),  and any
amendments or  supplements  thereto,  in the forms filed,  immediately  upon the
filing of such  documents with the SEC,  together with any other  documents that
the  Shareholders  reasonably  request in order to facilitate the disposition of
the Merger Shares registered pursuant to the Registration Statement.  Core shall
use its  reasonable  best  efforts  to  comply  with all  applicable  rules  and
regulations of the SEC and shall make available to the Shareholders,  as soon as
reasonably practicable (but not more than 18 months) after the effective date of
the Registration  Statement, an earnings statement that satisfies the provisions
of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act;  provided,  however,  that Core shall be
deemed to have  complied  with this  sentence if it has  complied  with Rule 158
promulgated under the Securities Act.

                  (c) Core will use its  reasonable  best  efforts to respond to
any comments of the SEC with respect to the Registration  Statement and to cause
the Registration Statement to become effective by January 31, 1996 or as soon as
possible  thereafter,  but in no event shall such Registration  Statement not be
effective  by May 31,  1996.  CMB and Core shall  cooperate  with each other and
provide to each other in writing all  information  necessary in order to prepare
the

                                       26

<PAGE>

PPM and the Registration  Statement and shall each provide promptly to the other
party in  writing  any  information  that  such  party  may  obtain  that  could
necessitate  amending  any such  document.  Core will  notify  the  Shareholders
promptly of the receipt of any  comments  from the SEC or its staff or any other
government  official  and of any  requests  by the SEC or its staff or any other
government  official  for  any  amendment  or  supplement  to  the  Registration
Statement or for additional  information and will supply the  Shareholders  with
copies of all correspondence between Core or any of its representatives,  on the
one  hand,  and the SEC or its staff or any other  government  official,  on the
other hand, with respect thereto.

                  (d) Core covenants that the PPM, the  Registration  Statement,
each Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto (other than the CMB PPM
Information  and any  information  that CMB,  any  Shareholder,  or any of their
respective representatives shall have furnished in writing to Core expressly for
inclusion in any such  document)  (A) will comply in all material  respects with
the  Securities  Act and the  Exchange  Act and (B) will not  contain any untrue
statement of a material  fact or omit to state any material  fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements  contained  therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.

                  (e) CMB and each of the Principal  Shareholders  covenant that
the CMB PPM  Information  and the  information  supplied  or to be  supplied  in
writing  to  Core  by CMB or any  of  its  representatives  or the  Shareholders
expressly for inclusion in the Registration Statement, each Prospectus,  and any
amendment  or  supplement  thereto,  will not contain any untrue  statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material  fact required to be stated  therein
or  necessary  in  order  to  make  the  statements  therein,  in  light  of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                  (f) Each  Shareholder,  as a condition to the inclusion in the
Registration  Statement of the Merger Shares to be issued to such Shareholder in
the Merger,  hereby covenants that the information supplied or to be supplied in
writing  to  Core  by  such  Shareholder  or any  of his or her  representatives
expressly for inclusion in the Registration Statement, each Prospectus,  and any
amendment  or  supplement  thereto,  will not contain any untrue  statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material  fact required to be stated  therein
or  necessary  in  order  to  make  the  statements  therein,  in  light  of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                  (g) Until the  first to occur of (i) the  expiration  of three
years after the Closing Date,  and (ii) the sale of all Merger Shares covered by
the  Registration  Statement,  Core shall promptly prepare and file with the SEC
any amendments,  post-effective  amendments, and supplements to the Registration
Statement or each  Prospectus and shall use its reasonable  best efforts to take
all actions that are necessary or appropriate to keep the Registration Statement
effective and current and to comply with the  provisions of the  Securities  Act
with respect to the disposition of all Merger Shares covered by the Registration
Statement. If the Registration Statement as from time to time in effect includes
an  untrue  statement  of a  material  fact or fails to  state a  material  fact
required to be stated  therein or necessary to make the  statements  therein not
misleading in light of the  circumstances  then existing or if a  post-effective
amendment to the

                                       27

<PAGE>

Registration  Statement  or a  supplement  to  any  Prospectus  relating  to the
Registration   Statement  is  required,   Core  shall  immediately  notify  each
Shareholder and shall promptly prepare and file with the SEC and furnish to each
Shareholder  a  supplement  or amendment  to the  Registration  Statement or the
Prospectus  included  therein so that, as thereafter  delivered to purchasers of
the Shareholders' shares of Merger Shares covered by the Registration Statement,
such  Prospectus  will not contain any untrue  statement of any material fact or
omit to state a material  fact  required to be stated  therein or  necessary  in
order  to  make  the   statements   therein  not  misleading  in  light  of  the
circumstances then existing.

                  (h) Core shall notify each  Shareholder  immediately  upon (i)
the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, (ii) the issuance or threatened
issuance of any stop order or other order  preventing or  suspending  the use of
any Prospectus,  (iii) any suspension or threatened suspension of the use of any
Prospectus  in any state,  (iv) any  proceedings  commenced or  threatened to be
commenced by the SEC or any state securities commission that would result in the
issuance of such stop order or other order  preventing or suspending  the use of
any  Prospectus,  or (v) any  request  by the SEC to  supplement  or  amend  any
Prospectus after the effectiveness of the Registration Statement. Core shall use
its  reasonable  best  efforts to prevent or  promptly  remove any stop order or
other order  preventing or suspending  the use of any  Prospectus  and to comply
with any such request by the SEC to amend or supplement such Prospectus.

                  (i) Core shall use its reasonable  best efforts by January 31,
1996,  or as soon as  possible  thereafter,  but in no event  later than May 31,
1996,  to  qualify  the  Merger  Shares  to  be  issued  and  delivered  to  the
Shareholders in the Merger for resale by the  Shareholders  under the securities
or blue-sky laws of the State of California and use its reasonable  best efforts
by January 31, 1996,  or as soon as possible  thereafter,  but in no event later
than May 31, 1996,  to cause all of the Merger Shares to be issued and delivered
to the Shareholders in the Merger to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

                  (j) Core shall be  responsible  for all  expenses  incurred by
Core  in  complying   with  this  Section  4.5,   including  all   registration,
qualification,  and filing fees,  printing  expenses,  fees and disbursements of
counsel for Core, applicable blue-sky fees and expenses,  and the expense of any
special audits incident to or required by the registration contemplated hereby.

                  (k)  Core  shall  file  with the SEC in a  timely  manner  all
reports and other  documents  required to be filed by Core under the  Securities
Act and the Exchange Act.

                  (l) Core's  obligations under this Section 4.5 with respect to
registration  of Merger  Shares  shall be  conditioned  upon each  Shareholder's
compliance with the following:

                           (i) The  Shareholder  shall  cooperate  with  Core in
         connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement,  and for
         so  long  as  Core  is  obligated  to  keep  a  Registration  Statement
         effective, the Shareholder will provide to Core, in writing, for use in
         the  Registration  Statement,  reasonably  promptly  after a request by
         Core, all information

                                       28

<PAGE>

         relating to the Selling  Shareholder as may be necessary to enable Core
         to prepare the Registration  Statement and to maintain the currency and
         effectiveness thereof.

