JPS AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS CORP
8-K, 1997-08-08
MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
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<PAGE>

                             SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                   COMMISSION




                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K


                                 CURRENT REPORT


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




         Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 24, 1997


                               JPS AUTOMOTIVE L.P.
                          JPS AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS CORP.
               (Exact name of registrants as specified in charter)


        DELAWARE                       33-75510-01               57-1060375
        DELAWARE                       1-12944                   57-0993690

(State or other jurisdiction   (Commission File Number)         (IRS Employer
     of incorporation)                                       Identification No.)


                              701 MCCULLOUGH DRIVE
                         CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28262
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


       Registrants' telephone number, including area code: (704) 547-8500





<PAGE>






ITEM 2.    ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS

         (a) On July 24, 1997, JPS Automotive L.P. (the "Company" or "JPS
Automotive") completed the sale of its Air Restraint and Technical Products
Division (the "Airbag Division") to a subsidiary of Safety Components
International, Inc. pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of June 30,
1997. The sale price was approximately $56.3 million, subject to post-closing
adjustments. The consideration paid in the sale was determined through
arms-length negotiations between the Company and the purchaser. JPS Automotive
Products Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of JPS Automotive L.P.

         The Airbag Division is an industry-leading manufacturer of airbag and
industrial fabrics. Safety Components International, Inc. is an international
manufacturer of automotive airbags and a supplier of ordnance and other related
defense products with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and
Asia.

         (b) Not applicable.

ITEM 7.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

         (a) Not applicable.

         (b) The pro forma financial information furnished herein reflects the
disposition of the Airbag Division on the consolidated financial statements of
JPS Automotive L.P.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                                       Page Number
<S>                                                                                                         <C>
         Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement
           of Operations for the Fiscal Year
           Ended December 28, 1996...................................................................     F-2
         Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of
           Operations for the Quarter Ended
           March 29, 1997.............................................................................    F-3
         Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance
           Sheet at March 29, 1997....................................................................    F-4
</TABLE>


         No pro forma financial information is furnished for JPS Automotive
Products Corp. because the disposition of the Airbag Division does not impact
such entity's financial statements.

         (c)  The exhibits furnished in connection with this Report are as 
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         Exhibit
         Number            Description

<S>                         <C>             
         2.1               Asset  Purchase  Agreement  dated as of June  30,  1997 by and
                           among JPS Automotive L.P. and Safety Components International, Inc.

         2.2               Closing  Agreement  dated as of July 24, 1997 by and among JPS
                           Automotive L.P.,  Safety Components  International,  Inc. and Safety Components
                           Fabric Technologies, Inc.

         99.1              Press Release dated July 24, 1997.
</TABLE>



                                       1
<PAGE>





                                    SIGNATURE

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

                                 JPS AUTOMOTIVE L.P.
                                 (Registrant)

                                 By: PACJ, Inc., its General Partner


Date:   August 7, 1997           By:      /s/ J. Michael Stepp
                                          --------------------
                                 Name:    J. Michael Stepp
                                 Title:   Executive Vice President
                                          & Chief Financial Officer


                                 JPS AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS CORP.
                                 (Registrant)

Date:   August 7, 1997           By:      /s/ J. Michael Stepp
                                          --------------------
                                 Name:    J. Michael Stepp
                                 Title:   Executive Vice President
                                          & Chief Financial Officer



<PAGE>



                             PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED
                                 FINANCIAL DATA


         The following Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations
of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996 and for the quarter
ended March 29, 1997 reflect (i) the acquisition of the Company by Collins &
Aikman Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Parent"), (ii) the Airbag Division
as a discontinued operation and (iii) the application of the estimated net
proceeds of the sale by the Company in July 1997 of the Airbag Division, as if
the relevant transactions had occurred at the beginning of the fiscal year ended
December 28, 1996.

         The following Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet of the
Company as of March 29, 1997 reflects the sale of the Airbag Division as if it
had occurred on that date.

         The pro forma statements do not purport to represent what the Company's
financial position or results of operations would actually have been if the
relevant transactions had occurred at the beginning of the fiscal year ended
December 28, 1996 or on March 29, 1997, or to project the Company's consolidated
results of operations or financial position at any future date or for any future
period.


                                      F-1

<PAGE>



            Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
                       Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 1996
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                C&A            As adjusted      Discontinuance
                                            Acquisition        for the C&A      of the Airbag         Sale of the      Pro Formas as
                             Actual         Adjustments        Acquisition         Division         Airbag Division     adjusted
                          -------------    ---------------    --------------    ---------------     ----------------  -------------
<S>                       <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>                  <C>             <C>       
Net sales                 $  290,340       $       -          $    290,340       $  (64,931)          $       -       $  225,409

Cost of goods sold           245,421          (3,000)  (1)         242,421          (56,595)                  -          185,826

Selling general and
administrative expenses       23,868          (2,800)  (2)          21,068           (4,243)                  -           16,825
                          -------------    ---------------    --------------    ---------------     ----------------  -------------

Operating income              21,051           5,800                26,851           (4,093)                  -           22,758

Interest expense, net         21,013          (8,865)  (3)          12,148             (100)               (914)  (6)     11,134

Minority interest in
consolidated subsidiary         (551)            551   (4)               -                -                   -                -

Other expense                  4,996               -                 4,996             (349)                  -            4,647
                          -------------    ---------------    --------------    ---------------     ----------------  -------------

Income from continuing
operations before
income taxes                  (4,407)         14,114                 9,707           (3,644)                914            6,977

Income tax expense
(benefit)                        (25)          4,150   (5)           4,125           (1,549)                389   (7)      2,965
                          -------------    ---------------    --------------    ---------------     ----------------  -------------

Income from continuing
operations                 $  (4,382)        $ 9,964           $     5,582       $   (2,095)          $     525         $  4,012
                          -------------    ---------------    --------------    ---------------     ----------------  -------------
</TABLE>

(1)   Represents a reduction in depreciation expense related to the adjusted
      fixed asset values.
(2)   Represents (i) a reduction of $2.0 million related to the removal of
      duplicative selling and administrative costs and (ii) a net reduction of
      $.8 million in goodwill amortization relating to the reversal of the
      Company's previous goodwill amortization of $4.2 million and the
      establishment of an annual goodwill amortization of $3.4 million based on
      a forty year life.
(3)   Reflects a net adjustment for (i) a reduction of $7.2 million in interest
      expense related to $68 million of JPS Automotive 11.125% Senior Notes due
      2001 ("the JPS Automotive Notes") repurchased with borrowings by the
      Parent and subsequently contributed to the Company and retired, (ii) a
      reduction of $.4 million in interest expense related to borrowings
      outstanding under revolving credit facilities of the Company and a
      subsidiary which were paid off by the Parent in connection with the
      acquisition, (iii) annual amortization of $1.0 million in income related
      to the excess of market value of JPS Automotive Notes over face value on
      the acquisition date and (iv) a net reduction of $.3 million in
      amortization of deferred financing fees revalued in connection with the
      acquisition.
(4)   Reflects the acquisition of the 20% minority interest in the Company's
      Cramerton Automotive Products, L.P. subsidiary.
(5)   Represents income taxes related to the total of the Company's historical
      results and pro forma adjustments at a 42.5% effective rate less amounts
      previously reported in the Company's historical results.
(6)   Represents interest income related to the estimated net proceeds of $54.3
      million from the sale of the Airbag Division net of an estimated $37
      million partnership distribution to the Parent. Under the indenture
      governing the JPS Automotive Notes, the net proceeds from the sale of the
      Airbag Division, if not applied within 270 days to specified purposes as
      set forth in the indenture, must be used to make an offer to purchase
      outstanding JPS Automotive Notes at a price of 100% of their principal
      amount. The Parent currently intends to cause the Company to make such an
      offer as soon as practicable. To the extent any proceeds remain after the
      purchase of any JPS Automotive Notes tendered pursuant to such offer,
      these amounts can be distributed to the Parent to the extent allowed under
      the restricted payment provisions of the indenture. Since the date of the
      acquisition through August 7, 1997, the JPS Automotive Notes have traded
      on the open market at values in excess of 100% of their principal amount.
      Therefore, these pro forma financial statements do not reflect the tender
      of any JPS Automotive Notes. The Company estimates approximately $37
      million of the estimated net proceeds would then be distributed to the
      Parent in accordance with certain provisions of the indenture.
(7)   Represents income taxes related to the pro forma net increase in interest
      expense at a 42.5% effective rate.


                                      F-2

<PAGE>


            Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
                          Quarter Ended March 29, 1997
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                          Discontinuance
                                                          of the Airbag          Sale of the           Pro Formas as
                                          Actual             Division          Airbag Division            adjusted
                                      ---------------    -----------------    -------------------    -------------------
<S>                                   <C>                 <C>                   <C>                         <C>     
Net sales                             $     74,716        $    (16,691)         $     -                     $ 58,025

Cost of goods sold                          64,970             (14,570)               -                       50,400

Selling general and
administrative expenses                      5,388                (941)               -                        4,447
                                      ---------------    -----------------    -------------------    -------------------

Operating income                             4,358              (1,180)               -                        3,178

Interest expense, net                        3,195                 (22)            (347)  (1) (2)              2,826

Other (income) expense                          (5)                  -                -                           (5)
                                      ---------------    -----------------    -------------------    -------------------

Income from continuing
operations before income taxes               1,168              (1,158)             347                          357

Income tax expense (benefit)                   614                (442)             133   (3)                    305
                                      ---------------    -----------------    -------------------    -------------------

Income from continuing
operations                             $       554        $       (716)         $   214                $          52
                                      ---------------    -----------------    -------------------    -------------------

</TABLE>

(1)   Reflects interest income related to the net proceeds from the sale less
      the $37 million anticipated distribution as discussed in Note 6 to the
      Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal
      year ended December 28, 1996.
(2)   Represents additional interest income related to the interest savings as
      reflected in the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
      for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996.
(3)   Represents an increase in income tax expense related to the pro forma
      decrease in interest expense at a 38.2% effective rate.

                                      F-3

<PAGE>



                 Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                              JPS Automotive         Discontinuance
                                             L.P. as of March        of the Airbag        Sale of the Airbag        Pro Formas as
                                                 29, 1997               Division               Division                adjusted
                                            --------------------    -----------------    ---------------------    ------------------
                                                                    (In thousands)
<S>                                         <C>                      <C>                   <C>            <C>       <C>          
Assets
Current Assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                $      4,388             $         (2)         $     17,300   (1)       $      21,686
   Accounts and notes receivable, net             37,132                   (9,949)                    -                    27,183
   Net assets of discontinued operations               -                   54,300               (54,300)  (2)                   -
   Inventories                                    25,810                   (9,329)                    -                    16,481
   Other                                           9,524                     (282)                    -                     9,242
                                            --------------------    -----------------    ---------------------    ------------------
     Total current assets                         76,854                   34,738               (37,000)                   74,592

Property, plant & equipment, net                  85,498                  (23,988)                    -                    61,510
Goodwill, net                                    125,204                  (17,275)                    -                   107,929
Other assets                                      10,412                     (273)                    -                    10,139
                                            --------------------    -----------------    ---------------------    ------------------

                                             $   297,968            $      (6,798)         $    (37,000)            $     254,170
                                            --------------------    -----------------    ---------------------    ------------------


Liabilities and Owners' Equity
Current liabilities:
   Current maturities of long-term debt      $       600            $        (600)         $          -             $           -
   Accounts payable                               16,675                   (3,909)                    -                    12,766
   Accrued expenses                               25,280                   (1,275)                    -                    24,005
                                            --------------------    -----------------    ---------------------    ------------------
     Total current liabilities                    42,555                   (5,784)                    -                    36,771

Long-term debt                                   113,065                     (197)                    -                   112,868
Other                                             12,819                     (817)                    -                    12,002

Owners' Equity:
   General Partner                                48,073                        -                     -                    48,073
   Limited Partner                                81,456                        -               (37,000)  (3)              44,456
                                            --------------------    -----------------    ---------------------    ------------------

     Total owners' equity                        129,529                        -               (37,000)                   92,529
                                            --------------------    -----------------    ---------------------    ------------------

                                             $   297,968             $     (6,798)         $    (37,000)            $     254,170
                                            --------------------    -----------------    ---------------------    ------------------
</TABLE>

(1)   Represents the estimated net proceeds from the sale of $54.3 million less
      the anticipated $37 million distribution to the Parent as discussed in
      Note 6 to the Unaudited Pro Forma Statement of Operations for the fiscal
      year ended December 28, 1996.
(2)   Reflects the removal of net assets associated with the Airbag Division
      disposition.
(3)   Reflects the reduction of the Limited Partner's equity as a result of the
      anticipated $37 million distribution as discussed in Note 6 to the
      Unaudited Pro Forma Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended
      December 28, 1996.

                                      F-4



<PAGE>


                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                  BY AND AMONG

                               JPS AUTOMOTIVE L.P.

                                       AND

                      SAFETY COMPONENTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

                            DATED AS OF JUNE 30, 1997






<PAGE>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              Page No.
                                                                                                              --------
<S><C>
ARTICLE I.   DEFINITIONS.......................................................................................  1
         Section 1.1.  Definitions.............................................................................  1
         Section 1.2.  Use of Defined Terms.................................................................... 11
         Section 1.3.  Accounting Terms and Determinations..................................................... 12
         Section 1.4.  Sections, Exhibits and Schedules........................................................ 12
         Section 1.5.  Miscellaneous Terms..................................................................... 12

ARTICLE II.  SALE AND PURCHASE................................................................................. 12
         Section 2.1.  Sale and Purchase of the Acquired Assets................................................ 12
         Section 2.2.  Acquired Assets and Excluded Assets..................................................... 12
         Section 2.3.  Assumption of Liabilities............................................................... 14
         Section 2.4.  Purchase Price.......................................................................... 17
         Section 2.5.  Purchase Price Adjustment............................................................... 17

ARTICLE III. CLOSING........................................................................................... 20
         Section 3.1.  The Closing............................................................................. 20

ARTICLE IV.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER.......................................................... 20
         Section 4.1.  Organization; Good Standing; Power and Qualification.................................... 20
         Section 4.2.  No Conflict or Violation; Consents...................................................... 20
         Section 4.3.  Authority of Seller..................................................................... 21
         Section 4.4.  Acquired Assets......................................................................... 21
         Section 4.5.  No Material Misstatements............................................................... 22
         Section 4.6.  Financial Statements; Closing Date Liability to Seller.................................. 22
         Section 4.7.  Undisclosed Liabilities................................................................. 23
         Section 4.8.  Accounts Receivable..................................................................... 23
         Section 4.9.  Inventory............................................................................... 23
         Section 4.10. Material Adverse Effect................................................................. 24
         Section 4.11. Real Property........................................................................... 24
         Section 4.12. Tangible Property....................................................................... 25
         Section 4.13. Intellectual Property................................................................... 25
         Section 4.14. Compliance with Laws.................................................................... 26
         Section 4.15. Affiliate Agreements; Related Party Transactions........................................ 26
         Section 4.16. Assumed Contracts....................................................................... 27
         Section 4.17. Labor Relations......................................................................... 28
         Section 4.18. Employee Benefits....................................................................... 28
         Section 4.19. Insurance............................................................................... 31
         Section 4.20. Litigation.............................................................................. 31
         Section 4.21. Environmental Matters................................................................... 31
         Section 4.22. Tax Matters............................................................................. 33


                                     - ii -


<PAGE>




         Section 4.23. Interim Operations...................................................................... 35
         Section 4.24. Brokers................................................................................. 36
         Section 4.25. Products Liability...................................................................... 36
         Section 4.26. Books and Records....................................................................... 37
         Section 4.27. Disclaimer of Additional Representations and Warranties; Schedules...................... 37
         Section 4.28. Accruals................................................................................ 37

ARTICLE V.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER...................................................... 38
         Section 5.1.  Organization; Good Standing; Power and Qualification.................................... 38
         Section 5.2.  No Conflict or Violation; Consents...................................................... 38
         Section 5.3.  Litigation.............................................................................. 38
         Section 5.4.  Brokers................................................................................. 38
         Section 5.5.  Financial Capacity...................................................................... 39
         Section 5.6.  Disclaimer of Additional Representations and Warranties................................. 39

ARTICLE VI.   CERTAIN COVENANTS OF SELLER...................................................................... 39
         Section 6.1.  Conduct of Business..................................................................... 39
         Section 6.2.  Legal Proceedings....................................................................... 41
         Section 6.3.  Solicitation............................................................................ 41
         Section 6.4.  Information and Access.................................................................. 41
         Section 6.5.  Confidentiality Agreements.............................................................. 42
         Section 6.6.  Certain Environmental Covenants......................................................... 42
         Section 6.7.  Management Information System........................................................... 43
         Section 6.8.  Accounting; Human Resources; Credit Collection.......................................... 43
         Section 6.9.  Taylors Facility........................................................................ 43

ARTICLE VII.  CERTAIN COVENANTS................................................................................ 44
         Section 7.1.  Hart-Scott-Rodino and Other Filings..................................................... 44
         Section 7.2.  Certain Provisions Relating to Consents................................................. 44
         Section 7.3.  Nondisclosure; Noncompetition.  ........................................................ 44
         Section 7.4.  Efforts................................................................................. 46
         Section 7.5.  Collections............................................................................. 46
         Section 7.6.  Ongoing Tax Cooperation................................................................. 46
         Section 7.7.  Clearance Certificates.................................................................. 47
         Section 7.8.  Certain Tax Matters..................................................................... 47
         Section 7.9.  W-2 Matters............................................................................. 48
         Section 7.10. Ongoing Insurance Cooperation........................................................... 48
         Section 7.11. Bulk Transfer Laws...................................................................... 49
         Section 7.12. Enhanced Severance Issues............................................................... 49
         Section 7.13. Notice.................................................................................. 50
         Section 7.14. Policy.................................................................................. 50

ARTICLE VIII. CONDITIONS TO SELLER'S OBLIGATIONS............................................................... 50
         Section 8.1.  Representations and Warranties.......................................................... 50



                                     - iii -


<PAGE>




         Section 8.2.  Compliance with Agreement............................................................... 50
         Section 8.3.  No Adverse Proceeding................................................................... 50
         Section 8.4.  Hart-Scott-Rodino....................................................................... 51
         Section 8.5.  Corporate Documents..................................................................... 51
         Section 8.6.  Bill of Sale............................................................................ 51
         Section 8.7.  Purchase Price.......................................................................... 51
         Section 8.8.  Opinion of the Purchaser's Counsel...................................................... 51
         Section 8.9.  C&A Credit Agreements Consent........................................................... 51

ARTICLE IX.  CONDITIONS TO PURCHASER'S OBLIGATIONS............................................................. 51
         Section 9.1.  Representations and Warranties.......................................................... 51
         Section 9.2.  Compliance with Agreement............................................................... 51
         Section 9.3.  No Adverse Proceeding................................................................... 52
         Section 9.4.  Hart-Scott-Rodino....................................................................... 52
         Section 9.5.  Consents................................................................................ 52
         Section 9.6.  Corporate Documents..................................................................... 52
         Section 9.7.  FIRPTA.................................................................................. 52
         Section 9.8.  Material Adverse Effect................................................................. 52
         Section 9.9.  Bill of Sale............................................................................ 52
         Section 9.10. Opinion of the Seller's Counsel......................................................... 52
         Section 9.11. Financing............................................................................... 52
         Section 9.12. Loom Purchase........................................................................... 53
         Section 9.13. Intellectual Property................................................................... 53
         Section 9.14. Limited Partner Guarantee............................................................... 53
         Section 9.15. Intentionally Left Blank................................................................ 53
         Section 9.16. 1994 Financial Statements............................................................... 53
         Section 9.17. SC Seller's Affidavit................................................................... 53
         Section 9.18. KeyBank Consent......................................................................... 53

ARTICLE X.   DELIVERIES AT CLOSING............................................................................. 53
         Section 10.1. Deliveries by Seller at the Closing..................................................... 53
         Section 10.2. Deliveries by Purchaser at the Closing.................................................. 54

ARTICLE XI.  TERMINATION....................................................................................... 55
         Section 11.1. Termination............................................................................. 55
         Section 11.2. Effect of Termination................................................................... 56

ARTICLE XII. COVENANTS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYEE
             MATTERS........................................................................................... 56
         Section 12.1. Offer of Employment, Welfare and Fringe Benefits........................................ 56
         Section 12.2. Seller Plans............................................................................ 58
         Section 12.3. Crediting of Service.................................................................... 60
         Section 12.4. No Rights to Employees.................................................................. 60



                                     - iv -


<PAGE>





ARTICLE XIII.  INDEMNIFICATION................................................................................. 60
         Section 13.1.  Survival............................................................................... 60
         Section 13.2.  Indemnification Provisions for Benefit of Purchaser.................................... 61
         Section 13.3.  Indemnification Provisions for Benefit of Seller....................................... 63
         Section 13.4.  Matters Involving Third Parties........................................................ 63
         Section 13.5.  Certain Limitations on Environmental Indemnification. ................................. 64
         Section 13.6.  Certain Additional Provisions Relating to Indemnification. ............................ 66

ARTICLE XIV.   MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS........................................................................ 67
         Section 14.1.  Notices................................................................................ 67
         Section 14.2.  Amendments............................................................................. 68
         Section 14.3.  Assignment and Parties in Interest..................................................... 68
         Section 14.4.  Announcements.......................................................................... 68
         Section 14.5.  Expenses............................................................................... 69
         Section 14.6.  Entire Agreement....................................................................... 69
         Section 14.7.  Descriptive Headings................................................................... 69
         Section 14.8.  Counterparts........................................................................... 69
         Section 14.9.  Governing Law; Jurisdiction............................................................ 69
         Section 14.10. Construction........................................................................... 69
         Section 14.11. Severability........................................................................... 70
         Section 14.12. Specific Performance................................................................... 70
</TABLE>

                                      - v -


<PAGE>



SCHEDULE
NUMBER            SCHEDULE NAME

1.1               Knowledge
1.2               Permitted Liens
2.2(b)(viii)      Excluded Assets
2.3(b)(iv)        Excluded Contracts
2.5(a)            Closing Date Balance Sheet Principles
4.1               Qualification; Certificate and Partnership Agreement
4.2               No Conflict or Violation; Consents
4.4(a)            Acquired Assets
4.4(b)            Leased or Licensed Acquired Assets
4.6               Financial Statements
4.7               Undisclosed Liabilities
4.10              Material Adverse Effect
4.11(a)           Business Real Property
4.11(b)           Leased Business Real Property
4.12(a)           Tangible Property
4.12(b)           Tangible Property Leases
4.13              Intellectual Property
4.14(a)           Compliance with Laws
4.14(b)           Permits
4.15(a)           Affiliate Agreements
4.15(b)           Related Party Transactions
4.16              Assumed Contracts
4.17              Labor Relations
4.18(a)           Employee Benefit Plans
4.18(c)           Multiemployer Plans
4.18(d)           Reportable Events
4.18(j)           Employee Benefit Plan Post Retirement Liabilities
4.18(k)           Employee Benefit Plan Compensation
4.19              Insurance
4.20              Litigation
4.21              Environmental Matters
4.22              Tax Matters
4.23              Interim Operations
4.25              Products Liability
5.2               No Conflict of Violation; Consents
5.4               Brokers
6.1               Conduct of Business
7.10              Insurance
7.12              Enhanced Severance Issues

Collins & Aikman Corporation hereby agrees to furnish supplementally a copy
of any omitted schedule to the Commission upon request.

                                     - vi -


<PAGE>



EXHIBIT           EXHIBIT NAME

A                 Bill of Sale
B                 Form of Opinion of Purchaser's Counsel
C                 Form of FIRPTA Certificate
D                 Form of Opinion of Seller's Counsel
E                 Guarantee
F                 SC Seller's Affidavit




                                    - vii -


<PAGE>



                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "AGREEMENT") is made and
entered into as of June 30, 1997, by and between JPS AUTOMOTIVE L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership (the "SELLER"), and SAFETY COMPONENTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "PURCHASER").