                           (ii)  The  Shareholder  shall  permit  Core  and  its
         representatives  and agents to examine such  documents  and records and
         shall supply such  information  relating to the Shareholder as they may
         reasonably   request  in   connection   with  the   offering  or  other
         distribution   of  the  Merger  Shares   registered   pursuant  to  the
         Registration   Statement   in  which  the   Shareholder   proposes   to
         participate.

                           (iii)  During  such  time as the  Shareholder  may be
         engaged in a distribution of the Merger Shares  registered  pursuant to
         the  Registration  Statement,  the  Shareholder  will  comply  with all
         applicable laws including Rules 10b-6 and 10b-7  promulgated  under the
         Exchange Act and pursuant  thereto will,  among other  things:  (A) not
         engage in any stabilization  activity in connection with the securities
         of Core in  contravention  of such  rules;  (B)  distribute  the Merger
         Shares registered pursuant to the Registration  Statement owned by such
         selling  Shareholder solely in the manner described in the Registration
         Statement; (C) cause to be furnished to each agent or broker-dealer, to
         or  through  whom  the  Merger  Shares   registered   pursuant  to  the
         Registration  Statement owned by such Shareholder may be offered, or to
         the  offeree  if an offer is made  directly  by the  Shareholder,  such
         copies of each  Prospectus (as amended and  supplemented  to such date)
         and documents  incorporated by reference  therein as may be required by
         applicable  stock  exchange  rules,  or  law;  and  (D)  not bid for or
         purchase  any  securities  of Core or  attempt  to induce any person to
         purchase  any  securities  of Core in any manner  prohibited  under the
         Exchange Act.

                  (m) Core  shall  indemnify,  defend,  and hold  harmless  each
selling  Shareholder,  and each  underwriting  and selling  broker of any of the
Merger Shares that is the subject of the Registration Statement,  and each other
Person,  if any, who controls any of the foregoing within the meaning of Section
15 of the  Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act  (collectively,  the
"Shareholder  Indemnified  Parties"),  against any losses,  claims,  damages, or
liabilities (collectively, "Losses"), joint or several, to which any Shareholder
Indemnified  Party may become  subject under the  Securities Act or the Exchange
Act or otherwise,  insofar as such Losses (or actions in respect  thereof) arise
out of or are based upon any untrue  statement or alleged untrue  statement of a
material fact contained in the PPM, the Registration  Statement or a Prospectus,
or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements  therein,  in light of the
circumstances  under which they were made, not  misleading;  provided,  however,
that Core will not indemnify or hold harmless any Shareholder  Indemnified Party
from or against  such Losses if the untrue  statement,  omission  or  allegation
thereof upon which such Losses are based (x) was in the CMB PPM  Information  or
was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information provided by
CMB or any Shareholder  Indemnified  Party or their  respective  representatives
specifically for use or inclusion in the PPM, the Registration  Statement or any
Prospectus,  or (y) was made in any  Prospectus  used  after  such  time as Core
provided notice to such Shareholder  pursuant to Section 4.5(e), or (z) was made
in any  Prospectus  used after such time as the  obligation of Core hereunder to
keep

                                       29

<PAGE>

the Registration  Statement  effective and current has expired or been suspended
hereunder.  Core shall promptly reimburse each Shareholder Indemnified Party for
any legal or any other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection
with  investigating  or defending any such Losses or actions in respect thereof.
The procedures for indemnification shall be as provided in Article 6 hereof.

                  (n)   Notwithstanding   anything  in  this  Agreement  to  the
contrary,  nothing in this Section 4.5 shall be deemed to commit,  require or in
any way  obligate the  Shareholders,  or any one of them,  to transfer,  sell or
otherwise  distribute  all or any part of the Merger  Shares to be issued to the
Shareholders in the Merger.

                  4.6  Compliance  with the  Securities  Act.  CMB will obtain a
written agreement from each current director, officer and holder of five percent
or more of the CMB  Capital  Stock  or of the  total  equity  in CMB,  in a form
reasonably  acceptable  to Core,  that such person will not sell or in any other
way reduce such  person's  risk  relative to any shares of the Core Common Stock
received in connection  with the Merger,  until the end of the three months from
the Closing Date or the date the 5-3 registration contemplated by Section 4.5 is
effective.  CMB will deliver such written  agreements to Core on or prior to the
Closing.

                  4.7 Certain Litigation.  CMB will give Core the opportunity to
participate  in the defense or settlement of any  litigation  against CMB or its
officers or  directors  relating to any of the Merger  Agreements  or any of the
Transactions;  provided,  however,  that no settlement will be agreed to without
Core's written consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld.

                  4.8 Real Estate. As of a date prior to the Effective Date, CMB
shall  cause the  building  and land  used by it in its  operations  (the  "Real
Estate") to be  transferred to an entity owned by the  Shareholders;  and, as of
the  Effective  Date,  the Real Estate shall be leased to a  subsidiary  of Core
pursuant to a lease in the form of the attached Exhibit 4.8 (the "Lease").

                  4.9  Shareholders   Debt.  CMB's  total  indebtedness  to  the
Shareholders as of the Effective Date (the "Shareholders  Debt") will be paid by
Core at the Closing.

                  4.10  Shareholder  Distributions.   An  amount  equal  to  the
Shareholders'  accrued  income tax  liability  arising from CMB's  earnings from
January 1, 1995  through the  Effective  Date (which is  estimated  by CMB to be
$200,000  by such  date) and an amount  equal to CMB's  Accumulated  Adjustments
Accounts  account as defined in Section  1368(e)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code
of  1986,  as  amended,  (which  is  estimated  by CMB to be  $500,000)  will be
distributed by CMB to the Shareholders prior to the Closing; provided,  however,
that such accrued  income tax  liability  shall be  determined by CMB on a basis
consistent with prior periods.

                  4.11 Certain Fees. Core shall be responsible for and pay up to
$750,000,  for broker fees incurred by CMB and up to $500,000 to John Brewer for
services  rendered.  Such  amounts  will be payable  by Core at  Closing  unless
different arrangements are negotiated by Core with the applicable broker or John
Brewer, as the case may be.

                                       30

<PAGE>

                  4.12 Best Efforts. Subject to the terms and conditions in this
Agreement,  each party  will use its best  efforts to do or cause to be done all
things  necessary,  proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to
consummate and make  effective,  as soon as reasonably  practicable,  all of the
terms and conditions of the Merger Agreements and the  Transactions,  including,
without limitation,  the obtaining of all consents,  authorizations,  orders and
approvals  of any third  party,  whether  private or  governmental,  required in
connection  with such party's  execution,  delivery or performance of the Merger
Agreements and the Transactions, and the satisfaction of all other conditions to
the Closing set forth in Section 5, and each party will cooperate with the other
in all of the  foregoing.  The parties will use their best efforts to consummate
and  make  effective  the   Transactions   as  soon  as  practicable   following
satisfaction of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Section 5.

         5. Conditions to Closing.

                  5.1   Conditions   Precedent  to   Obligations  of  Core.  The
obligations of Core under this Agreement are subject to the  satisfaction of the
following conditions at or prior to the Closing Date:

                  (a) No action or  proceeding  will  have  been  instituted  or
threatened  against CMB which  materially  affects or may materially  affect its
business,  prospects,  assets, properties or condition (financial or otherwise).
No  action  or  proceeding  will  have  been  instituted  or  threatened  by any
Governmental  Entity or other person or entity  before any court,  arbitrator or
Governmental Entity to restrain,  prevent,  condition or obtain material damages
in respect of any of the Merger Agreements or any of the Transactions, which, in
the opinion of Core, makes it inadvisable to consummate such Transactions.

                  (b)  All  actions,   undertakings,   covenants  or  agreements
required  pursuant to any of the Merger Agreements to be performed by CMB or the
Shareholders  on or prior to the Closing Date have been so performed or complied
with in all material respects.

                  (c)  All  representations  and  warranties  made by CMB or the
Shareholders  in any of the  Merger  Agreements  are  true  and  correct  in all
material respects at and as of the Effective Date and the Closing Date, with the
same force and effect as though such  representations  and  warranties  had been
made at and as of the Effective  Date and the Closing Date,  except as expressly
permitted by this  Agreement or as otherwise  agreed to in writing by Core,  and
Core will not have  discovered any material  error,  misstatement or omission in
any of such representations or warranties.  The President of CMB will deliver to
Core a Certificate,  dated as of the Closing Date, signed by him,  certifying as
to the matters covered by this Sections 5.1(b) and (c).

                  (d) All actions  required to be taken by or on the part of CMB
to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreements by
CMB and the  consummation  of the  Transactions  will have been duly and validly
taken by the Board of Directors and

                                       31

<PAGE>

shareholders  of CMB,  and Core will  have  received  copies of the  resolutions
evidencing such authorization certified by the Secretary of CMB.

                  (e) Core  will  have  received  from  Cooper,  White & Cooper,
counsel to CMB, an opinion in the form of Exhibit 5.1(e).

                  (f) All courts of law,  Governmental  Entities and other third
parties, the consent,  authorization or approval of which is necessary under any
applicable law, rule,  order or regulation or under any contract,  commitment or
other agreement of CMB, for the  consummation by CMB of the  Transactions,  will
have consented to, authorized, permitted or approved such Transactions.

                  (g) The holders of not more than 10% of CMB Capital Stock will
have perfected statutory appraisal,  dissenters' or similar rights to which such
holders may be entitled under applicable law in connection with the Merger.

                  (h) The Merger  Agreements and the Transactions will have been
approved  by the  holders  of the CMB  Capital  Stock in  accordance  with CMB's
Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and applicable law.

                  (i) CMB will have furnished Core with such certificates of its
officers or others and with such other documents to evidence  fulfillment of the
conditions set forth in this Section 5.1 as Core may reasonably request.

                  (j) CMB will have  obtained  from each person or entity who is
described in Section 4.6 the written agreement provided for in such Section.

                  (k) CMB will have executed and  delivered all other  documents
reasonably  requested by Core or  otherwise  necessary  or  appropriate  for the
consummation of any of the  Transactions,  including,  without  limitation,  all
documents  required to be executed and/or delivered by or on behalf of CMB at or
prior to the Closing pursuant to this Agreement.

                  (l) Core's  subsidiary  will have entered into the Lease,  and
Core will have  executed  and  delivered  to the  landlord  Core's  Guarantee of
certain tenant obligations thereunder.

                  (m)  There  has  been  no  adverse  change  in  the  business,
prospects, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of CMB or any event,
condition,  occurrence, action taken or omission made which, either individually
or in the aggregate, might adversely affect the business, prospects,  operations
or condition (financial or otherwise) of CMB.

                  (n) Each of the Shareholders  will have entered into with Core
a  Standstill  Agreement  in the  form  of  Exhibit  5.1(p)-1  (the  "Standstill
Agreement")  and a  Confidentiality  and  Noncompete  Agreement  in the  form of
Exhibit 5.1(p)-2 (the "Noncompete Agreement").

                                       32

<PAGE>

                  (o) The Shareholders Debt does not exceed $2,984,089.

                  5.2   Conditions   Precedent  to   Obligations   of  CMB.  The
obligations of CMB under this Agreement are subject to the  satisfaction  of the
following conditions at or prior to the Closing Date:

                  (a) No action or  proceeding  will  have  been  instituted  or
threatened  against Core which materially  affects or may materially  affect its
business,  prospects,  assets, properties or condition (financial or otherwise).
No  action  or  proceeding  will  have  been  instituted  or  threatened  by any
Governmental  Entity or other person or entity  before any court,  arbitrator or
Governmental Entity to restrain,  prevent,  condition or obtain material damages
in respect of any of the Merger Agreements or any of the Transactions, which, in
the opinion of CMB, makes it inadvisable to consummate such Transactions.

                  (b)  All  actions,   undertakings,   covenants  or  agreements
required  pursuant to any of the Merger Agreements to be performed by Core on or
prior to the  Closing  Date  have  been so  performed  or  complied  with in all
material respects.

                  (c) All  representations and warranties made by Core in any of
the Merger Agreements are true and correct in all material respects at and as of
the  Effective  Date and the  Closing  Date,  with the same  force and effect as
though  such  representations  and  warranties  had  been  made at and as of the
Effective  Date and the Closing  Date,  except as  expressly  permitted  by this
Agreement  or as  otherwise  agreed to in writing by CMB,  and CMB will not have
discovered  any  material  error,  misstatement  or  omission  in  any  of  such
representations  or  warranties.  An  officer  of  Core  will  deliver  to CMB a
Certificate,  dated as of the Closing Date, signed by him or her,  certifying as
to the matters covered by Sections 5.2(b) and (c).

                  (d) All action  required to be taken by or on the part of Core
to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreements by
Core and the  consummation of the  Transactions  will have been duly and validly
taken by the Board of Directors of Core,  and CMB will have  received  copies of
the  resolutions  evidencing  such  authorization  certified by the Secretary of
Core.

                  (e) The  Shareholders  Debt will have been paid in immediately
available funds.

                  (f) CMB will have received from Honigman  Miller  Schwartz and
Cohn, counsel to Core, an opinion in the form of Exhibit 5.2(f).

                  (g) All courts of law,  Governmental  Entities and other third
parties, the consent,  authorization or approval of which is necessary under any
applicable law, rule,  order or regulation or under any contract,  commitment or
other  agreement of Core and Core, for the  consummation by Core and Core of the
Transactions,  will have  consented to,  authorized,  permitted or approved such
Transactions.

                                       33

<PAGE>

                  (h) Core will have furnished CMB with such certificates of its
officers  and  with  such  other  documents  to  evidence   fulfillment  of  the
obligations set forth in this Section 5.2 as CMB may reasonably request.