                              PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

                  WHEREAS, Purchaser desires to purchase from Seller, and Seller
desires to sell to Purchaser, the air restraint and technical products division
of Seller (the "BUSINESS") on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
in this Agreement.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the mutual
covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I.

                                  DEFINITIONS

                  SECTION 1.1. DEFINITIONS. In addition to the terms defined
elsewhere herein, the terms defined in the introductory paragraph and the
Recital to this Agreement shall have the respective meanings specified therein,
and the following terms shall have the meanings specified below when used herein
with initial capital letters:

                  "AAA" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 13.5(D).

                  "ACCOUNTANTS" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 2.5(C).

                  "ACQUIRED ASSETS" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 2.2(A).

                  "ACTUAL NET WORTH AMOUNT" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         2.5(A).

                  "AFFILIATE" means "affiliate" as defined in Rule 405
         promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

                  "AGREEMENT" has the meaning set forth in the preamble, and
         shall include all Schedules and Exhibits hereto.

                  "ASSUMED CONTRACTS" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         2.2(A).

                  "ASSUMED LIABILITIES" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         2.3(A).

                  "BALANCE SHEET" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 4.6.




<PAGE>



                  "BILL OF SALE" means a Bill of Sale and Assignment and
         Instrument of Assumption substantially in the form annexed hereto as
         Exhibit A.

                  "BUSINESS" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this
         Agreement.

                  "BUSINESS DAY" means a day, other than a Saturday or a Sunday,
         on which commercial banks are not required or authorized to close in
         the City of New York.

                  "BUSINESS EMPLOYEES" means each individual who, on the
         applicable date, performs services as an employee for the Business
         (including such persons who are on an approved leave of absence,
         vacation, short-term disability or otherwise treated as an active
         employee of the Business).

                  "BUSINESS REAL PROPERTY" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         4.11(A).

                   "C&A CREDIT AGREEMENTS" means (i) the Amended and Restated
         Credit Agreement, dated as of June 3, 1996, among the Limited Partner,
         as Borrower, Collins & Aikman Canada Inc., as Canadian Borrower,
         Collins & Aikman Corporation as Guarantor, the Lenders named therein,
         and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent, and (ii) the
         Credit Agreement, dated as of December 5, 1996, among the Limited
         Partner, as Borrower, Collins & Aikman Corporation, as Guarantor, the
         Lenders named therein and The Chase Manhattan Bank as Administrative
         Agent, each as amended and in effect as of the date hereof.

                  "CAP" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 13.2(A).

                  "CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP" means the certificate of
         limited partnership of Seller, as amended and in effect on the date
         hereof.

                  "CLOSING" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 3.1.

                  "CLOSING DATE" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 3.1.

                  "CLOSING DATE BALANCE SHEET" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 2.5(A) as finally adjusted pursuant to SECTION 2.5.

                  "CLOSING PRICE" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 2.4(A).

                  "COBRA" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 12.1(E).

                  "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                  "CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 6.4(A).


                                       2


<PAGE>



                  "CONSENTS" All governmental and third party consents, Permits,
         approvals, orders, authorizations, qualifications and waivers necessary
         for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
         or that thereafter may be necessary to effectuate the transfer or
         renewal of any Contract, license and Permit or other license, Permit,
         approval, order, authorization, qualification or waiver.

                  "CONTRACT" as of any date means, any contract, agreement,
         mortgage, deed of trust, bond, indenture, lease, license, note,
         franchise, certificate, option, warrant, right, commitment, instrument,
         guarantee or other similar document or agreement, whether written or
         oral, to which Seller is a party as of such date, including the Assumed
         Contracts, all unfilled orders outstanding as of such date for the
         purchase of raw materials, goods or services by Seller, and all
         unfilled orders outstanding as of such date for the sale of goods or
         services by Seller. Contracts, however, shall not include Leases or
         Permitted Liens.

                  "COSTS OF REMEDIATION" means all losses, amounts paid in
         settlement, remediation, monitoring and reporting costs and expenses,
         Taxes, claims, damages, punitive damages, consequential damages, treble
         damages, Liabilities, obligations, Judgments, settlements and
         out-of-pocket costs (including, without limitation, costs of
         investigation or enforcement), expenses and attorneys' fees including,
         without limitation, fees for services of attorneys, consultants,
         contractors, experts, engineers and laboratories, and all other
         out-of-pocket costs, incurred in connection with investigation,
         characterization, remediation, monitoring, reporting or mitigation,
         primarily relating to the Business and arising out of or related to the
         presence or Release of any Hazardous Materials existing as of or prior
         to the Closing Date at, on, or emanating from any of the Business Real
         Property, Leased Business Real Property or any real property at or to
         which Seller, any Subsidiary or predecessor of any of the foregoing
         disposed, Released, transported, stored, treated, or arranged to
         dispose of Hazardous Materials prior to the Closing Date including,
         without limitation, off-site Liability under any Environmental Law
         arising from or in connection with transportation, treatment, storage,
         disposal, Release, or arranging for disposal of Hazardous Materials.

                  "CRAMERTON SUPPLY AGREEMENT" means the Supply Agreement, dated
         as of December 11, 1996, between Foamex L.P. and Cramerton Automotive
         Products, L.P.

                  "DAMAGES" means any losses, amounts paid in settlement,
         claims, damages, Liabilities, obligations, Judgments, settlements and
         reasonable out-of-pocket costs (including, without limitation, costs of
         investigation or enforcement), expenses and attorneys' fees, including,
         without limitation, (i) any consequential damages or (ii) any special
         or punitive damages which are assessed against an Indemnified Party as
         a result of a third party action.

                  "DEDUCTIBLE" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 13.2(A).


                                       3


<PAGE>



                  "EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN" means an Employee Pension Benefit Plan
         or an Employee Welfare Benefit Plan, where no distinction is required
         by the context in which the term is used.

                  "EMPLOYEE PENSION BENEFIT PLAN" has the meaning set forth in
         Section 3(2) of ERISA.

                  "EMPLOYEE WELFARE BENEFIT PLAN" has the meaning set forth in
         Section 3(1) of ERISA.

                  "ENVIRONMENTAL ARBITRATOR" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 13.5(D).

                  "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" means any existing and applicable
         federal, state or local statute, regulation or ordinance or any rules,
         orders, writs, decrees, or injunctions of any Governmental Agency with
         respect to the protection of the environment, including, without
         limitation, with respect to any Hazardous Materials, drinking water,
         groundwater, wetlands, landfills, open dumps, storage tanks, solid
         waste or waste water, water, soil, air, pollution, the protection,
         preservation or restoration of natural resources, plant and animal life
         or human health or the environment, or waste management, regulation or
         control. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term
         will encompass each of the following statutes, and the regulations
         promulgated thereunder, in each case as in effect as of Closing: (a)
         the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
         Act of 1980 (codified in scattered sections of 26 U.S.C., 33 U.S.C., 42
         U.S.C. and 42 U.S.C. ss. 9601 et seq., "CERCLA"); (b) the Resource
         Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. ss. 6901 et seq.,
         "RCRA"); (c) the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. ss.
         1801 et seq., "HMTA"); (d) the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C.
         ss. 2061 et seq., "TSCA"); (e) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
         (33 U.S.C. ss. 1251 et seq.); (f) the Clean Air Act and Amendments (42
         U.S.C. ss. 7401 et seq.); (g) the Safe Drinking Water Act (21 U.S.C.
         ss. 349; 42 U.S.C. ss. 201 and ss. 300 et seq.); and (h) the Superfund
         Amendment and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (codified in scattered
         sections of 10 U.S.C., 29 U.S.C., 33 U.S.C. and 42 U.S.C., "SARA").

                  "ENVIRONMENTAL LOSSES" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         13.5.

                  "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
         1974, as amended.

                  "ERISA AFFILIATE" means any trade or business (whether or not
         incorporated) which has been under common control or treated as a
         single employer with Seller under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of
         the Code or 4001(a) of ERISA.

                  "ESTIMATED NET WORTH AMOUNT" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 2.4(B).


                                       4


<PAGE>



                  "ESTIMATED PURCHASE PRICE" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 2.4(B).

                  "EXCHANGE ACT" The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
         amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

                  "EXCLUDED ASSETS" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 2.2(B).

                  "EXCLUDED CONTRACTS" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         2.3(B)(IV).

                  "EXCLUDED LIABILITIES" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         2.3(B).

                  "EXTENDED HEALTH BENEFITS" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 12.1(C).

                  "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         4.6.

                  "FIRPTA AFFIDAVIT" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 9.7.

                  "FORMER BUSINESS EMPLOYEE" means each individual other than a
         Business Employee on the Closing Date who at any time prior to the
         Closing Date performed services as an employee primarily for the
         Business.

                  "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set
         forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles
         Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and
         statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards
         Board, applied on a consistent basis and consistent with past
         practices.

                  "GENERAL PARTNER" means PACJ, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

                  "GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY" means (a) any international, foreign,
         federal, state, county, local or municipal government or administrative
         agency or political subdivision thereof, (b) any governmental agency,
         authority, board, bureau, commission, department or instrumentality,
         (c) any court or administrative tribunal, (d) any non-governmental
         agency, tribunal or entity that is vested by a governmental agency with
         applicable jurisdiction, or (e) any arbitration tribunal or other
         non-governmental authority with applicable jurisdiction.

                  "GUARANTEE" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 9.14.

                  "HSR ACT" means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements
         Act of 1976, as amended.


                                       5


<PAGE>



                  "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" means each and every element, compound,
         chemical mixture, pollutant, contaminant material, waste or other
         substance which is defined, designated, determined, classified or
         identified as of the Closing Date as hazardous, radioactive or toxic
         under any Environmental Law, or the Release of which is prohibited or
         regulated under any Environmental Law, or which to the Knowledge of
         Seller could reasonably be expected to cause, whether now or with the
         passage of time, damage to Persons, property, flora, fauna or the
         environment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term
         will include any "toxic substance," "hazardous substance," "hazardous
         waste" or "hazardous material" as defined in any Environmental Law as
         amended to date, and any explosive or radioactive material, friable
         asbestos, friable asbestos-containing material, waste water, sludge,
         untreated dye, other effluent, coal ash, polychlorinated biphenyls,
         special waste, petroleum or any derivative or byproduct thereof and
         toxic waste.

                  "HIGHLY CONFIDENT LETTER" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         9.11.

                  "INCOME TAX" or "INCOME TAXES" means all Taxes imposed on,
         measured by, or that require reference to, net or taxable income
         (including any income, franchise, estimated, alternative, minimum,
         add-on minimum or other tax imposed on, measured by, or which requires
         reference to, net or taxable income), together with interest and
         penalties thereon and estimated payments thereof.

                  "INDEBTEDNESS" means (without duplication), with respect to
         any Person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of
         such Person, (i) the principal of and premium, if any, in respect of
         any indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed, (ii) the principal,
         premium, if any, and interest of such Person with respect to
         obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or, except for
         accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business, other
         similar instruments, including obligations incurred in connection with
         the acquisition of property, assets or businesses (other than trade
         payables), (iii) all obligations of such Person in respect of letters
         of credit or other similar instruments (including reimbursement
         obligations with respect thereto) but only to the extent of drawings
         thereunder (other than obligations with respect to letters of credit
         securing obligations (other than obligations described in (i), (ii),
         and (v)) entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person
         to the extent such drawing is reimbursed no later than the third
         Business Day following receipt by such Person of a demand for
         reimbursement following payment on the letter of credit), (iv) every
         obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase
         price of property or services (excluding trade accounts payable or
         accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business), (v)
         every capital lease obligation (determined in accordance with GAAP) of
         such Person, (vi) all Indebtedness of other Persons secured by a Lien
         on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is
         assumed by such Person; provided, however, that the amount of such
         Indebtedness shall be the lesser of (A) the fair market value of such
         asset at such date of determination and (B) the amount of such
         Indebtedness of such other Persons, and


                                       6


<PAGE>



         (vii) every obligation of the type referred to in clauses (i) through
         (vi) of another Person the payment of which, in any case, such Person
         has guaranteed or is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as
         obligor, guarantor or otherwise.

                  "INDEMNIFIED PARTY" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         13.4(A).

                  "INDEMNIFYING PARTY" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         13.4(A).

                  "INSURANCE" means all binders or polices of fire, liability,
         product liability, workers' compensation, vehicular, unemployment and
         other insurance, self insurance programs and fidelity bonds.

                  "INTANGIBLE PROPERTY" All Contracts, certificates of deposit,
         securities, partnership or other ownership interests, rights to receive
         money or property by assignment, future interests, claims and rights
         against third parties, accounts receivable, notes receivable,
         Intellectual Property, prepaid expenses, acquisition costs and other
         intangible property of any nature owned, leased, licensed, used or held
         for use, directly or indirectly, by, on behalf of or for the account of
         a Person.

                  "INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" means any inventions, improvements,
         trademarks, service marks, brand names, logos, trade names, trade
         dress, label designs and copyrightable works and all patents,
         registrations and applications therefor; customer lists and rights in
         computer software and all know-how; and all rights granted or retained
         in licenses under any of the foregoing.

                  "INTERIM BALANCE SHEET" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         4.6.

                  "INTERIM BALANCE SHEET DATE" means March 29, 1997.

                  "INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 4.6.

                  "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service of the Department of
         the Treasury.

                  "JPS PRODUCTS" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 9.13.

                  "JUDGMENT" means any judgment, writ, order, injunction, award
         or decree of or by any Governmental Agency.

                  "KEYBANK" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 9.18.

                  "KNOWLEDGE" as applied to Seller, means the actual knowledge,
         after reasonable inquiry, of any person listed on SCHEDULE 1.1 annexed
         hereto.


                                       7


<PAGE>



                  "LAST OFFER" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 2.5(C).

                  "LAW" Any statute, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, order or
         other law enacted, adopted, promulgated, applied or followed by any
         Governmental Agency.

                  "LEASED BUSINESS REAL PROPERTY" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 4.11(B).

                  "LEASES" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 4.11(B).

                  "LIABILITY" means any liability or obligation (whether known
         or unknown, whether asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or
         contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued, whether liquidated or
         unliquidated and whether due or to become due), including, without
         limitation, any liability for Taxes.

                  "LIEN" means any lien, mortgage, pledge or other security
         interest.

                  "LIMITED PARTNER" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 9.14.

                  "LOOM PURCHASE" means the contemplated purchase by Seller of
         18 looms for an aggregate purchase and installation price of up to $1.5
         million dollars.

                  "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         4.1.

                  "MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN" has the meaning set forth in Section
         3(37) of ERISA.

                  "NET WORTH AMOUNT" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         2.4(A).

                  "NON-PREVAILING PARTY" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         2.5(C).

                  "PARENT ENTITY" means The Blackstone Group, Wasserstein
         Perella & Co., Inc., their respective Affiliates, other than Seller and
         its Subsidiaries, and their respective officers and directors.

                  "PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT" means the Seller's First Amended and
         Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, dated as of July 27, 1994,
         and any amendments thereto.

                  "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

                  "PERMIT" means any permit, approval, consent, authorization,
         license, variance, certificate, franchise, registration, accreditation
         or permission required by a Governmental Agency under any applicable
         Laws.


                                       8


<PAGE>



                  "PERMITTED LIENS" means, with respect to any Acquired Asset,
         (i) any covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, encroachments,
         encumbrances or other imperfections of title (other than a Lien
         securing any Indebtedness) with respect to such Acquired Asset which,
         individually or in the aggregate, does not materially detract from the
         value of, or materially interfere with the present occupancy or use of,
         such Acquired Asset and the continuation of the present occupancy or
         use of such Acquired Asset; (ii) the matters set forth on SCHEDULE 1.2
         annexed hereto; (iii) mechanics', materialmen's and similar liens with
         respect to amounts not yet due and payable or which are being contested
         in good faith through appropriate proceedings and, for those existing
         on the Interim Balance Sheet Date or the Closing Date, for which
         adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are reflected on the Interim
         Balance Sheet or the Closing Date Balance Sheet, as the case may be;
         (iv) Liens for Taxes not yet delinquent or which are being contested in
         good faith through appropriate proceedings and, for those existing on
         the Interim Balance Sheet Date or the Closing Date, for which adequate
         reserves in accordance with GAAP are reflected on the Interim Balance
         Sheet or the Closing Date Balance Sheet, as the case may be; and (v)
         Liens securing rental payments under capital lease arrangements, which
         capital lease arrangements existing as of the Closing Date are in
         accordance with GAAP reflected as Indebtedness on the Closing Date
         Balance Sheet.

                  "PERPETUAL REPRESENTATIONS" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 13.1.

                  "PERSON" means any individual, trustee, corporation, general
         or limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited
         liability company, joint venture, joint stock company, bank, firm,
         Governmental Agency, trust, association, organization or unincorporated
         entity of any kind or nature whatsoever.

                  "PLAN" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 4.18(A).

                  "PLAN BASKET" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 13.2(A)

                  "PREVAILING PARTY" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         2.5(C).

                  "PRODUCT" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 4.25(A).

                  "PRODUCT CLAIM" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 4.25(A).

                  "PURCHASE PRICE" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 2.4(A).

                  "PURCHASER" has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

                  "PURCHASER'S COUNSEL" means the law firm of Shereff, Friedman,
         Hoffman & Goodman, LLP.


                                       9


<PAGE>



                  "PURCHASER'S PLAN" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         12.2(B).

                  "RECALL" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 4.25(B).

                  "RELEASE" means any spilling, leaking, pumping, releasing,
         depositing, pouring, emitting, emptying, migrating, discharging,
         injecting, storing, escaping, leaching, dumping, burying, abandoning,
         disposing or moving into the environment.

                  "RETURNS" All returns, declarations and reports and all
         information returns and statements of any kind or nature whatsoever.

                  "SC SELLER'S AFFIDAVIT" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         9.17.

                  "SCHEDULES" or "DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES" means, collectively, the
         various Schedules referred to in this Agreement delivered separately to
         Purchaser on or before the date of this Agreement.

                  "SELLER" has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

                  "SELLER'S COUNSEL"  means the law firm of Jones, Day, Reavis &
         Pogue.

                  "SELLER'S DEPENDENT CARE PROGRAM" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 12.1(C).

                  "SELLER'S FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PROGRAM" has the meaning set forth
         in SECTION 12.1(C).

                  "SELLER'S GROUP HEALTH PLAN" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 12.1(C).

                  "SELLER'S GROUP LIFE POLICY" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 12.1(C).

                  "SELLER'S RETIREMENT PLAN" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 12.2(A).

                  "SELLER'S SAVINGS PLAN" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         12.2(C).

                  "SECURITIES ACT" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
         and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

                  "SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEE" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         4.23.

                  "SINGLE-EMPLOYER PLAN" means an Employee Pension Benefit Plan
         which is described in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA and which is subject
         to Title IV of ERISA.


                                       10


<PAGE>



                  "SMT LICENSE AGREEMENT" means a Technology License Agreement
         between Foamex L.P. and the Limited Partner.

                  "SUBSIDIARY" means "subsidiary" as defined in Rule 405
         promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

                  "SURVIVING LIEN" Any Lien affecting the Acquired Assets which
         the Purchaser, prior to the Closing, expressly agrees in writing or by
         a notation on a Schedule shall survive the Closing, including, without
         limitation, Permitted Liens.

                  "TANGIBLE PROPERTY" All furnishings, machinery, equipment,
         computer systems and Software, supplies, inventories, vehicles, books
         and records and other tangible property and facilities of any kind or
         nature whatsoever.

                  "TAX RETURN" means any report, return, information return,
         forms, declarations, claims for refund, statements or other information
         (including any amendments thereto and including any schedule or
         statement thereto) required to be supplied to a Governmental Agency in
         connection with Taxes.

                  "TAXES" means all federal, state, local, foreign and other
         taxes, assessments and water and sewer charges and rents, including
         without limitation, income, gross receipts, excise, employment, sales,
         use, transfer, license, payroll, franchise, severance, stamp,
         withholding, Social Security, unemployment, real property, personal
         property, registration, capital stock, value added, single business,
         occupation, workers' compensation, alternative or add-on minimum,
         estimated, or other tax, including without limitation any interest,
         penalties or additions thereto.

                  "TRANSFERRED ASSETS" has the meaning set forth in SECTION
         12.2(C).

                  "TRANSFERRED BUSINESS EMPLOYEE" means each Business Employee
         who accepts the offer of employment made by Purchaser pursuant to
         Article XII hereof.

                  "1994 ACQUISITION AGREEMENT" means that certain Asset Purchase
         Agreement, dated as of May 25, 1994, by and among JPS Textile Group,
         Inc., JPS Auto, Inc., JPS Converter and Industrial Corp., JPS
         Automotive Products Corp. and Foamex International Inc.

                  "1994 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" has the meaning set forth in
         SECTION 4.6.

                  SECTION 1.2. USE OF DEFINED TERMS. Any defined term used in
the plural shall refer to all members of the relevant class, and any defined
term used in the singular shall refer to any one or more of the members of the
relevant class. The use of any gender shall be applicable to all genders.


                                       11


<PAGE>



                  SECTION 1.3. ACCOUNTING TERMS AND DETERMINATIONS. All
references in this Agreement to "GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES" or
"GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the
United States of America at the time of application thereof, applied on a
consistent basis. Unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used
herein shall be interpreted, all determinations with respect to accounting
matters hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements and certificates
and reports as to financial matters required to be furnished hereunder shall be
prepared, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applied
on a consistent basis.

                  SECTION 1.4. SECTIONS, EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES. References in
this Agreement to Sections, Exhibits and Schedules are to Sections, Exhibits and
Schedules of and to this Agreement. All Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement
are hereby incorporated herein by this reference as if fully set forth herein.

                  SECTION 1.5. MISCELLANEOUS TERMS. The term "or" shall not be
exclusive. The terms "herein," "hereof," "hereto," "hereunder" and other terms
similar to such terms shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not merely to
the specific article, section, paragraph or clause where such terms may appear.
The term "including" shall mean "including, but not limited to."

                                   ARTICLE II.

                                SALE AND PURCHASE

                  SECTION 2.1. SALE AND PURCHASE OF THE ACQUIRED ASSETS.

                  (a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this
         Agreement, and on the basis of the representations and warranties
         contained in this Agreement, on the Closing Date, Seller will sell,
         assign, convey, transfer and deliver to the Purchaser, and the
         Purchaser will acquire, accept and receive from Seller, for the
         Purchase Price and in the manner herein below provided, all of Seller's
         rights, title and interests in and to all of the Acquired Assets.

                  (b) The aggregate purchase price, in consideration of the
         sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer and delivery of the Acquired
         Assets to Purchaser shall be the price as calculated pursuant to
         SECTION 2.4 hereof plus the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities.

                  SECTION 2.2. ACQUIRED ASSETS AND EXCLUDED ASSETS

                  (a) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "ACQUIRED ASSETS"
         means the following properties, assets and rights of whatever kind and
         nature, real or personal, tangible or intangible, other than the
         Excluded Assets, owned by Seller as of the Closing and used or held for
         use in the Business:


                                       12


<PAGE>



                  (i)    the Business Real Property and Leased Business Real
         Property;

                  (ii)   the inventory of Seller that as of the Closing is
         located on either the Business Real Property or the Leased Business
         Real Property and all other inventory of Seller on the Closing Date
         that is used or held for use in the Business;

                  (iii)  the machinery and equipment of Seller and other fixed
         assets of the Business located at either the Business Real Property or
         the Leased Business Real Property as of the Closing;

                  (iv)   the prepaid expenses of Seller as of the Closing to the
         extent relating to the Acquired Assets;

                  (v)    the right, title and interest of Seller as of the
         Closing in, to and under all Contracts (other than Excluded Contracts)
         relating primarily to the Business ("ASSUMED CONTRACTS") including
         without limitation those Contracts that are listed or required to be
         listed on SCHEDULE 4.16 annexed hereto;

                  (vi)   the right, title and interest of Seller as of the
         Closing in, to and under the Intellectual Property listed or required
         to be listed on SCHEDULE 4.13 annexed hereto;

                  (vii)  the trade secrets, know-how and goodwill owned by
         Seller as of the Closing relating primarily to the Business;

                  (viii) the books of account, general, financial, accounting
         and personnel records, files, invoices, customers' and suppliers' lists
         and other written information (excluding Tax Returns) owned by Seller
         as of the Closing and relating primarily to the Business;

                  (ix)   the Permits of Seller as of the Closing relating
         primarily to the Business;

                  (x)    the assets reflected as such in the Closing Date
         Balance Sheet; and

                  (xi)   all other assets owned by Seller and used or held for
         use in the Business.

                  (b)  For purposes of this Agreement, the term "EXCLUDED
         ASSETS" means:

                  (i)  cash and cash-equivalent assets;

                  (ii) the insurance policies or other insuring agreements of
         Seller, whether or not pertaining to the Acquired Assets or the
         Business, and all rights of every nature and description under or
         arising out of such policies or agreements, including without
         limitation prepaid balances and deposits with insurers, other than
         rights to claims listed as


                                       13


<PAGE>



         assets on the Closing Date Balance Sheet and except as expressly
         provided in SECTION 7.10;

                  (iii)  the rights of Seller under this Agreement and the
         agreements, instruments and certificates delivered in connection with
         this Agreement;

                  (iv)   the Records referred to in SECTION 6.4(A)(I), (II) OR
         (III);

                  (v)    the rights and other assets (including Tax and other
         refunds and claims thereto) to the extent related to the Excluded
         Liabilities;

                  (vi)   the rights, title and interest in the trade names "JPS
         Automotive" and the "JPS Automotive" logo, and "Collins & Aikman" and
         "C&A" and the "CA" logo, or any variations or derivations of such names
         or logo;

                  (vii)  Intentionally left blank;

                  (viii) the assets identified in SCHEDULE 2.2(B)(VIII) annexed
         hereto;

                  (ix)   the warehouse space currently rented by the Business at
         Seller's Taylors facility; and

                  (x)    Seller's Management Information System (MIS) equipment,
         except to the extent listed as an asset on the Closing Date Balance
         Sheet.

                  (c) As used in SECTIONS 2.1 AND 2.2 of this Agreement, the
         phrases "used" or "held for use in," "related to," "related primarily
         to" or "relating primarily to" the Business, or the conduct thereof and
         similar phrases are intended to exclude assets of Seller owned or held
         (i) primarily in any business other than the Business, (ii) for use
         primarily in the businesses or activities of Seller generally, or (iii)
         for use by both the Business and any other business of Seller so long
         as such assets or rights do not primarily relate to the Business.
         Nothing in this SECTION 2.2 will constitute a representation or
         warranty with respect to the extent of Seller's right, title and
         interest in or to any of the Acquired Assets.

                  SECTION 2.3.  ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES.

                  (a) On the terms and subject to the conditions of this
         Agreement, effective as of the Closing, Purchaser will assume and agree
         to pay, perform and discharge when due and to indemnify Seller and its
         Affiliates against and hold them harmless from all obligations and
         Liabilities of whatever kind and nature, primary or secondary, direct
         or indirect, absolute or contingent, known or unknown, whether or not
         accrued, whether arising before, on or after the Closing Date, other
         than the Excluded Liabilities, of Seller to the extent relating to,
         resulting from or arising out of the Business, any of the Acquired


                                       14


<PAGE>



         Assets or any of the Products manufactured, produced, distributed or
         sold by or on behalf of the Business (the "ASSUMED LIABILITIES") and
         including without limitation the obligations and Liabilities specified
         below other than Excluded Liabilities:

                  (i)    the obligations and Liabilities of Seller under Assumed
         Contracts;

                  (ii)   the account payable and accrued expenses in respect of
         the Business;

                  (iii)  the obligations and Liabilities in respect of any and
         all Products sold by or on behalf of the Business at any time,
         including without limitation obligations and liabilities for refunds,
         adjustments, allowances, damages, repairs, exchanges, returns,
         warranties and personal injury;

                  (iv)   the obligations and Liabilities relating to the
         Acquired Assets or the conduct of the Business at any time;

                  (v)    the obligations and Liabilities arising as a result of
         being an owner, occupant or operator of the Business Real Property,
         including, without limitation, all obligations and Liabilities relating
         to personal injury, property damage, the environment, natural
         resources, employee safety and health and waste generation,
         transportation or disposal, in each case in respect of the Business
         Real Property;

                  (vi)   the obligations and Liabilities relating to Taxes with
         respect to the conduct of the Business at any time, whether or not
         reflected or reserved against in the Balance Sheet, but not including
         Income Taxes that are Excluded Liabilities;

                  (vii)  Except to the extent otherwise provided in ARTICLE XII
         hereof, the obligations and Liabilities relating to the employment or
         termination of employment of any of the Business Employees employed by
         Seller at any time or arising under or relating to any benefit plan
         listed on SCHEDULE 4.18(A) annexed hereto, or any other program,
         agreement, or arrangement, whether or not subject to ERISA, relating to
         any such employee;

                  (viii) the Liabilities reflected as such in the Closing Date
         Balance Sheet;

                  (ix)   the obligations arising pursuant to ARTICLE XII hereof;
         and

                  (x) any direct, out-of-pocket costs relating to any legal,
accounting, travel, printing or other expenses incurred on behalf of Purchaser
or any of its Affiliates in connection with the financing by Purchaser of this
transaction.


                                       15


<PAGE>



The assumption by Purchaser of the Assumed Liabilities pursuant to this SECTION
2.3(A) shall not be construed in any way to limit or diminish the
representations and warranties of Seller contained in ARTICLE IV hereof.

                  (b) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "EXCLUDED
         LIABILITIES" means:

                  (i)    the obligations and Liabilities of Seller to the extent
         attributable to any of the Excluded Assets;

                  (ii)   the obligations or Liabilities of Seller or the
         Business for Income Taxes (a) for all periods ending on or prior to the
         Closing Date and (b) arising from or associated with the Transfer from
         Seller to Purchaser of the Acquired Assets;

                  (iii)  the obligations or Liabilities for any legal,
         accounting, investment banking, brokerage or similar fees or expenses
         incurred by Seller or any of its Affiliates in connection with the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

                  (iv)   the obligations or Liabilities of Seller under the
         Contracts listed on SCHEDULE 2.3(B)(IV) annexed hereto (the "EXCLUDED
         CONTRACTS");

                  (v)    any Liability relating to the failure of Seller to
         comply with ERISA, and to the extent attributable to acts of Seller in
         its administration of the Plan, the Code or other applicable law, in
         each case in respect of a Plan maintained by Seller for its employees
         generally, notwithstanding that Business Employees are participants in
         such Plan;

                  (vi)   any Liability arising from or under any qualified
         defined benefit plan (within the meaning of Section 414(j) of the Code
         or Section 3(35) of ERISA) of Seller or any ERISA Affiliate (except for
         the obligation to pay the amount described in SECTION 2.4(A));

                  (vii)  any obligations and Liabilities of Seller under any Tax
         Sharing Agreements listed on SCHEDULE 4.22 annexed hereto.

                  (viii) the Liabilities specifically excluded under ARTICLE XII
         hereof.

                  (c) Purchaser shall not assume or otherwise be bound by or
         responsible or liable for any Excluded Liabilities.


                                       16


<PAGE>



                  SECTION 2.4.  PURCHASE PRICE.

                  (a) In addition to assuming the Assumed Liabilities, at the
         Closing, Purchaser will pay to Seller fifty six million three hundred
         thousand U.S. dollars ($56,300,000) plus (at the Closing or, if not
         determinable at Closing, promptly after an invoice showing the
         calculation of the amount due is provided therefor) an amount equal to
         the difference at the Closing Date between (i) the amount of
         accumulated benefit obligations at the Closing Date under the Seller's
         Retirement Plan, which was $(248,000) at December 28, 1996, which
         amount includes the cost of fully vesting Transferred Business
         Employees under such Plan, and (ii) the amount of such Plan assets at
         the Closing Date, which was $(191,000) at December 28, 1996 (the
         "CLOSING PRICE"), subject to adjustment as provided in SECTIONS 2.4(B)
         and 2.5 in respect of changes in the Net Worth Amount (as adjusted, the
         "PURCHASE PRICE"). "NET WORTH AMOUNT" means the amount shown as "Total
         Equity" as it would appear on a balance sheet of the Business prepared
         in accordance with the second sentence of SECTION 2.5(A).

                  (b) Not less than two business days prior to the Closing Date,
         Seller and Purchaser shall jointly agree on a consolidated balance
         sheet which will set forth the estimate of the Net Worth Amount as of
         the close of business on the Closing Date (the "Estimated Net Worth
         Amount"), determined in accordance with the second sentence of SECTION
         2.5(A) as if it were the Actual Net Worth Amount, but based upon
         Seller's and Purchaser's review of monthly financial information then
         available to Seller (which financial information Seller agrees to make
         available to Purchaser) and their inquiries of personnel responsible
         for the preparation of financial information relating to the Business
         in the ordinary course thereof. The Closing Price will be reduced or
         increased dollar-for-dollar, as the case may be (as so adjusted, the
         "ESTIMATED PURCHASE PRICE"), by the amount by which the Estimated Net
         Worth Amount, calculated on the basis set forth in the second sentence
         of SECTION 2.5(A), is less or more, as the case may be, than,
         $38,008,000 such amount being the Net Worth Amount as of May 3, 1997,
         as calculated on the basis set forth in the second sentence of SECTION
         2.5(A). If Seller and Purchaser do not agree on the Estimated Net Worth
         Amount, the Estimated Net Worth Amount shall be an amount equal to the
         average of (x) Seller's reasonable computation of the Estimated Net
         Worth Amount and (y) Purchaser's reasonable computation of the
         Estimated Net Worth Amount.

                  (c) On the Closing Date, Purchaser will pay by wire transfer
         of immediately available funds to such account as Seller has
         theretofore designated an amount equal to the Estimated Purchase Price.

                  SECTION 2.5.  PURCHASE PRICE ADJUSTMENT

                  (a) In order to determine the Purchase Price, the Estimated
         Purchase Price will be reduced or increased dollar-for-dollar, as the
         case may be, to the extent that the Actual Net Worth Amount is less or
         greater, as the case may be, than the Estimated Net Worth


                                       17


<PAGE>



         Amount determined in accordance with SECTION 2.4(B). For purposes of
         this Agreement, the "ACTUAL NET WORTH AMOUNT" means the Net Worth
         Amount on a consolidated balance sheet for the Business prepared in
         accordance with this SECTION 2.5 as of the close of business on the
         Closing Date (the "CLOSING DATE BALANCE SHEET"), on a basis consistent
         with, and using the same accounting principles, policies, practices and
         procedures used in preparing the Interim Balance Sheet, except that (i)
         the principles set forth in SCHEDULE 2.5(A) annexed hereto will be
         applied in preparing the Closing Date Balance Sheet and (ii) the
         Closing Date Balance Sheet will in all events exclude (A) any Excluded
         Liabilities, (B) any Excluded Assets, (C) the assets resulting from the
         Loom Purchase and (D) any intercompany balance and other accounts from
         Seller or any of its Subsidiaries.

                  (b) Within 60 calendar days after the Closing Date, Seller
         will prepare, or cause to be prepared, and deliver, to Purchaser a
         Closing Date Balance Sheet setting forth the Actual Net Worth Amount.
         Seller and its authorized representatives will be entitled to review,
         during normal business hours, the books, records and workpapers of the
         Business to prepare the Closing Date Balance Sheet. Without limiting
         the generality or effect of any other provision hereof, Purchaser will
         (i) provide Seller and its representatives access, during normal
         business hours, to the facilities, personnel and accounting and other
         records of the Business to the extent determined by Seller to be
         necessary to permit Seller to prepare or have prepared the Closing Date
         Balance Sheet as herein provided; provided, however, that Seller will
         conduct any such review in a manner that does not unreasonably
         interfere with the conduct of the Business after the Closing, and (ii)
         take such actions as may be reasonably requested by Seller to close, or
         to assist Seller in closing, as of the close of business on the Closing
         Date, the books and accounting records for the Business and otherwise
         reasonably to cooperate with Seller and its representatives in the
         preparation of the Closing Date Balance Sheet.

                  (c) If, within 30 calendar days after the date of Seller's
         delivery of its computation of the Actual Net Worth Amount, Purchaser
         determines in good faith that such computation is inaccurate, Purchaser
         shall give written notice to Seller within such 30 calendar day period
         (i) setting forth Purchaser's computation of Actual Net Worth Amount as
         of the close of business on the Closing Date and (ii) specifying in
         reasonable detail Purchaser's basis for its disagreement with Seller's
         computation. The failure by Purchaser so to express its disagreement or
         provide such specification within such 30 calendar day period will
         constitute Purchaser's acceptance of Seller's computation of the Actual
         Net Worth Amount. Any amount that is not in dispute will be promptly
         paid by the party obligated to make such payment hereunder to the party
         entitled to receive such payment hereunder, together with interest
         thereon, from the Closing Date to the date of payment at the rate
         specified in SECTION 2.5(D). If Purchaser and Seller are unable to
         resolve any disagreement between them within ten calendar days after
         the giving of notice of such disagreement, the items in dispute will be
         referred for determination to the principal dispute resolution unit of
         Deloitte & Touche, or if they decline such


                                       18


<PAGE>



         appointment, KPMG Peat Marwick (the "ACCOUNTANTS") as promptly as
         practicable. Purchaser and Seller will use reasonable efforts to cause
         the Accountants to render their decision as soon as practicable,
         including without limitation by promptly complying with all reasonable
         requests by the Accountants for information, books, records and similar
         items. The Accountants will make a determination as to each of the
         items in dispute, which determination will be (A) in writing, (B)
         furnished to each of the parties hereto as promptly as practicable
         after the items in dispute have been referred to the Accountants, (C)
         made in accordance with this Agreement, and (D) conclusive and binding
         upon each of the parties hereto. In connection with their determination
         of the disputed items, (i) the Accountants will be entitled to rely on
         presentations by Seller and Purchaser to the Accountants without any
         independent review by the Accountants and the workpapers, trial
         balances and similar materials prepared by Arthur Andersen LLP in
         connection with such firm's examination of the financial statements of
         Seller and its Subsidiaries and (ii) the Accountants will not consider
         or make any adjustment in respect of any matter which is not in
         dispute, other than as a result of a change in a matter which is
         disputed. Except as provided below, the fees and expenses of the
         Accountants will be shared equally by Purchaser and Seller. If the
         determination of the Accountants represents an outcome more favorable
         to either Purchaser or Seller than the midpoint of such parties' last
         written settlement offers related to all items in dispute, in the
         aggregate, submitted to the Accountants upon the referral of the matter
         to the Accountants (each a "LAST OFFER"), then the party obtaining such
         favorable result will be deemed the "PREVAILING PARTY" and the other
         party will be deemed the "NON-PREVAILING PARTY". For purposes hereof,
         all of the fees and expenses of the Accountants, and the reasonable
         out-of-pocket expenses of the Prevailing Party, will be borne by the
         Non-Prevailing Party. No party will disclose to the Accountants, and
         the Accountants will not consider for any purpose, any settlement offer
         (other than the Last Offer) made by any party.

                  (d) To the extent that the Actual Net Worth Amount determined
         as provided in this SECTION 2.5 is more or less than the Estimated Net
         Worth Amount, Purchaser or Seller, as applicable, will, within ten
         calendar days after the final determination of the Actual Net Worth
         Amount pursuant to this SECTION 2.5, make payment by wire transfer of
         immediately available funds of the amount of such difference (after
         taking into account any payment made pursuant to SECTION 2.5(C)),
         together with interest thereon from the Closing Date to the date of
         payment (at a rate equal to Chase Manhattan Bank's prime rate, as
         publicly announced and in effect from time to time during such period,
         plus 2.0%, calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed
         over 365), to such account as has been designated by Purchaser or
         Seller, as applicable.

                  (e) Except as set forth in SECTION 13.2(D), nothing in this
         SECTION 2.5 or in the statements, reports or documents contemplated
         hereby shall affect the parties' rights and obligations in respect of a
         breach or alleged breach of any representation or warranty herein.


                                       19


<PAGE>



                                  ARTICLE III.

                                    CLOSING

                  SECTION 3.1. THE CLOSING. Subject to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement, the closing of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (the "CLOSING") shall take place at the offices of Shereff, Friedman,
Hoffman & Goodman, LLP, 919 Third Avenue, New York, New York, on the date which
is two Business Days after the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or at such other time and
place as Seller and Purchaser shall mutually agree in writing (the day on which
the Closing takes place is referred to herein as the "CLOSING DATE").

                                   ARTICLE IV.

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

                  Subject to SECTION 4.27, Seller represents and warrants to
Purchaser as set forth in this ARTICLE IV:

                  SECTION 4.1. ORGANIZATION; GOOD STANDING; POWER AND
QUALIFICATION. Seller is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Seller is duly
qualified to do business and is in good standing in the states listed on
SCHEDULE 4.1 annexed hereto, such states being each jurisdiction in which the
ownership of the Acquired Assets or the conduct of the Business requires such
qualification, except where the failure to so qualify, individually or in the
aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse change in
or effect with respect to the Business or the financial condition, properties,
or results of operations of the Business or materially impair the ability of
Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (a
"MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT"). Seller has the requisite partnership power and
authority to own the Acquired Assets and to conduct the Business as presently
conducted. SCHEDULE 4.1 annexed hereto includes true and correct copies of the
Certificate of Limited Partnership and the Partnership Agreement as in effect on
the date of this Agreement.

                  SECTION 4.2. NO CONFLICT OR VIOLATION; CONSENTS. Except as set
forth on SCHEDULE 4.2 annexed hereto, neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Seller, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby, nor the fulfillment of the terms and compliance with the provisions
hereof, will (a) conflict with or result in a breach of or a default (or in an
occurrence which with the lapse of time or action by a third party, or both,
could result in a default) with respect to any of the terms, conditions or
provisions of, (b) result in the termination of, accelerate the performance
required by, (c) result in the creation of any Lien upon the Acquired Assets
(except as a result of Liens created by Purchaser) in connection with, (d)
impair Seller's ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, (e)
require any filing with or approval of any Person, including without limitation
any Governmental Agency arising out of, or (f) give rise to any right of
termination or renegotiation, or purchase or offer right, under:


                                       20


<PAGE>



(x) any law or Judgment of any Governmental Agency applicable to Seller, (y) the
Certificate of Limited Partnership or Partnership Agreement, or (z) any
Contract, Lease, Permit or other instrument to which Seller is a party or
subject or by which any of Seller's properties or assets are bound, except in
the cases of clauses (x) and (z) for those conflicts, breaches, defaults,
terminations or accelerations, which individually or in the aggregate, could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or materially impair
the ability of Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement; provided, however, that no representation or warranty is made hereby
by Seller with respect to the effect of antitrust laws or regulations. No
consent, approval or authorization of, or registration or filing with, any
Governmental Agency is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to
Seller in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller
or the performance by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby to be
performed by it except for such of the foregoing (i) as are listed or described
on SCHEDULE 4.2 annexed hereto or (ii) which, if not so obtained or made,
individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

                  SECTION 4.3. AUTHORITY OF SELLER. Seller has full partnership
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, and the execution and
delivery by Seller of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary
partnership action on the part of Seller, and this Agreement constitutes the
legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller enforceable against Seller in
accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, or similar laws from time to time
in effect which affect creditors' rights generally and by legal and equitable
limitations on the enforceability of specific remedies.

                  SECTION 4.4. ACQUIRED ASSETS.

                  (a) There are no properties or assets used, held for use or
         usable by Seller in the Business having an original cost as of the
         Interim Balance Sheet Date in excess of $10,000 which are not set forth
         on the Schedules hereto and, except for contemplated additions or
         deletions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
         practice, the Acquired Assets (i) include all properties and assets
         owned by Seller or any of its Affiliates and used primarily in the
         Business, other than the Excluded Assets, (ii) in the aggregate,
         together with the Excluded Assets, are adequate to conduct the
         operations of the Business in substantially the manner currently
         conducted, (iii) are suitable for the purposes for which they are
         currently used, (iv) have been maintained in accordance with Seller's
         historical practices since December 29, 1996, and (v) are in good
         condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Except as set forth on
         SCHEDULE 4.4(A) annexed hereto, (i) all Business Employees are
         exclusive employees of the Business and do not perform services for
         other businesses of Seller, (ii) the Acquired Assets are not used by
         other businesses of Seller and (iii) the Acquired Assets include any
         and all assets owned or leased by Seller that are located at the
         Business Real Property and Leased Business Real Property, other than
         the Excluded Assets.


                                       21


<PAGE>



                  (b) Seller has good and marketable title to all of the
         Acquired Assets, free and clear of any Lien, except for Permitted
         Liens. Seller is the direct sole and exclusive owner of all of the
         Acquired Assets other than those listed on SCHEDULE 4.4(B) annexed
         hereto as being leased, licensed or otherwise used by the Seller. There
         are no Subsidiaries of Seller which own or have any leasehold interests
         in any of the Acquired Assets. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.4(B)
         annexed hereto, Seller does not use any of the Acquired Assets by the
         consent of any other Person and is not required to make any payments to
         others with respect to the Acquired Assets. To the Knowledge of Seller,
         Seller has the right to use all of the Acquired Assets leased, licensed
         or otherwise used by it. Upon the Closing, Purchaser will hold good and
         marketable title to all of the Acquired Assets owned by Seller, free
         and clear of all Liens (except for any Permitted Liens and Surviving
         Liens) of any nature whatsoever, whether such Liens are now existing or
         perfected or at any time hereafter arise or become perfected pursuant
         to any Law, Contract or otherwise, and Purchaser will have the right to
         use all of the Acquired Assets leased, licensed or otherwise used by
         Seller.

                  (c) The Business is not as of the date hereof, and will not be
         on the Closing Date, subject in any way to the terms and conditions of
         either the SMT License Agreement or the Cramerton Supply Agreement.

                  SECTION 4.5. NO MATERIAL MISSTATEMENTS. None of the
representations or warranties of Seller contained herein and none of the
information contained in the Schedules hereto furnished by Seller is false or
misleading in any material respect or omits to state a material fact necessary
to make the statements herein or therein not misleading in any material respect.

                  SECTION 4.6. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; CLOSING DATE LIABILITY TO
SELLER. SCHEDULE 4.6 annexed hereto contains an accurate, correct and complete
copy of (i) the audited balance sheets of the Business at December 28, 1996 (the
"BALANCE SHEET") and December 31, 1995, and the related statements of
operations, divisional equity and cash flows for the period from December 12,
1996 to December 28, 1996, the period from January 1, 1996 to December 11, 1996,
and the year ended December 31, 1995 and the notes thereto and (ii) the
unaudited balance sheet of the Business at the Interim Balance Sheet Date (the
"INTERIM BALANCE SHEET") and the related unaudited statements of operations and
cash flows of the Business for the period then ended. Promptly after they are
available, Seller shall have delivered to Purchaser and added to SCHEDULE 4.6
annexed hereto an accurate, correct and complete copy of the audited balance
sheets of the Business at January 1, 1995 and June 28, 1994 and the statements
of operations, divisional equity and cash flows for the period from June 29,
1994 to January 1, 1995 and the period from January 3, 1994 to June 28, 1994 and
the notes thereto (the "1994 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS"). The financial statements
referenced in subsections (i) and (ii) and the immediately preceding sentence of
this SECTION 4.6 shall hereinafter be referred to collectively as the "FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS" and the financial statements referenced in subsection (ii) of this
SECTION 4.6 shall hereinafter be referred to collectively as the "INTERIM
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS". The Financial Statements (including the accompanying
notes), as of their respective dates, present, and


                                       22


<PAGE>



will present upon delivery to Purchaser in the case of the 1994 Financial
Statements, fairly the financial condition of the Business as of the dates
stated therein and the results of its operations for periods then ended, and
were prepared, and will be prepared upon delivery to Purchaser in the case of
the 1994 Financial Statements, in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent
basis during the periods indicated (except, in each case, as may be indicated
therein or in the notes thereto), subject, in the case of unaudited financial
statements, to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end adjustments. To
the Knowledge of Seller, the Interim Financial Statements included all
adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a
fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of
operations of the Business. As of the Closing, the Business will have no
Liabilities to any Parent Entity, other than Liabilities (i) as set forth on
SCHEDULE 4.6 annexed hereto which are either reflected in full on the Closing
Date Balance Sheet or are not required under GAAP to be so reflected, and (ii)
as reflected in full in the Closing Date Balance Sheet.