                  (i) Core will have executed and delivered all other  documents
reasonably  requested  by CMB or  otherwise  necessary  or  appropriate  for the
consummation of any of the  Transactions,  including,  without  limitation,  all
documents required to be executed and/or delivered by or on behalf of Core at or
prior to the Closing pursuant to this Agreement.

                  (j)  There  has  been  no  adverse  change  in  the  business,
prospects,  operations  or condition  (financial  or  otherwise)  of Core or any
event,  condition,  occurrence,  action  taken or omission  made  which,  either
individually  or  in  the  aggregate,   might  adversely  affect  the  business,
prospects, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of Core.

                  (k) Core will have entered into a  Standstill  Agreement  with
each  Shareholder  and Core will have entered into a Noncompete  Agreement  with
each Shareholder.

                  5.3 Conditions  Precedent to  Obligations  of Each Party.  The
respective  obligations  of each party to effect  the Merger are  subject to the
satisfaction of the following conditions at or prior to the Closing:

                  (a) The issuance and potential  issuance of any shares of Core
Common Stock in connection  with the Merger will have been  registered or exempt
under applicable law,  including,  without  limitation,  the Securities Act, the
Exchange Act, and all other applicable state securities and blue sky laws.

                  (b) The waiting period  applicable to the  consummation of the
Merger  under the HSR Act will have  expired or been  terminated,  if the HSR is
applicable in connection with the Merger.

                  (c) No final,  nonappealable  injunction or other order by any
Governmental Entity which prevents the consummation of the Merger will have been
issued and remain in effect.

         6. Indemnification.

                  6.1  Indemnifiable  Losses.  During the period  following  the
Closing Date,  the Principal  Shareholders,  on the one hand,  and, Core, on the
other hand (each referred to as an  "Indemnitor")  will,  jointly and severally,
indemnify Core, in the case of the Principal Shareholders, and the Shareholders,
in the case of Core, and its or their respective directors,  officers, advisers,
subsidiaries (including CMB Acquisition, Inc., in the case of indemnification by
the  Principal  Shareholders),   affiliates,   agents,  successors  and  assigns
(collectively,  the "Indemnitees"),  and save and hold the Indemnitees  harmless
from and  against any damage,  liability,  loss,  claim,  cost,  debt,  expense,
obligation, tax, assessment, lawsuit or deficiency of any

                                       34

<PAGE>

kind  or  nature,   fixed,   actual,   accrued  or  contingent,   liquidated  or
unliquidated,  including,  without limitation,  attorneys' fees and other actual
costs and expenses  incident to proceedings or  investigations or the defense of
any of the foregoing,  whether or not litigation has commenced  (each, a "Loss")
arising out of, resulting from or relating to:

                  (a) any  breach  of any  representation  or  warranty  of such
Indemnitor in any of the Merger  Agreements,  as of the date of this  Agreement,
and through and including the Effective Date and the Closing Date;

                  (b) any failure of such  Indemnitor to duly perform or observe
any term,  provision,  covenant or agreement to be performed or observed by such
Indemnitor pursuant to any of the Merger Agreements;

                  (c) only as to the Principal  Shareholders  as Indemnitors and
Core as the Indemnitee, (i) any action,  proceeding,  event or circumstances set
forth on Schedule  2.28;  (ii) aggregate  expenses,  incurred from and after the
Effective Date for  replacement  or repair of products  invoiced by CMB prior to
the Closing  Date or other  damages  based upon the failure of such  products to
comply with the applicable  warranties of CMB ("Product Warranty Expenses"),  in
excess of $220,000 in either of the first two years  following the Closing Date;
provided,  however, that any amounts paid in respect of a given year pursuant to
(iii) of this  Section  6.1(c)  shall be  deducted  from any  amounts  otherwise
payable pursuant to section 6.1(c)(ii) for such year; (iii) any expenses arising
from or  related  to the  matter  described  at  item 1 of  Schedule  2.16  (the
"Colorado  Springs  Project"),  to the extent of the lesser of (A) the amount of
such  expenses,  or (B) the excess of the amount of  Product  Warranty  Expenses
(including  those relating to the Colorado  Springs  Project) over $110,000,  in
either of the first two years  following the Closing Date;  (iv) any liabilities
or  obligations  arising  from or related to the lease,  described  at item 3 of
Schedule 2.10,  for any period after December 31, 1995; and (v) any  liabilities
or obligations  arising from or related to the plans  described at item 1(a) and
(b) of Schedule 2.24.

                  (d) only as to the Principal  Shareholders  as Indemnitors and
Core as the Indemnitee,  except as set forth on Schedule 6.1(d),  any severance,
termination  or similar  costs or  expenses  paid or  payable  by the  Surviving
Corporation  to  any  director,  officer,  employee,  agent,  representative  or
independent  contractor of CMB, which costs or expenses arise in connection with
any act taken,  omission  made or  agreement or  arrangement  entered  into,  or
committed to be entered into, by or on behalf of CMB;

                  (e) only as to the Principal  Shareholders  as Indemnitors and
Core as the Indemnitee,  (i) any claim by any purported holder of any of the CMB
Capital Stock or of any option,  whether exercised or unexercised,  or any right
to  convert  into or to  acquire  any shares of the CMB  Capital  Stock,  to any
amounts with respect  thereto  greater than the payments,  if any, to which such
purported holder is entitled pursuant to Section 1.2 or 1.7 of this Agreement or
as to the treatment of any such holder; or (ii) any claim, loss, damage,  costs,
expenses or liabilities as a result of any Hazardous  Materials on, over, under,
from or affecting, as of or prior to the Closing Date, the Property or the soil,
water, vegetation, persons or animals thereon or

                                       35

<PAGE>

thereabout, including without limitation, any related personal injury (including
wrongful  death)  or  property  damage or any  lawsuit  brought  or  threatened,
settlement  reached or government order relating to any such Hazardous  Material
and/or any violation of any Environmental Laws; and

                  (f)  only as to Core as  Indemnitor  and the  Shareholders  as
Indemnitees:

                           (i)  any  income  tax   liability   of  CMB  and  the
         Shareholders  arising  during the period from the Effective Date to the
         Closing Date,  from sales of CMB in respect of the Business during such
         period;  provided,  however,  that,  for  purposes of Core's  indemnity
         obligations  hereunder,  any such tax liability  shall be calculated in
         accordance  with, and limited by, the CMB accrual rates for taxes which
         have been disclosed in writing by CMB to Core; and

                           (ii) any claim,  loss,  damage,  costs,  expenses  or
         liabilities  as a result of any Hazardous  Materials  on, over,  under,
         from or affecting the Property or the soil, water, vegetation,  persons
         or animals  thereon or  thereabout,  subsequent  to the  Closing  Date,
         including  without  limitation,  any related personal injury (including
         wrongful   death)  or  property   damage  or  any  lawsuit  brought  or
         threatened, settlement reached or government order relating to any such
         Hazardous  Material and/or any related  violation of any  Environmental
         Laws by Core; provided,  however, that such Hazardous Materials, and/or
         any  related  violation  of any  Environmental  Laws,  arise  from  the
         operation of the Business by Core subsequent to the Closing Date.