                  SECTION 4.7. UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. As of the Interim
Balance Sheet Date and the Closing Date, the Business has and will have no
material Liabilities, except for Liabilities: (a) reflected or reserved for on
the Interim Balance Sheet or the Closing Date Balance Sheet, as the case may be,
(b) relating to performance obligations, under Leases, Contracts and Permitted
Liens in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof which are not required
by GAAP to be reflected on the Interim Balance Sheet or the Closing Date Balance
Sheet, as the case may be, (c) constituting Taxes, (d) as set forth on SCHEDULE
4.7 annexed hereto, (e) constituting Costs of Remediation, or (f) arising out of
or in connection with any claim by the ultimate retail purchaser of any Products
manufactured, produced, distributed or sold by or on behalf of the Business
resulting from an alleged defect in the design or manufacture of any such
Product or failure to warn with respect to any such Product.

                  SECTION 4.8. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. All accounts receivable of
the Business reflected on the Interim Balance Sheet, and all accounts receivable
of the Business arising subsequent to the Interim Balance Sheet Date, have or
will have arisen in the ordinary course of business of the Business. All items
that are required by GAAP to be reflected as accounts receivable on the Interim
Balance Sheet and on the Closing Date Balance Sheet are or will be so reflected
and any reserve for accounts relating thereto are adequate under GAAP and have
been or will have been established in accordance with GAAP, consistently
applied. Nothing contained in this representation shall be construed as a
guaranty of collectibility of any or all accounts receivable.

                  SECTION 4.9. INVENTORY. The material, supplies and
work-in-process included in the inventory of the Business as set forth on the
Interim Balance Sheet were, and the inventory of the Business at the Closing and
reflected on the Closing Date Balance Sheet will be, as the case may be, (a)
substantially equivalent in quality and quantity, subject to seasonality, to the
materials, supplies and work-in-process, and additions thereto, generally
included in such inventory in the past; (b) suitable for the manufacture and
distribution of the Products in a manner substantially equivalent in quality to
that achieved generally by the Business in the past, and (c) valued in



                                       23


<PAGE>



accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, subject, in each case, to all
reserves reflected in the Interim Balance Sheet with respect to such inventory
existing on the Interim Balance Sheet Date or in the Closing Date Balance Sheet
with respect to inventory existing on the Closing Date. Such reserves on the
Interim Balance Sheet are, and on the Closing Date Balance Sheet will be,
adequate under GAAP and are, in the case of the Interim Balance Sheet, or will
have been, in the case of the Closing Date Balance Sheet, established in
accordance with GAAP, consistently applied.

                  SECTION 4.10. MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT. Other than changes
resulting from (a) general economic conditions, (b) conditions affecting the
automotive textile industry generally, (c) changes in any applicable Law, rule,
regulation, statute or interpretation thereof, or (d) as set forth on SCHEDULE
4.10 annexed hereto, since the Interim Balance Sheet Date except as reflected in
the Interim Financial Statements, there has not been any Material Adverse
Effect, nor have any events occurred nor do any circumstances exist which,
individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a
Material Adverse Effect. Since the Interim Balance Sheet Date, except as set
forth on SCHEDULE 4.10 annexed hereto, there has not occurred any deterioration
in the Business' relationships with Business Employees or with any suppliers or
customers of the Business, and the Business has not lost or been threatened with
the loss of any program in each case which, individually or in the aggregate,
has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  SECTION 4.11. REAL PROPERTY.

                  (a) SCHEDULE 4.11(A) annexed hereto lists all real property
         owned by Seller and used by Seller in its operation of the Business
         (the "BUSINESS REAL PROPERTY"). Seller has good and marketable title in
         fee simple to all of the Business Real Property and the Business Real
         Property is free and clear of any Liens, other than Permitted Liens.

                  (b) SCHEDULE 4.11(B) annexed hereto lists all leases and
         subleases, together with any amendments thereto (the "LEASES") with
         respect to all real property leased or subleased by Seller and used by
         Seller in its operation of the Business (the "LEASED BUSINESS REAL
         PROPERTY").

                  (c) Each of the Leases is in full force and effect. Seller has
         delivered to Purchaser a copy of each Lease, and all amendments
         thereto, listed on SCHEDULE 4.11(B) annexed hereto, except to the
         extent otherwise noted therein. Seller has performed all material
         obligations required to be performed by it to date under each Lease,
         and to the Knowledge of Seller, neither Seller nor any other party
         thereto is in material default under any such Leases.

                  (d) The covenants, easements or rights-of-way affecting the
         Business Real Property or Leased Business Real Property do not, with
         respect to each Business Real Property or Leased Business Real
         Property, materially impair the Seller's ability to use any



                                       24


<PAGE>



         such Business Real Property or Leased Business Real Property in the
         operation of the Business as presently conducted. There are no pending,
         or to Seller's Knowledge, threatened condemnation or similar
         proceedings affecting the Business Real Property. To Seller's Knowledge
         there are no pending or threatened condemnation or similar proceedings
         affecting the Leased Business Real Property. The Seller has access to
         public roads, streets or the like or valid easements over private
         streets, roads or other private property for such ingress to and egress
         from the Business Real Property (and to Seller's Knowledge, the Leased
         Business Real Property), except as would not materially impair the
         Seller's ability to use any such Business Real Property or Leased
         Business Real Property in the operation of the Business as presently
         conducted.

                  (e) Seller has delivered to the Purchaser accurate, correct
         and complete copies of Phase I and Phase II environmental reports in
         Seller's possession or the possession of its agents of all Business
         Real Property purported to be owned by Seller.

                  SECTION 4.12. TANGIBLE PROPERTY.

                  (a) SCHEDULE 4.12(A) annexed hereto lists all Tangible
         Property owned by Seller and used by Seller in its operation of the
         Business with an original cost of $10,000 or more as of March 1997.

                  (b) SCHEDULE 4.12(B) annexed hereto sets forth the name,
         parties and term of all Tangible Property leases: (i) under which
         Seller is the lessee, (ii) under which the annual rent is $10,000 or
         more, and (iii) which leases are not cancelable (without Liability)
         within 90 days. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.12(B) annexed hereto,
         Seller holds good leaseholds in all of the Tangible Property shown or
         required to be shown on SCHEDULE 4.12(B) annexed hereto as leased by
         Seller, in each case under valid and enforceable leases. Seller is not,
         and to Seller's Knowledge no other party to any such Tangible Property
         lease is, in material breach of or default under any lease of any item
         of personal property listed on SCHEDULE 4.12(B) annexed hereto (and no
         event has occurred which, with due notice or lapse of time or both,
         would constitute such a lapse or default).

                  SECTION 4.13. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

                  (a) SCHEDULE 4.13 annexed hereto lists all applications and
         registrations for material Intellectual Property (other than know-how,
         non-customized computer software, and customer lists) of Seller used by
         Seller in its operation of the Business. Except as set forth on
         SCHEDULE 4.13 annexed hereto, Seller either owns or has the right to
         use by license, sublicense, agreement or permission all of the
         Intellectual Property set forth on SCHEDULE 4.13 annexed hereto, and in
         the case of patents and license agreements for the term set forth on
         SCHEDULE 4.13 annexed hereto. Except for Purchaser pursuant to this
         Agreement or as otherwise set forth in SCHEDULE 4.13 annexed hereto,
         Seller has not granted a license, nor reached an understanding with any
         third party, nor entered into a



                                       25


<PAGE>



         written agreement, relating in whole or in part, to any of the
         Intellectual Property, and to Seller's Knowledge since June 28, 1994,
         there has been no assertion thereof by any Person that has not been
         fully withdrawn. Except as noted in SCHEDULE 4.13 annexed hereto,
         Seller has not been charged with, nor to the Knowledge of Seller is it
         threatened to be charged with, the infringement or other violation of
         the intellectual property rights of any other Person.

                  SECTION 4.14.  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.

                  (a) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.14(A) annexed hereto,
         Seller has complied with, has not received any notice of violation of,
         and has no Knowledge of any facts which with or without notice could
         reasonably be expected to constitute a violation of, any Laws or
         Judgments, applicable to the Business, including but not limited to
         Environmental Laws, except for any violation or failure so to comply
         which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be
         expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (b) SCHEDULE 4.14(B) annexed hereto lists each Permit that is
         necessary for the operation of the Business as currently conducted or
         currently proposed to be conducted, the lack of which, individually or
         in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material
         Adverse Effect. All Permits included on SCHEDULE 4.14(B) annexed
         hereto, except as noted therein, are in full force and effect and no
         proceeding is pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened, to
         revoke or limit any such Permit.

                  SECTION 4.15.  AFFILIATE AGREEMENTS; RELATED PARTY
                  TRANSACTIONS.

                  (a) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.15(A) annexed hereto,
         there are no written or oral Contracts relating to the Business between
         Seller and any of its Affiliates or any of their respective officers or
         directors, including, without limitation, any such Contracts relating
         to the provision of any services by Seller to any Affiliate, or by any
         such Affiliate to Seller, in respect of the Business. Other than (x) in
         the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (which in
         the case of transactions with Affiliates will be on an arms' length
         basis) or (y) as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.15(A) annexed hereto, (a)
         since the Interim Balance Sheet Date, there have been, (b) from the
         date hereof to the Closing Date there will be, and (c) after the
         Closing Date there will be, no transactions, agreements or arrangements
         involving the Acquired Assets or otherwise affecting the Business
         between Seller and (i) any of its Affiliates or any of their respective
         officers, directors or management personnel, or (ii) any member of the
         immediate family of any individual described in clause (i) of this
         sentence.

                  (b) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.15(B) annexed hereto,
         none of the General Partner, the Limited Partner or any of their
         respective Affiliates (i) owns, directly or indirectly, in whole or in
         part, any Tangible Property or Intangible Property, the use of which is
         necessary for the conduct of the Business as conducted on the date
         hereof, and



                                       26


<PAGE>



         which if not obtained from such Person could have a Material Adverse
         Effect, or (ii) owes any amount to the Business or, to the Knowledge of
         Seller, has any cause of action or other claim against the Business,
         other than for sales of goods in the ordinary course of business
         consistent with past practice.

                  SECTION 4.16.  ASSUMED CONTRACTS.

                  (a) SCHEDULE 4.16 annexed hereto lists all of the Assumed
         Contracts (other than the Leases or Permitted Liens), which are
         material to the operation of the Business. Except for Leases and
         Permitted Liens or as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.16 annexed hereto, Seller
         is not a party to or bound by any of the following, in connection with
         the Business:

                           (i)    mortgage, indenture, note, or installment
                  obligation, or other instrument for or relating to
                  Indebtedness;

                           (ii)   guaranty of any obligation for borrowings or
                  performance, or guaranty or warranty of products or services,
                  excluding endorsements or guaranties of instruments made in
                  the ordinary course of business in connection with the deposit
                  of items for collection, and express product and statutory
                  warranties;

                           (iii)  agreement or arrangement for the sale or lease
                  of any of the Acquired Assets other than in the usual, regular
                  and ordinary course of business;

                           (iv)   agreement or other arrangement for the
                  purchase of any real estate, machinery, equipment, or other
                  capital assets in excess of $25,000;

                           (v)    Contract pursuant to which it is or may be
                  obligated to make payments, contingent or otherwise, on
                  account of or arising out of prior acquisitions or sales of
                  businesses, assets, or stock of other companies;

                           (vi)   distribution, dealership, representative,
                  broker, sales agency, advertising or consulting Contract
                  excepting any such Contract that is terminable at will, or by
                  giving notice of 30 days or less, without Liability;

                           (vii)  lease or other agreement for the use of
                  Tangible Property with rent in excess of $25,000 per year;

                           (viii) agreement imposing confidentiality,
                  non-competition or exclusive dealing obligations on it;

                           (ix)   Contract for the future purchase of materials,
                  supplies, services, merchandise, or equipment parts in excess
                  of $50,000;



                                       27


<PAGE>



                           (x)    Contract or agreement for the employment of
                  any partner, management personnel, director, officer,
                  consultant or key employee not terminable without penalty or
                  liability arising from such termination or any severance or
                  change-in-control contract or arrangement;

                           (xi)   Contract relating to cleanup, abatement or
                  other actions in connection with environmental Liabilities;

                           (xii)  Contract which terminates, accelerates or
                  creates any Liability as a result of this Agreement or any of
                  the transactions contemplated hereby, except in the ordinary
                  course of business; and

                           (xiii) Contract which involves future payment by or
                  to the Business in excess of $50,000 or is otherwise material
                  to the extent relating to the Business as currently conducted
                  by Seller or provides for a period of performance which
                  extends beyond twelve (12) months from the date hereof.

                  (b) Each Contract listed or required to be listed on SCHEDULE
         4.16 annexed hereto is valid, binding and enforceable against Seller
         and to Seller's Knowledge the other parties thereto in accordance with
         its terms, and is in full force and effect. Seller has performed all
         material obligations required to be performed by it to date under each
         of the Contracts. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.16 annexed hereto,
         neither Seller nor, to Seller's Knowledge, any other party thereto is
         in material breach of or default under any such Contract listed or
         required to be listed on SCHEDULE 4.16 annexed hereto (and no event has
         occurred which, with due notice or lapse of time or both, would
         constitute such a lapse or default). Seller has delivered to Purchaser
         a copy of each Contract or other written evidence of the obligations,
         and all amendments thereto, listed or required to be listed on SCHEDULE
         4.16 annexed hereto, except to the extent otherwise noted thereon.

                  SECTION 4.17. LABOR RELATIONS. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE
4.17 annexed hereto, Seller is not a party to any collective bargaining
agreement covering Business Employees, there are no controversies or unfair
labor practice proceedings pending or, to Seller's Knowledge, threatened between
Seller and any current or former Business Employees or any labor or other
collective bargaining unit representing any current or former Business Employees
that could reasonably be expected to result in a labor strike, dispute,
slow-down or work stoppage or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect. To
Seller's Knowledge, except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.17 annexed hereto, no
organizational effort is presently being made, or to the knowledge of Seller,
threatened by or on behalf of any labor union with respect to the Business.

                  SECTION 4.18. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.

                  (a) SCHEDULE 4.18(A) annexed hereto lists all Employee Benefit
         Plans and all other material employee benefit arrangements or payroll
         practices, including, without



                                       28


<PAGE>



         limitation, any such arrangements or payroll practices providing
         severance pay, sick leave, vacation pay, salary continuation for
         disability, retirement benefits, deferred compensation, bonus pay,
         incentive pay, stock options, hospitalization insurance, medical
         insurance, life insurance, or other insurances, scholarships or tuition
         reimbursements, maintained by Seller or to which Seller or any ERISA
         Affiliate is obligated to contribute for Business Employees or Former
         Business Employees. Each of the employee benefit plans, practices and
         arrangements set forth on SCHEDULE 4.18(A) annexed hereto, shall
         hereafter be referred to as a "PLAN" (or "PLANS" as the context may
         require).

                  (b) Except with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, copies of
         the following documents, with respect to each of the Plans as
         applicable, have been delivered or made available to Purchaser by
         Seller: (i) all Plan and related trust documents and amendments
         thereto; (ii) the most recent IRS Form 5500; (iii) the last IRS
         determination letter; (iv) summary plan descriptions; and (v) the three
         most recent actuarial reports.

                  (c) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.18(C) annexed hereto,
         none of the Plans is a Multiemployer Plan. Neither Seller nor any ERISA
         Affiliate has incurred any Liability resulting from a complete or
         partial withdrawal from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan maintained for
         Business Employees or Former Business Employees, and none of them has
         incurred, or is reasonably likely to incur, any Liability due to the
         termination or reorganization of a Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has
         not been satisfied in full, and to the Knowledge of Seller, no event
         has occurred that would subject Seller or any ERISA Affiliate to any
         such Liability.

                  (d) Neither Seller nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or is
         reasonably likely to incur, any Liability under Section 4062, 4063 or
         4064 of ERISA to the PBGC or to a trustee appointed under Section 4042
         of ERISA with respect to any Single-Employer Plan maintained for
         Business Employees or Former Business Employees, and to the Knowledge
         of Seller, no event has occurred that would subject Seller or any ERISA
         Affiliate to any such Liability. All premiums due the PBGC with respect
         to all Single-Employer Plans maintained by Seller and its ERISA
         Affiliates for Business Employees or Former Business Employees have
         been timely paid. Neither Seller nor any such ERISA Affiliate has
         engaged in any transaction described in Section 4069 of ERISA. Except
         as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.18(D) annexed hereto, there has been no
         "reportable event", within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA, with
         respect to any Single-Employer Plan maintained by Seller or its ERISA
         Affiliates for Business Employees or Former Business Employees which
         would require the giving of notice to the PBGC. No Single-Employer Plan
         maintained by Seller or its ERISA Affiliates for Business Employees or
         Former Business Employees has incurred an accumulated funding
         deficiency within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code.

                  (e) Except with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, each Plan
         complies with, and has been established, operated and administered in
         accordance with its terms and the



                                       29


<PAGE>



         requirements of, ERISA, the Code and other applicable Laws, except for
         any failures to comply that could not, individually or in the
         aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (f) Except with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, there are
         no material pending or, to Seller's Knowledge, threatened claims by, on
         behalf of or, to the Knowledge of Seller, against any Plan (other than
         routine claims for benefits).

                  (g) To Seller's Knowledge, no "prohibited transaction" (as
         defined in Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA) has ever
         occurred which involves the assets of any Plan maintained for Business
         Employees or Former Business Employees and which would subject Seller
         or any ERISA Affiliate to, and neither Seller nor any ERISA Affiliate
         has incurred any, Liability for any tax or penalty imposed by Section
         4975 of the Code or Section 502(i) of ERISA with respect to any such
         Plan.

                  (h) With respect to each Plan that is a Single Employer Plan
         maintained for Business Employees or Former Business Employees, the
         most recent actuarial report prepared by such Plan's actuary, using the
         actuarial methods and assumptions contained in such report, fairly
         presents the fair market value of the assets of each such Plan and the
         present value of the Liabilities in respect of the benefits accrued
         under each such Plan, and since the date of such actuarial report there
         has been no material adverse change in the funded status of any such
         Plan after taking into account the additional accrual of benefits by
         participants since the date of such actuarial report through the
         Closing Date.

                  (i) Each Plan related to the Business which is intended to
         qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code has received an IRS
         determination letter concluding that such Plan so qualifies in form,
         and no amendment has been adopted or action been taken that, to
         Seller's Knowledge, would cause such Plan to lose its qualified status.

                  (j) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.18(J) annexed hereto, or
         as may be required under Section 4980B of the Code, Section 601 of
         ERISA or other applicable foreign, state or local Law, Seller does not
         have any Liability for post-retirement medical or life insurance
         benefits or coverage for any Business Employee or Former Business
         Employee or any dependent of any such Business Employee or Former
         Business Employee. The reserve reflected in the Closing Date Balance
         Sheet will be adequate in accordance with GAAP for the payment or
         provision of all such benefits.

                  (k) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.18(K) annexed hereto,
         the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
         will not result in any increase in the amount of compensation or
         benefits or accelerate the vesting or timing of payment of any
         compensation or benefits payable by Seller to or in respect of any
         Business Employee or Former Business Employee or the beneficiary or
         dependent of any such Business Employee or Former Business Employee
         under any Plan.



                                       30


<PAGE>



                  SECTION 4.19. INSURANCE. SCHEDULE 4.19 annexed hereto lists
all material current and past Insurance policies providing coverage for the
properties or operations or Liabilities of the Business since June 28, 1994, the
type and amount of coverage, and the expiration dates of the policies. Such
policies are valid and enforceable in accordance with their terms, are in full
force and effect and insure against risk and Liabilities to the extent and in
the manner deemed appropriate and sufficient by Seller. As of the date of this
Agreement, no such Insurance policy aggregates, limits or maximums have been
reached or exceeded, and no insurance carrier has been declared insolvent, for
policies providing coverage for the properties, operations or Liabilities of the
Business since June 28, 1994. Seller has not received notice from any Insurance
carrier: (i) threatening a suspension, revocation, modification or cancellation
of any current Insurance policy relating to the Business or a material increase
in any premium in connection therewith, or (ii) informing Seller that any
current coverage listed or required to be listed on SCHEDULE 4.19 annexed hereto
will or may not be available in the future on substantially the same terms as
now in effect.

                  SECTION 4.20. LITIGATION. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.20
annexed hereto, there are no actions, causes of action, claims, suits or
proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against Seller,
the Business or the Acquired Assets, at Law, in equity, in admiralty or
otherwise before or by any Governmental Agency or any other Person, which (i)
seeks to restrain or enjoin the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby or (ii) individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 4.20 annexed
hereto, neither Seller, the Business nor any of the Acquired Assets is subject
to, or in default with respect to, any Judgment, which individually or in the
aggregate has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse
Effect.

                  SECTION 4.21. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 4.21 annexed hereto:

                  (a) the operation of the Business is, and since June 28, 1994
         has been, and to Seller's Knowledge, prior to June 28, 1994 was, in
         compliance with all Environmental Laws except for any noncompliance
         resulting in Damages of less than $5,000 individually or in the
         aggregate;

                  (b) the Business has no Liability, whether contingent or
         otherwise, under any Environmental Law except for any Liability
         resulting in Damages of less than $5,000 individually or in the
         aggregate;

                  (c) no request for information, notice, Governmental Agency
         inquiry, demand letter, notice of violation or alleged violation of,
         non-compliance or alleged non-compliance with or any Liability under,
         any Environmental Law by or relating to the operation of the Business
         has been received by or threatened in writing against Seller or any
         prior owner of the Business since June 28, 1994, or, to Seller's
         Knowledge, before June 28, 1994;



                                       31


<PAGE>



                  (d) Seller has not entered into or been subject to, and is not
         currently a party or respondent to, any administrative, civil or
         criminal Judgments outstanding, or any administrative, civil or
         criminal actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or, to
         Seller's Knowledge, threatened, relating to any Environmental Law
         affecting the Business;

                  (e) Seller has obtained and has in full force and effect, or
         as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.14(B) annexed hereto, has applied for and
         reasonably expects to obtain, all Permits required under any
         Environmental Law for its operation of the Business on the Business
         Real Property or Leased Business Real Property and for any alterations
         or improvements existing at such property at any time since June 28,
         1994;

                  (f) as of the date of this Agreement, no changes in
         Environmental Law proposed, contemplated or under consideration by a
         Governmental Agency will to Seller's Knowledge subject the Business to
         Liability in excess of $5,000 individually or in the aggregate or cause
         a Material Adverse Effect;

                  (g) except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.21 annexed hereto, the
         Business has neither expressly nor by operation of Law, assumed or
         undertaken any Liability, including without limitation any obligation
         for Costs of Remediation of any other Person;

                  (h) Seller has not, and does not have any Knowledge of any
         other Person who has, caused any Release or threatened Release of any
         Hazardous Material on, in, under, or from the Business Real Property or
         Leased Business Real Property nor does Seller have Knowledge of any
         such Release, except for any Release resulting in Damages of less than
         $5,000 individually or in the aggregate;

                  (i) Seller has not received any written or, to Seller's
         Knowledge, other communication indicating or claiming potential
         Liability for response costs, Damages, or remediation with respect to a
         Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material in connection
         with its operation of the Business;

                  (j) the Business is not subject to any cleanup, remediation,
         monitoring or corrective action Liability or requirement under any
         Environmental Law;

                  (k) Seller has not arranged for the disposal of any Hazardous
         Material at, or transported any Hazardous Material to, any site from
         which, to the Seller's Knowledge, there exists a Release or threat of
         Release of any Hazardous Material;

                  (l) no Lien has been or with the passage of time and/or the
         giving of notice could reasonably be expected to be imposed on the
         Business Real Property or, to the Knowledge of Seller, on the Leased
         Business Real Property by any Governmental Agency under any
         Environmental Law or in connection with any Hazardous Material;



                                       32


<PAGE>



                  (m) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.21 annexed hereto, to
         Seller's Knowledge, neither the Business Real Property nor the Leased
         Business Real Property (and any buildings, structures, fixtures or
         materials on such real property) (i) contains or includes any friable
         asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, or any underground storage tanks,
         piping, or sumps (or other underground structures which contain
         Hazardous Material), (ii) is included or proposed for inclusion on the
         National Priorities List or any similar list maintained under any
         Environmental Law, (iii) constitutes a habitat for any species
         designated as threatened or endangered pursuant to the Endangered
         Species Act, or (iv) contains any wetlands subject to regulation under
         the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or any other Environmental Law;
         and

                  (n) to Seller's Knowledge, Seller is not required to give
         notice of or record or deliver to any Governmental Agency an
         environmental disclosure document or statement by virtue of the
         transactions set forth herein and contemplated hereby.

                  SECTION 4.22. TAX MATTERS.

                  (a) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.22 annexed hereto:

                           (i)   Seller has filed (or joined in the filing of),
                  or will file (or join in the filing of), all Tax Returns which
                  relate to the Business or the ownership of the Acquired Assets
                  required to be filed under applicable Law prior to the Closing
                  Date that relate to any material Taxes;

                           (ii)  as of the time of such filing, Seller has paid
                  or will have paid all Taxes shown to be due and payable on
                  such Tax Returns and, as to any such Tax Returns not filed as
                  of the date hereof, will pay all Taxes shown to be due and
                  payable thereon;

                           (iii) Seller has paid, or has made or will make
                  adequate provision for all material Taxes for any periods that
                  end on or before the Closing Date for which no Tax Returns
                  which relate to the Business or the ownership of the Acquired
                  Assets have yet been filed and for any periods that begin
                  before the Closing Date and end after the Closing Date to the
                  extent such Taxes are attributable to the portion of any such
                  period ending at the Closing Date;

                           (iv)  Seller has not given or requested any waivers
                  of any statutes of limitation in respect of any Tax Returns
                  which relate to the Business or the ownership of the Acquired
                  Assets nor has Seller agreed to any extension of time with
                  respect to any Tax assessment or deficiency which relates to
                  the Business or the ownership of the Acquired Assets;



                                       33


<PAGE>



                           (v)    no material claim for assessment or collection
                  of Taxes with respect to the Business or the Acquired Assets
                  has been asserted against Seller and Seller is not a party to
                  (or has been informed that it may become a party to) any
                  pending action, proceeding or investigation by any
                  Governmental Agency for the assessment or collection of any
                  such Taxes;

                           (vi)   Seller is not a party to any agreement,
                  whether written or unwritten, providing for the payment of Tax
                  Liabilities, payment for Tax losses, entitlements to refunds
                  or similar tax matters;

                           (vii)  no Liens have been imposed upon or asserted
                  against any Acquired Assets as a result of or in connection
                  with any failure or alleged failure, to pay any Tax;

                           (viii) no ruling with respect to Taxes relating to
                  the Business or the Acquired Assets (other than a request for
                  determination of the status of a qualified pension plan) has
                  been requested by or on behalf of Seller;

                           (ix)   since June 28, 1994, no claim has been made by
                  a Governmental Agency in a jurisdiction where Seller does not
                  currently file Tax Returns that relate to any Taxes in respect
                  of the Business or the Acquired Assets that it is or may be
                  subject to taxation by that jurisdiction, nor is Seller aware
                  that any such assertion of jurisdiction is threatened; and

                           (x) Seller has not requested any extension of time
                  within which to file any Tax Return that relates to any Taxes
                  in respect of the Business or the Acquired Assets which Tax
                  Return has not been filed.

                  (b) Seller is not a party to any agreement that is or may be
         characterized as a lease under the safe-harbor leasing provisions of
         Section 168(f)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 that would
         result in any Acquired Asset being treated as owned by another Person.
         None of the Acquired Assets is tax exempt use property within the
         meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code or tax-exempt bond financed
         property within the meaning of Section 168(g)(5) of the Code.

                  (c) Seller has withheld and paid all material Taxes which
         relate to the Business or the ownership of the Acquired Assets required
         to be withheld, in connection with any amounts paid or owing to any
         employee, creditor, independent contractor or other third party.

                  (d) For purposes of this SECTION 4.22, references to Seller
         shall also refer to any predecessor companies.



                                       34


<PAGE>



                  (e)  Seller is not a "foreign person" within the meaning of
         Section 1445 of the Code.

                  SECTION 4.23. INTERIM OPERATIONS. Since the Interim Balance
Sheet Date, Seller has operated the Business in the ordinary course, except as
set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1 annexed hereto, consistent with past practices, and
except as set forth in SCHEDULE 4.23 annexed hereto, there has not been, other
than in connection with the Loom Purchase, with respect to the Business (or if
specifically referenced, Seller) any:

                           (i)   incurrence, or agreement to incur or become
                  subject to, any material obligation or Liability, except in
                  the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice
                  or as contemplated by this Agreement;

                           (ii)  mortgage or pledge of any Acquired Assets,
                  tangible or intangible, except for Permitted Liens;

                           (iii) sale or transfer, or agreement to sell or
                  transfer, any Acquired Assets, or cancellation or payment, or
                  agreement to cancel or pay, any debts, Liabilities or claims,
                  except in the ordinary course of business, consistent with
                  past practice;

                           (iv)  extraordinary losses or except in the ordinary
                  course of business consistent with past practice, waiver of
                  any material rights;

                           (v)   increase in the rate of compensation payable to
                  any Business Employee, whose current total annual compensation
                  or estimated annual compensation from the Business is $75,000
                  or more ("SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEE"), over the rate being paid or
                  accrued to them as of the Interim Balance Sheet Date, except
                  in accordance with its prior practices or employment
                  agreements;

                           (vi)  termination of any Contract, agreement,
                  license, or other instrument relating to the Business to which
                  Seller is a party, except in the ordinary course of business
                  consistent with past practice;

                           (vii) accrual or arrangement for or payment of, or
                  agreement to make any accrual or arrangement for or payment
                  of, any bonuses or special compensation of any kind to any
                  management personnel of the Business or Significant Employee,
                  or general increase in the salary or bonus payable or to
                  become payable by Seller to any other salaried employees or
                  hourly employees of the Business (other than (x) pursuant to
                  existing collective bargaining agreements, and (y) increases
                  granted to individual Business Employees for merit, length of
                  service, change in position or responsibility or other reasons
                  applicable to specific Business Employees and not generally to
                  a class or group thereof);



                                       35


<PAGE>



                           (viii) agreement, written or oral, providing for the
                  employment of any senior management personnel of the Business
                  or any severance or termination benefits payable or to become
                  payable by Seller to any senior management personnel of the
                  Business;

                           (ix)   action which would have constituted a breach
                  of any negative covenant of Seller set forth in ARTICLE VI or
                  VII if such negative covenant had applied since December 29,
                  1996;

                           (x)    shortages of materials or supplies or any
                  casualty that individually or in the aggregate has had or
                  could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
                  Effect; or

                           (xi)   agreement or understanding to take any of the
                  actions described above in this SECTION 4.23.

                  SECTION 4.24. BROKERS. All negotiations relative to this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby have been carried on by
Seller without the intervention of any other Person acting on its behalf in such
manner as to give rise to any valid claim by any such Person against Purchaser
for a finder's fee, brokerage commission or other similar payment based on an
arrangement with Seller.

                  SECTION 4.25. PRODUCTS LIABILITY. Except as disclosed in
SCHEDULE 4.25 annexed hereto:

                  (a) there is no notice, demand, claim, action, suit, inquiry,
         hearing, proceeding, notice of violation or investigation of a civil,
         criminal or administrative nature by or before any Governmental Agency
         against or involving any product, substance or material (collectively,
         a "PRODUCT"), or class of claims or lawsuits involving a Product
         manufactured, produced, distributed or sold by or on behalf of the
         Business, which is pending or, to Seller's Knowledge, threatened, on
         behalf of the ultimate retail purchaser of any Product, resulting from
         an alleged defect in design, manufacture, materials or workmanship of
         any Product manufactured, produced, distributed or sold by or on behalf
         of the Business, or any alleged failure to warn, or from any breach of
         express or implied specifications or warranties or representations (a
         "PRODUCT CLAIM"); and

                  (b) there has not been, nor is there under consideration or
         investigation by the Seller, any Product recall, rework, retrofit or
         post-sale warning (collectively, recalls, reworks, retrofits and
         post-sale warnings are referred to in this Agreement as "RECALLS")
         conducted by or on behalf of Seller concerning any Products
         manufactured, produced, distributed or sold by or on behalf of the
         Business, or, to the Knowledge of Seller, any Recall conducted by or on
         behalf of any entity as a result of any alleged defect in any Product
         supplied by the Business. Except as disclosed in SCHEDULE 4.25 annexed
         hereto,



                                       36


<PAGE>



         there is no Product Claim pending or, to Seller's Knowledge threatened,
         on behalf of a customer of the Business or any Governmental Agency
         which individually or in the aggregate has had or could reasonably be
         expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  SECTION 4.26. BOOKS AND RECORDS. Seller has made available to
Purchaser and its directors, officers, attorneys, accountants and
representatives true and correct copies of all agreements, documents and other
items listed on the Schedules to this Agreement and all books and records of
Seller relating primarily to the Business. The books and records of Seller
relating primarily to the Business accurately reflect in reasonable detail the
transactions to which Seller is a party or by which its properties are bound in
accordance with GAAP.

                  SECTION 4.27. DISCLAIMER OF ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES; SCHEDULES.

                  (a) Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the
         Schedules and Exhibits hereto, and any other certificate or instrument
         delivered pursuant to the terms hereof or thereof, Seller makes no
         representation or warranty, including, with respect to the Business or
         its operations, assets, Liabilities, or conditions, including, any
         representation or warranty of merchantability, suitability or fitness
         for a particular purpose, or quality as to the Acquired Assets, or any
         part thereof, or as to the condition or workmanship thereof, or the
         absence of any defects therein, whether latent or patent.

                  (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
         Agreement, any item disclosed on any one Schedule shall be deemed to be
         disclosed on each Schedule, where relevant, provided that a specific
         cross-reference is made in the relevant Schedule or its relevance to
         another Schedule is readily apparent. Disclosure of an item in any
         Schedule shall not be deemed to be an admission that such item is
         material.

                  SECTION 4.28. ACCRUALS. As of the Interim Balance Sheet Date
and the Closing Date, the Business has and will have no material Liabilities
with respect to Plans in the aggregate, except for Liabilities (a) reflected or
reserved for on the Interim Balance Sheet or the Closing Date Balance Sheet, as
the case may be, (b) relating to performance obligations, under Contracts or
Permitted Liens in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof which are
not required by GAAP to be reflected on the Interim Balance Sheet or the Closing
Date Balance Sheet, as the case may be, or (c) constituting Taxes. For the
purposes of this representation, Plans and accruals therefor will be considered
in the aggregate and not on an individual Plan basis.



                                       37


<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE V.

                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

                  Purchaser represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

                  SECTION 5.1. ORGANIZATION; GOOD STANDING; POWER AND
QUALIFICATION. Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Purchaser has full
corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, the
execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by
all necessary corporate action on the part of Purchaser, and this Agreement
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Purchaser enforceable
against Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may
be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws from
time to time in effect which affect creditors' rights generally, and by legal
and equitable limitations on the enforceability of specific remedies. Purchaser
has the requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and to
carry on the business presently being conducted by it.

                  SECTION 5.2. NO CONFLICT OR VIOLATION; CONSENTS. Except as set
forth on SCHEDULE 5.2 annexed hereto, neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Purchaser, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby, nor the fulfillment of the terms and compliance with the provisions
hereof will conflict with or result in a material breach of or a material
default (or in an occurrence which with the lapse of time or action by a third
party, or both, could result in a material default) with respect to any of the
terms, conditions or provisions of any applicable Judgment of any court or of
any Governmental Agency, applicable to Purchaser, or of the Certificate of
Incorporation or By-Laws of Purchaser, or of any indenture, Contract, agreement,
lease, or other instrument to which Purchaser is a party or subject or by which
Purchaser or any of its properties or assets are bound, or of any applicable
Law, to which Purchaser or its businesses is subject, except for those
conflicts, breaches, defaults, terminations, or accelerations, which
individually or in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on Purchaser or materially impair the ability of
Purchaser to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
provided, however, that no representation or warranty is made hereby by
Purchaser with respect to the effect of antitrust Laws or regulations.

                  SECTION 5.3. LITIGATION. There are no actions, causes of
action, claims, suits, proceedings, orders, writs, injunctions or decrees
pending or, to the actual knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, of the executive
officers of Purchaser, threatened against Purchaser at Law, in equity, in
admiralty or otherwise, or before or by any Governmental Agency, which seeks to
restrain or enjoin the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  SECTION 5.4. BROKERS. All negotiations relative to this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby have been carried on by
Purchaser without the intervention of any other Person  acting on its behalf in
such manner as to give rise to any valid claim by any such



                                       38


<PAGE>



Person against Seller for a finder's fee, brokerage commission or other similar
payment based on an arrangement with Purchaser.

                  SECTION 5.5. FINANCIAL CAPACITY. The Highly Confident Letter
is valid and in full force and effect. Assuming the accuracy of the
representations and warranties of Seller herein and compliance by Seller with
the covenants contained herein, Purchaser believes that the financing described
in the Highly Confident Letter will be available prior to Closing and Purchaser
will use reasonable best efforts to obtain such financing.

                  SECTION 5.6. DISCLAIMER OF ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Schedules and
the Exhibits hereto, and any other certificate or instrument delivered pursuant
to the terms hereof or thereof, Purchaser makes no representation or warranty.

                                   ARTICLE VI.

                           CERTAIN COVENANTS OF SELLER

                  Seller covenants with Purchaser that from and after the date
hereof through the Closing Date (except as expressly set forth below or in
SCHEDULE 6.1, or as consented to or approved by Purchaser in writing):

                  SECTION 6.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. Seller shall use its
reasonable best efforts to:

                  (a) not amend its Certificate of Limited Partnership or
         Partnership Agreement or merge with or into or consolidate with any
         other Person, or change or agree to change the character of the
         Business in any manner that would have a Material Adverse Effect other
         than the transactions contemplated herein;

                  (b) operate the Business in the ordinary course in accordance
         with past practices;

                  (c) use commercially reasonable efforts to keep available
         generally the services of the present management personnel of the
         Business and Business Employees (including Significant Employees), and
         preserve generally the present relationships with Persons having
         business dealings with the Business;

                  (d) not make any sale, assignment, transfer, abandonment, or
         other conveyance of any Acquired Assets or any part thereof in each
         case having a book value of $10,000 or more or a fair market value in
         excess of $25,000, except (i) transactions pursuant to Assumed
         Contracts set forth in SCHEDULE 4.16 annexed hereto and (ii)
         dispositions of inventory or of worn-out or obsolete equipment for fair
         or reasonable value in the ordinary course of business consistent with
         past practices;



                                       39


<PAGE>



                  (e) to keep in full force and effect Insurance relating to the
         Business comparable in amount and scope to coverage maintained by it
         (or on behalf of it) on the date hereof; after the Closing, policies
         held by Seller will not be available to cover occurrences (in the case
         of occurrence-based policies) occurring, or claims made (in the case of
         claims-made-based policies) after the Closing Date;

                  (f) not settle, release or forgive any material claim or
         litigation or waive any material right with respect to any Acquired
         Asset or the Business;

                  (g) not make, change or revoke, or permit to be made, changed
         or revoked, without the consent of Purchaser any material election or
         method of accounting with respect to Taxes affecting or relating to the
         Business;

                  (h) not enter into, or permit to be entered into, without the
         consent of Purchaser any closing or other agreement or settlement with
         respect to Taxes affecting or relating to the Business;

                  (i) not enter into any employment Contract with any management
         personnel of the Business or Business Employee (including any
         Significant Employee) or make any loan to, or enter into any material
         transaction of any other nature with, any management personnel of the
         Business or Business Employee (including any Significant Employee);

                  (j) increase or commit to increase the salary or other
         compensation payable or to become payable to any Business Employees, or
         management personnel, agents or independent contractors of the Business
         (except for normal compensation adjustments to salaries or wages to
         non-management personnel, and to management personnel as required by an
         applicable employment agreement);

                  (k) to not acquire, lease or dispose or agree to acquire,
         lease or dispose of any capital Acquired Assets having a book value in
         excess of $5,000 or a fair market value in excess of $25,000 other than
         the Loom Purchase or in the ordinary course of business of the Business
         consistent with past practice and except as described on SCHEDULE 4.16
         annexed hereto; and

                  (l) to inform the Purchaser of (i) any loss or threat of loss
         of any automotive program, (ii) any material development in any
         organizational effort on behalf of any labor union set forth on
         SCHEDULE 4.17 annexed hereto, (iii) changes in Environmental Law
         proposed, contemplated or under consideration by a Governmental Agency
         which will to Seller's Knowledge subject the Business to Liability in
         excess of $5,000 individually or $25,000 in the aggregate or cause a
         Material Adverse Effect, or (iv) any material discussion or development
         of the amendment, termination or renewal of the Loan and Security
         Agreement dated as of June 28, 1994 between JPS Automotive Products
         Corp. and the CIT Group/Equipment Financing, Inc. identified on
         SCHEDULE 4.16 annexed hereto



                                       40


<PAGE>



         and any and all agreements, notes, documents or allonges executed in
         connection therewith; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything
         to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any breach of this SECTION
         6.1(L) shall be deemed to be a breach of a representation and warranty
         and not a breach of covenant.

                  SECTION 6.2. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. Seller shall promptly notify
Purchaser of any claim, action, suit, proceeding, complaint, charge, Tax or
other audit, investigation or arbitration or other formal method of settling
disputes or disagreements relating primarily to the Business by or before any
Governmental Agency, which after the date hereof is commenced or, to the
Knowledge of Seller, threatened against Seller or against the General Partner,
the Limited Partner, or any Business Employee or management personnel,
consultant, agent or other representative of the Business.

                  SECTION 6.3. SOLICITATION. Neither Seller nor any of its
Subsidiaries shall (directly or indirectly) solicit or initiate any discussions
or negotiations with, participate in any negotiations with, or provide any
information to or afford any access to the properties, books and records of
Seller or the Business to, or otherwise cooperate with, or facilitate or
encourage any effort or attempt by any Person concerning any merger, sale of
substantial assets, sale of limited partnership interests or similar transaction
involving the Business. In addition, it shall be a breach of this Agreement by
Seller if the Limited Partner or a Parent Entity takes any action which Seller
is prohibited from taking under this SECTION 6.3.

                  SECTION 6.4. INFORMATION AND ACCESS.

                  (a) Seller shall permit representatives of Purchaser to have
         reasonable access during normal business hours, and in a manner so as
         not to interfere with the normal operations of Seller and its
         Subsidiaries, to all premises, properties, personnel, accountants,
         books, records, contracts and documents of Seller which relate
         primarily to the Business (collectively, "RECORDS"), subject to the
         following exceptions:

                           (i) Purchaser recognizes that certain Records may
                  contain only incidental information relating to the Business
                  or may primarily relate to the Seller or any of its
                  Affiliates, or the businesses of the Seller or any of its
                  Affiliates other than the Business, and Seller and its
                  Affiliates may retain such Records and Seller may deliver
                  appropriately excised, but otherwise true and correct copies
                  of such Records so long as the effect of such excising is not
                  to omit information from the Records necessary for the conduct
                  of the Business;

                           (ii) Seller and each of its Affiliates may retain any
                  Tax Returns so long as true and complete copies of the
                  portions thereof relating to the Business are delivered to
                  Purchaser at or before the Closing or made available to the
                  Purchaser following the Closing; and



                                       41


<PAGE>



                           (iii) Seller and each post-Closing Affiliate may
                  retain Records that contain information that is privileged or
                  similarly protected from disclosure, except for such Records
                  relating to the Acquired Assets or Assumed Liabilities (but
                  only in the event that the disclosure of the information
                  contained in such Records does not damage the privilege of
                  such information) and Records relating to the Excluded
                  Liabilities or Excluded Assets.

         After the Closing, Purchaser will retain all Records (except those
         Records referred to in SECTION 6.4 (A)(I), (II) and (III)) required to
         be retained pursuant to obligations imposed by any applicable Law.
         Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence or in SECTION
         7.6 hereof, Purchaser will retain all Records for a period of seven
         years after the Closing Date. After the end of such seven-year period,
         before disposing of any such Records, Purchaser will give notice to
         such effect to Seller and give Seller at its cost and expense an
         opportunity to remove and retain all or any part of such Records as
         Seller may elect. Purchaser and each of its representatives shall treat
         and hold as confidential information contained in such Records in
         accordance with the terms and provisions of that certain
         Confidentiality Agreement, entered into as of March 14, 1997, between
         Purchaser and Seller (the "CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT"), which
         Confidentiality Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until
         the Closing Date, whereupon such Confidentiality Agreement will
         terminate without further action.

                  (b) Purchaser shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless
         Seller, the lessors under the Leases and their respective Affiliates
         from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, losses,
         damages, Liabilities, cost and expenses (including, without limitation,
         attorneys' fees and disbursements), suffered or incurred by such
         Persons in connection with (i) Purchaser's and/or Purchaser's
         representatives' entry upon the Business Real Property or Leased
         Business Real Property, or (ii) any and all other activities undertaken
         by Purchaser or Purchaser's representatives with respect to the
         Business Real Property or Leased Business Real Property pursuant to
         this SECTION 6.4.

                  SECTION 6.5. CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS. At the Closing,
Seller will take all such commercially reasonable actions as may be required to
assign to Purchaser the benefits with respect to the Business of all
confidentiality agreements relating to the possible sale of the Business by
Seller.

                  SECTION 6.6. CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL COVENANTS. Upon reasonable
request, Seller shall promptly respond to Purchaser's requests for information,
and make available to Purchaser copies of all documents, records and
correspondence in their possession or control (or available to Seller, if
unavailable to Purchaser) relating to the compliance by Seller with
Environmental Laws or to the Release or threat of Release of Hazardous Materials
in connection with the ownership of the Acquired Assets or operation of the
Business by the Seller, whether generated by Seller or others, including,
without limitation, environmental audits, environmental risk assessments, or
site assessments of the Business Real Property or Leased Business Real



                                       42


<PAGE>



Property, documentation regarding off-site or on-site disposal of Hazardous
Materials, spill control plans, and environmental agency reports and
correspondence. Prior to the Closing Date, Purchaser shall have the right to
inspect and investigate the Leased Business Real Property and Business Real
Property. The scope of the investigation shall not include any sampling,
monitoring, testing, soil borings, well or wellpoint installation, or any other
physical testing of the indoor or outdoor environment unless agreed to in
writing by Seller at Seller's sole discretion; provided, however, Purchaser
shall be permitted to sample existing groundwater wells at the Leased Business
Real Property and the Business Real Property.