                  6.2 Claim Procedure for Indemnitee Claims.

                  (a) If an  Indemnitee  has any claim  against the  Indemnitors
pursuant to any of the Merger  Agreements for which it seeks a remedy under this
Article  6,  it  will  give  written   notice  thereof  to  Core  or  the  agent
representative   selected  by  the  Principal  Shareholders  (the  "Shareholders
Agent"), as the case may be, including in such notice a brief description of the
facts  upon which such  claim is based  and,  to the  extent  known,  the amount
thereof;  provided, that the failure to give any such notice will not affect the
Indemnitee's  right to obtain indemnity therefor to the extent that such failure
does not materially prejudice the Indemnitor.

                  (b) If,  after the  amount of the  claim is  specified  by the
Indemnitee, the Indemnitor objects to any such claim, it may give written notice
to the  Indemnitee  within 10 Business Days,  defined in subsection  (c), of the
later  of  (i)  receipt  of  the  Indemnitee's  notice  of  claim  or  (ii)  the
specification  by the  Indemnitee  of the  amount  of the  claim,  advising  the
Indemnitee  of its  objection.  If no such  notice is timely  received  from the
Indemnitor by the Indemnitee,  the Indemnitee will be entitled to payment in the
amount of the Loss arising out of the claim specified in its notice of claim. If
the Indemnitor  advises the Indemnitee within such period that it objects to the
claim,  the Indemnitee and the Indemnitor  will promptly meet and use their best
efforts to settle the dispute in writing.  If the  Indemnitee and the Indemnitor
are unable to reach agreement within thirty days after the Indemnitor objects to
the claim,  then the  Indemnitee may pursue its or his legal remedies as' to the
disputed portion of such claim.

                                       36

<PAGE>

                  (c) A "Business Day" will mean any day, other than a Saturday,
Sunday or other  day on which  NBD Bank,  N.A.,  in  Detroit,  Michigan,  or its
successor, is not open for business.

                  6.3 Claim  Procedure for Third Party  Claims.  If a claim by a
third party is made against an Indemnitee  for which the  Indemnitee is entitled
to  indemnification  under  this  Article  6, the  Indemnitee  will  notify  the
Indemnitor in writing of such claim. Such notice will set forth such information
with  respect to such claim as is then known by the  Indemnitee.  As long as the
Indemnitee  proceeds in good faith,  the Indemnitee will have the right, but not
the  obligation,  to  undertake  to  conduct,  control,  defend,  settle  and/or
compromise any such claim through counsel of its own choosing,  at its exclusive
discretion  and may recover  its Losses as  provided in this  Article 6, and the
Indemnitor will cooperate fully with the Indemnitee in connection therewith.

                  6.4 Limitations.  The following  limitations  shall apply with
respect to the Indemnitor's obligations arising under Section 6.1:

                  (a) the Indemnitor shall have no obligations under Section 6.1
until the  aggregate  amount of all  claims to which  indemnification  is sought
thereunder exceeds $25,000;

                  (b) except as provided in this Section  6.4, the  liability of
the Principal  Shareholders,  on the one hand, in the aggregate and Core, on the
other, (i) pursuant to Section 6.1, shall not exceed the sum of $3,000,000;  and
(ii)  pursuant to Sections  6.1(c)(i),  6.1(e)(ii)  and 6.1 (f)(ii),  or for any
breach or inaccuracy of Section 2.28,  shall not exceed the amount of the Merger
Consideration  reduced  in the case of the  Principal  Shareholders,  on the one
hand, and Core, on the other, as Indemnitor,  by any amount paid by the landlord
or tenant, respectively,  under the Lease with respect to any indemnification of
the tenant or landlord,  respectively,  under  Sections  10.2,  10.4 or 10.5 and
Section 10.7, respectively, of the Lease;

                  (c) the Indemnitor shall have no obligations under Section 6.1
as to any claim  thereunder which is not asserted in writing within two years of
the Closing Date; and

                  (d)  notwithstanding  anything  herein  to the  contrary,  the
limitations set forth in (i) Section 6.4(b)(i) and (c) hereof shall not apply to
claims  which  arise  from the breach or  inaccuracy  of any  representation  or
warranty set forth in Sections 2.4, 2.5,  2.9(a),  2.13,  2.18,  3.2, 3.5 or 3.6
hereof or which involve fraud or  intentional  misrepresentation  on the part of
Indemnitor;  and (ii) in Section  6.4(c)  hereof shall not apply to claims which
are brought under Section 6.1(c)(i),  Section 6.1(e)(i) or Section 6.1(f)(ii) or
which arise from the breach or inaccuracy of any  representation or warranty set
forth in Section 2.28 hereof.

                                       37

<PAGE>

         7. Termination; Amendment.

                  7.1 Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time
on or prior to the Closing Date,  whether before or after approval of the Merger
by the Shareholders, as follows:

                  (a) by  mutual  written  consent  of Core  and  CMB,  properly
authorized by their respective Boards of Directors; or

                  (b) by Core or CMB (i) if the Closing  has not  occurred on or
prior to January 31, 1996,  unless the failure of such  occurrence is due to the
failure of the party  seeking  to  terminate  this  Agreement  pursuant  to this
Section 7.1(b) to perform or observe the representations, warranties, covenants,
conditions  and  agreements  to be  performed or observed by it on or before the
Closing Date; or (ii) if this Agreement is not approved by the requisite vote of
the Shareholders; provided, however, that CMB will be entitled to terminate this
Agreement on this basis only if it has fully  complied  with the  provisions  of
this Agreement; or

                  (c) by Core (i) if at the time of such  termination  there has
occurred or arisen any change as described in Section 2.19(e) or (f), or (ii) if
there  has  been any  breach  in any  material  respect  of any  representation,
warranty,  covenant or obligation of CMB under any of the Merger  Agreements and
such breach has not been remedied within 5 Business Days after receipt by CMB of
notice in writing from Core  specifying the nature of such breach and requesting
that it be remedied; or

                  (d) by CMB,  if  there  has been any  breach  in any  material
respect of any  representation,  warranty,  covenant or obligation of Core under
any of the Merger  Agreements  and such  breach has not been  remedied  within 5
Business Days after receipt by Core of notice in writing from CMB specifying the
nature of such breach and requesting that it be remedied; or

                  (e) by  Core,  if CMB  fails to  recommend,  or  withdraws  or
modifies in a manner adverse to Core its  recommendation,  to CMB's shareholders
to approve any of the Merger Agreements or any of the Transactions; or

                  (f) by Core, if any person, corporation,  partnership or other
entity or "group" (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder) other than Core or any of its affiliates
or a group of which  CMB or any of such  Affiliates  is a  member,  becomes  the
"beneficial  owner" (as  defined in Section  13(d) of the  Exchange  Act and the
rules  and  regulations  promulgated  thereunder)  of more  than 25% of the then
outstanding shares of CMB Common Stock.