                  SECTION 6.7. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM. For a period
beginning on the Closing Date and ending 12 months from the date thereof, Seller
shall make available to Purchaser at no cost to Purchaser, the Management
Information System (MIS) services for the Business comparable to that which was
previously provided to the Business by Seller.

                  SECTION 6.8. ACCOUNTING; HUMAN RESOURCES; CREDIT COLLECTION.
For a period beginning on the Closing Date and ending 120 days from the date
thereof, Seller shall provide to Purchaser, at no cost to Purchaser, accounting,
cash management and credit collections personnel support comparable to that
which was previously provided to the Business by Seller. When requested by the
Purchaser, and if the Seller has the ability to do so without (i) unreasonably
disrupting or interfering with its or its Affiliates' requirements or services,
(ii) hiring additional personnel or (iii) retaining personnel that it would not
otherwise retain, for the period up to December 15, 1997, the Seller will
provide consulting human resources services relating to the Seller's employee
benefit plans and responding to questions regarding the transition of
Transferred Business Employees out of those plans. For any such services that
Seller is not otherwise required to provide under applicable law, the Purchaser
will reimburse the Seller based on the hours involved at the hourly compensation
rate for the individuals providing such services plus out-of-pocket expenses.
The hourly rate for Bob Cauble is $59.37 per hour and for Wanda Ball is $31.59
per hour. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, neither
Seller nor any of its Affiliates nor any of their respective officers,
directors, employees, representatives or agents shall be liable to the Purchaser
or any of its Affiliates for any losses or damages suffered in respect of any
services or advice provided pursuant to this SECTION 6.6, other than for losses
or damages resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Seller
as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Purchaser shall
indemnify and hold the Seller and its Affiliates and their respective officers,
directors, employees, representatives and agents harmless from and against any
loss, Liability, damage or expense (including reasonable legal fees and
expenses) suffered or incurred by or to which such persons may become subject as
a result of or arising from any service (other than for services which Seller is
required to provide under applicable law) or advice provided pursuant to this
SECTION 6.6, other than for any loss, Liability, damage or expense resulting
from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Seller as finally determined
by a court of competent jurisdiction.

                  SECTION 6.9. TAYLORS FACILITY. For a period beginning on the
Closing Date and ending six months from the date thereof, Seller shall rent to
Purchaser the warehouse space at



                                       43


<PAGE>



Seller's Taylors facility at a cost of $11,100 per month, which is consistent
with historical rental allocations to the Business for such space.

                                  ARTICLE VII.

                                CERTAIN COVENANTS

                  SECTION 7.1. HART-SCOTT-RODINO AND OTHER FILINGS.

                  (a) As promptly as practicable, and in any event within
         fifteen Business Days following the execution and delivery of this
         Agreement by the parties, Seller and Purchaser shall each prepare and
         file, or shall cause its "ultimate parent" (as defined in the HSR Act)
         to prepare and file, any required notification and report form under
         the HSR Act, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby,
         the filing fees for which shall be borne by Purchaser. Seller and
         Purchaser shall, or shall cause their ultimate parents to, request
         early termination of the waiting period thereunder.

                  (b) Seller and Purchaser shall, or shall cause their ultimate
         parents to, respond with reasonable diligence to any request for
         additional information made in response to such filings.

                  (c) As promptly as practicable, Seller and Purchaser shall
         prepare and file any other application, report, or other filing
         required to be submitted to any other Governmental Agency in connection
         with the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  SECTION 7.2. CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO CONSENTS. Seller
shall use commercially reasonable efforts prior to and after the Closing Date to
obtain all Consents that are required in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. Seller shall not obtain any Consent that will be
to the economic detriment of the Business, including any modification of any
Assumed Contract, Lease or Permit. Purchaser shall cooperate as reasonably
necessary or desirable to secure the third party Consents, including, without
limitation, providing to such third party information, including financial
information, provided, however, that neither Purchaser nor Seller will be
required to incur any Liability or obligation in connection therewith, other
than for the underlying matter for which such Consent was obtained as in effect
immediately prior to such Consent.

                  SECTION 7.3. NONDISCLOSURE; NONCOMPETITION.

                  (a) From and after the Closing Date, Seller shall not use,
         divulge, furnish or make accessible to anyone any proprietary, material
         non-public, confidential or secret information to the extent relating
         to the Business (including, without limitation, customer lists,
         supplier lists and pricing and marketing arrangements with customers or
         suppliers),



                                       44


<PAGE>



         and Seller shall cooperate reasonably with Purchaser in preserving such
         proprietary, confidential or secret aspects of the Business.

                  (b) For a period of four years after the Closing Date, Seller
         will not, and will cause Collins & Aikman Corporation and each of its
         wholly-owned Subsidiaries not to, directly or indirectly, through any
         division, Subsidiary or otherwise, alone or in association with any
         other Person in any form or manner, (i) engage in any business activity
         which competes with the Business as currently conducted by Seller as of
         the Closing or (ii) own stock or otherwise have an equity interest in
         or be affiliated with any Person or entity engaged in any Business
         activity which is competitive with the Business (except as a
         stockholder holding less than 5% of the stock of a publicly held
         corporation); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to
         any of the following: (x) in the event of an acquisition by Seller or
         Collins & Aikman Corporation or any of their respective wholly-owned
         Subsidiaries of an entity 35% or less of the assets or revenues of
         which are attributable to a business activity which competes with the
         Business so long as the competitive business which is a part of such
         entity has less then 10% of the market share of the North America air
         restraint fabric business, (y) in the event of an acquisition by Seller
         or Collins & Aikman Corporation or any of their respective wholly-owned
         Subsidiaries which exceeds the limitations of subsection (x) of this
         SECTION 7.3(B), provided that Seller or Collins & Aikman Corporation or
         any of their respective wholly-owned Subsidiaries, as the case may be,
         subsequently sells such portion of the acquired entity attributable to
         the competing business which exceeds the limitations of subsection (x)
         of this SECTION 7.3(B) within two years from the date of acquisition
         thereof and notifies Purchaser of such acquisition and intent to sell
         promptly following the closing of the acquisition and allows Purchaser
         to participate in any bidding process established for such sale, it
         being understood that Seller or Collins & Aikman Corporation or any of
         their respective Affiliates may otherwise conduct the bidding process
         in any manner it sees fit; or (z) to any Person who is or may be an
         Affiliate of Seller (other than Collins & Aikman Corporation and its
         direct and indirect Subsidiaries), including without limitation, The
         Blackstone Group, Wasserstein Perella & Co., Inc. and their respective
         Affiliates (other than Collins & Aikman Corporation and its direct and
         indirect Subsidiaries). Seller will not, for a period of two years from
         the Closing Date, solicit for hire any Business Employees (including
         Significant Employees) without the prior written consent of Purchaser.
         Seller agrees that a violation of this SECTION 7.3 will cause
         irreparable injury to Purchaser, and Purchaser will be entitled, in
         addition to any other rights and remedies it may have at Law or in
         equity, to an injunction enjoining and restraining Seller from doing or
         continuing to do any such violation and any other violations or
         threatened violations of SECTION 7.3.

                  (c) Seller acknowledges and agrees that the covenants set
         forth in this SECTION 7.3 are reasonable and valid in scope and in all
         other respects. If any of such covenants is found to be invalid or
         unenforceable by a final determination of a court of competent
         jurisdiction (i) the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be
         unimpaired and (ii) the



                                       45


<PAGE>



         invalid or unenforceable term or provision shall be deemed replaced by
         a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes
         closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable
         term or provision. In the event that, notwithstanding the first
         sentence of this SECTION 7.3(C), any of the provisions of this SECTION
         7.3 relating to scope of the covenants contained therein or the nature
         of the business restricted thereby shall be declared by a court of
         competent jurisdiction to exceed the maximum restrictiveness such court
         deems enforceable, such provision shall be deemed to be replaced herein
         by the maximum restriction deemed enforceable by such court.

                  SECTION 7.4. EFFORTS. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of this Agreement, each of the parties hereto shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action, and to do, or
cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable consistent with
applicable law to consummate and make effective in the most expeditious manner
practicable the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that
nothing in this covenant or any other provision of this Agreement will require
Purchaser to agree to any divestiture, hold-separate or other similar agreement
or requirement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Purchaser will
(i) use reasonable efforts to satisfy the conditions to the availability of
financing referred to in SECTION 9.11 hereof and (ii) promptly notify Seller if
Purchaser is given notice or Purchaser otherwise determines that the financing
contemplated by the Highly Confident Letter will not be available.

                  SECTION 7.5. COLLECTIONS. On and after the Closing Date,
Purchaser shall have the sole right and authority to collect, for its own
account and sole benefit, all monies payable in respect of the Business, no
matter how or when earned, except for any monies relating to or arising from any
Excluded Liability or Excluded Asset. If Seller shall receive any such monies,
Seller shall hold all such monies in trust for the sole benefit of Purchaser.
Within five business days after receipt thereof, Seller shall cause the transfer
and delivery to Purchaser of any such monies or other property which it may
receive after the Closing Date in respect of the Business. Seller authorizes the
Purchaser to endorse in Seller's name all notes, checks, drafts, money orders or
other instruments of payment in respect of the foregoing which may come into the
possession of Purchaser. This right shall become irrevocable upon Closing.

                  SECTION 7.6. ONGOING TAX COOPERATION. If the Closing occurs,
Seller and Purchaser shall cooperate fully with each other and make available or
cause to be made available to each other in a timely fashion such Tax data,
prior Tax Returns and filings and other information as may be reasonably
required for the preparation by Purchaser or Seller of any Tax Returns,
elections, Consents or certificates required to be prepared and filed by
Purchaser or Seller that relate to the Business and any audit or other
examination by any taxing authority, or judicial or administrative proceeding
relating to Liability for Taxes. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, each of Purchaser and Seller shall retain copies of all Tax Returns,
supporting work schedules and other records relating to tax periods or portions
thereof ending prior to or including the Closing Date in any such case that
relate to the Business until the later of (i) the expiration of the statute of
limitations for the taxable periods to which such Tax Returns



                                       46


<PAGE>



and other documents relate, without regard to extensions except for extensions
executed by that party or its Affiliates or extensions of which such party has
received written notice from another party, or (ii) six years following the due
date (without extensions) for such Tax Returns; provided, however, that no party
will dispose of its copies without first notifying the other parties and
providing such other parties with a reasonable period of time to assume
possession of such copies. In addition, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, each party shall make its personnel and those of its Affiliates
reasonably available for deposition and testimony in any Tax controversy or
proceeding that relates to the Business. Purchaser shall provide Seller with any
necessary payroll records relating to the Business attributable to the period
prior to the Closing Date. Purchaser shall cooperate with Seller to the extent
reasonably necessary for Sellers' preparation of their financial statements and
Tax Returns that relate to the Business and in the sharing of financial and
accounting information with respect thereto or with respect to any audit,
examination, or other proceeding with respect thereto. Any information or
documentation provided pursuant to this SECTION 7.6 shall not be disclosed by
the recipient thereof to any Person except its accountants and relevant Tax
authorities or as required by applicable Law (in which case the disclosing party
shall consult in good faith with the other party prior to making any such
disclosure).

                  SECTION 7.7. CLEARANCE CERTIFICATES. To the extent required by
law to relieve Purchaser of any secondary Liability for unpaid sales or similar
Taxes of Seller attributable to periods prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall,
following execution of this Agreement, use reasonable efforts to obtain
clearance certificates or similar documents from any state Tax authority.

                  SECTION 7.8. CERTAIN TAX MATTERS.

                  (a) Purchaser and Seller shall each bear and pay one-half of
         all sales, use, transfer, stamp, conveyance, value added or other
         similar Taxes, duties, excise or governmental charges imposed by any
         United States federal, state or local Governmental Agency, and all
         recording or filing fees, notarial fees and other similar costs of
         Closing with respect to the transfer of the Acquired Assets or
         otherwise on account of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
         hereby (collectively, the "TRANSFER TAXES"). Each of Seller and
         Purchaser, as appropriate, shall in a timely manner sign and swear to
         any return, certificate, questionnaire or affidavit as to matters
         within its Knowledge required in connection with the payment of any
         Transfer Tax.

                  (b) Purchaser will prepare and file or cause to be prepared
         and filed all Tax Returns with respect to the Acquired Assets and the
         Business required to be filed with the appropriate Governmental Agency
         for all taxable periods beginning after the Closing Date. Purchaser
         will make all payments required with respect to any such Tax Returns.

                  (c) Seller or an Affiliate of Seller will prepare and file or
         cause to be prepared and filed all Tax Returns for the Seller that are
         required to be filed with respect to the



                                       47


<PAGE>



         Acquired Assets and the Business, other than Tax Returns that Purchaser
         is obligated to prepare and file pursuant to SECTION 7.8(B), with the
         appropriate Governmental Agency. Seller will pay or cause to be paid
         all Taxes required to be paid with respect to such Tax Returns. The
         amount of any Income Taxes attributable to a portion of a taxable
         period that includes but does not end on the Closing Date shall be
         determined pursuant to the interim closing of books method.

                  (d) From the date hereof through the Closing Date, Seller and
         Purchaser will consult with one another with a view to determining a
         mutually acceptable allocation of the Purchase Price among the Acquired
         Assets. If such a mutually acceptable allocation is agreed upon, Seller
         and Purchaser will jointly prepare Form 8594 pursuant to Section 1060
         of the Code and Seller and Purchaser will file all of their respective
         Tax Returns consistent with such allocation. If such a mutually
         acceptable allocation is not agreed upon, each of Seller and Purchaser
         will be free independently to determine an appropriate allocation of
         the aggregate Purchase Price among the Acquired Assets for purposes of
         preparing and filing its own Tax Returns.

                  (e) Purchaser will prepare and deliver, or will cause to be
         prepared and delivered, within 60 calendar days of receipt of Seller's
         request therefor, to Seller, Seller's standard federal and state Tax
         Return data gathering packages relating to the Business. Such packages
         will be prepared on a basis consistent with the prior year's Tax
         Returns. In addition to providing such packages to Seller, Purchaser
         will promptly provide or cause to be provided to Seller such other
         information as Seller may reasonably request in order for the
         operations of the Business to be properly reported in Seller's Tax
         Returns.

                  SECTION 7.9. W-2 MATTERS. Pursuant to the alternate procedure
described by Revenue Procedure 96-60, Purchaser will assume Seller's entire
obligation to furnish Forms W-2 for the year ending December 31, 1997 to
Transferred Business Employees. Seller will provide Purchaser the information
not available to Purchaser and relating to periods ending on the Closing Date
necessary for Purchaser to prepare and distribute Forms W-2 to Transferred
Business Employees for the year ending December 31, 1997, which Forms W-2 will
include all remuneration earned by Transferred Business Employees from Seller
and Purchaser during the year ending December 31, 1997, and Purchaser will
prepare and distribute such Forms. The information provided by Seller pursuant
to this SECTION ON 7.9 shall be true, correct and complete, and Seller shall
hold Purchaser harmless and indemnify Purchaser for any penalty or other charge
or loss incurred by Purchaser as a result of Seller providing inaccurate or
incomplete information hereunder.

                  SECTION 7.10. ONGOING INSURANCE COOPERATION.

                  (a) If the Closing occurs, Seller and Purchaser shall
         cooperate fully with each other and make available or cause to be made
         available to each other in a timely fashion such information and
         documentation as may be reasonably required for the processing of



                                       48


<PAGE>



         Insurance claims and the determining of or obtaining of Insurance
         coverage. Seller and Purchaser will use reasonable efforts to cooperate
         (i) to transfer to Purchaser any Insurance and administrative services
         contracts that relate to the Business, are separately transferable and
         that Purchaser wishes to continue as set forth on SCHEDULE 7.10 annexed
         hereto and (ii) to cause any Insurance carrier or third party
         administrator administering workers' compensation or other Insurance
         programs or Liabilities assumed by Purchaser to deal directly with
         Purchaser.

                  (b) With respect to any loss, Liability or damage relating to,
         resulting from or arising out of Seller's ownership or conduct of the
         Business on or prior to the Closing Date for which Seller would be
         entitled to assert, or cause any other Person or entity to assert, a
         claim for recovery under any policy of Insurance maintained by or for
         the benefit of Seller in respect of the Business, at the request of
         Purchaser, Seller will use its reasonable best efforts to assert, or to
         assist Purchaser to assert, one or more claims under such Insurance
         covering such loss, Liability or damage if Purchaser, is not itself
         entitled to assert such claim but Seller is so entitled and Seller will
         promptly pay to Purchaser any amounts recovered in respect of any such
         claim, provided that all of Seller's out-of-pocket costs and expenses
         incurred in connection with the foregoing, including without limitation
         any cost in asserting or assisting in asserting any claim, or any
         deductible, self-insurance retention, retrospective premium or other
         like arrangement by which Seller retains any Liability under any such
         policy of Insurance, are promptly reimbursed by Purchaser. Seller will
         be deemed, solely for the purpose of asserting claims for Insurance
         pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, to have retained
         Liability for such loss, Liability or damage to the extent of the
         policy limits of the applicable Insurance. Nothing in this SECTION 7.10
         will change or alter the provisions of ARTICLE XIII.

                  (c) Until the Closing Date, if any current Insurance policy
         covering the Business or the Acquired Assets is cancelled or expires,
         Seller will use its reasonable best efforts to have such current
         Insurance policy renewed or extended or to replace such policy with one
         or more policies providing substantially the same type and amount of
         coverage prior to such cancellation or expiration, provided that any
         such renewal, extension or replacement is on reasonable terms.

                  SECTION 7.11. BULK TRANSFER LAWS. Purchaser hereby waives
compliance by Seller with the provisions of any so-called "bulk transfer" Law of
any jurisdiction in connection with the sale of the Acquired Assets to
Purchaser.

                  SECTION 7.12. ENHANCED SEVERANCE ISSUES. Purchaser hereby
covenants and agrees to provide written notice to Seller on the earlier of
fourteen days prior to the Closing Date or August 15, 1997 of any decision by
Purchaser not to retain the services of the Business Employees listed on
SCHEDULE 7.12 annexed hereto following the Closing. If Purchaser fails to
provide Seller with such notice pursuant to the preceding sentence, Purchaser
shall be liable for all severance payable to the Business Employees listed on
SCHEDULE 7.12 annexed hereto and shall



                                       49


<PAGE>



indemnify and hold harmless Seller therefrom. The foregoing shall not obligate
Purchaser to continue the employment relationship with such persons for any
specific period of time.

                  SECTION 7.13. NOTICE. Purchaser hereby covenants and agrees to
provide prompt written notice to Seller in the event that Purchaser reasonably
believes that the representations and warranties of Purchaser set forth in
SECTION 5.5 hereof are no longer accurate.

                  SECTION 7.14. POLICY. Purchaser will notify Seller, within two
weeks of the date hereof, if a policy reasonably comparable (in material terms
and cost) to the policy currently maintained by the Seller with Aetna Life and
Casualty Insurance Company, with respect to Seller's Employee Retiree Life Plan,
is not available to the Business on a standalone basis (without taking into
account any changes to the Business or to benefit plans to be made by
Purchaser). If Purchaser and Seller reasonably agree that such comparable policy
is not available, a closing adjustment will be made to the Purchase Price in
favor of Purchaser, to take into account any increased accrual for such Plan
which is made necessary by reason of such unavailability.

                                  ARTICLE VIII.

                       CONDITIONS TO SELLER'S OBLIGATIONS

                  The obligation of Seller to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction (unless waived in
writing by Seller) of each of the following conditions on or prior to the
Closing Date:

                  SECTION 8.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The
representations and warranties of Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall be
true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof, and shall also
be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date, as
though such representations and warranties were made anew on and as of the
Closing Date. Purchaser shall have delivered to Seller a certificate of its
President or a Vice President, dated the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect.

                  SECTION 8.2. COMPLIANCE WITH AGREEMENT. Purchaser shall have
performed and complied in all material respects with the covenants to be
performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date. Purchaser
shall have delivered to Seller a certificate of its President or a Vice
President, dated the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect.

                  SECTION 8.3. NO ADVERSE PROCEEDING. As of the Closing Date,
there shall not have been instituted or be pending any suit, action or other
proceeding by any Governmental Agency in which it is sought to restrain or
prohibit or question the validity or legality of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, nor shall any such suit, action or proceeding under any
applicable antitrust Law, rule or regulation be threatened by any Governmental
Agency.



                                       50


<PAGE>



                  SECTION 8.4. HART-SCOTT-RODINO. All applicable waiting periods
(and any extensions thereof) under the HSR Act shall have expired or otherwise
been terminated.

                  SECTION 8.5. CORPORATE DOCUMENTS. Seller shall have received
from Purchaser certified copies of the resolutions duly adopted by the board of
directors of Purchaser approving the execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and such
resolutions shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing Date.

                  SECTION 8.6. BILL OF SALE. The Purchaser shall have executed
and delivered the Bill of  Sale to Seller.

                  SECTION 8.7. PURCHASE PRICE. The Purchaser shall have paid to
the Seller the Purchase Price in accordance with SECTION 2.4.

                  SECTION 8.8. OPINION OF THE PURCHASER'S COUNSEL. The Seller
shall have received the opinion, dated the Closing Date, of the Purchaser's
Counsel, substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit B ("Purchaser's
Opinion of Counsel").

                  SECTION 8.9. C&A CREDIT AGREEMENTS CONSENT. The C&A Credit
Agreements shall have been amended or effectively waived to permit the
consummation of the transactions contemplated herein; provided that it shall be
a breach of this Agreement by Seller if any of its Affiliates who are parties to
such agreements fail to use their reasonable best efforts to have such
agreements amended or waived.

                                   ARTICLE IX.

                      CONDITIONS TO PURCHASER'S OBLIGATIONS

                  The obligation of Purchaser to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction (unless waived in
writing by Purchaser) of each of the following conditions on or prior to the
Closing Date:

                  SECTION 9.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The
representations and warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement shall be
true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof, and shall also
be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date, as
though such representations and warranties were made anew on and as of the
Closing Date, except for representations and warranties made as of a specified
date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
specified date. Seller shall have delivered to Purchaser a certificate of the
President or a Vice President of the General Partner dated the Closing Date, to
the foregoing effect.

                  SECTION 9.2. COMPLIANCE WITH AGREEMENT. Seller shall have
performed and complied in all material respects with the covenants to be
performed or complied with by it on or



                                       51


<PAGE>



prior to the Closing Date. Seller shall have delivered to Purchaser a
certificate of the President or a Vice President of the General Partner, dated
the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect.

                  SECTION 9.3. NO ADVERSE PROCEEDING. As of the Closing Date,
there shall not have been instituted or be pending any suit, action or other
proceeding by any Governmental Agency in which it is sought to restrain,
prohibit or question the validity or legality of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, nor shall any such suit, action or proceeding under any
applicable antitrust Law, rule or regulation be threatened by any Governmental
Agency.

                  SECTION 9.4. HART-SCOTT-RODINO. All applicable waiting periods
(and any extensions thereof) under the HSR Act shall have expired or otherwise
been terminated.

                  SECTION 9.5. CONSENTS. All consents, approvals,
authorizations, registrations or filings necessary for the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the execution and delivery of
this Agreement by Seller which are listed on SCHEDULE 4.2 annexed hereto shall
have been obtained.

                  SECTION 9.6. CORPORATE DOCUMENTS. Purchaser shall have
received from Seller certified copies of the resolutions duly adopted by the
board of directors of the General Partner approving the execution and delivery
of this Agreement by Seller and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, and such resolutions shall be in full force and effect as
of the Closing Date.