                  7.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this
Agreement  pursuant to Sections  7.1(a) or (b) (subject to the  limitation),  no
party will have any liability or further  obligation to the other party,  except
as provided in Section 9.10. Any termination pursuant to the other provisions of
Section 7.1 will not affect the terminating party's right to

                                       38

<PAGE>

pursue all  remedies  available  under  applicable  law  arising  from the other
party's  misrepresentation,  breach or  failure  to satisfy  the  conditions  as
provided in any of the Merger Agreements.

                  7.3 Amendment, Waiver, Etc. Subject to applicable law and this
Section 7.3, at any time prior to the consummation of the Merger, whether before
or after approval of the Transactions by the Shareholders,  CMB and Core may, by
action  authorized  by their  respective  Boards of  Directors,  (a) amend  this
Agreement,  (b) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts of any other  person or  entity,  (c) waive any  inaccuracies  in the
representations or warranties contained in any of the Merger Agreements,  or (d)
waive  compliance with any of the agreements or conditions  contained in Section
5. This  Agreement may not be amended  except by a writing  signed by all of the
parties by persons authorized to execute such writing.  Any agreement of a party
to any  extension or waiver will be valid only if set forth in a writing  signed
on behalf of such party by a person authorized to execute such writing,  but any
waiver or failure to insist on strict compliance with any obligation,  covenant,
agreement or condition will not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect
to, any subsequent or other failure.

         8. Closing. On the Closing Date, the parties will take such actions and
execute  and  deliver  such  documents  as  are  described  in  this  Agreement,
including,  without  limitation,  in this  Section 8, and will take such further
actions  and execute and  deliver  such other  documents  as the other party may
reasonably request or as otherwise necessary or appropriate for the consummation
of any of the Transactions.

                  8.1  Deliveries by Core.  Core will execute  and/or deliver or
cause to be executed and/or delivered:

                  (a)  Articles  and/or  Certificates  of  Merger to be filed in
respect of the Merger;

                  (b) officers' certificates as provided in Section 5.2(c);

                  (c) an opinion of counsel as provided in Section 5.2(f);

                  (d) a Registration and Standstill  Agreement  between Core and
each Shareholder;

                  (e) a Noncompete Agreement with each Shareholder;

                  (f)  the  Merger   Consideration  and  the  repayment  of  the
Shareholders' Debt, as provided in this Agreement; and

                  (g) evidence of the payment by Core of the amounts required by
Section 4.11.

                                       39

<PAGE>

                  8.2  Deliveries  by CMB.  CMB will execute  and/or  deliver or
cause to be executed and/or delivered:

                  (a)  Articles  and/or  Certificates  of  Merger to be filed in
respect of the Merger;

                  (b) certified Articles of Incorporation with respect to CMB;

                  (c) good standing certificates with respect to CMB;

                  (d) resignations, in form and substance acceptable to Core, of
the directors and officers of CMB;

                  (e) a  certificate  of the  Secretary  of CMB in such form and
substance as Core may request  relating to bylaws,  resolutions,  incumbency  of
officers and such other matters as Core may reasonably request;

                  (f) officers' certificates as provided in Section 5.1(c);

                  (g) an opinion of counsel as provided in Section 5.1(e);

                  (h) a Standstill  Agreement between each Shareholder and Core;
and

                  (i) a Noncompete Agreement between each Shareholder and Core.

         9. Miscellaneous.

                  9.1 Shareholders' Agent.

                  (a) The  Shareholders  will be  represented  under the  Merger
Agreements by the Shareholders' Agent. By voting for the Merger and/or accepting
any of the Merger Consideration,  each of the Shareholders, and by execution and
delivery of this  Agreement,  CMB,  irrevocably  constitutes  and  appoints  the
Shareholder's  Agent as the true and lawful  agent and  attorney-in-fact  of the
Shareholders  to act on their behalf as provided in this  Agreement,  including,
without limitation,  to take any action deemed by it necessary or appropriate to
carry out the  provisions  of, and to determine  the rights of the  Shareholders
under, any of the Merger Agreements. The Shareholders' Agent is so designated as
the sole and exclusive agent of the Shareholders for all purposes related to any
of  the  Merger  Agreements  or  any of  the  Transactions,  including,  without
limitation, (i) service of process upon any of the Shareholders, (ii) receipt of
all notices on behalf of any of the Shareholders and (iii) representation of any
of the Shareholders with respect to the Merger or any litigation, arbitration or
other  transaction  contemplated  by any of the  Merger  Agreements,  including,
without limitation,  the defense,  settlement or compromise of any claim, action
or  proceeding  for which any  Shareholder  may be obligated  to  indemnify  any
Indemnitee  pursuant  to  Section 6 of this  Agreement  or which may be  brought
against any Shareholder to enforce such indemnity, and the Shareholders may act,
and by voting for the

                                       40

<PAGE>

Merger  and/or  accepting  any  of  the  Merger   Consideration,   each  of  the
Shareholders agrees that it will act, only through the Shareholder's Agent.

                  (b) Upon the Closing and thereafter, the Surviving Corporation
will be entitled to rely on the Shareholders'  Agent's authority as the agent of
the  Shareholders for all purposes under or in connection with any of the Merger
Agreements  or any of the  Transactions  and will have no liability for any such
reliance.

                  (c) The  Shareholders  may not  revoke  the  authority  of the
Shareholders'  Agent unless the  Shareholders'  Agent  notifies Core at least 60
days in advance of such  revocation  and appoints a new  Shareholders'  Agent to
serve in its place.

                  (d) By  voting  for the  Merger  and/or  accepting  any of the
Merger Consideration,  each Shareholder hereby ratifies and confirms, and hereby
agrees to ratify and confirm, any action taken by the Shareholders' Agent in the
exercise of the power-of-attorney granted to the Shareholders' Agent pursuant to
this Section 9.1, which  power-of-attorney  is irrevocable  and will survive the
death, incapacity or incompetence of such Shareholders.

                  (e) The  Shareholders'  Agent (i) will not be liable to any of
the  Shareholders for any action taken in accordance with the written consent of
the Shareholders who, prior to the Merger, owned a majority of the shares of the
CMB Capital  Stock,  or for any error of judgment,  act done or omitted by it in
good faith or mistake of fact or law unless  caused by its own gross  negligence
or willful  misconduct;  (ii) will be entitled to treat as genuine any letter or
other  document  furnished by Core or any  Shareholder to be genuine and to have
been signed and  presented  by the proper  party or  parties;  and (iii) will be
reimbursed by the Shareholders for counsel fees and other out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by it in connection with any of the Merger Agreements.