                  SECTION 9.7. FIRPTA. Seller shall have delivered an affidavit,
dated the Closing Date, pursuant to Section 1445 of the Code (Foreign Investment
in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 affidavit) in substantially the form of Exhibit
C (the "FIRPTA AFFIDAVIT").

                  SECTION 9.8. MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT. Since the date hereof,
there shall not have occurred (i) a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) any event
which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  SECTION 9.9. BILL OF SALE. Seller shall have executed and
delivered the Bill of Sale to Purchaser.

                  SECTION 9.10. OPINION OF THE SELLER'S COUNSEL. Purchaser shall
have received the opinion, dated the Closing Date, of Seller's Counsel
substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit D ("SELLER'S OPINION OF
COUNSEL").

                  SECTION 9.11. FINANCING. The financing contemplated by the
highly confident letter of BT Securities Corporation, dated June 9, 1997 (the
"HIGHLY CONFIDENT LETTER") (a copy of which has been previously delivered by
Purchaser to Seller), shall be available to Purchaser on terms not materially
less favorable than those contemplated thereby or alternative financing shall be
available from another source, including a source identified by Seller, on terms



                                       52


<PAGE>



that in the aggregate, are not materially less favorable to Purchaser than the
terms set forth in the Highly Confident Letter.

                  SECTION 9.12. LOOM PURCHASE. Seller shall have consummated the
Loom Purchase.

                  SECTION 9.13. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Seller shall have caused
JPS Automotive Products Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seller ("JPS
PRODUCTS"), to transfer to Purchaser all of its right, title and interest in all
applications and registrations for Intellectual Property listed on SCHEDULE 4.13
annexed hereto that is owned by JPS Products.

                  SECTION 9.14. LIMITED PARTNER GUARANTEE. Collins & Aikman
Products Co., the limited partner of Seller (the "LIMITED PARTNER"), shall have
executed the Guarantee substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit E
(the "GUARANTEE").

                  SECTION 9.15. Intentionally left blank.

                  SECTION 9.16. 1994 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Seller shall have
delivered to Purchaser the 1994 Financial Statements.

                  SECTION 9.17. SC SELLER'S AFFIDAVIT. Seller shall have
delivered an affidavit, dated the Closing Date, pursuant to South Carolina Code
Section 12-8-580 et. seq. substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit F
(the "SC SELLER'S AFFIDAVIT").

                  SECTION 9.18. KEYBANK CONSENT. Purchaser shall have obtained
the consent of KeyBank National Association ("KeyBank") under the Credit
Agreement, dated as of May 21, 1997, among Purchaser, Phoenix Airbag GmbH and
Automotive Safety Components International Limited, as borrowers, KeyBank, as
administrative agent, and the lending institutions named therein. Purchaser
agrees to use reasonable best efforts to obtain such consent.

                                   ARTICLE X.

                              DELIVERIES AT CLOSING

                  SECTION 10.1. DELIVERIES BY SELLER AT THE CLOSING. At the
Closing, Seller shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Purchaser, the
following items:

                  (a) The duly executed officer's certificates and certified
         resolutions referred to in SECTIONS 9.1, 9.2 and 9.6;

                  (b) The Consents listed on SCHEDULE 4.2 annexed hereto;

                  (c) Sellers' Opinion of Counsel;



                                       53


<PAGE>



                  (d) The Bill of Sale;

                  (e) Certificates issued by appropriate Governmental
         Authorities evidencing, as of a recent date, the good standing and tax
         status of the Seller in its jurisdiction of formation;

                  (f) A copy of the Certificate of Limited Partnership and the
         Partnership Agreement, certified by the President or a Vice President
         of the General Partner;

                  (g) Except to the extent physically located at the Business
         Real Property, the books and records necessary to operate the Business;

                  (h) All other previously undelivered documents that Seller is
         required to deliver to Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement;

                  (i) Duly executed and acknowledged transfer Tax and other
         required Tax forms reasonably required by Purchaser to consummate the
         transactions contemplated hereby, all in the form required by
         applicable Law;

                  (j) Duly executed warranty deed conveying the Business Real
         Property to Purchaser in form substantially similar to the deeds
         described on SCHEDULE 4.11(A) annexed hereto.

                  (k) Duly executed instrument of transfer conveying to
         Purchaser or a wholly-owned Subsidiary thereof all of the right, title
         and interest of JPS Products in all applications and registrations for
         Intellectual Property listed on SCHEDULE 4.13 annexed hereto that is
         owned by JPS Products;

                  (l) The Guarantee duly executed by the Limited Partner;

                  (m) The FIRPTA Affidavit; and

                  (n) The SC Seller's Affidavit.

                  SECTION 10.2. DELIVERIES BY PURCHASER AT THE CLOSING. At the
Closing, Purchaser shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Seller, the
following items:

                  (a) The duly executed officer's certificates referred to in
         SECTIONS 8.1, 8.2, and 8.5;

                  (b) The Consents listed on SCHEDULE 5.2 annexed hereto;

                  (c) Purchaser's Opinion of Counsel;



                                       54


<PAGE>



                  (d) The Bill of Sale;

                  (e) The Purchase Price in accordance with SECTION 2.4;

                  (f) A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of
         the Purchaser, certified by the President or a Vice President of the
         Purchaser; and

                  (g) All other previously undelivered documents that Purchaser
         is required to deliver to Seller pursuant to this Agreement; and

                                   ARTICLE XI.

                                   TERMINATION

                  SECTION 11.1. TERMINATION. Anything in this Agreement to the
contrary notwithstanding, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby may be terminated in any of the following ways at any time before the
Closing and in no other manner:

                  (a) By mutual written consent of Purchaser and Seller; or

                  (b) After September 15, 1997 (such date to be extended by one
         day for each day after July 14, 1997 that the 1994 Financial Statements
         are not delivered) by Purchaser or Seller (if such terminating party is
         not then in default of any obligation hereunder), if the Closing has
         not occurred on or before such date, unless such date is extended by
         mutual consent of the parties hereto.

                  (c) By either Purchaser or Seller, if any Governmental Agency
         shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law or
         Judgment which has the effect of prohibiting consummation of the
         transactions contemplated hereby.

                  (d) By Purchaser, if it becomes apparent that any of the
         conditions (other than the financing condition set forth in SECTION
         9.11) to the obligations of Purchaser contained in ARTICLE IX of this
         Agreement required to have been met on or prior to the Closing Date
         will be incapable of being met on or prior to the date specified in
         SECTION 11.1(B), and such failure has not been waived by Purchaser or
         cured by Seller.

                  (e) By Seller, if it becomes apparent that any of the
         conditions to the obligations of Seller contained in ARTICLE VIII of
         this Agreement required to have been met on or prior to the Closing
         Date will be incapable of being met on or prior to the date specified
         in SECTION 11.1(B), and such failure has not been waived by Seller or
         cured by Purchaser.

                  (f) By Seller if BT Securities, Inc. withdraws the Highly
         Confident Letter or Purchaser notifies Seller that BT Securities, Inc.
         has informed Purchaser that the financing



                                       55


<PAGE>



         contemplated by the Highly Confident Letter will not be obtained or
         that Purchaser has determined that such financing is not available.

                  (g) By Purchaser if (i) BT Securities, Inc. has withdrawn the
         Highly Confident Letter or BT Securities, Inc. has informed Purchaser
         that the financing contemplated by the Highly Confident Letter will not
         be obtained, (ii) Purchaser shall have so notified Seller, (iii)
         Purchaser shall have used reasonable best efforts to obtain alternative
         financing on terms that, in the aggregate, are not materially less
         favorable to Purchaser than the terms set forth in the Highly Confident
         Letter, and (iv) financing shall not be available to Purchaser from
         another source within 45 calendar days after Purchaser is notified that
         the Highly Confident Letter has been withdrawn or that the financing
         contemplated thereby will not be obtained, including a source
         identified by Seller, on terms that, in the aggregate, are not
         materially less favorable to Purchaser than the terms set forth in the
         Highly Confident Letter.

                  SECTION 11.2. EFFECT OF TERMINATION. In the event this
Agreement is terminated pursuant to SECTION 11.1, all further obligations of the
parties hereunder shall terminate, except for the obligations set forth in
SECTIONS 6.4(B), 14.4, 14.5 and 14.9 and the Confidentiality Agreement, and
except that nothing in this ARTICLE XI shall relieve any party hereto of any
Liability for breach of any of the covenants or breach of any of the
representations or warranties contained in this Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE XII.

              COVENANTS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYEE MATTERS

                  SECTION 12.1. OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT, WELFARE AND FRINGE
BENEFITS.

                  (a) Effective as of the Closing Date, Purchaser shall offer
         employment to each Business Employee in the same positions and at the
         same level of wages and/or salary as in effect for such Business
         Employee on the business day immediately preceding the Closing Date;
         provided, however, except as may be specifically required by applicable
         law or any Contract, the Purchaser shall not be obligated to continue
         any employment relationship with any Transferred Business Employee for
         any specific period of time.

                  (b) Purchaser shall be solely responsible for all compensation
         accruing on and after the Closing Date with respect to Transferred
         Business Employees. Purchaser shall also assume as an Assumed Liability
         and be solely responsible for all compensation accrued but unpaid as of
         the Closing Date with respect to the Transferred Business Employees.
         Nothing in this SECTION 12.1(C) shall be construed in any way to limit
         or diminish the representations and warranties of Seller contained in
         ARTICLE IV hereof.



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<PAGE>



                  (c) Except as provided in SECTION 12(D) and subject to the
         reimbursement obligations referred to in this SECTION 12.1(C) below,
         Seller shall, with respect to Business Employees, continue to be
         responsible after the Closing Date for any welfare benefits or claims
         (whether submitted before, on or after the Closing Date) which will by
         reason of events which took place prior to the Closing Date become
         payable under any group insurance (including, without limitation, the
         Term Life Insurance under the Group Protection Plan for Employees of
         JPS automotive L.P. (Salaried Employees) and (Hourly Employees) (the
         "SELLER'S GROUP LIFE POLICY"), the Group Long Term Disability Insurance
         Income Protection for Salaried Employees of JPS Automotive L.P., the
         JPS Automotive L.P. Voluntary Group Accident Insurance Programs for
         Full-Time Hourly Employees and their Families and the JPS Automotive
         Voluntary Group Accident Insurance Programs for Salaried Employees and
         their Families), welfare benefits for purposes of complying with the
         workman's compensation law or group health or dental plan (including,
         without limitation, the Health Care Plan for Employees or Dependents of
         The Group Protection Plan for Employees of JPS Automotive L.P., (the
         "SELLER'S GROUP HEALTH PLAN") and the JPS Automotive L.P. Flexible
         Benefits Program (the "SELLER'S FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PROGRAM")), in each
         case, affecting Business Employees. Subject to the reimbursement
         obligations referred to in this SECTION 12.1(C) below, Seller shall
         continue to be responsible for any benefits or claims under such plans
         arising by reason of events which took place before the Closing Date.
         In the case of health benefits, the event referred to in the foregoing
         sentence is the provision of the service for which reimbursement or
         payment is sought by the employee and in the case of long-term
         disability benefits, the event referred to is the onset of disability.
         Subject to the reimbursement obligations referred to in this SECTION
         12.1(C) below, on or after the Closing Date, Seller shall continue to
         be responsible for extended benefits after termination provided to
         Transferred Business Employees who are hospitalized at the Closing Date
         under the terms of Seller's group health or dental plan (the "EXTENDED
         HEALTH BENEFITS") and extended death benefits for Business Employees
         who are disabled at the Closing Date under the Seller's Group Life
         Policy. After the Closing Date, Seller shall continue to honor claims
         by Business Employees under the JPS Automotive L.P. Dependent Care
         Spending Account Program (the "SELLER'S DEPENDENT CARE PROGRAM"), with
         respect to deferrals made by such Business Employees during 1997 up to
         the Closing Date, based on eligible dependent care expenses incurred at
         any time during 1997, whether before or after the Closing Date. Any
         out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Seller (including the amount of
         claims paid by it, the direct out-of-pocket costs of processing those
         claims and a pro rata share of indirect out-of-pocket costs, including
         without limitation, the pro rata share of administrative fees to third
         party administrators of the Plans) by reason of the payment of claims
         under this SECTION 12.1(C), to the extent not covered by insurance,
         shall be billed to Purchaser and promptly reimbursed to Seller;
         provided, however, that nothing contained in this sentence shall
         undermine the ability of Purchaser to make a claim for a breach of a
         representation or warranty.



                                       57


<PAGE>



                  (d) Purchaser shall assume as an Assumed Liability and be
         solely responsible for all Liability of Seller for post-retirement
         medical and post-retirement life insurance benefits and/or coverage for
         Business Employees (including without limitation Transferred Business
         Employees) and Former Business Employees and any dependents of such
         Business Employees and Former Business Employees. Nothing in this
         Section 12.1(d) shall be construed in any way to limit or diminish the
         representations and warranties of Seller contained in ARTICLE IV
         hereof.

                  (e) Purchaser shall make available to all Transferred Business
         Employees who are participating in Seller's group health and medical
         plan immediately prior to the Closing Date group health and medical
         coverage which has no waiting period for such Transferred Business
         Employees with respect to eligibility to enroll and participate and no
         exclusions or limitations based on preexisting conditions for such
         Transferred Business Employees, other than any waiting periods with
         respect to such exclusions or limitations already applicable to such
         Transferred Business Employees, if not longer than would otherwise be
         applicable under Purchaser's Plan. For purposes of determining the
         amount of any benefit under Purchaser's group health and medical plan,
         all service of Transferred Business Employees credited under Seller's
         group health and medical plan shall be treated as service with
         Purchaser. If the employment of a Transferred Business Employee is
         terminated by Purchaser on or after the Closing Date, Purchaser shall
         fulfill its obligations, to the extent required by law with respect to
         such Transferred Business Employee under Section 4980B of the Code and
         Title I, Subtitle B, Part 6 of ERISA ("COBRA"). Seller shall be
         required to comply with the provisions of COBRA, to the extent required
         by law, for Business Employees and Former Business Employees who do not
         become Transferred Business Employees and Purchaser shall have no
         Liability under COBRA as to Business Employees or Former Business
         Employees who do not become Transferred Business Employees.

                  SECTION 12.2. SELLER PLANS.

                  (a) As of the Closing Date, Seller agrees to take all action
         necessary, including amendment of the Retirement Pension Plan for
         Employees of JPS Automotive L.P. (the "SELLER'S RETIREMENT PLAN") to
         fully vest the accrued benefits of all Transferred Business Employees
         under the Seller's Retirement Plan. Accrued benefits having an
         actuarial present value of $3,500 or less based on the interest
         assumption currently in the Sellers's Retirement Plan for such purpose
         will automatically be cashed out in accordance with current provisions
         of such plan and shall be eligible for direct rollover at the
         distributee's election.

                  (b) Purchaser shall, effective as of the Closing Date,
         establish or designate a plan intended to qualify under Section 401(a)
         of the Code and a trust maintained thereunder intended to be exempt
         from federal income taxation under Section 401 of the Code for the
         benefit of Transferred Business Employees ("PURCHASER'S PLAN").



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         Purchaser shall cause Purchaser's Plan to accept as a rollover
         contribution, pursuant to Sections 401(a)(31) and 402(c) of the Code,
         the lump sum value of the accrued benefits from Seller's Retirement
         Plan as to which Transferred Business Employees' designate Purchaser's
         Plan as the recipient of rollover contributions. Seller agrees to
         notify the Transferred Business Employees that if they receive a lump
         sum distribution from Seller's Retirement Plan they have the option to
         take such distribution in cash or make a direct rollover pursuant to
         Sections 401(a)(31) and 402(c) of the Code to an individual retirement
         account or annuity or to Purchaser's Plan. All such rollover
         contributions shall be required to be in cash. Purchaser agrees to
         accept rollover contributions from Transferred Business Employees who
         elect to make such rollover within 180 days following the Closing Date.

                  (c) The Business Employees participate in the Savings,
         Investment and Profit Sharing Plan of JPS Automotive, L.P. ("SELLER'S
         SAVINGS PLAN"). No earlier than January 1, 1998 and no later than March
         31, 1998 (or as soon as practicable thereafter), the Seller shall cause
         the trustee of the Seller's Savings Plan to transfer to the funding
         agent of Purchaser's Plan, for the benefit of Transferred Business
         Employees, an amount, in cash, equal to the total account balances,
         including actual investment earnings or losses through the date of the
         last valuation, held under the Seller's Savings Plan for the
         Transferred Business Employees, except for any amounts as to which
         withdrawal requests have been duly submitted prior to such transfer and
         which shall be paid by the Seller's Savings Plan to Transferred
         Business Employees in accordance with ERISA and the Code and the terms
         of the Seller's Savings Plan (the "TRANSFERRED ASSETS"). Purchaser's
         Plan shall provide, as of the date of such transfer, benefits for each
         Transferred Business Employee which are equal to such Transferred
         Business Employees' respective account balances (including any net
         earnings or losses accrued thereon from the Closing Date to the actual
         date of the last valuation) under the Seller's Savings Plan as of the
         date of the last valuation in addition to the account balance (if any)
         to which such Transferred Business Employees are entitled based on
         their participation in Purchaser's Plan on and after the Closing Date.
         Pending the transfer of the Transferred Assets, the accounts of the
         Transferred Business Employees shall remain in the trust fund for the
         Seller's Savings Plan and Seller shall cause the trustee of the
         Seller's Savings Plan to pay any current benefits or make any
         distributions to Transferred Business Employees, including but not
         limited to such benefits as may be payable to Transferred Business
         Employees on account of termination of employment with Purchaser, as
         they become due. Between the date hereof and the date of transfer of
         the Transferred Assets, Seller shall administer the Seller's Savings
         Plan in compliance with all the applicable laws.

                  (d) Seller and Purchaser agree to provide each other with such
         records and information as they may reasonably request relating to
         their respective obligations under this section or the administration
         of the Seller's Savings Plan or Purchaser's Plan.



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                  SECTION 12.3. CREDITING OF SERVICE. From and after the Closing
Date, Purchaser shall credit to the Transferred Business Employees, for all
purposes under all employee benefit plans, employee benefit arrangements and
employee compensation policies and practices of Purchaser, all prior service
recognized by Seller with respect to such Transferred Business Employees
immediately prior to the Closing Date for purposes of eligibility to participate
in, vesting or payment of benefits under, and eligibility for early retirement
or any subsidized benefit provided under, but not, except as provided in SECTION
12.1 and this SECTION 12.3, for purposes of determining the amount of any
benefit under any employee benefit plan (including but not limited to any
"employee benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) maintained by
Purchaser. For purposes of computing deductible amounts (or like adjustments or
limitations on coverage) under any "welfare plan" (as defined in Section 3(1) of
ERISA), expenses and claims previously recognized for similar purposes under the
applicable welfare plan of Seller shall be credited or recognized under
Purchaser's welfare plan. Notwithstanding anything in this SECTION 12.3 to the
contrary, Purchaser shall give the Transferred Business Employees full credit
for all prior service recognized by Seller with respect to such Transferred
Business Employees immediately prior to the Closing Date under the Purchaser's
vacation pay plan or policy.

                  SECTION 12.4. NO RIGHTS TO EMPLOYEES. Nothing in this
Agreement expressed or implied shall confer upon any employee or legal
representative thereof or any collective bargaining agent any rights or
remedies, including, without limitation, any right to employment or continued
employment for any specified period, of any nature or kind whatsoever under or
by reason of this Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE XIII.

                                INDEMNIFICATION

                  SECTION 13.1.  SURVIVAL.  All of the representations and
warranties of Seller contained in ARTICLE IV of this Agreement or in any
certificate delivered by Seller pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the
Closing and continue in full force and effect:  (a) in the case of the
representations and warranties of Seller contained in SECTION 4.22, until five
months after the expiration of the statute of limitations with respect to the
matter to which the claim relates, (b) in the case of the representations and
warranties of Seller contained in SECTION 4.21, August 15, 2000, (c) in the case
of the representations and warranties of Seller contained in SECTION 4.11(A),
until November 11, 2006, and (d) in the case of any other representation or
warranty of Seller contained in this Agreement (other than the representations
and warranties of Seller contained in SECTIONS 4.1, 4.3, and 4.24 (collectively
the "PERPETUAL REPRESENTATIONS")) or any certificate delivered by Seller for a
period of sixteen months from the Closing Date; provided however that Purchaser
will give written notice to Seller of any matter of which it becomes aware as to
which it intends to make a claim in respect of any of the representations and
warranties referred to in this clause (d) as promptly as practicable after
Purchaser has actual knowledge of facts which a reasonable person (having
knowledge of this Agreement) would believe reasonably might impose Liability on
Seller pursuant to the indemnification provisions of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding



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the foregoing, (i) any notice given in accordance with SECTION 14.1 of this
Agreement claiming an alleged breach of any representation or warranty hereunder
will without further action extend the survival period for the representation or
warranty alleged to have been breached as applied to the circumstances set forth
in such notice until immediately after the final resolution of the matter and
(ii) to the extent that any representation or warranty of Seller is qualified by
the phrase "Material Adverse Effect," the portion of the definition of such
phrase that states "or materially impair the ability of Seller to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement" shall not survive the Closing. The
Perpetual Representations, the representations and warranties of Purchaser
contained in SECTIONS 5.1 AND 5.4, and all of the covenants of Seller and
Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and continue in
full force and effect forever thereafter.

                  SECTION 13.2. INDEMNIFICATION PROVISIONS FOR BENEFIT OF
PURCHASER.

                  (a) Seller agrees to indemnify Purchaser and its Affiliates
         against (i) any Damages Purchaser suffers arising out of or resulting
         from Seller's breach of any of its representations, warranties or
         covenants contained in this Agreement or any certificate delivered by
         Seller pursuant to this Agreement and provided that, as to any claim
         for breach of representations or warranties, Purchaser makes a written
         claim for indemnification against Seller within the applicable survival
         period, if applicable, and (ii) any and all Damages related to any of
         the Excluded Liabilities; provided, however, Seller shall not have any
         obligation to indemnify Purchaser from and against any Damages
         resulting from the breach of any representation or warranty of Seller
         (as opposed to any covenant of Seller) contained in ARTICLE IV of this
         Agreement (other than Perpetual Representations): (x) until Purchaser
         has suffered aggregate Damages, by reason of all such breaches
         (excluding breaches or series of related breaches resulting in Damages
         of less than $5,000), in excess of $250,000 (or $150,000 in the event
         of a breach of SECTION 4.28 hereof (the "PLAN BASKET")) (the
         "DEDUCTIBLE") (after which point Seller will be obligated only to
         indemnify Purchaser from and against further Damages in excess of the
         Deductible), (y) in the case of a breach, or alleged breach, of the
         representations and warranties contained in SECTION 4.21, to the extent
         that Purchaser has not complied with the provisions of SECTION 13.5, or
         (z) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
         Agreement, to the extent the aggregate amount that Seller has actually
         indemnified Purchaser for prior breaches of representations and
         warranties of Seller contained in ARTICLE IV of this Agreement exceeds
         the Purchase Price (the "CAP"). Breaches of SECTION 4.28 shall be
         applied first against the Plan Basket and thereafter, to the extent of
         any excess, against the $250,000 Deductible.