                  (f) The Shareholders'  Agent may be removed by a majority vote
or consent of the  Shareholders  on the basis of the CMB Capital  Stock.  In the
event of the death or removal of the  Shareholders'  Agent, a new  Shareholders'
Agent will be elected by a majority vote or consent of the  Shareholders  on the
basis of CMB Capital Stock. The Shareholders' Agent will promptly inform Core in
writing upon the  election of a new  Shareholders'  Agent.  If at any time there
will not be a  Shareholders'  Agent or the  Shareholders  will fail to appoint a
Shareholders' Agent, then either the Surviving  Corporation or a Shareholder may
have a court of competent jurisdiction appoint a Shareholders' Agent.

                  9.2  Governing  Law.  This  Agreement  will be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard
to principles of conflicts of laws.

                  9.3   Counterparts.   This   Agreement   may  be  executed  in
counterparts,  each of  which  will be  deemed  an  original,  but all of  which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.

                                       41

<PAGE>

                  9.4  Interpretation.  The headings contained in this Agreement
are solely for the purposes of  reference,  are not part of the agreement of the
parties  and will not in any way affect the  meaning or  interpretation  of this
Agreement.

                  9.5  Entire  Agreement.  This  Agreement,  including,  without
limitation,  the Exhibits,  Schedules,  documents,  certificates and instruments
referred to in this Agreement,  embodies the entire agreement and  understanding
of the parties with respect to its subject  matter.  There are no  restrictions,
promises,  representations,  warranties,  covenants or undertakings,  other than
those  expressly  set forth or referred  to in this  Agreement.  This  Agreement
supersedes  all prior  agreements  and  understandings  between the parties with
respect to its subject  matter,  including,  without  limitation,  the Letter of
Intent dated October 10, 1995, between Core and CMB.

                  9.6  Severability.  If any  provision  of  this  Agreement  is
determined to be illegal or invalid,  such illegality or invalidity will have no
effect on the other  provisions of this Agreement,  and all other  provisions of
this Agreement will remain valid, operative and enforceable.

                  9.7  Notices.  Any notice or other  communication  required or
which may be given under this  Agreement  will be  sufficient  if in writing and
delivered personally,  telecopied or telexed, mailed,  certified,  registered or
first class mail,  postage prepaid,  or sent by overnight  courier,  and will be
deemed given when so delivered personally, telecopied or telexed, if mailed, two
days after the date of mailing,  or if sent by overnight courier,  one day after
the date of sending, as follows, or at such other addresses as the addressee may
from time to time designate in writing pursuant to this Section 9.7:

         To Core:                   Core Industries Inc
                                    500 North Woodward
                                    P.O. Box 2000
                                    Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304-2000
                                    Telecopy: (810) 642-6816
                                    Attention: Lawrence J. Murphy

         with a copy to:            Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn
                                    2290 First National Building
                                    Detroit, Michigan 48226
                                    Telecopy: (313) 962-0176
                                    Attention: Alex L. Parrish

                                       42

<PAGE>

         To CMB:                    CMB Industries
                                    c/o O'Brien Properties
                                    520 Geary Street
                                    Suite 109
                                    San Francisco, California 94102
                                    Telecopy: (415) 776-5485
                                    Attention: Thomas F. Coyne

         with a copy to:            Cooper, White & Cooper
                                    201 California Street, 17th Floor
                                    San Francisco, California 94111
                                    Telecopy: (415) 433-5530
                                    Attention: Jed E. Solomon

         To Shareholders'           Kevin K. Coyne
         Agent:                     c/o Cooper, White & Cooper
                                    201 California Street, 17th Floor
                                    San Francisco, California 94111
                                    Telecopy: (415) 433-5530
                                    Attention: Jed E. Solomon

                  9.8 No  Waiver.  No waiver of any breach of any  agreement  or
provision  contained in any of the Merger  Agreements will be deemed a waiver of
any  preceding  or  succeeding  breach  thereof  or of any  other  agreement  or
provision  contained in any of the Merger  Agreements.  No extension of time for
performance of any obligation or act will be deemed an extension of time for the
performance of any other obligation or act.

                  9.9  Successors  and Assigns.  This  Agreement will be binding
upon and  inure to the  benefit  of the  parties  to this  Agreement  and  their
respective  successors,  but will  not be  assignable  by any  party  except  by
operation of law.

                  9.10 Press Releases.  On or before the Closing,  no party will
issue or  authorize  to be issued  any press  release  or  similar  announcement
concerning any of the Merger  Agreements or any of the Transactions  without the
prior  approval  of the  other  party;  provided,  however,  that  Core  will be
permitted to make such  disclosures  as necessary to comply with any  applicable
securities laws, stock exchange policies or NYSE policies.

                  9.11 Remedies Cumulative. Rights and remedies provided by this
Agreement are  cumulative and in addition to any other rights and remedies which
any party may have under any other  agreement,  including,  without  limitation,
under any of the other Merger Agreements,  at law or in equity. In addition, the
rights and remedies of any party arising out of, or otherwise in respect of, any
inaccuracy  in,  omission  from,  or breach  of, any  representation,  warranty,
covenant or agreement  contained in any of the Merger  Agreements will in no way
be  limited by the fact that the act,  omission,  occurrence  or other  state of
facts upon which any claim of any

                                       43

<PAGE>

such  inaccuracy or breach is based may also be the subject  matter of any other
representation,  warranty, covenant, agreement, Schedule or Exhibit contained in
any other agreement between the parties,  including,  without limitation, any of
the other Merger  Agreements,  as to which there is no  inaccuracy,  omission or
breach.

                  9.12 Fees and Expenses.  Except as expressly  provided in this
Agreement, each party will bear its own fees and expenses incurred in connection
with the Merger Agreements and the Transactions,  including, without limitation,
attorneys  fees,  investment  banking or finder's  fees,  brokerage or financial
advisor fees and accounting fees,  regardless of whether any of the Transactions
are consummated.

                  9.13 No Construction  Against Drafter.  The Merger  Agreements
have been  reviewed by the parties and their  counsel and are being entered into
among  competent  persons,  who are  experienced in business and  represented by
counsel.  Therefore,  any ambiguous  language in any of such agreements will not
necessarily  be construed  against any  particular  party as the drafter of such
language.

                  9.14 Parties in Interest. With the exception of the parties to
this  Agreement,  there will exist no right of any person to claim a  beneficial
interest in any of the Merger  Agreements  or any rights by virtue of any of the
Merger Agreements.

                                    * * * *

                                       44

<PAGE>

         The parties  have caused  this  Agreement  to be executed by their duly
authorized officers as of the date first written above.

CORE INDUSTRIES, INC.                                CMB INDUSTRIES,
  a Nevada corporation                                 a California corporation

By:/s/ LAWRENCE J. MURPHY                            By:/s/ THOMAS F. COYNE
   -----------------------------                        ------------------------
   Lawrence J. Murphy                                   Thomas F. Coyne
   Its: Executive Vice President                        Its: Secretary


SHAREHOLDERS:

/s/ DEIRDRE COYNE
- -------------------------------------------------
Deirdre Coyne

/s/ KEVIN K. COYNE
- -------------------------------------------------
Kevin K. Coyne

/s/ THOMAS F. COYNE
- -------------------------------------------------
Thomas F. Coyne

/s/ MARY C. COSTELLO
- -------------------------------------------------
Mary C. Costello

/s/ MICHAEL F. COYNE, JR.
- -------------------------------------------------
Michael F. Coyne, Jr.