                  (b) Without limiting the generality or effect of the
         foregoing, Seller shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Purchaser
         and any of its Affiliates from and against any and all Damages
         resulting from or arising out of any of the following:



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                           (i)   Subject to SECTION 13.5, any business or
                  property formerly operated by the Business or any predecessor
                  but not operated by the Business or included in the Acquired
                  Assets at the Closing;

                           (ii)  Any claim of any creditor of Seller or any of
                  its Affiliates that is not an Assumed Liability, whether
                  arising prior to, on or after the Closing Date; or

                           (iii) except with respect to the Plans identified
                  under Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, and 25
                  on SCHEDULE 4.18(A) annexed hereto and in SCHEDULE 4.18(J))
                  (x) any Liability to any Former Business Employee or any
                  employee of any predecessor of Seller as of the Closing Date
                  arising under any employee welfare benefit plan, including,
                  without limitation, post-retirement health benefits, to the
                  extent not fully funded immediately prior to the Closing and
                  (y) except as set forth in SECTION 13.3(W) below, any
                  severance or other benefit payable to any Business Employee or
                  Former Business Employee by reason of this Agreement or the
                  transactions contemplated hereby, including, without
                  limitation, any stay bonus, golden parachute or other
                  change-in-control payment or benefit;

                           (iv)  (A) Any breach of the 1994 Acquisition
                  Agreement by JPSGP Inc., Foamex-JPS Automotive L.P., Seller or
                  any of their respective Affiliates to the extent occurring or
                  commencing, in whole or in part, prior to the closing date
                  thereof and (B) all Taxes of another Person assumed by Seller
                  pursuant to the 1994 Acquisition Agreement which Seller is
                  obligated to pay.

                  (c) The Indemnification provided for in SECTIONS 13.2(A) and
         13.2(B) shall survive any investigation at any time made by or on
         behalf of Purchaser or any knowledge or information that Purchaser may
         have.

                  (d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
         Agreement, including this SECTION 13.2, Purchaser shall not be entitled
         to indemnity hereunder if and to the extent that there has been an
         increase in a Liability or contra-asset with respect to the matter for
         which indemnification is sought in the period from May 3, 1997 to the
         Closing Date as reflected on the Closing Date Balance Sheet as finally
         adjusted in connection with the computation of Actual Net Worth Amount.

                  (e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
         Agreement, including this SECTION 13.2, Purchaser shall not be entitled
         to indemnity hereunder for any breach of SECTION 4.11(A), until
         Purchaser has first made, or has caused Seller to first make, a demand
         against the insurer under any available title insurance and Purchaser
         has concluded in its sole discretion that such insurer is unable or
         unwilling to comply with such demand.



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                  SECTION 13.3. INDEMNIFICATION PROVISIONS FOR BENEFIT OF
SELLER. Purchaser agrees to indemnify Seller and its Affiliates against any
Damages Seller suffers arising out of or resulting from (w) any Liability
incurred by Seller for a severance payment to any Transferred Business Employee
to the extent that such Liability results from the failure of Purchaser to offer
a benefit package that is comparable to the benefit package maintained by Seller
with respect to such employee, (x) the Assumed Liabilities, (y) any other
obligation or liability of the Business of whatever kind and nature, primary or
secondary, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, known or unknown, whether
or not accrued, arising with respect to periods on or after the Closing,
including, without limitation, with respect to employee benefit plans, practices
and arrangements of the Purchaser and with respect to all compensation accruing
on and after the Closing Date with respect to Transferred Business Employees
(other than Excluded Liabilities) or (z) Purchaser's breach of any of its
representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement or any
certificate delivered by Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement and provided that,
as to any claim for breach of representations or warranties, Seller makes a
written claim for indemnification against Purchaser within the applicable
survival period. Nothing in this SECTION 13.3 shall be construed in any way to
limit or diminish the representations and warranties of Seller contained in
ARTICLE IV hereof.

                  SECTION 13.4. MATTERS INVOLVING THIRD PARTIES.

                  (a) If any third party notifies any party hereto (the
         "INDEMNIFIED PARTY") with respect to any matter which may give rise to
         a claim for indemnification against the other party hereto (the
         "INDEMNIFYING PARTY") under this ARTICLE XIII, then the Indemnified
         Party shall use reasonable efforts to notify the Indemnifying Party
         thereof promptly and in any event within ten days after receiving any
         written notice from a third party; provided, however, that no delay on
         the part of the Indemnified Party in notifying the Indemnifying Party
         shall relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligation hereunder
         unless, and then solely to the extent that, the Indemnifying Party is
         actually prejudiced thereby.

                  (b) Once the Indemnified Party has given notice of the matter
         to the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party may, subject to the
         Indemnifying Party's rights to assume the defense of such matter
         pursuant to paragraph (c) below, defend against the matter in any
         manner it deems appropriate.

                  (c) The Indemnifying Party may at any point in time choose to
         assume the defense of all of such matter, in which event:

                           (i)      the Indemnifying Party shall defend the
                  Indemnified Party against the matter with counsel of its
                  choice reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party,

                           (ii)     the Indemnified Party may retain separate
                  counsel at its sole cost and expense (except that the
                  Indemnifying Party shall be responsible for the fees



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                  and expenses of one separate co-counsel for all Indemnified
                  Parties to the extent the Indemnified Party is advised, in
                  writing by its counsel, that either (x) the counsel the
                  Indemnifying Party has selected has a conflict of interest, or
                  (y) there are legal defenses available to the Indemnified
                  Party that are different from or additional to those available
                  to the Indemnifying Party (but only to the extent of such
                  additional defenses)), and

                           (iii) the Indemnifying Party shall reimburse the
                  Indemnified Party for the reasonable costs of defense or
                  investigation for the period prior to the assumption of the
                  defense.

                  (d) Assumption of the defense of any matter by the
         Indemnifying Party shall without further action constitute an
         irrevocable waiver by the Indemnifying Party of its right to claim at a
         later date that such third party action for which the defense was
         assumed is not a proper matter for indemnification pursuant to this
         ARTICLE XIII.

                  (e) The Indemnified Party shall not consent to the entry of a
         Judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to any matter which
         may give rise to a claim for indemnification without the prior written
         consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent may not be
         unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Indemnifying Party shall not
         consent to the entry of a Judgment with respect to any matter which may
         give rise to a claim for indemnification or enter into any settlement
         which does not include a provision whereby the plaintiff or claimant in
         the matter releases the Indemnified Party from all liability with
         respect thereto, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified
         Party (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

                  SECTION 13.5. CERTAIN LIMITATIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL
INDEMNIFICATION.

                  (a) Purchaser and Seller agree that except as provided in this
         Agreement or the Guarantee, Purchaser forever waives any right it has
         or may in the future have against the Parent Entities or Seller under
         any Environmental Law (collectively, "ENVIRONMENTAL LOSSES").

                  (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to
         the contrary, Seller shall have no obligation to indemnify Purchaser
         pursuant to SECTION 13.2 for Environmental Losses unless, and only to
         the extent that, after the Closing Date, Purchaser, or any of its
         Affiliates, incurs, undertakes to incur, or becomes liable to incur
         Costs of Remediation as a result of a breach of this Agreement;
         provided, however, that nothing herein will require that Costs of
         Remediation be incurred, undertaken to be incurred or liable to be
         incurred prior to the expiration of the survival period set forth in
         SECTION 13.1 so long as notice of breach or alleged breach or claim for
         Costs of Remediation is given during the survival period. Such "Costs
         of Remediation" shall be the



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         sole basis for calculating Damages arising out of Environmental Losses
         pursuant to SECTION 13.2, and shall be limited to those costs that are
         necessary:

                           (i) in accordance with Environmental Laws in effect
                  at the time such costs are incurred, to respond to a Release
                  of any Hazardous Materials that first occurred in whole or in
                  part at, on, under, in or from the Business Real Property,
                  Leased Business Real Property or formerly owned, leased or
                  operated properties or third party properties with respect to
                  the Business prior to the Closing Date;

                           (ii) to bring Purchaser from any non-compliance with
                  Environmental Laws with respect to the Business first
                  occurring in whole or in part prior to the Closing Date into
                  compliance with all Environmental Laws with respect to the
                  Business in effect as of the time the Costs of Remediation are
                  incurred; or

                           (iii) in accordance with Environmental Laws in effect
                  at the time such costs are incurred, to respond to any legal
                  proceedings, notices, requests for information, investigations
                  or claims under Environmental Laws with respect to the
                  Business brought by third parties;

provided, however, Seller shall not be required to indemnify Purchaser for Costs
of Remediation to the extent arising solely out of the knowing acts or knowing
omissions of Purchaser occurring after the Closing Date.

                  (c) Seller waives any right it may have under any
         Environmental Law against Purchaser for any matter to the extent
         arising out of a breach by Seller of SECTION 4.21.

                  (d) If a dispute arises with respect to whether a claim for
         Costs of Remediation meets the requirements of SECTION 13.5(B)(I),
         (II), and (III) (without respect to whether there has been a breach of
         the representations and warranties of SECTION 4.21), and such dispute
         cannot be resolved within 20 days of written notice of the dispute, the
         parties shall select within 14 days thereafter a mutually satisfactory
         qualified environmental consultant who is a professional engineer (the
         "ENVIRONMENTAL ARBITRATOR"). The Environmental Arbitrator shall review
         the information relevant to the dispute provided by the parties and
         within 30 days render a decision as to whether or not the Costs of
         Remediation meet the requirements of SECTION 13.5(B)(I), (II) and (III)
         (without respect to whether there has been a breach of the
         representations and warranties of SECTION 4.21) by applying the
         standards set forth in this SECTION 13.5. Any fees charged by the
         Environmental Arbitrator shall be allocated as determined by the
         Environmental Arbitrator between Purchaser and Seller. If an
         Environmental Arbitrator cannot be agreed upon within the aforesaid
         period, the parties shall direct the American Arbitration Association
         ("AAA") to immediately provide a list of six potential arbitrators who
         are qualified environmental consultants each of whom is a professional
         engineer. From the list provided, each party shall have the opportunity
         to strike one name, and the AAA shall appoint the



                                       65


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         Environmental Arbitrator from the remaining names. The final
         determination of the Environmental Arbitrator shall be final and
         binding on the parties and there shall be no appeal from or
         reexamination of such final determination, except for fraud, perjury,
         or misconduct by the Environmental Arbitrator prejudicing the rights of
         any party, and to correct manifest clerical errors. Purchaser and
         Seller may enforce any final determination of the Environmental
         Arbitrator in any court of competent jurisdiction.

                  SECTION 13.6. CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO
INDEMNIFICATION.

                  (a) Notwithstanding SECTION 14.12, after the Closing Date, the
         indemnification provisions set forth in this ARTICLE XIII shall
         constitute the sole and exclusive recourse and remedy available to the
         parties hereto with respect to the breach of any representation or
         warranty contained in this Agreement or in any certificate delivered
         pursuant to this Agreement except for actual fraud.

                  (b) The Indemnifying Party shall have no obligation to
         indemnify or hold harmless the Indemnified Party pursuant to this
         ARTICLE XIII for any Damages to the extent that the Indemnified Party
         or its Affiliates have actually recovered such Damages (net of expenses
         or other costs (including without limitation attorneys' fees and
         expenses) of recovery and any retroactive or retrospective premium
         increases resulting from such recovery, including without limitation
         obligations engendered thereby) from any Person other than the
         Indemnifying Party or any Affiliate thereof.

                  (c) The Indemnified Party hereby assigns to the Indemnifying
         Party any right the Indemnified Party may have against any Person
         (other than the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party and any
         Affiliate of any of the foregoing), including, without limitation, any
         Insurance company, to recover any Damages or other amounts that the
         Indemnifying Party has paid to the Indemnified Party pursuant to this
         ARTICLE XIII. The Indemnified Party agrees to cooperate reasonably with
         the Indemnifying Party, at the Indemnifying Party's sole cost and
         expense, in connection with the Indemnifying Party's efforts to pursue
         such rights, including, without limitation, providing reasonable access
         to the Indemnified Party's personnel, books and records, making its
         personnel and those of its Affiliates reasonably available for
         deposition and testimony and executing such additional instruments of
         assignment to evidence the assignment of such rights. In the event such
         rights by their terms may not be assigned, the Indemnified Party agrees
         to pursue its rights against such other Person, at the sole cost and
         expense and direction of the Indemnifying Party, and to remit to the
         Indemnifying Party any recovery.

                  (d) To the extent permitted by applicable Law, any payments by
         an Indemnifying Party under this ARTICLE XIII shall be treated as an
         adjustment to the Purchase Price for all foreign, federal, state and
         local income tax purposes.



                                       66


<PAGE>




                                  ARTICLE XIV.

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

                  SECTION 14.1. NOTICES. All notices, demands or other
communications to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of
this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (a)
when delivered personally to the recipient, (b) when sent to the recipient by
telecopy (receipt electronically confirmed by sender's telecopy machine) if
during normal business hours of the recipient, otherwise on the next Business
Day, (c) one Business Day after the date when sent to the recipient by reputable
express courier service (charges prepaid), or (d) seven Business Days after the
date when mailed to the recipient by certified or registered mail, return
receipt requested and postage prepaid. Such notices, demands and other
communications will be sent to Seller and to Purchaser at the addresses
indicated below:

      If to Purchaser:              Safety Components, International, Inc.
                                    3190 Pullman Street
                                    Cosa Mesa, CA 92626
                                    Attention: Jeffrey J. Kaplan
                                    Fax: (714) 662-7649

      With a copy to:               Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP
      (which shall not constitute   919 Third Avenue
      notice)                       New York, New York 10022
                                    Attention: Richard A. Goldberg, Esq.
                                    Fax: (212) 758-9526

      If to Seller:                 JPS Automotive L.P.
                                    c/o Collins & Aikman Products Co.
                                    701 McCullough Drive
                                    Charlotte, North Carolina 28232
                                    Attention: Chief Executive Officer
                                    Fax: (704) 548-2208

      with a copy to:               Collins & Aikman Products Co.
      (which shall not constitute   201 Madison Avenue, 6th Floor
      notice)                       New York, New York 10016
                                    Attention: Elizabeth Philipp, Esq.
                                    Fax: (212) 578-1269


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<PAGE>




                  and

                                    Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue
                                    599 Lexington Avenue
                                    New York, New York 10022
                                    Attention: Robert A. Profusek, Esq.
                                    Fax: (212) 755-7306

or to such other address as either party hereto may, from time to time,
designate in writing delivered pursuant to the terms of this Section.

                  SECTION 14.2. AMENDMENTS. The terms, provisions and conditions
of this Agreement may not be changed, modified or amended in any manner except
by an instrument in writing duly executed by both of the parties hereto.

                  SECTION 14.3. ASSIGNMENT AND PARTIES IN INTEREST.

                  (a) Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties, or
         obligations of any party hereunder may be assigned or delegated (by
         operation of Law or otherwise) by either party hereto except with the
         prior written consent of the other party hereto, provided, however,
         that (i) prior to or after the Closing, Purchaser may assign all of its
         rights hereunder to any Affiliate of Purchaser, provided that no such
         assignment will relieve Purchaser of its obligations hereunder unless
         such assignment is made at Closing and provided further that such
         assignment shall not hinder, delay or prevent the Closing, and (ii)
         Purchaser has a one-time right to assign all of its rights hereunder to
         any other Person which acquires all or substantially all of the
         Acquired Assets.

                  (b) Except as provided in Article XIII, this Agreement
         (including, without limitation, ARTICLE XII) shall not confer any
         rights or remedies upon any person or entity other than the parties
         hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Business
         Employees are not third party beneficiaries of this Agreement.

                  SECTION 14.4. ANNOUNCEMENTS. All press releases, notices to
customers and suppliers and similar public announcements prior to or within five
days after the Closing Date with respect to this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be approved by both Purchaser and Seller
prior to the issuance thereof; provided that either party may make any public
disclosure it believes in good faith is required by Law, regulation or rule of
any stock exchange on which its securities are traded (in which case the
disclosing party shall use reasonable efforts to advise the other party prior to
making such disclosure and to provide the other party a reasonable opportunity
to review the proposed disclosure).



                                       68


<PAGE>



                  SECTION 14.5. EXPENSES. Except as expressly set forth in this
Agreement, each party to this Agreement shall bear all of its legal, accounting,
investment banking, and other expenses incurred by it or on its behalf in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether or not
such transactions are consummated.

                  SECTION 14.6. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the
entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof, supersedes and is in full substitution for any and all prior agreements
and understandings among them relating to such subject matter, and no party
shall be liable or bound to the other party hereto in any manner with respect to
such subject matter by any warranties, representations, indemnities, covenants,
or agreements except as specifically set forth herein. The Exhibits and
Schedules to this Agreement are hereby incorporated and made a part hereof and
are an integral part of this Agreement.

                  SECTION 14.7. DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS. The descriptive headings
of the several sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and
shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions
hereof.

                  SECTION 14.8. COUNTERPARTS. For the convenience of the
parties, any number of counterparts of this Agreement may be executed by any one
or more parties hereto, and each such executed counterpart shall be, and shall
be deemed to be, an original, but all of which shall constitute, and shall be
deemed to constitute, in the aggregate but one and the same instrument.

                  SECTION 14.9. GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION.

                  (a) This Agreement and the legal relations between the parties
         hereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws
         of the State of New York, applicable to contracts made and performed
         therein.

                  (b) The parties hereto irrevocably submit to the exclusive in
         personam jurisdiction of any New York State or Federal court sitting in
         the City of New York over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of
         or relating to this Agreement. To the fullest extent it may effectively
         do so under applicable Law, each of the parties hereto irrevocably
         waives and agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense or
         otherwise, (i) any claim that (A) any proceeding arising out of or
         relating to this Agreement may be brought in another jurisdiction
         (except a proceeding brought by a third party) or (B) that it is not
         subject to the in personam jurisdiction of any court referenced in the
         first sentence of this clause (b), (ii) any objection that it may now
         or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action
         or proceeding brought in any such court and (iii) any claim that any
         such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been
         brought in an inconvenient forum.

                  SECTION 14.10. CONSTRUCTION. The language used in this
Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express
their mutual intent, and no rule of



                                       69


<PAGE>



strict construction will be applied against any party. Any references to any
federal, state, local or foreign statute or law will also refer to all rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise.
Unless the context otherwise requires: (a) a term has the meaning assigned to it
by this Agreement; (b) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning
assigned to by GAAP; (c) "or" is disjunctive but not exclusive; (d) words in the
singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular; (e)
provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and (f) "$" means the
currency of the United States of America.

                  SECTION 14.11. SEVERABILITY. In the event that any one or more
of the provisions contained in this Agreement or in any other instrument
referred to herein, shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, then to the maximum extent permitted by law, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision
of this Agreement or any other such instrument. Furthermore, in lieu of any such
invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there
shall be added as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to
such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and
enforceable.

                  SECTION 14.12. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. Without limiting or
waiving in any respect any rights or remedies of Purchaser under this Agreement
now or hereinafter existing at law or in equity or by statute, each of the
parties hereto shall be entitled to seek specific performance of the obligations
to be performed by the other in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement.



                                       70


<PAGE>


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

SELLER:                             JPS AUTOMOTIVE L.P.

                                    BY:  PACJ, Inc.
                                    Its: General Partner


                                    BY: /s/ J. Michael Stepp
                                       ----------------------------
                                          Name: J. Michael Stepp
                                          Title: Executive Vice President &
                                                 Chief Financial Officer


PURCHASER:                          SAFETY COMPONENTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.


                                    BY: /s/ Jeffrey J. Kaplan
                                       ----------------------------
                                          Name:  Jeffrey J. Kaplan
                                          Title: Executive Vice President and
                                                   Chief Financial Officer


<PAGE>



                                CLOSING AGREEMENT

         WHEREAS, the Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") by and among
JPS Automotive L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the "Seller") and Safety
Components International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), dated
as of June 30, 1997, is closing on the date hereof;

         WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to memorialize certain understandings
reached in connection with the Closing.

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, mutual covenants and
agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
agree as follows:

         1. Definition. Except as separately defined herein, capitalized terms
used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.

         2. Estimated Net Worth Amount. The Estimated Purchase Price shall be
$56,300,000.

         2. CIT Indebtedness. Purchaser is paying to Seller on the date hereof,
in addition to the Estimated Purchase Price, $638,660 which is equal to the
amount of indebtedness (without prepayment penalties which Seller agrees to be
responsible for) to CIT Group/Equipment Financing, Inc. under the agreements and
promissory notes referred to under "A. CIT Financing" in Schedule 4.16 of the
Schedules to the Agreement (the "CIT Indebtedness"). In consideration of such
payment, Seller and Purchaser agree that the items identified under "A. CIT
Financing" in Schedule 4.16 are deemed to be deleted from Schedule 4.16 to the
Agreement. Seller further agrees to pay off the CIT Indebtedness on the Closing
date and to provide evidence to Purchaser of such repayment, together with UCC-3
Termination Statements with respect to the equipment liens securing the CIT
Indebtedness, as soon as practicable following the Closing. Seller further
agrees to hold Purchaser harmless from and against any Damages which Purchaser
suffers arising out of or resulting from the CIT Indebtedness. Purchaser agrees
that, except as expressly set forth in this Section 3, Seller shall have no
liability under this Section 3 or under the Agreement for any representation or
warranty, covenant or failure to obtain a consent referred to or contained in
the Agreement which relates to the CIT Indebtedness.

         4. Employee Retiree Life Plan. Purchaser and Seller agree to resolve
outstanding issues under Section 7.14 of the Agreement after the Closing as part
of the Purchase Price Adjustment pursuant to Section 2.5(b) of the Agreement.

         5. Transfer Taxes. Purchaser is deducting from the Estimated Purchase
Price $2,035 in respect of Seller's portion of real estate transfer taxes
payable at the Closing pursuant to Section 7.8(a) of the Agreement and Purchaser
agrees to pay all such real estate transfer taxes when due and to provide Seller
with evidence of such payment.



<PAGE>


         6. Miscellaneous. Section 14.7 through 14.11 of the Agreement are
incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement as of the day and year set forth below.


Date: July 24, 1997


SELLER:                   JPS AUTOMOTIVE L.P.

                          BY: PACJ, Inc.
                          Its: General Partner


                          By: /s/ J. Michael Stepp
                               Name: J.  Michael Stepp
                               Title:   Executive Vice President &
                                           Chief Financial Officer


PURCHASER:                SAFETY COMPONENTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.



                          By: /s/ Jeffrey J. Kaplan
                               Name: Jeffrey J.  Kaplan
                               Title:   Executive Vice President &
                                           Chief Financial Officer


ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:   SAFETY COMPONENTS
                          FABRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
                          (as assignee of Purchaser at the Closing, pursuant
                          to Section 14.3(a)(i) of the Agreement)



                          By: /s/ Jeffrey J. Kaplan
                               Name: Jeffrey J.  Kaplan
                               Title:   Executive Vice President &
                                        Chief Financial Officer



<PAGE>


                       COLLINS & AIKMAN COMPLETES SALE OF
                  AIR RESTRAINT AND TECHNICAL PRODUCTS DIVISION
                       TO SAFETY COMPONENTS INTERNATIONAL


         CHARLOTTE, NC - July 24, 1997 -- Collins & Aikman Corporation (NYSE:
CKC) announced today that its JPS Automotive LP subsidiary has completed the
previously announced sale of its Air Restraint and Technical Products Division,
an industry-leading airbag and industrial fabric business, to Safety Components
International, Inc. (Nasdaq: ABAG).
         The purchase price of the Air Restraint and Technical Products Division
is $56.3 million, subject to adjustment. Collins & Aikman intends to use the net
proceeds from the sale to reduce the Company's long-term debt.
         "The sale of this Division is another important step toward two of
Collins & Aikman's goals - pursuing our core, tier one global automotive
interior trim systems business and deleveraging the company," said Thomas E.
Hannah, Chief Executive Officer of Collins & Aikman.
         Collins & Aikman Corporation is a global supplier of automotive
interior systems, including textile and plastic trim, acoustics and convertible
top systems. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, the Company's recent acquisitions
of JPS Automotive and Perstorp Components significantly expanded Collins &
Aikman's 



<PAGE>



                                                                              2

product offering and international presence to include additional
operations in the U.S., Mexico, Spain, Canada, Sweden, Belgium, France and the
U.K. The Company employs more than 13,000 employees and operates 57
manufacturing facilities in 8 countries.

         Safety Components International, Inc. is an international manufacturer
of automotive airbags and a supplier of ordnance and other related defense
products with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia.



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