/s/ MARTIN J. COYNE
- -------------------------------------------------
Martin J. Coyne

/s/ MARGARET J. COYNE
- -------------------------------------------------
Margaret J. Coyne, as Trustee of the Margaret J.
Coyne Revocable Trust, u/a/d October 16, 1995

/s/ KEVIN K. COYNE
- -------------------------------------------------
Kevin K. Coyne, as Trustee of the Brigid M. Coyne
Irrevocable Trust, u/a/d February 24, 1987

/s/ MICHAEL F. COYNE, JR.
- -------------------------------------------------
Michael F. Coyne, Jr., as Trustee of the James X.
Coyne Irrevocable Trust, u/a/d June 20, 1989

                                       45

<PAGE>

                             Exhibits and Schedules
                                       to
                          Agreement and Plan of Merger
                                      dated
                                December 14, 1995
                                      among
                               Core Industries Inc
                                       and
                                 CMB Industries



       Exhibit No.               Description

1.     Exhibit 1.2(a)(vii)       Form of Promissory Note
2.     Exhibit 4.8               Real Estate Lease
3.     Exhibit 5.1(e)            CMB Counsel's Opinion
4.     Exhibit 5.1(p)-1          Registration and Standstill Agreement
5.     Exhibit 5.1(p)-2          Confidentiality and NonCompete Agreement
6.     Exhibit 5.2(f)            Company Counsel's Opinion

       Schedule No.              Description

1.     Schedule 1.2(a)(vi)       Face Amounts of Notes
2.     Schedule 1.2(c)(ii)       Earn Out Payments
3.     Schedule 2.2              Jurisdictions
4.     Schedule 2.4              CMB Shareholders and Matters Relating to Shares
5.     Schedule 2.6              Conflicts, Consents
6.     Schedule 2.9(a)           Liens
7.     Schedule 2.9(b)           Property Defects
8.     Schedule 2.10             Leases
9.     Schedule 2.11             Licenses and Permits
10.    Schedule 2.12(a)          Related Party Transactions
11.    Schedule 2.12(b)          Suppliers and Customers
12.    Schedule 2.13             Compliance with Applicable Law
13.    Schedule 2.14             Financial Statements
14.    Schedule 2.14(c)          Write-Offs
15.    Schedule 2.15             Contingent Receivables
16.    Schedule 2.16             Liabilities
17.    Schedule 2.17             Guarantees
18.    Schedule 2.18(b)          Tax Payments
19.    Schedule 2.18(d)          Tax Liabilities
20.    Schedule 2.19             Certain Changes or Events

                                       46

<PAGE>

21.    Schedule 2.20             Third Party Agreements
22.    Schedule 2.21             Patents, Trademark & Other Proprietary Rights
23.    Schedule 2.22(a)          Authorized Uses of Proprietary Rights
24.    Schedule 2.22(b)          Royalty Arrangements
25.    Schedule 2.23             Infringements
26.    Schedule 2.24(a)          Employee Pension Benefit Plans
27.    Schedule 2.24(c)          Exceptions to Qualified Pension Plans
28.    Schedule 2.24(d)          Unfunded Employee Benefit Liabilities
29.    Schedule 2.24(e)          Unfunded Employee Welfare Liabilities
30.    Schedule 2.24(i)          Retrospective Adjustments
31.    Schedule 2.25(a)          Labor and Employment Compliance
32.    Schedule 2.25(c)          Employment Agreements
33.    Schedule 2.26             Insurance
34.    Schedule 2.27             Legal Proceedings
35.    Schedule 2.28             Environmental Matters
36.    Schedule 2.29             Finder's Fees
37.    Schedule 2.31             Enforceability and Status of Contracts
38.    Schedule 2.32             Product Warranty
39.    Schedule 3.3              Conflicts, Consents
40.    Schedule 3.7              Finder's Fee


DET07/35202.1

                                       47


                                                                      Exhibit 99


Core Industries Inc
500 North Woodward
P. O. Box 2000
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-2000
Telephone:        (810) 642-3400
FAX:              (810) 642-6816

                                                                    NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                           Contact:  Raymond H. Steben, Jr.
December 15, 1995                                                 (810) 901-1575

                     CORE INDUSTRIES ACQUIRES CMB INDUSTRIES

Core  Industries  Inc (NYSE:  CRI),  an  expanding  industrial  manufacturer  of
specialized products, today announced the acquisition of CMB Industries Inc. CMB
is a privately held producer of specialty valves,  which further broadens Core's
growing product line of specialty  valves.  CMB, located in Fresno,  California,
has annual revenues of approximately $30 million. CMB stock was purchased with a
combination of debt and approximately  857,000 shares of Core common stock. Core
management  expects  the  acquisition  to be slightly  accretive  to fiscal 1996
earnings.

CMB manufactures proprietary Febco backflow prevention valves and Bailey Polyjet
sleeve  valves.  Backflow  prevention  valves  are  used  in a wide  variety  of
commercial and industrial  applications  to ensure the quality of potable water.
Sleeve valves are used in high-pressure reducing applications. CMB will continue
to  operate  with  its  existing  management  while  certain  functions  will be
integrated with Core's Fluid Control Group (CFCG), led by Robert Whritenour.

David R.  Zimmer,  Core's  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer,  said "The
acquisition  of CMB,  and our  recently  announced  intent  to  discontinue  the
Cherokee switching power supply business, represent two significant steps in our
strategic  plan to enhance  Core's  focus  businesses  of fluid  control;  test,
measurement  and control;  and farm  equipment.  The  addition of CMB  fortifies
CFCG's position as a leading supplier to the specialty flow control market. Over
the past two  years,  we have been  aggressively  expanding  this  aspect of our
business and are extremely pleased with its progress."

"CMB's market position as the second-largest manufacturer of backflow prevention
valves in the world  and the  leading  producer  of  sleeve  valves  makes it an
excellent  addition  to the Core Fluid  Control  Group,"  commented  Lawrence J.
Murphy,  Core's Executive Vice President  responsible for acquisitions.  "CFCG's
specialty  flow control  products  and cast and  fabricated  strainers  are sold
through similar  distribution  channels to similar industrial and commercial end
users.  We were attracted to CMB because of its outstanding  reputation,  strong
and capable  management,  financial  growth  opportunities,  and the benefits we
perceive in combining their marketing and product development efforts with those
of CFCG."

<PAGE>

For fiscal 1995,  which ended August 31, Core  Industries  reported  income from
continuing  operations of $10.7 million,  or $1.09 per share, on sales of $187.9
million.  The  company  expects to report  fiscal 1996 first  quarter  financial
results by December 20, 1995.

Core Industries Inc manufactures  specialty  products for three segments:  Fluid
Control and Construction Products;  Test, Measurement and Control; and Specialty
Farm Equipment.



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